JP2005313843A - 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 turn-off timing of additional lamps do not match when vehicular speed is different. <P>SOLUTION: A controlling device 6 is provided which makes lights-out steering angle different according to the vehicular speed, the higher the vehicle speed, the smaller the angle. Consequently, in case that the vehicular speed is low, when the driver starts to return a steering wheel in the second half of a curve, the additional lamps 1L, 1R in a lighting state are turned off, so that the driver who starts to return the steering wheel in the second half of the curve and looking a front side beyond the curve does not have the feelings of incompatibility or inconvenience. On the other hand, in case that the vehicular speed is high, the additional lamps 1L, 1R are in the lighting state until the driver almost finishes returning the steering handle at a generally last part of the curve, it is safe in high speed traveling. Until almost finishing returning the steering handle, the driver who looks the curve in a traveling direction of the vehicle 7 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 has a detection signal (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. A steering wheel angle detector (8) that outputs K1), a vehicle speed detector (14) that outputs a vehicle speed detection signal (K3), and when the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds a lighting start determination reference steering angle, When a lighting signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4), and the steering angle of the steering wheel is less than the turn-off start determination reference steering angle, the left additional lighting lamp ( 5) or a calculation control unit (7) that outputs a turn-off signal to the right additional lighting lamp (4), and the lighting start determination reference rudder angle is larger than the turn-off start determination reference rudder angle, and Depending on the vehicle speed, the higher the vehicle speed, Those again.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle lighting device will be described. First, based on the vehicle speed detection signal (K3) from the vehicle speed detection unit (14), the arithmetic control unit (7) detects that the vehicle (1) is in the low speed region (0 to 40 km / h) or the medium speed region (40 ˜80 km / h) or a high speed region (80 km / h or more) is judged. Next, the arithmetic control unit (7) turns on the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) according to the low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area of the vehicle (1). Control timing. That is, when the calculation control unit (7) determines that the vehicle (1) is traveling in the low speed region, the steering angle of the steering wheel is determined to be in the low speed region based on the detection signal from the steering wheel steering angle detection unit (8). When the lighting start determination reference rudder angle (for example, 70 °) or more is exceeded, a lighting signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) on the steering direction side, for left additional lighting. The lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is turned on. When the arithmetic control unit (7) determines that the vehicle (1) is traveling in the middle region, the steering angle of the steering wheel is determined to be medium based on the detection signal from the steering wheel steering angle detection unit (8). When the lighting start determination reference rudder angle (for example, 50 °) or more is exceeded, a lighting signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) on the steering direction side, and the left addition is performed. The lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is turned on. Further, when the arithmetic control unit (7) determines that the vehicle (1) is traveling in a high speed region, the steering angle of the steering wheel is determined based on the detection signal from the steering wheel steering angle detection unit (8). When the lighting start determination reference steering angle (for example, 30 °) or more is exceeded, a lighting signal is output to the left additional lighting lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) on the steering direction side, and the left additional lighting lamp is used. The lamp (5) or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is turned on. When the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes 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 detector (8), the arithmetic control unit (7) steers the steering direction. 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, the movement timing of the driver's line of sight (eye point) differs according to the traveling speed (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle speed) of the vehicle traveling on the curved road. For example, when the vehicle speed is low, a general driver looks at the end of the curved road when the steering wheel starts to be returned in the latter half of the curved road. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is high, a general driver looks at the curved road along the traveling direction of the vehicle until the steering wheel is almost returned. Note that when the vehicle speed is low, for example, when the vehicle turns at an intersection or a tight curve (curve with a small curve radius, a sharp curve) at a low speed, or when the vehicle turns at a low speed to avoid a parked vehicle or something else Etc. On the other hand, the case where the vehicle speed is high is, for example, a case where the vehicle bends on a gentle curve (a curve with a large curve radius) at high speed.

  However, in the above-described vehicle lighting device, the turn-off start determination reference steering angle (for example, near 0 °) is constant regardless of the vehicle speed. For this reason, in the above-described vehicular lighting device, the timing for turning off the additional lamp is constant, although the movement timing of the driver's line of sight varies depending on the vehicle speed. As a result, the above-mentioned vehicular lighting device may give the driver a sense of incongruity or annoyance because the driver's line-of-sight movement timing and the additional lamp turn-off timing do not match. For example, when the vehicle (1) is traveling at a low speed on a curved road, the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curved road and looks at the end of the curved road, but the left additional lighting lamp ( 5) Or the right additional lighting lamp (4) is lit, and the driver may feel uncomfortable or troublesome.

JP 2003-159986 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in the above-described conventional vehicular illumination device, the timing of turning off the additional lamp is constant even though the movement timing of the driver's line of sight differs depending on the vehicle speed. In other words, the driver's line-of-sight movement timing and the additional lamp extinguishing timing do not match, which may cause the driver to feel uncomfortable or troublesome.

