JP5907407B2 - Vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp, and more particularly to a vehicular headlamp capable of improving awareness in peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving.

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicle headlamps, it has been required to improve the brightness so that it can be driven at night as well as in the daytime. To meet this demand, high luminous flux light sources such as halogen lamps and HID lamps are used. Various headlamps have been proposed to improve brightness (luminance, luminous flux, luminous efficiency, etc.) such as by improving the optical system (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In consideration of the characteristics of the human eye, which is more sensitive to blue light than red light in a dark environment during night driving, as shown in FIGS. 32 (a) and 32 (b), during night driving, From the viewpoint of improving visibility, the front area A1 is irradiated with light having a greater amount of blue component light than the red component light, and light having a greater amount of red component light is centered in the area A1 from the viewpoint of enhancing the color and shape recognizability. A headlamp has also been proposed that irradiates a nearby area A2 (and an area A3 above a horizontal plane by a predetermined angle) (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-59162 A JP 2008-204727 A

  However, conventionally, the light distribution range and spectral distribution of the vehicle headlamps are constant regardless of age and have not changed.

  33A is an explanatory diagram of the driver's central vision and peripheral vision, FIG. 33B is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the driver's central vision, peripheral vision, cones, rods, etc., FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow until the driver recognizes an object (such as a pedestrian or an obstacle) existing in the peripheral vision.

  A driver who is gazing at a distant place (for example, see the three circles in FIG. 33 (a) and the arrow in FIG. 33 (b)) recognizes an object (pedestrian, obstacle, etc.) present in the peripheral vision. When the flow up to this is examined in detail, as shown in FIG. 34, the driver first notices the object with peripheral vision (an enclosure) (step S1: Yes), and then turns his eyes to that direction (step S2) After that, the object (color, shape, etc.) is recognized by central view (cone) (step S3). When it is not noticed by peripheral vision (case) (step S1: No), it is overlooked (step S4). That is, in order to recognize an object existing in the peripheral visual field, it is important to notice first, and unless it is noticed, the target object existing in the peripheral visual field cannot be recognized.

  Especially in dark environments when driving at night, there are many situations that require awareness of peripheral vision (= body = dark vision sensitivity) (for example, turning left and right at an intersection, branching, changing lanes, lane keeping) It is important to speed up awareness in peripheral vision. For example, in front of the vehicle as viewed from the driver, the light from the vehicle headlamp is not sufficiently irradiated, so that the object present in the peripheral visual field is not noticeable. In addition, the wider the road width, the worse the awareness in front of the vehicle.

  Cones and rods are distributed on the retina of the human eye. FIG. 35 is a table summarizing the features of peripheral vision and central vision. As shown in FIG. 35, cones and rods are greatly different in the location, number, function, role, and activity environment in which they are distributed. A rod cell is a cell for detecting an object such as a moving object to which a line of sight should be directed, and is distributed around the visual field (peripheral vision). Rod cells work in dark environments (dark vision). On the other hand, pyramidal cells are cells for judging detailed information and identifying and recognizing objects, and are distributed at the center of the visual field (central vision). Cone cells work in a bright environment (photopic vision). In other words, the human eye feels light from a bright place to a dark place as both photoreceptor cells (cones and rods) complement each other.

  The environment during night driving is not as bright as daytime (not photopic). In addition, the front lamp irradiates the front, so it is not dark (not a dark place). That is, the environment during night driving is a state of twilight vision between the photopic vision and the scotopic vision (a state where both the cone and the rod are activated). The adaptation illuminance is about 1 [lx].

  FIG. 36 shows the relative visual sensitivity V (λ) in photopic vision and the specific visual sensitivity V ′ (λ) in scotopic vision. The visual sensitivity changes from photopic vision to scotopic vision through dim vision. It represents that the peak of the curve shifts to the short wavelength side. This peak shift occurs due to the difference in spectral sensitivity between the cone and the rod.

  FIG. 37 is a graph of spectral luminous efficiency by age. As shown in FIG. 37, it is known that as humans get older, the yellowing of the lens advances, and the short wavelength sensitivity of the photopic luminance spectral luminous efficiency function decreases (Sagawa K, Takahashi Y : Spectral luminous efficiency as a function of age. Journal of the Optical Society of America A, 18: 2659-2667, 2001.). In addition, it is known that the short wavelength sensitivity of the scotopic luminance spectral luminous efficiency is also lowered by the same mechanism (Wyszecki & Stiles Color Science Second edition Wiley inter Science P.396).

  The inventors of the present application have conducted studies in consideration of the visual characteristics of the human eye, and as a result, if the energy component on the short wavelength side (blue light) is increased in a dark environment during night driving, We thought that somatic cells could be stimulated efficiently, and it would be possible to speed up awareness in peripheral vision.

  The inventors of the present application conducted experiments and repeated examinations, and as a result, in a dark environment during night driving, the surroundings with respect to a light source with less energy component (blue color light) on the short wavelength side as the age increases We found that visual awareness declines. It was also found that in a dark environment during night driving, awareness of peripheral vision with respect to a light source with a lot of energy components on the short wavelength side (light of blue color) increases as the age increases. The inventors of the present application have studied based on the above knowledge and the visual characteristics of the human eye, and as a result, change the light distribution range and spectral distribution according to the age so as to adapt to the human visual characteristics. Therefore, the present invention has been completed based on this idea, because it is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of improving awareness in peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving. .

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a lamp unit including a light source that emits light that irradiates a peripheral region in front of a vehicle, and a control unit that controls a light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit. The control means controls the light distribution range in the peripheral region of the light from the lamp unit to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver, and the S / P ratio of the light source is 2. It is characterized by being 0 or more .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit is controlled to the light distribution range according to the age of the driver. It becomes possible to improve awareness.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the peripheral area in front of the vehicle is irradiated with light emitted from a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more. Visual awareness can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the database unit according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ages or age groups and light distribution range data corresponding to each of the plurality of ages or age groups are stored in association with each other. Reading means for reading light distribution range data associated with the age of the driver from the database unit, and the control means is based on the light distribution range data read by the reading means. The light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit is controlled to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit is determined based on the light distribution range data (light distribution range data associated with the age of the driver) read by the reading unit. It becomes possible to automatically control the light distribution range according to the age of the driver.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the light source includes a plurality of light sources that emit light that irradiates different regions of the peripheral region, and the light distribution range data is , Data specifying a light source to be turned on among the plurality of light sources, and the control means controls a light source specified by the light distribution range data read by the reading means among the plurality of light sources. By lighting this, the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit is controlled to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light source specified by the light distribution range data read by the reading means among the plurality of light sources is controlled and turned on to thereby distribute the light from the lamp unit. It becomes possible to control the light range to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver.

The invention according to claim 4 includes a lamp unit including a light source that emits light that illuminates the front of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls an S / P ratio of the light source, wherein the control unit includes The S / P ratio of the light source is controlled to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the S / P ratio of the light source is controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver, it is possible to notice in peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving. It becomes possible to improve.

The invention according to claim 5 is the database unit according to claim 4 , wherein a plurality of ages or age groups and spectral distribution data corresponding to each of the plurality of ages or age groups are stored in association with each other, Reading means for reading spectral distribution data associated with the age of the driver from the database unit, the control means based on the spectral distribution data read by the reading means The S / P ratio is controlled to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the S / P ratio of the light source is determined according to the driver's age based on the spectral distribution data read by the reading means (spectral distribution data associated with the driver's age). It is possible to automatically control the spectral distribution.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5 , wherein the light source includes a plurality of white LEDs having different S / P ratios, and the spectral distribution data includes the plurality of white LEDs. This is data for specifying a white LED to be lit, and the control means controls the white LED specified by the spectral distribution data read by the reading means among the plurality of white LEDs to light it. The S / P ratio of the light source is controlled to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

According to the invention described in claim 6 , the S / P ratio of the light source is controlled by lighting the white LED specified by the spectral distribution data read by the reading means among the plurality of white LEDs. It is possible to control the S / P ratio according to the age of the driver.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of white LEDs include white LEDs having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more is irradiated to the front of the vehicle (for example, the peripheral area), so that the surroundings can be obtained in a dark environment during night driving. Visual awareness can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular headlamp capable of improving awareness in peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving.

