JP5249612B2 - Vehicle headlamp device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp device, and more particularly to irradiation control of a vehicular headlamp in a road shoulder direction.

  When driving a vehicle, it is necessary to pay attention to pedestrians trying to cross the road. In particular, when driving at night, it is necessary to promptly and appropriately inform the driver of the presence of a pedestrian or the like. In night driving, the vehicle headlamp device irradiates light so as to form a light distribution pattern centered on the front of the vehicle lane. As a vehicle headlamp device, there is a high beam used when there is no vehicle or pedestrian in front of the vehicle and lighting can be done without considering glare, and when there is a vehicle or pedestrian in front of the vehicle. Provided with a low beam that is preferably used. In the case of a high beam, the light irradiation range is wide, and it is possible to inform the driver of the presence of a pedestrian or the like on the road shoulder at an early stage. On the other hand, since there is a possibility that glare is given to a vehicle, a pedestrian or the like ahead of the host vehicle, it is not preferable to always light up. On the other hand, in the case of the low beam, although it is possible to suppress glare on a vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the host vehicle, the light irradiation range is narrower than when the high beam is turned on, and thus the viewing range is narrower than when the high beam is turned on.

Therefore, in order to let the driver know the presence of a pedestrian properly and quickly when driving at night, for example, when a person is detected by the person detection means, the lighting direction of the illumination means is adjusted to the direction of the detected person. A night pedestrian notification device is proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-205950 A

  The technique described in the above-mentioned patent document 1 can easily inform the driver of the presence of a pedestrian because spot lighting can be performed on the pedestrian by adjusting the irradiation direction of the illumination means when a pedestrian is detected. it can. However, since the irradiation direction adjustment control is performed each time a person is detected, the irradiation control during traveling is complicated. Also, when performing such spot lighting, it is desirable to consider not giving strong glare to pedestrians, but control that simultaneously prevents glare during control of the irradiation direction further complicates the control. It was the cause.

  When considering the relationship between the vehicle and the pedestrian, it is only necessary to avoid contact between the pedestrian and the vehicle when the vehicle approaches the pedestrian. In other words, let the driver know the existence of a pedestrian who may come out of the road shoulder to the own lane, and make a driving operation with enough margin to avoid contact, or the vehicle approaches The inventors came to the realization that it would be sufficient to be able to let the pedestrian know that the vehicle is present so as to stop walking in the situation. In other words, if appropriate lighting in the direction of the road shoulder is possible, it is possible to alert at least one of the driver or the pedestrian and increase the possibility that the contact between the vehicle and the pedestrian can be avoided. The inventors have come to recognize that there is room for simplification of irradiation control when the irradiation target is narrowed down in the shoulder direction.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is to control the irradiation of light in the road shoulder direction so that at least one of a driver or a pedestrian can be alerted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular headlamp device that can be easily performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a vehicle headlamp device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light source capable of irradiating light in a road shoulder direction, and a control unit that controls irradiation of light by the light source, The control means performs irradiation control of the light source so as to form a light distribution pattern determined based on a size of a pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder and a distance from the light source to the pedestrian.

  The size of the pedestrian assumed on the shoulder is the apparent size when the driver sees the pedestrian on the shoulder. Therefore, it looks large when the distance to the pedestrian is short, and looks small as the distance to the pedestrian increases. That is, the light distribution pattern to be formed can have a substantially triangular shape in which the length in the vertical direction becomes shorter as the part corresponding to a far position. In addition, the pedestrian assumed on the shoulder is a standard for the shape of the light distribution pattern that illuminates in the direction of the shoulder, but the target that the light distribution pattern actually illuminates is not only the pedestrian but also the bicycle, etc. A person in a vehicle may be used.

  According to this aspect, the light distribution pattern that properly illuminates the pedestrians and the like by properly illuminating the pedestrians and the like that are far away from the pedestrians and the like that are close to the vehicle with reference to the vehicle. Can be formed. This light distribution pattern is a fixed light distribution pattern that irradiates in the direction of the road shoulder, and the light distribution pattern can irradiate a pedestrian or the like existing along the road shoulder from a near position to a far position. As a result, it is possible to inform the driver of the existence of a pedestrian or the like on the shoulder by easy irradiation control, and to give a margin to the driving operation, which can contribute to the improvement of safety.

  In the above aspect, the control means may form a light distribution pattern that irradiates a portion below the pedestrian's face assumed on the road shoulder as the light distribution pattern. If the upper limit position of illumination in the light distribution pattern is set below the pedestrian's face assumed on the shoulder, that is, the neck position, the pedestrian's face is illuminated from the near position to the far position with respect to the vehicle. Can be suppressed. As a result, the driver can be appropriately informed of the presence of the pedestrian and the like without giving glare to the pedestrian or the like. Moreover, since the shape of the light distribution pattern and the irradiation position can be fixed, the irradiation control of the vehicle headlamp device is facilitated.

  Moreover, the said aspect WHEREIN: You may make it the said control means form the light distribution pattern which irradiates the part of the pedestrian's face assumed by the said road shoulder as the said light distribution pattern. By irradiating the pedestrian's face assumed by the road shoulder with the light emitted from the light distribution pattern, the pedestrian can be easily informed of the approach of the vehicle, and the pedestrian can be alerted. At this time, it is not preferable that glare that causes pedestrians or the like to have a strong discomfort, but it is desirable to have an illuminance in front of the eye that can recognize the approach of the vehicle with some glare. Therefore, when illuminating the face of a pedestrian, for example, it is preferable to irradiate with a light intensity about halfway between a high beam and a low beam. In this case, the pedestrian's face may be continuously irradiated with light, or intermittent light with repeated light and dark may be irradiated. When light is intermittently applied to the face, a flickering feeling can be given to the pedestrian as compared to continuous irradiation, so that attention can be strongly drawn. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the crossing is appropriate in a situation where the vehicle approaches. When illuminating the pedestrian's face, the main purpose is to call attention to the pedestrian, but it is easy for the driver to check the light reflected from the face. There is also an effect of informing the existence.