  The present invention is characterized in that a predetermined turn-off steering angle (hereinafter, simply referred to as a turn-off steering angle) differs depending on the vehicle speed, and is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher.

  According to the vehicle lighting device of the present invention, the turning-off steering angle is small when the vehicle speed is high and the turning-off steering angle is large when the vehicle speed is low. For this reason, when the vehicle speed is low, the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention turns off the additional light that is lit when the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the second half of the curved road. There is no sense of incongruity or annoyance for the driver who has begun to return and looks at the end of the track. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is high, the additional light is on until the driver almost returns the steering wheel at the end of the curve, so it is safe for high speed driving and until the steering wheel is almost returned. Meanwhile, there is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for the driver who is looking at the road along the traveling direction of the vehicle. 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, five 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 lighting device according to the first embodiment includes a left additional lamp 1L, a right additional lamp 1R, a steering angle sensor 2, a headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed sensor 5, and a control. And a device 6 (control circuit unit and 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 vehicle speed sensor 5 detects a vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal.

  The control device 6 includes an interface circuit 11 as an external signal input device to which the steering angle sensor 2, the headlamp switch 3, and the vehicle speed sensor 5 are connected, and a central processing unit / CPU 12 (calculation control unit). The left additional light 1L, the left additional light driver circuit 13L to which the right additional light 1R is connected, the right additional light driver circuit 13R (the left additional light driver circuit, 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.

  The control device 6 includes a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal of the steering angle sensor 2 input to the interface circuit 11, an ON signal and an OFF signal of the headlamp switch 3, and a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 5. Based on the above, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the vehicle speed, determines whether to turn on / off the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R in accordance with the determined vehicle speed, and the determination result The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are turned on / off via the left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R. 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 steering direction signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal from the headlamp switch 3, an OFF signal, a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the like. Is processed into a signal that can be handled by the central processing unit / CPU 12, and this processed signal is 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 shows the steering angle of the steering wheel (the rotation angle in the left or right direction with respect to 0 ° (neutral position, front) of the steering wheel), the left additional light 1L, and the right additional light 1R being lit. It is explanatory drawing which shows a relative relationship with a light extinction state, Comprising: An additional lamp (The lighting state of the additional light 1L on the left, the lighting state of the additional light 1R on the right side, and a light-off state) is taken on a vertical axis | shaft, Steering angle).

  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 to turn the steering wheel and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined lighting steering angle (hereinafter simply referred to as a lighting steering angle), the lighting signal is turned to the steering wheel. The additional lights 1L and 1R on the steering direction side of the steering wheel are output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R, and the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned on (see ↑ from OFF to ON in FIG. 4). The lighting steering angle is constant and arbitrary regardless of the vehicle speed. In this example, the lighting steering angle is set to 50 °, for example. 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.

  In addition, when the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curve and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turning-off steering angle or less, the turn-off signal is output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R of the additional lights 1L and 1R that are turned on. Then, the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned off (see ↑ from ON to OFF in FIG. 4). The turn-off steering angle varies depending on the vehicle speed, and is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the steering angle is 40 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h). ) Is 30 °, and when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), it is 20 °.

  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. The headlamp switch 3 outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control device 6, and the vehicle speed sensor 5 outputs a vehicle speed signal to the control device 6. The central processing unit / CPU 12 inputs a detection signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal or an OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3, and a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5 via the interface circuit 11 (steering angle, Steering direction and vehicle speed 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 (light-off state), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the lighting steering angle or more. (Is it more than the lighting steering angle? (50 ° or more?) S5) When the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached the lighting steering angle or more (less than 50 °), the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S5), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle (when it is 50 ° or more), 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 (from OFF to ON in FIG. 4). (Refer to ↑)) (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 ( (Refer to ↑ from OFF to ON in 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, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the vehicle speed is in the low speed range (0 to 40 km / h). Judgment is made (vehicle speed low speed range? S9). When the vehicle speed is in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached or below the turn-off steering angle in the low speed range (whether it is 40 ° or less) (steering angle 40 °). Below? S10). When the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the lower steering angle in the low speed range (when the steering angle is 40 ° or less), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the extinction signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lit state. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the driver circuit 13L or the additional lamp 1R on the right side to turn off the additional lamp 1L on the left side or the additional lamp 1R on the right side (see the low-speed range from ON to OFF in FIG. 4) (addition) Lamp extinguishing process S11), and then returns to (S1). In the above (S10), when the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached the turning-off steering angle in the low speed range (when the steering angle is larger than 40 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is on the left side of the lighting state. The process returns to (S1) without performing the process of turning off the additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

