JP2014094589A - Vehicle lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology that may be a deterrent against a deed of diverting a thieved lighting device to other vehicle.SOLUTION: A lighting device 5 to be installed in a vehicle includes: a housing 51 that defines a lamp chamber 52; and a transparent cover 53. A first light source 54 is disposed in the lamp chamber 52. A control unit 57 controls at least a lighting or extinguishing action of the first light source. A control unit 57 stores vehicle information which is acquired from the vehicle, in a memory unit 58. The control unit 57 compares vehicle information which is newly acquired from the vehicle at a predetermined timing, with the vehicle information stored in the memory unit 58, and ceases at least part of functions thereof according to a difference between them.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device mounted on a vehicle.

  As this type of lighting device, there is known a lighting device provided with a control unit for controlling various operations of the light source in addition to the light source disposed in the lamp chamber defined by the housing and the translucent cover (for example, Patent Document 1). The control unit is communicably connected to an integrated control unit (so-called ECU) mounted at a position different from the lighting device in the vehicle, and is configured to be able to execute a part of control processing conventionally performed by the integrated control unit. Yes.

Japanese Patent No. 4356935

  Various anti-theft devices have been proposed to protect in-vehicle components including lighting devices from theft. However, there is a malicious thief who steals and disassembles the vehicle itself and sells various in-vehicle parts. For example, the lighting device removed from the stolen vehicle is used by being mounted on another vehicle prepared in advance. Prior to such an action, the function of the anti-theft device is also disabled.

  Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide the technique which can become the deterrent with respect to the act which diverts the stolen lighting device to another vehicle.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is an illumination device mounted on a vehicle,
A housing and a translucent cover that define the lamp chamber;
At least one first light source disposed in the lamp chamber;
A control unit that is at least partially disposed in the lamp chamber and controls at least a lighting operation of the first light source;
A storage unit,
The controller is
Store the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle side in the storage unit,
Compare the vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle side at a predetermined timing with the vehicle information stored in the storage unit,
According to a difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit, at least a part of the function is stopped.

  If there is a certain difference between the vehicle information acquired from the previous vehicle side and stored in the storage unit and the vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle side, the lighting device is removed from the vehicle by theft, There is a high probability that it has been changed to another vehicle. According to said structure, a control part stops a function in such a case, and it can make a 1st light source on / off operation impossible.

  Thereby, it is prohibited to replace the stolen lighting device with another vehicle and continue to use it. If it is appropriately known that the lighting device according to the present invention has such a function, it is possible to lose the willingness to steal the lighting device, which can be a deterrent against theft.

The first light source is disposed in the lamp chamber based on legal definition duties,
At least one second light source disposed in the lamp chamber;
A light distribution control unit capable of controlling a light distribution state of at least one of the first light source and the second light source;
The control unit may be configured to stop the function of controlling at least one of the second light source and the light distribution control unit according to the difference.

  According to such a configuration, the first light source equipped based on the legal definition duties can operate, and the second light source and the light distribution control unit that are equipped mainly for the purpose of improving added value, Can be inoperable.

  As a result, the lighting device can be continuously used in a state where the minimum traveling safety is ensured. However, there is a high probability that the theft is performed aiming at a high value-added function of the lighting device. If it is well known that the lighting device that has been stolen can no longer exhibit such a function, the willingness to steal the lighting device can be lost, which can be a deterrent against theft.

  Here, the control unit may be configured to further output a signal for blinking at least one of the first light source and a display mounted inside the vehicle.

  According to such a configuration, the display unit and the first light source are always blinked as long as the use of the lighting device that has been stolen is continued to be used, and the driver feels a great annoyance. Thereby, it is possible to give up the continued use of the lighting device that has been stolen. Further, if it is appropriately known that the lighting device has such a function, the willingness to steal the lighting device can be lost, which can be a deterrent against theft.

