WO2023162882A1

WO2023162882A1 - Vehicular lighting fixture

Info

Publication number: WO2023162882A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/005706
Authority: WO
Inventors: 由彦濱島; 英治鈴木; 卓司原尾
Original assignee: 市光工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-02-28
Filing date: 2023-02-17
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: JP2023125942A

Abstract

Provided is a vehicular lighting fixture with which it is possible to minimize discomfort to a driver and the like at the time of passing operation while minimizing dazzling to preceding vehicles or oncoming vehicles.　This vehicular lighting fixture (10) comprises: a lighting fixture unit (11) which forms a light distribution pattern (P); a detection unit (13, 42) which detects a dazzling target (Dt) present within the light distribution pattern (P); and a control unit (12) which controls the lighting of the lighting fixture unit (11). Upon receipt of a passing signal in a situation where the detection unit has detected a dazzling target (Dt), the control unit (12) causes the lighting fixture (11) to irradiate an area in the light distribution pattern (P) where the dazzling target (Dt) is not present with light at a luminance of a first set value (V1) and to irradiate an area where the dazzling target (Dt) is present with light at a luminance of a second set value (V2) that is lower than the first set value (V1).

Description

vehicle lamp

The present disclosure relates to vehicle lamps.

A vehicle lamp is considered to constitute an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). This vehicular lamp suppresses dazzle when there is an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle in front of the mounted vehicle in the light distribution during driving (so-called high beam) in which the light distribution pattern for driving is formed above the light distribution pattern for passing each other. state. In the dazzle-suppressed state, the dazzle-suppressed light distribution pattern that does not partially illuminate the area where the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are present in the light distribution pattern for running makes the occupants of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle feel dazzled. It is possible to suppress light reaching (dazzling).

In addition, in the dazzle suppression state, this vehicle lamp changes from the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern to the dazzle suppression passing pattern only while the passing operation is being performed. The dazzle suppression passing pattern is an inverse of the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern. or the occupants of the preceding vehicle can be notified of some intention.

JP 2013-67288 A

However, with vehicle lighting, by changing from a dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern to a dazzling-suppressing passing pattern, areas where there are no oncoming or preceding vehicles are temporarily darkened, giving the driver a sense of discomfort.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicular lamp capable of suppressing dazzling of oncoming and preceding vehicles while suppressing discomfort felt by a driver, etc., when passing. and

A vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure includes a lamp unit that forms a light distribution pattern, a detection unit that detects a dazzling target in the light distribution pattern, and a control unit that performs lighting control of the lamp unit. When the detecting unit receives the passing signal in a scene where the dazzling object is detected, the unit causes the lighting unit to adjust the area where the dazzling object does not exist in the light distribution pattern with the brightness of the first set value. While illuminating, the area where the dazzling object exists is illuminated with brightness of a second set value that is lower than the first set value.

According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress dazzling of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, while suppressing discomfort felt by the driver or the like during passing.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a control system of a vehicle lamp according to Example 1 of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the vehicle lighting device is set to light distribution during traveling in a scene where there is no oncoming vehicle and no preceding vehicle. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the vehicular lamp forms a glare-suppressing light distribution pattern when there is an oncoming vehicle. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the vehicular lamp forms a glare-suppressing light distribution pattern when there is a preceding vehicle; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how the vehicular lamp forms a glare-suppressing light distribution pattern in a scene where an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle are present; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp is formed by a vehicle lamp in a scene where an oncoming vehicle is present; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp is formed by a vehicle lamp in a scene where an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle are present; 4 is a flowchart showing dazzle suppression processing (dazzle suppression method) executed by a control unit of the vehicle lamp. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a glare suppression passing pattern Pp formed by a vehicle lamp in a scene where two oncoming vehicles are present at different distances; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern formed by a vehicle lamp in a scene where an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle are present; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp formed by a vehicle lamp in a scene where an oncoming vehicle is present;

A first embodiment of the vehicle lamp 10 as an example of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. 2 to 7 and FIGS. 9 to 11 show how the light distribution pattern for running HP is superimposed on the light distribution pattern for passing LP to form the light distribution pattern P. It doesn't match the situation. FIGS. 2 to 7 and 9 to 11 show how the light distribution pattern for running HP is divided into a plurality of irradiation areas Ar in the width direction. It is shown simply for the sake of illustration, and does not necessarily match the actual situation. 2 to 7 and 9 to 11, the areas with the darkest color indicate areas that are not illuminated, and the areas without color indicate areas illuminated with the brightness of the first set value. there is In FIGS. 2 to 7 and 9 to 11, the lightly shaded areas indicate areas illuminated with the brightness of the second set value, and the darker shades than the second set value indicate areas illuminated. A region illuminated with a third brightness setting is shown.

A vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 as an example of the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG. The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment is used as a lamp for use in a vehicle such as an automobile, and forms a light distribution pattern P for securing a driver's field of vision. Used. The vehicular lamp 10 according to the first embodiment includes a lamp unit 11 arranged in a lamp chamber formed by covering the open front end of the lamp housing with an outer lens on both left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle. It is provided via a mechanism or a width direction optical axis adjustment mechanism. In the following description, in the vehicle lamp 10, the traveling direction when the vehicle C1 (self-vehicle) in which it is mounted is the forward and backward direction, and the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted on the vehicle C1 is the vertical direction. A direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as a width direction.

The vehicle lamp 10 constitutes an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam), and as shown in FIG. The lamp unit 11 has a low beam unit 21 and a high beam unit 22 , and lighting of each of them is controlled by the controller 12 . The low beam unit 21 forms a light distribution pattern LP for passing (see FIG. 2, etc.). This light distribution pattern LP for passing each other illuminates the lower part of the light distribution pattern P, and has a cutoff line that partially cuts off a portion corresponding to the oncoming vehicle C2 (see FIG. 3, etc.). It is possible to prevent dazzling the passenger. The low beam unit 21 forms a cutoff line by blocking part of the light from the light source or by chipping off part of the light emitting surface.

The high beam unit 22 forms a running light distribution pattern HP (see FIG. 2, etc.). The driving light distribution pattern HP illuminates the upper portion of the light distribution pattern P, and is designed to enhance the visibility of the occupants (mainly the driver) of the vehicle C1 on which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted. Illuminate a wide area ahead. The high-beam unit 22 has a plurality of light sources arranged in the width direction, and each light source can be turned on and off individually, and its brightness can be individually adjusted when it is turned on. The high beam unit 22 can form an irradiation area Ar for each light source arranged in the width direction, and can form nine irradiation areas Ar in the first embodiment. The irradiation regions Ar are indicated by numerals 1 to 9 after the symbol Ar in order from the left side of FIG. 2 when individually indicated. The high beam unit 22 can form the running light distribution pattern HP by simultaneously forming all nine irradiation areas Ar. In addition, the high beam unit 22 turns off some of the light sources or weakens the brightness and turns on the remaining light sources, thereby extinguishing an arbitrary part of the irradiation area Ar in the light distribution pattern for driving HP. It is possible to form a light distribution pattern (see the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd in FIG. 3, the dazzling-suppressing passing pattern Pp in FIG. 5, etc.) in which the light is dimly lit.

This lamp unit 11 can achieve light distribution (so-called low beam) when passing by lighting only the low beam unit 21 to form a light distribution pattern LP for passing. In addition, the lighting unit 11 turns on the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22 to form a light distribution pattern for running HP superimposed on the light distribution pattern for passing LP, thereby achieving light distribution during running (so-called high beam). The low beam unit 21 and high beam unit 22 are appropriately lit under the control of the control section 12 .

The control unit 12 uses signals from the camera 13 and the lighting switch 14 to comprehensively control the lighting operation of the lighting unit 11 . This control will be described later. The control unit 12 is connected to the camera 13 and the lighting switch 14 and is capable of receiving signals (data) therefrom. This connection may be wired or wireless as long as it enables signals from the camera 13 and the lighting switch 14 to be received.

The camera 13 acquires an image of the front of the vehicle C1 on which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted in order to use it for dazzle suppression processing, which will be described later. An image (including a moving image and a still image) of at least the area where the light distribution pattern P is formed (the area irradiated thereby) on the front side) can be obtained. The camera 13 takes an image of the front of the vehicle C1 when the drive system of the vehicle C1 is started, and outputs a signal (image data) representing the image to the control unit 12 . As will be described later, this signal (image data) is image-analyzed by the control unit 12 (identifying unit 42 thereof) to detect the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3 (see FIGS. 3, 4, etc.). Used. The camera 13 may be provided exclusively for glare suppression processing, but for example, cameras provided on the front, back, left, and right of the vehicle C1 to acquire an image of the entire surroundings of the vehicle C1 and form a bird's-eye view image. Of these, the one provided in the front part of the vehicle C1 may be used, or the one provided for the drive recorder or the anti-collision mechanism may be used.

The lighting switch 14 is operated to light the vehicle lamp 10 . This operation includes switching between lighting and extinguishing, switching between light distribution (low beam) when passing lights and light distribution (high beam) when driving, and execution of passing. The passing is to temporarily change the light distribution (low beam) during driving from the vehicle lamp 10 that is in the light distribution state (low beam) when turned off or when passing each other, so that the oncoming vehicle C2, the preceding vehicle C3, etc. It is done for the driver to send a signal. The lighting switch 14 enables each of the operations described above, and in the first embodiment, it is an operation lever that protrudes from the periphery of the steering wheel of the vehicle C1. The light switch 14 is turned on by rotating the tip of the operating lever, and turned off by returning it to the original position. In addition, the lighting switch 14 is operated to rotate the tip of the operation lever by one step for light distribution when passing each other, and to rotate the tip to two steps for light distribution when driving. Become. Furthermore, regardless of whether the lighting switch 14 is turned on or off, the action of pulling the operation lever forward is the passing operation. Note that the lighting switch 14 may have other configurations as long as the driver can perform each of the above operations, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

The control unit 12 has a lighting drive unit 41, an identification unit 42, and an area setting unit 43, as shown in FIG. The lighting drive section 41 drives the lighting unit 11 to light, and can light the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22 individually or simultaneously. Further, the lighting driving section 41 can individually or simultaneously light each light source of the high beam unit 22, and can individually adjust the brightness of each light source when it is lit. In the first embodiment, the lighting driving section 41 drives the lighting unit 11 according to the operation performed on the lighting switch 14 .