  In the above (S9), when the vehicle speed is not in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is in the medium speed range (40 to 60 km / h) (vehicle speed medium speed range? S12). When the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the turning-off steering angle in the middle speed range or less (30 ° or less) (steering angle). 30 ° or less S13). When the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached or below the turn-off steering angle in the medium speed range (when the steering angle is 30 ° or less), 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 right additional light 1R and the left additional light 1L or right additional light 1R is turned off (see the middle speed range from ON to OFF in FIG. 4). (Additional lamp extinguishing process S11), and then the process returns to (S1). In (S13), when the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached the turning-off steering angle in the middle speed range or less (when the steering angle is larger than 30 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is in the lit state. The process returns to (S1) without performing the process of turning off the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

  In (S12), when the vehicle speed is not in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines that the vehicle speed is in the high speed range (60 km / h or higher), and the steering angle of the steering wheel is the extinguishing steering angle in the high speed range. It is determined whether or not the following has been reached (whether it is 20 ° or less) (steering angle 20 ° or less? S14). When the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the turning-off steering angle or less in the high-speed range (when the steering angle is 20 ° or less), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the turning-off signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lighting state. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the driver circuit 13L or the additional lamp 1R on the right side and turn off the additional lamp 1L on the left side or the additional lamp 1R on the right side (see the high-speed range ON to OFF ↓ in FIG. 4) Lamp extinguishing process S11), and then returns to (S1). In the above (S14), when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the turning-off steering angle in the high speed range or less (when the steering angle is larger than 20 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is on the left side of the lighting state. The process returns to (S1) without performing the process of turning off the additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

  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 has a small turn-off steering angle when the vehicle speed is high, and conversely, a large turn-off steering angle when the vehicle speed is low. For this reason, in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, when the vehicle speed is low, when the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curved road, the lit additional lights 1L and 1R are turned off. There is no sense of incongruity or annoyance for the driver who starts to return the steering wheel in the second half of the road and sees the end of the road. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is high, the additional lights 1L and 1R are lit until the driver almost completes the return of the steering wheel at the end of the curved road, so that it is safe for high speed driving and the steering wheel is almost returned. Until the end, there is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for the driver who is looking at the road along the traveling direction of the vehicle 7. As described above, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, the movement timing of the driver's line of sight and the timing of extinguishing the additional lights 1L and 1R are aligned, so that the driver does not feel uncomfortable or bothered. Can contribute to safety.

  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.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment is a modification of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment. The central processing unit and CPU 12 of the control device 6 of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment sends a lighting signal and a lighting signal to the driver of the left additional lamp based on the steering angle-lighting / lighting characteristics shown in FIG. Output to the circuit 13L and the driver circuit 13R for the additional lamp on the right side. 6 is the same as FIG. 4 described above, in which the steering angle of the steering wheel (the rotation angle in the left or right direction with respect to 0 ° (neutral position, front) of the steering wheel) and the additional light 1L on the left side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relative relationship with the lighting state of the right additional lamp 1R, with the additional lamps (the lighting state of the additional lamp 1L on the left side and the lighting state of the right side additional lamp 1R being on and off) on the vertical axis; The steering angle (steering angle of the steering wheel) is taken on the shaft.

  In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 6 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 to turn the steering wheel and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the lighting steering angle or more, the lighting signal is emitted from the additional lights 1L and 1R on the steering direction side of the steering wheel. Output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R and the additional lamps 1L and 1R are turned on (see ↑ from OFF to ON in FIG. 6). The lighting steering angle varies depending on the vehicle speed, and is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The extinguishing steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the steering angle is 70 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h). ) Is 50 °, and 30 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more).

  In addition, when the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curve and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turning-off steering angle or less, the turn-off signal is output to the driver circuits 13L and 13R of the additional lights 1L and 1R that are turned on. Then, the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned off (see ↓ from ON to OFF in FIG. 6). The turn-off steering angle varies depending on the vehicle speed, and is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the steering angle is 60 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h). ) Is 40 °, and is 20 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more).

  The vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment is configured as described above. Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the procedure (operation) of the central processing unit / CPU 12 of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment is as shown in FIG. 5 from the start to S1 → S2 → S3 → S4. It is the same as the procedure (action) of the process processing of the central processing unit / CPU 12 of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment shown.

  In (S4), when the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are not lit (light-off state), the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the steering direction of the steering wheel ( Steer right? S6). When the steering direction of the steering handle is on the right side, the central processing unit / CPU 12 proceeds to a subroutine for lighting determination processing for the right additional lamp 1R shown in FIG. 8 (right additional lamp lighting determination processing S7-0).

