JP2008280008A - Hazard device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hazard device for a vehicle in which the operability of a hazard lamp is improved. <P>SOLUTION: This hazard device for a vehicle comprises hazard lamps 11-14 blinking when a hazard switch 22 is operated and a lamp ECU 21 (blinking control means). The lamp ECU 21 selects a normally blinking mode for maintaining the blinking of the hazard lamps 11-14 until the hazard switch 2 is turned off or a timer blinking mode for maintaining the blinking of the hazard lamps 11-14 for a predetermined time even if the hazard switch 22 is not turned off according to the at least one or more pressing operations of the hazard switch 22 regardless of the operating time of the hazard switch 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle hazard device, and more particularly to a vehicle hazard device capable of changing a blinking mode of a hazard lamp.

As this type of vehicle hazard device, for example, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below, a device in which the blinking mode of the hazard lamp is switched in accordance with the operation time of the hazard switch is known. In other words, if the hazard switch is pressed so that the hazard switch on-time is longer than the predetermined setting time, the hazard lamp blinking is maintained until the hazard switch is turned off. If the hazard switch is pushed so that the time becomes shorter than the predetermined set time, the timer blink mode is maintained in which the hazard lamp blinks for a predetermined time even if the hazard switch is not turned off. For this reason, when the timer blinking mode is selected, the hazard lamp is automatically turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time, so that it is possible to prevent the battery from running up even if the hazard switch is forgotten to be turned off.
JP 2005-153541 A JP-A-8-332895

  However, in the vehicle hazard devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to have the user adjust the operation time of the hazard switch in order to switch the blinking mode of the hazard lamp. For this reason, when the user is not familiar with the switch operation, an erroneous operation is likely to be caused, and the blinking mode desired by the user may not be obtained.

  The subject of this invention is providing the hazard apparatus for vehicles which can improve the operativity of a hazard lamp.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  The present invention relates to a vehicle hazard device in which a hazard lamp blinks in response to an operation of a hazard switch, and at least one pushing operation of the hazard switch is irrelevant to the operation time of the hazard switch. Accordingly, a constantly flashing mode for maintaining the blinking of the hazard lamp until the hazard switch is turned off, and a timer blinking mode for maintaining the blinking of the hazard lamp for a predetermined time even if the hazard switch is not turned off. A blinking control means that can be switched to is provided.

  In this vehicle hazard device, the hazard lamp can be switched to the constantly flashing mode or the timer flashing mode in response to at least one pushing operation of the hazard switch that is not related to the operation time of the hazard switch. For this reason, when the blinking mode is selected, it is only necessary to push the switch, so even a user unfamiliar with the switch operation can easily select the desired blinking mode.

  In implementing the present invention, the blinking control means may be set to switch the blinking mode of the hazard lamp according to the number of times the hazard switch is operated. For example, if the hazard switch is pressed once, it switches from OFF to the timer flashing mode, and if it is pressed once more, it switches from the timer flashing mode to the constant flashing mode. If it is set to switch to, the operability of the hazard switch can be improved.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the blinking control means may be set to switch the blinking mode of the hazard lamp in accordance with the pushing position of the hazard switch. For example, when the hazard switch is pushed to a specified shallow position (lightly pressed), it switches from OFF to timer flashing mode. When the hazard switch is pressed to a predetermined deep position (when pressed hard), it is always flashed from OFF. If it is set to switch to, a desired blinking mode can be selected with one operation, and the operability of the hazard switch can be further improved.

  In the implementation of the present invention, the flashing control means is such that the vehicle speed is zero, the engine is stopped, the door locking device is locked, and no person is on the vehicle. It is also possible to switch the constantly flashing mode to the timer flashing mode on the condition that the above situation continues for a set time or longer. If the vehicle speed is zero, the engine is stopped, the door locking device is locked, no people are in the vehicle, and these conditions continue for more than the set time, that is, the vehicle is parked If it can be determined that the medium is flashing, the constantly flashing mode is switched to the timer flashing mode. Thereby, in the parking state of the vehicle, the flashing of the hazard lamp is always switched off, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the battery from running out.