It is a block diagram of the apparatus used for experiment. It is a graph which shows S / P ratio of the light source used for experiment. It is a spectral distribution of each light source used for experiment. (A) Configuration example of light source having S / P ratio of 2.0 or more, (b) Configuration example (modification example) of light source having S / P ratio of 2.0 or more. It is spectral distribution of LED5500K (new1) used for experiment. It is spectral distribution of LED5500K (new2) used for experiment. It is an example of the spectral distribution of a light source with high awareness in peripheral vision predicted from the shape of visibility. It is the graph which plotted the measurement result (average value) under 45 years old on the coordinate system of the presentation angle of a light source, and a vertical axis | shaft overlook rate. It is the graph which plotted the measurement result (average value) 45 years or older on the coordinate system of the presentation angle of a light source on a horizontal axis, and a miss rate on a vertical axis | shaft. The horizontal axis is the S / P ratio, and the vertical axis is a graph in which the measurement results (average values) are plotted in the coordinate system of the reaction time RT and the miss rate. It is a front view of the vehicle V carrying the vehicle headlamp 100 (1st Embodiment) which can change a light distribution range according to age. (A) An example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 (screen light distribution) formed on a virtual vertical screen facing the front of the vehicle by the lamp unit 10, and (b) a traveling beam distribution formed by the lamp unit 20. It is an example of the optical pattern P2. (A) Configuration example of additional lamps 30A1 and 30B1 for projector-type visual characteristic complementing, (b) Configuration example of additional lamps 30A2 and 30B2 for reflector-type visual characteristic complementing, (c) Addition for complementing visual characteristics of direct projection type It is an example of composition of lamp 30A3 and 30B3. It is an example of the irradiation range (road surface light distribution) of the additional lamps 30A1 and 30B1 for visual characteristic complementation (including the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam formed on the road surface by the lamp unit 10). It is an example of the screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 14 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle). (A) Example of vehicle headlamp 100A (modified example) in which five lamp units 10A, 10B, 20, 30A, 30B are arranged in a row on one side, (b) Two lamp units 10, 20 in a row on one side It is an example (modification example) of the vehicle headlamp 100B arrange | positioned in FIG. (A) The system block diagram of the light distribution range control system 60, (b) It is a light distribution range data example. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a light distribution range control system 60. It is a front view of the vehicle V carrying the vehicle headlamp 200 (2nd Embodiment) which can change the S / P ratio of a light source according to age. It is an example of the light distribution pattern P1 (road surface light distribution) for passing beams formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 200. (A) Configuration example of additional lamp 10A1 for projector-type visual characteristic complementing, (b) Configuration example of additional lamp 10A2 for reflector-type visual characteristic complementing, (c) Configuration of additional lamp 10A3 of direct projection type visual characteristic complementing It is an example. It is an example of the matrix light source 12. It is an example of the screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 20 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle). (A) System configuration | structure figure of S / P ratio control system 70, (b) It is an example of spectral distribution data. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the S / P ratio control system 70; It is a front view of the vehicle V carrying the vehicle headlamp 300 (3rd Embodiment) which can change some S / P ratios in the light distribution pattern P1 for passing beams according to age. 1 is a front view of a vehicle headlamp 300. FIG. It is an example of the light distribution pattern for low beams (road surface light distribution) formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 300. FIG. 28 is an example of screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle). (A) System configuration | structure figure of S / P ratio control system 80, (b) Light distribution range and spectral distribution data example. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the S / P ratio control system 80. It is an example of the light distribution pattern (screen light distribution) of the conventional vehicle headlamp, (a) The light distribution pattern (road surface light distribution) of the conventional vehicle headlamp. (A) It is explanatory drawing of a driver | operator's central vision and peripheral vision, (b) It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship of a driver | operator's central vision, peripheral vision, a cone, a rod, etc. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow until a driver | operator recognizes the target object (pedestrian, obstacle, etc.) which exists in a peripheral visual field. It is the table | surface which summarized and contrasted the characteristics of peripheral vision and central vision. Specific luminous sensitivity V (λ) in photopic vision and specific luminous sensitivity V ′ (λ) in dark vision. It is a graph of spectral luminous efficiency according to age.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a vehicle headlamp 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The inventors of the present application have conducted experiments and repeated examinations. As a result, in a dark environment during night driving, as the age increases, the short-wavelength energy component (blue light) decreases in peripheral vision. It has been found that the awareness of It was also found that in a dark environment during night driving, awareness of peripheral vision with respect to a light source with a lot of energy components on the short wavelength side (light of blue color) increases as the age increases. The inventors of the present application, as a result of repeated studies based on the above knowledge and the visual characteristics of the human eye, change the light distribution range and the spectral distribution according to the age so as to adapt to the human visual characteristics. Thus, the present invention has been completed based on this idea because it is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving.

  First, an experiment conducted by the inventors of the present application will be described.

  In the following experiment, the S / P ratio was used as an index representing the ratio of the energy component (blue color light) on the short wavelength side. The S / P ratio is expressed by the following equation. However, S (λ) is the spectrum of the light source, V (λ) is the specific luminous sensitivity in photopic vision, and V ′ (λ) is the specific luminous sensitivity in dark vision.

  The S / P ratio is obtained by measuring a spectrum of light emitted from a light source to be measured using a known measuring device (for example, a spectral radiance meter) and calculating using the above equation.

  Conventionally, in a vehicle headlamp, a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or higher has not been used, and light from a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or higher is detected in a dark environment during night driving. It has not been known at all how it affects the visual perception (= rod = scotopic sensitivity).

  Table 1 below shows the S / P ratio of a light source of a general vehicle headlamp measured by the inventors of the present application. A light source having a higher S / P ratio indicates that there are more energy components on the short wavelength side (light of blue color).

  Each light source in Table 1 is a light source used as a light source for a vehicle headlamp that is actually mounted on a commercially available vehicle. Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the S / P ratio of the light source of a general vehicle headlamp is about 1.5 to 1.8.

  Halogen bulbs and HID bulbs are difficult to change the S / P ratio due to their structures, and the S / P ratios are approximately 1.46 and 1.75 shown in Table 1, respectively.

  Each LED in Table 1 is a white LED having a structure in which a blue LED element and a yellow phosphor such as YAG are combined. The white LED of this structure is adjusted in the concentration of the yellow phosphor so that the emission color meets the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by the law and looks natural to the driver's eyes. ing. In addition, the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by law is the coordinate value (0.31,0.28), (0.44, 0.38), (0.50, 0.38), (0.50, 0.44), (0.455, 0.44), ( It is the range surrounded by the straight line connecting 0.31,0.35).

  When the S / P ratio is less than 1.5, it is difficult for the white LED having the above structure to satisfy the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law. Therefore, the lower limit of the S / P ratio is around 1.5. On the other hand, if the S / P ratio is up to about 2 (about 1.95), it is possible to satisfy the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by the law, but the S / P ratio is 1.8. If it approaches 2 and the yellow light is reduced, it becomes a bluish light and looks unnatural to the driver's eyes. Further, when the S / P ratio exceeds 1.8 and approaches 2, the efficiency decreases (the luminous flux decreases), and the brightness required for the light source of the vehicle headlamp cannot be secured. Therefore, the upper limit of the S / P ratio of the white LED having the above structure is about 1.8 from the viewpoint of constructing a highly efficient vehicle headlamp that looks natural to the driver's eyes.

  As described above, the S / P ratio of the light source of a general vehicle headlamp is conventionally about 1.5 to 1.8, and a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more is not used. Knowing how light from a light source with an S / P ratio of 2.0 or higher affects the awareness of peripheral vision (= enclosure = dark vision sensitivity) in a dark environment during night driving It was not done.

[Experiment]
The inventors of the present application have noticed that the S / P ratio (especially S / P ratio of 2.0 or more) is noticed in peripheral vision (= enclosure = dark vision sensitivity) in a dark environment during night driving. The following experiment was conducted in order to confirm the influence.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the apparatus used in the experiment, and FIG. 2 is a graph showing the S / P ratio of the light source used in the experiment.

  In the experiment, an apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 was used, and a total of seven light sources having different correlated color temperatures and different S / P ratios as shown in Table 2 and FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows the spectral distribution of each light source used in the experiment. TH represents a halogen bulb, and HID represents a HID bulb. A number (for example, 4500K) attached to the side of the LED represents the correlated color temperature.

  LED4500K, LED5500K, and LED6500K are white LEDs with a combination of blue LED elements and yellow phosphors, and the correlated color temperature and S / P ratio are adjusted as shown in Table 2 by adjusting the concentration of yellow phosphors. did.

  FIG. 4A is a structural example of a light source (LED5500K (new1), LED5500K (new2)) having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the LEDs 5500K (new1) and LED5500K (new2) are white LEDs having a structure in which a blue LED element B, a red LED element R, and a green phosphor G are combined. The S / P ratio was adjusted as shown in Table 2 by adjusting the green light to increase green light. The green phosphor G covers the blue LED element B and the red LED element R, and is excited by the blue light emitted from the blue LED element B to emit green light. When green light increases, the emission color becomes blue-green, which deviates from the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law. Therefore, by adjusting the output by adding the red LED element R, the emission color was adjusted to be within the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by the law.

  The LED 5500K (new1) and the LED 5500K (new2) were adjusted so that the spectral distribution had a shape close to the spectral distribution of the light source that is predicted to be highly noticeable in peripheral vision.

  FIG. 5 shows the spectral distribution of the LED 5500K (new1), and FIG. 6 shows the spectral distribution of the LED 5500K (new2). FIG. 7 is an example of a spectral distribution of a light source with high awareness in peripheral vision predicted from the shape of visibility. According to the light source shown in FIG. 7, the green phosphor excited by blue light from the blue LED element (see numeral 1 in FIG. 7) and blue light from the blue LED element (see numeral 1 in FIG. 7). The white light is realized by the green light (see circle numeral 2 in FIG. 7) and the red light from the red LED element (see circle numeral 3 in FIG. 7). According to the spectral distribution shown in FIG. 7, the circle number 2 in FIG. 7 matches the visibility curve, so that it is possible to feel the brightness efficiently.

  5 and 6, the spectral distributions of the LEDs 5500K (new1) and the LED 5500K (new2) have a shape close to the spectral distribution of the light source predicted to be highly noticeable in the peripheral vision shown in FIG. I understand.

The experiment was performed according to the following procedure. First, as shown in FIG. 1, while the subject is gazing at the display (in which hiragana is displayed) installed at a position 2 m in front and reading the displayed characters, the left (or right) with respect to the front. Randomly presented gray color material irradiated by light source adjusted to constant brightness (1, 0.1, 0.01 [cd / m ² ]) at 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° and 75 ° positions did.

  The time from when the light source is turned on (after white light is presented) until the subject who notices the presentation light (the reflected light from the gray color material) presses the button at hand (reaction time RT) Was measured. The above was measured for each light source.

Note that the luminance setting values of the light source used in the experiment are 1, 0.1, and 0.01 [cd / m ² ], and the background luminance is 1 [cd / m ² ]. The test subjects are 5 people under the age of 45 (3 people in their 30s, 2 people in their 40s) and 5 people aged 45 and over (2 people in their 40s, 3 people in their 50s).

  Conventionally, it has not been known at all how the age affects the awareness in peripheral vision (= body = dark vision sensitivity) in a dark environment during night driving.

  As a result of analyzing the above measurement results, the inventors of the present application have shown S / S presented in the peripheral visual field (positions of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, and 75 °) as the age increases in a dark environment during night driving. Decrease in awareness of light sources with low P ratio, and increase in perception of light sources with high S / P ratio in the dark environment when driving at night (the reaction time is shortened and overlooked) The rate decreases).

  8 to 10 show the measurement results. FIG. 8 is a graph in which measurement results (average values) under 45 years are plotted in a coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the light source presentation angle and the vertical axis represents the miss rate. Note that the miss rate is the rate at which 2 seconds or more have passed since the subject noticed the presentation light after turning on the light source. FIG. 9 is a graph in which measurement results (average values) of 45 years and older are plotted on a coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the light source presentation angle and the vertical axis represents the miss rate. FIG. 10 is a graph in which the measurement result (average value) is plotted on the coordinate system of the S / P ratio on the horizontal axis and the reaction time RT and the miss rate on the vertical axis. The numbers in FIG. 10 are the determination coefficients for each data group.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when over 45 years old, the oversight rate for light sources (TH, LED4500K, LED5500K, HID, LED6500, etc.) with a low S / P ratio increases compared to under 45 years old. As the age increases, the awareness of peripheral vision (for example, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, and 75 ° positions) for light sources with low S / P ratio (TH, LED4500K, LED5500K, HID, LED6500, etc.) decreases. I understand that.

