JP2011100667A - Lighting device and headlight using the same, and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report a load state, even when failures occur at a control unit unifying the lighting device, or specifications of a power source supplied to the lighting device are changed. <P>SOLUTION: The lighting device includes: a DC/DC converter equipped with power source inputs of nearly the same potentials at a common ground, for converting a first power source input into an output the load requires; a control part for controlling the DC/DC converter; a signal outputting part reporting a load state to an outside; and a state memory part memorizing the load state. The state memorizing part memorizes the load state in accordance with a first power source input and a state of a load without depending on power source states other than the first power source input, and the signal outputting part outputs a load state signal when at least the first power source input and/or other power source inputs are input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a semiconductor light source lighting device having a function of notifying a load abnormality, a headlamp equipped with the same, and a vehicle.

  In recent years, the luminous efficiency of LEDs has improved, and a large number of lighting fixtures using LEDs have been mass-produced. Conventionally, a single lighting device has a single load. However, it is necessary to light a plurality of loads by using a single lighting device due to the use of LEDs. With conventional loads such as fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge lamps, load abnormalities such as open or short loads are clear from the load status, but due to the use of LEDs (multiple loads), in the case of partial abnormalities in the load The load abnormality is difficult to understand. Therefore, there is a demand for a function for detecting an abnormality in a load with a lighting device and notifying the outside.

  In particular, in the field of headlamp lighting devices, the demand for a light distribution pattern is severe, and it is difficult to satisfy the light distribution pattern even when only a part of the load has failed. Therefore, it is necessary to perform control for detecting a partial abnormality of the load and notifying the driver (for example, lighting an abnormal lamp in the passenger compartment). Some abnormalities in the load include short-circuiting when the LEDs of the load are connected in series, partial opening when the LEDs are connected in parallel, and the like.

  FIG. 15 shows a system diagram of the headlamp lighting device when the load is an LED and the ECU that performs abnormality notification. The power supply to the headlamp lighting devices 20a and 20b is only the power input when the driver turns on / off the LOW beam switch, but the abnormal lamp 32 is lit even when the LOW beam switch is OFF. It is necessary to output according to the state. In view of this, an electrical component control ECU 30 for storing an abnormal state and lighting the abnormal lamp 32 is installed, and when an abnormality of the headlamp is detected when the headlamp is turned on, the electrical component control unit 20a, 20b controls the electrical component. In this system, an abnormality is transmitted to the ECU 30 and the abnormal lamp 32 is turned on when the electrical component control ECU 30 is required. The electrical component control ECU 30 is provided in the vehicle interior, and inputs multiple power sources such as a + B direct connection power source (a power source that is always supplied with power from a battery) and an IGN power source (a power source that is supplied when the ignition is ON). The abnormal lamp 32 can be turned on according to the vehicle state.

  A block diagram of the headlamp lighting device of this conventional example is shown in FIG. The DC / DC converter 1 raises or lowers the DC voltage from the power supply E1 supplied in conjunction with the LOW beam switch to a voltage that can light the load. The lamp is turned on by applying a DC voltage, which is an output voltage of the DC / DC converter 1, to the semiconductor light source 5.

  The headlamp lighting device 20 lights the semiconductor light source 5 by constant current control, and uses the microcomputer 10 for the control. The values of the load voltage and load current of the semiconductor light source 5 are detected by resistors R1 to R3 and input to the microcomputer 10 via the voltage detection circuit 3 and the current detection circuit 4. The microcomputer 10 averages them by the averaging processing units 11 and 12. The current command value data stored in the ROM portion is called by the lamp current command value calculation unit 14. Further, the comparison calculation unit 15 compares with the averaged current value Ia and calculates / outputs the primary side current command value Ic so as to be the same value.

