JP2002225620A - Irradiation direction-changeable headlight device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an irradiation direction-changeable headlight device capable of restricting oscillation of lamps in fine operation of a steering wheel in simple constitution. SOLUTION: This irradiation direction-changeable headlight device is provided with lamps 11L and 11R to project light substantially toward ahead of an automobile, a drive control means 16 to horizontally move a light irradiation direction by oscillating the lamps around rotation axes 13L and 13R, a lighting device 14 to feed power to the lamps, and a detecting means 17 to detect an advance direction of the automobile. This is composed in such a way that the drive control means will not oscillate the lamps when the advance direction of the automobile detected by the detecting means is fluctuating in a micro- range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an irradiation direction variable type headlamp device in which a light irradiation direction is swung in a horizontal direction with respect to a traveling direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a headlamp apparatus for an automobile, for example, a headlamp apparatus provided with an auxiliary lamp adjacent to a fixed low-pass beam so as to oscillate a light irradiation direction in a horizontal direction with respect to a traveling direction. It has been known.

A headlamp device having such an auxiliary lamp is configured as shown in FIG. 14, for example. In FIG. 14, the headlamp device 1 is disposed on each side of the front part of the vehicle (only one headlamp device is shown in FIG. 14), and two headlamp devices are provided side by side. Provided, namely a low beam lamp 2 and an auxiliary lamp 4.

The low beam lamp 2 irradiates a low beam, and is accommodated in a housing 3 and supplied with electric power by a lighting device (not shown) so as to be slightly forward. Light is emitted downward.

The auxiliary lamp 4 is provided on the housing 3
The lamp 2 is disposed adjacent to the lower side of the lamp 2. The auxiliary lamp 4 is a so-called swivel lamp, and is swingably supported in the housing 3 around a vertically extending rotation shaft 5. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, the auxiliary lamp 4 includes a bulb 4a and a reflector 4b disposed behind the bulb 4a, and the bulb 4a and the reflector 4b rotate integrally. It swings around an axis 5. The auxiliary lamp 4 emits light in the traveling direction of the vehicle according to the steering angle, for example, by being rotated around the rotation axis 5 according to the steering angle of the vehicle.

According to the headlamp apparatus 1 having such a configuration, the lamp 2 for the low beam is turned on during traveling, so that light is emitted slightly below the horizon as a whole, thereby reducing glare for oncoming vehicles. In order to avoid this, a low beam is applied.

Further, the auxiliary lamp 4 is used for normal driving,
That is, when the vehicle is traveling straight, the swivel angle θsw becomes substantially zero toward the front as shown in FIG.
It emits light in degrees, but when driving in a corner or turning left or right, depending on the steering angle of the car,
By turning around the rotation axis 5, for example, in the case of a right turn, as shown in FIG. 15B, the light irradiation direction moves in the horizontal direction, and the steering angle θs
Light is emitted in the traveling direction of the vehicle at t. Here, the swivel angle θsw is set, for example, to a maximum value of about 25 to 40 degrees, and when the steering is operated to the right, the auxiliary lamp 4 of the right headlamp device 1 changes the light irradiation direction to the right. When the steering is operated to the left,
The auxiliary lamp 4 of the left headlamp device 1 moves the light irradiation direction to the left. Further, both auxiliary lamps 4 can be moved.

[0008]

In the headlamp apparatus 1 having such a structure, the direction of light irradiation by the auxiliary lamp 4 moves in the horizontal direction during cornering or turning left or right. Even when you do
The auxiliary lamp 4 is configured to always emit light based on the steering angle.