  In addition, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when over 45 years old, the oversight rate for light sources (LED5500K (new1), LED5500K (new2), etc.) with a high S / P ratio is lower than under 45 years old. That is, as the age increases, the peripheral vision (for example, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 75 ° (especially 60 °) with respect to a light source (LED5500K (new1), LED5500K (new2), etc.) with a higher S / P ratio. , 75 ° position) is improved.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the reaction rate decreases as the S / P ratio increases to 2.0 or more when the age is 45 years or older, and the oversight rate decreases. It can be seen that the awareness in peripheral vision with respect to a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or higher increases as the ratio increases.

  Under the age of 45 years, even when the S / P ratio increases, the reaction time and the miss rate are almost flat, and no correlation is seen between the two.

  Conventionally, the light distribution range of a vehicle headlamp has been constant regardless of age and has not changed.

  The inventors of the present application improve the awareness in peripheral vision with respect to a light source having a high S / P ratio as the age increases (especially, increasing the reaction speed of 45 years old and over and reducing the miss rate). As a result of repeated studies based on the headline (see above experiment), this knowledge, and the visual characteristics of the human eye, the light distribution range is changed according to age so that it can be adapted to the human visual characteristics. Therefore, the present invention has been completed based on this idea. It is thought that it is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment (especially, to increase the reaction speed of 45 years old and over and reduce the miss rate).

  Hereinafter, a configuration example of the vehicle headlamp 100 capable of changing the light distribution range according to age will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a front view of a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle headlamp 100 capable of changing a light distribution range according to age.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle headlamp 100 according to the present embodiment is disposed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of a vehicle V such as an automobile, and includes three lamp units 10, 20, and 30 on one side. Each lamp unit 10-30 is connected to a known aiming mechanism (not shown) so that the optical axis can be adjusted.

[Lamp Unit 10]
The lamp unit 10 is a known projector-type lamp unit, and forms a low beam light distribution pattern P1 on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m forward from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle. It is configured. The light source of the lamp unit 10 is, for example, an HID bulb having an S / P ratio of 1.82 (or a white LED having an S / P ratio of about 1.5 to 1.8).

  FIG. 12A is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 (screen light distribution) formed on the virtual vertical screen directly facing the front of the vehicle by the lamp unit 10. FIG. 14 is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P <b> 1 (road surface light distribution) formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 100. In FIG. 14, the contour of the light distribution pattern P1 for the low beam indicates a 2 [lx] line.

Cutoff line extends the line V-V is a vertical line on the left and right staggered in horizontal direction as a boundary, the right than the line V-V is, so as to extend horizontally as an opposite lane side cut-off line CL _R while being formed, the left side of the line V-V is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction by the step up than the opposite lane side cut-off line CL _R as a self-lane side cutoff line CL _L. Then, the ends of the line V-V closer in the own lane side cut-off line CL _L is formed as an oblique cut-off line CL _S. The oblique cutoff line CL _S extends from the intersection between the oncoming vehicle lane side cut-off line CL _R and the line V-V in upper left of the inclination angle (e.g. about 45 °).

In low-beam light distribution pattern P1, an elbow point E which is the point of intersection between the oncoming vehicle lane side cut-off line CL _R and the line V-V is positioned approximately 0.5 to 0.6 ° below the H-H The high luminous intensity region is formed so as to surround the elbow point E slightly to the left.

  The lamp unit 10 may be a lamp unit configured to form the passing beam light distribution pattern P1, may be a known reflector-type lamp unit, or may be a known direct projection type (direct projection). Type) lamp unit.

[Lamp unit 20]
The lamp unit 20 is a known projector-type lamp unit, and forms a traveling beam light distribution pattern P2 on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m forward from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle. It is configured. The light source of the lamp unit 20 is, for example, a halogen light bulb with an S / P ratio of 1.46.

  FIG. 12B is an example of a traveling beam light distribution pattern P <b> 2 formed by the lamp unit 20. The traveling beam light distribution pattern P2 is a high luminous intensity light distribution pattern that irradiates a region including the intersection of the horizontal line HH and the vertical line VV.

  The lamp unit 20 may be a lamp unit configured to form the traveling beam light distribution pattern P2, may be a known reflector type lamp unit, or may be a known direct projection type (direct irradiation). Type) lamp unit.

[Lamp unit 30]
The lamp unit 30 includes an additional lamp 30A for complementing visual characteristics, an additional lamp 30B for complementing visual characteristics, and the like.

  The additional lamp 30A for visual characteristic complementation irradiates a range of 45 to 75 degrees left (or 45 to 75 degrees right) with respect to a reference axis AX (see FIG. 14) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the peripheral area in front of the vehicle. It is a lamp.

  On the other hand, the visual characteristic complementing additional lamp 30B is a lamp that irradiates a left 30 to 45 ° (or right 30 to 45 °) range with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in a peripheral region in front of the vehicle. .

  FIG. 13A is a configuration example of projector-type visual characteristic complementing additional lamps 30A1 and 30B1.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the projector-type visual characteristic complementing additional lamps 30A1 and 30B1 are respectively provided with the projection lens 31 and the rear focal point of the projection lens 31 disposed on the optical axis AX ₃₀ extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B) disposed behind the F ₃₁ and in the vicinity of the optical axis AX ₃₀ , the reflection surface 33 disposed above the first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B), and the like. ing.

The projection lens 31 is disposed on an optical axis AX ₃₀ that is held in a lens holder or the like (not shown) and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The projection lens 31 is, for example, a planoconvex aspherical projection lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface.

  The first visual characteristic complementing LED light source 32A (and the second visual characteristic supplementing LED light source 32B) is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a blue LED element B, a red LED element R, and a green phosphor G. Is a white LED (for example, a 1 mm square light emitting surface × 4). The green phosphor G covers the blue LED element B and the red LED element R, and is excited by the blue light emitted from the blue LED element B to emit green light. When green light increases, the emission color becomes blue-green, which deviates from the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law. Therefore, by adjusting the output by adding the red LED element R, the emission color was adjusted to be within the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by the law. Known blue LED elements, red LED elements, and green phosphors can be used.

  Each light source 32A, 32B adjusts the density of the green phosphor, etc., so that the emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by law and the S / P ratio is adjusted to 2.0 Has been. The correlated color temperature of each of the light sources 32A and 32B is desirably white light of 4500 to 7000K or 5000 to 6000K.

  The S / P ratio of each light source 32A, 32B is not limited to 2.0. The finding that as the S / P ratio increases to 2.0 or higher, the awareness of peripheral vision improves in the dark environment during night driving (the reaction speed RT is shortened and the miss rate is reduced) (see the above experiment) Based on the above, each of the light sources 32A and 32B may be a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 to 3.0. The reason why the S / P ratio 3.0 is set as the upper limit is that when the S / P ratio exceeds 3.0, it is difficult to satisfy the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law.

  Each of the light sources 32A and 32B only needs to be a light source whose emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram stipulated by law and has an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more. It is not limited to a white LED having a structure in which the element and the green phosphor are combined.

  For example, each of the light sources 32A and 32B may be a white LED having a structure in which a blue LED element B and green and red phosphors GR are combined as shown in FIG. The green and red phosphors GR cover the blue LED element B, and are excited by blue light emitted from the blue LED element B to emit green and red light. Each of the light sources 32A and 32B may be a white LED having a structure in which a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element are combined, or a structure in which an ultraviolet or near ultraviolet LED element is combined with an RGB phosphor. White LED may be sufficient. Even in a white LED having such a structure, by adjusting the phosphor concentration or the like, the emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by the law, and the S / P ratio is 2. It is possible to configure zero or more light sources.

Each light source 32A, 32B (white LED) is mounted on a substrate K in a state in which the light-emitting side up, arranged on the rear side and the optical axis _{AX 30} near from the vehicle rear side focal point _{F 31} of the projection lens 31 Has been. Each white LED 32A, 32B, the one side of and along a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis _{AX 30} a line at predetermined intervals a plurality (e.g., four) (FIG. 13 (a) the direction perpendicular to the middle paper) and the optical axis They are arranged symmetrically with respect to AX ₃₀ .

Reflecting surface 33, the first focal point F1 is set first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B) in the vicinity, the reflection of the second focal point F2 is spheroid system set at the back focal _{F 31} near the rear of the projection lens 31 A surface (spheroid surface or similar free-form surface).

  The reflecting surface 33 is projected from the side of each light source 32A, 32B (in FIG. 13 (a), the side on the rear side of the vehicle) so that the light emitted upward from each light source 32A, 32B is incident. It extends toward 31 and covers the top of each light source 32A, 32B.

  The reflection surface 33 constituting the additional lamp 30A for complementing the visual characteristics is a reference that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from the first light source 32A that is reflected by the reflection surface 33, passes through the projection lens 31, and is irradiated forward. It is designed to distribute light in the range of 45 to 75 ° left (or 45 to 75 ° right) with respect to the axis AX. On the other hand, the reflecting surface 33 constituting the visual characteristic complementing additional lamp 30B reflects light from the second light source 32B that is reflected by the reflecting surface 33, passes through the projection lens 31, and is irradiated forward in the vehicle front-rear direction. It is designed to distribute light in a range of 30 to 45 ° to the left (or 30 to 45 ° to the right) with respect to the extending reference axis AX.

According to the visual characteristic complementing additional lamps 30A1 projector type having the above structure, light emitted from the first light source 32A, after converged by side focal point F ₃₁ near the rear of the projection lens 31 is reflected by the reflecting surface 33, The light passes through the projection lens 31 and is irradiated forward. Thereby, the range of 45 to 75 degrees on the left (or 45 to 75 degrees on the right) is irradiated with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 14 and 15). FIG. 14 is an example of the irradiation range (road surface light distribution) of the additional lamps 30A1 and 30B1 for complementing visual characteristics (including the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam formed on the road surface by the lamp unit 10). FIG. 15 is an example of screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 14 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) facing the front of the vehicle). ).

