JP2005219713A - Light distribution control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light distribution control system which can realize suitable light distribution in each of a plurality of express highways having different limiting speeds and can reduce uncomfortable feeling of a driver in switching between light distribution for passing each other and for high-speed travel. <P>SOLUTION: The light distribution control system 1 comprises a control circuit 4 which controls the light distribution pattern of the headlight 3 of the vehicle to switch between the light distribution for passing each other and for high-speed travel, a vehicle speed detecting device 5 for detecting the vehicle speed, and a headlight control circuit 6 for adjusting the light quantity of the headlight 3. When the vehicle speed detecting device 5 determines that the vehicle speed becomes a predetermined speed V<SB>1</SB>or higher, the control circuit 4 switches the light distribution for passing each other to the light distribution for high-speed travel. When the vehicle speed detecting device 5 determines that the vehicle speed becomes a second predetermined speed V<SB>2</SB>or higher different from the first predetermined speed, the headlight control circuit 6 increases the light quantity of the headlight 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a light distribution control system for a vehicle headlamp capable of switching between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling.

  As a light distribution control system capable of switching a light distribution pattern of a headlight of a vehicle according to a traveling situation, for example, a light distribution control device described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this light distribution control device, a so-called low beam and high beam are switched by rotating a shade provided in front of the bulb.

  In addition, the light distribution pattern of the headlight is divided into light distribution for passing and light distribution for high-speed driving (light distribution for long-distance illumination suitable for driving on highways), and the light distribution is automatically performed according to the vehicle speed. Light distribution control systems that switch automatically are also known. In such a light distribution control system, as shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle speed increases to a predetermined speed or more, switching from the light distribution for passing to the light distribution for high-speed traveling is performed, and the vehicle speed decreases to a predetermined speed or less. Then, switching from the light distribution for high-speed traveling to the light distribution for passing is performed.

  By the way, major highways in Japan have multiple speed limits of 80 km / h and 100 km / h, and the predetermined speed is normally set to about 80 km / h. When traveling nearby, only the same light distribution as when traveling on 80 km / h restricted roads can be used, and the light distribution control is individually appropriate for roads with different speed limits. It was hard to say.

In addition, since the amount of emitted light beam is generally greatly different between the light distribution for passing and the light distribution for high-speed traveling, the driver can change the light distribution by simply switching between the two light distribution patterns at a certain speed as described above. There was an inconvenience that a visual discomfort was felt immediately after switching. In particular, when the light distribution for high-speed driving is rapidly switched to the light distribution for passing, the headlamp illumination range and light intensity decrease simultaneously, which may cause the driver to feel psychologically uneasy. .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-50102

