JP2002036946A - Automatic switching system for vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic switching system for vehicle headlight, which enables accurate, stable switching performance between a high beam light and a law beam light, and lighting performance of a small light or the like. SOLUTION: The automatic switching system for vehicle headlight at least comprises a first light sensor 11 for sensing an illumination of surroundings, a small light 12 turned on or off corresponding to an electric signal from the first light sensor 11, a second light sensor 13 for sensing the illumination of the surroundings and having a sensitivity greater than that of the first light sensor 11, a law beam light 14 being turned on or off corresponding to the electric signal from the second light sensor 13, a third light sensor for sensing a light from front direction, and a high beam light 16 being turned on or off corresponding to the electric signal from the third light sensor 15. Among each light sensor 11, 13, 15 and each light 12, 14, 16, delay means (capacitor) 18, 25, 28 is provided, respectively, for delaying a responding time, which is a time span between a point of receiving of a prearranged electric signal and a point of lighting or lighting-out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic switching device for vehicle headlights, and more particularly, to a device for automatically switching headlights for vehicles.
The present invention relates to an automatic switching device for a vehicle headlight capable of automatically turning on or off a small light, a low beam light, or the like by detecting a surrounding illuminance by a sensor, or automatically switching between a low beam light and a high beam light. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle is traveling when driving on a road or a tunnel at night, the headlight is switched from a high beam light to a low beam light so that the opponent driver can change the headlight. We are careful not to be dazzled. When the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle is not traveling around, the headlight is switched from the low beam light to the high beam light, and the light reaches far away so that the visibility is as good as possible. Such switching of the headlights is usually performed by manually operating a predetermined switch provided near the steering wheel.

[0003] On the other hand, there is a type of vehicle generally referred to as a luxury vehicle, which is provided with an automatic switching device for vehicle headlights.

In this automatic switching device, when a predetermined sensor detects headlight light or taillight light from the front of the vehicle to confirm the presence of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, the headlight is switched from the high beam light. It automatically switches to low beam light. If the headlight or taillight light from the front is not detected, the headlight is automatically switched from low beam light to high beam light on the assumption that there is no oncoming vehicle or preceding vehicle.

[0005] In addition, when the surroundings gradually become darker during driving at sunset or the like, a predetermined sensor detects a decrease in the surrounding illuminance and automatically turns on the small light.
Depending on the type of vehicle, the license plate light may be turned on together with the small light. When the surroundings are further darkened, a predetermined sensor senses a further decrease in the illuminance of the surroundings and automatically turns on the low beam light.

[0006]

However, depending on various running conditions such as a curved road, a sloping road or a bad road, headlights and taillights from oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles may be temporarily lost. May be blocked.

In such a case, in the conventional automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle, since the light reception of the sensor is interrupted, it is determined that there is no oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle, and the headlight is immediately turned on. It will switch to high beam light. In addition, as soon as the sensor detects light from the front again, it will switch to the low beam light. When the switching between the high beam light and the low beam light frequently occurs, a so-called passing state occurs,
There is a problem that not only is it bothersome to the driver of the other party, but also causes unnecessary trouble.

Further, when driving on a road in the daytime, when passing under a viaduct or an overpass, sunlight is blocked and the surroundings of the vehicle are temporarily darkened. There is also a problem that the small light is unnecessarily turned on upon sensing.

Therefore, the conventional automatic switching device for vehicle headlights must be able to switch between the high beam light and the low beam light and to light the small light accurately and stably. Have issues that must be addressed.

[0010]

According to the present invention, as a specific means for solving the problems of the prior art, a first light sensor for sensing ambient illuminance and an electric signal from the first light sensor are turned on. A small light that turns off the light, a second light sensor that senses ambient illuminance and has a higher sensitivity than the first light sensor, and a low beam light that turns on or off by an electric signal from the second light sensor And a third light sensor that senses light from the front, and at least a high beam light that is turned on or off by an electric signal from the third light sensor, wherein each of the light sensors and each of the lights is A device for automatically switching a headlight for a vehicle, characterized by interposing delay means for delaying a reaction time from when a predetermined electric signal is received to when the light is turned on or off. A.

