JP5989429B2 - Lighting device and vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device and a vehicle headlamp that can utilize fluorescence generated by irradiating a phosphor with excitation light as part of illumination light.

  In recent years, by using a semiconductor light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser device (LD) as an excitation light source, the phosphor layer is irradiated with excitation light generated from these excitation light sources. Research on technology that emits fluorescence has become active. Such techniques are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4, for example.

  The vehicle headlamp of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of laser elements, a condensing lens that condenses light emitted from these laser elements, and a drive electronic circuit that selectively emits the laser elements. Yes. Thereby, the illumination characteristic of the headlamp can be adapted to the traveling drive condition and the ambient condition.

  Further, the headlamp of Patent Document 2 includes an irradiation unit that scans and emits light from a plurality of laser elements in accordance with the determined light distribution pattern, so that a desired light distribution pattern is formed. Can do. Moreover, since this headlamp is provided with the output adjustment part which adjusts the output of the said laser element, light and shade can be formed in a light distribution pattern.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose that a plurality of LEDs may be provided instead of a laser element.

  In the vehicular lamp of Patent Document 3, a projection lens and a horizontally long surface light source including a plurality of LEDs, and the optical axis direction of each of the plurality of LEDs is a predetermined angle from an axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. It is arranged in an inclined posture. This realizes a wide light distribution pattern in the horizontal direction when the LED outside the focus of the projection lens is lit, and illuminates the left and right sides when the LED inside the focus is lit. A light distribution pattern suitable for AFS to be performed can be realized. That is, the two light distribution patterns can be switched.

  The light source device of Patent Document 4 includes light control means for changing the irradiation range and / or the light intensity distribution of the excitation light emitted from the solid light source to the phosphor. Thereby, the light distribution can be made variable by a simple method.

JP 2003-45210 A (published February 14, 2003) JP 2011-157022 (released on August 18, 2011) JP 2011-113668 A (released on June 9, 2011) JP 2011-134619 A (published July 7, 2011)

  However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose that a laser element, an LED, or the like is used as a light source, but do not disclose that a plurality of types of light sources are used in one apparatus. That is, there is no disclosure of a lamp provided with both a laser element and an LED.

  Therefore, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 cannot control the light distribution characteristics of the light sources having different light emission principles.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to irradiate illumination light to a light projection range of a desired area by using a laser light source and other light sources. An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device and a vehicle headlamp capable of controlling characteristics and light intensity distribution.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an illumination device according to the present invention includes a laser light source, a light control unit that controls light guide of the laser light emitted from the laser light source to a light emitting unit, and the light control unit. By changing the position or angle of the first light source that includes a light emitting unit that emits light by receiving controlled laser light, the second light source that emits light by a light emission principle different from the first light source, and the light control unit, Changing means for changing an irradiation area formed by the laser light emitted from the laser light source on the light emitting unit, and simultaneously projecting the light emitted from each of the first light source and the second light source. Ri can der, the first light source comprises a plurality of the laser light source, the light control unit is a mirror or a lens is disposed so as to correspond to each of the plurality of the laser light source, a plurality The laser light source has a matrix shape so that irradiation regions formed by each of the laser beams emitted from the laser light source are formed in a matrix shape in the light emitting unit when at least the light control unit is uncontrolled. And a first output control means for controlling the output of each of the plurality of laser light sources .

  According to the above configuration, since the first light source and the second light source are provided, and the light emitted from each of the first light source and the second light source can be simultaneously projected, the light is emitted by one illumination device. Light emitted from light sources having different principles can be used as illumination light.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, since a change means changes the irradiation area | region which the laser beam radiate | emitted from the laser light source forms in a light emission part, it can change the light projection range of the illumination light radiate | emitted from a light emission part. it can.

  Therefore, it is possible to use the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source as illumination light, and to irradiate the illumination light on a light projection range of a desired area, and the light distribution characteristics of the illumination light, In addition, the light intensity distribution can be controlled.

  Furthermore, according to the said structure, the 1st light source is provided with the light control part which controls the light guide to the light emission part of the laser beam radiate | emitted from the laser light source. Then, the changing means changes the irradiation region formed by the laser light on the light emitting unit by changing the position or angle of the light control unit, so that the irradiation region is changed in response to the change of the position or angle. can do. Therefore, it is possible to control the light distribution characteristic of the illumination light with high responsiveness to the change in position or angle.

  In addition, since the light distribution characteristic can be controlled by the laser light source, a high-level optical design (for example, a lens cut or a mirror cut) is not required to satisfy the light distribution within a specified light projection range.

  Furthermore, in the illumination device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first light source includes a plurality of the laser light sources, and the light control unit is disposed so as to correspond to each of the laser light sources.

  According to the above configuration, since the light guides of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources are controlled by the light control units arranged corresponding to the laser light sources, the formation of the irradiation region is further improved. It can be finely controlled. Therefore, the light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit can be controlled more finely.

  Furthermore, the illuminating device according to the present invention preferably includes first output control means for controlling the output of the laser light source.

  According to the above configuration, the first output control means controls the output of the laser light source, thereby controlling the intensity of the laser light irradiated to the light emitting unit, and thereby the intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting unit is also increased. Can be controlled. Therefore, not only can the light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit be freely changed, but also the intensity of the light can be freely controlled, so that further change in the light projection range can be realized. .

  Furthermore, in the illumination device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the changing unit changes a position of the irradiation region with respect to the light emitting unit.

  According to the said structure, the position of the light projection range which the illumination light radiate | emitted from the light emission part forms can be controlled freely.

  Further, in the illumination device according to the present invention, the first light source includes a plurality of the laser light sources, and the changing unit is a part of the irradiation region formed by each of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources. It is preferable to change the irradiation region so that they overlap each other.

  According to the above configuration, since the changing unit changes each irradiation region so that a part of the plurality of irradiation regions overlap each other, the projection ranges formed corresponding to the respective irradiation regions can overlap each other. . Therefore, the light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit can be smoothed.

  Furthermore, in the illumination device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the second light source emits illumination light so as to satisfy a minimum illuminance defined for the device itself.

  According to the above configuration, the illumination light emitted from the second light source is emitted so as to satisfy the minimum illuminance specified for the device itself. Therefore, even when the first light source is not turned on, only the second light source emits the minimum light. Illuminance can be secured. That is, the illumination light emitted from the second light source can be the basic light distribution of the illumination device of the present invention.

  Further, in the illumination device according to the present invention, the changing means has a first light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the first light source, and a second projection light formed by the illumination light output from the second light source. It is preferable to change the irradiation area so as to be formed outside the light projection range or outside the second light projection range.

  According to the above configuration, the first light projecting range can be formed in the vicinity of the second light projecting range or other than the second light projecting range, so that it is difficult to visually recognize the illumination light emitted from the second light source. Can be supplemented by illumination light emitted from the light emitting section.

  Further, in the illumination device according to the present invention, the changing means has a first light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the first light source, and a second projection light formed by the illumination light output from the second light source. It is preferable to change the irradiation area so as to be formed in a part of the light projection range.

  According to the above configuration, since the first light projecting range can be formed as a part of the second light projecting range, the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit is difficult to visually recognize within the second light projecting range. Can be supplemented with.

  Furthermore, in the illumination device according to the present invention, the first light source includes a plurality of the laser light sources, and a plurality of irradiation regions formed by the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources are simultaneously formed on the light emitting unit. It is preferable to be formed.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of light projection ranges formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit can be formed simultaneously. Therefore, each of a plurality of locations in front of the lighting device can be projected simultaneously.

  Furthermore, the illumination device according to the present invention includes a second output control unit that controls an output of the illumination light output from the second light source, and the second output control unit is configured to transmit the illumination light from the first light source. It is preferable to control the output of the illumination light emitted from the second light source according to the output state.

  According to the above configuration, since the second output control means is provided, the output control of the second light source can be performed according to the output state (lighting state) of the illumination light from the first light source. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced and the second light source can be used as a backup for the first light source.

  Furthermore, the illumination device according to the present invention includes a light projecting unit that projects illumination light emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source, and the light projecting unit is an elliptical mirror, It is preferable that the light emitting unit is disposed at a first focal point of the light projecting unit, and the second light source is disposed at a second focal point of the light projecting unit.

  According to the above configuration, since the light emitting unit is provided at the first focal point of the light projecting unit including the elliptical mirror and the second light source is provided at the second focal point, the light emitting unit and the second light source are provided by one light projecting unit. The illumination light emitted from can be individually projected. Therefore, the size of the lighting device can be reduced.

  In addition, the light emitted from the light emitting unit arranged at the first focal point forms a light bundle near parallel by the light projecting unit and is projected in front thereof. For this reason, the light from a light emission part can be efficiently projected in a solid angle. As a result, the light utilization efficiency can be increased.

  Furthermore, in the illumination device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the second light source is a light emitting diode that emits white light as illumination light, and the light emitting unit functions as a part of the second light source.

  According to the above configuration, since the light emitting unit and the second light source can be configured integrally, the number of components of the lighting device can be reduced, and thus the configuration of the lighting device can be simplified. it can.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes the illumination device described above.

  According to the above configuration, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be used as illumination light, and the light distribution characteristics and the light intensity distribution of the illumination light can be controlled, as in the above illumination device. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to control the light distribution characteristics of illumination light with high responsiveness to the change in position or angle.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes a detecting unit that detects an object, and the changing unit detects the object when the detecting unit detects the object, so that the object includes the object. It is preferable to change the irradiation area.

  According to the above configuration, the object detected by the detecting means can be included in the light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit, so that the vehicle driver equipped with the vehicle headlamp can be used. The object can be surely visually recognized.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes a detecting unit that detects an object, and the changing unit detects the light emission so that the object is not included when the object is detected by the detecting unit. It is preferable to change the irradiation area for the part.

  According to the said structure, the object detected by the detection means can be excluded from the light projection range which the illumination light radiate | emitted from the light emission part forms. In particular, when the object is, for example, an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, the driver may interfere with the driving of the driver by receiving light emitted from the vehicle headlamp of the present application. According to the above configuration, since unpleasant glare and dazzling given to the driver and the like can be reduced, a safe and comfortable traffic environment can be provided.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention further includes an identifying unit that identifies the type of the object detected by the detecting unit by image recognition, and the changing unit is the object identified by the identifying unit. It is preferable that the irradiation area is changed when the type matches the type of object registered in advance.

  According to the above configuration, since the identification means for identifying the type of the object detected by the detection means by image recognition is provided, the optimal illumination area can be changed according to the type of the object identified by the identification means. It becomes possible. Therefore, the light projection range formed by the light emitted from the light emitting unit can be changed according to the type of the object.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, the detection means detects infrared radiant energy radiated from the object, and a temperature distribution image based on the infrared radiant energy detected by the detection means. Generating means for identifying the type of the object, and the changing means is configured to emit the irradiation when the type of the object identified by the identifying means matches the type of the object registered in advance. It is preferable to change the region.

  According to the above configuration, since the identification means for identifying the type of the object is provided based on the temperature distribution image based on the infrared radiation energy detected by the detection means, the identification means for identifying the type of the object by the image recognition described above. Similarly, the optimal irradiation area can be changed according to the type of the object.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, it is preferable that the detection means is a radar that irradiates the object with infrared rays and detects a reflected wave thereof.

  According to the above configuration, since the detecting means is the radar, a highly versatile detecting means can be realized.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention, the changing means is any one of an illumination light distribution pattern defined in the right-hand passing country and an illumination light distribution pattern defined in the left-hand passing country. It is preferable to change the irradiation region with respect to the light emitting unit so as to satisfy the above condition.

  According to the above configuration, the vehicle headlamp of the present application can be used in any country because the light distribution characteristics satisfying the laws stipulated in those countries can be realized in both right-handed and left-handed countries. It can be mounted on a vehicle and used.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention includes an inclination detection unit that detects an inclination of the vehicle with respect to a horizontal plane, and the changing unit may change the irradiation area according to a detection result by the inclination detection unit. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, since the position of the irradiation area is changed according to the detection result of the inclination of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal plane, the position of the light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit is changed in the substantially vertical direction. be able to.

  For example, when passing an oncoming vehicle at the top of a slope, the oncoming vehicle can be prevented from being included in the light projection range, thereby reducing unpleasant glare and dazzling given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. be able to.

  As described above, the illumination device according to the present invention includes a laser light source, a light control unit that controls light guide from the laser light source to the light emitting unit, and a laser controlled by the light control unit. By changing the position or angle of the light control unit with respect to the light emitting unit, a first light source including a light emitting unit that emits light upon receiving light, a second light source that emits light by a light emission principle different from the first light source, Changing means for changing an irradiation area formed by the laser light emitted from the laser light source on the light emitting unit, and simultaneously projecting the light emitted from each of the first light source and the second light source. It is a configuration that is possible.

  Therefore, the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source can be used as illumination light, and the light distribution characteristics and light intensity distribution of the illumination light can be controlled.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the headlamp which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of schematic structure of the said headlamp. It is the top view and sectional drawing which show an example of schematic structure of LED with which the said headlamp is provided. It is the figure which showed typically the relationship between the several laser element with which the said headlamp is provided, and a light emission part. It is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution characteristic when the said headlamp is used in an urban area, (a) is a figure which shows the light distribution characteristic at the time of lighting only LED, (b) is both a laser light source unit and LED. It is a figure which shows the light distribution characteristic when is lighted. (A) is a figure which shows the 1st light projection range which the illumination light which a laser light source unit emits when implement | achieving the light distribution characteristic shown in FIG.5 (b) forms, (b) is ( It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of the irradiation area | region formed in the light emission part when implement | achieving the 1st light projection range of a). An example of the flow of processing of the headlamp is shown. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light projection range formed by the process of the said headlamp, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the irradiation area | region formed in the said light emission part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light projection range formed by the modification of the process of FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the light projection range formed by the process of the said headlamp, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the irradiation area | region formed in the said light emission part, (c ) Is a diagram showing an example of light distribution characteristics when only the LED is lit. (A) is a figure which shows a mode that the said headlamp implement | achieves the light distribution pattern prescribed | regulated in the right-hand traffic country, (b) is the figure which implement | achieves the light distribution pattern prescribed | regulated in the left-hand traffic country. It is a figure which shows a mode that is doing. An example of the flow of processing of the headlamp is shown. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the inclination-angle of a vehicle, and the change of an irradiation area | region. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows another example of the relationship shown in FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution characteristic of the conventional headlamp, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the light distribution characteristic of the headlamp which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that the illumination light which a vehicle radiate | emits affects an oncoming vehicle at the uphill of a slope. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the light projection range formed by the process of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows the modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp, (a) is a top view which shows the example, (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the said light emission part and LED in the said modification. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary about formation of an irradiation area | region when the position or angle of the lens with which the said headlamp is provided is changed. It is a figure explaining the mode of the light projection by the said headlamp. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the light projection by the said headlamp. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the light projection by the said headlamp. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the headlamp which concerns on another another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is the schematic explaining a MEMS mirror. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. (A)-(c) is the schematic explaining a piezomirror element. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp. It is a figure which shows another modification of the said headlamp.