Further, according to the visual characteristics complementing additional lamp 30B1 projector type having the above structure, light emitted from the second light source 32B is converged by the side focal point F ₃₁ near the rear of the projection lens 31 is reflected by the reflecting surface 33 Thereafter, the light passes through the projection lens 31 and is irradiated forward. As a result, a range of 30 to 45 degrees left (or 30 to 45 degrees right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is irradiated (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

  According to the lamp unit 30 having the above configuration (the additional lamp 30A1 for visual characteristic supplementation, the additional lamp 30B1 for visual characteristic complementation), the distribution of light from the lamp unit 30 is controlled by controlling the LED light sources 32A and 32B for visual characteristic complementation. A light distribution range according to the age of the driver (a range of 30 to 75 ° left (or 30 to 75 ° right) or 30 to 45 ° left (or 30 to right) with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction It is possible to control within a range of 45 °).

  The additional lamp 30A for complementing the visual characteristics may be any lamp that distributes the light from the first light source 32A in the range of 45 to 75 ° on the left (or 45 to 75 ° on the right), as shown in FIG. A known reflector-type lamp unit 30A2 shown in FIG. 13 or a known direct projection type (direct-light type) lamp unit 30A3 shown in FIG. 13C may be used.

  Similarly, the additional lamp 30B for complementing visual characteristics may be any lamp that distributes the light from the second light source 32B in the range of 30 to 45 ° on the left (or 30 to 45 ° on the right). FIG. A known reflector type lamp unit 30B2 shown in FIG. 13 or a known direct projection type (direct-light type) lamp unit 30B3 shown in FIG. 13C may be used.

  FIG. 13B is an example of reflector-type additional lamps 30A2 and 30B2 for complementing visual characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 13 (b), the arranged respective reflector-type visual characteristics complementing additional lamp 30A2,30B2 is a light emitting surface on the optical axis AX ₃₀ near which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a state toward the bottom substantially A parabolic reflecting surface 34 (a rotating paraboloid or similar free-form surface) in which the first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B) and the focal point F ₃₄ are set in the vicinity of the first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B). Etc.).

Each light source 32A, 32B (white LED) has its light emitting surface is mounted on a substrate in a state of facing downward, and is disposed at the focal F ₃₄ near the reflective surface 34. The white LEDs 32A and 32B have a plurality of (for example, four) white light LEDs 32A and 32B in a single row (in a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 13B) along a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis AX ₃₀ and the optical axis AX. ₃₀ is arranged symmetrically.

  The reflection surface 34 constituting the visual characteristic complementing additional lamp 30A2 reflects (distributes) the light incident from the first light source 32A in a predetermined direction, and is 45 to the left with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. It is designed to distribute light in the range of ~ 75 ° (or right 45-75 °). On the other hand, the reflecting surface 34 constituting the additional lamp 30B2 for complementing the visual characteristics reflects (distributes) the light incident from the second light source 32B in a predetermined direction, with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. It is designed to distribute light in the range of 30 to 45 ° on the left (or 30 to 45 ° on the right).

  According to the reflector-type additional lamp 30A2 for complementing visual characteristics configured as described above, the light emitted from the first light source 32A is reflected by the reflecting surface 34 and irradiated forward. Thereby, the range of 45 to 75 ° on the left (or 45 to 75 ° on the right) is irradiated with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (see FIG. 14).

  In addition, according to the reflector-type additional lamp 30B2 for complementing visual characteristics configured as described above, the light emitted from the second light source 32B is reflected by the reflecting surface 34A and irradiated forward. Thereby, a range of 30 to 45 degrees left (or 30 to 45 degrees right) is irradiated with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction (see FIG. 14).

  The light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 according to the age of the driver (the vehicle front-rear direction) is also obtained by the lamp unit 30 (the visual characteristic supplementing additional lamp 30A2 and the visual characteristic supplementing additional lamp 30B2) configured as described above. It is possible to control to the left 30 to 75 ° (or right 30 to 75 °) or left 30 to 45 ° (or right 30 to 45 °) range with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the direction.

  FIG. 13C shows an example of an additional lamp 30A3 for complementing visual characteristics of a direct projection type (direct type).

Figure 13 (c), the respective visual characteristics complementing additional lamp 30A3,30B3 direct projection type (direct type), the projection lens 35 arranged on the optical axis _{AX 30} extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the projection lens and a first light source 32A (or the second light source 32B) such that the light emitting surface at the back focal F ₃₅ near the rear 35 is disposed in a state directed to the projection lens 35.

Each light source 32 </ b> A, 32 </ b> B (white LED) is mounted on the substrate K with its light emitting surface facing the projection lens 35, and is disposed near the focal point F of the projection lens 35. Each white LED 32A, 32B, the one side of and along a horizontal line perpendicular to the optical axis _{AX 30} a line at predetermined intervals a plurality (e.g., four) (FIG. 13 (c) the direction perpendicular to the middle paper) and the optical axis They are arranged symmetrically with respect to AX ₃₀ .

  The exit surface of the projection lens 35 constituting the additional lamp 30A3 for complementing visual characteristics refracts the light from the first light source 32A that exits from the exit surface of the projection lens 35 in a predetermined direction, and the left 45 to 75 left. It is designed to distribute light in the range of ° (or right 45-75 °). On the other hand, the exit surface of the projection lens 35 that constitutes the additional lamp 30B3 for complementing the visual characteristics refracts light from the second light source 32B that exits from the exit surface of the projection lens 35 in a predetermined direction to the left 30. It is designed to distribute light in a range of ˜45 ° (or right 30-45 °).

  According to the direct projection type visual characteristic supplementing additional lamp 30A3 having the above configuration, the light emitted from the first light source 32A passes through the projection lens 35 and is irradiated forward. Thereby, the range (refer FIG. 14) of 45 to 75 degrees on the left (or 45 to 75 degrees on the right) is irradiated with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

  In addition, according to the direct projection type additional lamp 30B3 for complementing visual characteristics having the above-described configuration, the light emitted from the second light source 32B passes through the projection lens 35 and is irradiated forward. Thereby, the range (refer FIG. 14) of 30 to 45 degrees left (or 30 to 45 degrees right) is irradiated with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  Also with the lamp unit 30 having the above configuration (additional lamp 30A3 for visual characteristic supplementation, additional lamp 30B3 for visual characteristic complementation), the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 is changed according to the age of the driver (vehicle longitudinal direction). It is possible to control to the left 30 to 75 ° (or right 30 to 75 °) or left 30 to 45 ° (or right 30 to 45 °) range with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the direction.

  Next, a modified example of the vehicle headlamp 100 will be described.

  In FIG. 16A, the lamp unit 10 is composed of two units (for example, a projector-type first unit 10A that irradiates a condensing area, and a projector-type second unit 10B that irradiates a diffusion area). This is an example (modified example) of a vehicle headlamp 100A in which two lamp units 10A, 10B, 20, 30A (30A1 to 30A3) and 30B (30B1 to 30B3) are arranged in a line.

  In addition, you may use the matrix light source as shown in FIG.16 (b) as a light source of lamp unit 10A, 10B, 30A, 30B.

  In FIG. 16B, a light source 10a having a S / P ratio of about 1.5 to 1.8, a matrix light source in which a light source 32A and a light source 32B are arranged in a matrix form are used as a light source of the lamp unit 10, and the light source It is an example (modified example) of the vehicle headlamp 100B in which two lamp units 10, 20 are arranged in a line.

  Also according to each of the above-described modifications, a light distribution range according to the driver's age (30 to 75 degrees left (or 30 to 75 right with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction) is controlled by controlling the lighting location of each light source. °) range or left 30-45 ° (or right 30-45 °) range).

  It should be noted that the visual characteristic complementing additional lamp 30A or 30B (or a lamp corresponding thereto) is a known support means for supporting the visual characteristic complementing additional lamp 30A or 30B (or a lamp corresponding thereto) in a swivelable manner around the vertical axis. There may be provided a known actuator or the like connected to the lamp. In this way, it is possible to control the light distribution range according to the age of the driver by controlling the actuator to swivel the additional lamp 30A or 30B for visual characteristic supplement (or a lamp corresponding thereto). Become.

[Light distribution range control system 60]
Next, a light distribution range control system that controls the light distribution range of the lamp unit 30 will be described.

  FIG. 17A is a system configuration diagram of the light distribution range control system 60, and FIG. 17B is an example of light distribution range data.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the light distribution range control system 60 includes a driver selection / registration unit 61, a driver age calculation unit 62, a determination unit 63, a control unit 64, and the like. The control part 64 is electrically connected with LED light sources 32A and 32B for complementing visual characteristics. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by an ECU (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V executing a predetermined program.

  The driver selection / registration unit 61 has a function of inputting a driver's name and date of birth, a function of registering the input driver's name and date of birth in association with the database unit 62a, and registering in the database unit 62a. It has a function that allows the driver to select the name of a specific driver from the names of the registered drivers.

  The driver age calculation unit 62 has a clock function for grasping the current date, a function for reading the date of birth associated with the name of the driver selected by the driver selection / registration unit 61 from the database unit 62a, and the read Based on the date of birth and the output from the clock function (current date), it has a function to calculate the age of the driver.

  The determination unit 63 has a function of reading the light distribution range data and the brightness data associated with the age of the driver calculated by the driver age calculation unit 62 from the database unit 63a.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the database unit 63a includes a plurality of ages (or age groups) and light distribution range data corresponding to each of the plurality of ages (or age groups) (for example, visual characteristic complementing LEDs). Data specifying a light source to be turned on among the light sources 32A and 32B or swivel angle) and brightness data (for example, a current value determined in advance so that the illuminance line on the road surface is 2 [lx]). Stored in association. Note that the reason for setting 2 [lx] is that the illuminance under the moonlight (for example, the full moon) is approximately 1 [lx]. It is to do.

  Based on the light distribution range data read out by the determination unit 63, the control unit 64 controls the light source specified by the light distribution range data among the LED light sources 32A and 32B for complementing the visual characteristics to light it. Thus, the light distribution range of the lamp unit 30 is controlled to the light distribution range according to the age of the driver. Alternatively, the control unit 64 controls the actuator so as to swivel the swivel angle specified by the light distribution range data read out by the determination unit 63 with the additional lamp 30A or 30B for visual characteristic complement (or a lamp corresponding thereto). Thus, the light distribution range of the lamp unit 30 is controlled to the light distribution range corresponding to the age of the driver.

