JP2007045252A - Lighting system of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To establish both refraining from giving a sense of incongruity in dimmed light-up and shortening the time of dimmed light-up, which have been difficult to be established compatibly according to a vehicle lighting system of conventional arrangement. <P>SOLUTION: The time of dimmed light-up with the rate of lighting to be heightened from 0% gradually to 100% is shorter than the time of dimmed put-off to sink the rate of lighting from 100% gradually to 0%. That is, the time of dimmed light-up is approximately 0.2-0.4 sec, while the time of dimmed put-off is approximately 0.5-1.5 sec. As a result, the time of dimmed light-up can be made shorter than the time of dimmed put-off, and there is no risk of giving a sense of incongruity as dimmed light-up is performed in heightening the rate of lighting gradually from 0% to 100%. In this manner, it is possible to compatibly establish refraining from giving the sense of incongruity in dimmed light-up and shortening the time of dimmed light-up. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device for a vehicle (vehicle illumination system) for dimming and dimming the left additional light and the right additional light based on at least one of the vehicle information. It is. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicular illumination device in which the dimming lighting time is shorter than the dimming lighting off time when the additional lamp is dimmed and dimmed. In this specification, “road surface or the like” refers to a road surface, a person (such as a pedestrian) or an object (such as a guardrail, another vehicle, a road sign, or a building) on the road surface.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a vehicular illumination device that performs dimming and dimming of an additional lamp based on at least one information of the vehicle, such as AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) (for example, Patent Document 1). ). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle lighting device will be described. In the conventional vehicle lighting device, the left side additional light and the right side additional light are dimmed, that is, gradually turned on, or dimmed, that is, gradually turned off, based on at least one piece of vehicle information. To do. In addition, when the conventional vehicular lighting device is dimmed, it first lights up to a predetermined lighting rate (for example, 50%) and then gradually increases the lighting rate to light up to 100% at a predetermined time. Is. In this way, the conventional vehicle lighting device turns on or off the dimming of the additional light, which makes it uncomfortable for the driver and passengers of the vehicle and the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians of the surrounding vehicles. There is no such thing as giving. In addition, since the conventional vehicle lighting device is lit up to a predetermined lighting rate and then lit up to 100%, the dimming lighting time is shorter than the dimming lighting off time, and the 100% lighting is performed as quickly as possible. can do.

  However, since the conventional vehicular lighting device lights up to a predetermined lighting rate and then lights up to 100%, if the initial predetermined lighting rate is increased in order to shorten the dimming lighting time, there is a risk of giving a sense of incongruity. On the contrary, there is a problem that if the first predetermined lighting rate is lowered in order not to give an uncomfortable feeling, the dimming lighting time becomes longer.

JP 2002-225623 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that it is difficult for the conventional vehicular illumination device to achieve both a sense of incongruity in dimming lighting and a shortening of the dimming lighting time.

  This invention (the invention according to claim 1) is characterized in that the dimming / lighting time is shorter than the dimming / light-out time.

  Further, in the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), the dimming lighting time is about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, and the dimming lighting time is about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds. It is characterized by that.

  Further, according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), the plurality of left additional lamps and the plurality of right additional lamps are different in light irradiation direction, and at least one slow light that irradiates a gentle curve region. It is characterized by each including an additional light for curve irradiation and at least one additional light for sharp curve irradiation that irradiates a sharp curve region.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), one or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights swivel according to the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle. It is a lamp.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 5) is characterized in that the light source of one or a plurality of left additional lamps and one or a plurality of right additional lamps is a semiconductor light source. To do.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the dimming time in which the lighting rate is gradually increased from 0% to 100%, and the lighting rate is gradually decreased from 100% to 0%. It is shorter than the turn-off time. As a result, the lighting device for a vehicle of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can make the dimming lighting time shorter than the dimming lighting time, and the lighting rate is gradually increased from 0% to 100%. There is no danger of giving a sense of incongruity because it is dimmed and raised. As described above, the vehicular lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can achieve both a feeling of incongruity in dimming lighting and a shortening of the dimming lighting time.