  The switching element Q1 of the DC / DC converter 1 is turned on / off by the output of a flip-flop FF serving as a drive circuit. When the flip-flop FF is set by the high-frequency ON signal HF, the switching element Q1 is turned on, a current that gradually increases flows through the primary winding of the transformer T1, and energy is stored in the transformer T1. When the switching element Q1 is an FET, its on-resistance is substantially ohmic resistance, so that the primary-side current detection value Id is obtained by amplifying the drain voltage by the primary-side current detection circuit 2 composed of an operational amplifier or the like. It can be detected. When the primary side current detection value Id reaches the primary side current command value Ic, the output of the comparator CP is inverted, and the switching element Q1 is turned off by resetting the flip-flop FF. When the switching element Q1 is turned off, a counter electromotive force due to the energy stored in the transformer T1 is generated in the secondary winding, and the capacitor C1 is charged via the diode D1.

  With the circuit configuration described above, constant current control is realized by PWM control of the ON time of the switching element Q1 of the DC / DC converter 1. The microcomputer 10 can control generation / stop of the high-frequency ON signal HF that determines the switching frequency of the switching element Q1.

  In addition to the constant current control described above, the abnormality detection unit 16 detects a power supply abnormality or load abnormality from the state of the power supply detection circuit 7, voltage detection circuit 3, or current detection circuit 4, and stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 1 or malfunctions. Controls signal output.

  The power source for the microcomputer 10 is generated by the control power source generation unit 6, and the power source for the control power source generation unit 6 is taken from the LOW beam switch power source E1. The averaging processing unit 13 averages the detection voltage by the power supply detection circuit 7.

  FIG. 17 shows a control flow of the microcomputer 10 that performs constant current control and abnormality determination of the semiconductor light source 5. Constant current control of the semiconductor light source 5 is realized in # 04 to # 12, and power supply and load abnormality are determined in # 13 to # 17. The explanation of each flow in the figure is as follows.

In # 01, the power is turned on and RESET is released. The RESET input is not shown in FIG.
In # 02, variables and flags to be used are initialized.

  In # 03, it is determined whether or not the LOW beam switch is ON. The determination of whether or not it is ON uses, for example, a method of determining that it is ON when 9V <power supply voltage <16V. If not ON, the process does not proceed to the process of turning on the semiconductor light source 5 after # 04.

In # 04, the power supply voltage is read by A / D conversion.
In # 05, the power supply voltage is averaged by combining the read value with the past value. As an example of averaging, the detected value is stored in three values from the latest value (update at the time of reading), and when the next latest value is read, the past three values are added together and divided by four.

In # 06, the load voltage is read by A / D conversion.
In # 07, the past value is combined with the read value, and the above averaging is performed. Thereby, the averaged voltage value Va is acquired.

  In # 08, the load current command value on the ROM in the microcomputer is read.

In # 09, the load current is read by A / D conversion.
In # 10, the past value is combined with the read value, and the above averaging is performed. Thereby, the averaged current value Ia is acquired.

In # 11, the load current command value and the averaged current value Ia are compared.
In # 12, the primary side current command value Ic is changed according to the comparison result.

  In # 13, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage is normal depending on whether or not it is within a predetermined voltage range. Here, the range of 6V to 20V is the normal range. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the operation shifts to the LOW beam switch ON determination (# 03) after the microcomputer RESET through the operation stop process (# 16).

  In # 14, it is determined whether or not the load voltage is normal depending on whether or not the load voltage is within a predetermined voltage range. Here, the range of 10V to 40V is the normal range. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, a load abnormality signal is output (# 17), and a permanent stop process (# 18) is performed.

  In # 15, it is determined whether or not the load current is normal depending on whether or not the load current is within a predetermined current range. Here, the range of 0.5 A to 1.0 A is the normal range. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, a load abnormality signal is output (# 17) and a permanent stop process (# 18) is performed.

  In # 16, an operation stop process (the DC / DC converter 1 is stopped and the data in the microcomputer 10 is cleared) is performed.

  In # 17, a signal for notifying the outside of the load abnormality is output. For example, a HIGH / LOW signal is output from the microcomputer 10 or an abnormality is notified to the outside using a communication function or the like.

  In # 18, operation stop processing is performed and infinite loop processing is performed.

  Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-82592) discloses a lighting device that prohibits a lighting operation and displays a cause of a failure on a display unit when a load abnormality such as an output short circuit or an output opening occurs. Yes.