Further, the sensitivity of the first optical sensor and the sensitivity of the second optical sensor are adjusted by a dimming plate disposed on the front surface of the optical sensor, respectively. The optical sensor has a configuration in which a plurality of optical sensors are disposed in parallel, and a configuration in which a convex condensing lens is disposed in front of the third optical sensor. Still further, the delay means is constituted by a capacity of a capacitor for receiving an electric signal from the optical sensor.

In the automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle according to the present invention, the headlight light and the taillight light of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle are interrupted by various driving conditions, and the sensor continuously emits the light. Frequent switching between the high beam light and the low beam light does not occur even if the light beam cannot be detected. That is, an unintended passing state as described in the conventional example can be prevented. Also, even if the surroundings of the vehicle are temporarily darkened when the vehicle passes under a viaduct or an overpass in the daytime, the small lights and the low beam lights do not needlessly light up. That is, switching between the high beam light and the low beam light, and lighting of the small light or the like can be performed accurately and stably.

[0013]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an automatic switching device for a vehicle headlight. The automatic switching device includes a first optical sensor 11.
A small light 12 that is turned on or off by an electric signal from the first optical sensor 11, a second optical sensor 13 that has higher sensitivity than the first optical sensor 11, and a second optical sensor A low beam light 14 that is turned on or off by an electric signal from the light source 13, a third optical sensor 15,
And a high beam light 16 which is turned on or off by an electric signal from the third optical sensor 15.

The first optical sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle, and is usually installed at a required position of the vehicle in an upward state so that the illuminance can be detected in a wide range. In addition, on the front surface of the first optical sensor 11, FIG.
As shown in (A), two dimming plates 17, 17 are provided. The light attenuating plate 17 is a translucent synthetic resin plate or a glass plate or the like that cuts light transmittance. The presence of the two light attenuating plates 17 increases the sensitivity of the first optical sensor 11 to the second.
Of the optical sensor 13 of FIG. In other words, the first optical sensor 11 whose sensitivity has been lowered reacts earlier than the second optical sensor 13 to turn on the small light 12 when the surroundings become dim.

The first optical sensor 11 is connected to a delay means 18 for delaying a reaction time from when a predetermined electric signal is received to when the small light 12 is turned on.
The delay unit 18 is specifically a capacitor that receives an electric signal from the first optical sensor 11, and when the capacitance of this capacitor is increased, the reaction time until the small light 12 is turned on can be delayed. On the other hand, when the volume is reduced, the reaction time can be shortened. still,
The delay time until the small light 12 is turned on is about 2
About 5 seconds is desirable. That is, the small light 12 is
When the first light sensor 11 senses ambient light, the light does not turn on. When the ambient light is not sensed, that is, when the light is interrupted, the delay means (capacitor) 18 operates and a predetermined number of seconds elapses. Lights up after As described above, the presence of the delay means (condenser) 18 prevents the small light 12 from being blocked even when the sunlight is interrupted when the vehicle passes under a viaduct or an overpass in the daytime and the surrounding area of the vehicle is temporarily darkened. It does not light up unnecessarily.

The delay means 18 is connected to a control circuit 19. The control circuit 19 is a circuit for operating a changeover switch 20 connected next when a predetermined electric signal is received, and the small light 12 is turned on or off by the operation of the changeover switch 20. The changeover switch 20 is connected to a 12V battery (not shown) mounted on a vehicle.

