JP2011098724A - Indicating lamp for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indicating lamp for a vehicle for allowing a driver to accurately recognize a position of a corner part of a vehicle, while dispensing with a projection object such as a corner pole. <P>SOLUTION: This indicating lamp 1 for the vehicle includes a light emitter 11 for emitting the light by turning air into plasma, by focusing a laser beam output from a laser oscillator 12 on one point in air by an XYZ scanner 13 and a condensing lens 14, and is constituted so as to emit the light by juxtaposing a plurality of light emitters 15 in a substantially straight line shape in the air. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular indicator lamp capable of obtaining an effect that a driver can accurately recognize the position of an end portion, for example, a corner portion of a vehicle.

  For example, a corner pole or a fender pole is known as a device for the driver to accurately recognize the position of the corner portion of the vehicle. These poles are arranged so as to extend upward at the corners of the vehicle (body or bumper).

JP-A-6-167923

  However, the corner poles and the like of the conventional configuration described above are provided so as to protrude outside the vehicle body and the bumper, and thus are not very attractive. There is also a problem that wind noise is generated by a corner pole or the like when the vehicle travels. Further, when the vehicle is washed, the corner pole or the like may be damaged.

  As a configuration for solving these problems, there has been conventionally known a device for electrically moving a corner pole up and down. I am doing so. However, this electric corner pole device has a problem that it takes time to raise and lower the corner pole. Also, when using a corner pole, it was still not good looking.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus configured to display a corner marker (pole) in a holographic manner by attaching a hologram to a windshield (front glass) of a vehicle and illuminating the hologram. However, in this configuration, since the corner marker is actually only displayed on the windshield, the driver may not be able to accurately recognize the position of the corner portion of the vehicle (for example, the driver may This may be the case where the position of the vehicle or the position of the body is slightly shifted or a driver with a different physique is driving.)

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular indicator lamp that allows a driver to accurately recognize the position of a corner portion of a vehicle while eliminating the need for a corner pole or the like.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light emitting device that emits a plasma light emitter in the air is provided, and a plurality of the plasma light emitters are arranged in a substantially straight line to emit light. If the vehicular indicator lamp with this configuration is arranged at the corner portion of the vehicle, for example, a corner pole or the like can be displayed on the corner portion of the vehicle, so that the corner pole or the like can be eliminated. And a driver | operator can recognize the position of the corner part of a vehicle correctly.

  In the case of the above configuration, as in the invention of claim 2, it is preferable that the light emitting device is disposed upward in a corner portion of the vehicle.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided distance detection means for detecting a distance between an obstacle outside the vehicle and the vehicle, and the light emission when the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle becomes shorter than a set distance. Since the plasma illuminator is configured to emit light from the apparatus, the plasma illuminator can automatically emit light when necessary.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided predicted route calculation means for calculating a predicted route of the vehicle, the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle is shorter than a set distance, and the obstacle exists in the predicted route. Sometimes, the plasma light emitter is configured to emit light from the light emitting device, so that the plasma light emitter can automatically emit light when necessary.

Block diagram of a vehicle indicator lamp showing a reference example Partial side view showing the front of the vehicle Top view of the vehicle FIG. 1 equivalent view showing the first embodiment of the present invention 2 equivalent diagram FIG. 4 equivalent view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. 3 equivalent figure flowchart FIG. 6 equivalent view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. 7 equivalent diagram Equivalent to FIG.

  Reference examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicular indicator lamp of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle indicator lamp 1 includes a sprayer 2, a light source 3, a control device 4, an operation device 5, and a medium tank 6. The sprayer 2 is a device that generates a mist 7 that is a light reflection medium mist by taking, for example, water, which is a light reflection medium stored in the medium tank 6, and spraying it upward. The sprayer 2 includes a nozzle and a pressurizing device (both not shown).

  The light source 3 is a device that projects (emits) beam-shaped light 8, and includes an LED (including a configuration of an optical system such as a lens), a laser light output device, and the like. When the beam-like light 8 projected from the light source 3 is projected onto the mist 7 sprayed by the sprayer 2, the beam-like portion of the mist 7 onto which the light 8 is projected shines brightly, and the shape of the corner pole The display portion has almost the same shape.

  The light source 3 and the sprayer 2 are driven and controlled by a control device 4. The control device 4 inputs an operation signal output from the operation device 5 disposed in the vicinity of the driver's seat in the vehicle interior (that is, a part that can be operated by the driver), and the nebulizer 2 and the light source according to the operation signal. 3 is driven and controlled. The operation device 5 is configured by a switch operated by a driver, and outputs an on operation signal for turning on the vehicle display lamp 1 or an off operation signal for turning off the vehicle display lamp 1.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 2, the sprayer 2 and the light source 3 of the vehicular indicator lamp 1 are disposed upward at the corner of the bumper 10 at the front of the vehicle 9. The sprayer 2 has a function of spraying the mist 7 in a time of 0.5 seconds or less, for example, in a range where the length in the vertical direction is about 30 to 40 cm and the diameter is about 10 to 20 cm, for example. And the sprayer 2 is comprised so that the dry mist (fog with a particle diameter of 10 micrometers or less) can be ejected as the mist 7, for example. Of course, a mist having a particle size larger than that of the dry mist may be ejected.