  In addition, since the lighting device for a vehicle according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) has a dimming lighting time of about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, the vehicle lighting device can be 100 as quickly as possible without giving an uncomfortable feeling. % Can be lit. As a result, the vehicular illumination device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) can illuminate the traveling direction of the vehicle at a curve (curve) or intersection quickly in a relatively short time, thereby contributing to traffic safety. be able to. On the other hand, the vehicular lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) is a time when the dimming extinguishing time is about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds, so it feels like it has disappeared sometime soon. It is not known that the light has gone off, and it does not give a sense of incongruity or annoyance to the driver and passengers of the vehicle and the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians of surrounding vehicles.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular illumination device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), when the vehicle travels on a gentle curve, the additional light for illuminating the gentle curve illuminates and illuminates a loose curve area, and the vehicle travels on a sharp curve. Then, the additional light for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area, or the additional lamp for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area, and the additional lamp for gentle curve irradiation irradiates the gentle curve area. Then, when the vehicle travels through the intersection, the additional light for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the area in the traveling direction of the intersection. As described above, the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) includes a gentle curve region, a sharp curve region, and a region in the direction of travel of the intersection depending on the traveling state of the vehicle such as curve traveling or intersection traveling. Can be illuminated and can contribute to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), one or a plurality of left additional lights and one or a plurality of right additional lights are included in the steering angle of the steering handle of the vehicle. Because it swivels accordingly, the variation of the light distribution pattern of the additional lamps increases, the degree of freedom of light distribution design increases, and it can respond to the various preferences and needs of users.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5), the light source of the additional lamp uses a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED, so that power saving, that is, power consumption can be reduced. The additional lights can be reduced in size, and the design of the additional lights can be diversified and enriched. In particular, when dimming the additional lamp, it is optimal that the light source of the additional lamp is a semiconductor light source such as an LED because dimming control is simple and reliable.

  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 an additional lamp 1R on the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side, a steering angle sensor 2, a headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication. A detection unit 16 and a control device 6 (control circuit unit and ECU / electronic control unit) are provided. The steering angle sensor 2, the headlamp switch 3, the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the direction indication detection unit 16 constitute a vehicle information detection unit that detects vehicle information and outputs an information signal. is there.

  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 side of the front portion of the vehicle 7, a headlamp 8R on the right side of the left headlamp 8L is mounted. 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 the ignition switch 9 battery 10 via the control device 6 as shown in FIG. Further, the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R use one or more semiconductor light sources such as LEDs as a light source. As a light source, in addition to a semiconductor type light source such as an LED, for example, a discharge lamp (a so-called high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID), etc.), a halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp, etc. May be used. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the left headlamp 8 </ b> L and the right headlamp 8 </ b> R are similarly connected to the ignition switch 9 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 used to turn on or off the headlamps 8L and 8R by a driver operating ON or OFF. When the headlamp switch 3 is ON, the headlamps 8L and 8R are turned on and an ON signal (for example, a high signal) Level signal), the headlamps 8L and 8R are extinguished and an OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) is output to the control device 6 when it is OFF. The vehicle speed sensor 5 detects a vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal to the control device 6. The direction indication detection unit 16 detects a direction indication operation and outputs a direction indication signal to the control device 6. The direction indication detection unit 16 includes, for example, a left turn signal switch and a right turn signal switch. In this example, the left turn signal switch is automatically turned on when the driver turns on when turning left and right at an intersection, and when the steering wheel returns more than a predetermined angle after turning left and right at an intersection. Is turned off automatically. Further, the left turn signal switch outputs the ON signal (for example, a high level signal) to the control device 6 when it is ON, and controls the OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) when it is OFF. This is output to the device 6. Further, when the left turn signal switch is ON, a left turn signal lamp (not shown) and a right turn signal lamp (not shown) are flashed, and the left turn signal switch and the right turn signal switch are turned on. When is OFF, the left turn signal lamp and the right turn signal lamp are turned off.

  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, the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the direction indication detection unit 16 are connected, and a central processing unit The CPU 12 (arithmetic control unit) and the left side additional lamp 1L are connected to the right side additional lamp 1R. The left side additional lamp driver circuit 13L is connected to the right side additional lamp driver circuit 13R (the left side additional lamp is driven). And an additional lamp driving unit (driver unit) on the right side of the unit (driver unit) and a power supply circuit 14. For example, a relay or a semiconductor switch (such as an FET or a transistor) is used as the driver circuit 13R for the additional light on the left side.