Basically, when a signal rotated by one step is input from the lighting switch 14, the lighting driving section 41 turns on only the low beam unit 21 to achieve the light distribution at the time of passing each other. Further, when a signal rotated in two stages is input from the lighting switch 14, the lighting driving section 41 lights the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22 to provide light distribution during running. Further, when the lighting drive unit 41 receives a passing operation signal from the lighting switch 14, the lighting driving unit 41 performs passing control for lighting the high beam unit 22 only while the signal is being input. Regarding other operations other than the passing operation, the lighting driving unit 41 drives the lighting unit 11 according to a detection signal from a brightness sensor that detects the brightness around the vehicle C1. The configuration of the first embodiment is not limited to that which is automatically driven to light up. Then, the lighting drive section 41 performs glare suppression control, which will be described later, according to signals from the identification section 42 and the area setting section 43 .

The identification unit 42 identifies the dazzling target Dt in the image acquired by the camera 13. In the first embodiment, the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3 are identified as the dazzling target Dt. When the signal (image data) of the image acquired by the camera 13 is input, the identification unit 42 recognizes various shapes based on the movement of locally bright spots in the image, the contrast, etc., and recognizes the shape. Buildings, roads, cars, signs, etc. are discriminated based on the shape and the like. Then, the identification unit 42 identifies the object determined as the vehicle as the dazzling object Dt. At this time, the identification unit 42 identifies the dazzling object Dt as the oncoming vehicle C2 based on the position of the vehicle with respect to the road, the recognized shape, the brightness and shape of the lights (headlights and side lights) that are on, and the like. and the preceding vehicle C3. The identification unit 42 outputs the data identified as the dazzling object Dt to the area setting unit 43 . Therefore, the identification unit 42 functions as a detection unit that cooperates with the camera 13 to detect the dazzling target Dt in the image of the area where the light distribution pattern P is formed. Note that the detection unit may have other configurations as long as it detects the dazzling target Dt in the light distribution pattern P, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

The area setting unit 43 determines in which irradiation area Ar in the driving light distribution pattern HP the dazzle target Dt identified by the identification unit 42 exists, and sets the existing area as the dazzle target area Ad ( See Figure 3, etc.). This dazzle target area Ad is composed of an irradiation area Ar that overlaps with the dazzle target Dt. (See FIG. 3, etc.). In addition, when there are a plurality of dazzle targets Dt, such as when there are a plurality of oncoming vehicles C2 or when an oncoming vehicle C2 and a preceding vehicle C3 exist at the same time, a plurality of dazzle target areas Ad are set. (See FIG. 5, etc.). The area setting unit 43 outputs the data of the set glaring object area Ad to the lighting driving unit 41 .

When the data of the dazzle target area Ad is input from the area setting unit 43, the lighting drive unit 41 executes dazzle suppression control. This dazzle suppression control basically prevents the occupants of the dazzle target Dt (the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3) from receiving dazzling light (dazzling). In the dazzle suppression control, when the light distribution during driving (high beam) is selected, the dazzle target area Ad set by the area setting unit 43 in the light distribution pattern HP for driving is partially extinguished, and the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern Pd is performed. (see FIGS. 3-5). Here, the lighting drive unit 41 causes the high beam unit 22 to irradiate all the irradiation areas Ar with the brightness of the first set value V1 to form the light distribution pattern HP for driving when the light distribution is for driving. ing. The first set value V1 can be any predetermined brightness. Then, when forming the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd, the lighting drive unit 41 turns off the light source corresponding to the irradiation area Ar set as the dazzle target area Ad, and sets the remaining irradiation area Ar to the first set value V1. Illuminate with brightness.