  When the process proceeds to a subroutine for determining whether the right additional lamp 1R is turned on, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is in the low speed range (0 to 40 km / h) (vehicle speed low speed range? S7-1). When the vehicle speed is in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle in the low speed range (whether it is 70 ° or more) (steering angle 70 °). S7-2). When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle in the low speed range (when the steering angle is 70 ° or more), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13R of the right additional lamp 1R. To the lighting state of the additional lamp 1R on the right side (refer to ↑ from ON to OFF in the low speed region in FIG. 6) (additional lamp lighting process S7-3), and a subroutine for lighting determination process of the right additional lamp 1R To end (S1). In (S7-2), when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the lighting steering angle in the low speed range (when the steering angle is smaller than 70 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 The additional lamp 1R lighting process is not performed, and the right additional lamp 1R lighting determination process subroutine is terminated, and the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S7-1), when the vehicle speed is not in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is in the medium speed range (40 to 60 km / h) (vehicle speed medium speed range? S7-). 4). When the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle in the middle speed range (whether or not it is 50 ° or more) (steering angle). 50 ° or more S7-5). When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle in the middle speed range (when the steering angle is 50 ° or more), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal to the driver circuit of the right additional lamp 1R. 13R to turn on the additional lamp 1R on the right side thereof (refer to ↑ from ON to OFF in the middle speed range in FIG. 6) (additional lamp lighting process S7-3), and lighting determination process of the right additional lamp 1R The subroutine is terminated and the process returns to (S1). In (S7-5) above, when the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached or exceeded the lighting steering angle in the medium speed range (when the steering angle is smaller than 50 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 Without performing the lighting process of the additional lamp 1R, the subroutine of the lighting determination process of the right additional lamp 1R is terminated and the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S7-4), when the vehicle speed is not in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines that the vehicle speed is in the high speed range (60 km / h or higher), and the steering angle of the steering wheel is turned on in the high speed range. It is determined whether or not the steering angle is reached (30 ° or more) (steering angle 30 ° or more? S7-6). When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or exceeds the lighting steering angle in the high speed range (when the steering angle is 30 ° or more), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13R of the right additional lamp 1R. To the lighting state of the additional lamp 1R on the right side (refer to ↑ from ON to OFF in the high speed region in FIG. 6) (additional lamp lighting process S7-3), and a subroutine for determining whether the right additional lamp 1R is lit To end (S1). In the above (S7-6), when the steering angle of the steering wheel has not reached or exceeded the lighting steering angle in the high speed range (when the steering angle is smaller than 30 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 Without performing the lighting process of the additional lamp 1R, the subroutine of the lighting determination process of the right additional lamp 1R is terminated, and the process returns to (S1).

  Further, in the above-described (S6) of the main routine shown in FIG. 7, when the steering direction of the steering wheel is the left side, the central processing unit / CPU 12 proceeds to a subroutine for determining the lighting of the left additional lamp 1L (left Additional lamp lighting determination processing S8-0). Since the subroutine for the lighting determination process for the left additional lamp 1L is substantially the same as the subroutine for the lighting determination process for the right additional lamp 1R, the lighting determination process for the left additional lamp 1L will be briefly described below. To do.

  First, when the vehicle speed is in a low speed range (0 to 40 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes 70 ° or more, the left additional lamp 1L is turned on. Further, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (40 to 60 km / h), the left additional lamp 1L is turned on when the steering angle of the steering wheel is 50 ° or more. Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (60 km / h or more), the left additional lamp 1L is turned on when the steering angle of the steering wheel is 30 ° or more.

  Further, in (S4) of the main routine shown in FIG. 7, when the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are lit (lighted state), the central processing unit / CPU 12 It is determined whether the vehicle is in a low speed range (0 to 40 km / h) (vehicle speed low speed range? S9). When the vehicle speed is in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the steering angle of the low speed range or less (60 ° or less) (steering angle 60 °). S10-0). When the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the lower steering angle in the low speed range (when the steering angle is 60 ° or less), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends an extinguishing signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lit state. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the driver circuit 13L or the additional lamp 1R on the right side and turn off the additional lamp 1L on the left side or the additional lamp 1R on the right side (see the low speed range OFF to ON ↓ in FIG. 6) (addition) Lamp extinguishing process S11), and then returns to (S1). In the above (S10-0), when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the turning-off steering angle in the low speed range or less (when the steering angle is larger than 60 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is in the lighting state. The process returns to (S1) without performing the process of turning off the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

  In the above (S9), when the vehicle speed is not in the low speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is in the medium speed range (40 to 60 km / h) (vehicle speed medium speed range? S12). When the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached or below the turning-off steering angle in the middle speed range (whether it is 40 ° or less) (steering angle). 40 ° or less? S13-0). When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches or falls below the turning-off steering angle in the medium speed range (when the steering angle is 40 ° or less), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the turning-off signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lighting state. Is output to the driver circuit 13R of the right additional light 1R and the additional light 1L on the left side or the additional light 1R on the right side is turned off (see the middle speed range from ON to OFF in FIG. 6). (Additional lamp extinguishing process S11), and then the process returns to (S1). In (S13-0) above, when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the turning-off steering angle in the middle speed range or less (when the steering angle is larger than 40 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is turned on. The process returns to (S1) without performing the extinguishing process of the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

