JP2015174571A - Parallel operation device for hazard light - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a driver to quickly and easily carry out a hazard light blinking operation, even during a driving while securing traffic safety.SOLUTION: A parallel operation device 1 for hazard lights controls hazard lights 71 to 74 to be lit or unlit by the on/off of a relay 60. An additional controller 2 provided in the device 1 is fixed near a driver seat of a vehicle to output operation instruction signals corresponding to an operation of a driver. A hazard light drive unit 3 is connected by a cable to a light ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 40 electrically in parallel with respect to a signal line SL connecting the on-vehicle light ECU and the relay, and supplies operation power to the relay corresponding to the operation instruction signals. While the operation power is being supplied from the hazard light drive unit 3 corresponding to the operation instruction signals from the controller 2, the relay alternately repeats the on an off in a prescribed interval to blink the hazard lights.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hazard lamp parallel operation device that causes a hazard lamp to blink and extinguish with an additional controller other than a genuine hazard switch that is standard equipment in an automobile.

There are practices that have become common practice among drivers driving cars.
An example of this is performing a blinking hazard lamp that is normally used to notify that the vehicle is stopped.
Although such actions (hereinafter referred to as “running hazard flashes”) are not at the national level, they are customarily performed among drivers in some parts of the country (for example, the Kanto and Chubu regions). ing.

The above-mentioned hazard flashing during travel informs the following vehicle that deceleration or emergency stop is necessary when there is a traffic jam ahead, or gives attention to a failed vehicle, fallen object, passing emergency vehicle, etc. To be encouraged.
Also, the hazard blinking during driving is often performed to express appreciation for the favor of the other party when the vehicle is handed over from the following vehicle at the time of merging or congestion. In this way, the flashing hazard blink for showing thanks to the following vehicle is called “thank you hazard”. Thank You Hazard sends a signal by flashing the hazard lamp several times.

The above hazard blinking during driving is intended to communicate with and communicate with surrounding drivers, to relieve the unpleasant image of the driver of the following vehicle and to raise the safety awareness of the driver of the following vehicle. Is also connected.
Driving in heavy traffic is very stressful to the driver, and in recent years there have been cases where it has evolved from trivial troubles to incidents.
In view of such circumstances, it is considered that signs for the following vehicles by hazard lamps such as Thank You hazards also play a role in improving traffic safety and traffic manners from the viewpoint of preventing accidents and preventing troubles.

“Hazard lamp flashing” is performed by “flashing all turn signal lamps all at once” equipped on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle by pressing the driver's button. Various techniques have been considered as techniques for improving the function of such a hazard lamp (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
In particular, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been devised so that the operation can be switched between a normal hazard lamp blinking operation and a hazard lamp blinking operation simulating “thank you hazard”. This operation switching is realized by improving a genuine hazard switch that is provided as standard in an automobile.

JP 2008-280008 A JP 2011-213289 A

As shown in FIG. 23, an instrument panel 91 made of synthetic resin is usually arranged in the vehicle width direction in front of the front seat of an automobile, and instruments and passenger-side airbags (not shown) are arranged on the panel 91. Etc. are installed.
A steering wheel 92 is assembled to the vehicle body via a steering column (not shown) on the driver seat side of the instrument panel 91.

The genuine hazard switch 50 is a switch for blinking / extinguishing the hazard lamp.
Most of the genuine hazard switches 50 that are standard equipment for automobiles are arranged near the center of the instrument panel 91 in consideration of the case of operating from the passenger seat. In the example of FIG. 23, a liquid crystal display device 93 that can display an image output from a DVD playback device, a car navigation system, or the like is also provided.

As described above, the genuine hazard switch 50 is usually disposed near the center of the instrument panel 91. Therefore, it is often difficult for the driver to reach the genuine hazard switch 50 even if the driver extends his hand while sitting on the driver's seat.
In particular, when driving a car, the driver concentrates on driving and often looks straight ahead. For this reason, the driver's field of view often deviates from the vicinity of the center of the instrument panel 91, and the position of the genuine hazard switch 50 is difficult to grasp.
However, when the hazard blinks during driving, the driver must turn his / her eyes from the front momentarily in order to confirm the position of the genuine hazard switch 50 even though the driver is driving.