For this reason, when the driver operates the steering wheel little by little during straight running as shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary lamp 4 finely swings right and left as shown by an arrow A in response to this operation. As a result, the light emitted from the auxiliary lamp 4 fluctuates finely to the left and right, so that the irradiation driver, the driver of another vehicle, and the pedestrian will feel uncomfortable. Also, when the driver operates the steering wheel in small increments during cornering, the auxiliary lamp 4 also swings finely in the same manner, making the driver and other automobile drivers and pedestrians feel uncomfortable. Will be given.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an irradiation direction variable headlamp device which has a simple structure and suppresses the swinging of a lamp when the handle is operated little by little. I have.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above object is provided at both left and right ends of a front portion of a vehicle and emits light substantially toward the front of the vehicle. A lamp, a drive control unit that swings the lamp around a rotation axis to move a light irradiation direction in a horizontal direction, a lighting device that supplies power to the lamp, and a detection unit that detects a traveling direction of the vehicle. Wherein the drive control means causes the lamp to swing based on the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detection means. In the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus, the drive control means detects by the detection means. This is achieved by the irradiation direction variable headlamp device, characterized in that the lamp is not swung when the traveling direction of the car thus moved fluctuates in a minute range.

In the first aspect, the lamp is oscillated around the rotation axis by the drive control means based on the traveling direction of the vehicle such as the steering angle and emits light in the traveling direction of the vehicle. . At this time, when the traveling direction of the vehicle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the lamp. Therefore, for example, when the driving vehicle is operating the steering wheel little by little when traveling straight or cornering, the lamp does not swing, and the light emitted from the lamp fluctuates finely right and left. Therefore, there is no possibility of giving a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable irradiation direction headlamp apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the minute range corresponds to a maximum value of a deviation angle in a traveling direction of the vehicle. Is set to have a predetermined hiss width. In the second aspect, by having a predetermined hiss width with respect to the maximum value of the deviation angle in the traveling direction of the automobile, when the traveling direction of the automobile fluctuates finely within the range of the hiss width from the maximum value, Since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not sway finely to the left and right, and does not give a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

In the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the second aspect, the hiss width is set corresponding to a deviation angle of the vehicle in the traveling direction. Is done. According to the third aspect, the optimum hiss width can be set in accordance with the deviation angle of the car. When the traveling direction of the car fluctuates finely within this hiss width, the lamp swings. As a result, the light emitted from the lamp does not vibrate finely to the left and right, and does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

The headlamp apparatus with variable irradiation direction according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the headlamp apparatus with variable irradiation direction according to the second aspect, wherein the width of the hiss increases as the deviation angle in the traveling direction of the vehicle increases. Set to a large value. In the fourth embodiment, for example, when the car is traveling in a corner,
If the driver is manipulating the steering wheel,
If the traveling direction of the vehicle fluctuates finely within this hiss width due to a relatively large hiss width, the lamp does not swing, so the light emitted from the lamp may fluctuate finely to the left and right. In addition, it does not give a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the hiss width is shifted in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The larger the angle, the smaller it is set. In the fifth aspect, for example, when the vehicle is running straight, when the driver is operating the steering wheel in small increments, a relatively large hiss width is obtained, and the traveling direction of the automobile fluctuates finely within this hiss width. In this case, since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not sway finely to the left and right, giving a sense of incongruity to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian. Nothing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the detecting means comprises: This is a steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle of an automobile. In the sixth aspect, the lamp is oscillated around the rotation axis by the drive control means based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor, and emits light in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
At this time, if the steering angle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the ramp, so that, for example, when the driving vehicle is operating straight ahead or cornering, it is possible to operate the steering wheel little by little. In this case, since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not sway finely to the left and right, giving a sense of incongruity to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian. Nothing.

The headlamp apparatus with variable irradiation direction according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the headlamp apparatus with variable irradiation direction according to the sixth aspect, wherein the detecting means comprises an A phase, a B phase and a Z phase of a steering angle sensor. The steering angle is detected from each of the signals. In the seventh aspect, the steering angle is accurately detected by the A-phase and B-phase signals by utilizing the fact that the Z-phase signal of the steering angle sensor is output at the steering angle of 0 and the right and left regular positions. Can be.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the detecting means comprises: Is calculated, and the difference between the left and right wheel speeds is calculated from these detection signals to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle. In the eighth aspect, the lamp is swung around the rotation axis by the drive control means based on the traveling direction of the vehicle obtained from the difference between the left and right wheel speeds detected by the vehicle speed sensor or the like, and Irradiate light in the direction. At this time, if the steering angle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the ramp.For example, when the vehicle is operating the steering wheel little by little during straight running or corner running, Since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not sway finely to the left and right, and does not give a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another car or the pedestrian. .

