JP2005313842A - Vehicular lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that a driver has feelings of incompatibility or inconvenience because moving timing of a driver's line of sight and turning-off timing of additional lamps do not match when a driver starts to return a steering wheel in the last half of a curve. <P>SOLUTION: A controlling device 6 is provided, which outputs a lights-out signal to additional lamps 1L, 1R in a lighting state when a return steering angle of the steering wheel reach from the maximum steering angle to not less than a lights-out steering angle. Consequently, when the driver returns the steering wheel from the maximum steering angle by not less than the lights-out steering angle in the second half of the curve, the additional lamps 1L, 1R in the lighting state are turned off, so that the driver who starts to return the steering wheel in the second half of the curve and looks a front side beyond the curve does not have the feelings of incompatibility or inconvenience. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, when the vehicle travels on a curved road, the left additional light is turned on or off in conjunction with the steering of the steering wheel, or the right additional light is turned on or off. The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device (vehicle lighting system). In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicular illumination device including a control device in which an improvement is made to a turn-off timing (light-off condition) for turning off an additional light that is turned on. In this specification and claims, “road surface etc.” refers to the road surface and people (pedestrians, etc.) and objects (guardrails, other vehicles, road signs, buildings, etc.) on the road surface.

  When the vehicle travels on a curved road like AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System), the left side additional light is turned on or off in conjunction with the steering of the steering wheel, or the right side additional light is turned off. Conventionally, an illumination device for a vehicle that is turned on or off is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, the vehicle lighting device will be described. In addition, the code | symbol with a parenthesis respond | corresponds to patent document 1, respectively. This vehicle lighting device generates detection signals based on the operation of a left additional lighting lamp (5), a right additional lighting lamp (4), and a steering wheel (steering handle) disposed on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle. When the steering wheel angle detector (8) to output and the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds the lighting start determination reference steering angle or more, the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is lit. When the steering angle of the steering wheel is less than the turn-off start determination reference rudder angle, an arithmetic control for outputting a turn-off signal to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4). Part (7).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle lighting device will be described. First, when the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds a lighting start determination reference steering angle (for example, 40 °) or more based on a detection signal from the steering wheel steering angle detection unit (8), the arithmetic control unit (7) steers the steering direction. A lighting signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) on the side, and the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is lit. Further, the calculation control unit (7) determines the steering direction when the steering angle of the steering wheel is less than the turn-off start determination reference steering angle (for example, near 0 °) based on the detection signal from the steering wheel steering angle detection unit (8). A turn-off signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or right additional lighting lamp (4) on the side, and the left additional lighting lamp (5) or right additional lighting lamp (4) in the lit state is turned off. .

  Here, when a general driver starts to return the handle in the latter half of the curve, the driver looks at the end of the curve. However, in the vehicle lighting device, the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) unless the steering angle of the steering wheel is less than the turn-off start determination reference steering angle (for example, near 0 °). Does not turn off. For this reason, in the above-described vehicle lighting device, when the driver starts to return the handle at the latter half of the curved road, the driver's line of sight (eye point) is facing the end of the curved road. The left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is lit until the steering wheel is returned to the turn-off start determination reference rudder angle (near 0 °, near the neutral position, near the front). As a result, in the vehicle lighting device, the driver's line-of-sight movement timing does not match the turn-off timing of the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4), and the driver feels uncomfortable or bothered. May give

  In addition to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example, the vehicle illumination device that turns on and off the left additional lamp and the right additional lamp depending on the steering angle of the steering wheel (the steering operation angle and the steering angle of the steering wheel) Patent Documents 2, 3 and the like.

JP 2003-159986 A JP 2000-238576 A JP 2001-213227 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that when the driver starts to return the handle at the second half of the turn, the additional light is in the on state, so the timing of the driver's line of sight and the timing of turning off the additional light are There is a case in which the driver may feel uncomfortable or troublesome without matching.

  The present invention includes a control device that outputs a turn-off signal to an additional light that is turned on when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined turn-off steering angle (hereinafter simply referred to as a turn-off steering angle) from the maximum steering angle. It is characterized by that.