  In (S12), when the vehicle speed is not in the middle speed range, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines that the vehicle speed is in the high speed range (60 km / h or higher), and the steering angle of the steering wheel is the extinguishing steering angle in the high speed range. It is determined whether or not (the steering angle is 20 ° or less? S14-0). When the steering angle of the steering wheel has reached the turning-off steering angle or less in the high-speed range (when the steering angle is 20 ° or less), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the turning-off signal to the left additional lamp 1L in the lighting state. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the driver circuit 13L or the additional lamp 1R on the right side and turn off the additional lamp 1L on the left side or the additional lamp 1R on the right side (see the high-speed range from ON to OFF in FIG. 6) (addition) Lamp extinguishing process S11), and then returns to (S1). In the above (S14-0), when the steering angle of the steering wheel does not reach the turning-off steering angle in the high speed region or less (when the steering angle is larger than 20 °), the central processing unit / CPU 12 is in the lighting state. The process returns to (S1) without performing the process of turning off the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R.

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

  The vehicle illumination device according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the effects of the vehicle illumination device according to the first embodiment, as is apparent from the configuration and operation as described above. In particular, in the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment, the lighting steering angle varies depending on the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. For this reason, in the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment, when the vehicle speed is low, the additional lights 1L and 1R are lit when the driver turns the steering handle to some extent in the first half of the curved road. Therefore, there is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for the driver who is starting to see the road along the traveling direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is high, when the driver starts turning the steering wheel at the beginning of the curved road, the additional lights 1L and 1R are lit, which is safe for high-speed driving, and the traveling direction of the vehicle at the beginning of the curved road There is no sense of incongruity or inconvenience for drivers who are watching the track along the road. As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment contributes to traffic safety because the driver's line-of-sight movement timing matches the lighting timing of the additional lamp, and the driver does not feel uncomfortable or bothersome. can do. In the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment, the lighting steering angle, the dimming / extinguishing steering angle, and the forced complete extinguishing steering angle differ depending on the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed and the additional lamp 1L when the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned on The vehicle speeds at the time of 1R dimming extinction and forced complete extinction correspond to each other. That is, when the additional lights 1L and 1R are lit when the vehicle speed is low speed (or medium speed or high speed), the additional lights 1L and 1R in the lit state have low vehicle speed (or medium speed or high speed). The dimming is turned off and the forced complete extinction is turned off according to the dimming-off steering angle condition and the forced complete extinguishing steering angle condition.

  FIGS. 9-12 shows Example 3 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this 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 FIGS. 9 to 12, the vehicular illumination device according to the third embodiment is provided with the left side additional lights 1L-1, 1L-2 and the right side additional lights 1R-1, 1R-2 in front of the vehicle 7. In this example, two additional units are provided on the left side and the right side of the unit (see Patent Document 1, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-238576, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-213227, 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 a predetermined light distribution pattern 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 or 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 light 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 light 1R-1. Illuminate the road surface with PR2.

  The control device 6 of the vehicle lighting device according to the third 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.

  Based on the processing signal from the interface circuit 11, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the first left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, and the first right additional lamp 1R. -1, sequentially turning on / off the second right additional lamp 1R-2. The central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal and a lighting signal to the first left additional lamp driver circuit 13L-1 and the second left lighting circuit based on the steering angle-lighting / lighting characteristics shown in FIG. The output signal is output to the additional lamp driver circuit 13L-2, the first right additional lamp driver circuit 13R-1, and the second right additional lamp driver circuit 13R-2.

  FIG. 12 shows the steering angle of the steering wheel (the rotation angle in the left direction or the right direction with respect to 0 ° (neutral position, front) of the steering handle), the first left additional lamp 1L-1, and the second left side. Is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the additional lamp 1L-2, the first right additional lamp 1R-1, and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 being turned on and off. The left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, the first right additional lamp 1R-1, and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are turned on and off. Take the steering angle (steering angle of the steering wheel).

  In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the steering angle of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 12 and the first left side additional light 1L-1, the second left side additional light 1L-2, and the first right side light are shown. The relative relationship between the additional lamp 1R-1 and the lighting on / off of the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is as follows. That is, when the vehicle 7 enters the curved road and starts to turn the steering wheel and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first lighting steering angle or more, the lighting signal is the first additional lamp 1L− on the steering direction side of the steering wheel. 1 and output to the driver circuits 13L-1 and 13R-1 of the 1R-1 and the first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are lit (see the ON to OFF ↑ of the additional lighting lamp 1 in FIG. 12). ). Further, when the vehicle 7 advances along a curved road and further turns the steering wheel, and the steering angle of the steering wheel (steering angle) reaches the second lighting steering angle or more, the lighting signal indicates the steering direction (rotation direction) of the steering wheel. Are output to the driver circuits 13L-2 and 13R-2 of the second additional lamps 1L-2 and 1R-2 on the side, and the second additional lamps 1L-2 and 1R-2 are turned on (the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 12). (See ↑ from ON to OFF). The first lighting steering angle and the second lighting steering angle are constant and arbitrary regardless of the vehicle speed. In this example, they are set to 50 ° and 100 °, for example.