  An embodiment of the lighting device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a case where the lighting device according to the present invention is applied to a headlamp of an automobile will be described as an example. However, the lighting device according to the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle headlamp other than an automobile or other lighting devices.

[Schematic structure of the headlamp 100]
First, an example of a schematic structure of a headlamp 100 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a schematic configuration of the headlamp 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the headlamp 100 includes a laser light source unit 1 (first light source), an LED 2 (second light source, light emitting diode), a heat radiation base 3, fins 4, a reflector 14 (light projecting unit), and a wavelength cut coat. 15 and a convex lens 16.

  The headlamp 100 includes a laser light source unit 1 and an LED 2, and has a configuration capable of simultaneously projecting light emitted from each of the laser light source unit 1 and the LED 2. Therefore, in one illumination device, light emitted from the light sources having different light emission principles such as the laser light source unit 1 and the LED 2 can be used as illumination light, and the light distribution characteristics and light intensity distribution of the illumination light are controlled. be able to.

  Here, in the conventional lamp, in order to realize a specific light distribution pattern (for example, the light distribution characteristic of the passing headlamp) by the LED, a part of the illumination light by a mask (light-shielding plate), lens cut or mirror cut However, in this configuration, a loss of illumination light occurs.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the LED 2 is mainly used as a backup of the light emitted from the laser light source unit 1. In addition, the shape and size of the first light projection range a1 can be freely changed by an irradiation area changing unit 64 (described later). Therefore, an advanced optical design (for example, a lens cut or a mirror cut) is not necessary for forming a specific light distribution pattern. Further, for example, switching of the light distribution characteristics of the traveling headlamp and the passing headlamp can be realized with a reflector having a simple shape. In the present embodiment, the formation of a free light projection range may be hindered by mirror cut or the like.

  Further, when the configuration of the headlamp 100 of the present embodiment is realized by an illumination device (for example, a room lamp) other than the headlamp 100, for example, the entire room is illuminated with illumination light emitted from the LED 2, and the laser light source unit It is also possible to illuminate the top of the desk with illumination light emitted from 1.

  In general, when the laser light source unit 1 and the LED 2 are compared in the same power consumption state, the laser light source unit 1 emits illumination light with high luminance and low luminous flux, while the LED 2 emits illumination light with low luminance and high luminous flux. Is emitted.

  Further, one headlamp 100 is disposed at each of both front side ends of the automobile to be mounted. For convenience of explanation, a case where illumination is performed by one headlamp 100 will be described below.

<Laser light source unit 1>
As shown in FIG. 2, the laser light source unit 1 includes a laser element 11 (laser light source), a light control unit 12, and a light emitting unit 13.

(Laser element 11)
The laser element 11 is a light emitting element that functions as an excitation light source that emits excitation light. The laser element 11 may have one light emitting point on one chip, or may have a plurality of light emitting points on one chip.

  By using laser light as the excitation light, it is possible to efficiently excite phosphors included in the light emitting unit 13 described later, and to emit light having higher brightness than the conventional light source. Further, the light emitting unit 13 itself Can be reduced in diameter. In this embodiment, the irradiation region (spot size of excitation light) formed by the laser light emitted from one laser element 11 on the light emitting unit 13 via the reflection mirror 12a has a diameter of 20 μm to 1000 μm.

  The laser light source unit 1 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of laser elements 11, and laser light as excitation light is oscillated from each of the plurality of laser elements 11. Since the laser element 11 is a high-intensity light source, it is possible to efficiently narrow the irradiation area formed on the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13, and as a result, it is possible to project light with a narrow light distribution angle.

  In the present embodiment, the number of laser elements 11 is 24. That is, the laser light emitted from each of the laser elements 11 forms 24 irradiation regions on the light receiving surface which is the surface that receives the laser light of the light emitting unit 13. Further, the 24 irradiation regions are arranged on the fins 4 so as to be formed uniformly (in a matrix) on the light receiving surface (for example, 6 in the vertical direction of the light receiving surface and 4 in the horizontal direction). ing. Thereby, the phosphors of the light emitting unit 13 can be excited in a matrix by the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11. Note that the number of the laser elements 11 is not limited to the above, and any number may be used as long as the laser light irradiation to the entire light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 can be realized.

  The wavelength of the laser beam of the laser element 11 is, for example, 395 nm (blue violet) or 450 nm (blue), but is not limited thereto, and may be appropriately selected according to the type of phosphor included in the light emitting unit 13. .

  The laser element 11 is mounted on a metal package having a diameter of 5.6 mm, and oscillates laser light having a wavelength of 395 nm (blue purple, 380 to 415 nm) at an output of 2 W. Note that wiring is connected to the laser element 11, and electric power or the like is supplied to the laser element 11 through the wiring.

  The wavelength is not limited to 395 nm, and may be appropriately selected according to the phosphor used in the light emitting unit 13.

(Light Emitting Unit 13)
The light emitting unit 13 emits fluorescence by receiving laser light oscillated from the laser element 11 via the reflection mirror 12a. That is, the light emitting unit 13 emits light by receiving laser light emitted from at least one of the plurality of laser elements 11 and guided by the reflection mirror 12a.

  The light emitting unit 13 includes a phosphor (fluorescent substance) that absorbs laser light and emits fluorescence.

For example, the light emitting unit 13 is formed on a substrate made of a material in which phosphor particles are dispersed inside a sealing material (sealing type), a material in which phosphor particles are solidified, or a material having high thermal conductivity. A phosphor containing a phosphor such as (thin film type) coated (deposited) with phosphor particles. In the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 13 is a 4 mm × 2 mm rectangle, and the phosphor powder is applied to the inclined portion 3a of the heat radiating base 3 with TiO ₂ as a binder so as to be a thin film having a thickness of 0.1 mm. It is formed by doing.

  The light emitting unit 13 is disposed in the vicinity of one of the two focal points (first focal point) of the heat dissipation base 3 and the reflector 14. For this reason, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 is reflected by the reflection curved surface of the reflector 14 so that the optical path is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the light emission part 13 is smaller than the reflector 14 (for example, about 1/10 of the reflector 14). In this case, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be efficiently projected in front of the reflector 14.

  The light emitting unit 13 is a laser beam that is emitted from all the laser elements 11 and passes through each of the reflection mirrors 12a arranged corresponding to each laser element 11 (the light guide is controlled by each reflection mirror 12a). It is desirable that it is larger than the irradiation region (laser beam irradiation range) formed by the above.

(Inclined arrangement of the light emitting unit 13)
Further, the light emitting unit 13 is inclined on the inclined portion 3 a of the heat radiating base 3 so that the fluorescence emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be efficiently reflected by the reflector 14 and projected from the reflector 14. Are arranged. The inclined portion 3a is configured to be inclined by about 15 ° in the incident direction with reference to a plane perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser beam. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 has a substantially Lambertian light distribution. Therefore, when the inclined portion 3a is formed so that the laser light irradiation surface of the inclined portion 3a is perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser light, the region with the highest luminous intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 13 is reflected. Since the fourteen window portions 14a are formed, the light projecting efficiency is deteriorated.

  In consideration of the light projection efficiency, it is desirable that the laser light irradiation surface is inclined by about 15 °. However, if the light projection efficiency is not considered, the laser light irradiation surface of the inclined portion 3a is incident on the laser light. The inclined portion 3a may be formed so as to be perpendicular to the direction.

  Further, when the laser beam is transmitted through the window portion 14a of the reflector 14 and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 13 is reflected, the manufacturing cost increases, but the laser light irradiation surface of the inclined portion 3a. Even if the inclined portion 3a is formed so as to be perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser light, the light projecting efficiency is improved.

(Fluorescent material)
In the present embodiment, BAM (BaMgAl ₁₀ O ₁₇ : Eu), BSON (BSON) is used as the phosphor of the light emitting unit 13 so as to emit white fluorescence upon receiving laser light having a wavelength of 395 nm oscillated by the laser element 11. Ba ₃ Si ₆ O ₁₂ N ₂ : Eu) and Eu-α (Ca-α-SiAlON: Eu) are used. However, the phosphor is not limited to these, and is appropriately selected so that the illumination light of the automobile headlamp 100 is white having a chromaticity within a predetermined range defined by law. That's fine.

For example, other oxynitride phosphors (for example, sialon phosphors such as JEM (LaAl (SiAl) ₆ N ₉ O: Ce) and β-SiAlON), nitride phosphors (for example, CASN (CaAlSiN ₃ : Eu)) Phosphor, SCASN ((Sr, Ca) AlSiN ₃ : Eu) phosphor), Apatite ((Ca, Sr) ₅ (PO ₄ ) ₃ Cl: Eu) system, Silicate ((Ba, Sr, Mg) ₂ SiO ₄ : Eu, Mn) -based phosphor or III-V compound semiconductor nanoparticle phosphor (for example, indium phosphorus: InP).

  In addition, a yellow phosphor (or green and red phosphor) is included in the light-emitting portion 13, and a so-called blue laser having a peak wavelength in a wavelength range of 450 nm (blue) to 440 nm to 490 nm (or blue). White light can also be obtained by irradiating light.

(Sealed type)
The sealing material when the light emitting unit 13 is a sealing type is, for example, a resin material such as a glass material (inorganic glass or organic-inorganic hybrid glass) or a silicone resin. Low melting glass may be used as the glass material. The sealing material is preferably highly transparent, and when the laser beam has a high output, a material having high heat resistance is preferable. The structure may be sealed with silicon oxide, titanium oxide, or the like by a sol-gel method.

  An antireflection structure for preventing the reflection of laser light may be formed on the upper surface of the light emitting unit 13. In the case of the sealed type, it is particularly desirable to form an antireflection film because it is easy to control the shape of the upper surface of the light emitting portion 13.

(Thin film type)
When the light emitting unit 13 is a thin film type, Al, Cu, AlN ceramic, SiC ceramic, aluminum oxide, Si, or the like is used as a substrate. After applying or depositing phosphor particles on the substrate, each substrate is divided into a desired size. Then, it fixes to the thermal radiation base 3 (light emission part support part) with a high heat conductive adhesive.

  When Al or Cu is used for the substrate, TiN, Ti, TaN, Ta or the like is coated as a barrier metal on the side where the phosphor particles are not deposited (the side facing the heat dissipation base 3). It is desirable. Furthermore, Pt or Au may be coated on the barrier metal.

  Although it is desirable to use eutectic solder such as SnAgCu and AuSn as the high thermal conductive adhesive, it is not limited.

(Excitation light spot size)
In the present embodiment, the irradiation area (spot size of excitation light) formed in the light emitting unit 13 is set to have a diameter of 100 μm to 1000 μm for the following reason.
1) Minimum size In order to emit white light, a plurality of phosphors are used for the light-emitting unit 13, but the particle size of the phosphor is about 10 μm, and the light-emitting unit emits white light evenly. When three types of phosphors are used for No. 13, even if it is a one-to-one one-to-one combination, the size of the irradiation region requires a diameter of 20 μm. Actually, since the phosphor blend is changed in accordance with the required color temperature, the size of the irradiation region necessary for emitting white light is about 50 μm in diameter. Furthermore, if used as it is, a color distribution corresponding to the distribution of each phosphor particle may occur depending on the light projection range. For this reason, it is desirable to irradiate the laser beam so that the size of the irradiation region is 100 μm or more in diameter.
2) Maximum size The maximum size is a value determined by a light projection range to be projected by one element of the laser element 11.

(Size of irradiation area when blue laser is used)
When the laser element 11 (blue laser element) that emits laser light in the vicinity of blue is used, the laser light is projected, so that the laser light is compliant with IEC 60825-1 Class 1. Need to set the output.

  When blue laser light and blue-violet laser light are mixed in the laser element 11 (when the laser element 11 is composed of a blue laser element and a blue-violet laser element), a light emitting unit is formed according to the irradiation region of each laser light. It is desirable from the viewpoint of luminous efficiency to change the region of each phosphor in FIG. For example, a YAG-based phosphor is used for the blue laser light irradiation region, and BAM, BSON, and Eu-α are used for the blue-violet laser light irradiation region (that is, these phosphors are separately applied).

  In that case, the size of the irradiation region formed by the blue laser beam emitted by one blue laser element is the same as the size of the irradiation region formed by the blue-violet laser beam emitted by one blue-violet laser device, or It is desirable from the viewpoint of safety that the size of the irradiation region formed by the blue-violet laser beam is set wider.

  If the luminous efficiency is not taken into account, the phosphors may be mixed without being applied separately and applied to the entire surface of the light emitting portion 13 (for example, a mixture of YAG phosphor and BAM, BSON, Eu-α). .

(About emission of light other than white light)
Further, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 is not limited to white light, and may be any light having chromaticity defined by the light emitting device.

  In addition, when the laser element 11 also includes an infrared light emitting laser element as a light source for an infrared camera, the light emitting unit 13 also serves as a scatterer for projecting infrared laser light to a desired region. Become.

(Light control unit 12)
The light control unit 12 controls the guiding of the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 to the light emitting unit 13 (controls the traveling direction of the laser light). It controls spot size, spot shape, and the like.

  The light control unit 12 is disposed between the light emitting unit 13 and the laser element 11, and includes a plurality of reflection mirrors or a plurality of lenses disposed so as to correspond to the laser elements 11 constituting the laser light source unit 1. It is realized by.

  As described above, since the light control unit 12 and the laser element 11 are arranged one-on-one, the respective light guides of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11 can be controlled. It can be finely controlled. Therefore, the first light projection range a1 formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be controlled more finely.

  The light control unit 12 only needs to be able to control the overlapping of the irradiation areas, the spot size, the spot shape, and the like in the light emitting unit 13, and is realized by an array lens or a multifaceted mirror by integral molding in addition to the reflection mirror or lens. Also good. Further, a structure in which one reflection mirror or lens is shared by a plurality of laser elements 11 may be adopted.

  The operation of the light control unit 12 is controlled by the irradiation region changing unit 64. Thereby, the position or angle of the light control unit 12 is changed.

  For example, in order to mechanically operate the light control unit 12, for example, a plurality of wires are attached to the light control unit 12 itself or a frame body that supports the light control unit 12. A motor is connected to each of the plurality of wires. The motor is driven under the control of an irradiation area changing unit 64 described later, and each of the wires is moved independently in the direction of the optical axis by using the driving force. As a result, the light control unit 12 can be moved in any direction of the three axis (x, y, z) directions.

  If the light control unit 12 is the reflection mirror 12a, the wires are provided, for example, at the four corners of the surface opposite to the surface on which the reflection film is provided (the surface irradiated with the laser light). Further, if the light control unit 12 is a lens 12b (described later), for example, it is provided at the four corners of the frame of the lens 12b.