  Next, the operation of the light distribution range control system 60 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the light distribution range control system 60.

  The following processing is realized mainly by an in-vehicle ECU (not shown) executing a predetermined program.

  First, the name of the driver registered in the database unit 62a is searched (step S1). The driver selection / registration unit 61 displays the name of the searched driver on, for example, a vehicle-mounted screen with a touch panel (for example, a navigation screen; see symbol S in FIG. 17A).

  If your name is not displayed on this screen (step S2: no), the driver selects “New Driver” on the screen via the touch panel, and the driver will display his / her name, date of birth, etc. Information is input (step S3). For example, the driver information may be input by reading the driver information such as the driver's name and date of birth with a reading unit (not shown) from a driver's license or mobile phone, and inputting the read driver information. Alternatively, a key set of 50 sounds may be displayed on the screen, and driver information such as his / her name and date of birth may be directly input via the touch panel.

  The driver selection / registration unit 61 registers the driver name and date of birth input in step S3 in association with each other in the database unit 62a (step S4).

  On the other hand, when the self name is displayed on the screen (step S2: yes), the driver selects the self name on the screen via the touch panel (step S5).

  When the driver's name is selected, the driver age calculating unit 62 reads the date of birth associated with the selected driver's name from the database unit 62a, and outputs the read date of birth and the clock function. The driver's age is calculated based on (current date) (step S6).

  The determination unit 63 reads the light distribution range data and the brightness data associated with the driver's age calculated in step S6 from the database unit 63a.

  For example, when the age of the driver calculated in step S6 is 45 years or older (step S7: no), the determination unit 63 determines the light distribution range data associated with the age of 45 years or older (lighting light source = for visual characteristic supplementation). LED light sources 32A and 32B) and brightness data (current value I1) are read from the database unit 63a (step S8). Then, the control unit 64 applies the LED light sources 32A and 32B for complementing the visual characteristics specified by the light distribution range data based on the read light distribution range data and brightness data associated with age 45 or older. The current value I1 is applied to light it (step S9).

  The light emitted from the LED light source 32A for complementing the visual characteristics irradiates a range of 45 to 75 degrees left (or 45 to 75 degrees right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction (see FIG. 14). Moreover, the light emitted from the LED light source 32B for complementing the visual characteristics irradiates a range of 30 to 45 degrees to the left (or 30 to 45 degrees to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction (see FIG. 14). . In this case, the 2 [lx] line on the road surface extends in a range from 30 to 75 ° on the left and right (see FIG. 14).

  The reason why the left and right range is 30 to 75 ° is that the age of 45 years or older is the peripheral vision (positions of 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, and 75 °) with respect to the light source having a higher S / P ratio than that of under 45 years. This is to improve the awareness in peripheral vision of 45 years old or older based on the knowledge that the awareness of (1) is improved (see the above experiment).

  As described above, the light distribution range of the lamp unit 30 is controlled to the light distribution range adapted to the driver's age (45 years or older).

  On the other hand, when the age of the driver calculated in step S6 is less than 45 years (step S7: yes), the determination unit 63 determines the light distribution range data associated with the age of less than 45 (lighting light source = for visual characteristic supplementation). The LED light source 32B) and brightness data (current value I2) are read from the database unit 63a (step S10). Then, the control unit 64 supplies the current value to the LED light source 32B for complementing the visual characteristics specified by the light distribution range data based on the read light distribution range data and brightness data associated with the age under 45. I2 is applied to light it (step S11).

  The light emitted from the visual characteristic complementing LED light source 32B illuminates a range of 30 to 45 ° to the left (or 30 to 45 ° to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (see FIG. 14). In this case, the 2 [lx] line on the road surface extends in a range from 30 to 45 degrees on the left and right (see FIG. 14).

  The reason for the left-right 30-45 ° range is that under 45 years old, the overlook rate for the light source presented at 60 ° and 75 ° positions is small compared to over 45 years old, and the range of 60 ° and 75 ° This is because the awareness does not improve even when irradiated (see the above experiment), and there is no point in irradiating the range of 60 ° and 75 °.

  As described above, the light distribution range of the lamp unit 30 is controlled to the light distribution range adapted to the age of the driver (less than 45 years).

  As described above, according to the vehicle headlamp 100 having the above configuration, the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 is controlled to the light distribution range according to the age of the driver. It is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment (especially by increasing the reaction speed of 45 years old or more and reducing the miss rate).

  Further, according to the vehicle headlamp 100 configured as described above, based on the light distribution range data (light distribution range data associated with the age of the driver) read by the determination unit 63 (corresponding to the reading unit). The light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 can be automatically controlled to the light distribution range according to the age of the driver.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 is automatically controlled to the light distribution range according to the age of the driver has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch that allows the driver to select the age of the driver (for example, either 45 years old or older or less than 45 years old) is provided, and the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit 30 is set according to the selected age. You may make it control to.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which divided the age group into 45 years old or more and less than 45 years old, this invention is not limited to this. Referring to FIG. 37, the visibility of the human eye decreases with age, so the age group is further subdivided (for example, 18-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-59 years old, over 60 years old) The light distribution range may be changed for each subdivided age group.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which forms the light distribution pattern P1 for passing beams, and changes the light distribution range as mentioned above, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the traveling beam light distribution pattern P2 may be formed and the light distribution range may be changed as described above.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the vehicle headlamp 200 which is 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings.

  Conventionally, the S / P ratio of a vehicle headlamp is constant regardless of age and has not changed.

  The inventors of the present application improve the awareness in peripheral vision with respect to a light source having a high S / P ratio as the age increases (especially, increasing the reaction speed of 45 years old and over and reducing the miss rate). As a result of repeated studies based on the headline (see the above experiment), this knowledge, and the visual characteristics of the human eye, driving at night by changing the S / P ratio according to age to adapt to the human visual characteristics The present invention has been completed based on this idea, because it is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment (in particular, to increase the reaction speed of 45 years old or more and to reduce the miss rate).

  Hereinafter, a configuration example of the vehicle headlamp 200 capable of changing the S / P ratio according to age will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a front view of a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle headlamp 200 capable of changing the S / P ratio according to age.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the vehicle headlamp 200 of this embodiment is disposed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of a vehicle V such as an automobile, and includes two lamp units 10C and 20 on one side. Each lamp unit 10C, 20 is connected to a known aiming mechanism (not shown) so that the optical axis can be adjusted. Since the lamp unit 20 constituting the vehicle headlamp 200 has the same configuration as the lamp unit 20 constituting the vehicle headlamp 100, the description thereof is omitted.

  The lamp unit 10C has the same configuration as a known projector-type lamp unit (for example, the lamp unit 10) except that the matrix light source 12 shown in FIG. 22 is used as the light source.

  FIG. 12A is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 (screen light distribution) formed on a virtual vertical screen facing the front of the vehicle by the lamp unit 10C. FIG. 20 is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P <b> 1 (road surface light distribution) formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 200. In FIG. 20, the contour of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam indicates a 2 [lx] line.

  FIG. 21A shows an example of a projector-type lamp unit 10C1.

As shown in FIG. 21 (a), lamp unit 10C1 projector type, a projection lens 11 arranged on the optical axis AX ₁₀ extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, rear side and light side focal point F ₁₁ of the projection lens 11 Between the projection lens 11 and the matrix light source 12 so as to block a part of the light from the matrix light source 12 disposed in the vicinity of the axis AX _10, the reflection surface 13 disposed above the matrix light source 12, and the matrix light source 12. The shade 14 etc. which are arrange | positioned are provided.

The projection lens 11 is disposed on an optical axis AX ₁₀ that is held in a lens holder or the like (not shown) and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The projection lens 11 is, for example, a plano-convex aspherical projection lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the matrix light source 12. As shown in FIG. 22, the matrix light source 12 is a light source including a plurality of light sources having different S / P ratios. In FIG. 22, □ is the first light source 12A having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more, and ◯ is the second light source 12B having an S / P ratio of less than 2.0, and the light sources 12A and 12B are as shown in FIG. Are arranged in a matrix. FIG. 22 shows an example in which each of the light sources 12A and 12B is 10, but the number can be appropriately increased or decreased.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first light source 12A is a white LED having a structure in which a blue LED element B, a red LED element R, and a green phosphor G are combined (for example, a 1 mm square light emitting surface × 5). It is. The green phosphor G covers the blue LED element B and the red LED element R, and is excited by the blue light emitted from the blue LED element B to emit green light. When green light increases, the emission color becomes blue-green, which deviates from the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law. Therefore, by adjusting the output by adding the red LED element R, the emission color was adjusted to be within the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by the law. Known blue LED elements, red LED elements, and green phosphors can be used.

  The first light source 12A adjusts the density and the like of the green phosphor so that the emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by law and the S / P ratio is adjusted to 2.0. ing.

  The S / P ratio of the first light source 12A is not limited to 2.0. The finding that as the S / P ratio increases to 2.0 or higher, the awareness of peripheral vision improves in the dark environment during night driving (the reaction speed RT is shortened and the miss rate is reduced) (see the above experiment) The first light source 12A may be a light source having an S / P ratio in the range of 2.0 to 3.0. The reason why the S / P ratio 3.0 is set as the upper limit is that when the S / P ratio exceeds 3.0, it is difficult to satisfy the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law.

  The first light source 12A may be a light source that has a light emission color that satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by law and that has an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more. And it is not limited to white LED of the structure which combined green fluorescent substance.

  For example, the first light source 12A may be a white LED having a structure in which a blue LED element B and green and red phosphors GR are combined as shown in FIG. The green and red phosphors GR cover the blue LED element B, and are excited by blue light emitted from the blue LED element B to emit green and red light. The first light source 12A may be a white LED having a structure in which a red LED element, a green LED element, and a blue LED element are combined, or a white having a structure in which an ultraviolet or near ultraviolet LED element is combined with an RGB phosphor. LED may be sufficient. Even in a white LED having such a structure, by adjusting the phosphor concentration or the like, the emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram defined by the law, and the S / P ratio is 2. It is possible to configure zero or more light sources.