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can achieve appropriate light distribution in each of a plurality of highways having different speed limits, and the light distribution for passing and the light distribution for high-speed traveling can be realized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light distribution control system that can reduce the driver's uncomfortable feeling during switching.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to control means for controlling a light distribution pattern of a headlight of a vehicle to switch between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling, and a speed of the vehicle. Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting and light quantity adjusting means for adjusting the light quantity of the headlamp, and the control means determines that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a first predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detecting means. When switching from the light distribution for passing to the light distribution for high-speed travel, the vehicle speed detecting means determines that the speed of the vehicle has exceeded a second predetermined speed different from the first predetermined speed. In addition, the light amount of the headlamp is increased by the light amount adjusting means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided control means for controlling a light distribution pattern of a headlight of a vehicle to switch between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling, a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the vehicle, A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the headlamp, and the control means determines the light amount adjusting means when the vehicle speed detecting means determines that the speed of the vehicle is less than a third predetermined speed. When the vehicle speed detecting means determines that the vehicle speed has fallen below a fourth predetermined speed different from the third predetermined speed, the high-speed running distribution is reduced. Switching from light to the passing light distribution is characterized.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a control means for controlling the light distribution pattern of the headlight of the vehicle to switch between the light distribution for passing and the light distribution for high-speed traveling, vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the speed of the vehicle, A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the headlamp, and when the control means determines that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a first predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detecting means, When the light speed is switched from the light distribution to the high-speed light distribution, and the vehicle speed detection means determines that the speed of the vehicle has exceeded a second predetermined speed different from the first predetermined speed, the light amount adjustment means The light quantity of the headlamp is increased, and the light quantity of the headlamp is reduced by the light quantity adjusting means when the vehicle speed detecting means determines that the speed of the vehicle is less than a third predetermined speed. With Switching from the high-speed light distribution to the passing light distribution when the vehicle speed detection means determines that the vehicle speed has become less than a fourth predetermined speed different from the third predetermined speed. Features.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the light distribution control system according to the first or third aspect, the vehicle has acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration of the vehicle, and the control means is configured to detect the vehicle by the vehicle speed detection means. When the vehicle speed is determined to be equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed and the acceleration detection means determines that the vehicle acceleration is equal to or higher than the predetermined acceleration, the vehicle speed is set to the second predetermined speed. Regardless of whether it is the above or not, the light amount of the headlamp is increased by the light amount adjusting means.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the light distribution control system according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising vehicle detection means for detecting another vehicle within a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle, wherein the control means However, when it is determined by the vehicle detection means that another vehicle has entered within the predetermined distance, the light amount adjustment means determines whether the vehicle speed is less than the third predetermined speed. It is characterized by reducing the amount of light of the lighting.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the light distribution control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the headlamp includes a filament bulb or an LED, and the light amount adjusting means is the filament bulb or the The light quantity of LED is adjusted by changing the duty ratio of PWM control.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the light distribution control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the headlamp includes a filament bulb or a discharge lamp, and the light amount adjusting means is the filament bulb or The light quantity of the discharge lamp is adjusted by changing the power supplied thereto.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, suitable light distribution can be implement | achieved in each of several highways from which speed limit differs, and a driver | operator's discomfort at the time of switching to light distribution for passing and light distribution for high-speed driving | running can also be reduced. be able to.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a light distribution control system according to the present embodiment. The light distribution control system 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2 shown in FIG. 2 and controls the light distribution of the headlamp 3. The light distribution control system 1 includes a control circuit 4, a vehicle speed detection device 5, and a headlight control circuit 6. Prepare.

  The headlamp 3 includes a bulb 7 and a shade 8. In this embodiment, the bulb 7 is constituted by a filament bulb (hereinafter, the filament bulb is denoted by reference numeral 7). Further, the shade 8 is driven up and down by the control circuit 4 so that the upper edge forms a cut line, and the shade movement of the light emitted from the filament bulb 7 is changed by the vertical movement of the shade 8 to change the light distribution for passing and high speed. The light distribution for traveling can be switched. The vehicle speed detection device 5 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 and outputs it to the control circuit 4, and the headlamp control circuit 6 receives the control signal from the control circuit 4 and drives the filament bulb 7 by PWM.

  FIG. 3 shows processing when switching from passing light distribution to high-speed light distribution as an example of light distribution control by the control circuit 4. The control circuit 4 repeatedly performs the process shown in the figure while the vehicle 2 is running or in a key-on state. First, in step 1 (described as “S.1” in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 6 and 7 described later, the same applies hereinafter). It is determined whether the headlamp 3 is lit.

If the headlamp 3 is lit, the control circuit 4 obtains the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed detection device 5 in step 2 and determines whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed V ₁ = 80 km / h. Judge at. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed V ₁ , the control circuit 4 lowers the shade 8 in step 4 and switches the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 to the high-speed light distribution. However, if the light distribution for high-speed running has already been made at the time of step 3, the shade 8 does not move again at step 4. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 3 that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed V ₁ , the control circuit 4 maintains the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 in step 5 as the passing light distribution. If the light distribution for high speed travel is at the time point, the control circuit 4 raises the shade 8 in step 5 and switches the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 to the light distribution for passing. When the vehicle 2 does not reach the predetermined speed V ₂ described below, the control circuit 4 supplies a pulse current with a duty ratio of 80% to the filament bulb 7 by the headlamp control circuit 6.