JP 2000-82592 A

  However, in recent years, integration of ECUs has been implemented, and the load on the electrical component control ECU has increased. Since other headlamp light source control (blinker, vehicle width lamp, AFS, etc.) and body system ECU are controlled, it is difficult to add an abnormal memory of the headlamp. If the aggregation of functions becomes excessive, there is a problem that all functions cannot be operated when an abnormality occurs in the ECU.

  Also, the harness wiring inside the vehicle is different for each vehicle type and cannot be shared among vehicle types. When power is supplied to the headlamp unit, what kind of power source (+ B direct connection power source, IGN power source, ACC power source) is used. There was a problem of not knowing if it would be wired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and even when an abnormality occurs in the control unit that controls the lighting device or when the specification of the power supplied to the lighting device is changed, the load state can be changed. It is an object to provide a lighting device that can be notified.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the lighting device according to claim 1 includes a plurality of power inputs (E1, E2) that are common to the ground and have substantially the same potential as shown in FIGS. A DC / DC converter 1 that converts the input E1 into an output required by the load 5, a control unit (microcomputer 10) that controls the DC / DC converter 1, and a signal output unit (microcomputer 10) that informs the state of the load 5 to the outside. And a state storage unit (abnormality storage means 8) for storing the state of the load 5, and the state storage unit is in a power state other than the first power input (presence / absence of E2). Regardless of the first power supply input (E1) and the load state according to the state of the load 5 (A02, A03 in FIG. 3), the signal output unit at least the first power input E1 and / or other Load status signal when power input E2 is input Is characterized in that the force (A01 in FIG. 3).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the first aspect, the load state signal is output before the operation of the DC / DC converter 1 is started (A01 in FIG. 3).

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the first or second aspect, the load state is stored in the load state storage unit after the operation of the DC / DC converter 1 is stopped (B05 in FIG. 4). , A03).

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to the first or second aspect, the DC / DC converter 1 is a switching power supply, and the input to the control power generation unit 6 constitutes the switching power supply as shown in FIG. The switching power source is driven for a predetermined time before the load state is stored in the load state storage unit, obtained from the drain or collector voltage of the switching element Q1 (see Embodiment 2).

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a load (LED 51) provided at a different position from the input connection portion 21 that receives power input. To 53), and a load state signal (abnormal signal) is output from the input connection unit 21.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the lighting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the signal output unit is a communication means (transceiver 9) as shown in FIG.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the lighting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the storage in the load state storage unit is stored only when the current storage state is different (Embodiment 2). reference).

  The invention according to claim 8 is the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the load state is stored in the load state storage unit when a part of the load is in an open state or a short state. (See # 14, # 15, A03 in FIG. 3).

  The invention of claim 9 is a headlamp equipped with the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 (FIG. 10).

  The invention of claim 10 is a vehicle on which the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the headlamp according to claim 9 is mounted (FIG. 12).

  According to the present invention, load status storage and status output are performed by the lighting device, so that the load status can be notified even when an abnormality occurs in the control unit that controls the lighting device. Moreover, even when the specifications of the power supplied to the lighting device are different, a common lighting device can be used.

It is a block diagram of the vehicle which used the lighting device of Embodiment 1 of this invention for the headlamp. It is a circuit diagram of the lighting device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the lighting device of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the lighting device of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the vehicle which used the lighting device of Embodiment 3 of this invention for the headlamp. It is a circuit diagram of the lighting device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the vehicle which used the lighting device of Embodiment 4 of this invention for the headlamp. It is a circuit diagram of the lighting device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram of the lighting device of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic sectional structure of the vehicle headlamp of Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the circuit board of the headlamp lighting device used for Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the vehicle carrying the lighting device or headlamp of Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the AC / DC conversion part used for the lighting fixture of Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the lighting fixture of Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the vehicle which used the lighting device of the prior art example for the headlamp. It is a circuit diagram of the lighting device of a prior art example. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the lighting device of a prior art example.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a system diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The difference from the conventional example is that the IGN power to the electrical component control ECU 30 is extended to the headlamp lighting devices 20a and 20b, and the abnormality storage means 8a and 8b are provided in the headlamp lighting devices 20a and 20b. As a result, in the conventional example, the abnormality storage means 31 of the electrical component overall control ECU 30 stores the abnormality, but in this embodiment, the abnormality storage means 8a, 8b of the headlamp lighting devices 20a, 20b stores the abnormality. It becomes possible to implement | achieve, and it becomes possible to implement | achieve the functional division | segmentation of the electrical component integrated ECU30.