  The second light source 12B is a white LED having a structure in which a blue LED element and a yellow phosphor are combined (for example, a light emitting surface of 1 mm square × 5), and the emission color is regulated by regulations by adjusting the concentration of the yellow phosphor. The white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram is satisfied, and the S / P ratio is adjusted to less than 2.0 (for example, 1.5 to 1.8). Under the age of 45 years, even if the S / P ratio increases, the reaction time and the miss rate are almost flat, and based on the finding that there is no correlation between them (see the above experiment), under the age of 45 years, the S There is no point in using a light source having a / P ratio of 2.0 or more, and it is desirable to use a light source having an S / P ratio of less than 2.0.

  The second light source 12B only needs to be a light source whose emission color satisfies the white range on the CIE chromaticity diagram specified by law and has an S / P ratio of less than 2.0, and includes a blue LED element and a yellow phosphor. It is not limited to white LED of the structure which combined.

Matrix light source 12 (the white LEDs 12A, 12B) has its light emitting surface is mounted on a substrate K in a state facing upward, the rear side and the vicinity of the optical axis _{AX 10} from the vehicle rear side focal point _{F 11} of the projection lens 11 Has been placed. The matrix light source 12 (each white LED 12 </ b> A, 12 </ b> B) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis AX ₁₀ along one side along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX ₁₀ .

  The correlated color temperature of each of the light sources 12A and 12B is desirably white light of 4500 to 7000K or 5000 to 6000K.

The reflecting surface 13, the first focal point F1 is set near the matrix light source 12, rear focal point F ₁₁ reflecting surface of the spheroid system set in the vicinity (spheroid after the second focal point F2 is the projection lens 11 or to Similar free-form surface).

  The reflecting surface 13 faces the projection lens 11 from the side of the matrix light source 12 (the side of the rear side of the vehicle in FIG. 21A) so that light radiated upward from the matrix light source 12 enters. It extends and covers the top of the matrix light source 12.

According to lamp unit 10C1 of projector type above-described configuration, light emitted from the matrix light source 12, after converging at the rear side focal point F ₁₁ near the reflected projection lens 11 by the reflecting surface 13, transmitted through the projection lens 11 Then it is irradiated forward. As a result, a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 is formed on the virtual vertical screen (see FIGS. 12A, 20 and 23). The light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam includes a cut-off line defined by the shade 14 at its upper edge. FIG. 20 is an example of a passing beam light distribution pattern P <b> 1 (road surface light distribution) formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 200. FIG. 23 is an example of screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 20 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m forward from the vehicle front) facing the front of the vehicle. )

  According to the lamp unit 10C1 having the above configuration, by controlling the light sources 12A and 12B, the S / P ratio (spectral distribution) of the matrix light source 12 is changed to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more or 2 according to the age of the driver). (Less than 0.0). Thereby, the S / P ratio of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam as a whole is controlled to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more or less than 2.0) according to the age of the driver.

  The lamp unit 10C1 may be a lamp unit configured to form the passing beam light distribution pattern P1, and may be a known reflector-type lamp unit 10C2 shown in FIG. A known direct projection type (direct type) lamp unit 10C3 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21B is an example of a reflector-type lamp unit 10C2.

As shown in FIG. 21 (b), the reflector-type lamp unit 10C2 has a matrix light source 12 and a focal point F ₁₅ disposed in the vicinity of the optical axis AX ₁₀ extending in the vehicle front-rear direction with the light emitting surface facing substantially downward. A parabolic reflecting surface 15 (such as a rotating paraboloid or a similar free-form surface) set in the vicinity of the matrix light source 12 is provided.

The matrix light source 12 is mounted on the substrate with its light emitting surface facing downward, and is disposed near the focal point F ₁₅ of the reflecting surface 15. The matrix light source 12 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis AX ₁₀ along one side along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX ₁₀ .

  The reflection surface 15 reflects (distributes) light incident from the matrix light source 12 in a predetermined direction so as to form a light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam shown in FIG. 12A on the virtual vertical screen. Designed to.

  According to the reflector type lamp unit 10C2 having the above-described configuration, the light emitted from the matrix light source 12 is reflected by the reflecting surface 15 and irradiated forward. Thereby, the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam is formed on the virtual vertical screen (see FIG. 12A).

  Also by the lamp unit 10C2 having the above-described configuration, the S / P ratio (spectral distribution) of the matrix light source 12 is set to the driver's age by controlling one of the first light source 12A and the second light source 12B to light it. It becomes possible to control to a corresponding S / P ratio (2.0 or less or less than 2.0). Thereby, the S / P ratio of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam as a whole is controlled to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more or less than 2.0) according to the age of the driver.

  FIG. 21C shows an example of a direct projection type (direct-light type) lamp unit 10C3.

As shown in FIG. 21C, the direct projection type (direct-lighting) type lamp unit 10C3 includes a projection lens 16 disposed on an optical axis AX ₁₀ extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a rear focal point F ₁₆ of the projection lens _16. A shade 17 disposed in the vicinity, and a matrix light source 12 disposed in the vicinity of the rear of the shade 17 with the light emitting surface facing the projection lens 16 are provided.

The matrix light source 12 is mounted on the substrate K with its light emitting surface facing the projection lens 16, and is disposed near the focal point F ₁₆ of the projection lens 16. The matrix light source 12 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis AX ₁₀ along one side along a horizontal line orthogonal to the optical axis AX ₁₀ .

  The exit surface of the projection lens 16 refracts the light from the matrix light source 12 exiting from the exit surface of the projection lens 16 in a predetermined direction, and passes on the virtual vertical screen on the passing beam shown in FIG. The light distribution pattern P1 is designed to be formed.

  According to the direct projection type lamp unit 10C3 having the above configuration, light emitted from the matrix light source 12 passes through the projection lens 16 and is irradiated forward.

  Thereby, the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam is formed on the virtual vertical screen (see FIG. 12A). The passing beam light distribution pattern P1 includes a cut-off line defined by the shade 17 at an upper end edge thereof.

  Also by the lamp unit 10C3 having the above-described configuration, the S / P ratio (spectral distribution) of the matrix light source 12 is set to the driver's age by controlling any one of the first light source 12A and the second light source 12B and lighting it. It becomes possible to control to a corresponding S / P ratio (2.0 or less or less than 2.0). Thereby, the S / P ratio of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam as a whole is controlled to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more or less than 2.0) according to the age of the driver.

[S / P ratio control system 70]
Next, an S / P ratio control system for controlling the S / P ratio of the lamp unit 10C will be described.

  FIG. 24A is a system configuration diagram of the S / P ratio control system 70, and FIG. 24B is an example of spectral distribution data.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, the S / P ratio control system 70 includes a driver selection / registration unit 71, a driver age calculation unit 72, a determination unit 73, a control unit 74, and the like. The matrix light source 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 74. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by an ECU (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V executing a predetermined program.

  The driver selection / registration unit 71 associates a driver's name with the date of birth and registers them in the database unit 72a, and selects a specific driver name from among the driver names registered in the database unit 72a. It has a function to make it.

  The driver age calculating unit 72 has a clock function for grasping the current date, a function for reading the date of birth associated with the driver's name selected by the driver selection / registration unit 71 from the database unit 72a, and the read Based on the date of birth and the output from the clock function (current date), it has a function to calculate the age of the driver.

  The determination unit 73 has a function of reading spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the age of the driver calculated by the driver age calculation unit 72 from the database unit 73a.

  As shown in FIG. 24B, the database unit 73a includes a plurality of ages (or age groups) and spectral distribution data (for example, the matrix light source 12) corresponding to each of the plurality of ages (or age groups). Data corresponding to the light source to be turned on among the plurality of light sources 12A and 12B) and brightness data (for example, a current value determined in advance so that the illuminance line on the road surface is 2 [lx]) correspond to each other. Attached and stored. Note that the reason for setting 2 [lx] is that the illuminance under the moonlight (for example, the full moon) is approximately 1 [lx]. It is to do.

  Based on the spectral distribution data read out by the determination unit 73, the control unit 74 controls the light source specified by the spectral distribution data among the plurality of light sources 12A and 12B constituting the matrix light source 12 to light it. Thus, the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

  Next, the operation of the S / P ratio control system 70 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the S / P ratio control system 70.

  The following processing is realized mainly by an in-vehicle ECU (not shown) executing a predetermined program.

  First, the name of the driver registered in the database unit 72a is searched (step S20). The driver selection / registration unit 71 displays the name of the searched driver on, for example, a vehicle-mounted screen with a touch panel (for example, a navigation screen; see symbol S in FIG. 24A).

  If the user's name is not displayed on this screen (step S21: no), the driver selects “New Driver” on the screen via the touch panel, and the driver of his / her name, date of birth, etc. Information is input (step S22). For example, the driver information may be input by reading the driver information such as the driver's name and date of birth with a reading unit (not shown) from a driver's license or mobile phone, and inputting the read driver information. Alternatively, a key set of 50 sounds may be displayed on the screen, and driver information such as his / her name and date of birth may be directly input via the touch panel.

  The driver selection / registration unit 71 registers the driver name and date of birth input in step S22 in association with each other in the database unit 72a (step S23).

  On the other hand, when the self name is displayed on the screen (step S21: yes), the driver selects the self name on the screen via the touch panel (step S24).

  When the driver's name is selected, the driver age calculation unit 72 reads the date of birth associated with the selected driver's name from the database unit 72a, and outputs the read date of birth and the clock function. The age of the driver is calculated based on (current date) (step S25).

  The determination unit 73 reads spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the driver's age calculated in step S25 from the database unit 73a.

  For example, when the age of the driver calculated in step S25 is 45 years or older (step S26: no), the determination unit 73 has spectral distribution data associated with 45 years or older (lighting light source = first light source 12A). And brightness data (current value I3) is read from the database unit 73a. Based on the spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the read 45-year-old or older, the control unit 74 supplies a current value to the first light source 12A in the matrix light source 12 specified by the spectral distribution data. I3 is applied to light it (step S27). Thereby, the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is controlled to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more) corresponding to the age of the driver (45 years or more).