In the dazzle suppression control, regardless of the mode of the lamp unit 11, when a signal that is passed from the lighting switch 14 is input, the dazzle target area Ad set by the area setting unit 43 is set. The illumination region Ar is illuminated with reduced brightness. The lighting drive unit 41 causes the high beam unit 22 to irradiate the irradiation region Ar, which is the dazzle target region Ad, with a second set value V2 that is lower than the brightness of the first set value V1 in accordance with the passing operation, and the remaining is irradiated with the brightness of the first set value V1 to form the glare suppression passing pattern Pp (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

When the low beam unit 21 and high beam unit 22 are turned off, the lighting drive unit 41 drives only the high beam unit 22 to form only the glare suppression passing pattern Pp. In addition, in a scene where the light is distributed when passing, the lighting drive unit 41 drives the high beam unit 22 while maintaining the lighting of the low beam unit 21, so that the glare suppressing passing pattern Pp is placed above the light distribution pattern LP for passing. Form over and over again. Further, the lighting drive unit 41 maintains the lighting of the low beam unit 21 in a scene where the light distribution is for driving, and the illumination area Ar other than the dazzling target area Ad for the high beam unit 22 is set to the brightness of the first set value V1. The dazzling target area Ad is illuminated with the brightness of the second set value V2 while maintaining the illumination at the low brightness. For this reason, the lighting drive unit 41 causes the dazzling target area Ad, which is not lit, to be temporarily illuminated with the second set value V2 in accordance with the passing operation in a scene of light distribution during running. It is possible to inform the occupant of the dazzling object Dt existing in the area Ad of some intention.

Next, dazzle suppression processing (dazzle suppression method) as an example of suppressing dazzle around the vehicle C1 in which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. This glare suppression process is executed by the control unit 12 based on a program stored in an internal memory or the like. Each step (each process) of the flow chart of FIG. 8 will be described below. The flowchart of FIG. 8 is started when the drive system of the vehicle C1 is started and the camera 13 is driven, and is repeated until the drive system of the vehicle C1 is stopped.

In step S1, it is determined whether or not the dazzling object Dt exists. If YES, proceed to step S2, and if NO, proceed to step S3. In step S1, the identification unit 42 analyzes the image acquired by the camera 13 to determine whether or not the dazzle target Dt exists in front of the vehicle C1. The data is output to the area setting section 43, and when the dazzling object Dt does not exist, a signal indicating that fact is output to the area setting section 43. FIG.

In step S2, the dazzling target area Ad is set, and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S2, when the area setting unit 43 receives the data identifying the dazzle target Dt from the identification unit 42, it determines in which irradiation area Ar in the driving light distribution pattern HP the dazzle target Dt exists. The existing area is set as the glare target area Ad. Then, in step S2 , the data of the set dazzling target area Ad is output to the lighting driving section 41 .

In step S3, it is set that there is no dazzling target area Ad, and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S3, since the area setting unit 43 receives a signal indicating that the dazzling object Dt does not exist from the identification unit 42, it sets that there is no dazzling object area Ad. Then, in step S2 , a signal indicating that there is no glare target area Ad is output to the lighting driving section 41 .

In step S4, it is determined whether or not a passing operation has been performed. If YES, proceed to step S5, and if NO, proceed to step S6. In step S4 , the lighting driving section 41 determines whether or not a passing operation signal is input from the lighting switch 14 .

In step S5, passing control is performed, and the process returns to step S1. In step S5 , the lighting driving section 41 lights the high beam unit 22 only while the signal of the passing operation is being input from the lighting switch 14 . At this time, when the data of the dazzle target area Ad is input, the lighting drive unit 41 illuminates the irradiation area Ar set as the dazzle target area Ad with the brightness of the second set value V2, and the remaining irradiation The area Ar is illuminated with the brightness of the first set value V1 to cause the high beam unit 22 to form the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp. Further, when a signal indicating that there is no dazzling target area Ad is input, the lighting drive unit 41 illuminates all the irradiation areas Ar with the brightness of the first set value V1, and the high beam The unit 22 is caused to form a light distribution pattern HP for running.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the lighting operation has been performed. If YES, proceed to step S7, and if NO, return to step S1. In step S6 , the lighting driving section 41 determines whether or not the lighting switch 14 has received a lighting operation signal.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not the light distribution is for the time of passing. If YES, proceed to step S8, and if NO, proceed to step S9. In step S7, when the signal rotated by one step is input from the lighting switch 14, the lighting driving section 41 determines that the light distribution is for the time when the lights pass each other, and the process proceeds to step S8. Further, in step S7, when the lighting drive unit 41 receives a signal rotated by two stages from the lighting switch 14, it determines that the light distribution is for running, and proceeds to step S9.

In step S8, the process proceeds to step S10 as the light distribution at the time of passing each other. In step S8, the lighting driving section 41 turns on the low beam unit 21 to form the light distribution pattern LP for passing.

In step S9, the process proceeds to step S10 as the light distribution during running. In step S9 , the lighting drive section 41 lights the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22 . At this time, when the data of the dazzle target area Ad is input, the lighting drive unit 41 turns off the irradiation area Ar set as the dazzle target area Ad to the high beam unit 22 and the remaining irradiation area Ar. The illumination is performed at the brightness of the first set value V1 to form the dazzling suppression light distribution pattern Pd over the passing light distribution pattern LP. Further, when a signal indicating that there is no dazzling target area Ad is input, the lighting drive unit 41 sets the brightness of all the irradiation areas Ar to the high beam unit 22 to the first set value V1. to form the running light distribution pattern HP over the passing light distribution pattern LP.

