JP5430282B2 - Light distribution control system for vehicle headlamps - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a light distribution control system for controlling the light distribution of a vehicle headlamp.

  Conventionally, the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “front vehicle” as appropriate) is detected based on an image in front of the vehicle imaged by a camera, and the light distribution pattern is changed based on the detection result. A vehicular headlamp configured to be used has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2008-94127 A JP 2008-37240 A

  By the way, in the vehicle headlamp as described above, the detection accuracy of the forward vehicle based on the image data from the camera is important. If this detection accuracy is low, there is a risk that a forward vehicle will be detected and glare will be given to the forward vehicle. The detection of the vehicle ahead is usually performed by detecting the light from the headlight or tail lamp of the vehicle ahead, but it is difficult to detect the vehicle ahead from the vehicle because the intensity of the light received by the camera is weak. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a light distribution control system for a vehicle headlamp that can make it difficult to give glare to a far ahead vehicle.

  In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle headlamp light distribution control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle headlamp capable of controlling a light distribution pattern irradiated to the front of the vehicle, and the front of the vehicle. Detection means for detecting the preceding vehicle and control means for controlling the vehicle headlamp to irradiate a light distribution pattern that does not give glare to the detected preceding vehicle. When the front vehicle is not detected by the detection unit, the control unit irradiates a light distribution pattern at the time of no front vehicle detection that suppresses light irradiation to the vicinity of the front of the vehicle.

  There is a high possibility that the far front vehicle is present in the irradiation range near the front of the vehicle. Therefore, according to this aspect, even if the detection means mistakenly detects a far front vehicle, by irradiating the front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation near the front of the vehicle, The situation where glare is given to the car ahead of the car can be avoided.

  The light distribution pattern when the front vehicle is not detected may be a light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation within a predetermined angle range from the front of the vehicle.

  Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed may be further provided, and the control means may set the predetermined angle smaller as the vehicle speed becomes higher. In general, the higher the vehicle speed, the greater the inter-vehicle distance and the higher the possibility that the vehicle is traveling on a straight road. Also, the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the possibility of traveling in the suburbs, and it is expected that the number of vehicles will be small. Furthermore, the higher the vehicle speed, the longer the required viewing distance of the pedestrian on the road shoulder. In consideration of such points, the control means sets the predetermined angle smaller as the vehicle speed increases. Thereby, the field of view ahead of the vehicle can be appropriately secured without giving glare to the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the required visual distance of the pedestrian on a shoulder can be ensured appropriately.

  Road information acquisition means for acquiring information on the road on which the vehicle is traveling is further provided, and the control means has a predetermined angle smaller when the vehicle is traveling in the suburbs than when traveling in the urban area. It may be set. When traveling in the suburbs, the inter-vehicle distance tends to be larger than when traveling in urban areas, so the angle range in which the preceding vehicle moves becomes smaller. Also, when driving in the suburbs, it is expected that there will be fewer cars than in the city. Furthermore, since the vehicle speed is higher in the suburbs than in the urban area, the required viewing distance for pedestrians on the shoulder becomes longer. In consideration of such points, the control means sets the predetermined angle smaller when the vehicle is traveling in the suburbs than when the vehicle is traveling in the urban area. Thereby, the field of view ahead of the vehicle can be appropriately secured without giving glare to the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the required visual distance of the pedestrian on a shoulder can be ensured appropriately.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the light distribution control system of the vehicle headlamp which can make it difficult to give a glare to a distant front vehicle can be provided.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the vehicle headlamp used in the light distribution control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of a rotation shade. FIGS. 3A to 3F are diagrams showing light distribution patterns that can be irradiated by the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the light distribution control system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of preventing giving a glare to a distant front vehicle.

  A light distribution control system for a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a forward vehicle existing ahead of the host vehicle, and prevents the vehicle headlamp from giving glare to the detected forward vehicle. It controls the light distribution pattern. When a front vehicle is not detected, this light distribution control system irradiates the front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation to the vicinity of the front of the vehicle. The front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation within a predetermined angle range from the front of the vehicle. Although it is difficult to detect a forward vehicle far from the host vehicle, by performing such control, it is possible to avoid a situation in which glare is given to the forward vehicle even if detection of the far front vehicle is erroneous.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a vehicle headlamp 210 used in a light distribution control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle headlamp 210 shown in FIG. 1 is a variable light distribution type headlamp that is disposed one by one on the left and right in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle. The structure of the vehicular headlamp 210R disposed on the vehicle will be described.