Light emitted from the matrix light source 12 (white LEDs 12A), after converging at the rear side focal point F ₁₁ near has been projection lens 11 reflected by the reflecting surface 13 and is irradiated forward through the projection lens 11. As a result, a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 (S / P ratio: 2.0 or more) is formed on the virtual vertical screen (see FIG. 12A). That is, the S / P ratio of the low beam light distribution pattern P1 as a whole is controlled to an S / P ratio (2.0 or more) adapted to the age of the driver (45 years or older). The passing beam light distribution pattern P1 is arranged on the road surface as shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, the contour of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam indicates a 2 [lx] line.

  On the other hand, when the age of the driver calculated in step S25 is less than 45 years (step S26: yes), the determination unit 73 has spectral distribution data associated with less than 45 years (lighting light source = second light source 12B). And brightness data (current value I4) is read from the database unit 73a. The control unit 74 then sets the current value to the second light source 12B in the matrix light source 12 specified by the spectral distribution data based on the read spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the age under 45. I4 is applied to light it (step S27). As a result, the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is controlled to an S / P ratio (less than 2.0) corresponding to the age of the driver (less than 45 years).

Light emitted from the matrix light source 12 (white LED 12b), after converging at the rear side focal point F ₁₁ near has been projection lens 11 reflected by the reflecting surface 13 and is irradiated forward through the projection lens 11. As a result, a passing beam light distribution pattern P1 (S / P ratio: less than 2.0) is formed on the virtual vertical screen (see FIG. 12A). That is, the S / P ratio of the entire low beam light distribution pattern P1 is controlled to an S / P ratio (less than 2.0) adapted to the age of the driver (less than 45 years). The passing beam light distribution pattern P1 is arranged on the road surface as shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, the contour of the light distribution pattern P1 for the passing beam indicates a 2 [lx] line.

  As described above, according to the vehicle headlamp 200 configured as described above, the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver. It is possible to improve awareness in peripheral vision in a dark environment (especially, increase the reaction speed of 45 years old or more and reduce the miss rate).

  Moreover, according to the vehicle headlamp 200 having the above-described configuration, the matrix is based on the spectral distribution data (spectral distribution data associated with the driver's age) read by the determination unit 73 (corresponding to the reading unit). It becomes possible to automatically control the S / P ratio of the light source 12 to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is automatically controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch that allows the driver to select the driver's age (for example, either 45 years old or older or less than 45 years old) is provided, and the S / P ratio of the matrix light source 12 is set to the S / P ratio corresponding to the selected age. You may make it control.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which divided the age group into 45 years old or more and less than 45 years old, this invention is not limited to this. Referring to FIG. 37, the visibility of the human eye decreases with age, so the age group is further subdivided (for example, 18-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-59 years old, over 60 years old) The S / P ratio may be changed for each subdivided age group.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which forms the light distribution pattern P1 for beam passing by the light from the matrix light source 12 by which S / P ratio was changed as mentioned above, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the traveling beam light distribution pattern P2 (see FIG. 12B) may be formed by the light from the matrix light source 12 with the S / P ratio changed as described above.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a vehicle headlamp 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Conventionally, the S / P ratio of the light distribution pattern for the passing beam of the vehicle headlamp is constant and does not change regardless of age.

  The inventors of the present application improve the awareness in peripheral vision with respect to a light source having a high S / P ratio as the age increases (especially, increasing the reaction speed of 45 years old and over and reducing the miss rate). As a result of repeated studies based on the headline (see the above experiment), this knowledge, and the visual characteristics of the human eye, some of the light distribution patterns for the passing beam are adapted to the human visual characteristics. By changing the S / P ratio, it is possible to improve the awareness of peripheral vision in a dark environment when driving at night (especially, increasing the reaction speed of 45 years old and over and reducing the missed rate). Based on this idea, the present invention was completed.

  Hereinafter, a configuration example of the vehicle headlamp 300 capable of changing a part of the S / P ratio in the passing beam light distribution pattern according to the age will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a front view of a vehicle V equipped with a vehicle headlamp 300 capable of changing a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for passing beams according to age. FIG. 27 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp 300.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the vehicle headlamp 300 according to the present embodiment is disposed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of a vehicle V such as an automobile, and has five lamp units 10D, 10E, 20, 30C on one side. , 30D. Each lamp unit 10-30 is connected to a known aiming mechanism (not shown) so that the optical axis can be adjusted. Since the lamp unit 20 constituting the vehicle headlamp 300 has the same configuration as the lamp unit 20 constituting the vehicle headlamp 100, the description thereof is omitted.

[Lamp Unit 10D]
The lamp unit 10D irradiates a range of 0 to 5 ° to the left (or 0 to 5 ° to the right) with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle (see FIG. 28), and faces the front of the vehicle. A light distribution pattern for passing beam is formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) (see FIG. 29). FIG. 28 shows an example of a light distribution pattern for passing beam (road surface light distribution) formed on the road surface by the vehicle headlamp 300. FIG. 29 is an example of screen light distribution corresponding to the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 28 (formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead of the vehicle front) facing the front of the vehicle. ).

  The lamp unit 10D may be a lamp that irradiates a range of 0 to 5 ° left (or 0 to 5 ° right) with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle. The projector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 21B, the reflector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 21B, or the direct projection-type (direct-light type) lamp unit shown in FIG. There may be. The light source of the lamp unit 10D is, for example, an HID bulb having an S / P ratio of 1.82 (or a white LED having an S / P ratio of about 1.5 to 1.8).

[Lamp Unit 10E]
The lamp unit 10E illuminates a range of 5 to 15 degrees left (or 5 to 15 degrees right) with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle (see FIG. 28), and faces the front of the vehicle. A light distribution pattern for passing beam is formed on a virtual vertical screen (disposed approximately 25 m ahead from the front of the vehicle) (see FIG. 29). The lamp unit 10E may be any lamp that irradiates a left 5-15 ° (or right 5-15 °) range with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle. The projector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 21B, the reflector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 21B, or the direct projection-type (direct-light type) lamp unit shown in FIG. There may be. The light source of the lamp unit 10E is, for example, an HID bulb having an S / P ratio of 1.82 (or a white LED having an S / P ratio of about 1.5 to 1.8).

[Additional lamp 30C for complementing visual characteristics]
The visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30C is a lamp that irradiates a left 5-15 ° (or right 5-15 °) range with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in a peripheral region in front of the vehicle. The additional lamp 30C for storing visual characteristics may be a lamp that irradiates a range of 5 to 15 degrees to the left (or 5 to 15 degrees to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction in the front of the vehicle. It may be a projector-type lamp unit shown in (a), a reflector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 13 (b), or a direct projection type (direct-light type) shown in FIG. 13 (c). It may be a lamp unit. The light source of the visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30C is the first visual characteristic supplementing LED light source 32A, similar to the visual characteristic supplementing additional lamp 30A.

[Additional lamp 30D for complementing visual characteristics]
The visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30D is a lamp that irradiates a range of 15 ° or more left (or 15 ° or more right) with respect to a reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in a peripheral region in front of the vehicle. The additional visual property storage lamp 30D may be a lamp that irradiates a range of 15 ° or more left (or 15 ° or more right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle. The projector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 13 (b), the reflector-type lamp unit shown in FIG. 13 (b), or the direct projection-type (direct-light type) lamp shown in FIG. 13 (c). It may be a unit. The light source of the visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30D is the second visual characteristic supplementing LED light source 32B, similar to the visual characteristic supplementing additional lamp 30B.

  According to the visual characteristic storage additional lamps 30C and 30D having the above-described configuration, a part of the S / P ratio (spectral distribution) in the light distribution pattern for passing beams is controlled by controlling the LED light sources 32A and 32B for complementing the visual characteristics. It is possible to control the S / P ratio according to the age of the driver.

[S / P ratio control system 80]
Next, an S / P ratio control system for controlling a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam will be described.

  30A is a system configuration diagram of the S / P ratio control system 80, and FIG. 30B is an example of light distribution range / spectral distribution data.

  As shown in FIG. 30A, the S / P ratio control system 80 includes a driver selection / registration unit 81, a driver age calculation unit 82, a determination unit 83, a control unit 84, and the like. The controller 84 is electrically connected to the light sources of the lamp units 10D, 10E, 30C, and 30D. The functions of these units are realized, for example, by an ECU (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V executing a predetermined program.

  The driver selection / registration unit 81 has a function of inputting the driver's name and date of birth, a function of registering the input driver's name and date of birth in association with the database unit 82a, and registration with the database unit 82a. It has a function that allows the driver to select the name of a specific driver from the names of the registered drivers.

  The driver age calculation unit 82 has a clock function for grasping the current date, a function for reading the date of birth associated with the name of the driver selected by the driver selection / registration unit 81 from the database unit 82a, and the read Based on the date of birth and the output from the clock function (current date), it has a function to calculate the age of the driver.

  The determination unit 83 has a function of reading the light distribution range / spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the age of the driver calculated by the driver age calculation unit 82 from the database unit 83a.

  As shown in FIG. 30B, the database unit 83a includes a plurality of ages (or age groups) and light distribution ranges / spectral distribution data (for example, lamp units) corresponding to the ages (or age groups). 10D, 10E, 30C, and 30D light source specifying data to be turned on) and brightness data (for example, a current value determined in advance so that the illuminance line on the road surface is 2 [lx]). Are stored in association with each other. Note that the reason for setting 2 [lx] is that the illuminance under the moonlight (for example, the full moon) is approximately 1 [lx]. It is to do.

  Based on the light distribution range / spectral distribution data read out by the determination unit 83, the control unit 84 selects a light source specified by the light distribution range / spectral distribution data among the light sources of the lamp units 10D, 10E, 30C, 30D. By controlling and lighting this, a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam is controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

  Next, the operation of the S / P ratio control system 80 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the S / P ratio control system 80.

  The following processing is realized mainly by an in-vehicle ECU (not shown) executing a predetermined program.

  First, the name of the driver registered in the database unit 82a is searched (step S40). The driver selection / registration unit 81 displays the name of the searched driver on, for example, a vehicle-mounted screen with a touch panel (for example, a navigation screen; see symbol S in FIG. 30A).

  If the user's name is not displayed on this screen (step S41: no), the driver selects “new driver” on the screen via the touch panel, and the driver of his / her name, date of birth, etc. Information is input (step S42). For example, the driver information may be input by reading the driver information such as the driver's name and date of birth with a reading unit (not shown) from a driver's license or mobile phone, and inputting the read driver information. Alternatively, a key set of 50 sounds may be displayed on the screen, and driver information such as his / her name and date of birth may be directly input via the touch panel.