If the light distribution for high speed travel is set in step 4, the control circuit 4 obtains the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed detection device 5 in step 6 and determines whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed V ₂ = 95 km / h. Judge at 7. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed V ₂ , the control circuit 4 increases the duty ratio of the pulse current supplied to the filament bulb 7 to 100% in step 8, and the light quantity of the headlamp 3 (filament bulb 7 ) And return to step 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 7 that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed V ₂ , the control circuit 4 maintains the light quantity of the headlamp 3 in step 9 and returns to step 1. The change in the light distribution during the acceleration process of the vehicle 2 is shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows processing when switching from the light distribution for high-speed running to the light distribution for passing. The control circuit 4 repeatedly performs the process shown in the figure while the vehicle 2 is running or in a key-on state. First, in step 10 (described as “S.10” in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6 and 8 described later, the same applies hereinafter). It is determined whether the headlamp 3 is lit.

If the headlamp 3 is lit, the control circuit 4 obtains the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed detection device 5 in step 11 and determines whether or not this vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed V ₃ = 95 km / h. Judge at. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed V ₃ , the control circuit 4 reduces the duty ratio of the pulse current supplied to the filament bulb 7 to 80% in step 13 to reduce the light quantity of the headlamp 3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 12 that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed V ₃ , the control circuit 4 maintains the light amount of the headlamp 3 at a duty ratio of 100% in step 14.

When the light quantity of the headlamp 3 is decreased in step 13, the control circuit 4 acquires the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed detection device 5 in step 15, and whether or not this vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed V ₄ = 80 km / h. Is determined in step 16. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed V ₄ , the control circuit 4 raises the shade 8 in step 17, switches the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 to the passing light distribution, and returns to step 10. However, if the light distribution for passing has already been obtained at the time of step 16, the shade 8 does not move again at step 17. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 16 that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed V ₄ , the control circuit 4 maintains the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 in step 18 as the high-speed light distribution. If the light distribution for passing is reached at the time point 16, the control circuit 4 lowers the shade 8 in step 18 and switches the light distribution pattern of the headlamp 3 to the light distribution for high speed travel. The change in the light distribution during the deceleration process of the vehicle 2 is shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, along with the time of acceleration of the vehicle 2 to switch from low-beam light distribution relative to the predetermined speed V ₁ to the high speed light distribution, it is performed quantity switching of reference to a predetermined speed V _2. In addition, when the vehicle 2 decelerates, the light amount is switched based on the predetermined speed V ₃ and the light distribution for high-speed traveling is switched to the light distribution for passing on the basis of the predetermined speed V _4. Appropriate light distribution can be realized on each of the roads with different speed limits by changing the combination of the light pattern and the amount of light.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the range where the vehicle speed is 80 km / h or more and less than 95 km / h, the light distribution for high-speed driving with the duty ratio of the pulse current being 80%, and the vehicle 2 is a highway with a speed limit of 80 km / h. When traveling, it is possible to obtain an appropriate irradiation state with the light distribution (light distribution for high-speed traveling with a pulse current duty ratio of 80%). On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is 95 km / h or higher, the light distribution for high-speed travel with a duty ratio of the pulse current is 100%. Therefore, when the vehicle 2 travels on a highway with a speed limit of 100 km / h near the speed limit, It is possible to obtain an irradiation state corresponding to a brighter traveling speed than when traveling on an expressway with a speed of 80 km / h.

  Furthermore, by changing the combination of the light distribution pattern and the amount of light, the light distribution state suitable for low-speed driving is changed to the light distribution state suitable for high-speed driving (or suitable for low-speed driving from the light distribution state suitable for high-speed driving). Since it is possible to make a gradual transition to the light distribution state, it is possible to eliminate the driver's visual discomfort and psychological anxiety.

  In the above description, the acceleration circuit and the deceleration process of the control circuit 4 have been described separately. However, the control circuit 4 may perform these processes in series as shown in FIG. Further, a discharge lamp (for example, HID) or a white LED may be used as the bulb 7 instead of the filament light bulb. In order to change the amount of light of the bulb 7, the duty ratio is not changed by PWM control (supply power (supply) (Current or supply voltage) may be changed by a current limiting element (for example, a variable resistor) or the like.