  According to the vehicle lighting device of the present invention, when the driver returns the steering handle from the maximum steering angle to the extinguished steering angle or more in the latter half of the curved road by means for solving the above-described problem, the return steering angle of the steering handle is maximum steering. Since the turn-off steering angle is reached from the corner and the additional light that is lit is extinguished, there is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for the driver who begins to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the track and looks at the end of the track. Thus, the vehicular lighting device according to the present invention can contribute to traffic safety without causing the driver to feel uncomfortable or bothered because the driver's line-of-sight movement timing and the additional lamp turn-off timing match. it can.

  Below, 3 examples of the Example of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention are described in detail based on drawing. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  1 to 5 show Embodiment 1 of a vehicle lighting device according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the structure of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a left additional light 1L, a right additional light 1R, a steering angle sensor 2, a headlamp switch 3, and a control device 6 (control circuit). And an ECU / electronic control unit).

  The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are additionally provided on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 7, as shown in FIG. On the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 7, a left headlamp 8L and a right headlamp 8R are equipped. The left head lamp 8L and the right head lamp 8R illuminate the road surface with a predetermined light distribution pattern P as shown in FIG. The left additional lamp 1L illuminates the road surface and the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PL on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The right additional lamp 1R illuminates a road surface or the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PR on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R.

  The left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are connected to an ignition switch 9 and a battery 10 via the control device 6 as shown in FIG. The left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are light sources such as a discharge lamp (a so-called high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID)), a halogen lamp, An incandescent lamp, LED, or the like is used. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the left headlamp 8L and the right headlamp 8R are similarly connected to the ignition switch 9 and the battery 10 via the control device 6.

  The steering angle sensor 2 detects a steering angle (steering angle and synonym) and steering direction of a steering handle (not shown, synonymous terms such as a steering wheel and a steering wheel) and controls the steering angle signal and steering direction signal. This is output to the device 6. That is, the steering angle sensor 2 is used, for example, when the vehicle 7 travels on a curved road (a road with a left curve or a road with a right curve) and when the vehicle 7 makes a left turn or a right turn on an intersection. The steering angle (rotation angle) and the steering direction (rotation direction) of the steering wheel steered by the driver are detected, and the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are output to the control device 6. The steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are obtained as specific numerical data by, for example, networking the steering angle sensor 2 and the control device 6 mounted on a vehicle. As specific numerical data, for example, numerical data of + 10 ° is obtained when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the right, and numerical data of −10 ° is obtained when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the left. As specific numerical data, for example, when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the right, numerical data of “990” with respect to the neutral value of “1000”, while when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the left, It is obtained as numerical data “1010” with respect to the neutral numerical value “1000”. On the other hand, the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are obtained, for example, as electric signals output from the steering angle sensor 2 (for example, an optical sensor) mounted on a vehicle to the control device 6.

  The headlamp switch 3 is for turning on and off the headlamps 1L and 1R by a driver operating ON and OFF, and outputs an ON signal (for example, a high level signal) when the driver is ON, In this case, an OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) is output to the control device 6.

  The control device 6 includes an interface circuit 11 as an external signal input device to which the steering angle sensor 2 and the headlamp switch 3 are connected, a central processing unit / CPU 12 (operation control unit), and the left side The additional light 1L, the left additional light driver circuit 13L to which the right additional light 1R is connected, and the right additional light driver circuit 13R (the left additional light driver and the right additional light driver) And a power supply circuit 14. As the left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R, for example, a relay, a semiconductor switch (FET, transistor, or the like) is used.

  Based on the steering angle signal and steering direction signal of the steering angle sensor 2 input to the interface circuit 11 and the ON signal and OFF signal of the headlamp switch 3, the control device 6 is a central processing unit / CPU 12. The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are turned on / off, and based on the determination result, the left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R are determined. The left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are turned on and off via the. The control device 6 uses a computer mounted on a vehicle, for example, a car navigation (navigation system) computer, a control circuit unit, an ECU / electronic control unit computer, or the like.

  The interface circuit 11 inputs a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal, an OFF signal, etc. from the headlamp switch 3, and these input signals are input to the central processing unit / CPU 12. The processed signal is processed and output to the central processing unit / CPU 12.

  The central processing unit / CPU 12 sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 based on the processing signal from the interface circuit 11. Further, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal and a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13L for the left additional light and the driver circuit 13R for the right additional light based on the steering angle-lighting / lighting characteristics shown in FIG. Output to. The central processing unit / CPU 12 may be integrated with the interface circuit 11.