Further, the genuine hazard switch 50 shown in FIG. 23 is a push-button type that holds the pressed state when the button is pressed, and is a position holding type (alternate type) that is turned on and off every time the button is pressed. Is the mainstream.
Therefore, if the genuine hazard switch 50 is operated only once, the switch 50 remains pressed and the hazard lamp continues to flash. Therefore, in order to turn off the hazard lamp, a button return operation (re-depressing the switch 50) for returning the pushed genuine hazard switch 50 back to the off state is also required.
Thus, considering that there are not a few cases in which the driver operates the genuine hazard switch 50 even during driving, there is a potential need for a hazard switch that can be easily operated from the driver's seat.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables a driver to quickly and easily perform a hazard lamp blinking operation while ensuring traffic safety even while driving a car. Objective.

[First invention]
Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the first invention of the present application,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
A signal line connecting a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the automobile and the relay is a unit electrically connected in parallel with the lamp ECU, and is used as an operation instruction signal for the hazard lamp. A hazard lamp drive unit for supplying operating power to the relay in response,

When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeats on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval It was.

According to the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the first aspect of the invention, an additional controller for turning on / off the hazard lamp is added to the driver's hand (near the driver's seat of the car) separately from the genuine hazard switch so that the driver can easily reach it. (See FIG. 2).
Therefore, unlike the operation of the genuine hazard switch 50 near the center of the instrument panel 91, the driver does not have to turn his eyes, and the hazard lamp blinks while ensuring the safety of the driving operation even while driving the car. Can be operated quickly and easily.

Originally, a genuine hazard switch is standard equipment on automobiles, so installing this parallel operation device that controls blinking of the hazard lamp is a double equipment, and at first glance seems to be redundant. However, in the present invention, in addition to the genuine hazard switch 50, “duplication of the hazard blinking control system” can be achieved by installing another additional controller 2 (see FIG. 2).
In this way, even if a genuine hazard switch breaks down, the hazard lamp parallel operation device of the present invention, which forms a standby system for the hazard control mechanism, can drive the hazard lamp to blink, ensuring high safety even in the event of a failure. it can.

24, as shown in FIG. 24, a lamp ECU 40 that performs opening / closing control (that is, on / off control) of the relay 60 in accordance with the operation of the genuine hazard switch 50 is provided as a standard. The “hazard lamp driving unit” is electrically connected in parallel to the ECU 40 (see FIG. 1).
Therefore, separately from the relay control by the genuine hazard switch 50, the opening and closing of the relay 60 can be controlled independently from the hazard lamp drive unit 3 according to the present invention.

In addition, by installing the additional controller 2 (FIG. 2), the hazard lamp switch mechanism is physically two, so that the use frequency of the genuine hazard switch 50 can be reduced and the consumption of parts of the switch 50 can be suppressed. Become.
Furthermore, an additional function unique to the present invention that cannot be achieved by the genuine hazard switch 50 (for example, a “thank-you hazard function” that automatically turns off after a predetermined number of blinks of the hazard lamp) can be provided by adding a hazard lamp parallel operation device. .

Furthermore, in the present invention, consideration is also given for facilitating the work of wiring connection of the hazard lamp drive unit 3.
The lamp ECU 40 and the relay 60 mounted on the vehicle are connected to each other by a signal line SL (see FIG. 5A). Here, in the wiring for automobiles, it is common to handle a plurality of signal wires as a bundled part (wire harness), and a multi-core connector is attached to both ends of the wire harness for easy attachment / detachment. Installed. The signal line SL is also a wire harness in which connectors of a predetermined shape suitable for the vehicle type are attached to both ends.
Therefore, in the present invention, a wire harness (hereinafter referred to as “unit extension line”) for connecting the hazard lamp drive unit to the signal line SL is prepared in advance. The unit extension line UL has connectors that match the connector shape of the signal line SL at both ends. Then, so as to interrupt the unit expansion line UL between the connector and relay connector C _R signal line SL, and connecting the connector (see FIG. 5 (C)).
In this manner, the addition of the present apparatus can be completed only by wiring work by simply attaching / detaching the connector to / from the relay 60 mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the installation of the hazard lamp parallel operation device can be completed easily and in a short time without cutting the wiring of other electrical components equipped in the automobile or making complicated connections.
Furthermore, because of the simplicity of the installation work, even a user who is not familiar with the electrical equipment of the car can perform the work of adding this apparatus, so that the user base can be expected to expand.