  In addition, when the steering handle starts to return in the latter half of the curved road and the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the second turn-off steering angle or less, the driver of the second additional lights 1L-2 and 1R-2 whose turn-off signal is turned on is turned on. It is output to the circuits 13L-2 and 13R-2, and the second additional lamps 1L-2 and 1R-2 are extinguished (refer to ↓ from ON to OFF of the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 12). Further, when the steering handle is further returned at the end of the curved road, when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the first turn-off steering angle or less, the turn-off signal is turned on for the first additional lights 1L-1, 1R-1. The first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are output to the driver circuits 13L-1 and 13R-1, and the first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are turned off (refer to the additional lighting lamp 1 from OFF to ON in FIG. 12). The first turn-off steering angle and the second turn-off steering angle vary depending on the vehicle speed, and are smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The second turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), the second turn-off steering angle is 90 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 20 to 30 km). / H) is set to 80 °, and the vehicle speed is set to 70 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more). On the other hand, the first turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the first turn-off steering angle is 40 °. In the case of -60 km / h), the angle is 30 °, and in the case where the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), the angle is 20 °.

  The vehicle lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described below with reference to FIG. First, when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first lighting steering angle (50 °) or more, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is turned on (addition in FIG. 12). When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second lighting steering angle (100 °) or more, the second left additional light 1L-2 or the second right additional light is added. The lamp 1R-2 is lit (refer to ↑ from ON to OFF of the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 12).

  When the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is lit and the vehicle speed is in the low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), the steering angle of the steering wheel is in the low speed range. When the second turn-off steering angle (90 °) or less is reached, the second left-side additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right-side additional lamp 1R-2 is turned off (the additional turn-on lamp 2 in FIG. 12). (Refer to ↓ from ON to OFF). In addition, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (for example, 20 to 30 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second turn-off steering angle (80 °) or less in the middle speed range, The additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is extinguished (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 12). Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second turn-off steering angle (70 °) or less in the high speed range, the additional lamp 1L on the second left side that is lit. -2 or the second additional light 1R-2 on the right side is turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is lit, and the vehicle speed is in a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the steering angle of the steering wheel is in the low speed range. When the first turn-off steering angle (40 °) or less is reached, the first left-side additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right-side additional lamp 1R-1 is turned off (the additional turn-on lamp 1 in FIG. 12). (Refer to ↓ from ON to OFF). Further, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first turn-off steering angle (30 °) or less in the middle speed range, The additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is extinguished (see ↓ from ON to OFF of the additional lighting lamp 1 in FIG. 12). Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the first turn-off steering angle (20 °) or less in the high speed range, the additional lamp 1L on the first left side in the lighting state -1 or the first additional light 1R-1 on the right side is turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 1 in FIG. 12).

  Thus, since the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation, substantially the same effects as those of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment can be achieved. In particular, the vehicle lighting device according to the third 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.

  FIG. 13 shows Example 4 of the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention. The vehicle lighting device according to Example 4 will be described below. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 12 denote the same components.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the fourth embodiment is a modification of the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment, and corresponds to the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. That is, the first lighting steering angle of the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the first right additional lamp 1R-1 varies depending on the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed is smaller as the vehicle speed increases. Similarly, the second lighting steering angle of the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 also differs depending on the vehicle speed, and is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows the steering angle of the steering wheel (the rotation angle in the left direction or the right direction with respect to 0 ° (neutral position, front) of the steering handle), the first left additional lamp 1L-1, and the second left side. Is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the additional lamp 1L-2, the first right additional lamp 1R-1, and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 being turned on and off. The left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, the first right additional lamp 1R-1, and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are turned on and off. Take the steering angle (steering angle of the steering wheel).

  The steering angle of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 13 and the first left side additional light 1L-1, the second left side additional light 1L-2, the first right side additional light 1R-1, and the second right side additional light 1R- The relative relationship between the turning on and off of 2 is as follows. That is, when the vehicle 7 enters the curved road and the driver starts to turn the steering wheel and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first lighting steering angle or more, the lighting signal is the first additional light on the steering direction side of the steering wheel. 1L-1 and 1R-1 are output to the driver circuits 13L-1 and 13R-1, and the first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are turned on (the additional lighting lamp 1 in FIG. (See ↑). Further, when the vehicle 7 advances along the curve and the driver further turns the steering wheel and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second lighting steering angle or more, the lighting signal is a second additional light on the steering direction side of the steering wheel. 1L-2 and 1R-2 are output to the driver circuits 13L-2 and 13R-2, and the second additional lamps 1L-2 and 1R-2 are turned on (the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. (See ↑). The first lighting steering angle and the second lighting steering angle differ depending on the vehicle speed, and are smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The first lighting steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the first lighting steering angle is 70 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km). / H) is 50 °, and 30 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more). On the other hand, the second lighting steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), the second lighting steering angle is 120 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 20 ˜30 km / h) is 100 °, and 80 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more).