  The left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R are provided on the left additional light 1L and the right additional light on the basis of the turn-on / off signals from the central processing unit / CPU 12. The lamp 1 is turned on / off. Thereby, lighting on / off of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R is controlled.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the lighting of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R. The upper diagram of FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in the steering angle of the steering wheel (rotation angle in the left direction or the right direction with respect to 0 ° (neutral position, front) of the steering handle) with time. Take the rudder angle (steering angle of the steering wheel) and time on the horizontal axis. The lower diagram of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the turn-on / off state of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R over time, and the vertical axis indicates the additional lamp (left additional lamp 1L, right additional lamp 1R). Is turned on and off), and the horizontal axis shows time.

  In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 4 and the turning on / off of the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R is as follows. is there. That is, when the vehicle 7 enters the curved road and the driver starts turning the steering wheel, the steering angle of the steering wheel is a predetermined lighting steering angle (the additional lighting steering angle in FIG. When the above is reached (see t1 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), a lighting signal is output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R of the additional lights 1L and 1R on the steering direction side of the steering wheel, and the additional lights 1L, 1R is lit (see t1 from OFF to ON in the lower diagram of FIG. 4). The lighting steering angle is constant and arbitrary regardless of the traveling speed of the vehicle 7 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle speed). In this example, the lighting steering angle is set to 50 °, for example. The lighting steering angle may be different depending on the vehicle speed. The lighting steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. The additional lamps 1L and 1R should not be turned on when the road is almost a straight line, for example, when the curve radius (the curve radius of the center line of the curved portion of the roadway) is 500 m or more. For this reason, the lighting steering angle that is the lighting condition of the additional lights 1L and 1R is a steering angle that matches the condition of the curved road.

  Further, when the driver returns the steering wheel from the maximum steering angle and returns the steering angle beyond the steering angle in the latter half of the curve, that is, when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the steering angle beyond the extinguishing steering angle from the maximum steering angle (in the upper diagram of FIG. 4) ), The turn-off signal is output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R of the additional lamps 1L and 1R in the lit state, and the additional lamps 1L and 1R are turned off (from t3 on to off in the lower diagram of FIG. 4) reference). The turning-off steering angle is constant and arbitrary regardless of the vehicle speed, but in this example, it is set to 20 °, for example. The turn-off steering angle may be different depending on the vehicle speed. The turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, the ignition switch 9 is turned on. Then, in the control device 6, power is turned on from the power supply circuit 14 to the central processing unit / CPU 12, and the central processing unit / CPU 12 operates. That is, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. The procedure (operation) of the process processing of the central processing unit / CPU 12 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the operation of the central processing unit / CPU 12 is started, the steering angle sensor 2 detects the steering angle and steering direction of the steering wheel and outputs detection signals (steering angle signal and steering direction signal) to the control device 6. On the other hand, the headlamp switch 3 outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control device 6. The central processing unit / CPU 12 inputs a detection signal from the steering angle sensor 2 and an ON signal or an OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3 via the interface circuit 11 (steering angle and steering direction detection S1).

  Next, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the headlamp switch 3 is ON or OFF (H / L ON? S2). When the headlamp switch 3 is OFF, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a turn-off signal to the driver circuit 13L of the left additional lamp 1L and the driver circuit 13R of the right additional lamp 1R to output the left additional lamp 1L and right side The additional lamp 1R is turned off (left and right additional lamp turn-off processing S3), and then the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S2), when the headlamp switch 3 is ON, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are lit (additional lamp). Lights up S4). When the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are not lit (the light is turned off), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the lighting steering angle or more. (S5) If the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached the lighting steering angle or more, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S5), when the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the lighting steering angle or more (see t1 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the steering direction of the steering wheel. (Right steering? S6). When the steering direction of the steering wheel is the right side, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13R of the right additional lamp 1R to turn on the right additional lamp 1R (t1 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4). (Refer to ON from OFF) (right additional lamp lighting process S7), and then return to (S1). In the above (S6), when the steering direction of the steering wheel is the left side, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13L of the left additional lamp 1L to turn on the left additional lamp 1L ( Similarly, refer to t1 from OFF to ON in the lower diagram of FIG. 4 (left additional lamp lighting process S8), and then return to (S1).