In the first embodiment, the control circuit 4 increases the light quantity of the headlamp 3 by further reaching the predetermined speed V ₂ after the vehicle speed during acceleration of the vehicle 2 reaches the predetermined speed V _1. Then, the control circuit 4 increases the light quantity of the headlamp 3 without waiting for the speed to reach the predetermined speed V ₂ when the acceleration is equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

FIG. 7 shows light distribution control processing by the control circuit 4. As in FIG. 3, the processing from step 1 to step 6 is performed and the vehicle speed is acquired in step 6. The control circuit 4 calculates the acceleration of the vehicle 2 in step 19 based on the vehicle speed and the vehicle speed acquired in step 2. (That is, the control circuit 4 and the vehicle speed detection device 5 function as acceleration detection means.) Subsequently, the control circuit 4 compares the acceleration calculated in the previous step with a predetermined acceleration α = 0.6 m / s ² set in advance in step 20 and determines that the acceleration is equal to or higher than the predetermined acceleration α. In step 21, the duty ratio of the pulse current supplied to the filament bulb 7 is increased to 100%, the light quantity of the headlamp 3 is increased, and the process returns to step 1. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 19 that the acceleration is less than the predetermined acceleration α, the control circuit 4 performs the same processing as the processing in step 7 to step 9 (step 22 to step 24).

In this embodiment, when the acceleration of the vehicle 2 at the time of reaching the predetermined speed V ₁ is large, the possibility of reaching the predetermined speed V ₂ is high, so that the control circuit 4 actually reaches the predetermined speed V ₂ . The light quantity of the headlamp 3 is increased without waiting for this. Thereby, the irradiation state of the headlamp 3 can be made to correspond quickly to the driver's field of view that changes rapidly with acceleration, and the psychological anxiety of the driver who accelerates rapidly can be suppressed.

In the first embodiment, the control circuit 4 reduces the light amount of the headlamp 3 when the vehicle speed when the vehicle 2 decelerates reaches the predetermined speed V _3. However, in this embodiment, the control circuit 4 maintains the high light amount. If not to be, for example, when the operator cut in another vehicle suddenly forward, reduce the amount of light of the headlight 3 without waiting for arrival of the predetermined speed V _3.

  FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of the light distribution control system according to the present embodiment. The light distribution control system 9 includes a control circuit 4, a vehicle speed detection device 5, a headlight control circuit 6, and an object detection device 10 that detects whether an object is within a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle 2. . The configuration of the object detection device 10 is not particularly limited. For example, an inter-vehicle distance detection device that detects a distance from the preceding vehicle may be used as the object detection device 10.

  FIG. 9 shows light distribution control processing by the control circuit 4 in the light distribution control system 9. If the process of step 10 is performed as in FIG. 5 and it is determined that the headlamp 3 is lit, the control circuit 4 determines in step 25 whether or not there is another vehicle within the predetermined distance by the object detection device 10. to decide. If it is determined that there is another vehicle within the predetermined distance, the driver of the other vehicle may be dazzled if the amount of light is large. In step 26, the amount of light of the headlamp 3 is reduced. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 25 that there is no other vehicle within the predetermined distance, the control circuit 4 performs the same processing as the processing in step 11 to step 18 (step 27 to step 34).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described form. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the light distribution for passing and the light distribution for high-speed running are switched by a shade, but a dedicated valve for high-speed running is used for passing. The light distribution for passing and the light distribution for high-speed traveling may be switched by turning off and turning on the dedicated valve.

  In addition, the order of switching the light distribution pattern and the light amount may be changed as appropriate. However, it is more uncomfortable for the driver to switch the light amount between high-speed light distribution as in the first embodiment. It is difficult to remember and anxiety.