  Thus, the safety of the vehicle control can be improved by realizing the functional division of the abnormality processing by the headlamp lighting devices 20a, 20b and the electrical component overall ECU 30. In the unlikely event that an abnormality occurs in the abnormality storage unit 31 of the electrical component overall control ECU 30, the abnormality of the headlamp can be notified. In addition, in order to support different wiring for each vehicle model, the storage of abnormal states is not dependent on the input state of a power source other than the LOW beam switch power source (for example, IGN power source), but only according to the LOW beam switch power source and the load state If any power supply other than the LOW beam switch power supply is used, an abnormal state is output if at least one power supply is input. It is possible to output the state, and it is possible to realize a common lighting device that does not depend on the wiring in the vehicle.

  FIG. 2 shows a block circuit diagram of the headlamp lighting device of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a control flow of the control microcomputer 10 of this embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the conventional example, and the description in this embodiment is omitted.

  In FIG. 2, the difference from the conventional example is that an IGN power supply E2 is added to the input to the lighting device, and a power supply input to the control power generation unit 6 is an FET (switching element Q1) that constitutes the DC / DC converter 1. It can be obtained from both of the drain voltage of the IGN and the added IGN power supply E2. In addition, an abnormality storage means 8 is added.

  In the control flow, the difference from the conventional example is that the result of the abnormal state read from the abnormal storage means 8 is output after resetting the microcomputer (A01), and normal determination storage and output after the load abnormality determination is made. (A02) and abnormality confirmation memory and output (A03) are added. Accordingly, the conventional load abnormality signal output (# 17) is deleted.

  By making the power supply input to the control power generation unit 6 into two systems, the RESET of the microcomputer 10 can be realized regardless of which power is turned on, and after the RESET, an abnormal state is first output regardless of other situations. is doing. This makes it possible to immediately output an abnormal state when either of the power supplies is turned on.

  By outputting the abnormal state immediately after RESET, it is possible to output the abnormal state regardless of the power state of the load. Further, by obtaining the control power supply source from the FET drain voltage of the DC / DC converter 1, even when the voltage of the LOW beam switch power supply E1 is low, the rebound voltage when the switching element Q1 is turned off is used. Thus, it is possible to secure power supply. The LOW beam switch power supply is normal up to 6V, and even in that case, the control power supply needs about 10V, so the circuit configuration of this embodiment is used.

  In addition, when only the LOW beam switch is ON, after the abnormal state is output, after starting constant current control, the normality / abnormality of the load is determined according to the load state, and the state is stored and output. Therefore, it is possible to realize storage and output of the abnormal state of the load regardless of the input of the IGN power supply. With this control, the abnormal state can be determined, stored, and output only by the LOW beam switch and the load state, and the state output can be realized even when only the additional power source (IGN power source in this embodiment) is turned on.

  Thus, when the additional power is turned on when the headlamp lighting device needs to notify the vehicle side of the abnormal state, the headlamp lighting device can notify the abnormal state. In other words, even if the power supply from the vehicle side is a + B direct-coupled power source, an IGN power source, or an ACC power source, when the power source is input, it is possible to notify the vehicle side that an abnormal state output is required. It becomes possible. As a result, it is possible to realize a headlamp lighting device capable of reporting an abnormal state regardless of the type of power supply line on the vehicle side.

  When the + B direct power supply is supplied, it is necessary to reduce the current consumption when the engine is not turned on. However, since the lighting control of the abnormal lamp 32 is performed by the electrical component integrated ECU 30, the headlamp The lighting device only outputs a HIGH / LOW signal. For this reason, the current consumption concerning abnormality notification does not become a big problem.