  Next, in the above (S4), when the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are lit (lit state), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines that the steering direction of the steering wheel is the turning direction. It is determined whether the direction is the return direction (steering angle direction? S9). When the steering direction of the steering wheel is the turning direction, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the maximum steering angle value (hereinafter simply referred to as the maximum steering angle) and the read steering angle value (hereinafter simply referred to as the maximum steering angle). (Referred to as a read steering angle) (maximum steering angle> steering angle read value? S10). If the read steering angle is larger than the maximum steering angle, the central processing unit / CPU 12 updates the read steering angle as the maximum steering angle (maximum steering angle update S11), and then returns to (S1). If the maximum steering angle is larger than the read steering angle in (S10), the central processing unit / CPU 12 returns from (S10) to (S1).

  When the steering direction of the steering handle is the return direction in (S9), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines that the difference between the maximum steering angle and the read steering angle is the extinguishing steering angle in the return steering angle of the steering handle. It is determined whether it is larger than the value (hereinafter simply referred to as the turn-off steering angle) (steering angle maximum-steering angle reading value <predetermined angle? S12). When the difference between the maximum steering angle and the read steering angle is larger than the turn-off steering angle (see t3 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the turn-off signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lit state. Is output to the driver circuit 13R of the additional light 1R on the right side and the additional light 1L on the left side or the additional light 1R on the right side of the driver circuit 13R is turned off (see ON to OFF of t3 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4) ( Left and right additional lamp extinguishing process S13), and then returns to (S1). The left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R that has been turned off in the step (S13) is a case where the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or greater than the lighting steering angle, as shown after t3 in FIG. Is also in the off state. Further, in the above (S12), when the difference between the maximum steering angle and the read steering angle is smaller than the turn-off steering angle (see between t1 and t3 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the central processing unit The CPU 12 returns from (S12) to (S1). That is, the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is in a lighting state.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment is configured and operated as described above. Hereinafter, effects of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As is clear from the configuration and operation as described above, the vehicular lighting device according to the first embodiment returns the steering handle when the driver returns the steering handle from the maximum steering angle to the turning-off steering angle or more in the latter half of the curved road. The corner reaches the steering angle beyond the maximum steering angle, and the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R goes off, so start to return the handle at the second half of the curve and look at the end of the curve. There is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for the driver who is. As described above, in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, the driver's line-of-sight movement timing is matched with the turn-off timing of the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R, which makes the driver feel uncomfortable or annoying. You can contribute to road safety without giving.

  Further, in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, the maximum steering angle of the steering angle of the steering handle is used as a reference for the extinguishing timing of the additional lights 1L and 1R that are lit. On the other hand, in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, the maximum steering angle of the steering angle of the steering handle differs based on the curve radius of the curved path. For example, when the curve radius of the curved road is increased, the maximum steering angle of the steering angle of the steering handle is decreased. Conversely, when the curve radius of the curved path is decreased, the maximum steering angle of the steering angle of the steering handle is increased. As a result, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment can reliably turn off the additional lights 1L and 1R that are lit in a substantially constant turn-off timing with respect to curved paths having different curve radii.

  Further, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, when the return steering angle of the steering handle reaches the turn-off steering angle from the maximum steering angle or more and the additional lights 1L and 1R that are turned on are turned off, the additional lighting state is added. The maximum steering angle, which is the reference for turning off the lights 1L and 1R, is reset. For this reason, the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment has a new maximum steering that is separate from the reset maximum steering angle when the additional lights 1L and 1R that have been turned off and then turned on again are turned off again. Since the corner can be used as a reference for the turn-off timing of the additional lights 1L and 1R in the lit state, the additional lights 1L and 1R in the lit state can be turned off at the optimum turn-off timing.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the vehicle illumination device according to the first embodiment will be described. In the vehicular illumination device according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the control device 6 is more than the lighting steering angle after the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined reset steering angle (hereinafter simply referred to as a reset steering angle) or less. Is reached, a relighting signal is output to the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R that has been turned off from the lighting state. The reset steering angle is, for example, substantially the same angle as the lighting steering angle or an angle smaller than the lighting steering angle.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting device according to the modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curve and the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle, as in the first embodiment, the additional lamp on the left side in the lit state is turned on. 1L or the additional light 1R on the right side is turned off. Then, the driver further returns the steering wheel, the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the reset steering angle or less, and the condition for relighting the additional lamp is satisfied. Here, in order to correct the traveling direction of the vehicle 7 traveling on a curved road, the driver increases the steering wheel (see the two-dot chain line in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), and the steering angle of the steering wheel is changed again. When the lighting steering angle is reached (see t5 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is turned on again (see the two-dot chain line and t5 in the lower diagram of FIG. 4). ).