  The vehicle headlamp 210R has a lamp chamber 216 formed by a lamp body 212 having an opening in the front direction of the vehicle and a transparent cover 214 covering the opening of the lamp body 212. The lamp chamber 216 houses the lamp unit 10 that irradiates light in the forward direction of the vehicle. A lamp bracket 218 having a pivot mechanism 218 a serving as a swing center of the lamp unit 10 is formed in a part of the lamp unit 10. The lamp bracket 218 is connected to a body bracket 220 erected on the inner wall surface of the lamp body 212 by a fastening member such as a screw. Therefore, the lamp unit 10 is fixed at a predetermined position in the lamp chamber 216, and can change its posture to, for example, a forward leaning posture or a backward leaning posture around the pivot mechanism 218a.

  Further, on the lower surface of the lamp unit 10, a rotating shaft 222a of a swivel actuator 222 for constituting a curved road light distribution variable headlamp (Adaptive Front-lighing System: AFS) that illuminates the traveling direction when traveling on a curved road or the like. Is fixed. The swivel actuator 222 pivots the lamp unit 10 on the basis of the steering amount data provided from the vehicle side, the shape data of the traveling road provided from the navigation system, the relationship between the relative position of the vehicle ahead and the own vehicle, and the like. Swivel around the center in the direction of travel. As a result, the irradiation range of the lamp unit 10 is directed to the tip of the curved road instead of the front of the vehicle, and the forward visibility of the driver is improved. The swivel actuator 222 can be composed of a stepping motor, for example. When the swivel angle is a fixed value, a solenoid or the like can be used.

  The swivel actuator 222 is fixed to the unit bracket 224. A leveling actuator 226 disposed outside the lamp body 212 is connected to the unit bracket 224. The leveling actuator 226 is composed of, for example, a motor that expands and contracts the rod 226a in the directions of arrows M and N. When the rod 226a extends in the direction of the arrow M, the lamp unit 10 swings so as to be in a backward inclined posture with the pivot mechanism 218a as the center. On the other hand, when the rod 226a is shortened in the direction of arrow N, the lamp unit 10 swings so as to assume a forward leaning posture with the pivot mechanism 218a as the center. When the lamp unit 10 is tilted backward, leveling adjustment with the optical axis directed upward can be performed. In addition, when the lamp unit 10 is in the forward tilted posture, leveling adjustment that directs the optical axis downward can be performed. By adjusting the leveling in this way, the optical axis can be adjusted according to the vehicle posture. As a result, the reach distance of the front irradiation by the vehicle headlamp 210 can be adjusted to an optimum distance.

  This leveling adjustment can also be executed in accordance with the vehicle posture while the vehicle is running. For example, when the vehicle accelerates while traveling, it is in a backward leaning posture, and conversely, when it is decelerated, it is in a forward leaning posture. Therefore, the irradiation direction of the vehicular headlamp 210 also fluctuates up and down corresponding to the posture state of the vehicle, and the front irradiation distance becomes longer or shorter. Therefore, by executing leveling adjustment of the lamp unit 10 in real time based on the vehicle posture, it is possible to optimally adjust the reach distance of the front irradiation even while traveling. This is sometimes referred to as “auto-leveling”.

  On the inner wall surface of the lamp chamber 216, for example, a position below the lamp unit 10, an irradiation control unit 228 that performs lighting on / off control of the lamp unit 10 and light distribution pattern formation control is disposed. In the case of FIG. 1, an irradiation control unit 228R for controlling the vehicle headlamp 210R is arranged. The irradiation controller 228R also controls the swivel actuator 222, the leveling actuator 226, and the like.