  In the implementation of the present invention, the flashing control means may be configured to switch between the constantly flashing mode and the timer flashing mode according to the situation of the vehicle and the surroundings of the vehicle when the hazard switch is turned on by a push operation. It is also possible to switch to the blinking mode. In this case, the flashing control means, for example, on condition that at least one condition when the engine is in a starting state, when an occupant is on the vehicle, and when the vehicle is parked on the road is satisfied, It is preferable to switch to the timer flashing mode on condition that at least one condition is satisfied when the vehicle is parked in a predetermined parking lot including a home and when the battery voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. According to this, when the hazard switch is in the ON state, the battery is automatically switched to either the constantly flashing mode or the timer flashing mode according to the situation of the vehicle and the surroundings of the vehicle. The rising can be surely prevented.

  In the implementation of the present invention, the blinking control means may be connected to an indicator and set to turn on the indicator when the hazard lamp is switched to the constantly blinking mode. According to this, since the blinking mode of the hazard lamp can be visually recognized, the operability of the hazard switch can be further improved.

a. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle hazard device according to the present invention. The vehicle hazard device includes a pair of left and right hazard lamps 11, 12, 13 provided at the front and rear of a vehicle, respectively. , 14 (turn signal lamps, turn signal lamps), and the power of the battery B is supplied to each of the hazard lamps 11 to 14 via the lamp ECU 21 and the drive circuit 15 when the hazard switch 22 is turned on. It has become.

  The drive circuit 15 has a known configuration and includes a flasher circuit 15a and a hazard relay 15b. The flasher circuit 15a outputs a blinking signal to the hazard relay 15b when the hazard switch 22 is turned on. The hazard relay 15b operates intermittently in response to the blinking signal from the flasher circuit 15a, and blinks the hazard lamps 11-14.

  The lamp ECU 21 (flashing control means) includes a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, an interface unit, a timer 21a, and the like as main components, and each hazard is executed in accordance with the execution contents shown in FIG. The lamps 11 to 14 are controlled to blink. A hazard switch 22, an ignition switch 23, and an indicator 31 are connected to the lamp ECU 21 via electric wiring, and a vehicle speed sensor 24 and a door locking device 25 are connected to be able to communicate via a LAN communication line.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hazard switch 22 is a push button type with a triangular stop mark displayed on the surface thereof, and can be moved in the pushing direction by the control panel CP of the air conditioner, for example. Returning to FIG. 1, the ignition switch 23 outputs an ON signal when the engine is started. The vehicle speed sensor 24 detects and outputs the vehicle speed. The door locking device 25 outputs a door locking signal when all the doors are in a locked state. The indicator 31 is incorporated in the hazard switch 22 and is turned on by the lamp ECU 21 when the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are in the always flashing mode.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. When the driver turns on the hazard switch 22, the lamp ECU 21 executes each blinking mode of FIG. 3 in accordance with the number of operations.

  The hazard switch 22 is set to the off mode shown in step S11 in the initial state. When the pushing operation is performed once from this state, the mode is switched to the timer blinking mode shown in step S12. When the pushing operation is further performed once, the mode is switched to the constantly flashing mode shown in step S13. When the pushing operation is further performed once, the mode is switched to the off mode shown in step S11. Here, the timer blinking mode means a mode in which the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are kept blinking for a predetermined time even when the hazard switch 22 is not turned off. The constant blinking mode is a state in which the hazard switch 22 is turned off. This means a mode in which the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are kept blinking until In the constantly flashing mode, the indicator 31 is turned on by the lamp ECU 21 as described above, so that the timer flashing mode and the constantly flashing mode can be easily identified.