  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 OFF signal of the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the Based on the direction indication signal of the direction indication detection unit 16, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether to turn on / off the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R, and based on the determination result. The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are turned on and off via the left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R. The control device 6 uses, for example, an ECU / electronic control unit dedicated to AFS.

  The interface circuit 11 includes a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication detection unit 16. A direction instruction signal or the like is input, the input signal is processed into a signal that can be handled by the central processing unit / CPU 12, and the processing 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, based on the characteristics shown in FIG. 4, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a dimming lighting signal dimming extinction signal to the left additional lamp driver circuit 13L and the right additional lamp driver circuit 13R. . The central processing unit / CPU 12 may be integrated with the interface circuit 11.

  The driver circuit 13R for the left additional light is connected to the right additional light driver circuit 13L based on a dimming lighting signal dimming off signal from the central processing unit / CPU 12. The additional lamp 1R is controlled to be dimmed and lit and dimmed. Thereby, the dimming on / off of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R is controlled.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of dimming lighting (light-intensity lighting) and dimming-off (dimming-off) of the additional lamp 1R on the right side of the left additional lamp 1L. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the lighting rate (%), and the horizontal axis represents time t. In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the dimming on / off of the additional lamp 1R on the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side shown in FIG. 4 is as follows. That is, when the lighting condition is satisfied (for example, when the steering angle of the steering wheel is greater than or equal to the lighting steering angle or when the turn signal switch is turned on), the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R has a lighting rate of 0%. The light gradually increases from (see T1) to a lighting rate of 100% (see T2). The dimming lighting time (time Ton from T1 to T2) is about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds. On the other hand, when the turn-off condition is satisfied (for example, when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or less than the turn-off steering angle or when the turn signal switch is turned off), the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R has a lighting rate of 100%. The lighting rate gradually decreases from 0% (see T3) to 0% lighting rate (see T4), and the light is turned off. The dimming extinction time (time Toff from T3 to T4) is about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds. In addition, the dimming control of the dimming lighting dimming extinction uses, for example, a pulse wide modulation (PWM) method or a voltage control method (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2001-213227, 2003-159986, etc.). Note that the lighting steering angle of the left additional lamp 1L and the lighting steering angle of the right additional lamp 1R may be the same or different. Further, the turn-off steering angle of the left additional light 1L and the turn-off steering angle of the right additional light 1R may be the same or different.

  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, the vehicle speed sensor 5 detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal to the control device 6, and the direction indication detection unit 16 outputs the direction indication. An operation is detected and a direction indication signal is output to the control device 6. The central processing unit / CPU 12 detects a detection signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal or an OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication signal from the direction indication detection unit 16. Are input via the interface circuit 11 (steering steering angle, direction indication 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 dimming extinction signal to the driver circuit 13R of the additional lamp 1R on the right side of the driver circuit 13L of the left side additional lamp 1L to output the right side of the left additional lamp 1L. 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 additional lamp 1R on the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side is in a lighting state (additional lamp lighting? S4). . When the additional lamp 1R on the right side is not in the lighting state, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or greater than a predetermined lighting steering angle, or the turn signal switch is ON. Whether or not it is more than a predetermined lighting rudder angle or turn-on? S5. If the steering angle of the steering wheel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined lighting steering angle, or if the turn signal switch is OFF, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S5), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or larger than the predetermined lighting steering angle, or when the turn signal switch is ON, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends the dimming lighting signal to the additional light on the left side. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the 1L driver circuit 13L or the right additional lamp 1R to dimm the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R (see T1, T2, and Ton in FIG. 4; left and right additional lamps) Dimming lighting processing (100% lighting with Ton) S6). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  When the additional light 1L on the left side or the additional light 1R on the right side is lit and the additional light 1R on the right side of the additional light 1L on the left side is in the lit state in (S4), the central processing unit / CPU 12 It is determined whether or not the steering angle is equal to or less than a predetermined turn-off steering angle, or whether or not the turn signal switch is OFF (is equal to or less than a predetermined steering angle? Or turn-off? S7).