  On the other hand, when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the reset steering angle or less, the condition for relighting the additional lamp is not satisfied. Here, in order to correct the traveling direction of the vehicle 7 traveling on the curved road, even if the driver increases the steering wheel, the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R in the unlit state does not light up. It remains off.

  Thus, in the vehicle lighting device according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curved road, and the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle. Then, even if the driver immediately increases the steering wheel to correct the traveling direction of the vehicle 7, the left-side additional light 1L or the right-side additional light 1R that is once turned off does not immediately light up again. As a result, the vehicular lighting device according to the modified example of the first embodiment gives an uncomfortable feeling and annoyance to the driver and passenger of the own vehicle, the driver and passenger of the oncoming vehicle, the driver and passenger of the preceding vehicle, and the like. There is nothing.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the modified example of the first embodiment, the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp that has been turned off is not turned on until the steering angle of the steering handle reaches a predetermined reset steering angle or less. 1R does not light up again. However, in the present invention, when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or greater than the lighting steering angle, the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the extinguished steering angle from the maximum steering angle, and then the traveling direction of the vehicle 7 is corrected. Therefore, when the driver increases the steering wheel, the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R once turned off may be immediately turned on again.

  FIGS. 6-8 shows Example 2 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. The vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same components.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment is provided with the left side additional lights 1L-1 and 1L-2 and the right side additional lights 1R-1 and 1R-2 in front of the vehicle 7. A plurality, two in this example, are provided on the left and right sides of the unit (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, etc.). That is, the first left additional light 1L-1 is installed on the inside of the left side of the front part of the vehicle 7, and the second left additional light 1L-2 is installed on the outside of the left side of the front part of the vehicle 7, The first right additional lamp 1 </ b> R- 1 is installed on the inner right side of the front part of the vehicle 7, and the second right additional lamp 1 </ b> R- 2 is installed on the left outer side of the front part of the vehicle 7.

  The additional lamp 1L-1 on the first left side illuminates the road surface and the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PL1 on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The second left additional lamp 1L-2 is on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R and outside the light distribution pattern PL1 of the first left additional lamp 1L-1. Illuminate the road surface with PL2. The first right additional lamp 1R-1 illuminates the road surface and the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PR1 on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The second right additional lamp 1R-2 is on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R and outside the light distribution pattern PR1 of the first right additional lamp 1R-1. Illuminate the road surface with PR2.

  The control device 6 of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment includes the first left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, the first right additional lamp 1R-1, the first The driver circuit 13L-1 for the first left additional lamp, the driver circuit 13L-2 for the second left additional lamp, and the driver circuit 13R- for the first right additional lamp, respectively, to which the two right additional lamps 1R-2 are connected. 1. A driver circuit 13R-2 for an additional lamp on the second right side is provided. The driver circuit 13L-1 for the first left additional light, the driver circuit 13L-2 for the second left additional light, the driver circuit 13R-1 for the first right additional light, and the second right additional light driver circuit 13L-1. The driver circuit 13R-2 is connected to the battery 10 via the ignition switch 9 and to the central processing unit / CPU 12.

  Since the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment has the above-described configuration, when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the lighting steering angle or more, the first left additional light 1L-1 and the second left additional light 1L. -2 or the first right additional light 1R-1 and the second right additional light 1R-2 are lit, and when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle, 1 left additional light 1L-1, second left additional light 1L-2, or first right additional light 1R-1, second right additional light 1R-2 are turned off.

  The lighting steering angle of the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the lighting steering angle of the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are as follows. At the same angle, the inner first additional light 1L-1 or the first right additional light 1R-1 and the outer second left additional light 1L-2 or the second right additional light 1R-2 are lit simultaneously. You may comprise so that it may do. Alternatively, the lighting steering angle of the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is smaller than the lighting steering angle of the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2. Then, after the inner first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is lit first, the outer second left additional lamp 1L-2 or second right additional lamp 1R- You may comprise so that 2 may light later.