  As is clear from the above description, in this first embodiment, at least once of the hazard switch 22 as shown in steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 2 regardless of the operation time of the hazard switch 22. The hazard lamps 11 to 14 can be switched to the constantly flashing mode or the timer flashing mode according to the pushing operation. For this reason, when the blinking mode is selected, the hazard switch 22 has only to be pushed, so that the operability of the hazard switch 22 can be improved, and even a user unfamiliar with the switch operation can easily obtain the desired blinking mode. It is possible to select.

b. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the blinking mode of the hazard lamps 11 to 14 is switched according to the number of operations of the hazard switch 22, but instead of this, for example, FIG. 4A and FIG. As shown in 4 (b), the flashing mode of the hazard lamps 11 to 14 may be switched according to the pushing position (stroke) of the hazard switch 22. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, when the hazard switch 22 is pushed to a predetermined shallow position (when lightly pushed), the contact 22a is turned on. At this time, when the pushing operation of the hazard switch 22 is stopped, the timer blinking mode is set. When the hazard switch is pushed down to a predetermined deep position (when pushed hard), the contact 22b is turned on together with the contact 22a, and the flashing mode is always set. Then, when the pressing operation is performed once more from the state in which the constantly flashing mode is set, the mode is switched to the off mode.

  According to the second embodiment, it is possible to select the timer flashing mode or the constant flashing mode with one operation. Therefore, the number of operations of the hazard switch 22 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment. The operability of the hazard switch 22 can be further improved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the hazard switch 22 returns to the original position after the hazard switch 22 is pushed. Instead, for example, the push operation to the timer blinking mode is performed. After that, it returns to the original position, but after the pushing operation to the constantly flashing mode, it may be locked and not return to the original position. In this case, the lock is released by pressing the hazard switch 22 again. Thereby, the operability of the hazard switch 22 can be further improved.

c. Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments described above, when the push operation is performed once more from the state in which the constantly flashing mode is set, the mode is switched to the off mode. It is also possible to configure to automatically switch from the constantly flashing mode to the timer flashing mode. In the third embodiment, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, a seating sensor 26 is connected to the lamp ECU 21 via a predetermined module. In the third embodiment, the lamp ECU 21 repeatedly executes the blinking mode switching program of FIG. 5 in a state where the lamp blinking mode is always set. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The seating sensor 26 is provided for each seat and detects an occupant on the seat. In addition to or instead of the seating sensor 26, an occupant in the vehicle interior may be detected by a vehicle interior camera, a seat belt wearing switch, an occupant collation using an electronic key, a heart rate sensor, or the like.

  For example, a case will be described in which the occupant switches the hazard switch 22 to the constantly flashing mode in order to call attention to surrounding vehicles in the parking lot of the store. In this case, at the same time that the hazard lamps 11 to 14 start blinking, the lamp ECU 21 starts to execute the blinking mode switching program shown in FIG. The flashing mode switching program is started in step S20, and in step S21, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 24 is zero. In step S22, it is determined whether the engine is in a stopped state, that is, whether an ON signal is output from the ignition switch 23. In step S23, it is determined whether all the seat doors are in a locked state, that is, whether a door locking signal is output by the door locking device. In step S24, it is determined whether the user is in the vehicle, that is, whether the occupant is seated on the seat (whether there is an occupant in the passenger compartment) according to the detection signal from the seating sensor 26.

  First, a case where the occupant has not parked the vehicle in the parking space will be described. In this case, if the vehicle speed is not zero, “No” is determined in step S21. If the engine is in the starting state even if the vehicle speed is zero, “No” is determined in step S22. Further, if the vehicle speed is zero and the engine is in a stopped state, but all the doors are not locked, “No” is determined in step S23. Further, if the vehicle speed is zero, the engine is stopped, and the doors of all seats are locked, but the user is on board, “Yes” is determined in step S24. That is, if it cannot be determined that the vehicle is parked, the timer count T is cleared in step S25, and the timer flag TF is maintained and set to “0” in step S26. This timer flag TF indicates that the timer count T has not been started by “0”, and that the timer count T has been started by “1”, and is set to “0” in the initial state. Has been. After the processing in step S26, the execution of the blinking mode switching program is terminated in step S34.