  In the above (S7), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or smaller than the predetermined turn-off steering angle or when the turn signal switch is OFF, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a dimming turn-off signal to the left side additional light. Output to the driver circuit 13R of the 1L driver circuit 13L or the right additional lamp 1R and dimming the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R (see T3, T4, Toff in FIG. 4; left and right additional lamps) Dimming extinction process (Toff turns off 0%) S8). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1). If the steering angle of the steering wheel is not equal to or less than the predetermined extinguishing steering angle in (S7), or if the turn signal switch is ON, the central processing unit / CPU 12 returns to (S1).

  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 apparatus according to the first embodiment has a dimming lighting time (Ton in FIG. 4) for gradually increasing the lighting rate from 0% to 100%. Is shorter than the time of dimming and extinguishing (Toff in FIG. 4) for gradually decreasing the brightness from 100% to 0%. As a result, the vehicular lighting device according to the first embodiment can make the dimming lighting time shorter than the dimming light extinguishing time, and the dimming lighting can be performed by gradually increasing the lighting rate from 0% to 100%. Therefore, there is no danger of giving a sense of incongruity. As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment can achieve both a sense of incongruity in dimming lighting and a shortening of the dimming lighting time.

  Further, since the lighting device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment has a dimming lighting time of about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, it can be turned on as quickly as possible without giving a sense of incongruity. it can. The vehicular lighting device according to the first embodiment can illuminate the traveling direction of the vehicle 7 at a curved road (curve) or intersection quickly in a relatively short time, and can contribute to traffic safety. On the other hand, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment, since the dimming off time is about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds, it is time to feel that it has disappeared sometime, and the additional light has been turned off. Therefore, the driver and passengers of the vehicle and the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians of the surrounding vehicle are not discomforted and troublesome.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, the light source of the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R uses a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED, so that power saving, that is, power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R can be reduced in size, and the design of the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R can be diversified and enriched.

  Furthermore, the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment dimmes and dims the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R, so that the driver of the own vehicle, the passenger and the driver of the surrounding vehicle, There will be no discomfort for passengers or pedestrians. In addition, as in the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment, dimming control and dimming off are performed by using a semiconductor light source such as an LED as a light source of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R. It is optimal because control is simple and reliable. In the case where the light source is a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED, the pulse-wide modulation (PWM) dimming control and dimming control are, for example, a frequency of 500 Hz, a duty ratio interval of 0.01%, and a dimming lighting time of about 0. 100% light is turned on in 2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, and 0% light is turned off in the dimming off time of about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds. Note that pulse wide modulation (PWM) dimming lighting control and dimming light off control in the case of a halogen bulb are, for example, a frequency of 100 Hz, a duty ratio interval of 0.1%, and a dimming lighting time of about 0.2 seconds to 100% light is turned on in about 0.4 seconds, and 0% light is turned off in the dimming off time of about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds.

  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. In this example, two additional units are provided on the left side and the right side of the unit (see JP 2000-238576 A, JP 2001-213227 A, JP 2003-159986 A, 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. Thus, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the first right additional lamp 1R-1 are additional lamps for irradiating a gentle curve, and the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the first additional lamp 1L-1 The additional light 1R-2 on the right side of 2 is an additional light for sharp curve irradiation.

  The control device 6 of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment includes the first left additional light 1L-1, the second left additional light 1L-2, the first right additional light 1R-1, and the second right additional. Driver circuit 13L-1 for the first left additional lamp to which the lamp 1R-2 is connected, driver circuit 13L-2 for the second left additional lamp, and driver circuit 13R-1 for the second right additional driver circuit 13R-1 An additional lamp driver circuit 13R-2 is provided. The first left additional light driver circuit 13L-1 The second left additional light driver circuit 13L-2 The first right additional light driver circuit 13R-1 The second right additional light 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. The process of turning on / off the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is sequentially performed based on a predetermined algorithm.