  The "relay" is a mechanical relay that moves the contact point of the relay switch by the excitation of an electromagnet, an electrical relay that uses a large-capacity capacitor (for example, an electrolytic capacitor), and a semiconductor element such as a thyristor. Any electronic relay can be used.

In addition, the above-mentioned “wireless output” method using an expansion controller uses either “infrared light”, which has the lowest frequency among light, or “radio waves” (electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 3 million MHz or less as defined in the Radio Law), which is lower in frequency than infrared light. You may choose.
In the case of radio output by radio waves, any frequency band can be adopted, but it is desirable to select the 2.45 GHz band that is approved for use without a radio station license in Japan.
When wirelessly outputting by infrared rays, a series of codes composed of a combination of a custom code (or device code) and a data code is transmitted as a signal. The custom code (or device code) is a code for uniquely identifying the instruction lamp target hazard lamp drive unit 3, and the data code is a code for designating the operation content to be instructed.
When selecting an output method, it is necessary to keep in mind that radio signals are easily affected by obstacles because radio waves have no directivity but infrared rays have high directivity.

[Second invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the second invention of the present application,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
The hazard controller is wired and connected in parallel to the lamp ECU with respect to a signal line connecting a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the automobile and the relay. A hazard lamp drive unit that supplies operating power to the relay in response to the operation instruction signal of

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeats on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval It was.

The second invention is different from the first invention in which the operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp is wirelessly output in that the extension controller is “wired connected” to the hazard lamp driving unit (see FIG. 10).
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the second invention also has the technical features corresponding to the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the first invention, so that the same effect as the first invention can be obtained.

[Third invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the third invention of the present application,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,
An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
The signal line connecting the genuine hazard switch mounted on the automobile and the relay is a unit electrically connected in parallel with the genuine hazard switch, and according to the operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit for supplying operating power to the relay,
When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeats on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval It was.

As a recent trend, there are many cases (FIG. 24) in which a computer (lamp ECU 40) is introduced for turning on / off the lights of automobiles in general. In some cases, this control is performed directly from the genuine hazard switch 50 (see FIG. 7).
The hazard lamp parallel operation device of the present invention is not affected by the configuration of the hazard control control system as long as it is connected to the relay 60 so as to be in parallel with the genuine hazard switch control system originally installed in the automobile. It operates as a standby system.
Therefore, according to the third invention, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained by performing the wiring connection as shown in FIG. 7 to the hazard blink control system in which the genuine hazard switch 50 is directly connected to the relay 60 ( Ensuring high safety in the event of a genuine hazard switch failure).

[Fourth Invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the fourth invention of the present application,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,
An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
Wired to the expansion controller and connected to the genuine hazard switch in parallel to the signal line connecting the genuine hazard switch mounted on the automobile and the relay, and the operation instruction of the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit that supplies operating power to the relay in response to a signal,
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeats on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval It was.

The configuration of the fourth invention is realized immediately by simply “wire-connecting” the expansion controller 2 to the hazard lamp drive unit 3 in the configuration of the third invention (FIG. 7).
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the fourth invention also has the technical features corresponding to the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the third invention, so that the same effect as the third invention can be obtained.

[Fifth Invention]
In order to solve the above problem, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the fifth invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any of the first to fourth inventions,
The additional controller is configured to be attached to a steering wheel that is regularly used by a driver when the automobile is operated.

According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the invention, the extension controller 2 is fixedly attached to the steering wheel that is normally used while being held by the driver during driving of the automobile (FIG. 2).
As a result, the driver's flow line (distance to reach the extension controller) becomes extremely short when the extension controller is operated, and the safety of the driving operation is further improved even when the hazard blinks during driving.

[Sixth Invention]
In order to solve the above problems, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the sixth invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The hazard lamp drive unit that stops the supply of the operating power when detecting that the supply time of the operating power to the relay has reached the blinking operation continuous time for blinking the hazard lamp a predetermined number of times,
Only during the supply time of the operating power, the hazard lamp blinks at the same interval by repeating the ON and OFF at the predetermined time interval,
When it is detected that the supply time has reached the flashing operation continuous time, the operation power supply from the hazard lamp drive unit to the relay is interrupted, and the hazard lamp is automatically turned off.