  Note that the structure (actuator) for mechanically operating the light control unit 12 is not limited to such a structure, and the light control unit 12 is moved in an arbitrary direction of the three-axis direction by the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64. Any structure may be used as long as the structure is moved.

  The motor is a thing that gives movement or moves the object.

(Reflection mirror 12a)
In the present embodiment, a reflection mirror 12 a is used as the light control unit 12.

  The reflection mirror 12 a is disposed between each of the plurality of laser elements 11 and the light emitting unit 13, and controls the light guide of the laser light emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11 to the light emitting unit 13. is there. In other words, the reflection mirror 12a controls the light guide by reflecting each of the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11.

  Specifically, the laser light emitted from each of the plurality of laser elements 11 is reflected by the respective reflecting mirrors 12a to become substantially collimated light, and after the beam width is compressed in the vertical direction, The light is guided to the light emitting unit 13 through the window 14a.

  Thereby, the plurality of laser elements 11 can be freely arranged with respect to the light emitting unit 13.

(Construction)
In the present embodiment, the reflection mirror 12a (rising mirror) is an off-axis parabolic mirror having the light emitting point of the laser element 11 as a substantially focal position, and the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is used as collimated light, and Control the optical path. The reflection mirror 12a is further preferably an aspherical mirror that corrects the astigmatic difference of the laser element 11 (laser chip) and produces collimated light. In that case, the collimating property further increases.

  Since the fin 4 is provided with a plurality of laser elements 11, each of the plurality of reflecting mirrors 12a is provided in a one-to-one relationship so as to face each of the light emitting points of the laser element 11.

(function)
As described above, the rising mirror constituting the reflection mirror 12a of the present embodiment uses diverging light (laser light emitted from the laser element 11) as collimated light. Moreover, the window part 14a of the reflector 14 can be made small by using the said standing mirror.

  Specifically, the optical path of laser light from the laser element 11 to the light emitting unit 13 shown in FIG. 2 will be considered. The widths of the three laser beams emitted from the laser elements 11 (in the horizontal direction on the paper surface) depend on the arrangement interval of the laser elements 11. However, the widths of the three laser beams after being reflected by each of the rising mirrors constituting each reflecting mirror 12a are compressed (in the vertical direction on the paper). Therefore, the window part 14a of the reflector 14 can be reduced, and the light emitted from the light emitting part 13 can be used effectively.

  Since the headlamp 100 is a light source for a vehicle headlamp, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the final light projection pattern needs to be a horizontally long light distribution. Therefore, the reflecting mirror 12 a compresses the light emitted from the laser element 11 in the vertical direction and irradiates the light emitting unit 13 so as to be horizontally long.

  As described above, the reflection mirror 12a of the present embodiment has two functions of collimating diverging light and compressing the beam in the vertical direction.

  Although FIG. 2 shows a configuration including the reflection mirror 12a, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same function as that of the rising mirror constituting the reflection mirror 12a can be realized by using a collimator lens and a plane mirror. Is possible. In the case where a collimating lens or a collimating mirror is provided inside the laser element 11 so that collimated light can be emitted from the laser element 11, the reflecting mirror 12a is made a plane mirror to form the reflecting mirror 12a. It is possible to realize the same function as the upper mirror.

  Further, in the laser light guide control, when the reflection mirror 12a is used, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the coating film as compared with the case where the collimating lens is used. Therefore, it is desirable to use the reflection mirror 12a also in the sense of ensuring long-term reliability.

(Material)
The reflection mirror 12a is obtained by coating AlN ceramic as a material with Al as a reflection film and aluminum oxide as an antioxidant film, but is not limited to this configuration.

For example, it is desirable to use materials such as BK7, glass such as quartz glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, FRP, SiC, Al ₂ O _{3 and the} like having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, but the final collimation accuracy is not much required. If not, a metal such as Al may be used.

The reflective film is preferably a metal such as Ag or Pt, but may be a reflective film having a multilayer film structure such as a SiO ₂ / TiO ₂ multilayer film.

  Further, silicon oxide or the like may be used for the antioxidant film. Note that the antioxidant film is not necessarily coated.

  Further, an increase reflection film (increase reflection structure, for example, HR coat film) may be provided on the surface of the reflection mirror 12a. In this case, the reflection loss (mirror loss) of the laser beam by the reflection mirror 12a can be reduced.

<LED2>
The LED 2 is a light source having a lower luminance than the laser light source unit 1 and increases the luminous flux by increasing the light emitting area. Therefore, the projection range of the illumination light emitted from the LED 2 is wide.

  The LED 2 is a light source that emits white without using the laser element 11. In other words, the LED 2 is a light source that emits light based on a light emission principle different from that of the laser light source unit 1. Further, the LED 2 emits white light, so that it can be used as illumination light in the same manner as the fluorescence emitted from the light emitting unit 13.

  The LED 2 emits illumination light so as to satisfy the minimum illuminance prescribed for the headlamp 100 under the control of the output control unit 66 described later. Thereby, even when the laser light source unit 1 is not lit, the minimum illuminance can be ensured only by the LED 2.

(LED specifications)
In the present embodiment, the LED 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped having an outer shape of 5 mm square and a thickness of 3 mm, and the light emitting area is about 4 mm × 1 mm.

  In order to increase the coupling efficiency (light projecting efficiency) to the convex lens 16, the LED 2 of the present embodiment increases the directivity in the light distribution characteristics of the LED 2, and the directivity angle (half value) is 40 °.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the LED 2 of the present embodiment has four LED chips 21 (blue light emitting LED chips) of 750 μm square on a mount member 23 (AlN ceramic in the present embodiment) having high thermal conductivity. Flip chip bonding is performed, and a phosphor 22 excited by light emitted from the LED chip 21 is deposited around each LED chip 21.

  As the phosphor 22, a YAG phosphor is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a phosphor may be selected as appropriate so that light emitted from the LED chip 21 is white having a predetermined range of chromaticity defined by law.

  The LED 2 is installed at a substantially focal position of the reflector cup 24 in order to control light distribution of light emitted from the LED chip 21 and the phosphor 22 deposited around the LED chip 21.

  Further, electrodes 25 for driving each of the LED chips 21 are disposed on the mount member 23.

  In the present embodiment, the light distribution of the light emitted from the LED 2 by the reflector cup 24 is controlled, but the light distribution may be controlled by a mold lens or the like. Further, if the coupling efficiency to the convex lens 16 is not considered, such light distribution characteristics need not be controlled.

(Arrangement)
The LED 2 is disposed on the heat dissipation base 3 and in the vicinity of the other focal point (second focal point) of the two focal points of the reflector 14. Further, the light emitted from the LED 2 is arranged on the heat radiating base 3 so that the light emitting point of the LED 2 faces the opening of the reflector 14 so that it is directly emitted to the outside of the reflector 14. The arrangement position of the LED 2 is not limited to the position, and (1) the light emitted from the LED 2 is efficiently emitted, (2) the specified light distribution characteristic can be realized, (3) the light is emitted from the light emitting unit 13, and the reflector. What is necessary is just a position which does not block the light reflected by 14.

The light emitted from the LED 2 forms a second light projecting range a <b> 2 (for example, see FIG. 5A) in front of the reflector 14. That is, the second light projection range a2 is formed by the illumination light emitted from the LED 2.

(Matrix LED)
You may control the output of each LED chip 21 which comprises LED2 individually. In that case, it is possible to control the light distribution characteristics of the light emitted from the entire LED 2 by controlling the output (the amount of emitted light) of each LED chip 21 by an output control unit 66 described later. Become.

  Moreover, you may arrange | position the several LED chip 21 which comprises LED2 in a matrix form.

  In addition, wiring (illustration omitted) is connected to LED2, and electric power etc. are supplied to LED2 via the said wiring.

(Light source other than LED2)
In the present embodiment, since the laser light source unit 1 and the light projecting optical system (convex lens 16) are shared to reduce the overall unit size, the first light emission is performed by a light emission principle different from that of the laser light source unit 1. LED2 is used as two light sources.

  On the other hand, when a light source such as a halogen lamp or an HID lamp (High Discharge Lamp) is used, the glass forming the bulb hinders light emission from the laser light source unit 1. It is necessary to prepare a light projecting optical system for the light source separately from the light projecting optical system of the laser light source unit 1. However, if this point is not taken into consideration, the second light source is not limited to the LED 2, and for example, a halogen lamp or an HID lamp may be used. That is, any light source may be used as long as it emits light based on a light emission principle different from that of the laser light source unit 1.

  Further, the light emitted from the LED 2 is not limited to white light, but may be any light that can emit light having a chromaticity defined in the lighting device.

  Moreover, it is good also as a specification which projects the illumination light of white light with several LED2 light-emitted by different chromaticity (for example, RGB). In this case, it becomes easy to change the color temperature (chromaticity) of the projected light beam.

<Heat dissipation base 3>
The heat dissipation base 3 is a support member that supports the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2. In the present embodiment, Al is used, but other high thermal conductive materials such as Cu, AlN, SiC and the like may be used. The heat dissipation base 3 can efficiently dissipate heat generated by the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heat radiating base 3 can arrange the light emitting unit 13 at the first focal point and the LED 2 at the second focal point, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be efficiently reflected by the reflector 14. In addition, the light emitted from the LED 2 can be efficiently emitted to the outside of the reflector 14.

  In addition, it is preferable that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 is reflected by the reflector 14 and then irradiated to the heat dissipation base 3 so that the emission efficiency to the outside of the reflector 14 is not lowered. For this reason, it is preferable that the width | variety of the thermal radiation base 3 when it sees from the opening part side of the reflector 14 is the minimum magnitude | size (for example, 4 mm) in which the light emission part 13 and LED2 can be arrange | positioned.

  Further, when the light emitting unit 13 is used such that the laser light incident from the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 is transmitted to the inclined unit 3a, the surface of the inclined unit 3a to which the light emitting unit 13 is applied. Preferably functions as a reflective surface. In this case, the incident laser light can be reflected by the reflection surface and directed again into the light emitting unit 13 to be converted into fluorescence.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, although the light emission part 13 and LED2 are supported by the same member, you may support each with a separate member. In the case of using a separate heat dissipation base, it is desirable that the support member of the LED 2 is larger than the support member of the light emitting unit 13.

<Fin 4>
The fin 4 functions as a cooling unit (heat dissipation mechanism) that cools the laser element 11 and is made of, for example, aluminum. The fin 4 has a plurality of heat dissipation plates, and increases the heat dissipation efficiency by increasing the contact area with the atmosphere.

  Note that the fin 4 does not necessarily need to be in contact with the laser element 11, and the laser element 11 and the fin 4 may be interposed by a heat pipe, a water-cooled pipe, a Peltier element, or the like.

  Moreover, the cooling part which cools the laser element 11 should just have a cooling (heat dissipation) function, and in the case of a water cooling system, a radiator system may be used. Moreover, the structure which forcedly cools with a fan etc. may be sufficient.

<Reflector 14>
The reflector 14 reflects and controls the light emitted by the light emitting unit 13. That is, the first light projection range a1 (see, for example, FIG. 5B) is formed by illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1 is projected by the reflector 14 and the convex lens 16.

  The reflector 14 is composed of an elliptical mirror in which at least a part of the reflecting surface is elliptical, has a first focal point on the side on which laser light is incident, and a light emitting unit 13 is installed in the vicinity of the first focal point. . The convex lens 16 is installed so that the focal position of the convex lens 16 is in the vicinity of the second focal point of the reflector 14.

  In addition, in order to raise light projection efficiency, the exit pupil of the reflector 14 and the entrance pupil of a convex lens are matched. Thereby, the light from the light emission part 13 can be efficiently projected within a solid angle, and the 1st light projection range a1 can be formed, As a result, the utilization efficiency of light can be improved.

  The light emitted by the light emitting unit 13 is reflected by the reflector 14, collected near the second focal point of the reflector 14, and then converted into substantially parallel light by the convex lens 16 and projected.

(material)
In this embodiment, the reflector 14 is made of FRP as a base material, coated with Al as a reflective film, and further coated with silicon oxide for the purpose of preventing oxidation of Al.

  However, it is not limited to this structure, The reflector 14 should just have the function which reflection control performs. For example, another resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate or a metal member such as Al may be used as the base material, and Ag or Pt may be used as the reflective film. Further, as the antioxidant film, an aluminum oxide-based film or the like may be used, and a film having a function of increasing reflection as a multilayer film of silicon oxide and titanium oxide may be used.

  The laser element 11 is disposed on the fin 4 outside the reflector 14, and the reflector 14 is provided with a window portion 14 a that transmits or passes the laser light. This window part 14a may be a through-hole, or may include a transparent member that can transmit laser light. For example, a transparent plate provided with a filter that transmits laser light and reflects white light (fluorescence of the light-emitting portion 13) may be provided as the window portion 14a. According to this structure, it can prevent that the light emitted from the light emission part 13 leaks from the window part 14a.

  In the present embodiment, a reflector 14 in which aluminum is coated on the inner surface of a resin elliptic mirror is used, the radius of the opening is 38 mm, and the distance between the first focus and the second focus is 32.5 mm.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize the laser light source unit 1 having high luminance and excellent light distribution characteristics.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2 are provided in one reflector 14, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one reflector may be provided for each of the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2. . However, in the vehicle, since various members other than the headlamp are mounted at the position where the headlamp is disposed, it is preferable that the size of the entire headlamp is as small as possible. In addition, complicated work for aligning the optical axes of a plurality of reflectors is also required. Considering this point, one reflector is preferable.

<Convex lens 16>
The convex lens 16 makes the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 or the LED 2 and transmitted through the wavelength cut coat 15 substantially parallel light, and projects the substantially parallel light forward of the headlamp 100. The convex lens 16 is held by being in contact with the wavelength cut coat 15 or the reflector 14, and the size of the contact surface is substantially the same as that of the wavelength cut coat 15 (that is, the opening of the reflector 14). It is. A line passing through the principal point of the convex lens 16 and perpendicular to the principal plane exists in the same plane as a plane passing through the first focal point and the second focal point of the reflector 14.

(About nearly parallel light)
The substantially parallel light does not need to be completely parallel, and the projection angle (vertical angle at which the luminous intensity becomes half value) may be 20 ° or less.

  In the present embodiment, the light projection angle is set for each of the elements constituting the laser element 11, and each light projection angle of the plurality of laser elements 11 is 0.1 ° to about from the viewpoint of light distribution control. It is set in the range of 20 °. In particular, in the case of a vehicle headlamp, the projection angles of a plurality of laser elements 11 that project in the vehicle traveling direction (project within a range of ± 8 ° with respect to the vehicle axis) are each 3 ° or less. It is desirable to achieve a finer light distribution.

<Wavelength cut coat 15>
The wavelength cut coat 15 blocks light in a specific wavelength range. In the present embodiment, the wavelength cut coat 15 cuts light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less and blocks laser light having a wavelength of 395 nm.