  Further, the turning-off steering angle of the first left additional light 1L-1 or the first right additional light 1R-1 and the turning-off steering angle of the second left additional light 1L-2 or the second right additional light 1R-2 are determined. At the same angle, the inner first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the outer second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are simultaneously turned off. You may comprise so that it may do. Alternatively, the turn-off steering angle of the first left additional light 1L-1 or the first right additional light 1R-1 is larger than the turn-off steering angle of the second left additional light 1L-2 or the second right additional light 1R-2. Then, after the outer second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is turned off first, the inner first left additional lamp 1L-1 or first right additional lamp 1R- 1 may be configured to be turned off later.

  As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation. Therefore, the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment and the vehicle according to the modification of the first embodiment are used. An effect almost similar to that of the lighting device can be achieved. In particular, the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment is equipped with two left additional lights 1L-1, 1L-2 and two right additional lights 1R-1, 1R-2. Two left additional lamps 1L-1, 1L-2 and two right additional lamps 1R-1, 1R-2 are turned on and off, and two left additional lamps 1L-1, 1L -2 and the variation of the light distribution pattern of the two additional lamps 1R-1, 1R-2 on the right side, the degree of freedom in controlling the turning on / off of the additional lamp, and the degree of freedom in the light distribution design are increased. Can meet a variety of preferences and needs.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment, two left additional lights 1L-1, 1L-2 and two right additional lights 1R-1, 1R-2 are provided. . However, in the present invention, three or more left additional lights and three or more right additional lights may be provided.

  FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment will be described. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 8 denote the same components.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the third embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R (Patent Document 1, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-2001). 277936, etc.). That is, the rotation shaft of the left motor 4L is attached to the left additional lamp 1L, and the left additional lamp 1L can be rotated by the left motor 4L. On the other hand, a rotation shaft of a right motor 4R is attached to the right additional lamp 1R, and the right additional lamp 1R can be rotated by the right motor 4R.

  The vehicle lighting device control device 6 according to the third embodiment includes a left motor driver circuit 15L to which the left motor 4L, the right motor 4R are respectively connected, and a right motor driver circuit 15R. Is. The driver circuit 15L for the left motor and the driver circuit 15R for the right motor are connected to the battery 10 and the central processing unit / CPU 12 via the ignition switch 9.

  Since the vehicular lighting device according to the third embodiment is configured as described above, when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the lighting steering angle or more, the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is lit, and the steering When the steering return angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle, the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is turned off. Further, when the steering handle is steered in the turning direction at a lighting steering angle or more, the left motor 4L or the right motor 4R is driven, and the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is moved from the inside to the outside to a predetermined angle. Rotate. On the other hand, when the steering handle is steered in the returning direction, the left motor 4L or the right motor 4R is reversely driven, and the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R rotates from the outside to the inside.

  Thus, since the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation, the vehicle lighting device according to the first and second embodiments and the modification of the first embodiment are applied. An effect similar to that of the vehicular lighting device can be achieved. In particular, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the third embodiment swings the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R, and therefore the light distribution pattern of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R. The variation of, and the degree of freedom of light distribution design can be increased to meet various user preferences and needs.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment, one left additional lamp 1L, one right additional lamp 1R, one left motor 4L, and one right motor 5R. And equipped with. However, in the present invention, two or more left additional lights, two or more right additional lights, two or more left motors, and two or more right motors may be provided.

  Hereinafter, examples other than Examples 1, 2, and 3 will be described. In the vehicular lighting apparatus according to the first, second, and third embodiments, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are turned on all at once. It goes out at once. However, in the present invention, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are gradually lit up and gradually turned off. May be. Hereinafter, the light-intensifying lighting (light-control lighting) and the light-extinguishing light-off (light control-off) will be described for the vehicle lighting apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  That is, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the lighting steering angle or more (see t1 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the additional light 1L on the left side or the right side As shown at t1 in the lower diagram of FIG. However, in the present invention, when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle (see t1 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R starts to light. Then, as indicated by the one-dot chain line in the lower diagram of FIG. 4, the light may be gradually lit up (for example, 0% to 100%) from time t1 to time t2.