  The lamp unit 10 can include an aiming adjustment mechanism. For example, an aiming pivot mechanism serving as a swing center at the time of aiming adjustment is disposed at a connecting portion between the rod 226a of the leveling actuator 226 and the unit bracket 224. In addition, a pair of aiming adjustment screws that advance and retreat in the vehicle front-rear direction are disposed at a connection portion between the body bracket 220 and the lamp bracket 218 with an interval in the vehicle width direction. For example, if two aiming adjustment screws are advanced forward, the lamp unit 10 is inclined forward with the aiming pivot mechanism as the center, and the optical axis is adjusted downward. Similarly, when the two aiming adjusting screws are pulled back, the lamp unit 10 is tilted backward with the aiming pivot mechanism as the center, and the optical axis is adjusted upward. Further, if the aiming adjustment screw on the left side in the vehicle width direction is advanced forward, the lamp unit 10 turns right around the aiming pivot mechanism, and the optical axis is adjusted rightward. Further, when the aiming adjustment screw on the right side in the vehicle width direction is advanced forward, the lamp unit 10 assumes a left turning posture around the aiming pivot mechanism, and the optical axis is adjusted in the left direction. This aiming adjustment is performed when the vehicle is shipped or inspected, or when the vehicle headlamp 210 is replaced. Then, the vehicle headlamp 210 is adjusted to a specified posture determined by design, and the light distribution pattern formation control of the present embodiment is performed based on this posture.

  The lamp unit 10 includes a shade mechanism 18 including a rotary shade 12, a bulb 14 as a light source, a lamp housing 17 that supports a reflector 16 on an inner wall, and a projection lens 20. As the bulb 14, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, an LED, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, an example in which the bulb 14 is constituted by a halogen lamp is shown. The reflector 16 reflects light emitted from the bulb 14. A part of the light from the bulb 14 and the light reflected by the reflector 16 is guided to the projection lens 20 through the rotary shade 12 constituting the shade mechanism 18.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the rotary shade 12. The rotary shade 12 is a cylindrical member that can rotate around a rotary shaft 12a. Further, the rotary shade 12 has a notch 22 that is partially cut in the axial direction, and a plurality of plate-like shade plates 24 are held on the outer peripheral surface 12 b other than the notch 22. The rotary shade 12 can move the cutout 22 or any one of the plurality of shade plates 24 to the position of the rear focal plane including the rear focal point of the projection lens 20 according to the rotation angle. And the light distribution pattern according to the shape of the ridgeline part of the shade plate 24 located on the optical axis O corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotary shade 12 is formed. For example, by moving any one of the plurality of shade plates 24 onto the optical axis O and blocking a part of the light emitted from the bulb 14, the low beam light distribution pattern or a part of the low beam light distribution is provided. A light distribution pattern including pattern features is formed. Further, the light distribution pattern for high beam is formed by moving the notch portion 22 on the optical axis O to make the light irradiated from the bulb 14 non-shielded.

  The rotary shade 12 can be rotated by a shade motor (not shown). By controlling the rotation amount of the shade motor, the shade plate 24 or the notch 22 for forming a desired light distribution pattern can be rotated. It can be moved on axis O. Note that the cutout portion 22 of the outer peripheral surface 12b of the rotary shade 12 may be omitted, and the rotary shade 12 may have only a light shielding function. When forming a high beam light distribution pattern, for example, a solenoid or the like is driven to retract the rotary shade 12 from the position of the optical axis O. By adopting such a configuration, for example, even if the shade motor that rotates the rotary shade 12 fails, the low beam light distribution pattern or a similar light distribution pattern is fixed. That is, the fail-safe function can be realized by reliably avoiding that the rotary shade 12 is fixed in the formation posture of the high beam light distribution pattern.

  The projection lens 20 is disposed on the optical axis O extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the bulb 14 is disposed on the rear side of the rear focal plane of the projection lens 20. The projection lens 20 is a plano-convex aspheric lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and a virtual vertical screen in front of the vehicle headlamp 210 with a light source image formed on the rear focal plane as an inverted image. Project above.

  FIGS. 3A to 3F are diagrams showing light distribution patterns that can be irradiated by the vehicle headlamp 210 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 3A to 3F show light distribution patterns formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle headlamp 210. FIG. Note that the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F are combined light distribution patterns formed by superimposing the light distribution patterns respectively formed by the vehicle headlamps 210 arranged on the left and right in the vehicle width direction. Light pattern.