  Moreover, in the said aspect, the said control means is a light distribution pattern different from the 1st light distribution pattern for letting a driver know presence of a pedestrian as the said light distribution pattern, and a 1st light distribution pattern, The second light distribution pattern for informing the pedestrian of the approach of the vehicle may be formed. According to this aspect, a light distribution pattern suitable for each purpose can be easily formed. For example, if the first light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern in which continuous light is irradiated to a pedestrian, the effect of informing the driver of the presence of a pedestrian or the like is enhanced. On the other hand, if the second light distribution pattern is, for example, a light distribution pattern in which intermittent light is irradiated to a pedestrian or the like, it is possible to increase the alert to the vehicle approach of the pedestrian or the like.

  Further, in the above aspect, the control means may perform irradiation in the road shoulder direction by the light distribution pattern when there is no preceding vehicle. That is, when there is no preceding vehicle, light is actively radiated in the shoulder direction regardless of the presence of a pedestrian. As a result, the visibility of the driver can be improved with respect to the road shoulder direction regardless of the presence or absence of a pedestrian or the like. Moreover, since it becomes easy for a pedestrian etc. to recognize a vehicle from a distant position, it can be made to judge appropriately whether it should cross in the condition where a vehicle approaches.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a vehicle headlamp device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light source capable of irradiating light in a road shoulder direction, and control means for controlling light irradiation by the light source. The control means performs irradiation control of the light source so as to form a light distribution pattern that illuminates a range of a predetermined height above the ground at each point on the road shoulder.

  The range of the ground predetermined height at each point on the road shoulder can be, for example, a range corresponding to the apparent size of the pedestrian existing on the road shoulder. According to this aspect, the visibility of the driver in the shoulder direction can be improved. Further, since the light distribution pattern directed toward the road shoulder only needs to be formed in a predetermined position with a fixed shape, the irradiation control of the vehicle headlamp device is facilitated.

  According to the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention, it is possible to easily realize light irradiation control in a road shoulder direction that can alert at least one of a driver or a pedestrian.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The vehicle headlamp device according to the present embodiment includes a light source capable of irradiating light in a road shoulder direction, and control means for controlling light irradiation by the light source. The control means performs irradiation control of the light source so as to form a light distribution pattern determined based on the size of the pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder and the distance from the light source to the pedestrian. In the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern irradiated in the road shoulder direction is a light distribution pattern different from the first light distribution pattern and the first light distribution pattern for informing the driver of the existence of a pedestrian or the like. And a second light distribution pattern for informing a pedestrian or the like of the approach of the vehicle. The size of the pedestrian assumed on the shoulder is the apparent size when the driver sees the pedestrian on the shoulder. Therefore, it looks large when the distance to the pedestrian is short, and looks small as the distance to the pedestrian increases. That is, the light distribution pattern to be formed has a substantially triangular shape in which the length in the vertical direction becomes shorter as the part corresponding to the far position. At this time, the size of the pedestrian serving as a reference for the formation of the light distribution pattern can be within a range that can substantially cover adult height, and can be selected from, for example, 160 cm to 200 cm. In addition, the distance from the light source to the pedestrian can be a distance that can be safely avoided when the pedestrian is confirmed when, for example, the vehicle travels at a legal speed of 60 km / h on a general road, for example, 50 m to 90 m. You can choose from. If the size of the pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder and the distance from the light source to the pedestrian are determined, the shape of the light distribution pattern can be uniquely determined.

  In the present embodiment, the road shoulder includes a sidewalk, a bicycle road, and the like in addition to the portions on both sides of the traveling lane. In addition, the shape of the light distribution pattern irradiated in the shoulder direction is defined by the size of the pedestrian assumed on the shoulder and the distance to the assumed pedestrian. The target of irradiation may be not only a pedestrian but also a person on a bicycle or other vehicle.

  As a light source capable of irradiating light in a road shoulder direction, a part of a high beam light source or a part of a low beam light source may be used. Further, a dedicated additional light source different from the high beam light source and the low beam light source may be used. As the light source, various types such as a halogen lamp, a discharge lamp, and a semiconductor light emitting element can be adopted. Further, the control means may only perform on / off control of the light source, or may perform light amount control in addition to the on / off control.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a configuration of a vehicle headlamp device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicular headlamp apparatus 10 forms a substantially sealed space with a lamp body 12 and a transparent cover 14, and includes one low beam lamp unit 16 and one high beam lamp unit 18 inside. One additional beam lamp unit 20 is arranged. In the case of the present embodiment, an example in which each lamp unit is arranged one by one is shown as an example, but can be appropriately changed according to the required light amount, the design of the vehicle headlamp device 10, and the like.

  Thus, a virtual vertical screen including a vertical line V and a horizontal line H set at a position of, for example, 25 m ahead on the road on which the vehicle travels is considered. The irradiation area formed by each lamp unit is projected as a light distribution pattern on the virtual vertical screen. Specific light distribution patterns formed by the low beam lamp unit 16, the high beam lamp unit 18, and the additional beam lamp unit 20 will be described later.

  The low beam lamp unit 16 is a so-called parabolic lamp unit having a reflector 22 formed on the basis of a rotating paraboloid or the like. In the case of FIG. 1, the low beam lamp unit 16 is arranged outside the vehicle from the high beam lamp unit 18. As a light source for the headlamp, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, an LED, a neon tube, a laser light source, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, a bulb 24 composed of a halogen lamp is shown as an example. The bulb 24 is fitted and fixed to an opening formed in the approximate center of the reflector 22 and is supported by the lamp body 12. The low beam lamp unit 16 may be provided with an optical axis adjustment mechanism (not shown), and may be configured to adjust the optical axis according to the attitude of the vehicle. A shade 26 is disposed in front of the valve 24. The shade 26 has a function of cutting the direct light forward from the bulb 24, and eliminates the cause of glare (glare) that causes discomfort to oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, and pedestrians. The shade 26 can be fixed to the reflector 22 using a support member such as a bracket. Further, instead of disposing the shade 26, a surface treatment may be applied to the tip of the valve 24 to form a mask so as to have the same function as the shade 26.