The second optical sensor 13 is a sensor for sensing the illuminance around the vehicle similarly to the first sensor 11, and is normally in an upward position so that the illuminance can be sensed over a wide range. Installed at required locations. In addition, a single dimming plate 21 is provided on the front surface of the second optical sensor 13 as shown in FIG. The light attenuating plate 21 is a translucent synthetic resin plate or a glass plate that cuts the light transmittance similarly to the light attenuating plate 17. The sensitivity of the second optical sensor 13 is higher than that of the first optical sensor 11 in which the two light reducing plates 17 are provided.
The low-beam light 14 is turned on when the surroundings become darker, responding later than one.

The second optical sensor 13 is connected to a delay means 28 for delaying a reaction time from when a predetermined electric signal is received to when the low beam light 14 is turned on. The delay unit 28 is specifically a capacitor that receives an electric signal from the second optical sensor 13. When the capacitance of the capacitor is increased, a reaction time until the low beam light 14 is turned on can be delayed. On the other hand, when the volume is reduced, the reaction time can be shortened. It is desirable that the delay time until the low beam light 14 is turned on is about 2 to 5 seconds. That is, the low beam light 14 does not turn on when the second optical sensor 13 is sensing ambient light, and when the ambient light is not sensed, that is, when the light is interrupted, the delay means (capacitor) 28 operates. ,
Lights after a predetermined number of seconds has elapsed. In this way, the presence of the delay means (condenser) 28 allows the low beam light 14 to remain in place even when the sunlight is interrupted and the surroundings of the vehicle are temporarily darkened when passing through a viaduct or under an overpass in daytime driving. Does not light up unnecessarily.

The delay means 28 is connected to the control circuit 22. The control circuit 22 is a circuit for operating a changeover switch 23 connected next when a predetermined electric signal is received. The operation of the changeover switch 23 turns on or off the low beam light 14. The changeover switch 23 is connected to an on-vehicle 12V battery (not shown).

The third optical sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting light from the front of the vehicle, and is located at a required position of the vehicle so that headlight and taillight light from an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle can be detected. Will be installed. Further, the third optical sensor 15
As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of, for example, three, are arranged in a parallel state.
Is provided with a convex condenser lens 24 at the front. As shown in FIG. 3B, the condensing lens 24 has a flat inner surface 24a and a convex outer surface 24b. The light can be condensed. As described above, the presence of the plurality of optical sensors 15 and the convex condensing lens 24 makes it possible to detect headlight light and taillight light of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle in a wide range.

The third optical sensor 15 is connected to a delay means 25 for delaying a reaction time from when a predetermined electric signal is received to when the high beam light 16 is turned on.
The delay unit 25 is specifically a capacitor that receives an electric signal from the third optical sensor 15. If the capacitance of this capacitor is increased, the response time until the high beam light 16 is turned on can be delayed. On the other hand, when the volume is reduced, the reaction time can be shortened.
The delay time until the high beam light 16 is turned on is desirably about 5 to 10 seconds. That is, the high beam light 16 is not turned on when the third optical sensor 15 is detecting headlight light or taillight light from the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle, and when the third light sensor 15 is not detecting such light, that is, when the light is not detected. At the time of interruption, the delay means (capacitor) 25 operates, and the light is turned on after a lapse of a predetermined number of seconds. As described above, the presence of the delay means (condenser) 25 does not immediately turn on the high beam light 16 even if the headlight light or the taillight light of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle is cut off. Unintended passing state can be prevented.

The delay means 25 is connected to the control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 is a circuit for operating a changeover switch 27 connected next when a predetermined electric signal is received. The operation of the changeover switch 27 turns on or off the high beam light 16. The changeover switch 27 is connected to a 12V battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.

In the automatic switching device for vehicle headlights configured as described above, the delay means (condenser) 1
Due to the presence of 8, 25, and 28, even when the headlight light or taillight light of the oncoming vehicle or the preceding vehicle is blocked and the light sensor cannot continuously detect the light, the high beam light 16 and the low beam light 14 Since frequent switching does not occur, an unintended passing state can be prevented. In addition, even when sunlight passes through a viaduct or under an overpass during daytime and is blocked, the small light 12 and the low beam light 14 are not unnecessarily turned on.