  FIG. 3A shows a low beam light distribution pattern Lo. This low beam light distribution pattern Lo is a light distribution pattern that is designed so as not to give glare to the forward vehicle or pedestrians when passing on the left side. The low beam light distribution pattern Lo is located on the right side of the top vertical line V on the opposite lane side cut-off line extending in parallel with the horizontal line H, and on the left side of the vertical line V higher than the opposite lane side cut-off line. And a lane-side cut-off line extending in parallel with the horizontal line H, and an oblique cut-off line connecting the lane-side cut-off line and the lane-side cut-off line. The diagonal cut-off line extends from the intersection of the opposite lane side cut-off line and the VV line diagonally upward to the left with an inclination angle of 45 °.

  FIG. 3B shows a high beam light distribution pattern Hi. This high-beam light distribution pattern Hi is a light distribution pattern that illuminates a wide area in the front and a distant place, and is formed when, for example, it is not necessary to consider glare to the front car or pedestrian.

  FIG. 3C shows a left high-side light distribution pattern LHi used in an area where traffic regulations are left-hand traffic. The left high-side light distribution pattern LHi is a special high-beam light distribution pattern that shields the opposite lane side of the high-beam light distribution pattern Hi during left-hand traffic and irradiates only the own lane side in the high-beam region. The left-side high light distribution pattern LHi is obtained by combining the left-side high light distribution pattern formed by the left vehicle headlight 210 and the low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the right vehicle headlight 210. It is formed. Such a left high-side light distribution pattern LHi is a light distribution suitable for the case where there is no forward vehicle or pedestrian on the own lane side, and there is an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian on the opposite lane side. This light distribution pattern is designed to improve the forward visibility of the vehicle and to prevent glare from oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in the oncoming lane.

  FIG. 3D shows a right-side high light distribution pattern RHi used in an area where traffic regulations are left-hand traffic. The right-side high light distribution pattern RHi is a special high-beam light distribution pattern that shields the own-lane side of the high-beam light distribution pattern Hi1 during left-hand traffic and irradiates only the opposite lane side in the high-beam region. This right-side high light distribution pattern RHi is obtained by combining the right-side high light distribution pattern formed by the right vehicle headlamp 210 and the low-beam light distribution pattern formed by the left vehicle headlight 210. It is formed. The right-side high light distribution pattern RHi is a light distribution suitable for the case where there are forward vehicles and pedestrians on the own lane side, and there are no oncoming vehicles and pedestrians on the opposite lane side. This light distribution pattern is designed to improve glare and not to give glare to pedestrians in the front car or in the own lane.

  FIG. 3E shows a V-beam light distribution pattern LoV in which light irradiation to the vicinity of the intersection of the vertical line V and the horizontal line H on the virtual vertical screen is suppressed. The V-beam light distribution pattern LoV forms, for example, a low-beam light distribution pattern shown in FIG. On the other hand, a low-beam light distribution pattern used in an area where traffic regulations are on the right side, that is, a light distribution pattern shown in FIG. A light pattern is formed. By superimposing these two different light distribution patterns, a V-beam light distribution pattern LoV that suppresses light irradiation to the vicinity of the intersection of the vertical line V and the horizontal line H in which a distant preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle may exist. Can be formed. This V-beam light distribution pattern LoV can be said to be a light distribution pattern that makes it easier for the driver to recognize obstacles on the shoulders on the own lane side or on the opposite lane side while suppressing glare with respect to a far ahead vehicle.

  FIG. 3F shows the split light distribution pattern S. This split light distribution pattern S is a special high beam light distribution pattern having a light shielding area UA at the center above the horizontal line H and having high beam areas on both sides in the horizontal direction of the light shielding area UA. The split light distribution pattern S is obtained by superimposing the left-side high light distribution pattern formed by the left vehicle headlight 210 and the right-side high light distribution pattern formed by the right vehicle headlight 210. Can be formed. When the split light distribution pattern S is formed, the two light distribution patterns are superimposed so that the high beam region of the left high light distribution pattern and the high beam region of the right high light distribution pattern are not in contact with each other. Is formed.