  Further, the control device 4 and the medium tank 6, which are other components of the vehicle indicator lamp 1, may be disposed in the vicinity of the sprayer 2 and the light source 3, that is, in the corner of the bumper 10, or the vehicle 9 You may arrange | position in other site | parts.

  Further, the arrangement position of the sprayer 2 and the light source 3 is not limited to the corner portion of the bumper 10, and is indicated by a small circle in FIG. 3 at the end portion (front end portion or rear end portion) of the vehicle 9. As such, it may be arranged. In this case, it may be arranged at all six arrangement positions, or the number of arrangement may be reduced as appropriate.

  According to the reference example having such a configuration, the sprayer 2 and the light source 3 of the vehicle indicator lamp 1 are arranged at the corner portion of the vehicle 9, and the mist 7 sprayed by the sprayer 2 is projected from the light source 3. Since the beam-shaped light 8 is projected, an image having a shape substantially equivalent to that of a corner pole or the like can be displayed on the corner portion of the vehicle 9. Accordingly, a corner pole or the like can be eliminated, and the driver can accurately recognize the position of the corner portion of the vehicle 9.

  In the above reference example, the mist is ejected as the mist 7 by the sprayer 2, so that the body of the vehicle 9 can be prevented from getting wet by the mist sprayed from the sprayer 2. Thereby, it can prevent that the body of the vehicle 9 gets dirty.

  In the above reference example, water is used as the light reflecting medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other materials such as window washer liquid may be used. If the window washer liquid is used, the medium tank 6 can be dispensed with. Moreover, although it comprised so that the light reflection medium mist (for example, mist of water) 7 might be sprayed with the sprayer 2, it is not restricted to this, For example, it is comprised so that powder, smoke, etc. which reflect light may be sprayed. You may do it.

  4 and 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as a reference example. In the first embodiment, instead of the nebulizer 2 and the light source 3, a light emitting device 11 for emitting a plasma luminous body in the air is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting device 11 includes a laser oscillation device 12, an XYZ scanner 13, and a condenser lens 14.

  The light-emitting device 11 focuses the laser beam output from the laser oscillation device 12 to one point in the air by the XYZ scanner 13 and the condenser lens 14 to turn the air into plasma, that is, emit light. Is a device that causes the plasma emitter 15 to emit light. In this case, the light emitting device 11 is configured to emit light by arranging a plurality of plasma light emitters 15 in a substantially straight line toward the upper side. The individual plasma light emitters 15 emit light only for an extremely short time. However, since the plasma light emitters 15 remain as strong afterimages in the eyes of humans (drivers), there are a plurality of drivers arranged in a rod shape. It is possible to see the plasma emitter 15 (including the afterimage).

  Moreover, the light-emitting device 11 is arrange | positioned at the corner part of the vehicle 9, as shown in FIG. In addition, the arrangement | positioning position of the light-emitting device 11 is not restricted to the corner part of the bumper 10, but as shown by the small circle mark in FIG. 3 at the edge part (front edge part or rear edge part) of the vehicle 9, It may be arranged. In the case of this configuration, it may be arranged at all six arrangement positions, or the number of arrangement may be appropriately reduced.

  The configuration of the first embodiment other than that described above is the same as the configuration of the reference example. Therefore, in the first embodiment, substantially the same effect as the reference example can be obtained. In particular, according to the first embodiment, the light emitting device 11 that emits the plasma luminous body 15 is provided, and a plurality of plasma luminous bodies 1 are arranged to emit light in a substantially straight line. The position of the part can be recognized more accurately. In addition, according to the light emitting device 11, it is possible to draw (display) a three-dimensional image in the air relatively freely by causing the plasma luminous body 15 to emit light in the air. An easily recognizable display form can be realized.

  6 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as the 1st Example. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a sonar (distance detection means) 17 for detecting the distance between the obstacle 16 outside the vehicle 9 and the vehicle 9 is provided. The sonar 17 is a sensor that detects the distance from the obstacle 16 by ultrasonic waves or the like, and is disposed at the end (front end or rear end, etc.) of the vehicle 9 as indicated by a small square mark in FIG. Has been. In this case, it may be arranged at all six arrangement positions, or the number of arrangement may be reduced as appropriate.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows the control content of the control device 4. First, in step S10 of FIG. 8, the sonar 17 searches for the obstacle 16 and detects the distance to the obstacle 16. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S20, and it is determined whether or not the detected distance is shorter than the set distance (whether or not the obstacle 16 is within the set distance). If the detected distance is not shorter than the set distance, the process proceeds to “NO”, returns to step S10, and continues to search (detect) the obstacle 16.