The irradiating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the irradiating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the detecting means is based on GPS information. The position information of the vehicle is detected at predetermined time intervals, and the traveling direction of the vehicle is determined based on a change in the position information. In this ninth aspect,
The lamp is swung around the rotation axis by the drive control means based on the traveling direction of the vehicle determined by the change in the position information of the vehicle based on the GPS information, and emits light in the traveling direction of the vehicle. I do. At this time, if the steering angle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the ramp.For example, when the vehicle is operating the steering wheel little by little during straight running or corner running, Since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not sway finely to the left and right, and does not give a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another car or the pedestrian. .

The illuminating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the illuminating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the detecting means comprises: A deviation angle (swivel angle) from the front of the direction of light irradiation by the lamp is detected. In the tenth aspect, based on the swivel angle detected by the detection means, the lamp is oscillated around the rotation axis by the drive control means and emits light in the traveling direction of the vehicle. At this time, if the steering angle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the ramp, so that, for example, when the driving vehicle is operating straight ahead or cornering, it is possible to operate the steering wheel little by little. In this case, since the lamp does not swing, the light emitted from the lamp does not swing finely left and right,
There is no discomfort to the driver, the driver of another vehicle or the pedestrian.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the first aspect, the driving control means further comprises: When the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detecting means fluctuates in a minute range, the lamp is not swung. According to the eleventh aspect, when the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, it is predicted that there is no large change in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Since it is not performed, the light emitted from the lamp does not vibrate finely to the left and right, and does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

The illuminating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the illuminating direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the drive control means comprises:
When the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, and the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detecting means is substantially straight and fluctuates in a minute range, the lamp is not swung. In the twelfth aspect, when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead at a speed equal to or higher than the predetermined speed, it is predicted that there is no large variation in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Is not performed,
The light emitted from the lamp does not swing finely to the left and right, and does not give a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

The illumination direction variable headlamp apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the illumination direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the drive control means comprises:
When the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed for the predetermined time or longer, and the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detecting means is substantially straight and fluctuates in a minute range, the lamp is not rocked. In the thirteenth aspect, when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead at a speed equal to or higher than the predetermined speed for a predetermined time or longer, it is predicted that there is no large change in the traveling direction of the vehicle. In the case of small fluctuations, the lamp does not swing, so that the light emitted from the lamp does not swing finely to the left and right, so that it gives a sense of incongruity to the driver or the driver or pedestrian of another car. There is nothing.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The embodiment described below is a preferred specific example of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are added. However, the scope of the present invention particularly limits the present invention in the following description. The embodiment is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise stated.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the configuration of a first embodiment of a headlamp apparatus with variable irradiation direction according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an irradiation direction variable headlamp device 10 is shown.
Are respectively arranged on both sides of the front of the motor vehicle and are each provided with two side-by-side lamps, a lamp for a low beam (not shown) and an auxiliary lamp 11
L, 11R. Here, the above-mentioned low beam lamp emits a low beam, and is housed in the housings 12L and 12R, respectively, and is supplied with electric power by a lighting device (not shown). The light is emitted slightly downward toward the front.

The auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are so-called swivel lamps, and each has a housing 12L and 1R.
In the 2R, the lighting device 14 is swingably supported around rotating shafts 13L and 13R extending substantially vertically.
Is turned on when power is supplied by the power supply. Specifically, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the valve 11a and the reflector 11b disposed behind the valve 11a is configured such that the valve 11a and the reflector 11b integrally swing around the rotation shafts 13L and 13R. Has become. The rotating shafts 13L and 13R are rotationally driven by motors 15L and 15R as driving means, respectively.

Here, the motors 15L and 15R are driven and controlled by a control circuit 16 as drive control means. Further, the control circuit 16 receives a signal indicating the steering angle from the steering angle detecting means 17 for detecting the steering angle θst of the vehicle.

Thus, the auxiliary lamps 11L, 11R
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the optical axis of the valve 11a is horizontally rotated by a swivel angle θsw from the front by being rotated around the rotation axes 12L and 12R according to, for example, the steering angle θst of the automobile. To move in the direction of travel of the vehicle by the steering angle θst,
It is designed to emit light. Note that the steering angle θst and the swivel angle θsw are both set so that the front of the front is 0 °, − is to the right and + is to the left.