  The vehicle information may be at least one of information indicating a cumulative travel distance of the vehicle, information indicating a cumulative number of times that the ignition power is turned on to the vehicle, and information for identifying a vehicle key. Since these pieces of information are already used in the vehicle, the above determination process can be performed without particularly introducing a new configuration.

  The control unit may be configured to overwrite the vehicle information stored in the storage unit with the newly acquired vehicle information. In particular, when using as vehicle information information indicating the cumulative mileage of the vehicle and information indicating the cumulative number of times the ignition power is turned on for the vehicle, the vehicle information stored in the storage unit is updated for each determination process. The presence or absence of theft can be determined more accurately.

It is a figure showing typically composition of a control system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the headlamp which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a 1st light source, a 2nd light source, and a light distribution control part. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a control part performs.

  The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each member a recognizable size.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of a vehicle 2 on which a control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. The control system 1 includes an integrated control unit 3, a right headlamp 5 </ b> R, a left headlamp 5 </ b> L, a display 6, an odometer 7, an ignition switch 8, and a key authentication device 9.

  The integrated control unit 3 includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores various control programs, a RAM that is used as a work area for data storage and program execution, and executes various controls in the vehicle 2. .

  The right headlamp 5R is mounted on the right side of the front portion of the vehicle 2, and the left headlamp 5L is mounted on the left side of the front portion of the vehicle 2. In the following description, the right headlamp 5R and the left headlamp 5L are collectively referred to as “headlamp 5” as necessary.

  The indicator 6 is disposed around the instrument of the driver's seat inside the vehicle 2. The display device 6 is communicably connected to the integrated control unit 3 and can be turned on and off according to a control signal output from the integrated control unit 3.

  The odometer 7 counts the cumulative travel distance of the vehicle 2 based on the output of a rotation sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the wheels. The odometer 7 is communicably connected to the integrated control unit 3 and is capable of transmitting information indicating the counted cumulative mileage to the integrated control unit 3.

  The ignition switch 8 is a switch disposed inside the vehicle 2 that is operated when starting the engine. The ignition switch 8 is communicably connected to the integrated control unit 3. When a predetermined operation is performed by the driver, the ignition power is turned on, and the ignition switch 8 outputs an activation signal to the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 starts an engine (not shown) in response to the start signal.

  The key authentication device 9 is a device that can perform non-contact communication with an IC chip built in a key owned by the owner of the vehicle 2. The key authentication device 9 is communicably connected to the integrated control unit 3. The key authentication device 9 acquires the identification information stored in the IC chip of the key by non-contact communication and transmits the identification information to the integrated control unit 3. The identification information is stored in advance in a memory included in the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 collates the identification information transmitted from the key authentication device 9 with the identification information stored in the memory. If it is determined that the two match, the integrated control unit 3 performs a predetermined operation such as unlocking the door.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the headlamp 5 as the illumination device of the present invention. The headlamp 5 is a lamp for illuminating the front of the vehicle 2. The headlamp 5 includes a housing 51 and a translucent cover 53 that is attached to the housing 51 and defines a lamp chamber 52. The headlamp 5 further includes a first light source 54, a second light source 55, a light distribution control unit 56, a control unit 57, and a storage unit 58.

  The 1st light source 54 is a light source arrange | positioned inside the lamp chamber 52 based on legal definition duties. As shown in FIG. 3, the first light source 54 includes, for example, a low beam light source 54a, a high beam light source 54b, a clearance light source 54c, and a direction indicating light source 54d.

  The low beam light source 54 a is a light source for forming a low beam light distribution pattern for illuminating the front of the vehicle 2 at a short distance. The high beam light source 54b is a light source for forming a high beam light distribution pattern that can illuminate the vehicle 2 up to a long distance in front. The clearance light source 54c is a light source used for a so-called vehicle width lamp for indicating the position of the outermost end when the vehicle 2 turns. The direction-indicating light source 54d is a light source used for a direction-indicating lamp that blinks when the vehicle 2 changes its course, such as turning left or right or changing lanes.