In step S10, it is determined whether or not the light has been turned off. If YES, proceed to step S11, and if NO, return to step S1. In step S10 , when the lighting drive unit 41 receives a signal from the lighting switch 14 to return to the original rotational position, it determines that the lighting switch 14 has been operated to turn off the light.

In step S11, the light is turned off, and this glare suppression process ends. A step S11 turns off the low beam unit 21 and the high beam unit 22 which have been turned on.

Next, a typical scene in which the vehicle lamp 10 is lit will be described.
First, when there is no dazzle target Dt, the vehicular lamp 10 causes the high beam unit 22 to emit a light distribution pattern for driving HP (see FIG. 2) only while the lighting switch 14 is operated. (Steps S1->S3->S4->S5). When the lighting switch 14 is rotated in two steps when there is no dazzling object Dt in front of the vehicle C1, the vehicular lamp 10 forms the light distribution pattern LP for passing by the low beam unit 21 and runs with the high beam unit 22. A light distribution pattern HP for driving is formed, and the light distribution (high beam) during running shown in FIG. 2 is formed (steps S1→S3→S4→S6→S7→S9). When the lighting switch 14 is rotated by one step, the vehicular lamp 10 forms the light distribution pattern LP for passing by the low beam unit 21 regardless of the presence or absence of the dazzling target Dt. ) (steps S1→S2 or S3→S4→S6→S7→S8).

In the vehicle lamp 10, when the dazzling target Dt is present in front of the vehicle C1, when the lighting switch 14 is rotated in two stages, the low beam unit 21 forms a light distribution pattern LP for passing each other, and the high beam unit 22 performs dazzling suppression distribution. A light pattern Pd is formed (steps S1->S2->S4->S6->S7->S9). Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicular lamp 10 has a dazzle suppression light distribution pattern in which, when an oncoming vehicle C2 exists in the oncoming lane as the dazzle target Dt, the dazzle target area Ad including the location is partially extinguished. Since Pd is formed, dazzling of the passengers of the oncoming vehicle C2 can be suppressed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle lamp 10 partially extinguishes the dazzle target area Ad including the location of the preceding vehicle C3 in front of the own vehicle C1 as the dazzle target Dt. Since the light distribution pattern Pd is formed, it is possible to suppress dazzling of the occupants of the preceding vehicle C3.

When the dazzling object Dt exists and the dazzling suppression light distribution pattern Pd is formed in the vehicle lamp 10, when the lighting switch 14 is operated to pass, the high beam unit 22 is turned on only while the lighting switch 14 is being operated. to form the glare suppression passing pattern Pp (steps S1->S2->S4->S6->S7->S9->S10->S1->S2->S4->S5). Here, as shown in FIG. 6, when there is an oncoming vehicle C2 in the oncoming lane as the dazzle target Dt, the vehicle lamp 10 illuminates the dazzle target area Ad including the location at the second set value V2 and the rest of the dazzle target area Ad. is lit at a first set value V1 to form a glare suppression passing pattern Pp. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle lamp 10 has a dazzle target area including an oncoming vehicle C2 in the oncoming lane and a preceding vehicle C3 in front of the own vehicle C1 as the dazzle target Dt. While irradiating Ad with the brightness of the second set value V2, the remaining irradiation area Ar is irradiated with the brightness of the first set value V1 to form the glare suppression passing pattern Pp. As described above, when the dazzle target Dt exists and the dazzle suppressing light distribution pattern Pd is formed, the vehicle lamp 10 can The brightness of the second set value V2 can be illuminated only while the passing operation is being performed (see FIGS. 6 and 7), and the occupants of the oncoming vehicle C2 and preceding vehicle C3 can be notified of some intention.

Here, in a scene where the conventional vehicle lamp described in the prior art document has a dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern that does not partially illuminate an area in which an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle exists, the dazzling-suppressing light distribution pattern does not illuminate when the passing operation is performed. An anti-dazzle passing pattern is formed by reversing the light pattern. Therefore, the conventional vehicle lamp can illuminate the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle only while the passing operation is being performed, and can inform the occupants of those vehicles of some intention. However, in conventional vehicle lighting fixtures, the dazzle suppression passing pattern is the inverse of the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern. , and the area becomes dark. Even if this is temporary, there is a risk that the driver's field of vision will be deprived, and that the driver or the like will feel uncomfortable. In addition, when the conventional vehicular lamp is switched from the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern to the dazzle suppression passing pattern, the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are changed from the off state to the on state, so that the occupants of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are prevented from turning off the light. There is a risk of being dazzled more than necessary.