The above configuration is the same as that of the conventional irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus 1. However, in the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention,
The configuration is different in the following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 16 serving as the drive control means includes a swivel angle calculator 16a and a swivel amount calculator 16b.
, A swivel determination unit 16c, and an output circuit 16d.

The swivel angle calculating section 16a calculates a swivel angle θs to be targeted based on the steering angle θst detected by the steering angle detecting means 17.
It is configured to calculate w.

The swivel amount calculator 16b calculates the swivel angle θ sequentially calculated by the swivel angle calculator 16a.
The difference, that is, the swivel amount is calculated from the target value of sw and the current value of the swivel angle θsw detected by a rotary encoder or the like based on the rotation amounts of the rotating shafts 15L and 15R.

The swivel judging unit 16c monitors the steering angle θst detected by the steering angle detecting means 17, sets a hiss width for the maximum value of the steering angle θst, and sets the steering angle θs.
If the variation of t falls within this hiss width,
If swivel is not performed and the amount of change in the steering angle θst exceeds the hiss width, the swivel amount calculation unit 16b
Is sent to the output circuit 16d. The maximum value of the steering angle θst is the maximum value of the steering angle θst detected within a predetermined time.

The hiss width is set, for example, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the hiss width linearly increases as the absolute value of the steering angle θst increases, and is constant when the absolute value of the steering angle θst is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The hiss width is set to a maximum value, for example, about 20 degrees.

The output circuit 16d is connected to the swivel determination unit 1
6c, the motors 15L and 15L
By controlling the driving of R, the rotation shafts 13L,
By rotating 13R, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are respectively swung.

The steering angle detecting device 17 comprises, for example, a steering angle sensor. The steering angle is detected by using three output signals of the steering angle sensor, that is, signals of A-phase, B-phase and Z-phase. To detect. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the signals of the A-phase and the B-phase correspond to the steering angle θst over the entire circumference of the steering.
For example, the pulse signals are shifted from each other by ４ wavelength, and each pulse has a predetermined steering angle θst at equal intervals.
It corresponds to. Therefore, the steering angle θst cannot be uniquely specified only by the signals of the A phase and the B phase. On the other hand, the Z-phase signal indicates that the steering center position (the position where the steered wheels (usually the front wheels) is facing the front, ie, the steering angle θst = 0) indicates that the steering wheel is largely turned to the left and right and the steering is turned to the front. This is a pulse signal output at the facing position, that is, the L position and the R position. In FIG. 5, when the steering is operated from the full left angle to the right full angle through the center position, three times. It is output. Thereby, the steering angle detecting device 17 uniquely detects the angular position from the center position, that is, the steering angle θst, based on the signals of the A phase, the B phase, and the Z phase of the steering sensor. A corresponding signal is output.

The irradiation direction variable headlamp device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above. When the vehicle travels straight, both lamps, ie, a low beam lamp and auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R (not shown) are turned on. Thus, by irradiating the light slightly below the horizon as a whole, the passing beam is radiated so as to avoid glare to the oncoming vehicle.

Further, when the vehicle is traveling straight, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R indicate that the swivel angle θsw is 0.
Thus, light is emitted forward and slightly to the left below the horizon. Here, when the vehicle is traveling in a corner or turning right or left, the steering angle θst is changed by the steering angle θst of the vehicle, and the steering angle θst is detected by the steering angle detecting means 17, and the detection signal is sent to the control circuit 16. Thereby, the control circuit 16
In response to this detection signal, the swivel angle calculator 16a calculates the target value of the swivel angle θsw, the swivel amount calculator 16b calculates the difference between the target value of the swivel angle θsw and the current value, and the swivel determiner 16c It is determined whether or not a swivel operation is to be performed, and the driving of the motor 15L or 15R is controlled by the output circuit 16d. This allows
The rotation shaft 13L or 13R is driven to rotate, and the auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R swings around the rotation shaft 13L or 13R.