  In the case of the low beam lamp unit 16, a clear light / dark boundary line that limits the upper limit of the light distribution, that is, a so-called cut-off line is provided. This cut-off line means a boundary line that is brighter below the cut-off line and darker above the cut-off line. The cut-off line is, for example, a right side portion extending horizontally below the horizontal line crossing the optical axis on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and a left side portion extending horizontally above the right side portion on the left side in the vehicle width direction, It has a shape that is connected by a central portion that slopes upward to the left. Note that the inclination angle of the central portion is, for example, 45 °. In the case of a parabolic lamp unit as shown in FIG. 1, a shade for forming a cutoff off-line can be built in the bulb 24. In addition, in the case of a lamp unit called a projector type having a convex lens in front of the light source, a shade for forming a cut-off line is arranged between the reflector and the convex lens, and the tip shape of the shade is projected on a virtual vertical screen. can do.

  In the case of the present embodiment, a high beam lamp unit 18 is disposed on the vehicle inner side than the low beam lamp unit 16. A predetermined light distribution pattern is formed on the virtual vertical screen by the light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 18.

  The high beam lamp unit 18 includes a projection lens 28, a bulb 30, and a reflector 32. In the case of the present embodiment, an additional beam shade 34 that does not exist in the normal high beam lamp unit 18 is included. The additional beam shade 34 forms a first light distribution pattern, which will be described later, which is irradiated in the shoulder direction. The specific shape and drive mechanism of the additional beam shade 34 will be described later. Since the high beam lamp unit 18 has a function of forming the first light distribution pattern, it can also be referred to as an additional beam combined lamp unit.

  The projection lens 28 is disposed on the optical axis extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the bulb 30 is disposed on the rear side of the rear focal plane that is the focal plane including the rear focal point of the projection lens 28. A drive mechanism for operating the projection lens 28, the bulb 30, the reflector 32, and the additional beam shade 34 are supported by the holder 36 and fixed to the lamp body 12 by a bracket (not shown). The high beam lamp unit 18 may include an optical axis adjustment mechanism for adjusting the optical axis. The projection lens 28 is a plano-convex aspheric lens having a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and projects a light source image formed on the rear focal plane onto a virtual vertical screen in front of the lamp as a reverse image. .

  As with the low beam lamp unit 16, the bulb 30 of the high beam lamp unit 18 can use, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, an LED, a neon tube, or a laser light source. In this embodiment, an example using a halogen lamp is shown as an example. The bulb 30 is laterally arranged from the side surface of the holder 36 so as to be positioned substantially at the center of the reflector 32 so that light can be efficiently reflected by the reflector 32.

  In the case of this embodiment, the additional beam lamp unit 20 is disposed on the vehicle inner side than the high beam lamp unit 18. The additional beam lamp unit 20 includes a projection lens 38 and a holder 40. The holder 40 holds the projection lens 38 at the front end portion, and supports the element substrate 44 connected to the heat sink 42 at the rear end portion. One or more light emitting elements are arranged on the element substrate 44. The additional beam lamp unit 20 forms a second light distribution pattern, which will be described later, irradiated in the direction of the road shoulder. The shape and forming method of the light distribution pattern formed by the additional beam lamp unit 20 will be described later.

  In addition, the vehicle headlamp device 10 is provided with an extension 46 for improving the appearance of the headlamp from the front. The extension 46 is a substantially box-shaped member arranged so as to cover the gap between the low beam lamp unit 16, the high beam lamp unit 18, the additional beam lamp unit 20, and the lamp body 12, and the surface thereof is a reflection surface. Often done.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp device 10 arranged on the left side of the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed from the front. The vehicle headlamp device arranged on the right side of the vehicle is arranged in line symmetry with the configuration of FIG. The left and right light distribution patterns formed by the low beam lamp unit 16 and the high beam lamp unit 18 of the left and right vehicle headlamp devices 10 are combined to form a low beam and a high beam. On the other hand, the first light distribution pattern formed by the high beam lamp unit 18 and the second light distribution pattern formed by the additional beam lamp unit 20 are selectively used for right road shoulder direction irradiation and left road shoulder direction irradiation. Therefore, irradiation control is performed independently so that an additional beam can be irradiated only in the direction of the roadside where a pedestrian or the like exists. By irradiating the left and right additional beams separately, there is an effect of making it easier for the driver to recognize the direction in which the pedestrian exists.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the shape of the additional beam shade 34 which is arranged inside the high beam lamp unit 18 and forms the first light distribution pattern. The additional beam shade 34 in FIG. 3 forms the first light distribution pattern in the right shoulder direction, and the image of the light passing through the opening 48 is inverted by the projection lens 28 which is a convex lens and projected in the right shoulder direction. The The first light distribution pattern formed by the high beam lamp unit 18 is a pattern for informing the driver of the presence of a pedestrian. Therefore, it is only necessary to irradiate any part of the pedestrian, but it is not desirable to give glare to the pedestrian in order to inform the driver of the presence of the pedestrian. Therefore, it is desirable for the first light distribution pattern to irradiate as many body surfaces as possible without giving glare to the pedestrian. That is, it is preferable that the first light distribution pattern irradiates a portion below the pedestrian's face assumed on the road shoulder. For example, consider a case where the first light distribution pattern is formed so that the driver recognizes the pedestrian while the pedestrian having a height of 170 cm on the right shoulder approaches the vehicle from 90 m to 50 m ahead. In this case, the length of the vertical side 48a of the opening 48 corresponding to the irradiation position closest to the vehicle, that is, the height of the opening is 150 cm obtained by subtracting the average length in the vertical direction of the face from the height, for example, 20 cm. It can be determined by the distance 50 m. The height of the opening corresponding to each point beyond 50 m on the road shoulder can be determined on the basis of the vertical side 48a, and a substantially triangular shape as shown in FIG. 3 can be determined.