On the other hand, the vehicular lamp 10 does not partially illuminate the dazzle target area Ad with the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern Pd, but illuminates the remaining illumination area Ar with the brightness of the first set value V1 to suppress dazzle. The passing pattern Pp illuminates the glare target area Ad with the brightness of the second set value V2 and illuminates the remaining illumination area Ar with the brightness of the first set value V1. Therefore, even if the vehicular lamp 10 switches from the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd to the dazzling-suppressing passing pattern Pp, the remaining irradiation area Ar is illuminated with the brightness of the first set value V1 before and after the switching. Therefore, the driver or the like does not feel uncomfortable while maintaining the driver's field of vision. Further, even if the vehicular lamp 10 is switched from the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd to the dazzle-suppressing passing pattern Pp, the dazzle target area Ad is illuminated with the brightness of the second set value V2 from the off state. , the degree of change in brightness can be suppressed compared to the case where the brightness is set to the first set value V1. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can inform the occupants of the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3 of some intention while suppressing the dazzling of the occupants of the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3. Further, even when the vehicular lamp 10 switches from the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd to the dazzling-suppressing passing pattern Pp, it is possible to illuminate the remaining irradiation area Ar with the brightness of the first set value V1 before and after the switching. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the visibility of the driver, etc., as compared with the case where the remaining irradiation area is turned off as in the conventional case.

In addition, in a scene where the dazzling target Dt exists and the light is turned off or when the vehicular light 10 passes each other, the vehicular lamp 10 forms the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp when the passing operation is performed, and the dazzling target region Ad is shifted to the second direction. While irradiating with the brightness of the second set value V2, the remaining irradiation area Ar is irradiated with the brightness of the first set value V1. Therefore, when the vehicular lamp 10 is temporarily switched to the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp, the entire driving light distribution pattern HP is illuminated, so that it is possible to indicate some intention over a wide area. Here, since the passing is often performed to call attention to people in the vicinity, the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp irradiates the entire area of the light distribution pattern for running HP to surely call attention. can be done. Further, even when the vehicular lamp 10 switches from the light distribution at the time of turning off or passing each other to the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp, the dazzling target area Ad is illuminated with the brightness of the second set value V2. , while suppressing dazzle of the occupants of the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3.

The vehicle lamp 10 of Embodiment 1 can obtain the following effects.

When the control unit 12 receives the passing signal while the detection unit (the camera 13 and the identification unit 42) is detecting the dazzling target Dt, the vehicle lamp 10 sends the lighting unit 11 a signal in the light distribution pattern P. A region where the dazzling target Dt does not exist is irradiated with the brightness of the first set value V1, while the region where the dazzling target Dt exists is irradiated with the brightness of the second set value V2 which is lower than the first set value V1, thereby suppressing dazzle. A passing pattern Pp is formed. Therefore, in the dazzle-suppressing passing pattern Pp, the vehicular lamp 10 illuminates the area where the dazzling target Dt does not exist with the brightness of the first set value V1. It is possible to prevent the driver, etc. from feeling uncomfortable while securing the driver's field of view even if the switching is switched to . Further, even if the vehicular lamp 10 is switched from the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd to the dazzling-suppressing passing pattern Pp, the brightness of the dazzle target Dt is lower than that in the case where the brightness is set to the first set value V1. Since the degree of change in brightness can be suppressed, it is possible to inform the passengers of some intention while suppressing the dazzling of the passengers by the dazzling object Dt.

When the control unit 12 receives a signal for light distribution during running in a scene where the detection unit detects the dazzle target Dt, the vehicle lamp 10 instructs the lighting unit 11 to select an area where the dazzle target Dt does not exist. The dazzling suppression light distribution pattern Pd is formed by extinguishing the area where the dazzling target Dt exists while illuminating with the brightness of the first set value V1. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 irradiates the area where the dazzle target Dt does not exist in the dazzle suppression light distribution pattern Pd and the dazzle suppression passing pattern Pp with the same brightness. can be effectively prevented.

The vehicle lamp 10 has a low beam unit 21 that forms a light distribution pattern LP for passing and a high beam unit 22 that forms a light distribution pattern HP for driving. The high beam unit 22 can irradiate the driving light distribution pattern HP by dividing it into a plurality of irradiation areas Ar under the control of the control unit 12, and can individually adjust the brightness of the plurality of irradiation areas Ar. is. Then, when the control unit 12 receives the passing signal, the high beam unit 22 irradiates the irradiation area Ar where the dazzling target Dt exists with the brightness of the second set value V2, and illuminates the irradiation area Ar where the dazzling target Dt does not exist. A glare suppression passing pattern Pp is formed by irradiating with a brightness of 1 set value V1. Therefore, the vehicular lamp 10 can form the dazzle-suppressing light distribution pattern Pd and the dazzling-suppressing passing pattern Pp simply by adjusting the lighting/lighting and brightness of each irradiation area Ar in the high beam unit 22 .

Therefore, the vehicle lamp 10 of Example 1 as the vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure can suppress dazzling of the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3, and can suppress the driver's sense of discomfort during passing.