  For example, when the turn signal switch is set to the first ON, the first left additional light 1L-1 or the first right additional light 1R-1 is turned on, and when the turn signal switch is set to the second ON, the second left additional light 1L-2 is turned on. Alternatively, when the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is turned on and the turn signal switch is turned off, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 is turned on, the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the first right additional lamp 1R is turned on. -1 The second right additional lamp 1R-2 is extinguished. Alternatively, when the steering handle is steered to a predetermined first lighting steering angle (for example, 50 °) or more, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is turned on, and the steering handle is fixed. When the steering wheel is steered beyond the second lighting steering angle (for example, 160 °), the second additional lamp 1L-2 on the left side or the second additional lamp 1R-2 on the right side is lit, and the steering handle is turned off to a predetermined steering angle (for example, , 20 °), the first left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are turned on. Turns off. The lighting steering angle of the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the lighting steering angle of the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are: Same as 50 ° and 160 °, but may be different from left to right. The turn-off steering angle of the first left-side additional light 1L-1 and the second left-side additional light 1L-2 and the turn-off steering angle of the first right-side additional light 1R-1 and the second right-side additional light 1R-2 are: It is the same as 20 °, but it may be different on the left and right.

  Since the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to achieve substantially the same operational effects as the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment.

  In particular, in the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the second embodiment, when the vehicle 7 travels on a gentle curve, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 as an additional lamp for gentle curve irradiation is used. Illuminates by illuminating a loose curve region (PL1 or PR1 in FIG. 8). Further, when the vehicle 7 travels on a sharp curve, the second left additional light 1L-2 or the second right additional light 1R-2 as the additional light for sharp curve irradiation is a sharp curve region (PL2 or PR2 in FIG. 8). Or the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area and the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the second additional lamp 1L-2. 1 The additional lamp 1R-1 on the right side illuminates a light curve area. Further, when the vehicle 7 travels the intersection, the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 illuminates the area in the traveling direction of the intersection. As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment illuminates by illuminating a gentle curve region, a sharp curve region, and a region in the advancing direction of an intersection according to a traveling state such as curve traveling or intersection traveling of the vehicle. Can contribute to road safety.

  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 vehicle lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-277936, JP, 2003-159986, A, 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 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.

  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 vehicular illumination device according to the third embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R, so that the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 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.

  Hereinafter, examples other than Examples 1, 2, and 3 will be described. In 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 one or two. However, in the present invention, three or more left side additional lights or right side additional lights may be provided.

  In the second embodiment, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the first right additional lamp 1R-1 located inside the vehicle 7 illuminate the gentle curve area and The second additional lamp 1L-2 on the second left side and the second additional lamp 1R-2 on the second right side illuminate the sharp curve region. However, in the present invention, conversely, the additional lamp located inside the vehicle may illuminate the sharp curve area, and the additional lamp located outside the vehicle may illuminate the gentle curve area.

  Further, the third embodiment is provided with one left additional lamp 1L, one right additional lamp 1R, one left motor 4L, and one right motor 5R. is there. However, in the present invention, two or more left additional lamps, two or more right additional lamps, two or more left motors, and two or more right motors may be provided.

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 dimming lighting dimming 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 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, 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. It is a block diagram which shows the Example 3 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1L Left side additional light 1L-1 First left side additional light 1L-2 Second left side additional light 1R Right side additional light 1R-1 First right side additional light 1R-2 Second right side 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 for the second right additional lamp 14 Power supply circuit 15L Driver circuit for the left motor 15R Driver circuit for the right motor 16 Direction indication detector P Predetermined light distribution pattern of the headlamp PL Additional light on the left Predetermined light distribution pattern PR1 predetermined light distribution pattern of right additional lamp PL1 predetermined light distribution pattern of first left additional light PR1 predetermined light distribution pattern of first right additional light PL2 second left additional light Predetermined light distribution pattern PR2 Predetermined light distribution pattern of the second right additional lamp

Claims (5)

In a vehicle lighting device having one or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights mounted on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle,
A vehicle information detector that detects at least one information of the vehicle and outputs an information signal;
Control device for dimming and dimming one or more of the left additional lamp and one or more of the right additional lamp based on an information signal from the vehicle information detection unit When,
With
The dimming lighting time is shorter than the dimming lighting off time,
An illumination device for a vehicle characterized by the above. The dimming lighting time is about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, and the dimming lighting time is about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1. The plurality of additional lamps on the left side and the plurality of additional lamps on the right side have different light irradiation directions and irradiate at least one additional lamp for irradiating a gentle curve area and a sharp curve area. Each having at least one additional light for sharp curve irradiation,
The vehicular illumination device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more left additional lights and the one or more right additional lights are lamps that are swiveled according to the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The light source of the one or more left additional lamps or the one or more right additional lamps is a semiconductor light source.
The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting device for a vehicle is used.

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