  4 (a) and 4 (b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the non-operating state of the additional beam shade 34 of FIG. 3 and the shape of the light distribution pattern formed at that time, and FIG. 4 (c) and FIG. FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram for explaining the driving state of the additional beam shade 34 and the shape of the light distribution pattern formed at that time. The additional beam shade 34 is driven by the actuator 50 to switch between allowing the light from the bulb 30 to pass through the projection lens 28 or blocking a part of the light to form the first light distribution pattern. The actuator 50 is, for example, an actuator in which the rod 50a protrudes and retracts by solenoid driving, and automatically returns to the protruding position by a return member such as a spring (not shown) when the solenoid is not energized. Therefore, when a malfunction occurs in the actuator 50 or the control system, the additional beam shade 34 is automatically returned to the non-operating position so that the original function of the high beam lamp unit 18 can be reliably used. . When the solenoid is energized, it moves to the immersive position against the urging force of a return member such as a spring (not shown).

  FIG. 4A shows a state where the actuator 50 is turned off and the additional beam shade 34 is retracted from the light shielding position. That is, it is a high beam irradiation state. The light emitted from the bulb 30 is reflected by the reflector 32 and is incident on the projection lens 28 without being blocked by the additional beam shade 34, and as shown in FIG. 4B, a substantially elliptic high beam is displayed on the virtual vertical screen. A light distribution pattern PH is formed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4C shows a state in which the actuator 50 is turned on and the additional beam shade 34 is moved from the retracted position to the light shielding position. That is, it is the first additional beam irradiation state by the first light distribution pattern. The light emitted from the bulb 30 is reflected by the reflector 32. A part of the reflected light passes through the opening 48 of the additional beam shade 34 and enters the projection lens 28. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4D, a substantially triangular first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 is formed in the road shoulder direction on the virtual vertical screen.

  The driving method of the actuator 50 can be changed as appropriate, and may be, for example, a motor-driven actuator. Further, instead of the additional beam shade 34, a member that can selectively control the passage of light, such as a liquid crystal filter, may be disposed. In this case, an actuator that mechanically controls the advance / retreat of the member is not required, and the configuration of the high beam lamp unit 18 can be simplified.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an irradiation state by the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 formed by the high beam lamp unit 18 and the low beam light distribution pattern LH formed by the low beam lamp unit 16 on the virtual vertical screen. is there. Illumination by the low beam light distribution pattern LH ensures illumination mainly on the road surface in front of the vehicle and assists proper driving. In addition, when the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 is used to illuminate the right front shoulder direction of the vehicle brighter than the low beam light distribution pattern LH, and there is a pedestrian or the like in the right shoulder direction, the presence is detected at an early stage. To alert the driver and call attention. At this time, since the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 irradiates light below the face of the pedestrian M assumed on the road shoulder, it is illumination performed to inform the driver of the presence of the pedestrian M. Giving glare to the pedestrian M can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle headlamp device 10 of the present embodiment is a light distribution pattern different from the first light distribution pattern, and is a first for informing the pedestrian of the approach of the vehicle. An additional beam lamp unit 20 for forming two light distribution patterns is provided. The second light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern for intentionally irradiating light to a pedestrian's face assumed on the road shoulder in order to perform illumination for informing the pedestrian of the approach of the vehicle. However, since it is not preferable that glare that the pedestrian has a strong uncomfortable feeling is given by the second light distribution pattern, it is desirable to set the light intensity so that the pedestrian can recognize the approach of the vehicle. For example, it is preferable to illuminate the face of a pedestrian with a light intensity that is about halfway between high and low beams. In this case, the pedestrian's face may be continuously irradiated with light, or intermittent light with repeated light and dark may be irradiated. Since flickering can be given to the pedestrian by intermittently irradiating the face with light, the pedestrian can be strongly alerted compared to continuous irradiation. As a result, the pedestrian can easily determine whether or not the crossing is appropriate.

  FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show a schematic configuration of the additional beam lamp unit 20. The second light distribution pattern for informing the pedestrian of the approach of the vehicle only needs to be able to irradiate the pedestrian's face with light, so the shape of the light distribution pattern needs to be stricter than the first light distribution pattern. There is no. Therefore, the shape of the second light distribution pattern can be a simple rectangle or the like. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the projection lens 38 of the additional beam lamp unit 20 is used as a free-form surface lens to emit light from the light emitter 52 in a desired direction, The irradiation position can be determined easily. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the light from the light emitter 52 is emitted in a desired direction using the multi-step step reflector 54 without using the projection lens 38. In this case, the shape and irradiation position of the second light distribution pattern can be easily determined by the shape of the step portion of the step reflector 54. The irradiation position of the second light distribution pattern can be a position where the lower side of the second light distribution pattern is in contact with the upper side of the first light distribution pattern, or a part of which overlaps. In addition, as described above, when light is continuously applied to the face of a pedestrian, the light source that forms the second light distribution pattern is, for example, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, a discharge bulb, an LED, a neon tube, or a laser. A light source or the like can be used. Moreover, when performing intermittent irradiation so that light and dark may be repeated, LED with easy blink control can be used.

  FIG. 7 shows the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 formed by the high beam lamp unit 18 on the virtual vertical screen, the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 formed by the additional beam lamp unit 20, and the low beam beam. It is explanatory drawing explaining the irradiation state by the low beam light distribution pattern LH formed with the lamp unit 16. FIG. Illumination by the low beam light distribution pattern LH ensures illumination mainly on the road surface in front of the vehicle and assists proper driving. In addition, when the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 is applied, the right front shoulder direction of the vehicle is illuminated brighter than the low beam light distribution pattern LH, and if there is a pedestrian in the right shoulder direction, the presence is detected at an early stage. To alert the driver and call attention. In addition, the face portion of the pedestrian M present on the right front shoulder of the vehicle is illuminated by irradiation with the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2. Accordingly, the pedestrian M who has been irradiated with the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 is alerted to the vehicle approaching him at an early stage. As a result, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not crossing is appropriate.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configurations of the headlamp device control unit and the vehicle-side vehicle control unit of the vehicle headlamp device 10 configured as described above. The headlamp control unit 56 of the vehicle headlamp device 10 controls the power supply circuit 62 in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle control unit 60 mounted on the vehicle 58 to add the low beam lamp unit 16, the high beam lamp unit 18, and the addition. Lighting control of the bulb and LED of the beam lamp unit 20 is performed. Further, the headlamp device control unit 56 drives the actuator drive unit 64 in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle control unit 60 mounted on the vehicle 58 to operate the additional beam shade 34.