The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and does not depart from the gist of the invention according to each claim. Design changes, additions, etc. are permitted as long as

It should be noted that in Embodiment 1, the lamp unit 11 has a low beam unit 21 and a high beam unit 22 . However, the lighting unit forms the light distribution pattern P, and illuminates the area where the dazzling target Dt does not exist with the brightness of the first set value V1 while illuminating the area where the dazzling target Dt exists with the brightness of the first set value V1. The dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp irradiated with the brightness of the second set value V2 lower than the dazzling target Dt, and the region where the dazzling target Dt exists are extinguished while irradiating the region without the dazzling target Dt with the brightness of the first set value V1. It is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment as long as it can form the anti-dazzle light distribution pattern Pd. As such a configuration, for example, there is a configuration in which light sources (screens) arranged in a matrix are projected. In this configuration, the shape and brightness of the light distribution pattern to be projected can be arbitrarily set simply by setting the lighting mode of each light source. Passing patterns and glare-suppressing light distribution patterns can be easily formed.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the brightness of the area where the dazzle target Dt exists in the dazzle suppression passing pattern Pp is set to the second set value V2. good too. Here, the distance to the dazzling object Dt can be detected by the identification unit 42 based on the position of the vehicle with respect to the road, the size of the vehicle, the distance between the lights that are on, and the like. Then, the lighting drive unit 41 causes the high beam unit 22 to illuminate the dazzling target Dt so that it becomes darker as the distance to the dazzling target Dt decreases, on the premise that the brightness is set to be lower than the first set value V1. . An example of this is shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a case in which two oncoming vehicles (C2a and C2b) exist in the oncoming lane with an interval therebetween as the dazzling objects Dt. The vehicle lamp 10 illuminates the illumination area Ar6 where the distant oncoming vehicle C2a exists with the brightness of the second set value V2, and sets the illumination areas Ar8 and 9 where the nearby oncoming vehicle C2b exists to the second setting. The glare suppression passing pattern Pp is formed by irradiating with the brightness of the third set value V3 which is lower than the value V2. Since the vehicular lamp 10 reduces the brightness as the distance to the dazzling target Dt becomes shorter, it is possible to reliably inform the occupant of the distant dazzling target Dt of some intention, It is possible to prevent the occupant of the dazzling object Dt from being irradiated with excessively bright light, and to more effectively suppress dazzling. Although FIG. 9 shows a scene in which two oncoming vehicles C2 exist, even in a scene in which only a single oncoming vehicle C2 exists, the second set value As V2, the brightness is reduced as the distance becomes shorter, such that when the vehicle approaches C1, the third set value V3 is set. Also, this change in brightness with respect to distance can be similarly applied to the preceding vehicle C3.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in the dazzle suppression passing pattern Pp, the dazzle target Dt is irradiated with the brightness of the second set value V2 regardless of the difference in the direction of the dazzle target Dt. may be illuminated at different brightnesses. Then, on the premise that the brightness of the high beam unit 22 is set to be lower than the first set value V1, the lighting drive unit 41 changes the brightness according to the direction of the dazzling target Dt to illuminate the dazzling target Dt. irradiate. An example of this is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a case where an oncoming vehicle C2 and a preceding vehicle C3 exist as the dazzling objects Dt. The vehicle lamp 10 illuminates the illumination areas Ar7 and Ar8 where the oncoming vehicle C2 (a dazzling object located outside the front of the vehicle C1 (self-vehicle)) exists with the brightness of the second set value V2, and illuminates the preceding vehicle C3 ( The illumination area Ar5 in which the vehicle C1 (a dazzling target in front of the own vehicle) exists is illuminated with the brightness of the third set value V3 that is lower than the second set value V2 to form the dazzle suppression passing pattern Pp. there is Since the vehicle lamp 10 can prevent the preceding vehicle C3 from being irradiated with excessively bright light, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the occupant of the preceding vehicle C3 feels that the vehicle is being driven. Note that the mode of change in brightness according to the direction of the dazzling target Dt may be set as appropriate, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. In addition, it is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10 as long as the front of the vehicle C1, which is the own vehicle, is illuminated with the brightness of the third set value V3. The front of the vehicle C1 (self-vehicle) includes all lanes traveling in the same direction when multiple lanes are set on one side. Vehicles traveling toward the front can be treated as preceding vehicles, and the preceding vehicles may be illuminated with the brightness of the third set value V3. In addition to the oncoming vehicle C2 in the oncoming lane, the dazzling objects other than in front of the own vehicle include a vehicle entering the lane in which the vehicle C1 (own vehicle) is traveling, and the vehicle C1 (own vehicle) traveling. It may also include people in the surrounding lane.