  Thereby, a user-friendly device that does not project laser light is provided to the user. The wavelength to be blocked can be adjusted as appropriate according to the type of the wavelength cut coat 15. A wavelength cut filter may be used instead of the wavelength cut coat 15.

[Configuration of the headlamp 100]
Next, an example of a schematic configuration of the headlamp 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a headlamp 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the headlamp 100 includes a camera 5, a control unit 6, a tilt sensor 7, and a storage unit 8 in addition to the laser light source unit 1 and the LED 2 described above.

<Camera 5>
The camera 5 continuously captures images in front of the vehicle including the light distribution area (the first light projecting range a1 or the second light projecting range a2). It is arranged near 100 (headlight). The camera 5 can be a photographing device that captures moving images at a television frame rate.

  For example, the camera 5 starts shooting from the time when one of the laser element 11 and the LED 2 is turned on, and outputs the shot moving image to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 can detect and identify a predetermined object by analyzing the moving image, and can control the position of the first light projection range a1 according to the identification result.

  Instead of the camera 5, an infrared radar (radar) that irradiates an object existing in front of the vehicle with infrared rays and detects a reflected wave thereof may be used. Even when the infrared radar is used, an object existing in front of the vehicle can be detected using a highly versatile technique, as in the case of the camera 5.

  The camera 5 may be for visible light, may be for infrared light, and may have both infrared and visible functions. In addition, by using the camera 5 for infrared light, it becomes easy to detect a thermostat animal including a human.

  The camera 5 does not have to be a single camera, and a plurality of cameras may be used.

  Note that the method for identifying the type of object in the moving image photographed by the camera 5 is not limited to the above-described method, and a known method may be applied.

<Control unit 6>
The control unit 6 controls members constituting the headlamp 100 by executing, for example, a control program, and mainly includes an object detection unit 61 (detection unit), an object identification unit 62 (identification unit), and inclination detection. A unit 63 (tilt detection means), an irradiation area change unit 64 (change means), a lighting control unit 65 (first output control means), and an output control unit 66 (second output control means) are provided. The control unit 6 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 8 provided in the headlamp 100 to a primary storage unit (not shown) configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), for example, and executes it. By doing so, various processes are performed. The various members will be described later.

<Inclination sensor 7>
The tilt sensor 7 is a sensor that measures information for the tilt detector 63 to detect the tilt of the vehicle. The sensing method of the inclination sensor 7 may be any method as long as it is a quick response method that follows a change in the posture of the vehicle.

<Storage unit 8>
The storage unit 8 records (1) a control program for each unit, (2) an OS program, (3) an application program, and (4) various data to be read when the program is executed. It is. The storage unit 8 is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory, and is provided with a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) flash memory as necessary. The primary storage unit described above is configured by a volatile storage device such as a RAM. However, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 8 may be described as having the function of a primary storage unit.

<Detailed Configuration of Control Unit 6>
Next, various members provided in the control unit 6 will be described.

(Object detection unit 61)
The object detection unit 61 analyzes a moving image taken by the camera 5 and detects an object in the moving image. Specifically, when the moving image is acquired from the camera 5, the object detecting unit 61 detects an object included in the light distribution possible area in the moving image.

  When an object is detected within the light distribution possible area in the moving image, the object detection unit 61 outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinate value at which the object is detected to the object identification unit 62.

(Object identification unit 62)
The object identification unit 62 identifies the type of the object at the coordinate value indicated in the detection signal output from the object detection unit 61 by image recognition. Specifically, when the object identification unit 62 acquires the detection signal from the object detection unit 61, the object identification unit 62 extracts feature points such as the moving speed, shape, and position of the object indicated by the coordinate value indicated by the detection signal, A feature value obtained by digitizing a point is calculated.

  Then, the object identification unit 62 refers to the reference value table stored in the storage unit 8 and manages the reference value in which the feature points for each object type are digitized, and the calculated feature value is stored in the reference value table. A reference value whose error from the value is within a predetermined threshold is searched.

  For example, in the reference value table, reference values corresponding to vehicles, road signs, pedestrians, animals, or assumed obstacles are registered and managed in advance. When a reference value whose error from the calculated feature value is within a predetermined threshold is specified, the object identification unit 62 determines that the object indicated by the reference value is an object detected by the object detection unit 61 .

  When the object identification unit 62 determines that the object detected by the object detection unit 61 is an object registered in advance in the reference value table, the identification signal indicating the object and the coordinate value at which the object is detected Is output to the irradiation region changing unit 64.

(Inclination detector 63)
The inclination detection unit 63 detects the inclination of the entire vehicle, particularly the inclination of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal plane, based on the signal output from the inclination sensor 7, and outputs an angle signal indicating the value of the inclination angle of the vehicle as an irradiation region. Output to the change unit 64. The tilt detection unit 63 may be realized by any method as long as it has a quick response to follow a change in the posture of the vehicle.

(Irradiation area changing unit 64)
The irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the optical path of the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 by changing the position or angle of the reflection mirror 12a, and the irradiation region (its area and area) formed in the light emitting unit 13 by the laser light is changed. (Or position, etc.). Actually, the irradiation region changing unit 64 controls the operations of the plurality of reflecting mirrors 12a arranged corresponding to the respective laser elements 11, and moves each reflecting mirror 12a in three axial (x, y, z) directions. The irradiation area is changed by moving in any direction.

  By such control, it is possible to change the irradiation region in response to the change of the position or angle, so that it is possible to realize the control of the light distribution characteristic of the illumination light with high response to the change of the position or angle. Also, for example, compared with a configuration in which the first light projection range a1 is changed by moving the light projection unit such as the reflector 14, the control of the light distribution characteristics of the illumination light that is more responsive to an instruction to change the first light projection range a1. Can be realized.

(Lighting control unit 65)
The lighting control unit 65 controls lighting and extinguishing (that is, driving of the laser element 11) for each of the plurality of laser elements 11. That is, the lighting control unit 65 controls (varies) each output of the laser element 11.

  The lighting control unit 65 outputs a lighting state signal indicating each lighting state of the laser element 11 to the output control unit 66.

  As described above, the lighting control unit 65 controls the output of the laser element 11, thereby controlling the intensity of the laser light applied to the light emitting unit 13, thereby controlling the intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13. Can do. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the reflection mirror 12a by the irradiation area changing unit 64, not only the first light projection range a1 formed by the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be freely changed, but also the intensity of the light can be freely changed. Since it can be controlled, a further change in the first light projection range a1 can be realized.

(Output control unit 66)
The output control unit 66 controls the output of illumination light output from the LED 2 (that is, controls the light amount of the LED 2). Thereby, the intensity of the illumination light emitted from the LED 2 can be controlled. When the LEDs 2 are arranged in a matrix and control the output of each LED, rough light distribution control (for example, the light distribution characteristic standard of the passing headlight, the light distribution pattern defined in the left-hand traffic country, etc.) (Rough control) can be performed.

  For example, the output control unit 66 corresponds to the driver (difference in visibility due to differences in age, race, etc.), driving environment (weather, whether it is urban or mountainous, evening or night), etc. Change output, chromaticity, etc.

  The storage unit 8 includes a driver (difference in visibility due to differences in age, race, etc.) and / or driving environment (weather, whether it is urban or mountainous, evening or night), and the output value of LED 2 (color In the case of the degree change type, chromaticity) is stored in association with each other, and the output control unit 66 reads the output value to control the output of the LED 2 step by step.

  Further, the output control unit 66 analyzes the lighting state signal output from the lighting control unit 65 and performs output control of the LED 2 according to the lighting state of the laser light source unit 1 (the output state of illumination light from the laser light source unit 1). It is also possible. In this case, the power consumption can be reduced and the LED 2 can be used as a backup for the laser light source unit 1.

  Further, the output control unit 66 controls the emission of illumination light from the LED 2 even when all of the laser elements 11 fail and suddenly stop lighting, for example, thereby providing a prescribed light distribution required for the headlamp 100. The characteristics and illuminance can be secured at least at least.

(Details of irradiation area changing unit 64)
The irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the irradiation region formed by the laser light on the light emitting unit 13 by controlling the operation of the reflection mirror 12a in accordance with a desired first light projection range a1 to be formed.

The desired first light projection range a1 is, for example,
(1) a range based on the object and the coordinate value indicated in the identification signal output from the object identification unit 62;
(2) A range that satisfies the light distribution characteristic standard of a headlight for traveling (high beam),
(3) A range that satisfies the light distribution characteristic standard of the low-light headlight for passing,
(4) A range that satisfies the distribution pattern of illumination light defined in the right-hand traffic country,
(5) A range that satisfies the illumination light distribution pattern defined in the left-hand country
(6) A range based on the angle signal output from the inclination detector 63,
(7) Range that satisfies the evening light distribution pattern,
(8) A range that satisfies the nighttime light distribution pattern,
(9) Range that satisfies the light distribution pattern for rainy weather,
(10) A range that satisfies a light distribution pattern for a snow surface road,
(11) A range that satisfies the light distribution pattern for the frozen road,
(12) A range that satisfies the light distribution pattern for paved roads,
(13) A range that satisfies a light distribution pattern for an unpaved road,
(14) A range that satisfies the urban light distribution pattern,
(15) A range that satisfies the light distribution pattern for mountain areas,
Etc.

In addition, as the object of (1) above,
(A) A person who has jumped out ahead of the vehicle,
(B) a car that has jumped forward of the vehicle,
(C) Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles jumping out in front of the vehicle,
(D) an animal that has jumped forward of the vehicle,
(E) Stopped vehicle,
(F) falling objects,
(G) Oncoming vehicle,
(H) preceding vehicle (leading vehicle),
Etc.

(Storage unit 8)
In order to realize the change of the first light projection range a1 shown in the above (1) and the like, the storage unit 8 includes, for example,
(A) Identification-related data in which the object and coordinate values indicated in the identification signal, the reflecting mirror 12a to be driven, and the position or angle of the reflecting mirror 12a are associated with each other;
(B) Characteristic reference related data in which the light distribution characteristic reference of the traveling headlamp or the passing headlamp, the reflecting mirror 12a to be driven, and the position or angle of the reflecting mirror 12a are associated with each other,
(C) Light distribution pattern related data in which the light distribution pattern of the right-hand side country or the left-hand side country, the reflecting mirror 12a to be driven, and the position or angle of the reflecting mirror 12a are associated with each other.
(D) Angle-related data in which the vehicle inclination angle, the reflecting mirror 12a to be driven, and the position or angle of the reflecting mirror 12a are associated with each other;
Etc. are stored. Further, the storage unit 8 stores data related to driving of the laser light source unit 1 corresponding to various surrounding environments, light control, and driving of the LED 2.

  The irradiation area changing unit 64 reads any one of the identification related data, the characteristic reference related data, the light distribution pattern related data, the angle related data, and the like from the storage unit 8 and determines the position or angle of the reflection mirror 12a.

(Irradiation region formed by a plurality of laser elements 11)
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the plurality of laser elements 11 and the light emitting unit 13. In FIG. 4, the reflection mirror 12a or the lens 12b (described later) that functions as the light control unit 12 is not shown. For simplification, in this figure, twelve laser elements 11 are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 4, since the plurality of laser elements 11 are arranged in a matrix with respect to the light emitting unit 13, at least the reflection mirror 12a is not controlled by the irradiation region changing unit 64 (the reflection mirror 12a is the default). (When in position), the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is also irradiated in a matrix on the entire light receiving surface so that the entire irradiation region formed on the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 does not overlap. The Thereby, the fluorescent substance of the light emission part 13 can be light-emitted efficiently.

  Further, the position of the irradiation region formed by each of the laser beams emitted from the respective laser elements 11 can be freely changed by controlling the reflection mirror 12a by the irradiation region changing unit 64.

  Therefore, the headlamp 100 can form the first light projection range a1 outside, for example, the second light projection range a2, and thus can control the light distribution characteristics of the illumination light emitted from the device more highly. Can do. Moreover, since the headlamp 100 can form the first light projection range a1 in a part of the second light projection range a2, for example, the headlamp 100 controls the light intensity distribution of the illumination light emitted from its own device to a higher degree. It becomes possible. In other words, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the headlamp 100 can be freely changed, and a variety of light distribution patterns can be realized.

  Hereinafter, operation examples 1 to 6 of the headlamp 100 capable of realizing the above (1) and the like will be described. The operation examples 1 to 6 are merely examples, and the operation examples of the headlamp 100 are not limited. In the following operation example, the first light projection range a1 formed so as to include objects (pedestrians, animals, road signs, centerlines, etc.) in front of the vehicle is formed by light projection from the laser light source unit 1. The light intensity is higher than the second light projection range a2 formed by the light projection of only the LED2.

[Specific operation example]
<Specific operation example 1>
First, an example of light distribution in an urban area will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of light distribution characteristics when the headlamp 100 is used in an urban area. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a first light projection range a1 formed by illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1 at that time, and FIG. 6B is an irradiation region A at that time. is there.

  FIG. 5A shows a light distribution characteristic when only the LED 2 is lit, that is, a state where the second light projection range a2 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the entire sidewalk, traveling road, and opposite road and the front of the road other than the road are irradiated, but this is a case where light distribution characteristics are controlled by a light shielding plate or the like. However, it is difficult to perform fine control.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1 can be emitted together with the illumination light emitted from the LED 2. As shown in FIG. 5B, the laser light source unit 1 forms a first light projection range a1.

  The first light projection range a1 at this time is shown in FIG. In order to form the first light projection range a1 of FIG. 6A, the irradiation region changing unit 64 positions the reflecting mirrors 12a so that the irradiation region A as shown in FIG. 6B is formed. Or control the angle. That is, the irradiation region changing unit 64 controls the position or angle so that the first light projection range a1 is formed around the second light projection range a2 or other than the second light projection range a2.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, a range that is difficult to visually recognize with the illumination light emitted from the LED 2 (a range that cannot be irradiated with the LED 2) can be supplemented with the illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the irradiation region changing unit 64 sets the irradiation region so that the irradiation regions formed by the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11 partially overlap each other. Since it changes, as shown to Fig.6 (a), the 1st light projection range a1 formed corresponding to each irradiation area | region can be mutually overlap | superposed. Therefore, the first light projection range a1 can be formed smoothly.

In order to realize such a smooth overlapping of the light projection range in the light source such as the LED 2, a reflector or a multi-facet mirror is provided for each of the plurality of LED chips 21, and each light projection is performed at the time of light projection. It is necessary to control to overlap the light range. Moreover, the brightness of the laser light source unit 1 in the present embodiment is 1000 Mcd / m ² , while the brightness of a general LED or HID lamp is 100 Mcm / m ² . Therefore, when trying to form the same light projection range as the laser light source unit 1 with an LED or an HID lamp, it is necessary to increase the reflector size by one digit, which is not practical. In the headlamp 100 of the present embodiment, since the laser element 11 is used, the above smooth light projection range can be realized without providing a reflector or a multifaceted mirror.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a plurality of irradiation regions formed by the laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser elements 11 are simultaneously formed in the light emitting unit 13, so that the laser light source unit 1 A plurality of light projection ranges (circles in the figure) formed by the emitted illumination light can be formed simultaneously. Therefore, each of a plurality of locations in front of the headlamp 100 can be projected simultaneously.