  On the other hand, when the detected distance is shorter than the set distance in step S20, the process proceeds to “YES”, the process proceeds to step S30, and the vehicular indicator lamp 1 is turned on. That is, the light emitting device 11 is driven to cause the plasma light emitter 15 to emit light in a plurality of rods. Next, the process proceeds to step S40, and the distance from the obstacle 16 is detected by the sonar 17. Then, the process proceeds to step S50, and it is determined whether or not the detected distance is shorter than the set distance. Here, when the detected distance is shorter than the set distance, the process proceeds to “YES”, the process returns to step S30, and lighting of the vehicular indicator lamp 1 is continued.

  On the other hand, when the detected distance is not shorter than the set distance in step S50, the process proceeds to “NO”, proceeds to step S60, and the vehicle indicator lamp 1 is turned off. That is, the driving of the light emitting device 11 is stopped, and the light emission of the plasma light emitter 15 is stopped. After this, the process returns to step S10.

  The configuration of the second embodiment other than that described above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, substantially the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, according to the second embodiment, when the distance between the obstacle 16 and the vehicle 9 becomes shorter than the set distance, the light emitting device 11 causes the plasma light emitter 15 to emit light. Sometimes the plasma emitter 15 can automatically emit light.

  9 to 11 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as the 2nd Example. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a steering angle sensor 19 for detecting the steering angle of the front wheel 18 of the vehicle 9 and a shift lever of a transmission (automatic transmission or manual transmission) of the vehicle 9 are provided. A shift position sensor 20 for detecting the position is provided.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 8 of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. First, in step S10 in FIG. 11, the distance from the obstacle 16 is detected by the sonar 17. Then, it progresses to step S20 and it is judged whether the detected distance is shorter than a setting distance. If the detected distance is not shorter than the set distance, the process proceeds to “NO”, returns to step S10, and continues to search for (detect) the distance from the obstacle 16.

  On the other hand, when the detected distance is shorter than the set distance in step S20, the process proceeds to “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S110 to calculate the predicted route. In this case, based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 18 and the position of the shift lever detected by the shift position sensor 19 (position indicating information on forward or reverse), an expected route when the vehicle 9 travels Is calculated.

  Then, it progresses to step S120 and it is judged whether the obstruction 16 exists on an estimated path | route. If there is no obstacle 16 on the predicted route, the process proceeds to “NO” and returns to step S10. On the other hand, if there is an obstacle 16 on the predicted route in step S120, the process proceeds to “YES”, proceeds to step S30, and the vehicular indicator lamp 1 is turned on.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S40, and the distance from the obstacle 16 is detected by the sonar 17. Then, the process proceeds to step S130, and it is determined whether the detected distance is shorter than the set distance and whether the obstacle 16 is on the expected route or not. Here, when the detected distance is shorter than the set distance and there is an obstacle 16 on the predicted route, the process proceeds to “YES”, returns to step S30, and continues to turn on the vehicular indicator lamp 1.

  On the other hand, when the detected distance is not shorter than the set distance in step S130, or when there is no obstacle 16 on the predicted route, the process proceeds to "NO", the process proceeds to step S60, and the vehicle indicator lamp 1 Turn off the light. After this, the process returns to step S10.

  The configuration of the third embodiment other than that described above is the same as that of the second embodiment. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, substantially the same operational effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained. In particular, according to the third embodiment, when the distance between the obstacle 16 and the vehicle 9 is shorter than the set distance and the obstacle 16 is on the expected route, the light emitter 11 causes the plasma emitter 15 to be changed. Since the light emitting device is configured to emit light, the plasma light emitter 15 can automatically emit light when necessary (with high accuracy).

  In the second or third embodiment, the nebulizer 2 and the light source 3 may be provided instead of the light emitting device 11 that emits the plasma luminous body 15. Even if comprised in this way, the substantially the same effect as the 2nd or 3rd Example can be acquired.

  In the drawings, 1 is a vehicle indicator lamp, 2 is a sprayer, 3 is a light source, 4 is a control device, 5 is an operating device, 6 is a medium tank, 7 is fog (light reflecting medium fog), 8 is light, and 9 is a vehicle. , 11 is a light emitting device, 12 is a laser oscillation device, 13 is an XYZ scanner, 14 is a condenser lens, 15 is a plasma emitter, 16 is an obstacle, 17 is a sonar (distance detection means), 19 is a steering angle sensor, 20 Indicates a shift position sensor.

Claims (4)

Equipped with a light-emitting device that emits a plasma emitter in the air,
A vehicular indicator lamp characterized in that a plurality of the plasma luminous bodies are arranged in a substantially straight line to emit light.   2. The vehicular indicator lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting device is disposed upward in a corner portion of the vehicle. Provided with a distance detection means for detecting the distance between an obstacle outside the vehicle and the vehicle,
The vehicular indicator lamp according to claim 2, wherein when the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle becomes shorter than a set distance, the light emitting device causes the plasma luminous body to emit light. A predicted route calculating means for calculating a predicted route of the vehicle;
4. The plasma light emitter is caused to emit light from the light emitting device when the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle is shorter than a set distance and the obstacle exists on the predicted route. Vehicle light.

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