At this time, the swivel judgment section 16c of the control circuit 16 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the swivel determination unit 16c determines the steering angle θ based on the detection signal of the steering angle detection device 17 in step ST1.
st is calculated, and in step ST2, a hiss width corresponding to the maximum value of the steering angle θst is set. And
In step ST3, when the variation of the steering angle θst is within the above-mentioned hiss width, the swivel determination unit 16c determines that the variation of the steering angle θst is in a minute range, and executes the swivel. Without returning to step ST1.

On the other hand, if the change in the steering angle θst exceeds the hiss width in step ST3, it is determined that the change in the steering angle θst is not small, and the swivel is performed in step ST4. Execute,
That is, the signal of the swivel amount is sent to the output circuit 16d. As a result, the output circuit 16d outputs the motor 15L or 15L.
The auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R is swung by a predetermined swivel amount by controlling the driving of the R and rotating the rotation shaft 13L or 13R. After executing the swivel, the process returns to step ST1 again.

By repeating such an operation at predetermined time intervals, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are swung in accordance with the steering angle θst, and the fluctuation of the steering angle θst falls within the hiss width. In this case, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are not swiveled.

Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling straight, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are directed forward with the swivel angle θsw of 0, and the driver turns the steering of the vehicle when turning left or traveling in a left-hand corner. When turned to the left, the light irradiation direction of the auxiliary lamp 11L moves to the left in accordance with the steering angle θst, so that it is possible to illuminate a target object such as a left shoulder pedestrian or a road sign, for example,
More reliable safe driving can be ensured.

Here, when the driver turns the steering wheel of the automobile left or right during left or right turn or right or left corner, the light irradiation direction of the auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R is changed to the left or right in accordance with the steering angle θst. By moving to the right and increasing the width of the hiss, even if the driver operates the steering wheel little by little during cornering, etc., the steering angle If the distance falls within the hiss width, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are not swiveled, so that the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are not swiveled.
Since the light from the vehicle does not sway finely to the left and right, there is no sense of discomfort to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the present invention. 7, only the main part of the headlamp device 20 is shown. Compared with the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. The configuration is different only in including the detection means 21, and the other configuration is the same as that of the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

The detecting means 21, as shown in FIG.
It is composed of vehicle speed sensors 22L and 22R and a calculation unit 23. The vehicle speed sensors 22L and 22R detect the speeds of the left and right wheels of the vehicle, respectively.
A pulse is output as a vehicle speed signal as each wheel rotates.

This vehicle speed signal generates pulses at the same interval as shown in FIG. 8A when the vehicle is traveling straight, but when the vehicle is turning left or traveling in the left corner, for example. Since the rotation speed of the left wheel decreases, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8B, the pulse interval of the left vehicle speed sensor 22L becomes longer, and for example, when the car turns right or runs in the right corner, the number of revolutions of the right wheel decreases. As shown in FIG. 7, the pulse interval of the right vehicle speed sensor 22R becomes longer. Here, since the pulse interval becomes longer as the steering angle θst becomes larger, the arithmetic unit 23 compares the pulse signals from the two vehicle speed sensors 22L and 22R, and performs an arithmetic operation based on the difference between the intervals. , The traveling direction of the car can be obtained.

According to the headlamp device 20 having such a configuration, the headlamp device 10 operates in the same manner as the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and calculates based on the vehicle speed by the vehicle speed sensors 22L and 22R instead of the steering angle θst. The auxiliary lamps 11L and 11L depend on the traveling direction of the car.
R is rocked. In this case, when the driver turns the steering wheel of the vehicle left or right during a left turn or a right turn and a left or right corner, the traveling direction of the vehicle is calculated based on the difference between the vehicle speeds detected by the vehicle speed sensors 22L and 22R.
The light irradiation direction of the auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R moves to the left or right in accordance with the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the width of the hiss increases. In this case, even if the traveling direction of the vehicle fluctuates in a minute range, if the variation in the traveling direction of the vehicle falls within the hiss width, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R do not swivel. Since the light from the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R does not sway finely to the left and right, the driver, the driver of another car or the pedestrian does not feel uncomfortable.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the present invention. 9, only a main part of the headlamp device 30 is shown. Compared with the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. The configuration is different only in including the detection means 31, and the other configuration is the same as that of the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