Next, a case where the occupant finishes parking the vehicle in the parking space, gets off, and activates the door locking device will be described. In this case, “Yes” is determined in Steps S21 to S23, “No” is determined in Step S24, and the processes after Step S27 are executed. In step S27, it is determined whether the timer flag TF is set to “0”. At the time of the first execution of step S27, the timer flag TF is still set to “0”. Therefore, “Yes” is determined in step S27, and the timer count T is started to be measured in step S28. In step S29, the timer flag TF is set to “1”.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not the timer count T has passed a predetermined time T0. The predetermined time T0 is set to a predetermined length of time for determining the parking state of the vehicle, for example, 5 minutes. At this stage, since the timer count T has not yet passed the predetermined time T0, it is determined “No” in step S30, and the execution of the blinking mode switching program is terminated in step S34. Thereafter, the processes of steps S21 to S24, S27, S30, and S34 are repeatedly executed until the timer count T elapses a predetermined time T0. Then, when the timer count T has passed the predetermined time T0, “Yes” is determined in step S30, and the processing after step S31 is executed.

  In step S31, the constant flashing mode being set is switched to the timer flashing mode. Thereby, even if the hazard switch 22 is forgotten to be manually turned off, the flashing of the hazard lamps 11 to 14 is always switched off in the parking state of the vehicle, so that the battery B is reliably prevented from rising. After the processing in step S31, the timer count T is cleared in step S32, the timer flag TF is set to “0” in step S33, and the execution of the blinking mode switching program is terminated in step S34.

d. Fourth Embodiment In the first and second embodiments described above, the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are switched between blinking modes according to the number of manual operations of the hazard switch 22 or the push-in position. However, the hazard switch 22 is turned on. When in the state, it may be configured to automatically switch to one of the constantly blinking mode and the timer blinking mode according to the vehicle and the situation around the vehicle. In the fourth embodiment, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, a navigation device 27 and a battery voltage detector 28 are connected to the lamp ECU 21 via predetermined modules, respectively. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the lamp ECU 21 repeatedly executes the blinking control program of FIG. 6 when the hazard switch 22 is turned on. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The navigation device 27 detects and outputs the current position of the vehicle on the map data. The battery voltage detector 28 detects and outputs the voltage of the battery B.

  The flashing control program of FIG. 6 is started in step S40, and in step S41, whether the engine is started or the vehicle is running, that is, an ON signal is output by the ignition switch 23, or the vehicle speed is It is determined whether the vehicle speed detected by the sensor 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined large vehicle speed. In step S42, it is determined whether an occupant is seated on the seat (whether there is an occupant in the passenger compartment) according to a detection signal from the seating sensor 26. In step S43, the vehicle is parked on the road according to the current position of the vehicle on the map data detected by the navigation device 27 and the vehicle speed detected by the off signal of the ignition switch 23 or the vehicle speed sensor 24. It is determined whether or not.

  If any one of steps S41 to S43 is determined as “Yes”, the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are set to the constantly blinking mode in step S46, and the indicator 31 is turned on in step S47. The decision of “Yes” in step S41 to set the constant flashing mode is that the hazard lamps 11 to 14 need to be set to the timer flashing mode when the engine is started or when the vehicle is running. Because there is no. The determination of “Yes” in step S42 determines that the flashing mode is always set because the occupant can turn off the hazard switch 22 when the occupant is in the passenger compartment. The reason why the constant flashing mode is set based on the determination of “Yes” in step S43 is that it is considered dangerous to set the hazard lamps 11 to 14 in the timer flashing mode in this case. After execution of the process of step S47, the execution of this blinking control program is terminated in step S50.

  On the other hand, if it is determined “No” in steps S41 to S43, the processes of steps S44 and S45 are executed. In step S44, the vehicle is parked at a home, a store, or the like according to the current position of the vehicle on the map data detected by the navigation device 27 and the vehicle speed detected by the off signal of the ignition switch 23 or the vehicle speed sensor 24. It is determined whether or not the vehicle is parked. In step S45, it is determined whether or not the battery capacity is reduced, that is, whether or not the voltage of the battery B detected by the battery voltage detector 28 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