  The light shielding area UA is swiveled by moving the left and right vehicle headlamps 210 and moving at least one of the left-side high light distribution pattern and the right-side high light distribution pattern in the horizontal direction. Can be changed.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the light distribution control system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The light distribution control system 100 includes a vehicle headlamp 210, a vehicle control unit 302 that controls the vehicle headlamp 210, a light switch 304, a camera 306, a steering sensor 308, and a vehicle speed sensor 310. And a navigation system 312.

  The irradiation control unit 228 of the vehicle headlamp 210 controls the power supply circuit 230 in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle control unit 302 mounted on the vehicle and executes lighting control of the bulb 14. Further, the irradiation control unit 228 controls the leveling actuator 226, the swivel actuator 222, and the shade motor 221 in accordance with instructions from the vehicle control unit 302.

  For example, the irradiation control unit 228 controls the swivel actuator 222 at the time of turning such as curve traveling or right / left turn traveling so as to direct the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the direction of travel. Further, the irradiation control unit 228 controls the leveling actuator 226 according to the forward and backward tilting of the vehicle posture during acceleration / deceleration, adjusts the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the vehicle vertical direction, and reaches the front irradiation distance Adjust to the optimum distance. Further, the irradiation control unit 228 controls the leveling actuator 226, the swivel actuator 222, and the shade motor 221 in accordance with a light distribution pattern instruction from the vehicle control unit 302.

  The light distribution control system 100 can manually switch the light distribution pattern in accordance with the operation of the light switch 304 by the driver. Hereinafter, such a mode in which the light distribution pattern is manually controlled is appropriately referred to as a “manual mode”. For example, when the driver selects the light distribution pattern Lo for low beam, the vehicle control unit 302 instructs the irradiation control unit 228 to form the light distribution pattern Lo for low beam. Upon receiving the instruction, the irradiation control unit 228 controls the leveling actuator 226, the swivel actuator 222, and the shade motor 221 so that the low beam light distribution pattern Lo is formed.

  In addition, the light distribution control system 100 can form a light distribution pattern that is optimal for the vehicle surroundings by detecting various conditions around the vehicle without operating the light switch 304. Hereinafter, the mode for controlling the light distribution pattern in this way is appropriately referred to as an “ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode”.

  In the ADB mode, for example, when a large number of forward vehicles are detected in front of the host vehicle, the vehicle control unit 302 determines that glare to these forward vehicles should be prevented. An instruction is given to the irradiation controller 228 so that the pattern Lo is formed. In addition, when a preceding vehicle is detected, but it is desired to secure a view around the preceding vehicle, the vehicle control unit 302 causes the irradiation control unit 228 to form a split light distribution pattern S in which the preceding vehicle is included in the light shielding area UA. Give instructions. As described above, in the ADB mode, the light distribution pattern is selected so as to secure the field of view ahead of the host vehicle as much as possible without giving glare to the preceding vehicle.

  In order to detect the vehicle ahead in this way, a camera 306 such as a stereo camera is connected to the vehicle control unit 302 as object recognition means. Image data captured by the camera 306 is transmitted to the vehicle control unit 302. The vehicle control unit 302 performs signal processing and performs image analysis, and detects a preceding vehicle within the imaging range. Specifically, the vehicle control unit 302 observes a high-intensity light spot formed by light from the headlamp of the oncoming vehicle or the tail lamp of the preceding vehicle in the image captured by the camera 306. Car detection is performed.

  Then, the vehicle control unit 302 selects an optimal light distribution pattern based on the acquired information on the preceding vehicle, and instructs the irradiation control unit 228 to form the selected light distribution pattern. The means for detecting the forward vehicle can be changed as appropriate, and other detection means such as a millimeter wave radar or an infrared radar may be used in place of the camera 306, for example. Moreover, you may combine them.

  The vehicle control unit 302 can also acquire information from a steering sensor 308, a vehicle speed sensor 310, and the like that are normally mounted on the vehicle, and selects a light distribution pattern to be formed according to the traveling state and traveling posture of the vehicle. Alternatively, the light distribution pattern can be easily changed by changing the direction of the optical axis. For example, when the vehicle control unit 302 determines that the vehicle is turning based on information from the steering sensor 308, the vehicle control unit 302 controls the rotation of the rotary shade 12 so that a light distribution pattern that improves the visibility in the turning direction is formed. . Further, the swivel actuator 222 may be controlled to change the optical axis of the lamp unit 10 in the turning direction without changing the rotation state of the shade 12 so as to improve the field of view.