The detecting means 31, as shown in FIG.
A GPS device 32 mounted on a vehicle for receiving position signals by receiving radio waves from geodetic satellites, and a calculation unit for calculating a traveling direction of the vehicle based on a temporal change of the position information obtained by the GPS device 32 33. The GPS device 32 has a known configuration, and in this case, does not require map data. Therefore, the GPS device 32 can be configured at low cost, and can use a device already mounted on a car as a car navigation device. Good.
The calculation unit 33 fetches the position information from the GPS device 32 at a constant period, and calculates, for example, a temporal change of the position information, that is, a traveling direction of the car from three recent data.

The calculation of the traveling direction of the vehicle by the calculation unit 33 is performed as follows with reference to FIG. 10, for example. As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the traveling direction Φ of the vehicle is set to 0 degree in front of the front, − to the right and + to the left.
The following describes a case where the vehicle M travels from the position A (X1, Y1) to the position C (X3, Y3) through the position B (X2, Y2) along the right corner of the road. The traveling direction Φb from the position A to the position B is

Φb = tan ^-1 ｛(X2-X1) / (Y2-
Y1)｝, and similarly, the traveling direction Φc from the position B to the position C is

Φc = tan ^-1 ｛(X3-X2) / (Y3-
Y2)｝. Therefore, the change ΔΦ in the traveling direction from the position B to the position C is

## EQU00003 ## It is obtained by the following equation.

According to the headlamp device 30 having such a structure, it operates in the same manner as the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG.
The auxiliary lamp 1 is determined by the change ΔΦ in the traveling direction of the vehicle calculated based on the change in the position information by the PS device 32.
1L and 11R are rocked. In this case, when the driver turns the steering wheel of the vehicle left or right during a left turn or a right turn or a left or right corner, the traveling direction of the vehicle is calculated based on a change in the position information by the GPS device 32, and the traveling direction of the vehicle is calculated. According to the direction, the light irradiation direction of the auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R moves to the left or right and the width of the hiss increases, so that the driver operates the steering wheel little by little during cornering or the like. As a result, even if the traveling direction of the car fluctuates in a very small range,
When the variation in the traveling direction of the vehicle is within the hiss width, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R do not swivel, so that the light from the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R does not finely swing right and left. There is no discomfort to the driver or the driver or pedestrian of another vehicle.

FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the irradiation direction variable headlamp apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, the headlamp apparatus is different from the headlamp apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that the headlamp apparatus shown in FIG. The configuration is the same as that of the device 10, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In this case, the hiss width is determined by the steering angle θ.
As the absolute value of st increases, it decreases linearly, and becomes zero when the absolute value of the steering angle θst is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.
The hiss width is set to a maximum value, for example, about 20 degrees. Further, in this case, the headlamp device 10 outputs a vehicle speed signal from a vehicle speed sensor mounted on the vehicle to the control circuit 1.
6, and the swivel determination unit 16c has a built-in timer circuit (not shown). Note that the timer circuit includes a swivel determination unit 16c.
It does not have to be built in.

According to such a configuration, the operation is performed in the same manner as the headlamp device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the swivel determination unit 16c operates as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, in the flowchart of FIG.
In step ST11, the swivel determination unit 16c calculates the steering angle θst based on the detection signal of the steering angle detection device 17, and in step ST12, sets the hiss width corresponding to the maximum value of the steering angle θst. Then, the swivel determination unit 16c determines in step ST
At 13, when the variation of the steering angle θst is within the above-mentioned hiss width, it is determined that the variation of the steering angle θst is within a small range, and the control proceeds to step ST 13.
At 14, the timer circuit is started, and at step ST1
At 5, the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor is used to determine whether the vehicle is running at or above a predetermined speed. If the vehicle is running at or above the predetermined speed, the time measured by the timer circuit has passed the predetermined time at step ST16. It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step ST11 again without executing the swivel.