  The driver selection / registration unit 81 registers the driver name and date of birth input in step S42 in association with each other in the database unit 82a (step S43).

  On the other hand, when the self name is displayed on the screen (step S41: yes), the driver selects the self name on the screen via the touch panel (step S44).

  When the driver's name is selected, the driver age calculating unit 82 reads the date of birth associated with the selected driver's name from the database unit 82a, and outputs the read date of birth and the clock function. The age of the driver is calculated based on (current date) (step S45).

  The determination unit 83 reads the light distribution range / spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the age of the driver calculated in step S45 from the database unit 83a.

  For example, when the driver's age calculated in step S45 is 45 years or older (step S46: no), the determination unit 83 determines the light distribution range / spectral distribution data associated with the age of 45 or more (lighting light source = lamp) The light source of the unit 10D, the light sources (visual light source complementary LED light sources 32A and 32B) and the brightness data (current value I5) of the additional lamps 30C and 30D for complementing visual characteristics are read from the database unit 83a (steps S47 to S49). The control unit 84, based on the read light distribution range / spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with the age of 45 years or older, identifies the light source of the lamp unit 10D specified by the light distribution range / spectral distribution data. The current value I is added to the light sources of the additional lamps 30C and 30D for complementing the visual characteristics (LED light sources 32A and 32B for complementing the visual characteristics) The applied and turns it.

  The light emitted from the lamp unit 10D (the light source thereof) irradiates a range of 0 to 5 ° to the left (or 0 to 5 ° to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the front of the vehicle (FIG. 28). reference).

  The reason for the left-right 0-5 ° range is that, for those over 45 years of age, the awareness of peripheral vision (range where there are many cases) for light sources with a high S / P ratio is improved compared to under 45 years old This is because, based on the knowledge (see the above experiment), a light source having a high S / P ratio is irradiated in a range of 5 ° or more on the left and right.

  Further, the light emitted from the LED light source 32A for visual characteristic supplement (additional lamp 30C for visual characteristic storage) is 5 to 15 ° to the left with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the peripheral area in front of the vehicle (or A range of 5 to 15 degrees on the right is irradiated (see FIG. 28).

  Further, the light emitted from the visual characteristic complementing LED light source 32B (visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30D) is 15 ° or more left (or right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the peripheral area in front of the vehicle. A range of 15 ° or more is irradiated (see FIG. 28).

  Thereby, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 29 is formed. In this case, the range where the S / P ratio on the road surface is 2.0 or more extends to a range of 5 ° or more on the left and right (see FIG. 28). The reason why the left / right range is 5 ° or more is that, when it is 45 years or older, it is more noticeable in peripheral vision (range where there are many rods) for a light source with a higher S / P ratio than under 45 years This is to improve awareness in peripheral vision of 45 years and older based on (see the above experiment).

  As described above, the S / P ratio of a part of the light distribution pattern for the passing beam (the range of 5 ° or more to the left (or the range of 5 ° or more to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX) is the driver's age (45 years old). S / P ratio (2.0 or more) adapted to the above.

  On the other hand, when the age of the driver calculated in step S45 is less than 45 years (step S46: yes), the determination unit 83 determines the light distribution range / spectral distribution data associated with the age under 45 (light source to be turned on = lamp) The light sources of the units 10D and 10E and the LED light source 32B for complementing visual characteristics and the brightness data (current value I6) are read from the database unit 83a (steps S50 to S52). Then, the control unit 84, based on the read light distribution range / spectral distribution data and brightness data associated with under 45 years old, the lamp unit 10D specified by the light distribution range / spectral distribution data, A current value I6 is applied to the light source 10E and the LED light source 32B for complementing visual characteristics to light it.

  The light emitted from the lamp unit 10D (the light source thereof) irradiates a range of 0 to 5 ° to the left (or 0 to 5 ° to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the front of the vehicle (FIG. 28). reference).

  Further, light emitted from the lamp unit 10E (light source thereof) irradiates a range of 5 to 15 ° to the left (or 5 to 15 ° to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the front of the vehicle ( (See FIG. 28).

  Further, the light emitted from the visual characteristic complementing LED light source 32B (visual characteristic storage additional lamp 30D) is 15 ° or more left (or right) with respect to the reference axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the peripheral area in front of the vehicle. A range of 15 ° or more is irradiated (see FIG. 28).

  Thereby, the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 29 is formed. In this case, the range where the S / P ratio on the road surface is 2.0 or more extends to a range of 15 ° or more on the left and right (see FIG. 28). The reason why the left and right range is 15 ° or more is that when the age is less than 45 years, the yellowing of the lens does not progress so much as compared with the age of 45 or more, and there is no point in irradiating the range less than 5 to 15 °.

  As described above, the S / P ratio of a part of the light distribution pattern for passing beams (the range of 15 ° or more to the left (or the range of 15 ° or more to the right) with respect to the reference axis AX) is the driver's age (45 years old). S / P ratio (less than 2.0) adapted to (less than).

  As described above, according to the vehicle headlamp 300 configured as described above, the S / P ratio of a part of the light distribution pattern for the passing beam is controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver. Therefore, it is possible to improve awareness in peripheral vision in a dark environment during night driving (especially, increase the reaction speed of 45 years old or more and lower the miss rate).

  Further, according to the vehicle headlamp 300 having the above-described configuration, the light distribution range / spectral distribution data (the light distribution range / spectrum associated with the age of the driver) read by the determination unit 83 (corresponding to the reading unit). Based on the distribution data), it becomes possible to automatically control a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

  Next, a modified example will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for the passing beam is automatically controlled to the S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, a switch that allows the driver to select the driver's age (for example, either 45 years old or older or less than 45 years old) is provided, and a part of the S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for passing beams is set to the selected age. The S / P ratio may be controlled accordingly.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which divided the age group into 45 years old or more and less than 45 years old, this invention is not limited to this. Referring to FIG. 37, the visibility of the human eye decreases with age, so the age group is further subdivided (for example, 18-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-59 years old, over 60 years old) The S / P ratio may be changed for each subdivided age group.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which controls a part of S / P ratio in the light distribution pattern for passing beams to the S / P ratio according to the age of the driver, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a part of the S / P ratio in the traveling beam light distribution pattern P2 may be controlled to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 200, 300 ... Vehicle headlamp, 10, 10A, 10B ... Lamp unit, 11 ... Projection lens, 12 ... Matrix light source, 12A ... 1st light source, 12B ... 2nd light source, 13 ... Reflecting surface, 14 ... Shade, 15 ... reflecting surface, 16 ... projection lens, 17 ... shade, 20 ... lamp unit, 30 ... lamp unit, 30A (30A1 to 30A3) ... additional lamp for complementing visual characteristics, 30B (30B1 to 30B3) ... complementing visual characteristics Additional lamp, 30C ... additional lamp for complementing visual characteristics, 30D ... additional lamp for complementing visual characteristics, 31 ... projection lens, 32A ... first light source, 32B ... second light source, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F ... white LED, 33 ... Reflecting surface, 34 ... Reflecting surface, 35 ... Projection lens, 60 ... Light distribution range control system, 61 ... Driver selection / registration unit, 62 ... Driver Age calculation unit 63 ... determination unit 64 64 control unit 62a database unit 63a database unit 70 S / P ratio control system 71 driver selection / registration unit 72 driver age calculation unit 73 Determining unit, 74 ... control unit, 72a ... database unit, 73a ... database unit, 80 ... S / P ratio control system, 81 ... driver selection / registration unit, 82 ... driver age calculation unit, 83 ... determination unit, 84 ... control Part, 82a ... database part, 83a ... database part

Claims (8)

A lamp unit including a light source that emits light that irradiates a peripheral region in front of the vehicle;
Control means for controlling the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit;
With
The control means controls the light distribution range in the peripheral region of the light from the lamp unit to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver ,
A vehicle headlamp, wherein the light source has an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more . A database unit storing a plurality of ages or age groups and light distribution range data corresponding to each of the plurality of ages or age groups;
Reading means for reading the light distribution range data associated with the age of the driver from the database unit;
With
The control means controls the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit to a light distribution range according to the age of the driver based on the light distribution range data read by the reading means. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 . The light source includes a plurality of light sources that emit light that irradiates different areas of the peripheral area,
The light distribution range data is data for specifying a light source to be lit among the plurality of light sources,
The control means controls a light source specified by the light distribution range data read by the reading means among the plurality of light sources and turns on the light source to thereby distribute the light distribution range of the light from the lamp unit The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2, wherein a light distribution range according to the age of the driver is controlled. A lamp unit including a light source that emits light that illuminates the front of the vehicle;
Control means for controlling the S / P ratio of the light source;
With
The vehicle headlamp, wherein the control means controls the S / P ratio of the light source to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver. A database unit storing a plurality of ages or age groups and spectral distribution data corresponding to each of the plurality of ages or age groups,
Reading means for reading spectral distribution data associated with the age of the driver from the database unit;
With
The control means controls the S / P ratio of the light source to an S / P ratio corresponding to the age of the driver based on the spectral distribution data read by the reading means. 4. A vehicle headlamp according to 4. The light source includes a plurality of white LEDs having different S / P ratios,
The spectral distribution data is data for specifying a white LED to be lit among the plurality of white LEDs,
The control unit controls the white LED specified by the spectral distribution data read by the reading unit among the plurality of white LEDs and turns on the white LED to thereby set the S / P ratio of the light source. 6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 5 , wherein the S / P ratio is controlled according to the age of the driver. The vehicular headlamp according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of white LEDs include white LEDs having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more.   A first angle range with respect to a reference axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in front of the vehicle and a second angle range adjacent to the outside of the first angle range, or a third angle range wider than the first angle range with respect to the reference axis And a vehicle headlamp that illuminates a fourth angle range adjacent to the outside of the third angle range,
  The first angle range and the third angle range are illuminated by light emitted from a light source having an S / P ratio of less than 2.0,
  The second angle range and the fourth angle range are irradiated with light emitted from a light source having an S / P ratio of 2.0 or more,
  A vehicle headlamp that switches between irradiation of the first angle range and the second angle range or irradiation of the third angle range and the fourth angle range based on the age of the driver.