[0024]

As described above, the automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle according to the present invention has a first optical sensor for sensing the illuminance of the surroundings, and is turned on or off by an electric signal from the first optical sensor. A small light that turns off, a second light sensor that senses ambient illuminance and has a higher sensitivity than the first light sensor, and a low beam light that turns on or off by an electric signal from the second light sensor. A third light sensor that senses light from the front, and a high beam light that is turned on or off by an electric signal from the third light sensor, at least between the light sensors and the lights. The headlight of an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle depends on various driving conditions by interposing delay means for delaying a reaction time from when a predetermined electric signal is received to when the vehicle is turned on or off. And with tail light beam is interrupted, even if the sensor can not sense to continue the light, it does not occur frequently switching between high beam lights and low beam. In other words, since an unintended passing state does not occur, unnecessary troubles can be prevented without inconveniencing the other driver. Also, even if the surroundings of the vehicle are temporarily darkened when the vehicle passes under a viaduct or an overpass in the daytime, the small lights and the low beam lights do not needlessly light up. Therefore, various excellent effects can be achieved such that switching between the high beam light and the low beam light and lighting of the small light can be performed accurately and stably.

Further, the sensitivity of the first optical sensor and the sensitivity of the second optical sensor are adjusted by the dimming plates respectively provided on the front surface of the optical sensor, so that the optical sensors are arranged on the front surface of the first optical sensor. If the number of dimming plates is larger than the number provided on the front surface of the second optical sensor, the sensitivity of the first optical sensor can be reduced. That is, by doing so, the small light connected to the first light sensor with low sensitivity is turned on early when the surroundings are dim, and the low beam light connected to the second light sensor with high sensitivity is turned on when the surroundings are further darkened. It has an excellent effect of lighting.

Further, a plurality of third optical sensors are arranged in parallel, and a convex condensing lens is arranged at the front of the third optical sensor. And the headlight and taillight light of the preceding vehicle can be sensed in a wide range, so that an excellent effect that leakage of light can be prevented can be achieved.

Further, the delay means is based on the capacity of a capacitor for receiving an electric signal from the optical sensor.
When this capacity is increased, the reaction time until the small light and the high beam light are turned on or off can be reduced, and when the capacity is reduced, the reaction time can be shortened, resulting in an excellent effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an automatic switching device for a vehicle headlight according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first optical sensor and a dimming plate. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a 2nd optical sensor and a dimming plate.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a third optical sensor and a condenser lens. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a third optical sensor and a condenser lens.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 1st optical sensor 12 small light 13 2nd optical sensor 14 low beam light 15 3rd optical sensor 16 high beam light 17 dimming plate 18 delay means (condenser) 19 control circuit 20 changeover switch 21 dimming plate 22 control circuit 23 switching Switch 24 condenser lens 24a inner surface 24b outer surface 25 delay means (condenser) 26 control circuit 27 changeover switch 28 delay means (condenser)

Claims (5)

[Claims] A first light sensor for sensing ambient illuminance; a small light for turning on or off by an electric signal from the first optical sensor; and a first light sensor for sensing ambient illuminance. A second light sensor having increased sensitivity, a low beam light that is turned on or off by an electric signal from the second light sensor, a third light sensor that senses light from the front, and the third light sensor. At least a high beam light that is turned on or off by an electric signal from an optical sensor, a reaction time between receiving the predetermined electric signal and turning on or off between each of the optical sensors and each of the lights. A vehicle headlight automatic switching device characterized by interposing delay means for delaying the vehicle headlight. 2. The vehicle head according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the sensitivities of the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor is performed by dimming plates provided respectively on the front surfaces of the optical sensors. Automatic light switching device. 3. The automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of third optical sensors are arranged in parallel. 4. The automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a convex condensing lens is disposed at a front portion of the third optical sensor. 5. The automatic headlight switching device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the delay unit is based on a capacitance of a capacitor that receives an electric signal from the optical sensor.