  The second light source 55 is not required to be equipped by legal definition, and is a light source disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 for the purpose of improving the added value of realizing a safer and more comfortable driving state. As shown in a specific example in FIG. 3, the second light source 55 includes, for example, a cornering light source 55a and a marking light source 55b.

  The cornering light source 55a is a light source used for a cornering light that is temporarily turned on in conjunction with the direction indicator lamp when turning right or left and illuminates the traveling direction of the vehicle 2. The light source 55b for marking light is a light source used for a marking light that temporarily spot-illuminates a pedestrian detected on the road shoulder by an in-vehicle camera.

  The headlamp 5 includes a daytime lighting light source 54e. The daytime lighting light source 54e is a light source that is lit in the daytime to notify the oncoming vehicle or pedestrian of the presence of the host vehicle. Since daytime lighting is obligated by regulations according to the region, the daylighting light source 54e belongs to either the first light source 54 or the second light source 55 depending on the region.

  The light distribution control unit 56 is connected to the first light source 54 and the second light source 55, and is configured to be able to control these light distribution states. Here, the term “connection” includes both mechanical connection and communicable connection. As shown in a specific example in FIG. 3, the light distribution control unit 56 includes a swivel mechanism 56a and a non-illumination region forming unit 56b.

  The swivel mechanism 56 a includes an actuator that changes the direction of at least one of the optical axes of the low beam light source 54 a, the high beam light source 54 b, and the marking light light source 55 b according to the steering direction of the vehicle 2, for example. By appropriately operating the swivel mechanism 56a, the position of the light distribution pattern formed by these light sources with respect to the vehicle 2 can be controlled.

  The non-illumination area forming unit 56b includes an actuator that changes the position or posture of a shade disposed in front of the high beam light source 54b, for example. By appropriately operating the actuator, the non-illuminated region is set in the high beam distribution pattern by switching between the low beam distribution pattern and the high beam distribution pattern or by blocking a part of the light emitted from the high beam light source 54b. Or can be formed.

  In the configuration in which the high beam light source 54b is formed by arranging a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements in an array, the non-illumination region forming unit 56b includes a circuit for turning on and off the individual semiconductor light emitting elements. By turning off at least one of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, a non-illuminated region can be formed in the high beam light distribution pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the integrated control unit 3 is communicably connected to the control unit 57. The control unit 57 is at least partially disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 and is connected to the first light source 54, the second light source 55, and the light distribution control unit 56 so as to communicate with each other. The integrated control unit 3 is mounted at a position different from the headlamp 5 in the vehicle 2.

  The control unit 57 includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores various control programs, a RAM that is used as a work area for data storage and program execution, and the like. The control unit 57 performs various controls regarding the first light source 54, the second light source 55, and the light distribution control unit 56 based on the control signal transmitted from the integrated control unit 3. Specifically, the lighting / light-out operation and the light intensity adjustment operation of the first light source 54, the lighting / light-out operation and the light intensity adjustment operation of the second light source 55, and the operation of the light distribution control unit 56 are controlled.

  The storage unit 58 is communicably connected to the control unit 57. The storage unit 58 may be configured as part of a RAM included in the control unit 57. The control unit 57 is configured to be able to store the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle-side integrated control unit 3 in the storage unit 58.

  Here, the vehicle information includes at least one of information indicating the cumulative travel distance of the vehicle 2, information indicating the cumulative number of times the ignition power is turned on to the vehicle 2, and information for identifying the key of the vehicle 2. The information indicating the accumulated mileage is information indicating the accumulated mileage transmitted from the odometer 7 to the integrated control unit 3. The information indicating the cumulative number of times the ignition power is turned on is information obtained by the integrated control unit 3 counting the number of times the engine start signal is output from the ignition switch 8 to the integrated control unit 3. The information for identifying the key of the vehicle 2 is identification information stored in the integrated control unit 3 for use in key authentication by the key authentication device 9.