  Further, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, the lighting state is turned on when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turning-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle (see t3 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4). The left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is extinguished at a stroke as shown at t3 in the lower diagram of FIG. However, in the present invention, when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle (see t3 in the upper diagram of FIG. 4), the left additional lamp 1L in the lit state or the right The additional lamp 1R may start to be turned off, and gradually dimmed off (for example, 100% to 0% off) from time t3 to t4, as indicated by the one-dot chain line in the lower diagram of FIG.

  For the dimming control such as dimming lighting and dimming extinction, for example, a pulse wide modulation (PWM) method or a voltage control method is used (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 3, etc.).

  In addition, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first, second, and third embodiments, when the headlamp switch 3 is OFF, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2, or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R- 1 and 1R-2 are turned off, and when the headlamp switch 3 is turned on, the left additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are turned on. A turn-off process is performed. However, in the present invention, a switch other than the headlamp switch 3, for example, the ignition switch 9 is turned on or off, or the accessory switch is turned on or off, or the additional light dedicated switch is turned on or off. The additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1l-2 or the right additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 may be turned on / off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows the Example 1 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. Similarly, it is a partial front view of the vehicle carrying the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment. Similarly, it is a plane explanatory view showing a light distribution pattern of the headlamp, a light distribution pattern of the left additional lamp, and a light distribution pattern of the right additional lamp. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between the steering angle of a steering wheel, and lighting of the left side additional light or the right side additional light. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the effect | action (procedure of process processing) of a control apparatus (central processing unit and CPU). It is a block diagram which shows the Example 2 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. Similarly, it is a partial front view of the vehicle carrying the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. Similarly, the light distribution pattern of the headlamp, the light distribution pattern of the first left additional light, the light distribution pattern of the second left additional light, the light distribution pattern of the first right additional light, and the light distribution pattern of the second right additional light. It is a plane explanatory view showing a light pattern. It is a block diagram which shows the Example 3 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1L Left additional light 1L-1 First left additional light 1L-2 Second left additional light 1R Right additional light 1R-1 First right additional light 1R-2 Second right additional light 2 Steering angle sensor (Detection means)
3 Headlamp Switch 4L Left Motor 4R Right Motor 6 Control Device 7 Vehicle 8L Left Headlamp 8R Right Headlamp 9 Ignition Switch 10 Battery 11 Interface Circuit 12 Central Processing Unit / CPU
13L Left side additional light driver circuit 13L-1 First left side additional light driver circuit 13L-2 Second left side additional light driver circuit 13R Right side additional light driver circuit 13R-1 First right side additional light driver circuit Driver circuit 13R-2 Driver circuit for the second right additional light 14 Power supply circuit 15L Driver circuit for the left motor 15R Driver circuit for the right motor P Predetermined light distribution pattern of the headlamp PL Predetermined light distribution of the additional light on the left Pattern PR Predetermined light distribution pattern of the right additional light PL1 Predetermined light distribution pattern of the first left additional light PR1 Predetermined light distribution pattern of the first right additional light PL2 Predetermined light distribution of the second left additional light Pattern PR2 Predetermined light distribution pattern of the second right additional lamp

Claims (2)

One or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights are arranged on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle, respectively, and the left side is linked to the steering handle. In the vehicle lighting device that turns on or off the additional light, or turns on or off the additional light on the right side,
The one or more additional lights on the left side that illuminate and illuminate the road surface on the left side in front of the vehicle,
The one or more additional lights on the right side that illuminate and illuminate the road surface on the right side of the front of the vehicle,
A steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle and a steering direction of the steering handle and outputs a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal;
Based on the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal output from the steering angle sensor, when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches a predetermined lighting steering angle or more, the additional lamp on the steering direction side of the steering handle A control device that outputs a turn-on signal, and outputs a turn-off signal to the additional lamp that is turned on when the return steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined turn-off steering angle or more from the maximum steering angle;
A vehicular lighting device comprising:   The control device outputs a re-lighting signal to the additional light that is turned off from a lighting state when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined reset steering angle or less and then reaches or exceeds the predetermined lighting steering angle. The vehicular illumination device according to claim 1.

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