On the other hand, if the change in the steering angle θst exceeds the hiss width in step ST13, it is determined that the change in the steering angle θst is not insignificant, or a predetermined change is made in step ST15. When the speed is equal to or less than the speed, after the timer circuit is reset in step ST17, or when the predetermined time has not elapsed in step ST16, swivel is executed in step ST18, that is, the signal of the swivel amount is output to the output circuit 16d.
To send to. As a result, the output circuit 16 d
5L or 15R is driven and controlled, and the rotating shaft 13L or 1R is controlled.
By driving the 3R to rotate, the auxiliary lamp 11L or 11R is swung by a predetermined swivel amount. After the execution of the swivel, the process returns to step ST11.

By repeating such an operation at predetermined time intervals, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are swung in accordance with the steering angle θst, and the fluctuation of the steering angle θst falls within the hiss width. When the vehicle is running at a speed higher than a predetermined speed for more than a predetermined time, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are not swiveled.

Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling straight, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are directed forward with the swivel angle θsw of 0, and the driver turns the steering wheel of the vehicle leftward when turning left or traveling in a left-hand corner. , The light irradiation direction of the auxiliary lamp 11L moves to the left in accordance with the steering angle θst, so that it is possible to illuminate a visually recognized object such as a left-side shoulder pedestrian or a road sign, for example. Safe driving can be ensured.

When the vehicle is traveling straight, the steering angle θst is close to 0, and the hiss width is increased, so that the driver operates the steering wheel of the automobile little by little, and the steering angle θst fluctuates in a minute range. Even if it does, if the variation of the steering angle θst falls within the hiss width, the auxiliary lamps 11L, 11R
Is not swiveled, so that the light from the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R does not swing finely to the left and right when traveling straight, so that it does not give a sense of discomfort to the driver or the driver or pedestrian of another car. As shown in FIG. 13, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R emit light forward in a stable state.

As described above, according to the headlamp devices 10, 20, 30 according to the present invention, the steering angle θ
Based on the st, the difference between the left and right wheel speeds, or the change in position information due to the GPS device, the traveling direction of the car is detected,
Based on the traveling direction of the vehicle, the auxiliary lamps 11L,
The light irradiation direction of 11R is moved in the horizontal direction, and the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are moved in accordance with the traveling direction of the automobile.
By setting the hiss width for the swivel angle θsw, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R are not rocked when the driver operates the steering wheel in small increments within this hiss width. , 11R do not oscillate finely right and left.
Therefore, the swing of the auxiliary lamps 11L, 11R of the headlamp devices 10, 20, 30 does not give a feeling of strangeness to a driver, a driver of another vehicle, a pedestrian or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the auxiliary lamps 11L and 11R have been described with respect to the case where the bulb 11a and the reflector 11b are integrally formed and swing together. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Against
It is obvious that the present invention can be applied to an auxiliary lamp in which only the reflector is swung. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the fluctuation of the steering angle is directly detected by the steering angle sensor, the difference between the left and right wheel speeds or the GPS.
The detection is performed by the change of the position information by the device, but the invention is not limited to this, and the swivel angle θsw in the control circuit that swings the lamp in accordance with the steering angle is used.
It is apparent that the change in the steering angle may be indirectly detected by using the target value of (1).

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, the lamp is swung around the rotation axis by the drive control means based on the traveling direction of the vehicle such as the steering angle.
Light is emitted in the direction of travel of the car. At this time, when the traveling direction of the vehicle fluctuates in a minute range, the drive control means does not swing the lamp. Therefore, for example, when the driving vehicle is operating the steering wheel little by little when traveling straight or cornering, the lamp does not swing, and the light emitted from the lamp fluctuates finely right and left. Therefore, there is no possibility of giving a feeling of strangeness to the driver, the driver of another vehicle, or the pedestrian. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an extremely excellent irradiation direction variable headlamp device which has a simple configuration and suppresses the swinging of the lamp when the handle is operated little by little.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram in a first embodiment of an irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing swinging of an auxiliary lamp in the head lamp device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the headlamp device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a relationship between a hiss width set by a control circuit in the headlamp device of FIG. 1, and (A) a steering angle and (B) a swivel angle.

5 is a graph showing each signal of a steering angle sensor of a steering angle detection device in the headlamp device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a swivel determination unit of a control circuit in the headlamp device of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main part of a second embodiment of the headlamp device according to the present invention.