<Specific operation example 2>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an operation example in the case of irradiating the object detected by the object detection unit 61 with the irradiation light emitted from the laser light source unit 1 will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of the processing flow of the headlamp 100 in the operation example, and FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light projection range formed by the processing. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an irradiation region formed in the light emitting unit 13.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the laser light source unit 1 and / or the LED 2 is in a lighting state, the camera 5 starts photographing in front of the vehicle (S1). At this time, the camera 5 captures the front of the vehicle at an angle of view capable of capturing the entire light distribution area even if it is narrow, and outputs the captured moving image to the object detection unit 61 of the control unit 6.

  Next, the object detection unit 61 analyzes the moving image taken by the camera 5 and detects an object in the light distribution possible area in the moving image (S2). When an object is detected within the light distribution possible area in the moving image, the object detection unit 61 outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinate value at which the object is detected to the object identification unit 62.

  Next, the object identification unit 62 identifies the type of the object at the coordinate value indicated in the detection signal output from the object detection unit 61 (S3). Specifically, when the object identification unit 62 acquires the detection signal from the object detection unit 61, the object identification unit 62 extracts and digitizes the feature points such as the moving speed, shape, and position of the object at the coordinate values indicated in the detection signal. The feature value is calculated.

  Then, the object identification unit 62 refers to the reference value table and searches for a reference value whose error from the calculated feature value is within a predetermined threshold. When a reference value whose error from the calculated feature value is within a predetermined threshold is specified, the object identification unit 62 determines that the object indicated by the reference value is an object detected by the object detection unit 61. .

  When the object identification unit 62 determines that the object detected by the object detection unit 61 is an object registered in advance in the reference value table, the object identification unit 62 outputs an identification signal indicating the coordinate value at which the object is detected to the irradiation region change unit. 64.

  8A, the object identification unit 62 determines that the type of the object is the pedestrian O, and emits an identification signal indicating the coordinate value in the moving image in which the pedestrian O is detected. The data is output to the area changing unit 64. The pedestrian O is illustrated as an example of an accident factor.

  Next, the irradiation region changing unit 64 is configured so that the light from the light emitting unit 13 is distributed toward the object based on the coordinate value indicated by the identification signal output from the object identifying unit 62. By changing the position or angle, the irradiation region (its area, position and / or luminance distribution) formed by the laser light on the light emitting unit 13 is changed (S4).

  In order to alert the driver or the like by the lighting control unit 65, the lighting pattern is changed depending on the type of the identified object (for example, blinking irradiation of the object), or according to the brightness of the surrounding (driving environment) The lighting intensity (laser light irradiation intensity) can be changed.

  In the case of FIG. 8, the irradiation area changing unit 64 reads the identification-related data from the storage unit 8, for example, at the first projection range a <b> 1 at a position corresponding to the coordinate value in the moving image in which the pedestrian O is detected. The position or angle is changed so that is formed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 and guided by the reflection mirror 12a is the region A1 on the light receiving surface of the light emitting portion 13 (the bright portion in the figure). ) Only, and other areas (dark areas in the figure) are not irradiated. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first light projecting range a1 is formed so that the light from the light emitting unit 13 is distributed toward the pedestrian O, so that the pedestrian O becomes brighter. It can be illuminated.

  As described above, in the headlamp 100, the reflection region changing unit 64 includes the object detected by the object detecting unit 61 (that is, a road sign, a pedestrian, an animal, an obstacle, a center line, and the like). Since the irradiation region for the light emitting unit 13 is changed by controlling the operation of 12a, the light from the light emitting unit 13 can be distributed only to the object. That is, since a road sign, a pedestrian or an obstacle can be illuminated brightly, it is possible to read the road sign accurately or to recognize a pedestrian or an obstacle accurately by visual observation. Therefore, a safe driving environment can be realized.

  Further, in the reference value table, in addition to reference values corresponding to road signs, pedestrians and obstacles, reference values corresponding to vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles are managed. Accordingly, the first light projection range a1 can be formed at an optimal position according to the type of the object identified by the object identifying unit 62.

  In the present embodiment, the laser element 11 is used as an excitation light source, and the light projecting system (reflector 14 and convex lens 16) is an optically small light source (high brightness light source), so that the light projecting efficiency is very high. 90% of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be projected onto the object. Therefore, it is possible to project light with low power consumption and high illuminance on the object.

  In addition, as described in <Modified example of specific operation example 2> described later, in a driving environment, it is assumed that there are many cases in which a plurality of objects must be alerted simultaneously to a driver or the like. . However, if the response speed of the reflection mirror 12a (light control unit 12) is slow, there is a possibility that a plurality of objects may be tracked simultaneously and projected and irradiated. In consideration of this point, the light distribution from the light emitting unit 13 following the movement of the object corresponds to a part of the plurality of laser elements 11 (for example, one laser element 11) and a part thereof. It is preferable that the other reflection mirror 12a is kept in a standby (not operating) state.

  In this case, for example, the first light projection range a1 as shown in FIG. 6 may be formed by the other laser elements 11 and the reflecting mirrors 12a arranged in correspondence therewith, or these laser elements 11 may be turned off.

  It should be noted that all of the plurality of laser elements 11 may be turned on at a low output, and the object may be tracked by controlling the reflection mirror 12a disposed corresponding to the plurality of laser elements 11. In that case, since the output of each laser element 11 necessary for obtaining the same luminous intensity is lowered, the life of the laser element 11 can be extended.

<Modification of Specific Operation Example 2>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the specific operation example 2. In this modification, the objects are pedestrians O and animals. In the case of only the second light projection range a2, it is difficult for the driver to recognize the object because the illuminance of the object (pedestrian O and animal) is low.

  In the present modified example, as in the case of FIG. 8, spot light (illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 13) can be directed to the object regardless of the second light projection range a <b> 2 in the case of FIG. 9. It is possible to alert the driver.

  In this modification, the formation position of the first light projection range a1 is controlled by the light guide control of each laser beam by each reflection mirror 12a. For this reason, a single headlamp 100 (light projecting device) can project light at a plurality of locations, and the headlamp 100 can be downsized. That is, the first light projection range a1 can be simultaneously formed at a plurality of locations so as to include each of the plurality of objects. Note that the processing in this modification is the same as that in the second operation example, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, even if the target object is a moving object as in Operation Example 2 and its modifications, the irradiation area changing unit 64 only needs to change the position or angle of the reflecting mirror 12a. On the other hand, it is possible to change the first light projection range a1 having a quick response, and to follow the object. Further, since the object can be tracked only by changing the position or angle of the reflection mirror 12a, the formation position of the first light projection range a1 can be changed smoothly according to the movement of the object.

  Further, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the area of the irradiation region formed in the light emitting unit 13 and changes the size of the first light projecting range a1 only by changing the position or angle of the reflection mirror 12a. Is also possible. For example, when the vehicle including the headlamp 100 is moving forward, not only the moving object such as the pedestrian O and the animal but also the object does not move like the road sign (see FIG. 10A). Even an object moves (approaches) relative to the vehicle. Even for such a relative movement, not only the position of the first light projection range a1 but also the area thereof can be changed by changing the position or angle. Therefore, even when the object moves relative to the vehicle, the formation position and area of the first light projection range a1 can be changed smoothly in accordance with the movement.

<Specific operation example 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an operation example in the case where the object detected by the object detection unit 61 is not irradiated with the irradiation light emitted from the laser light source unit 1 will be described. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing another example of the light projection range formed by the processing of the headlamp 100, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing an example of an irradiation area formed in the light emitting unit 13. FIG. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution characteristic when only the LED is turned on. In FIG. 10B, for the sake of simplicity, the irradiation region corresponding to the first light projection range a1 in FIG. 10A is not shown.

  In this operation example 3, the object detected by the object detection unit 61 includes an oncoming vehicle and projects light with a light distribution pattern equivalent to a high beam (a first light projection range a1 equivalent to a high beam is formed). Shows an example.

  As in the second operation example, the object detection unit 61 and the object identification unit 62 identify the type of the object, and an identification signal indicating the coordinate value in the moving image in which the object is detected is sent to the irradiation region changing unit 64. Is output. In the case illustrated in FIG. 10A, the object identification unit 62 determines that the object type is an oncoming vehicle (such as an automobile or a motorcycle), a pedestrian, a road sign, and an animal, and the oncoming vehicle is detected. The identification signal indicating the coordinate value in the moving image is output to the irradiation region changing unit 64.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the irradiation region changing unit 64 distributes the light from the light emitting unit 13 toward the oncoming vehicle based on the coordinate value indicated by the identification signal output from the object identifying unit 62. In addition, the formation position of the first light projection range a1 is controlled by the light guide control of each laser beam by each reflection mirror 12a so that light is distributed toward each of the pedestrians, road signs, and animals. Is done.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 and guided by the reflecting mirror 12a is a region A2 on the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 (dark part in the figure). Irradiate to any of the areas other than (the bright part in the figure). Thereby, as shown to Fig.10 (a), the 1st light projection range a1 is formed so that the light from the light emission part 13 may not be distributed toward an oncoming vehicle. That is, the headlamp 100 can control the light projection range so that it does not project the region (region B) that will be irradiated to the oncoming vehicle.

  Thus, in the headlamp 100, when the object is an oncoming vehicle or the like, the irradiation region changing unit 64 controls the operation of the reflection mirror 12a so as not to include the object detected by the object detection unit 61. Since the irradiation area for the light emitting unit 13 is changed, the light from the light emitting unit 13 can be distributed so as not to include the object. Therefore, since unpleasant glare and dazzling given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle can be reduced, a safe and comfortable traffic environment can be realized.

  In the operation examples 1 and 2, the irradiation region changing unit 64 causes the laser beam to be emitted when the type of the object identified by the object identifying unit 62 matches the type of the object indicated in the reference value table registered in advance. The irradiation area formed in the light emitting unit 13 is changed.

  As described above, in the operation example 2, the irradiation region changing unit 64 receives the light from the light emitting unit 13 when the type of the object identified by the object identifying unit 62 matches the type of the object registered in advance. The position of the illumination area is changed so that light is projected toward the object. Thereby, since only the objects (road signs, pedestrians, animals, etc.) detected by the object detection unit 61 can be included in the first light projection range a1, it is possible to illuminate the objects more brightly.

  On the other hand, in the operation example 3, the irradiation region changing unit 64, when the type of the object identified by the object identifying unit 62 (when the type is an oncoming vehicle or the like) matches the type of the object registered in advance, It is also possible to change the position of the illumination area so that light from the light emitting unit 13 is not projected toward the object. As a result, only the object (such as an automobile) detected by the object detection unit 61 can be excluded from the first light projecting range a1, so that unpleasant glare or the like is not given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. Can do.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), in the case of a lamp having only LEDs, the possibility of giving an unpleasant glare to the driver of an oncoming vehicle is low. (Range D in the figure) is created. On the other hand, when trying to increase the illuminance ahead in the lamp, there is a high possibility that the driver of the oncoming vehicle will be uncomfortable to dazzle. Therefore, with such a lamp, it is difficult to increase the illuminance ahead without giving an unpleasant glare to the driver of an oncoming vehicle.

  On the other hand, in the headlamp 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, by the identification of the type of the object by the object identification unit 62, the optimum irradiation area is changed according to the type, and thus the first light projection range a1 is changed. Changes can be realized. Therefore, the illuminance ahead can be increased without giving an unpleasant glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle.

<Specific operation example 4>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an operation example in the case where the light distribution pattern is changed according to the regulations of the country in which the vehicle passes will be described. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the headlamp 100 realizes the light distribution pattern of the passing lamp defined in the right-hand passing country. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the headlamp 100 in the left-hand passing country. It is a figure which shows a mode that the light distribution pattern of the passing lamp prescribed | regulated by 1 is implement | achieved.

  For example, it is necessary to change the light distribution pattern according to the laws and regulations of each country in France, which is a right-handed country, and in Britain, which is a left-handed country. The irradiation region changing unit 64 is formed in the light emitting unit 13 so as to satisfy either the illumination light distribution pattern defined in the right-hand traffic country or the illumination light distribution pattern defined in the left-hand traffic country. Change the position of the irradiation area.

  Specifically, for example, when going back and forth between the UK and France, the irradiation area changing unit 64 reads light distribution pattern related data in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country from the storage unit 8 by linking with the GPS, for example. Thus, the irradiation area is changed by changing the position or angle of each reflecting mirror 12a so as to form the first light projection range a1 according to the law. Thereby, the headlamp 100 of this application can be mounted and utilized in the vehicle utilized in all countries.

  Further, in the conventional lamp, since the light distribution is realized by using a lens cut or a multi-faceted mirror, fine light distribution control cannot be performed. However, in this embodiment, since the laser element 11 (high luminance light source) is used and light is projected with high light projecting efficiency, ideal light distribution control can be performed.

  Further, in the DMD method, the illuminance at the object is dark and the power consumption is large, but in this embodiment, light distribution control that is fine and the object has high illuminance is realized with low power consumption. be able to.

  Note that the LED 2 is also controlled by the output control unit 66 so that the second light projection range a2 has a light distribution pattern according to the laws and regulations of the country where the vehicle is running.

<Specific operation example 5>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 12-16, the operation example in case the irradiation area change part 64 changes an irradiation area according to the inclination angle of the vehicle detected by the inclination detection part 63 is demonstrated. FIG. 12 shows the flow of processing of the headlamp 100 in this operation example. FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the inclination angle of the vehicle and the change of the irradiation region, and FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams showing modifications thereof. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of light distribution characteristics when the vehicle approaches a downhill. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating how illumination light emitted from a vehicle affects an oncoming vehicle at an uphill entrance.

  As shown in FIG. 16, generally, when the vehicle 110 passes the oncoming vehicle 111 at an uphill or the like on the slope, illumination light emitted from the vehicle 110 gives an unpleasant glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 111. Further, in the conventional vehicle, when changing the projection range of the illumination light according to the inclination of the vehicle, it is necessary to operate the reflector of the headlamp included in the vehicle, so that the operation mechanism becomes large and the operation speed is increased. It was too late. For this reason, when the operation mechanism is used for changing the light projection range in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction), there is a high possibility that the driver of an oncoming vehicle will feel uncomfortable glare and the like. Sexual security was difficult. Therefore, the operation mechanism is mainly used for changing the light projection range in the horizontal direction (left-right direction), which does not cause any particular problem even if the operation speed is low.