  Next, processing performed by the control unit 57 to prevent the theft of the headlamp 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the ignition switch 8 is operated and the ignition power is turned on, power is supplied to the control unit 57. The control unit 57 executes the anti-theft process shown in FIG. 4 when the power is initially supplied.

  The control unit 57 transmits an inquiry signal to the integrated control unit 3. The integrated control unit 3 transmits vehicle information to the control unit 57 as a response to the inquiry signal. By receiving the transmitted vehicle information, the control unit 57 newly acquires vehicle information (step S1).

  Next, the control unit 57 compares the vehicle information newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 with the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 (step S2), and determines whether there is a difference between the two (step S3). ).

  When the cumulative travel distance or the number of times the ignition power is turned on is used as the vehicle information, the cumulative travel distance or the cumulative power-on count value newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3, the cumulative travel distance stored in the storage unit 58, or The cumulative power-on count value is compared to determine whether the difference is less than a predetermined value.

  When key identification information is used as vehicle information, it is determined whether the identification information newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 matches the identification information stored in the storage unit 58.

  When it is determined that the difference is less than the predetermined value, or when the identification information matches (Yes in step S3), the control unit 57 determines that there is no particular problem with the use of the headlamp 5. Then, predetermined control is performed on the first light source 54, the second light source 55, and the light distribution control unit 56 (step S4).

  The control unit 57 stores the vehicle information acquired from the integrated control unit 3 for the above determination process in the storage unit 58 (step S5). In other words, the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 at the time of execution of the determination process is overwritten with the vehicle information newly acquired from the integrated control unit 3 for the determination process.

  In the above determination process, when it is determined that the difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, or when the discrepancy of the identification information is confirmed (No in step S3), the control unit 57 causes the headlamp 5 to be stolen. Finally, it is determined that the vehicle has been remounted on another vehicle, and a function stop process described later is executed (step S6).

  The vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 is acquired from the integrated control unit 3 of the vehicle 2 by the previous vehicle information acquisition process. The accumulated mileage or accumulated power-on count value indicated by the vehicle information acquired from the integrated control unit 3 this time is extremely larger than the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58, or smaller than the previous value. In this case, it is highly likely that the headlight 5 was removed from the vehicle by theft and replaced with another vehicle between the previous and current vehicle information acquisition. The same applies to the case where the key identification information acquired from the integrated control unit 3 this time does not match the identification information stored in the storage unit 58.

  Based on such a determination according to the difference, the control unit 57 performs a process of stopping the function of controlling the first light source 54, the second light source 55, and the light distribution control unit 56 that the control unit 57 has. That is, it becomes impossible to turn on and off various light sources of the headlamp 5 and to perform light distribution control.

  Thereby, it is prohibited to replace the stolen headlamp 5 with another vehicle and continue to use it. If it is well known that the headlamp 5 has such a function, the willingness to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, and it can be a deterrent against theft.

  The reason why the difference regarding the cumulative travel distance and the cumulative power-on count is given a certain range is that the headlamp 5 may be temporarily removed from the vehicle 2 for reasons such as repair. is there. As a result, when the headlamp 5 that has been repaired and remounted on the vehicle 2 performs the vehicle information acquisition process next time, the function stop process is executed based on the difference between the values generated during the repair. Can be prevented.

  As another example of the function stop processing, a part of the control function of the control unit 57 can be stopped. Specifically, the function of controlling at least one of the second light source 55 and the light distribution control unit 56 is stopped. That is, the first light source 54 that is equipped based on the legal definition duties can be operated, and the second light source 55 and the light distribution control unit 56 that are equipped mainly for the purpose of improving added value are inoperable. To do.