  In the case of the present embodiment, when a pedestrian M exists on the road shoulder, the first light distribution pattern for irradiating the driver to the pedestrian M is emitted, and the pedestrian M is informed of the approach of the vehicle. The second light distribution pattern different from the first light distribution pattern is automatically irradiated. In order to enable such irradiation control, the vehicle control unit 60 uses image data provided from a camera 66 such as a stereo camera as a recognition means for the pedestrian M. The shooting area of the camera 66 coincides with the virtual vertical screen area. When there is an image including a feature point indicating a pedestrian or the like held in advance on the road shoulder portion in the captured image, the vehicle control unit 60 determines that the pedestrian M exists on the road shoulder. And information is provided to the headlamp apparatus control part 56 so that irradiation control which irradiates an additional beam to the pedestrian M may be performed. The headlamp device controller 56 drives the actuator driver 64 to move the additional beam shade 34 to the position shown in FIG. 4C and controls the power supply circuit 62 to move the high beam lamp unit 18. The first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 is formed by lighting. Further, the additional beam lamp unit 20 is turned on to form the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the driver can be informed of the presence of a pedestrian by the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1. Moreover, the approach of the vehicle can be informed to the pedestrian by the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2.

  The detection means for detecting whether or not the pedestrian M is present on the shoulder can be changed as appropriate, and other detection means such as a millimeter wave radar or an infrared radar may be used instead of the camera 66. Moreover, you may detect a pedestrian etc. using various communication means. For example, you may make it detect whether a pedestrian etc. exist in the road shoulder ahead of the own vehicle by performing inter-vehicle communication with a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. In addition, if there is a system that can detect the presence of pedestrians on the road shoulder by sensors embedded in the road shoulder or sensors around the road, etc., by performing road-to-vehicle communication with these systems, You may make it detect whether a pedestrian etc. exist in the road shoulder ahead. Also, if there is a system that can detect the presence of pedestrians etc. on the road shoulder using signals from electronic tags carried by pedestrians, portable terminals, etc., by performing inter-pedal communication with these systems, You may make it detect whether a pedestrian etc. exist in the road shoulder ahead of the own vehicle. These detection means may be used alone or in combination.

  In the example described above, the case where the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 are irradiated by the camera 66 or the like when the pedestrian M exists on the road shoulder has been described. As another example, the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 may be irradiated when it is confirmed by the camera 66 or the like that there is no preceding vehicle. That is, when there is no preceding vehicle, light is actively radiated in the shoulder direction regardless of the presence of the pedestrian M. As a result, the visibility of the driver in the road shoulder direction can be improved regardless of the presence or absence of the pedestrian M. Further, if there is a pedestrian M, the pedestrian M can recognize the vehicle from a distant position, and therefore can appropriately determine whether or not to cross.

  In addition, the vehicle control unit 60 can also acquire information from the signal switch 68 and the navigation system 70 mounted on the vehicle 58, and the first addition is performed according to the traveling state of the vehicle 58, accident frequent occurrence point information, and the like. The irradiation of the beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 may be controlled.

  For example, when the vehicle control unit 60 detects that the vehicle is going to turn right or left based on information from the signal switch 68, the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 or the second additional beam light distribution in the direction of turning right or left. The pattern FH2 may be irradiated. By irradiating the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1, the driver can be alerted to confirm whether or not there is a pedestrian trying to cross the vicinity of the intersection. Further, by irradiating the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2, if a pedestrian exists, the pedestrian can be informed of the presence of the vehicle. Particularly in the case of a left turn, the pedestrian can be encouraged to pay attention to the left turn vehicle and to evacuate to a safe position.

  Further, when the vehicle control unit 60 acquires information indicating that an accident-prone point is near from the navigation system 70, the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam regardless of the presence or absence of a pedestrian or the presence of a preceding vehicle. The light distribution pattern FH2 may be irradiated. In this case as well, the driver and the pedestrian can be prompted to confirm each other's existence.

  The vehicle control unit 60 is connected to a light switch 72 that is operated by the driver. The light switch 72 is a switch for manually turning on / off the low beam lamp unit 16 and turning on / off the high beam lamp unit 18 when the low beam lamp unit 16 is turned on. The vehicle control unit 60 may automatically perform irradiation control of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 according to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 58 regardless of the operation of the light switch 72. Good. For example, even when the headlight is not necessary to be lit, the driver, pedestrian, etc. can be made aware of each other by irradiating the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2. Can do.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the irradiation form of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 according to the surrounding situation of the host vehicle.

  (A) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects that there is no vehicle around the host vehicle such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that no vehicle is present around the vehicle. The headlamp device controller 56 causes the left and right high beam lamp units 18 to light up by the power supply circuit 62. In this case, the headlamp device controller 56 does not supply a control signal to the actuator driver 64. Accordingly, since the left and right additional beam shades 34 are moved to the retracted position, which is the initial position, the left and right high beam lamp units 18 form a high beam light distribution pattern PH. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, wide-area illumination in front of the vehicle can be realized as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to improve the driver's forward visibility, and when a pedestrian appears in front, lighting can be realized that promptly informs the driver of the presence.

  (B) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects a preceding vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the preceding vehicle is in front of your vehicle, for example within 30m, and there is a pedestrian in the direction of the left shoulder, the pedestrian is considered to remain crossing due to the recognition of the preceding vehicle. Irradiation control that improves visibility in the right shoulder direction is executed. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that a preceding vehicle is present. The headlamp device control unit 56 controls the actuator driving unit 64 for right side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 34 for right side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position and uses the power circuit 62 for high beam irradiation for right side shoulder irradiation. The lamp unit 18 is turned on to form the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 for the right shoulder. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination in the near front of the vehicle and the right shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to realize lighting that suppresses the glare on the preceding vehicle and prompts the driver to quickly recognize the presence of a pedestrian or the like in the right shoulder direction.