  In order to confirm that the power supply does not drop during abnormal storage, the voltage generated by the control power supply generation unit 6 is estimated from the power supply voltage and the load voltage, and the storage process is performed only when the voltage value is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. By doing this, it is possible to prevent the abnormal storage data from becoming an uncertain value due to RESET or the like during abnormal storage. The control power supply voltage can be estimated from the power supply voltage, the transformer turns ratio of the main circuit, the load voltage value, and the ON / OFF time of the switching element. The voltage applied to the drain of the FET is about several tens of mV determined by the ON resistance of the FET and the flowing current value when the FET is ON, but when the FET is OFF, “power supply voltage value + output voltage value / number of turns of the transformer” Ratio "voltage. For example, even if the power supply voltage is 6V, if the turns ratio is 1: 4 and the output voltage is 30V, the drain voltage when the FET is OFF is 13.5V, which is smoothed. A control power supply can be secured.

  In this embodiment, whether the load is normal or abnormal is determined only by comparing the instantaneous value (average value) of the detected value with a threshold value. However, the control is such that the abnormality is determined only when the abnormality continues for a predetermined time. Needless to say, it is possible to more accurately determine normality / abnormality by adding.

  In this embodiment, the abnormal storage means is described as a storage means (EEPROM or the like) provided outside the microcomputer. However, if the abnormality storage means is built in the microcomputer, the same effect can be obtained by using the storage means built in the microcomputer. It goes without saying that you can get it.

  In the present embodiment, the HIGH / LOW output from the microcomputer is used as the abnormal signal as the abnormal signal, but by using the switch element (transistor or FET), the output voltage is level-shifted to the battery voltage and output. Needless to say, it can be an abnormal signal resistant to noise.

  In this embodiment, the power supply other than the LOW beam switch power supply is described with only one IGN power supply, but the same effect can be obtained when a + B direct-coupled power supply or an ACC power supply is further added thereto. It goes without saying that we can do it.

  In the present embodiment, only the memory of the abnormal state is used as the function of the headlamp lighting device, but it goes without saying that other headlamp functions (blinker, vehicle width lamp, AFS) may be transferred to the headlamp lighting device. Yes. By providing an abnormal state storage function in the headlamp lighting device, the headlamp lighting device can be a highly functional ECU of the front module, and the function can be closed at the headlamp section. It is possible to improve the safety when taking into account the failure of the product control ECU.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a control flow of the microcomputer used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description in the present embodiment is omitted. The configuration of the lighting device is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows, and in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The processing required for abnormal storage (writing and erasing processing of flash memory inside the microcomputer, EEPROM communication processing) places a heavy burden on the microcomputer and requires processing time. For this reason, if the semiconductor light source is turned on, the constant current control (# 04 to # 12) for turning on the semiconductor light source and the fail-safe operation at the time of load abnormality are delayed, the load flickers, and the abnormal stop is not in time. Otherwise, the load or lighting device may be destroyed. Therefore, while performing constant current control, do not perform abnormality storage processing by confirming abnormality and output only, and perform abnormal storage processing after operation stop due to power supply voltage abnormality or operation stop due to load abnormality. I have to. Thereby, stable lighting and circuit and load protection are realized more safely.

  Further, since the input to the control power generation unit 6 is obtained from the drain voltage of the switching element Q1 of the DC / DC converter 1, the drain of the LOW beam switch power supply E1 is low even when the DC / DC converter 1 is operating. The voltage increases by the amount of rebound of the output voltage when the switching element Q1 is OFF. At the time of abnormal storage when the LOW beam switch power supply E1 is cut off, it is necessary to hold the control power supply only with the capacity of the internal capacitor without power supply. Therefore, by storing immediately after the operation is stopped, the abnormal power storage can be started while keeping the control power supply high. As a result, it is possible to prevent an abnormality such that the power supply of the microcomputer is lost during the abnormality storage and the operation is stopped.