The existing genuine hazard switch 50 (FIG. 23) is a self-holding type that holds the pressed state when the button is pressed. Therefore, in order to realize the thank you sign by manual operation, a series of operations are required in which the hazard lamp blinks several times by turning it on once and then turned off.
However, according to the sixth invention, the button is automatically turned off after the hazard lamp blinks a predetermined number of times by operating the button once with the expansion controller 2. This frees you from unnecessary switch operations to bother turning off the hazard lamps, reducing the operational burden on the driver.

[Seventh Invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the seventh invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the sixth invention,
The hazard lamp drive unit that counts the number of times of operation of the additional controller by the driver performed within a predetermined operation determination time when the operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller,
The hazard lamp drive unit is
(1) When the number of additional controller operations performed within the operation determination time is 1, the operating power is supplied to the relay for the flashing operation continuous time, and the operation power supply time is set to the flashing operation continuous time. After that, the supply of operating power is stopped,
(2) When the number of operations of the expansion controller performed within the operation determination time is 2 or more, the operation power supply to the relay is continued until a new operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller. .

If the hazard blinking function by the hazard lamp parallel operation device of the present invention is limited to the thank you hazard function (a function that automatically turns off after several hazard lamp blinks), the usage scene of the parallel operation device will be extremely limited.
However, according to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the invention, the operation mode of the hazard lamp suitable for the driver's surrounding situation can be selected from the “thank you hazard function” or “normal hazard function” by changing the number of operations of the additional controller.
In addition, the “thank you hazard function” inherent to the hazard lamp parallel operation device and the “normal hazard function” coexist to improve convenience when the driver sends a thank you hazard signal, and the hazard control mechanism is duplicated. Both safety and security can be achieved.
The “normal hazard function” refers to a function that once the hazard lamp blinks, continues to blink until the switch (additional controller) is turned off.

[Eighth Invention]
In order to solve the above problem, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the eighth invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the sixth or seventh invention,
The hazard lamp driving unit is configured to change the number of blinks of the hazard lamp by changing the setting of the blinking operation continuous time according to a manual operation of the driver.

  According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the invention, the blinking operation continuous time during which the supply of operating power is maintained can be set to an arbitrary length, so that the drive period of the relay that opens and closes upon receiving this power supply can be changed. Therefore, the number of blinks of the hazard lamp can be adjusted to an arbitrary number according to the preference of each driver.

[Ninth Invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the ninth invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The hazard lamp drive unit that measures the supply timing and supply stop timing of the operating power corresponding to the blink pattern of the special sign using the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle,
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller, the hazard lamp drive unit is
According to the supply timing of the operating power corresponding to the special sign, the rear lighting operating power for turning on only the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle is supplied to the relay,
According to the operation power supply stop timing corresponding to the special sign, the supply of the rear lighting operation power to the relay is stopped.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, various special signs are sent to the following vehicle by changing various blinking patterns of the turn signal lamps at the rear of the vehicle among all the turn signal lamps installed on the front, rear, left and right sides of the automobile. It becomes possible.
As a result, the communication effect with the driver of the following vehicle is further enhanced, and it is expected that accidents and troubles can be avoided by improving driving manners and alleviating discomfort.
As described above, “flashing of the hazard lamps” is merely one form of the flashing pattern of the turn signal lamps, and indicates that all the turn signal lamps flash simultaneously.

[10th invention]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention provides:
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls lighting or extinguishing of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile,
An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
Wirelessly connected to the expansion controller, wired to a genuine hazard switch that outputs the operation instruction signal, and additionally wired between the battery that supplies driving power to the hazard lamp and the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit,
When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller, or when the operation instruction signal is output from the genuine hazard switch,
In response to these operation instruction signals, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp is turned on at the predetermined time interval. The configuration blinks.

  According to the tenth invention, the hazard lamp drive unit 3A having the same function as the relay 60 provided as standard equipment in the automobile is directly replaced with the relay 60 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). It is possible to save the installation space of the hazard lamp parallel operation device while ensuring the same effect as the first invention and the third invention.