  Further, when the driver starts to return the steering wheel in the latter half of the curve and the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second turning-off steering angle or less, the turning-off signal is turned on when the second additional lights 1L-2, 1R-2 are turned on. Are output to the driver circuits 13L-2 and 13R-2, and the second additional lamps 1L-2 and 1R-2 are turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 13). Further, when the driver approaches the end of the curve and further returns the steering wheel, when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first turn-off steering angle or less, the turn-off signal is turned on when the first additional light 1L-1, The first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are output to the 1R-1 driver circuits 13L-1 and 13R-1, and the first additional lamps 1L-1 and 1R-1 are extinguished (see the ON to OFF ↓ in FIG. 13). . The first turn-off steering angle and the second turn-off steering angle vary depending on the vehicle speed, and are smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The second turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is a low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), the second turn-off steering angle is 110 °, and the vehicle speed is a medium speed range (for example, 20 to 30 km). / H) is 90 °, and 70 ° when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more). On the other hand, the first turn-off steering angle that varies depending on the vehicle speed is arbitrary. For example, when the vehicle speed is in a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the first turn-off steering angle is set to 60 °. -40 km / h) and 40 °, and when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), 20 °.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below with reference to FIG. First, when the vehicle speed is in a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first lighting steering angle (70 °) in the low speed range, The additional lamp 1R-1 on the first right side is lit (see ↑ from ON to OFF of the additional lighting lamp 1 in the low speed region in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in the medium speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first lighting steering angle (50 °) in the medium speed range, the first additional light 1L- 1 or the first additional lamp 1R-1 on the right-hand side is turned on (refer to ↑ from OFF to ON of the additional lighting lamp 1 in the medium speed region in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the first lighting steering angle (30 °) in the high speed range, 1 The additional lamp 1R-1 on the right side is lit (see ↑ from OFF to ON of the additional lighting lamp 1 in the high speed region in FIG. 13).

  On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is in the low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the second lighting steering angle (120 °) in the low speed range, The additional light 1R-2 on the second right side is lit (see ↑ from OFF to ON of the additional lighting lamp 2 in the low speed region in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (for example, 20 to 30 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second lighting steering angle (100 °) in the middle speed range, the second left additional light 1L- 2 or the second additional lamp 1R-2 on the right side of the second lamp is lit (see ↑ from ON to OFF of the additional lighting lamp 2 in the medium speed range in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the second lighting steering angle (80 °) in the high speed range, 2 The additional lamp 1R-2 on the right side is lit (refer to ↑ from OFF to ON of the additional lighting lamp 2 in the high speed region in FIG. 13).

  When the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is lit and the vehicle speed is in the low speed range (for example, 0 to 20 km / h), the steering angle of the steering wheel is in the low speed range. When the second turn-off steering angle (110 °) is reached, the second left-side additional light 1L-2 or the second right-side additional light 1R-2 is turned off (the low-speed range additional light lamp in FIG. 13). (See 2 from ON to OFF ↓). Further, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (for example, 20 to 30 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second turn-off steering angle (90 °) in the middle speed range, the second left side of the lighting state is added. The light 1L-2 or the second additional light 1R-2 on the right side is turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the medium-speed range additional lighting lamp 2 in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 30 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the second turn-off steering angle (70 °) in the high speed range, the second additional lamp 1L- 2 or the second additional light 1R-2 on the right side is turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 2 in the high speed region in FIG. 13).

  On the other hand, when the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is lit, and the vehicle speed is in a low speed range (for example, 0 to 40 km / h), the steering angle of the steering wheel is in the low speed range. When the first turn-off steering angle (60 °) is reached, the first left-side additional light 1L-1 or the first right-side additional light 1R-1 is turned off (the low-side additional light-up lamp in FIG. 13). (Refer to ↓ from 1 ON to OFF). In addition, when the vehicle speed is in the middle speed range (for example, 40 to 60 km / h), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first turn-off steering angle (40 °) in the middle speed range, the first left side of the lighting state is added. The lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is extinguished (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the medium-speed range additional lamp 1 in FIG. 13). Further, when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range (for example, 60 km / h or more), when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the first turn-off steering angle (20 °) in the high speed range, the additional lamp 1L- 1 or the first additional light 1R-1 on the right side is turned off (see the ON to OFF ↓ of the additional lighting lamp 1 in the high speed region in FIG. 13).