8 is a graph showing left and right signals of the vehicle speed sensor in the headlamp device of FIG. 7 when the vehicle is traveling straight (A), when turning left (B), and when turning right (C).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main part of a third embodiment of the headlamp device according to the present invention.

10A is a diagram showing a traveling direction Φ of a vehicle in the headlamp device of FIG. 9; FIG. 10B is a diagram showing positional information by a GPS device as the vehicle travels;

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between a hiss width set by a control circuit and (A) a steering angle and (B) a swivel angle in a fourth embodiment of the irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of a swivel determination unit of a control circuit in the headlamp device of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing irradiation of light by an auxiliary lamp when the vehicle travels straight ahead by the headlamp device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of an example of a conventional irradiation direction variable headlamp device.

15 is a schematic plan view showing (A) a non-oscillating state and (B) an oscillating state of an auxiliary lamp in the headlamp device of FIG. 14;

16 is a schematic plan view showing irradiation of light by an auxiliary lamp when the driver operates the steering wheel at a time when the vehicle travels straight in the headlamp device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 20, 30 Irradiation direction variable headlamp device 11L, 11R Auxiliary lamp 11a Valve 11b Reflector 12L, 12R Housing 13L, 13R Rotary shaft 14 Lighting device 15L, 15R Motor 16 Control circuit (drive control means) 16a Swivel angle calculation unit 16b Swivel amount calculation unit 16c Swivel determination unit 16d Output circuit 17 Steering angle detection unit (detection unit of vehicle traveling direction) 21 Detection unit (detection unit of vehicle traveling direction) 22L, 22R Vehicle speed sensor 23 Calculation unit 31 Detection unit (vehicle) Means for detecting the direction of travel) 32 GPS device 33 arithmetic unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A lamp which is provided at both left and right ends of a front portion of a vehicle, and irradiates light substantially toward the front of the vehicle, and oscillates the lamp around a rotation axis to provide a light irradiation direction. And a lighting device for supplying electric power to the lamp, and a detecting means for detecting a traveling direction of the vehicle, wherein the driving control means detects the vehicle detected by the detecting means. An illumination direction variable headlamp device that swings the lamp based on the traveling direction of the vehicle, wherein the drive control means swings the lamp when the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detection means fluctuates in a minute range. An irradiation direction variable headlamp device which is not moved. 2. The irradiation direction variable head according to claim 1, wherein the minute range is set so as to have a predetermined hiss width with respect to a maximum value of a deviation angle in a traveling direction of the vehicle. Lamp device. 3. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein the hiss width is set in accordance with a deviation angle in a traveling direction of the vehicle. 4. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 2, wherein the hiss width is set to be larger as the deviation angle in the traveling direction of the vehicle becomes larger. 5. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 3, wherein the hiss width is set smaller as the deviation angle in the traveling direction of the vehicle increases. 6. The irradiation direction variable headlamp according to claim 1, wherein said detection means is a steering angle sensor for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle as a traveling direction of the vehicle. apparatus. 7. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 6, wherein said detection means detects a steering angle from each of signals of A-phase, B-phase and Z-phase of a steering angle sensor. 8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects left and right wheel speeds of the vehicle, and calculates a difference between the left and right wheel speeds from these detection signals to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle. 6. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to any one of items 1 to 5. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means detects position information of the vehicle at predetermined time intervals based on the GPS information, and obtains a traveling direction of the vehicle based on a change in the position information. Item 6. An irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects, as a traveling direction of the vehicle, a deviation angle (swivel angle) from a front of a direction of light irradiation by a lamp. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to the above. 11. The driving control means, when the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed, and when the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detecting means fluctuates in a minute range.
The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein the lamp is not swung. 12. The drive control means swings the lamp when the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed and the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detection means is substantially straight and fluctuates within a minute range. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 11, wherein the irradiation direction is not changed. 13. The drive control means, wherein the speed of the vehicle is higher than a predetermined speed for a predetermined time or more, and the traveling direction of the vehicle detected by the detection means is substantially straight and fluctuates in a minute range. 13. The irradiation direction variable headlamp device according to claim 12, wherein the lamp is not swung occasionally.