[11th invention]
In order to solve the above-described problem, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention includes:
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls lighting or extinguishing of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile,
An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
A hazard lamp drive unit wired to the hazard lamp and a genuine hazard switch that outputs the operation instruction signal and wired between the hazard lamp and a battery that supplies drive power to the hazard lamp; Prepared,
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller or the genuine hazard switch,
In response to these operation instruction signals, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp is turned on at the predetermined time interval. The configuration blinks.

  Similarly to the tenth invention, the eleventh invention replaces the hazard lamp drive unit having a relay function with the relay, thereby ensuring the same effect as the second invention and the fourth invention, and the hazard lamp parallel operation device. The installation space can be saved.

[Twelfth Invention]
In order to solve the above problems, a hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the twelfth invention of the present application is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the tenth or eleventh invention,
The additional controller is configured to be attached to a steering wheel that is regularly used by a driver when the automobile is operated.

[13th invention]
Moreover, in order to solve said subject, the hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on 13th invention of this application is a hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on either of the 10th-12th invention,
When an operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller, when detecting that the drive power supply time from the battery to the hazard lamp has reached a blinking operation continuous time for blinking the hazard lamp a predetermined number of times, The hazard lamp drive unit for cutting off a connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp,
Only during the driving power supply time, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at the predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp blinks at the same interval,
When it is detected that the drive power supply time has reached the blinking operation continuous time, the drive power supply from the battery to the hazard lamp is interrupted, and the hazard lamp is automatically turned off.

[14th invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the thirteenth aspect,
The hazard lamp drive unit that counts the number of times of operation of the additional controller by the driver performed within a predetermined operation determination time when the operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller,
The hazard lamp drive unit is
(1) When the number of times of operation of the additional controller performed within the operation determination time is 1, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is switched between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval for the blinking operation continuous time. In addition, when the driving power supply time from the battery to the hazard lamp blinks continuously, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is cut off.
(2) When the number of times of operation of the expansion controller performed within the operation determination time is 2 or more, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is predetermined until a new operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller. It was set as the structure switched to conduction | electrical_connection and interruption | blocking by the time interval of.

[15th invention]
In order to solve the above problem, the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the hazard lamp parallel operation device according to the thirteenth or fourteenth invention,
The hazard lamp driving unit is configured to change the number of blinks of the hazard lamp by changing the setting of the blinking operation continuous time according to a manual operation of the driver.

[Sixteenth Invention]
Moreover, in order to solve said subject, the hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on 16th invention of this application is a hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on either of the 10th-15th invention,
The hazard lamp drive unit that measures the supply timing of the drive power corresponding to the blinking pattern of the special sign using the turn signal lamp at the rear of the automobile and the supply stop timing,
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller, the hazard lamp drive unit is
According to the supply timing of the driving power corresponding to the special sign, the connection state between the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle and the battery is conducted,
According to the drive power supply stop timing corresponding to the special sign, the connection state between the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle and the battery is cut off.