  Further, since the semiconductor light source 5 has a plurality of loads connected in series, even when some of the loads cause a short-circuit failure, other loads can be lit. Considering vehicle safety, even if a part of the load is broken, it is safer to keep it on, but it is necessary to inform the driver of the abnormality. In the first embodiment, when the load voltage is higher than 10V, it is determined that the load is normal. However, in this embodiment, even if the load voltage is higher than 10V, it is determined as abnormal if it is 20V or less. Yes. As a result, if a part of the load breaks down and the light distribution characteristics of the headlamp are not satisfied, the headlamp is lit to make the vehicle travel as safe as possible, and the driver is It is realized to notify the abnormalities. This improves driving safety.

  It goes without saying that the threshold voltage described above is changed according to the load and is not limited to the exemplified values. The partial load failure refers to a state in which some of the plurality of load LEDs have failed and there is no problem with lighting control, but the light distribution characteristics of the headlamp cannot be satisfied.

  In order to realize the above processing, the control flow is changed as described below from the first embodiment.

  A branch flow (B01) for detecting a partial short of the load and outputting an abnormal signal is added, and if the load voltage is higher than 10V and lower than 20V, the abnormality is determined and an abnormal signal is output (B04). Add a transition loop. After the flow (B04) processing, only the abnormality is confirmed, and the flow transits to the flow for performing the constant current control again. That is, time-consuming storage processing is not performed here.

  Normal confirmation storage and output (A02) are changed to normal confirmation and output (B02). Time-consuming storage processing is not performed here.

  After the operation stop process (# 16) due to power supply voltage abnormality (# 13), a flow (B03) for storing abnormality is added.

  When a load voltage abnormality and a load current abnormality are confirmed, a flow (B05) for immediately stopping the operation is added, and then the flow is changed to a flow (A03) for performing abnormality confirmation storage and output. . Thereby, the control for obtaining the above-described effect is realized.

  In this embodiment, the power supply is ensured by performing the abnormal storage process immediately after the power is turned off and immediately after the operation is stopped due to the load abnormality confirmation. However, since securing of the control power supply can be realized by outputting several tens of pulses, it goes without saying that securing of the control power supply can also be realized by operating for several tens of pulses before abnormal storage. In other words, even if the operation is once stopped, it is possible to prevent an abnormality such as a shortage of power during writing by adding a control for outputting several tens of pulses before storing the state (claim 4).

  In addition, in the case of a load short-circuit abnormality, an output voltage is not generated and it is difficult to secure a control power supply. Therefore, a switch that opens the load (connects a resistor in series with the load) is provided on the secondary side of the DC / DC converter. By increasing the load voltage, it is possible to ensure the control power supply.

  The storage of the abnormality is for outputting an abnormal state at the next operation (for example, when only the IGN power supply E2 is ON) after all the power supplies are turned off. For this reason, when the content currently stored and the content stored this time are the same, there is no need to store the content again. As described above, it takes time to store the abnormality using the EEPROM, and the number of times of storage is limited. Therefore, by performing the abnormal storage process only when the currently stored content is different from the content stored this time, it is possible to delete unnecessary processing and reduce the storage capacity (number of storage times) ( Claim 7).

  Also, in this embodiment, abnormal or normal status output is constantly performed, but since the abnormal lamp is lit by the electrical component overall ECU, the load status output changes at the time of RESET and thereafter Needless to say, it is only necessary to output in the case of failure, and it is possible to reduce the current consumption by reducing the output of the abnormal load state, such as when the output of the abnormal state is output as a HIGH / LOW signal. It becomes. In this embodiment, an IGN power source is obtained. However, when a + B direct-coupled power source is obtained, etc., it is necessary to reduce the current consumption. Therefore, the use of the above control makes it easy to reduce the current consumption.

  Further, in this embodiment, a partial load failure is described as a case where the load is connected in series and a part thereof is short-circuited, but when the load is connected in parallel and a part thereof is an open failure It goes without saying that the same control can be realized by detecting that the load current decreases.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 shows a system configuration diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. A detailed configuration of the headlamp lighting device is shown in FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description in the present embodiment is omitted.

  In the control flow, since the abnormal state output is only the transmission of the communication process, the illustration is omitted in the present embodiment. In-vehicle communication of this embodiment includes FlexRay, CAN, LIN, and the like, and indicates simultaneous transmission / reception with a plurality of ECUs using respective protocols instead of one-to-one or HIGH / LOW signals. However, since the essence of the present invention is not limited to the communication specifications, a detailed description is omitted.

  Differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The change is that the IGN power supply E2 is changed to a + B direct connection power supply, and the abnormal signal is changed to communication. In order to change the abnormal signal to communication, a transceiver 9 is provided to output abnormal communication.

  Since power supplies other than the LOW beam switch power supply E1 are + B direct-coupled power supplies and the microcomputer 10 is always operating, it is necessary to reduce power consumption (current consumption). The current consumption is reduced by using the abnormal signal as communication. Reduction of current consumption can be realized by increasing the communication interval (for example, every 100 ms or whenever an abnormal state is changed) or using the SLEEP process and the WakeUP process of communication. Further, since the load lighting operation and the load abnormality are detected only when the LOW beam switch power supply E1 is ON, the power consumption (current consumption) increases only when the LOW beam switch power supply E1 is ON. Thus, an abnormality notification can be realized with little increase in current consumption.

  Further, since the microcomputer 10 is always operating, the abnormal state output after RESET is only when the battery is connected, but the flow of A01 is necessary because there are battery removal, poor connector connection, and the like. Further, by leaving the flow of A01, as in the first embodiment, even when the + B direct-coupled power supply becomes an IGN power supply or an ACC power supply, it is possible to obtain an effect that abnormal communication processing can be realized with the same hardware and software. it can.

  If communication, not only the electrical component control ECU but also other ECUs can be notified of the situation at the same time, it is possible to obtain the effect of promptly transmitting the headlight abnormality information to the entire vehicle. Needless to say.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 7 shows a system diagram of this embodiment. A detailed configuration of the headlamp lighting device is shown in FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description in the present embodiment is omitted.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the abnormal signal is changed from a notification signal to the electrical component overall control ECU 30 to a signal for directly driving the abnormal lamp 32. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, an abnormal signal output unit 19 for supplying a current for lighting the abnormal lamp 32 is added, and the abnormal signal is changed to an abnormal signal that draws a current when abnormal.

  By adopting the configuration of the present embodiment, it becomes possible to perform all lighting control of the abnormal lamp 32 with the headlamp lighting device, and further shift the load of the electrical component overall control ECU 30 to the headlamp lighting device side. Is possible. That is, even if the electrical component control ECU 30 is broken, it is possible to notify the driver of an abnormality in the headlamp load, and it is possible to further improve safety.

  In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the current consumption of the headlamp lighting device, the abnormal signal output unit 19 is described as a low-side switch that draws current. However, the same effect can be obtained even when the abnormal lamp 32 is turned on with a high-side switch. Needless to say you can get

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a lighting device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description in the present embodiment is omitted.

  The differences from the first embodiment are as follows. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects are realized.

  The control power generation unit 6 supplies power to the control power generation unit 6 through a diode in order to prevent backflow of the power. However, in the unlikely event that one of the diodes is short-circuited, there is a problem that the power supply goes around to the other power supply input. Therefore, the failure rate is reduced by connecting two diodes in series.

  In addition, constant current control is performed in the control flow # 04 to # 12 of the microcomputer 10, but the comparison calculation of # 11 and the change of the primary current command value of # 12 are compared outside the microcomputer 10. This is implemented by the arithmetic circuit 17. Therefore, the lamp current command value is directly output from the lamp current command value calculation unit 14 of the control flow # 08 to the outside. As a result, the calculation load on the microcomputer 10 is reduced, and the abnormal stop, abnormal storage and output are implemented in real time.

  Further, by using an internal flash memory of the microcomputer 10 as the abnormality storage means 18, the external circuit is reduced and the cost is reduced.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional structure of a vehicle headlamp equipped with the lighting device of the present invention. The front opening of the case 60 in which the LEDs 51, 52, and 53 that are loads are incorporated is covered with a translucent cover 61, and the lighting device 20 of the present invention is mounted on the bottom of the case 60. By mounting the lighting device of the present invention, it is possible to realize a headlamp that achieves the effects described so far.