  (C) is a case where the vehicle controller 60 detects a preceding vehicle based on information from the camera 66 and further detects a pedestrian in the right shoulder direction in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the preceding vehicle is in front of your vehicle, for example within 30m, and there is a pedestrian in the direction of the left shoulder, the pedestrian will probably continue crossing due to the recognition of the preceding vehicle. Irradiation control for pedestrians in direction is executed. The vehicle control unit 60 provides information indicating that the headlamp device control unit 56 has a preceding vehicle and a pedestrian on the right shoulder. The headlamp device control unit 56 controls the actuator driving unit 64 for right side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 34 for right side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position and uses the power circuit 62 for high beam irradiation for right side shoulder irradiation. The lamp unit 18 is turned on to form a first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 for right shoulder irradiation. Further, the power supply circuit 62 also turns on the additional beam lamp unit 20 for the right side shoulder irradiation to form the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 for the right side shoulder irradiation. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination in the near front of the vehicle and the right shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to suppress glare on the preceding vehicle and to prompt the driver to recognize the presence of pedestrians in the right shoulder direction, and to quickly recognize the approach of the vehicle to pedestrians on the right shoulder. Can be realized.

  (D) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a state where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the oncoming vehicle is within 50m ahead of the host vehicle, for example, if there is a pedestrian in the right shoulder direction, the pedestrian will probably continue crossing due to the recognition of the oncoming vehicle. Control to improve visibility in the shoulder direction. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that an oncoming vehicle is present. The headlight device control unit 56 controls the actuator driving unit 64 for left side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 34 for left side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position, and uses the power circuit 62 for high beam for left side shoulder irradiation. The lamp unit 18 is turned on to form the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 for the left shoulder. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination near the front of the vehicle and in the left shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to suppress the application of glare to the oncoming vehicle and, when there is a pedestrian in the direction of the left shoulder, it is possible to realize lighting that promptly recognizes the presence of the driver.

  (E) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 and further detects a pedestrian in the left shoulder direction in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the oncoming vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 50m, if there is a pedestrian in the direction of the right shoulder, the pedestrian will remain crossing due to the recognition of the oncoming vehicle. Irradiation control for pedestrians in direction is executed. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that an oncoming vehicle is present. The headlight device control unit 56 controls the actuator driving unit 64 for left side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 34 for left side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position, and uses the power circuit 62 for high beam for left side shoulder irradiation. The lamp unit 18 is turned on to form the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 for the left shoulder. Further, the power supply circuit 62 also turns on the additional beam lamp unit 20 for left side shoulder irradiation, and forms a second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 for left side shoulder irradiation. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination near the front of the vehicle and in the left shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to suppress glare on the oncoming vehicle and to promptly recognize the presence of a pedestrian in the left shoulder direction, and to quickly recognize the approach of the vehicle even to a pedestrian on the left shoulder. Can be realized.

  (F) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a state where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the preceding vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 30m and the oncoming vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 50m, and there is a pedestrian in the left shoulder direction or right shoulder direction, the pedestrian Since it is considered that the crossing will be stopped by the recognition of the oncoming vehicle, the own vehicle mainly executes the irradiation control in front of the own vehicle. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that there is a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle. The headlamp device controller 56 turns on only the left and right low beam lamp units 16 to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, since the high beam lamp unit 18 and the additional beam lamp unit 20 are not lit, illumination only in front of the own vehicle can be realized as a combined light distribution.

  In the above description, an example in which the additional beam lamp unit 20 continuously emits light with a light intensity that does not give a strong glare to the pedestrian has been shown, but the additional beam lamp unit 20 may be controlled to blink. .

  Further, by forming the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 using different light sources, it is possible to realize an illumination form suitable for each application. For example, if the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 is a light distribution pattern in which continuous light is irradiated to a pedestrian, the effect of improving the visibility of the pedestrian and the like and informing the driver of the presence is enhanced. . On the other hand, if the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 is a light distribution pattern in which intermittent light is irradiated to a pedestrian or the like, the light received by the pedestrian or the like flickers, which may increase the alert for approaching the vehicle. it can.

  Note that the example shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example, and other combinations of light distribution patterns may be changed depending on the situation around the vehicle and the operation of the driver. For example, the additional beam light distribution pattern may be simultaneously irradiated in the left and right road shoulder directions. In this case, since attention can be given to the left and right road shoulders, the cognitive priority mode in which priority is given to the pedestrian's cognitive ability and vehicle cognitive ability can be achieved. Further, the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 may be irradiated without irradiating the low beam light distribution pattern LH. In this case, it can be set as the daytime irradiation mode which improves the cognition of a pedestrian or a vehicle during daytime running. In particular, by irradiating only the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 in the daytime, it is possible to notify the pedestrian of the presence of the approaching vehicle at an early stage.

  In the above-described example, the case where the light distribution pattern of the additional beam is formed by combining the light distribution patterns of the two types of lamp units, the high beam lamp unit 18 and the additional beam lamp unit 20, has been described. In the example of FIG. 10, an example in which the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 are formed only by the high beam lamp unit 18 will be described. FIG. 10 is a front view of the vehicle headlamp device 100 disposed on the left side of the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed from the front. The vehicle headlamp device arranged on the right side of the vehicle is arranged in line symmetry with the configuration of FIG. The low beam lamp unit 102 and the high beam lamp unit 104 combine a light distribution pattern formed by the left and right vehicle headlamp devices 100 to form a low beam and a high beam. On the other hand, the additional beam formed by using the function of the high beam lamp unit 104 is divided into the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 by the additional beam shade disposed inside the high beam lamp unit 104. Is formed. The additional beam pattern is properly used for irradiation on the right shoulder direction and for irradiation on the left shoulder direction. Therefore, irradiation control is performed independently such that the additional beam is irradiated only in the direction of the road shoulder where a pedestrian or the like is present. By irradiating the left and right additional beams separately, there is an effect of making it easier for the driver to recognize the direction in which the pedestrian exists.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape of the additional beam shade 106 which is arranged inside the high beam lamp unit 104 in FIG. 10 and forms the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern together. The additional beam shade 106 shown in FIG. 11 has the same function as the additional beam shade 34 shown in FIG. 3 except for the shape of the opening. The actuator 50 shown in FIG. It is possible to move between. The additional beam shade 106 forms the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern in the right shoulder direction, and the image of the light that has passed through the opening 108 is inverted by the projection lens 28 that is a convex lens, and the right shoulder direction. Projected on.