In the first embodiment, the dazzle target area Ad in which the dazzle target Dt exists is illuminated with uniform brightness, but the brightness may be changed according to the position within the dazzle target area Ad. Then, the lighting driving section 41 causes the high beam unit 22 to irradiate the high beam unit 22 while further changing the brightness within the dazzling target area Ad on the premise that the brightness is lower than the first set value V1. In this example, the lamp unit 11 (high beam unit 22) further divides the irradiation area Ar into smaller parts so that each of the parts can be individually turned on and off, and the brightness at the time of lighting can be individually adjusted. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by increasing the number of light sources in the high beam unit 22 or by using the light sources (screens) arranged in a matrix as described above. An example of this is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a case where an oncoming vehicle C2 exists as the dazzling object Dt. In this example, the control unit 12 sets the illumination areas Ar7 and 8 where the oncoming vehicle C2 exists as the position to be illuminated with the brightness of the second set value V2 within the glare target area Ad, The irradiation area Ar7a where the driver Dr is present is set as a position to be irradiated with the brightness of the third set value V3 that is also reduced. This driver Dr can be detected by the identification unit 42 based on the detected shape and position in the vehicle. Then, the vehicle lamp 10 illuminates the illumination areas Ar7 and 8 where the oncoming vehicle C2 exists with the brightness of the second set value V2, and among them, the illumination area Ar7a where the driver Dr of the oncoming vehicle C2 exists. 3 The glare suppression passing pattern Pp is formed by irradiating with the brightness of the set value V3. Since the vehicle lamp 10 illuminates the entire oncoming vehicle C2 with the brightness of the second set value V2, it is possible to reliably inform the driver of his intention, and also to the driver Dr. It is possible to prevent irradiating bright light to the outside and more effectively suppress dazzling. It should be noted that the position to be illuminated with the brightness of the second set value V2 and the position to be illuminated with the brightness of the third set value V3 in the dazzle target area Ad depend on the aspect of the dazzle target and the vehicle C1 (self-vehicle). It is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

In Example 1, the oncoming vehicle C2 and the preceding vehicle C3 are the dazzling objects Dt. However, the dazzling object Dt may include people who may exist on the road, such as pedestrians and bicycles, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment.

In Example 1, the running light distribution pattern HP is formed by nine irradiation areas Ar arranged in the width direction. However, the irradiation area divides the light distribution pattern P, and if it is possible to turn on/off the light individually and to adjust the brightness when the light is turned on, the number and mode of division can be determined. may be set as appropriate, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. The dividing mode can be a so-called matrix shape in which a plurality of divisions are made not only in the width direction but also in the vertical direction. With such a configuration, it is also possible to illuminate only the position of the face of the driver Dr of the oncoming vehicle C2 with the brightness of the third set value V3 in the glare target area Ad set to the second set value V2.

In Embodiment 1, the vehicle C1 driven by the driver is provided with the vehicle lamp 10 . However, the vehicle lamp may be provided in a vehicle having an automatic driving function, and is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment. In this case, the vehicular lamp can form the dazzling suppression passing pattern Pp when notifying the surroundings of some intention, such as detecting danger.

10 Vehicle lighting 11 Lighting unit 12 Control unit 13 Camera (constituting a detection unit as an example) 21 Low beam unit 22 High beam unit 42 (Constructing a detection unit as an example) Identification unit Ar Irradiation area Dt Dazzling target HP Driving Light distribution pattern LP Passing light distribution pattern P Light distribution pattern V1 First set value V2 Second set value

Claims

a lighting unit that forms a light distribution pattern;
a detection unit that detects a dazzling target in the light distribution pattern;
a control unit that performs lighting control of the lighting unit,
When receiving a passing signal in a scene where the detection unit detects the dazzling object, the control unit instructs the lighting unit to change the area in the light distribution pattern where the dazzling object is not present to a brightness of a first set value. and illuminating the region where the dazzling object exists with brightness of a second set value lower than the first set value.
When the control unit receives a signal indicating light distribution during running in a scene where the detection unit detects the dazzling object, the control unit instructs the lighting unit to set the area where the dazzling object does not exist to the first set value. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the area in which the dazzling object exists is extinguished while illuminating with a brightness of .
The lighting unit has a low beam unit that forms a light distribution pattern for passing and a high beam unit that forms a light distribution pattern for running,
The high beam unit can irradiate the light distribution pattern for driving by dividing it into a plurality of irradiation areas under the control of the control unit, and can individually adjust the brightness of the plurality of irradiation areas. When the control unit receives the passing signal, it illuminates the irradiation area where the dazzling object exists with the brightness of the second set value and illuminates the irradiation area where the dazzling object does not exist with the brightness of the first set value. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, which illuminates with brightness.
Upon receiving the passing signal, the control unit adjusts the brightness of the area in the light distribution pattern in which the dazzling target exists as the distance between the dazzling target and the vehicle becomes shorter. 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light is reduced.
Upon receiving the passing signal, the control unit illuminates the dazzling object in front of the vehicle with brightness of a third set value that is lower than the second set value. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the dazzling object located outside the front of the vehicle is illuminated with the brightness of the second set value.
Upon receiving the passing signal, the control unit causes the lighting unit to illuminate a position where the dazzling object exists, at a position where the brightness is the second set value, and a brightness lower than the second set value. 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein a position to illuminate with the brightness of the third set value is set.