  Thus, since the vehicle lighting device according to the fourth embodiment is configured and operated as described above, substantially the same effects as those of the vehicle lighting device according to the first, second, and third embodiments are achieved. Can do.

  In addition, in the vehicle lighting device according to the third and fourth embodiments, two left additional lights 1L-1, 1L-2 and two right additional lights 1R-1, 1R-2 are provided. Is. However, in the present invention, three or more left additional lights and three or more right additional lights may be provided. Further, in the vehicular illumination device according to the third and fourth embodiments, as in the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment, the lighting steering angle, the dimming / extinguishing steering angle, and the forced complete extinguishing steering angle are the vehicle speed. The vehicle speeds when the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned on and the vehicle speeds when the dimming of the additional lights 1L and 1R are turned off and when the forced lights are completely turned off correspond to each other.

  FIG. 14 shows Example 5 of the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the vehicle illumination device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 13 denote the same components.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the fifth 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 fifth embodiment includes a left motor driver circuit 15L to which the left motor 4L, the right motor 4R are 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 fifth 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 angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or less, the left-side additional lamp 1L or the right-side additional lamp 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.

  As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the fifth embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation, and thus achieves substantially the same effect as the vehicular illumination device according to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. can do. In particular, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the fifth embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R, and thus the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R. The variation of the light distribution pattern is increased, the degree of freedom of the light distribution design is increased, and it is possible to respond to various preferences and needs of the user.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the fifth 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, 3, 4, and 5 will be described. In the vehicle lighting device according to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are provided. Lights up at once and turns off 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 (for example, 0% to 100%). Alternatively, the light may be gradually turned off (for example, 100% to 0% turned off). For dimming control such as dimming lighting (dimming lighting) and dimming extinction (dimming extinction), for example, a pulse-wide modulation (PWM) method or a voltage control method is used (Patent Document 1, JP 2001-213227 A). Issue gazette).

  In the vehicular lighting apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, when the headlamp switch 3 is OFF, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2, or the right side additional lamps are used. 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are turned off, and when the headlamp switch 3 is ON, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R -2 is turned on / off. 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 vehicle illuminating device 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 the light distribution pattern of the headlamp, the light distribution pattern of the left additional lamp, and the 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 explanatory drawing which shows Example 2 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention, Comprising: It is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between the steering angle of a steering handle | steering-wheel, and lighting on / off of the left side additional lamp or the right side additional lamp. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the effect | action (procedure of a process process) of the main routine of a control apparatus (central processing unit and CPU). Similarly, it is a flowchart showing the operation (procedure of process processing) of a subroutine of the control device (central processing unit / CPU). It is a block diagram which shows the Example 3 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 third 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. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between the steering angle of a steering wheel, and the lighting on / off of the 1st left side additional light, the 2nd left side additional light, the 1st right side additional light, and the 2nd right side additional light. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing Embodiment 4 of the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention, in which the steering angle of the steering handle and the first left side additional light, the second left side additional light, the first right side additional light, the second right side It is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship with lighting / extinguishing of the additional lamp. It is a block diagram which shows the Example 5 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 Head Lamp Switch 4L Left Motor 4R Right Motor 5 Vehicle Speed Sensor 6 Control Device 7 Vehicle 8L Left Head Lamp 8R Right Head Lamp 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 of second right additional light 14 Power supply circuit 15L Driver circuit of left motor 15R Driver circuit of right motor P Predetermined light distribution pattern of headlamp PL Predetermined light distribution of additional light on left side 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 (3)

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;
A vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal;
Based on the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal output from the steering angle sensor and the vehicle speed signal output from the vehicle speed sensor, the steering angle of the steering handle reaches a predetermined lighting steering angle or more. A control device that outputs a turn-on signal to the additional light on the steering direction side and outputs a turn-off signal to the additional light in a lit state when a steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined turn-off steering angle or less.
With
The vehicle lighting device, wherein the predetermined turn-off steering angle is smaller than the predetermined turn-on steering angle, varies depending on the vehicle speed, and decreases as the vehicle speed increases. 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;
A vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal;
Based on the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal output from the steering angle sensor and the vehicle speed signal output from the vehicle speed sensor, the steering angle of the steering handle reaches a predetermined lighting steering angle or more. A control device that outputs a turn-on signal to the additional light on the steering direction side and outputs a turn-off signal to the additional light in a lit state when a steering angle of the steering wheel reaches a predetermined turn-off steering angle or less.
With
The predetermined turn-off steering angle is smaller than the predetermined turn-on steering angle, and the predetermined turn-on steering angle and the predetermined turn-off steering angle differ depending on the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed is smaller as the vehicle speed is higher. The vehicle lighting device characterized by the above-mentioned.   The said extinguishing signal is output when the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the predetermined extinguishing steering angle or less corresponding to the vehicle speed when the lighting signal is output. Vehicle lighting device.

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