  In addition, the vehicle control unit 302 can also acquire shape information of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, road sign installation information, and the like from the navigation system 312. By acquiring these information in advance, the leveling actuator 226, swivel actuator 222, shade motor 221 and the like can be controlled to smoothly form a light distribution pattern suitable for the traveling road.

  By the way, in the ADB mode, the vehicle control unit 302 detects a front vehicle by observing a high-luminance light spot in an image captured by the camera 306, but a front vehicle far from the host vehicle is detected. Since the brightness of the light spot is lowered, the detection accuracy is lowered. In addition, when other detection means such as a millimeter wave radar or an infrared radar is used in place of the camera 306, the detection accuracy of a far ahead vehicle is lowered. When detection failure of a far front vehicle occurs, there is a possibility that glare is given to the front vehicle. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a technique is provided that can prevent glare from being applied to a distant front vehicle.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a technique for preventing glare from being applied to a distant front vehicle. FIG. 5 is a view showing a vehicle front road surface seen through from a position where the camera 306 is mounted when the vehicle is traveling on a straight paved road with one lane on one side (two lanes on both sides). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a light distribution pattern Ud formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed at a position 25 m ahead of the vehicle by light emitted from 210;

  As shown in FIG. 5, a center line LMc located at the center of the vehicle and a left side line LMs1 and a right side line LMs2 located on both sides thereof are formed as lane marks that divide the vehicle traveling lane. ing. The center line LMc is formed as intermittent lane marks, and the left side line LMs1 and the right side line LMs2 are formed as continuous lane marks. The left side line LMs1 extends in the lower left direction from the HV point (intersection of the horizontal line H and the vertical line V) that is the vanishing point of the perspective view, and the center line LMc and the right side line LMs2 are the HV point. It extends in the lower right direction.

  As described above, in the ADB mode, the vehicle control unit 302 detects the forward vehicle based on the image captured by the camera 306. When a forward vehicle is detected, the irradiation control unit 228 is instructed to irradiate a light distribution pattern that secures the field of view ahead of the host vehicle without glare.

  On the other hand, when the front vehicle is not detected, the vehicle control unit 302 instructs the irradiation control unit 228 to irradiate the light distribution pattern Ud shown in FIG. 5 (hereinafter, referred to as the front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern Ud). Put out. The front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern Ud is a light distribution pattern similar to the split light distribution pattern S shown in FIG. 3F, and irradiates light near the front of the vehicle (near the HV point). The light blocking area UB is suppressed, and the high beam areas are provided on both sides of the light blocking area UB in the horizontal direction. The light shielding region UB is a range of a predetermined angle α from the vertical line V to the left and right with respect to the horizontal direction, and a range above the horizontal line H with respect to the vertical direction. Regarding the vertical direction, the light shielding region UB may extend slightly below the horizontal line H as shown in FIG. The angle α is defined by a line extending from the camera 306 mounting position of the own vehicle to the point HV and a line extending from the camera mounting position of the own vehicle to the boundary line BL between the light shielding area UB and the irradiation range. Expressed as an angle. The angle from the vertical line V may be different on the left and right. Further, the position of the light shielding area UB may be moved in the left-right direction according to the turning information of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the forward vehicle 500 exists in the distance but the detection of the forward vehicle 500 is erroneous and it is determined that there is no forward vehicle, when the high beam light distribution pattern Hi is irradiated, The glare is given to the car 500 ahead. As in the case of the light distribution control system 100 according to the present embodiment, when no preceding vehicle is detected, the light to the range near the front of the vehicle (near the HV point) instead of the high beam light distribution pattern Hi By irradiating the front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern Ud in which the irradiation of the forward vehicle is suppressed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which glare is given to the forward vehicle 500.

  The angle α that defines the width in the horizontal direction of the light blocking area UB in the light distribution pattern Ud when the front vehicle is not detected can be set based on the detection distance of the camera 306 and the required viewing distance of the roadside pedestrian. For example, if the camera 306 has a long detection distance, the angle α can be made smaller.