  The shape of the opening 108 shown in FIG. 11 is provided with a comb-shaped portion 108b that forms a repeated pattern at regular intervals on one side of the substantially triangular portion 108a of the opening 48 shown in FIG. By applying light to the comb-shaped portion 108b, a light distribution pattern in which light and dark are repeated can be formed. The additional beam shade 106 blocks a part of the light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 104, so that the portion of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 as shown in FIG. An additional beam light distribution pattern FH in which the portions are combined can be formed. The first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 are similar to the additional beam light distribution pattern FH described with reference to FIG. The lower portion of the face is irradiated so that the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 is irradiated to the face portion of the pedestrian. When a vehicle approaches a pedestrian, the moving speed of the vehicle is high, so that the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 formed by the comb-shaped portion 108b is continuously exposed to the face of the pedestrian. Become. As a result, it appears to the pedestrian that the light source is blinking at a predetermined period. Thus, by intermittently irradiating the face with light, the pedestrian can be alerted more strongly than continuous irradiation, and it can be easily determined whether or not crossing is appropriate. In addition, by using the additional beam shade 106 shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to make the pedestrian strongly instructed without controlling the blinking of the light source. By performing such irradiation, it is possible to realize light irradiation for informing the driver of the presence of a pedestrian by the portion of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1. Moreover, the irradiation of the light which informs a pedestrian of approach of a vehicle is realizable by the part of the 2nd additional beam light distribution pattern FH2. In addition, the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 can be formed in the shape of one additional beam shade 106, and light irradiation similar to the blinking control can be performed. Control can be simplified. Further, since the dedicated additional beam lamp unit 20 can be omitted, the vehicle headlamp device 100 can be easily downsized.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the irradiation form of the additional beam light distribution pattern FH and the high beam and the low beam according to the surrounding situation of the own vehicle when the additional beam shade 106 is used. In addition, the functional block diagram of the headlamp device controller when the additional beam shade 106 is used is only the additional beam lamp unit 20 omitted from the functional block diagram of the headlamp device controller shown in FIG. Other configurations are substantially the same as those shown in FIG.

  (A) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects that there is no vehicle around the host vehicle such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that no vehicle is present around the vehicle. The headlamp device controller 56 causes the left and right high beam lamp units 18 to light up by the power supply circuit 62. In this case, the headlamp device controller 56 does not supply a control signal to the actuator driver 64. Accordingly, since the left and right additional beam shades 106 are moved to the retracted position, which is the initial position, the left and right high beam lamp units 18 form the high beam light distribution pattern PH. Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, wide-area illumination in front of the vehicle can be realized as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to improve the driver's forward visibility, and when a pedestrian appears in front, lighting can be realized that promptly informs the driver of the presence.

  (B) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects a preceding vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the preceding vehicle is in front of your vehicle, for example within 30m, and there is a pedestrian in the direction of the left shoulder, the pedestrian is considered to remain crossing due to the recognition of the preceding vehicle. Irradiation control that improves visibility in the right shoulder direction is executed. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that a preceding vehicle is present. The headlamp device controller 56 controls the actuator driver 64 for right side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 106 for right side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position. Then, the high beam lamp unit 18 is turned on for the right shoulder irradiation by the power supply circuit 62, and the additional beam light distribution pattern FH for the right shoulder (the portion of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 + the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2). Part). Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination in the near front of the vehicle and the right shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to realize illumination that suppresses glare from the preceding vehicle and allows the driver to quickly recognize a pedestrian in the right shoulder direction. If a pedestrian is present on the right shoulder, the approach of the vehicle can be informed to the pedestrian by the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2.

  (C) is a case in which the oncoming vehicle is detected by the information from the camera 66 in the situation where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the oncoming vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 50m, if there is a pedestrian in the direction of the right shoulder, the pedestrian will remain crossing due to the recognition of the oncoming vehicle. Control to improve the visibility of the direction. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that an oncoming vehicle is present. The headlamp device controller 56 controls the actuator driver 64 for left side irradiation to move the additional beam shade 106 for left side shoulder irradiation to the light shielding position. Then, the high beam lamp unit 18 is turned on by the power supply circuit 62 to illuminate the left shoulder, and the additional beam light distribution pattern FH for the left shoulder (the portion of the first additional beam distribution pattern FH1 + the second additional beam distribution pattern FH2). Part). Further, the left and right low beam lamp units 16 are turned on to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, it is possible to realize illumination near the front of the vehicle and in the left shoulder direction as a combined light distribution. As a result, it is possible to realize illumination that can suppress glare on the oncoming vehicle and can quickly recognize a pedestrian in the left shoulder direction. If a pedestrian exists on the left shoulder, the approach of the vehicle can be informed to the pedestrian by the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2.

  (D) is a case where the vehicle control unit 60 detects a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle based on information from the camera 66 in a state where the light switch 72 is turned on. If the preceding vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 30m and the oncoming vehicle is in front of the host vehicle, for example within 50m, and there is a pedestrian in the left shoulder direction or right shoulder direction, the pedestrian Since it is considered that the crossing will be stopped by the recognition of the oncoming vehicle, the own vehicle mainly executes the irradiation control in front of the own vehicle. The vehicle control unit 60 provides the headlamp device control unit 56 with information indicating that there is a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle. The headlamp device controller 56 turns on only the left and right low beam lamp units 16 to form a low beam light distribution pattern LH. That is, since the high beam lamp unit 18 is not turned on, it is possible to realize illumination only in front of the own vehicle as a combined light distribution.