  On the other hand, in the headlamp 100, the irradiation area changing unit 64 changes the position of the irradiation area according to the detection result (the inclination of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal plane) detected by the inclination detection unit 63. Therefore, since the position of the first light projection range a1 can be changed according to the inclination of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal plane, it is possible to reduce unpleasant glare or the like given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle. In addition, since the position can be changed only by changing the irradiation area formed in the light emitting unit 13, the position of the first light projecting range a1 in the vertical direction can be quickly changed. That is, it can be said that the headlamp 100 is suitable as a headlamp for reducing unpleasant glare and dazzling given to a driver of an oncoming vehicle.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the inclination detecting unit 63 detects the inclination of the vehicle, obtains the inclination angle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (S11), and irradiates an angle signal indicating the value of the inclination angle. The data is output to the area changing unit 64. The irradiation region changing unit 64 reads the angle-related data from the storage unit 8 and changes the irradiation region formed by the laser light on the light emitting unit 13 by changing the position or angle of each reflecting mirror 12a (S12).

  The irradiation area may be changed based on information from a car navigation system, an intelligent road traffic system (ITS), or the camera 5.

  For example, FIG. 13A shows a laser beam emitted from all the laser elements 11 by controlling the operation of the reflection mirror 12a so that the irradiation region changing unit 64 satisfies a desired light distribution on a flat road. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that light is irradiated to the light emission part 13 whole. At this time, for example, the vehicle forms the first light projecting range a <b> 1 in the range of angles −α to α with respect to the front direction of the headlamp 100. Here, for the sake of simplification of explanation, each of the twelve laser elements 11 exemplifies a state where irradiation regions are formed in a 4 × 3 matrix on the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13.

  Assuming FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B shows a state in which, for example, the vehicle goes up a slope at an angle θ1 with respect to a horizontal plane. At this time, for example, the position or angle of each reflection mirror 12a is controlled by the irradiation region changing unit 64 so that the irradiation region is not formed in the vertical upper stage C1 of the light emitting unit 13, and the laser emitted from each laser element 11 is emitted. The position and area of the irradiation region formed by light are changed. As a result, the headlamp 100 forms the first light projection range a1 in the range of angles −α to β (β <α) with respect to the front direction of the headlamp 100.

  At this time, the LED 2 has a lower output than when traveling on a flat ground (see FIG. 13A). The lighting control unit 65 adjusts the output intensity of the laser element 11 to the light emitting unit 13 so as to compensate for the light quantity difference.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), when the vehicle goes up a slope at an angle θ2 (> θ1) with respect to the horizontal plane, each reflection is performed so that an irradiation region is not formed in the vertical upper stage C2 of the light emitting unit 13. The position or angle of the mirror 12a is controlled, and the position and area of the irradiation region formed by the laser light emitted from each laser element 11 are changed. As a result, the headlamp 100 forms the first light projection range a1 in the range of the angle −α to γ (γ <β) with respect to the front direction of the headlamp 100.

  At this time, the output of the LED 2 is reduced compared to when traveling on a slope at an angle θ1 (see FIG. 13B). The lighting control unit 65 adjusts the output intensity of the laser element 11 to the light emitting unit 13 so as to compensate for the light quantity difference. That is, the output of the LED 2 is as shown in FIG. 13A> FIG. 13B> FIG. 13C.

  For example, when the laser elements 11 are arranged in an 8 × 6 matrix, that is, when more laser elements 11 are arranged than in the case of FIG. There is no need to drive 11. That is, as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (c), whether the vehicle is traveling on a flat ground or a slope, it is the same as FIG. 13 only by changing the position without changing the area of the irradiation region. Further, it is possible to perform light distribution control (position control of the first light projection range a1) corresponding to the inclination of the vehicle.

  14A to 14C, the laser element 11 at the same position is turned on (without changing the lighting position of the laser element 11), and the light projection range (by changing the position or angle of the light control unit 12) It is desirable to change the light projection pattern because the change of the light projection pattern is smooth. However, it is of course possible to change the projection pattern by changing the lighting element of the laser element 11.

  As described above, the headlamp 100 can change the first light projection range a1 according to the control of the irradiation area changing unit 64 so as not to affect the driver of the oncoming vehicle or the like according to the inclination of the road. Therefore, it is possible to reduce unpleasant glare and dazzling given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle.

  Note that the operation example 5 is an example in the case where there is an oncoming vehicle at the top of the hill, and light distribution that does not cause the oncoming vehicle to feel glare may be realized by laser irradiation to the light emitting unit 13. In addition, it is also possible to implement | achieve this light projection pattern with the reflection mirror 12a arrange | positioned corresponding to the part (for example, one laser element 11) of the some laser elements 11, and the part.

  In the operation example 5, the case where the vehicle goes up the hill is described, but the same control is performed when the vehicle goes down the hill. Thereby, even when going down the hill, it is possible to reduce unpleasant glare and dazzling given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle that is approaching the exit of the hill.

  On the downhill, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the conventional headlamp can irradiate an object far away in the traveling direction when the slope of the hill is steep even during traveling light. There wasn't. However, in the headlamp 100 of the present embodiment, the irradiation region changing unit 64 controls the respective light guides of the laser beams emitted from the respective laser elements 11 by changing the positions or angles of the respective reflecting mirrors 12a. To do. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), it is possible to make a specification that illuminates a distant place.

  Even with conventional headlamps, it is possible to achieve the same function by installing reflectors for each purpose. However, automobiles, motorcycles, etc. are limited in their installation locations, and the reflectors are installed. I couldn't. In the present embodiment, by changing the position or angle of each reflecting mirror 12a, the above-described light distribution can be realized in a space-saving manner without providing the reflector.

<Specific operation example 6>
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, an example of the light projection range formed in the rain will be described.

  Conventionally, there was a problem that the center line was particularly difficult to see in the rainy evening. For this reason, for example, in a traveling route such as a traveling 1 lane and an opposing 2 lane, an accident has occurred due to the center line protruding. However, if the entire road surface is brightened, the oncoming vehicle may feel glare from the light reflected from the road surface. For this reason, it has been difficult to improve the visibility of the center line in rainy weather with a conventional headlamp having only the function of brightening the entire road surface.

  In the headlamp 100 of the present embodiment, the irradiation region changing unit 64 sets the irradiation region formed in the light emitting unit 13 so that the first light projection range a1 is formed in part of the second light projection range a2. change. Specifically, in the irradiation area changing unit 64, for example, as in the second operation example, the first light projection range a1 is formed so as to include the center line in the second light projection range a2 detected by the object detection unit 61. As described above, the irradiation area is changed by changing the position or angle of each reflection mirror 12a. Thereby, even if there is a range that is difficult to visually recognize in the second light projection range a2, the portion can be supplemented with illumination light emitted from the laser light source unit 1, so that the visibility of the center line in rainy weather is improved. And the occurrence of the accident as described above can be reduced.

[Modification 1]
Next, a headlamp 200 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp), which is Modification 1 of the headlamp 100, will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the headlamp 100. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the headlamp 200 according to the first modification includes a lens 12 b (light control unit) as the light control unit 12 instead of the reflection mirror 12 a.

  In the headlamp 200, the irradiation area changing section 64 changes the irradiation area formed in the light emitting section 13 by changing the position or angle of each lens 12b, so that the own apparatus emits light as in the headlamp 100. Control of light distribution characteristics and light intensity distribution of illumination light.

<Lens 12b>
A plurality of lenses 12b are provided, and the light guide of the laser light is controlled so that the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is appropriately irradiated to the light emitting unit 13. Each of the plurality of lenses 12b is provided in a one-to-one relationship so as to face each of the light emitting points of the plurality of laser elements 11. Then, the laser light transmitted through each of the lenses 12 b is irradiated to the light emitting unit 13 through the window portion 14 a provided in the reflector 14.

  Here, when the reflection mirror 12a is used as the light control unit 12, the traveling direction of the laser light before being applied to the reflecting mirror 12a is different from the traveling direction of the laser light after being reflected by the reflection mirror 12a. . That is, the reflection mirror 12a can change the traveling direction of the laser light in a direction different from the optical axis of the light emitting point of the laser element 11.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the laser element 11 can be arranged so that the light emitting point of the laser element 11 is in a direction (for example, vertically upward) different from the opening direction of the reflector 14. Therefore, in FIG. 2, the fin 4 is installed so that the surface of the pedestal faces vertically upward, and the laser element 11 is arranged on the surface.

  On the other hand, the lens 12 b converts the laser beam traveling with spread into substantially parallel light, and controls light guide to the light emitting unit 13. That is, unlike the reflecting mirror 12a, the optical axis of the light emitting point of the laser element 11 and the traveling direction of the laser light after passing through the lens 12b are controlled by the operation of the lens 12b by the irradiation region changing unit 64. Although slightly different, it can be said that they are substantially the same in that they proceed toward the light emitting unit 13.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is necessary to arrange the laser element 11 so that the light emitting point of the laser element 11 is substantially in the same direction as the opening direction of the reflector 14. Therefore, in FIG. 18, the pedestal surface of the fin 4 is also installed so as to be substantially in the same direction as the opening direction, and the laser element 11 is disposed on the surface.

  Note that the method of using only the lens 12b without using the reflecting mirror 12a (rising mirror) cannot perform beam compression, so that the window portion 14a of the reflector 14 needs to be larger than the method using the reflecting mirror 12a. is there. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the light projection efficiency of the reflector 14, the headlamp 100 shown in FIG. 2 is a more preferable form than the headlamp 200 of the present modification.

  As the lens 12b, an aspherical lens is used, but a convex lens can also be used.

[Modification 2]
Next, a headlamp 300 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) that is a second modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 19 is a view showing a further modification of the headlamp 100.

  The headlamp 300 of this modification is different from the structure of the headlamp 100 described above in that a parabolic mirror is used as the reflector 14 and the light emitting unit 13 functions as a part of the LED 2. The headlamp 300 is different from the above-described structure of the headlamp 200 in that it includes only the pair of laser elements 11 and the lens 12b.

<Laser element 11 and lens 12b>
As described above, the headlamp 300 includes only the pair of laser elements 11 and the lens 12b. In the headlamp 300, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the irradiation region formed in the light emitting unit 13 by changing the position or angle of the lens 12b. As a result, similarly to the headlamp 200, the light distribution characteristics and the light intensity distribution of the illumination light emitted from the device itself are controlled.

  In this modification, the position or angle of the lens 12b is changed. However, a configuration in which the position or angle of the laser element 11 is changed instead of the lens 12b may be used.

<Light Emitting Unit 13>
As shown in FIG. 19 (a), the light emitting unit 13 is inclined to the heat dissipation base 3 so that the extended surface of the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 is in contact with the end of the reflector 14 in which the opening is formed. It is inclined and arranged on the part 3a. For this reason, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 can be efficiently reflected and distributed by the reflector 14 without leaking directly to the outside.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.19 (b), the light emission part 13 and LED2 may be integrally formed. Further, the phosphor of the LED 2 may function as a phosphor included in the light emitting unit 13. In any case, it can be said that the light emitting unit 13 functions as a part of the LED 2. In this case, since the number of parts of the headlamp 300 can be reduced, the configuration of the headlamp 300 can be simplified.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 19A, the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2 are disposed at a substantially focal position of the reflector 14.

  In this modification, the laser element 11 and the LED 2 share the same light emitting unit 13, and thus the emission center wavelength of the LED 2 is 395 nm. As the phosphor, a phosphor suitable for excitation of 395 nm laser light is used.

<Reflector 14>
The reflector 14 has at least a partial curved surface obtained by cutting a curved surface (parabolic curved surface) formed by rotating the parabola with the axis of symmetry of the parabola as a rotational axis by a plane parallel to the rotational axis. A part is included in the reflective surface. Moreover, the reflector 14 has a semicircular opening in the direction in which the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2 is distributed.

  The light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2 disposed substantially at the focal point of the reflector 14 is distributed forward by the reflector 14 having a parabolic curved reflecting surface to form a nearly parallel light beam. The That is, the reflector 14 according to the modification 2 projects illumination light emitted from both the light emitting unit 13 and the LED 2. Thereby, the light from the light emission part 13 can be efficiently projected within a narrow solid angle, and the 1st light projection range a1 and the 2nd light projection range a2 can be formed, As a result, the utilization efficiency of light Can be increased.

  In this modification, a semicircular reflector 14 in which aluminum is coated on the inner surface of a resin half parabolic mirror is used, the depth L1 is 40 mm, and the radius L2 of the opening is 40 mm. Further, the focal point is a position 10 mm away from the apex of the reflector 14 where the window 14a is formed (that is, L3 = 10 mm).

  In addition, the reflector 14 may be a projection mirror, particularly a parabolic mirror having a closed circular opening, or may include a part thereof. Besides the parabolic mirror, an elliptical shape, a free curved surface shape, or a multi-faceted multi-reflector can be used. Furthermore, a part that is not a parabolic curved surface may be included in a part of the reflector 14.

  Although a projection lens can be used as the reflector 14, it is generally easier to design using a mirror.

  The reflector 14 only needs to have a parabolic shape such as a half parabola, and may be an off-axis parabolic mirror or a multi-faceted parabolic mirror.

<Operation example>
Next, an operation example of the headlamp 300 will be described based on FIGS.

  FIG. 20 illustrates the above-described operation. The lens 12b operates under the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64, whereby an arbitrary irradiation surface (light receiving surface) irradiated with the laser light from the light emitting unit 13 is illustrated. The laser beam is scanned (scanned). Further, the irradiation region changing unit 64 can arbitrarily change the area of the laser light irradiation region in the light emitting unit 13 by operating the lens 12b.

  The scan rate of the laser element 11 is set to 60 Hz, for example. Further, FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which the laser beam is scanned over the entire light emitting unit 13, but the scanning range is matched with the first light projection range a <b> 1 to be formed as illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23. Changed.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining how light is projected by the headlamp 300. As shown in FIG. 21, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 forms the first light projection range a <b> 1 by the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64. In this case, for example, a first light projection range a1 as shown in FIG. 6A is formed by the irradiation region changing unit 64 controlling one lens 12b arranged corresponding to one laser element 11. be able to.

  In addition, the scanning amount of the laser light can be suppressed by increasing the area of the irradiation region in the light emitting unit 13. This is the same in the example of FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of light projection by the headlamp 300. In this example, the headlamp 300 irradiates only a partial region of the light emitting unit 13 with the laser beam by the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64, thereby limiting (decreasing) the first light projection range a1. be able to.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining another example of light projection by the headlamp 300. In this example, the headlamp 300 can form the first light projection range a <b> 1 at a position excluding the region B by the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64. In this case, the irradiation region changing unit 64 is realized by controlling the lighting control unit 65 so that the laser element 11 is turned off at the timing when the region A2 of the light receiving surface of the light emitting unit 13 is irradiated with the laser light.

  As described above, the headlamp 300 can freely change the position or area of the irradiation region of the laser beam in the light emitting unit 13 similarly to the headlamps 100 and 200, thereby freely changing the first light projection range a1. can do. Further, since the headlamp 300 changes the position or area of the laser light irradiation region in the light emitting unit 13 by the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64, the response speed is fast and the power consumption can be greatly reduced.