  As a result, the headlamp 5 can be continuously used in a state in which the minimum traveling safety is ensured. However, there is a high probability that theft is performed aiming at a function with high added value that the headlamp 5 has. If it is well known that the headlight 5 that has been stolen can no longer perform such a function, the willingness to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, which can be a deterrent against theft. .

  Thus, in the structure which stops a part of control function which the control part 57 has, it is good also as a structure from which the control part 57 outputs the control signal which blinks at least one of the 1st light source 54 and the indicator 6 further.

  Specifically, a signal instructing blinking of the display 6 is transmitted from the control unit 57 to the integrated control unit 3. When the integrated control unit 3 receives the signal, the integrated control unit 3 outputs a control signal for blinking the display unit 6 to the display unit 6. In addition to or instead of this, a signal for blinking, for example, the clearance light source 54c and the daytime lighting light source 54e among the first light sources 54 is output from the control unit 57.

  Therefore, as long as the use of the headlamp 5 that has been stolen is continued to be used, the display unit 6 and the first light source 54 always flash, and the driver feels a lot of trouble. Thereby, the continuous use of the headlamp 5 that has been stolen can be abandoned. Moreover, if the headlamp 5 is appropriately known to have such a function, the willingness to steal the headlamp 5 can be lost, which can be a deterrent against theft.

  The above embodiment is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it is obvious that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

  The timing at which the control unit 57 acquires vehicle information from the integrated control unit 3 is not limited to when the ignition power is initially turned on.

  For example, the control unit 57 may periodically make an inquiry to the integrated control unit 3 to acquire vehicle information while the ignition power is being supplied, that is, during operation. In this case, since the difference between the vehicle information grasped by the integrated control unit 3 and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 58 can be reduced, it is possible to more accurately determine the presence or absence of theft. . Moreover, when the vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle or the like, the control unit 57 may make an inquiry to the integrated control unit 3 using the power supplied during charging to acquire vehicle information.

  The lighting device of the present invention is not limited to the headlamp 5 including all of the first light source 54, the second light source 55, and the light distribution control unit 56 shown in FIG. The present invention can be applied to any lighting device having a configuration in which at least one light source belonging to the first light source 54 is disposed inside the lamp chamber 52 and is controlled by the control unit 57.

  The 1st light source 54 does not necessarily need to be arrange | positioned inside the lamp chamber 52 based on legal definition duties. This can also be defined as a light source indispensable for ensuring the function as a lighting device (lamp).

  1: control system, 2: vehicle, 3: integrated control unit, 5: headlight, 6: indicator, 7: odometer, 8: ignition switch, 9: key authentication device, 51: housing, 52: light Chamber, 53: translucent cover, 54: first light source, 55: second light source, 56: light distribution control unit, 57: control unit, 58: storage unit

Claims (5)

A lighting device mounted on a vehicle,
A housing and a translucent cover that define the lamp chamber;
At least one first light source disposed in the lamp chamber;
A control unit that is at least partially disposed in the lamp chamber and controls at least a lighting operation of the first light source;
A storage unit,
The controller is
Store the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle side in the storage unit,
Compare the vehicle information newly acquired from the vehicle side at a predetermined timing with the vehicle information stored in the storage unit,
A lighting device configured to stop at least a part of the function according to a difference between the newly acquired vehicle information and the vehicle information stored in the storage unit. The first light source is disposed in the lamp chamber based on legal definition duties,
At least one second light source disposed in the lamp chamber;
A light distribution control unit capable of controlling a light distribution state of at least one of the first light source and the second light source;
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to stop a function of controlling at least one of the second light source and the light distribution control unit according to the difference.   The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to further output a signal for blinking at least one of the first light source and a display mounted inside the vehicle.   4. The vehicle information according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle information is at least one of information indicating a cumulative mileage of the vehicle, information indicating a cumulative number of times the ignition power is turned on to the vehicle, and information for identifying a vehicle key. The lighting device according to claim 1.   The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to overwrite vehicle information stored in the storage unit with the newly acquired vehicle information.

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