  In addition, when uniform light is applied to the entire area of the comb-shaped portion 108b in the opening 108 of the additional beam shade 106 to form the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2, the illuminance in front of the pedestrian is farther from the vehicle. Lower. However, when light from the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH is irradiated to the pedestrian, the presence of the vehicle can be notified with the same sense regardless of the relative distance between the pedestrian and the vehicle. desirable. Therefore, in the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2, the illuminance in front of the eyes increases as the distance from the vehicle increases, with reference to the illuminance of the face of the pedestrian at the position closest to the vehicle. In this case, for example, the light intensity can be changed by changing the shape of the free-form surface between a portion that reflects light that irradiates a portion near the vehicle and a portion that reflects light that irradiates a far portion by the reflector 32 shown in FIG. Can be changed. Thus, even when the vehicle gradually approaches the pedestrian by changing the light intensity of the light irradiated at the portion of the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2, without giving extremely strong glare to the pedestrian, In addition, it is possible to perform lighting so that a distant vehicle can be recognized quickly.

  Note that the example shown in FIG. 13 is an example, and other combinations of light distribution patterns may be changed depending on the situation around the vehicle and the operation of the driver. For example, the additional beam light distribution pattern FH may be simultaneously irradiated in the left and right shoulder directions. In this case, since attention can be given to the left and right road shoulders, the cognitive priority mode in which priority is given to the pedestrian's cognitive ability and vehicle cognitive ability can be achieved. Further, the additional beam light distribution pattern FH may be irradiated without irradiating the low beam light distribution pattern LH. In this case, it can be set as the daytime irradiation mode which improves the cognition of a pedestrian or a vehicle during daytime running.

  In the description of FIG. 2 described above, the example in which the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 is formed by the additional beam lamp unit 20 has been described, but the second additional beam light distribution pattern PH2 is formed as shown in FIG. The mechanism can also be provided in the low beam lamp unit 16.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the light emitted from the light source 112 for low beam irradiation in the low beam lamp unit 110 is reflected by the reflector 114 and enters the projection lens 116 in the front. Then, a low beam light distribution pattern is formed. Further, at the rear position of the projection lens 116, for example, two sets of the light source 118 for the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 and the reflectors 120 that reflect the light are arranged. The light irradiated by the light source 118 and the reflector 120 forms a second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 that is directed in the right shoulder direction or the left shoulder direction. The light source 118 can be composed of an LED, for example. Therefore, it is possible to perform continuous light irradiation that does not give a strong glare to the pedestrian. Moreover, you may make it carry out blink control. Thus, by providing the low beam lamp unit 110 with the function of forming the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the vehicle headlamp device. Moreover, it can contribute to the improvement of the freedom degree of design of the vehicle headlamp device. In FIG. 14, the shade forming the low beam cut-off line is not shown.

  The shapes of the first additional beam light distribution pattern FH1 and the second additional beam light distribution pattern FH2 shown in the embodiment described above are examples, and the size of the pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder and the distance from the light source to the pedestrian Any light distribution pattern determined on the basis of this can be changed as appropriate, and the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications such as design changes can be added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The configuration shown in each figure is for explaining an example, and any configuration that can achieve the same function can be changed as appropriate, and the same effect can be obtained.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a configuration of a vehicle headlamp device according to an embodiment. It is a front view of the vehicle headlamp apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the shade for additional beams which forms the 1st additional beam light distribution pattern in the high beam lamp unit of the vehicle headlamp apparatus of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the non-operation state of the additional beam shade of FIG. 3, the light distribution pattern at that time, the operation state of the additional beam shade, and the light distribution pattern at that time. It is explanatory drawing explaining the irradiation state by the 1st additional beam light distribution pattern formed with the high beam lamp unit on the virtual vertical screen, and the low beam light distribution pattern formed with the low beam lamp unit. It is explanatory drawing explaining schematic structure of the additional beam lamp unit in the vehicle headlamp apparatus of this embodiment. A first additional beam light distribution pattern formed by the high beam lamp unit on the virtual vertical screen, a second additional beam light distribution pattern formed by the additional beam lamp unit, and a low beam distribution formed by the low beam lamp unit. It is explanatory drawing explaining the irradiation state by a light pattern. It is a functional block diagram explaining the structure of the headlamp apparatus control part of the vehicle headlamp apparatus of this embodiment, and the vehicle control part by the side of a vehicle. It is explanatory drawing explaining the irradiation form of the 1st additional beam light distribution pattern and the 2nd additional beam light distribution pattern according to the surrounding condition of the own vehicle. It is a front view of the vehicle headlamp device when the first additional beam light distribution pattern and the second additional beam light distribution pattern are formed only by the high beam lamp unit. It is explanatory drawing explaining the shape of the opening part in the shade for additional beams which forms together the 1st light distribution pattern and the 2nd light distribution pattern in the vehicle headlamp apparatus of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the additional beam light distribution pattern formed with the shade for additional beams of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the irradiation form of the additional beam light distribution pattern according to the surrounding condition of the own vehicle, and the high beam and the low beam when the shade for additional beams formed with the shade for additional beams of FIG. 11 is used. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example which arrange | positions the light source and reflector which form a 2nd additional beam light distribution pattern in the low beam lamp unit.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle headlamp apparatus, 16 Low beam lamp unit, 18 High beam lamp unit, 20 Additional beam lamp unit, 34 Additional beam shade, 48 Opening part, 50 Actuator, 58 Vehicle, 60 Vehicle control part, 62 Power supply Circuit, 64 actuator drive, 66 camera, 68 signal switch, 70 navigation system, 72 light switch.

Claims (5)

A light source capable of emitting light in the direction of the shoulder,
Control means for controlling light irradiation by the light source;
With
The control means is a substantially triangular shape determined based on a size of a pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder and a distance from the light source to the pedestrian, and a portion below the face of the pedestrian assumed on the road shoulder The vehicle headlamp device is characterized in that irradiation control of the light source is performed so as to form a light distribution pattern for irradiating the light.   The vehicular headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein the substantially triangular light distribution pattern has a shape in which a length in a vertical direction becomes shorter as a portion corresponding to a position far from the vehicle. The vehicular headlamp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means also forms another light distribution pattern for irradiating a pedestrian's face portion assumed on the road shoulder.   The control means is a light distribution pattern that is different from the substantially triangular light distribution pattern for informing the driver of the presence of a pedestrian, and the substantially triangular light distribution pattern. The vehicle headlamp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a light distribution pattern for informing the approach is formed.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit performs irradiation in a road shoulder direction by the substantially triangular light distribution pattern when no preceding vehicle is present. Headlamp device.

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