  Further, by such scanning, a lamp having various functions such as a traveling headlamp, a passing headlamp, a daylight, and a direction indicator lamp can be realized even if the number of the laser elements 11 is one.

  Of course, it is also possible to form a light projection pattern by always scanning the same scanning range of the light emitting unit 13 with the same spot size and synchronizing the scanning with the lighting control unit 65.

[Modification 4]
Next, a headlamp 100a that is a fourth modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a headlamp 100a which is a modification of the headlamp 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the headlamp 100 a (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) includes an infrared camera 5 a (detection means) instead of the camera 5, and includes a control unit 6 a instead of the control unit 6. I have. Note that the infrared camera 5a may have only one of them.

<Infrared camera 5a>
The infrared camera 5a detects infrared radiant energy radiated from an object existing in the light distribution possible area, and outputs a distribution signal indicating the infrared radiant energy distribution to the object identifying unit 62a.

<Object Identification Unit 62a>
The object identification unit 62a (identification means) identifies the type of the object by generating a temperature distribution image based on the infrared radiation energy detected by the infrared camera 5a. That is, the infrared camera 5a and the object identifying unit 62a realize the function of infrared thermography.

  Similar to the object identification unit 62, the object identification unit 62a extracts feature points such as the moving speed, shape, and position of a region having a high temperature in the temperature distribution image, calculates a feature value obtained by quantifying the feature points, By comparing with the reference value table stored in the storage unit 8, an identification signal indicating the object and the coordinate value at which the object is detected is output to the irradiation region changing unit 64.

  Thereby, like the headlamp 100, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the irradiation region formed in the light emitting unit 13 by changing the position or angle of the reflection mirror 12a so as to include or exclude the object. Thereby, the magnitude | size and position of desired 1st light projection range a1 can be formed.

[Modification 5]
Next, a headlamp 400 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) that is a fifth modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  In FIG. 25, the LED 2 is not shown in the headlamp 400, but the LED 2 is, for example, the same position as the headlamp 100 shown in FIG. 2 (that is, near the second focal point of the reflector 14 described above). Is provided. The arrangement position of the LED 2 is the same in the following modified examples. Further, in the following description, a case where there is one laser element 11 will be described as an example, but a configuration in which a plurality of laser elements 11 are attached to the fins 4 may be used. Further, in the following description, the illustration of the heat dissipation base 3 is omitted or simplified even if illustrated. Actually, the shape of the heat dissipation base 3 is the same as the shape of the heat dissipation base 3 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated, the headlamp 400 includes an operation control unit 30. The operation control unit 30 that functions as an actuator includes a lens frame 40, a coil 41, a magnet 42, a suspension wire 43, and a wire support housing 44.

  A lens 12 b is embedded in the lens frame 40. The lens frame 40 has a rectangular shape, and two (a total of four) coils 41 are arranged on opposite side surfaces. In FIG. 25, two coils 41 are disposed on two opposing surfaces of the lens frame 40 in the vertical direction of the drawing (the two lower coils 41 are not shown).

  In addition, the shape of the lens frame 40 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be various shapes. The type of the coil 41 is not particularly limited, and may be a pattern coil, for example. Further, the number of the coils 41 is not limited to four, and may be a single number or a plurality other than four.

  The magnet 42 is disposed at a position facing the coil 41 and in the vicinity of the coil 41. The magnet 42 is a neodymium magnet (Nd magnet) magnetized with multiple poles. However, the type of the magnet 42 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of actuator. The magnet 42 has a rectangular shape in FIG. 25, but the shape is not particularly limited.

  The wire support housing 44 is connected to the lens frame body 40 via the suspension wire 43 to support the lens frame body 40. The material and shape of the wire support housing 44 are not particularly limited. However, the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is formed in a shape that does not hinder the light emitting unit 13 from being irradiated.

  In the above configuration, a magnetic field is generated by passing a current through the coil 41, and a rotational force (rotational torque) is applied to the magnet 42 by the magnetic field. Therefore, the rotational torque can be freely changed by changing the magnitude of the current. Accordingly, the operation of the lens frame 40, that is, the lens 12b can be controlled. Further, the direction of the rotational force acting on the magnet 42 can be changed in the opposite direction by changing the direction of the current flowing through the coil. That is, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the position or angle of the lens 12b by controlling the operation of the operation control unit 30 by controlling the magnitude and direction of the current to the coil 41.

  Thereby, since the lens 12b can operate freely in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the relative position of the lens 12b with respect to the light emitting unit 13 can be changed, and the irradiation position of the laser light in the light emitting unit 13 can be changed. At this time, the spot size of the laser beam in the light emitting unit 13 needs to be larger than the NFP (Near Field Pattern) size of the laser element 11.

  It is necessary to make the spot size of the laser light in the light emitting unit 13 larger than the NFP size and lower the excitation density of the laser light in the light emitting unit 13. This is because the light emitting unit 13 generates heat due to the laser light, and the light emitting unit 13 is deteriorated (discolored or deformed) by the heat, resulting in a problem that the life is shortened.

  Note that the operation control unit 30 that functions as an actuator does not need to be the two-axis type illustrated in FIG. 25, and may be one axis or any number of axes other than two axes.

  The actuator may be of another type as long as it has a mechanism for moving the lens in the direction of the arrow in the figure, for example, “rack and pinion type”, helicoid type, or solenoid type.

[Modification 6]
Next, a headlamp 500 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) that is a sixth modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  As illustrated, the headlamp 500 includes a laser element 11, a light emitting unit 13, a reflector 14, and a fin 4. Further, the headlamp 500 includes a reflection mirror 12a, a cylindrical lens 32, a polygon mirror (light control unit) 34, a polygon mirror drive unit (operation control unit) 35, a scanning lens 36, a galvano mirror (light control unit) 38, and a galvano mirror. A drive unit (operation control unit) 39 is provided. The irradiation region changing unit 64 controls the following driving of the polygon mirror driving unit 35 and the galvano mirror driving unit 39 to change the positions or angles of the polygon mirror 38 and the galvano mirror 38, respectively.

  The reflection mirror 12 a turns the laser light emitted from the laser light emitting end of the laser element 11 into collimated light and reflects it toward the cylindrical lens 32. The operation of the reflection mirror 12a may be controlled by an actuator (not shown) or the like under the control of the irradiation region changing unit 64.

  The cylindrical lens 32 changes the magnification of the laser beam reflected by the reflection mirror 12a only in a single direction, and irradiates the laser beam toward the polygon mirror 34.

  The polygon mirror 34 is a rotating polygon mirror mounted on a high-precision digital copying machine, a laser printer, or the like. The polygon mirror 34 rotates at a high speed of several tens of thousands of times per minute by driving of the polygon mirror driving unit 35 connected to the polygon mirror 34, and irradiates the scanning lens 36 with the laser beam reflected at the high speed rotation.

  The scanning lens 36 is a lens used for scanning laser light. When the laser light is incident at an angle θ, the scanning lens 36 is multiplied by the focal length f of the scanning lens 36 (Y = f · θ). Tie the statue. The scanning lens 36 has a function of scanning the laser beam scanned at the same angle by the polygon mirror 34 on the imaging surface at a constant speed, and irradiates the scanned laser beam toward the galvanometer mirror 38.

  The galvanometer mirror 38 is rotated by driving the galvanometer mirror driving unit 39 by an amount corresponding to the level of the input driving voltage to change the reflection angle, and irradiates the reflected laser beam toward the light emitting unit 13. . Thereby, the galvanometer mirror 38 can irradiate the light emitting unit 13 with laser light at an arbitrary angle.

  As described above, the headlamp 500 operates the polygon mirror 34 and the galvano mirror 38 by the polygon mirror driving unit 35 and the galvano mirror driving unit 39, thereby arbitrarily setting the irradiation position and spot size of the laser light in the light emitting unit 13. Change.

  The reflecting mirror 12a, the polygon mirror 34, and the galvanometer mirror 38 are provided with an HR coat made of a dielectric multilayer film. The cylindrical lens 32 and the scanning lens 36 are provided with an AR (Anti Reflect) coat made of a dielectric multilayer coating. The AR and HR coats are tuned with respect to the emission wavelength of the laser element 11.

  By applying AR coating and HR coating, optical loss can be reduced. In this embodiment, since a high-power laser is used, if AR coating and HR coating are not applied, the optical loss becomes heat and the optical element is distorted. Further, in the case of a vehicle projector such as the headlamp 500, the irradiation position and spot size of the laser beam are arbitrarily changed, but the light emitting unit 13 is formed according to the projection pattern of the headlamp determined by law and regulation. In many cases, the light distribution of the laser light (light distribution when averaged over time) is the same light distribution for forming a pattern in accordance with laws and regulations. That is, each optical element is not uniformly exposed to the laser beam, and only a specific region is always exposed to a region with a high laser output. Therefore, if AR coating and HR coating are not applied, there arises a problem that the region is deteriorated.

[Modification 7]
Next, a headlamp 600 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a modified example 7 of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  The headlamp 600 includes a laser element 11, a light emitting unit 13, a reflector 14, a fin 4, and a lens 12b. Furthermore, the headlamp 600 includes an actuator (operation control unit, not shown) and a concave mirror (light control unit) 50 driven by the actuator. The irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the position or angle of the concave mirror 50 by controlling the operation of the actuator.

  In the head lamp 600, the concave mirror 50 is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser element 11 via the lens 12b. The concave mirror 50 reflects the incident laser light toward the light emitting unit 13. At this time, the operation of the concave mirror 50 is controlled by the actuator. That is, the actuator changes the irradiation position and the spot size of the laser light in the light emitting unit 13 by changing the relative position of the concave mirror 50 with respect to the light emitting unit 13.

  Thus, the headlamp according to the present embodiment can be realized by a configuration different from that of the headlamp 500 or the like.

  Further, in a vehicle projector such as the headlamp 600, the rear surface of the projector is often an engine room, and various devices and pipes are installed in the engine room. Therefore, it is desirable that the depth of the projector is narrow. From the viewpoint of heat dissipation, it is desirable that the fins 4 be installed not on the engine room side but on the outermost shell of the vehicle. The headlamp 600 solves the above two problems by using the concave mirror 50.

  Moreover, the position of the light emission spot in the light emission part 13 is changed by operating the concave mirror 50 by the said actuator in the direction parallel to the main plane of a mirror.

  The concave mirror 50 may be a convex mirror depending on the size of the light emission spot in the light emitting unit 13.

  The concave mirror 50 can be a plane mirror. However, in that case, a mechanism that moves the mirror in parallel to the mirror surface cannot realize the same function as described above. Then, the following structures are mentioned as an example of the mechanism in the case of a plane mirror. In other words, when an orthogonal coordinate system defined by the z-axis as the normal direction of the mirror surface with respect to the mirror surface, the x-axis within the mirror surface, and the y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and z-axis is set, By providing a mechanism for tilting the mirror surface in the axial and y-axis directions and operating the mirror in this way, the light emission spot position in the light emitting unit 13 can be changed.

[Modification 8]
Next, a headlamp 700 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a modified example 8 of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  The headlamp 700 is the same as the headlamp 100 shown in FIG. 2 except that the laser light of the laser element 11 is coupled to the fiber 701 and the laser light is guided to the substantially focal position of the reflection mirror 12a by the fiber 701. Yes (however, in the headlamp 700, there is one laser element 11). Therefore, similarly to the headlamp 100, the headlamp 700 can arbitrarily change the laser light irradiation position and the spot size in the light emitting unit 13.

  By using the fiber 701, the headlamp 700 can reduce the space behind the headlamp.

  Moreover, since the headlamp 700 can use the fiber 701, the fin 4 can be installed in a place where it is easy to radiate heat, so that the long-term reliability of the system can be improved.

  In the headlamp 700, laser light is coupled to the fiber 701 by a butt joint. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and laser light may be appropriately coupled to the fiber 701 using a lens or a mirror.

  Further, the numerical aperture (NA) of the fiber 701 in the laser light is 0.18 at the incident end and the outgoing end. However, the NA of the light emitting part and the incident end part may be changed in order to reduce the excitation area in the light source part while maintaining the coupling efficiency of the laser light. In that case, the light emitting portion NA> the incident portion NA.

  In addition, a lens may be used instead of the reflecting mirror 12a. In this case, since the fiber 701 needs to be extended to the rear of the headlamp 700, a space behind the headlamp 700 is used.

[Modification 9]
Next, a headlamp 800 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a ninth modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  As illustrated, the headlamp 800 includes a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror 801. In the headlamp 800, laser light emitted from the emission end of the fiber 701 is reflected by the reflection mirror 12 a and guided to a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) mirror 801. The MEMS mirror 801 controls the light guide of the laser light to the light emitting unit 13. This is different from the headlamp 700 shown in FIG.

  The fiber 701 may be a single mode fiber or a multimode fiber having a thick core portion through which light passes. The fiber 701 can use not only quartz but also plastic as a material. In this case, the fiber 701 is inexpensive and can realize high bending strength. The fiber 701 may be connected to the lens 12b by a butt connection (butt joint).

  Laser light emitted from the laser element 11 enters the MEMS mirror 801 through the lens 12b, the fiber 701, and the reflection mirror 12a. The MEMS mirror 801 is a microelectronic mirror in which a mechanical component and an electronic circuit are fused to form a microcomponent, and is disposed between an external region of the reflector 14 opposite to the opening of the reflector 14 and the laser element 11. The Here, the MEMS mirror 801 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram for explaining the MEMS mirror 801.

  The MEMS mirror (light control unit, operation control unit) 801 includes a mirror unit (light control unit) 801a and a mirror drive unit (operation control unit) 801b. The mirror unit 801a is formed in the mirror driving unit 801b. For example, although not limited to this, the mirror unit 801a is a biaxial mirror and has a circular shape with a diameter of 1 mmφ. The mirror surface may be coated with an Al coat or the like.

  The mirror driving unit 801b is, for example, not limited to this, but is a 5 mm square substantially square, and the mirror unit 801a is formed therein. The mirror driving unit 801b changes the angle in the D1 direction (X-axis direction perpendicular to the gravitational direction) and / or the D2 direction (Y-axis direction defined as the gravitational direction) by voltage change. The mirror part 801a formed in 801b is operated. Then, by operating the mirror unit 801a, the irradiation position and spot size of the laser light irradiated to the light emitting unit 13 after being reflected by the mirror unit 801a are changed. Thereby, the headlamp 800 can irradiate light to an arbitrary place and change the light distribution pattern. That is, in the headlamp 800, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the position or angle of the mirror unit 801a by controlling the operation of the mirror driving unit 801b.

  Note that the MEMS mirror 801 is preferably set such that its driving range is wider in the Y-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. This is particularly effective when the light projection range of the headlamp 800 is horizontally long. On the other hand, when the light projection range of the headlamp 800 is vertically long, the MEMS mirror 801 is set so that its drive range is wider in the X-axis direction than in the Y-axis direction. It may be changed as appropriate.