  By separately providing the input connection portion 21 connected to the power source and the output connection portion 22 connected to the load, it is possible to separate input and output on the circuit board of the lighting device 20 and reduce noise.

  In addition, by providing an abnormality notification signal output to the input connection portion 21, it is possible to share a connector with a power supply line connected to the vehicle side, facilitating wiring of the harness in the vehicle and the lamp. Yes.

  In addition, the headlamp lighting device 20 occupies a part of the exterior of the headlamp, the input connection portion 21 is located outside the headlamp, and the output connection portion 22 is located inside the headlamp. Thus, wiring of the harness is further facilitated.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the circuit board 23 of the headlamp lighting device. Since the number of pins of the input connection portion 21 is increased, the connection with the circuit board 23 of the lighting device is not arranged in a row, but the mounting of the board is facilitated by arranging the long pins and the short pins alternately in a staggered manner. ing.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 12 shows a headlamp equipped with the lighting device of the present invention and a vehicle equipped with the headlamp. In response to the LOW beam switch power supply E1 interlocked with the headlight switch and the IGN power supply E2 interlocked with the ignition, the passing beams 5a and 5b are controlled to be lit. If there is an abnormality in the load, an abnormality notification signal is output from the lighting devices 20a and 20b. By mounting the lighting device and the headlamp of the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle having the effects described in the above embodiments.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 13 shows an example of the AC / DC converter 25 for connecting the lighting device to an AC power source. The input capacitor C, the filter coil Tf, the inductor Lf, and the capacitor Cf constitute a low-pass filter for removing switching noise. The AC power source Vs is full-wave rectified by the diode bridge DB, and the pulsating voltage obtained in the capacitor C2 is smoothed by a boost chopper circuit including an inductor L1, a switching element Q2, a diode D2, and a smoothing capacitor C3 to obtain a DC power source. . Thereby, the lighting device connectable to the AC power source can be realized.

  The LED lighting fixture (FIG. 14) in the case of connecting to AC power supply implement | achieved using the above-mentioned AC / DC conversion part 25 is shown. The LED module 50 is a module in which a plurality of LEDs are connected in series or in parallel. The instrument main body 27 includes an AC / DC converter 25 and an LED lighting device 20. By using the lighting device of the present invention, it is possible to realize a safe lighting fixture without destroying the light source and the lighting device.

  In the present embodiment, the AC / DC converter 25 is a step-up chopper, but it may be composed of a diode bridge and a capacitor. Moreover, although the DC / DC converter 1 of the lighting device has been described using a flyback circuit, any circuit configuration such as a step-up / step-down chopper such as a step-up chopper, a step-down chopper, or an auto transformer or a Cuke circuit may be used. Needless to say.

E1 LOW beam switch power supply E2 IGN power supply 1 DC / DC converter 8 Abnormal memory means 9 Transceiver 10 Microcomputer

Claims (10)

There are multiple power inputs with the same potential in common with the ground,
A DC / DC converter that converts a first power input to an output that requires a load;
A control unit for controlling the DC / DC converter;
A signal output unit that informs the load status to the outside;
A state storage unit for storing a load state;
The state storage unit stores the load state according to the state of the first power input and the load regardless of the power state other than the first power input,
The lighting device characterized in that the signal output unit outputs a load state signal when at least a first power input and / or another power input is input. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the load state signal is output before the operation of the DC / DC converter is started. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the load state is stored in the load state storage unit after the operation of the DC / DC converter is stopped. The DC / DC converter is a switching power supply, and the input to the control power supply unit is obtained from the drain or collector voltage of the switching element constituting the switching power supply, and the switching is performed before storing the load state in the load state storage unit. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is driven for a predetermined time. 5. An input connection portion for receiving a power input and an output connection portion connected to a load provided at a different position, wherein the load state signal is output from the input connection portion. Lighting device. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit is a communication unit. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the storage in the load state storage unit is stored only when different from the current storage state. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the load state is stored in the load state storage unit when a part of the load is in an open state or a short state. A headlamp equipped with the lighting device according to claim 1. A vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to claim 1 or the headlamp according to claim 9.

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