  Further, in order for the control circuit 4 to determine the possibility of using the light distribution for high-speed driving, whether or not the vehicle 2 is driving on the highway, information from the toll gate gate signal of the highway and information from the navigation system You may confirm based on etc.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the light distribution control system which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the vehicle carrying the light distribution control system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the control circuit at the time of acceleration of a vehicle. FIG. 1 shows time-dependent changes in vehicle speed, light distribution pattern, and amount of light when the light distribution control system of FIG. 1 is installed in a vehicle, (A) is an explanatory diagram for acceleration, and (B) is an explanatory diagram for deceleration. is there. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the control circuit at the time of deceleration of a vehicle. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which the process of FIG. 3 and the process of FIG. 5 are performed in series. It is a flowchart which shows the other process example of the control circuit at the time of acceleration of a vehicle. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a light distribution control system according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other process example of the control circuit at the time of deceleration of a vehicle. The vehicle speed, the light distribution pattern, and the light quantity change with time when the conventional light distribution control system is mounted on the vehicle are shown, (A) is an explanatory diagram for acceleration, and (B) is an explanatory diagram for deceleration. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light distribution control system 2 Vehicle 3 Headlamp 4 Control circuit (control means)
5 Headlight control circuit (light intensity adjustment means)
6 Vehicle speed detection device (vehicle speed detection means)
V ₁ first predetermined speed V ₂ second predetermined speed V ₃ third predetermined speed V ₄ fourth predetermined speed

Claims (7)

A control means for controlling a light distribution pattern of a vehicle headlamp to switch between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle;
A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the headlamp;
When the control means determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a first predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detecting means, the control means switches from the light distribution for passing to the light distribution for high speed travel, and the vehicle speed detecting means The light distribution control, wherein when the vehicle speed is determined to be equal to or higher than a second predetermined speed different from the first predetermined speed, the light amount of the headlamp is increased by the light amount adjusting means. system. A control means for controlling a light distribution pattern of a vehicle headlamp to switch between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle;
A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the headlamp;
When the control means determines that the vehicle speed is less than a third predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detection means, the light quantity adjustment means decreases the light quantity of the headlamp, and the vehicle speed detection means Light distribution control, wherein when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle has become less than a fourth predetermined speed different from the third predetermined speed, the light distribution for high-speed running is switched to the light distribution for passing system. A control means for controlling a light distribution pattern of a vehicle headlamp to switch between a light distribution for passing and a light distribution for high-speed traveling;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle;
A light amount adjusting means for adjusting the light amount of the headlamp;
When the control means determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a first predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detecting means, the control means switches from the light distribution for passing to the light distribution for high speed travel, and the vehicle speed detecting means When it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a second predetermined speed different from the first predetermined speed, the light amount of the headlamp is increased by the light amount adjusting means, and the vehicle speed detecting means is When it is determined that the speed of the vehicle has become less than a third predetermined speed, the light amount adjusting means reduces the light amount of the headlamp, and the vehicle speed detecting means reduces the vehicle speed to the third predetermined speed. A light distribution control system that switches from the high-speed light distribution to the passing light distribution when it is determined that the speed is less than a fourth predetermined speed different from the speed. In the light distribution control system according to claim 1 or claim 3,
Acceleration detecting means for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle;
When the control means determines that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than the first predetermined speed by the vehicle speed detection means, and the acceleration detection means determines that the acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined acceleration The light distribution control system characterized in that the light amount of the headlamp is increased by the light amount adjusting means regardless of whether the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than the second predetermined speed. In the light distribution control system according to claim 2 or 3,
Vehicle detection means for detecting other vehicles within a predetermined distance ahead of the vehicle;
When the control means determines that another vehicle has entered within the predetermined distance by the vehicle detection means, the light amount adjustment means regardless of whether the speed of the vehicle is less than the third predetermined speed or not. The light distribution control system characterized in that the light quantity of the headlamp is reduced by the above. The light distribution control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The headlamp includes a filament light bulb or an LED, and the light amount adjusting unit adjusts the light amount of the filament light bulb or the LED by changing a duty ratio of PWM control. The light distribution control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The headlamp has a filament light bulb or a discharge lamp, and the light quantity adjusting means adjusts the light quantity of the filament light bulb or the discharge lamp by changing power supplied thereto.

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