  Further, in the case where the light projection pattern is formed by continuously scanning the laser beam and synchronizing the intensity of the laser beam with the scanning speed, it is desirable to use a resonant MEMS mirror that can increase the scanning speed. . For example, when scanning at a vertical scanning speed of 60 Hz and synchronizing the intensity of the laser light to the scanning speed, the light emitting unit 13 is used to form a light emitting pattern that becomes a light projecting pattern of a passing lamp. It is desirable to use a resonance type.

  On the other hand, when the present system is used in such a manner that the light projection position of the spotlight (the position of the first light projection range a1) is changed, and the object (eg, deer that is a risk factor) is continuously illuminated. In this case, it is desirable to use a non-resonant type MEMS mirror because illuminance on the object is higher when the object is continuously illuminated (if the laser output is the same).

  In this modification, the laser light emitted from the emission end of the fiber 701 is reflected by the reflection mirror 12a and guided to the MEMS mirror 801. However, the reflection mirror 12a is not provided, and the laser light is directly applied to the MEMS mirror 801. It may be configured to be guided, or may be guided using a lens instead of the reflection mirror 12a.

[Modification 10]
Next, a headlamp 900 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a tenth modification of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 31 is a view showing a further modification of the headlamp 100.

  As illustrated, the headlamp 900 includes a laser element 11, a light emitting unit 13, a reflector 14 having a wavelength cut coat 15, a fin 4, a lens 12 b, and a MEMS mirror 801.

  The headlamp 900 is different from the headlamp 800 shown in FIG. 29 in the following points. That is, the headlamp 900 does not include the fiber 701 and the reflection mirror 12a included in the headlamp 800. Accordingly, the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is incident on the MEMS mirror 801 via the lens 12b, and the light emitting unit 13 is irradiated with the laser light reflected by the MEMS mirror 801. At this time, the headlamp 900 makes it possible to irradiate light to any place and change the light distribution pattern by the operation of the MEMS mirror 801 described above.

  Thus, the headlamp 900 can realize the same effect as the headlamp 800 without using the fiber 701 and the reflection mirror 12a. Therefore, the headlamp 900 can reduce the number of components as compared with the headlamp 800 and can increase the degree of freedom in designing the layout inside the headlamp by reducing the number of components.

[Modification 11]
Next, a headlamp 1000 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a modified example 11 of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 32 is a view showing a further modification of the headlamp 100.

  As shown, the headlamp 1000 includes a piezo mirror element (light control unit) 1021 instead of the reflecting mirror 12a and the MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) mirror 801 shown in FIG. Different.

  In the headlamp 1000, the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 enters the piezo mirror element 1021 via the lens 12 b and the fiber 701. Then, the laser beam reflected by the piezo mirror element 1021 is applied to the light emitting unit 13.

  The piezo mirror element 1021 is an element formed by a piezo element and a mirror and capable of operating the mirror surface of the mirror in a two-dimensional direction (biaxial direction). By operating the mirror with the piezo element, the reflected light path of the laser light is increased. It is possible to change the direction to biaxial. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the piezo mirror element 1021 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining the piezo mirror element 1021, (a) is a perspective view showing an overall schematic structure of the piezo mirror element 1021, and (b) is a schematic structure of a portion excluding the mirror 1022. (C) is a top view of (b) showing an arrangement example of the piezo elements 1023a, 1023b and the fulcrum member 1024.

  As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the piezo mirror element 1021 includes a piezo element 1023a for driving in the θ-axis direction, a piezo element 1023b for driving in the ψ-axis direction, and a fulcrum member on a base 1025. 1024 and a mirror 1022 is arranged on these members.

  The piezo elements 1023a and 1023b are made of piezoelectric ceramics, and are piezoelectric devices that generate displacement in the direction perpendicular to the θ axis and the ψ axis (perpendicular to the surface of the base 1025) by applying a voltage to the element due to the piezoelectric effect. . As the piezoelectric elements 1023a and 1023b, for example, a laminated piezoelectric actuator manufactured by NEC TOKIN Corporation is used.

  The piezo elements 1023a, 1023b and the fulcrum member 1024 are disposed on a base 1025 as shown in FIG. 33C, for example. That is, the piezo element 1023a and the fulcrum 1024 are arranged in the vicinity of both ends of the base 1025 on the θ axis, and the piezo element 1023b is arranged in the vicinity of the end of the base 1025 on the ψ axis. A mirror 1022 is formed on the piezoelectric elements 1023a and 1023b installed on the two axes (θ axis and ψ axis). That is, in FIG. 33, the mirror 1022 is installed so as to straddle the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b and the fulcrum member 1024 installed on each of the two axes.

  Thus, each member of the piezo mirror element 1021 is arranged, and voltage is applied to each of the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b, whereby each of the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the base 1025, and the mirror 1022 The mirror surface can be moved in the vertical direction. Actually, the mirror 1022 moves with the fulcrum member 1024 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the tilt of the mirror 1022 can be displaced in the biaxial direction by the displacement of the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b.

  The headlamp 1000 controls the optical path of the laser beam emitted from the fiber 701 by displacing the tilt of the mirror 1022 included in the piezo mirror element 1021, and controls the irradiation position in the light emitting unit 13, thereby projecting light. Be controlled. Each of the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b is controlled by a piezo mirror drive unit (operation control unit, not shown). That is, the irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the position or angle of the mirror surface of the mirror 1022 included in the piezo mirror element 1021 by controlling the operation of the piezo mirror driving unit.

  The piezo mirror element 1021 configured as described above is suitable for a case where the optical path is long or a plurality of laser beam turns (reflections) exist because the angle adjustment with high accuracy is possible. Although not limited to this, the piezo mirror element 1021 is realized, for example, with a size of 20 mm in diameter and 40 mm in diameter.

  As described above, the headlamp 1000 can also irradiate light to an arbitrary place and freely change the light distribution pattern by using the piezo mirror element 1021.

  Note that the piezo elements 1023a and 1023b and the fulcrum member 1024 are not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 33C. For example, these members are not necessarily arranged near the end of the base 1025. The arrangement of these members can be appropriately changed in accordance with the tilting range of the mirror 1022 and the like.

[Modification 12]
Next, a headlamp 1100 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a modified example 12 of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 34 is a view showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  As shown, the headlamp 1100 includes a laser element 11, a light emitting unit 13, a reflector 14, a fin 4, and a lens 12b. Furthermore, the headlamp 1100 includes an X-axis galvano mirror 38a and a galvano mirror drive unit 39a, and a Y-axis galvano mirror 38b and a galvano mirror drive unit 39b. The irradiation region changing unit 64 changes the position or angle of the galvano mirrors 38a and 38b by controlling the following driving of the galvano mirror driving units 39a and 39b.

  The galvano mirror 38a is rotated by the drive of the galvano mirror drive unit 39a by an amount corresponding to the level of the input drive voltage to change the reflection angle in the X-axis direction (direction perpendicular to the gravity direction) and reflect it. The emitted laser beam is emitted toward the light emitting unit 13. Thereby, the galvanometer mirror 38a can irradiate the light emission part 13 with a laser beam at an arbitrary angle in the X-axis direction.

  Similarly, the galvanometer mirror 38b is rotated by driving the galvanometer mirror drive unit 39b by an amount corresponding to the level of the input drive voltage, and the reflection angle in the Y-axis direction (gravity direction) is changed and reflected. Laser light is emitted toward the light emitting unit 13. Thereby, the galvanometer mirror 38b can irradiate the light emission part 13 with a laser beam at an arbitrary angle in the Y-axis direction.

  The headlamp 1100 collaborates with the X-axis galvano mirror 38a, the galvano mirror drive unit 39a, and the Y-axis galvano mirror 38b, the galvano mirror drive unit 39b. Irradiation and free change of light distribution pattern are realized.

  Here, the galvanometer mirrors 38a and 38b are preferably provided with an HR coat made of a dielectric multilayer film. The HR coat is tuned with respect to the emission wavelength of the laser element 11.

  By applying HR coating, optical loss can be reduced. In this embodiment, since a high-power laser is used, unless HR coating is applied, the optical loss becomes heat and the optical element is distorted. Further, in the case of a vehicle projector, the laser light irradiation position and spot size are arbitrarily changed. However, the light distribution of the laser light formed on the light emitting unit 13 according to the light projection pattern of the headlamp determined by laws and regulations ( The light distribution at the time average) is often the same light distribution for forming a pattern according to the regulations. That is, each optical element is not uniformly exposed to the laser beam, and only a specific region is always exposed to a region with a high laser output. Therefore, if the HR coating is not applied, there arises a problem that the region deteriorates.

[Modification 13]
Next, a headlamp 1200 (illumination device, vehicle headlamp) which is a modified example 13 of the headlamp 100 will be described. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a further modified example of the headlamp 100.

  The headlamp 1200 has the same configuration as the headlamp 400 shown in FIG. 25 except for the following points. To explain only the difference in configuration, in the headlamp 1200, the laser light emitted from the laser element 11 is guided from the laser element 11 to the lens 12 b embedded in the lens frame body 40 via the fiber 701. Lighted. The fiber 701 may be connected to the laser element 11 by a butt connection (butt joint). In the headlamp 1200, the wavelength cut coat 15 is provided on the reflector 14. Accordingly, the headlamp 1200 can block light in a specific wavelength range and provide a user with a device that is easy on the human eye.

  In the above, the difference between the headlamp 1200 and the headlamp 400 shown in FIG. 25 was demonstrated. The headlamp 1200 can realize the same effect as the headlamp 400 by having the above-described configuration. Therefore, the headlamp 1200 can appropriately change the light guide route from the laser element 11 to the lens 12b, and can be designed in consideration of the entire layout of the headlamp 1200. In this respect, the headlamp 1200 has an effect different from that of the headlamp 400.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can use the light emitted from the first light source and the second light source as illumination light, and can control the light distribution characteristics and the light intensity distribution of the illumination light. It can be applied to a headlamp for a vehicle or the like.

1 Laser light source unit (first light source)
2 LED (second light source)
5a Infrared camera (detection means)
11 Laser element (laser light source)
12 Light controller (first light source)
12a Reflection mirror (light control unit, first light source)
12b Lens (light control unit, first light source)
13 Light emitting part (first light source)
14 Reflector (light emitting part)
34 Polygon mirror (light controller)
38 Galvano mirror (light controller)
38a Galvano mirror (light control unit)
38b Galvano mirror (light control unit)
50 Concave mirror (light controller)
62 Object identification unit (identification means)
62a Object identification part (identification means)
61 Object detection unit (detection means)
63 Inclination detection unit (inclination detection means)
64 Irradiation area changing section (changing means)
65 Lighting control unit (first output control means)
66 Output control unit (second output control means)
100 headlamps (lighting devices, vehicle headlamps)
100a Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
200 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
300 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
400 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
500 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
600 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
700 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
800 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
801 MEMS mirror (light control unit)
801a Mirror part (light control part)
900 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
1000 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
1021 Piezo mirror element (light control unit)
1100 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
1200 Headlamp (lighting device, vehicle headlamp)
a1 1st projection range a2 2nd projection range

Claims (18)

Laser light source,
A light control unit for controlling the light guide of the laser light emitted from the laser light source to the light emitting unit, and
A first light source comprising: a light emitting unit that receives and emits laser light controlled by the light control unit;
A second light source that emits light by a light emission principle different from the first light source;
Changing means for changing an irradiation area formed by the laser beam emitted from the laser light source by changing the position or angle of the light control unit; and
Ri can der simultaneously projecting the light emitted from each of the first light source and the second light source,
The first light source includes a plurality of the laser light sources,
The light control unit is a mirror or a lens, and is arranged to correspond to each of the plurality of laser light sources,
In the plurality of laser light sources, when at least the light control unit is not controlled, an irradiation region formed by each laser beam emitted from the laser light source is formed in a matrix in the light emitting unit. Arranged in a matrix,
The illumination apparatus further comprises first output control means for controlling the output of each of the plurality of laser light sources . The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the changing unit changes a position of the irradiation region with respect to the light emitting unit. Upper Symbol changing means, as part of the irradiated region, each of the laser light emitted from the plurality of the laser light source to form overlap each other, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that changing the irradiated region The lighting device described in 1. The second light source, the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that emits illumination light to meet the minimum illuminance defined in its own device. The changing means is configured such that the first light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the first light source is a peripheral portion of the second light projection range formed by the illumination light output from the second light source or the second light projection. as it formed in addition to the optical range, the illumination device according to any one of 4 from claim 1, wherein changing the irradiated region. In the changing unit, the first light projection range formed by the illumination light emitted from the first light source is formed in a part of the second light projection range formed by the illumination light output from the second light source. The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the irradiation area is changed as described above. A plurality of illumination regions, each of the laser light emitted from the multiple of the laser light source is formed, lighting according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is formed simultaneously to the light emitting portion apparatus. A second output control means for controlling the output of the illumination light output from the second light source;
The said 2nd output control means controls the output of the illumination light radiate | emitted from the said 2nd light source according to the output state of the illumination light from the said 1st light source, Any one of Claim 1 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The lighting device according to claim 1. A light projecting unit that projects illumination light emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source;
The light projecting unit is an elliptical mirror,
The said light emission part is arrange | positioned at the 1st focus of the said light projection part, and the said 2nd light source is arrange | positioned at the 2nd focus of the said light projection part, The any one of Claim 1 to 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. The lighting device described. The second light source is a light emitting diode that emits white light as illumination light,
The light emitting unit, the lighting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that functions as a part of the second light source. A vehicle headlamp comprising the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . A detecting means for detecting an object;
The vehicle headlamp according to claim 11 , wherein when the object is detected by the detection unit, the changing unit changes the irradiation area for the light emitting unit so as to include the object. . A detecting means for detecting an object;
The vehicle front unit according to claim 11 , wherein when the object is detected by the detecting unit, the changing unit changes the irradiation region for the light emitting unit so as not to include the object. Lighting. An identification means for identifying the type of the object detected by the detection means by image recognition;
The vehicle according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the changing unit changes the irradiation area when the type of the object identified by the identifying unit matches a type of an object registered in advance. For headlamps. The detection means detects infrared radiant energy radiated from the object,
An identification means for identifying the type of the object by generating a temperature distribution image based on the infrared radiation energy detected by the detection means;
The vehicle according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the changing unit changes the irradiation area when the type of the object identified by the identifying unit matches a type of an object registered in advance. For headlamps. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the detection means is a radar that irradiates the object with infrared rays and detects a reflected wave thereof. The changing means sets the irradiation area for the light emitting unit so as to satisfy one of a light distribution pattern of illumination light defined in the right-hand traffic country and a light distribution pattern of illumination light defined in the left-hand traffic country. The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 11 to 16 , wherein the vehicular headlamp is changed. Inclination detection means for detecting the inclination of the vehicle relative to the horizontal plane,
The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 11 to 17 , wherein the changing unit changes the irradiation area in accordance with a detection result of the inclination detecting unit.

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