  In general, as the vehicle speed increases, the inter-vehicle distance increases and the possibility of traveling on a straight road increases. Therefore, the angular range in which the preceding vehicle moves decreases. Also, the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the possibility of traveling in the suburbs, and it is expected that the number of vehicles will be small. Furthermore, the higher the vehicle speed, the longer the required viewing distance of the pedestrian on the road shoulder. In consideration of such points, the vehicle control unit 302 may set the angle α to be smaller as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 310 becomes higher. Thereby, the field of view ahead of the vehicle can be appropriately secured without giving glare to the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the required viewing distance for the shoulder pedestrian can be ensured appropriately.

  In general, when traveling in a suburb, the inter-vehicle distance tends to be larger than when traveling in an urban area, so the angle range in which the preceding vehicle moves becomes smaller. Also, when driving in the suburbs, it is expected that there will be fewer cars than in the city. Furthermore, since the vehicle speed is higher in the suburbs than in the urban area, the required viewing distance for pedestrians on the shoulder becomes longer. Based on such points, when the vehicle control unit 302 detects that the vehicle is traveling in the suburbs based on information from the navigation system 312, the vehicle control unit 302 sets the angle α more than when traveling in the city. You may set small. Thereby, the field of view ahead of the vehicle can be appropriately secured without giving glare to the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the required visual distance of the pedestrian on a shoulder can be ensured appropriately.

  In addition, a method for changing the angle α in consideration of the change in detection accuracy depending on the environment is conceivable. For example, measures such as increasing the angle α on a curved road compared to a straight road, increasing the angle α during bad weather than when clear, and increasing the angle α as the surroundings are brighter are conceivable. If at least one of these measures is adopted, the risk of giving glare to other vehicles can be reduced.

  Since the light distribution control system 100 according to the present embodiment does not require the use of an expensive ultra-sensitive camera to improve the detection accuracy of a distant front vehicle, glare is given to the preceding vehicle by an inexpensive configuration. Can be realized.

  As described above, the light distribution pattern Ud when the front vehicle is not detected is irradiated instead of the high beam light distribution pattern Hi only in the ADB mode. When the driver selects the high beam light distribution pattern when the manual mode is selected by the light switch 304, the vehicle control unit 302 emits the normal high beam light distribution pattern Hi shown in FIG. An instruction is issued to the irradiation control unit 228.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiment. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are exemplifications, and that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

  12 rotating shades, 24 shade plates, 100 light distribution control systems, 210 vehicle headlamps, 221 shade motors, 222 swivel actuators, 226 leveling actuators, 228 irradiation control units, 302 vehicle control units, 304 light switches, 306 cameras.

Claims (2)

A vehicle headlamp capable of controlling a light distribution pattern irradiated to the front of the vehicle;
Detecting means for detecting a forward vehicle existing in front of the vehicle;
Control means for controlling the vehicle headlamp so as to irradiate a light distribution pattern that does not give glare to the detected forward vehicle;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed;
A vehicle headlamp light distribution control system comprising:
When the front vehicle is not detected by the detection unit, the control unit irradiates a front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation to the vicinity of the front of the vehicle ,
The front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation within a predetermined angle range from the front of the vehicle,
The control means sets the predetermined angle smaller as the vehicle speed increases.
A light distribution control system for a vehicle headlamp. A vehicle headlamp capable of controlling a light distribution pattern irradiated to the front of the vehicle;
Detecting means for detecting a forward vehicle existing in front of the vehicle;
Control means for controlling the vehicle headlamp so as to irradiate a light distribution pattern that does not give glare to the detected forward vehicle;
Road information acquisition means for acquiring information on the road on which the vehicle is traveling ;
A vehicle headlamp light distribution control system comprising:
When the front vehicle is not detected by the detection unit, the control unit irradiates a front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation to the vicinity of the front of the vehicle,
The front vehicle non-detection light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that suppresses light irradiation within a predetermined angle range from the front of the vehicle,
The control means, the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling the suburbs, the light distribution control system of the car dual headlamp and sets smaller the predetermined angle than when the vehicle is traveling in an urban area .

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