  If “Yes” is determined in any one of steps S44 and S45, the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are set to the timer blinking mode in step S48, and if the indicator 31 is in the lit state in step S49, the indicator 31 is turned off. The reason that the timer blinking mode is set based on the determination of “Yes” in step S44 is that if the constant blinking mode is set in this case, there is a high possibility that the hazard switch 22 is forgotten to be turned off. The reason why the timer flashing mode is set based on the determination of “Yes” in step S45 is to prevent the battery from running out due to the flashing of the hazard lamps 11 to 14 being maintained. If it is determined as “No” in both steps S44 and S45, the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are set to the constantly flashing mode in step S46, and the indicator is turned on in step S47. Initially, it is determined as “No” in steps S41 to S45, and “Yes” is determined in step S45 due to a decrease in the battery capacity even if the hazard lamps 11 to 14 are operating in the constantly flashing mode. When this happens, the routine flashes from step S46 to the timer flash mode in step S48. This reliably prevents the battery from running out.

  In the fourth embodiment, when the hazard switch 22 is in the ON state, the mode is automatically switched to either the constantly flashing mode of step S46 or the timer flashing mode of step S48 according to the determination results of steps S41 to S45. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the battery from running up while ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

  In the first to third embodiments, the timer blinking mode is configured such that the timer count is counted from the time of the on operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as an on condition, for example, steps S21 to S24 in FIG. It may be configured to include determination requirements, and may be configured such that a timer count is counted when it is determined “Yes” in steps S21 to S23 and “No” in step S24.

The block diagram which shows the 1st-4th embodiment of the hazard device for vehicles by this invention. The top view of a hazard switch concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows transition of the blink mode according to 1st Embodiment of this invention according to the frequency | count of operation of the hazard switch of FIG. (A) is related with 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a top view of a hazard switch. (B) is bb sectional drawing of (a). The flowchart which shows the blink mode switching program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and is performed by lamp ECU of FIG. The flowchart which shows the blinking control program which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention and is performed by lamp ECU of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

11-14 hazard lamp 15 drive circuit 15a flasher circuit 15b hazard relay 21 lamp ECU (flashing control means)
21a timer CP control panel 22 hazard switch 22a contact 22b contact 23 ignition switch 24 vehicle speed sensor 25 door locking device 26 seating sensor 27 navigation device 28 battery voltage detector B battery 31 indicator

Claims (7)

In a vehicle hazard device configured such that a hazard lamp blinks in response to an operation of a hazard switch,
A constantly flashing mode for maintaining the flashing of the hazard lamp until the hazard switch is turned off in response to at least one pushing operation of the hazard switch regardless of the operation time of the hazard switch; A vehicle hazard device comprising flashing control means capable of switching to a timer flashing mode for maintaining the flashing of the hazard lamp for a predetermined time even when the switch is not turned off.   2. The vehicle hazard device according to claim 1, wherein the blinking control unit is set to switch a blinking mode of the hazard lamp in accordance with the number of operations of the hazard switch.   2. The vehicle hazard device according to claim 1, wherein the blinking control unit is set to switch a blinking mode of the hazard lamp in accordance with a push position of the hazard switch.   The blinking control means is such that the vehicle speed is zero, the engine is in a stopped state, the door locking device is in a locked state, a person is not in the vehicle, and these conditions have continued for a set time or longer. 4. The vehicle hazard device according to claim 2, wherein the constant flashing mode is switched to the timer flashing mode on the condition.   The flashing control means switches to the flashing mode of either the constantly flashing mode or the timer flashing mode according to the situation of the vehicle and the surroundings of the vehicle when the hazard switch is turned on by a push operation. The vehicle hazard device according to claim 1.   The flashing control means enters the constantly flashing mode on condition that at least one condition is satisfied when the engine is in a starting state, when an occupant is on the vehicle, and when the vehicle is parked on the road. 6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the timer blinking mode is switched on condition that at least one condition is satisfied when the vehicle is parked at a predetermined parking lot including a home and when the battery voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Hazard device.   7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the blinking control unit is connected to an indicator and is set to light the indicator when the hazard lamp is switched to the constantly blinking mode. Hazard device.

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