According to the twelfth to sixteenth inventions, in the configuration of the tenth or eleventh invention (a configuration in which a hazard lamp driving unit having a function equivalent to this relay is mounted instead of the relay mounted on a vehicle) Effects unique to the fifth to ninth inventions can be realized.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a hazard blink control system when adding the hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the in-vehicle instrument panel periphery when the parallel operation device is expanded. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection form of a hazard lamp drive unit. It is a figure which shows each operation | movement of a relay and a hazard lamp with respect to the operating power supply state to a relay from a hazard lamp drive unit. The wiring procedure of a hazard lamp drive unit is shown, (A) is before removing the connector, (B) is after removing the connector, and (C) is a view after attaching the connector. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the hazard lamp driving unit according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a hazard blink control system when the hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 (1st modification) is expanded. It is a whole block diagram of a hazard blink control system when adding a type of hazard lamp drive unit that can be replaced with a relay, (A) is a block diagram of the first embodiment (second modification), (B) is an embodiment It is a block diagram of 1 (3rd modification). It is a figure which shows the electrical connection form of the hazard lamp drive unit in Embodiment 1 (2nd modification). It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a hazard blink control system when the hazard lamp parallel operation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 is expanded. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the hazard lamp drive unit which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a hazard lamp drive unit at the time of execution of a Thank You hazard function. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the hazard lamp drive unit which concerns on Embodiment 4. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a hazard lamp drive unit at the time of switching between a Thank You hazard function and a normal hazard function. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the hazard lamp drive unit which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of blink count setting information. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the hazard lamp drive unit which concerns on a modification. The connection form of the hazard lamp drive unit which has a special sign blinking function is shown, (A) is parallel connection with lamp ECU, (B) is a figure of parallel connection with a genuine hazard switch. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the hazard lamp drive unit which concerns on a modification. The connection form of the hazard lamp drive unit which has a special sign blinking function is shown, (A) is a coexistence example with a relay, (B) is a figure of the replacement example with a relay. It is a figure which shows the (A) 1st example of arrangement | positioning and (B) 2nd example of arrangement | positioning when an expansion controller is attached to a steering wheel. FIG. 6 shows the attachment of an additional controller to the steering wheel body, in which (A) shows an example in which a storage space is installed in the wheel body, and (B) shows an example in which an attachment base is used. It is a figure which shows the in-vehicle instrument panel periphery in the existing motor vehicle. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the existing hazard lamp control system.

Hereinafter, the hazard lamp parallel operation device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Embodiment 1: Expansion controller (wireless)]
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an example in which the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 is configured by applying “wireless communication technology” to the expansion controller 2.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a hazard blinking control system including the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 is a component added to an automobile. The parallel operation device 1 includes an expansion controller 2 and a hazard lamp drive unit 3 as physically separated components.
In this example, the extension controller 2 and the hazard lamp drive unit 3 are “wirelessly connected” to each other.

On the other hand, all the components (signal line SL, lamp ECU 40, genuine hazard switch 50, relay 60, hazard lamps 71 to 74, battery 80) other than the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 and the unit extension line UL are all originally installed in the automobile. This is a standard component.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 according to the present invention is used by connecting the additional hazard lamp drive unit 3 to the above-described relay 60 mounted on the vehicle in a communicable state via the signal line SL.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 controls lighting or extinguishing of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 installed in the automobile by opening / closing (on / off) of the relay 60 connected to the hazard lamps 71 to 74.
Hereinafter, this content will be described in detail.

The push button employed in the expansion controller 2 is a position holding type (alternate type) in which ON and OFF are reversed each time the button is pressed. The drive power supply of the controller 2 is a battery built in the main body.
The expansion controller 2 wirelessly outputs operation instruction signals for the hazard lamps 71 to 74 to the hazard lamp drive unit 3 in response to a button operation by the driver.
Here, the “operation instruction signal” refers to a signal for instructing the hazard lamp driving device 3 to execute control regarding turning on / off of the hazard lamps 71 to 74.
Since both the expansion controller 2 and the hazard lamp drive unit 3 are mounted in the same vehicle, the wireless output range of the operation instruction signal by the expansion controller 2 may be such that short-range wireless communication of several meters to several tens of meters can be performed.

Further, in the present apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the extension controller 2 is fixed near the driver's seat so that the buttons can be easily operated from the driver's seat. Therefore, the mounting position of the expansion controller 2 is one of the features unique to the present invention, and is greatly different from the mounting position of the genuine hazard switch 50.
In the example of FIG. 2, the steering wheel 92 that is indispensable for the driving operation of the automobile is selected as the mounting position of the extension controller 2 in order to further improve the operability of the extension controller by the driver and the safety during driving. . In this case, the driver can operate the expansion controller 2 without releasing his / her hand from the steering wheel 92.

The hazard lamp drive unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 receives the operation instruction signal that the extension controller 2 outputs wirelessly.
The hazard lamp drive unit 3 supplies operating power to the relay 60 connected by the signal line SL in response to the operation instruction signal. The hazard lamps 71 to 74 are all connected to the same relay 60.

As shown in FIG. 3, the relay 60 includes a relay switch 62 and an on / off control mechanism 61 that controls on / off of the relay switch 62.
The hazard lamps 71 to 74 and the battery 80 are connected via a relay switch 62 by a power supply line (thick line in FIG. 3).
The on / off control mechanism 61 is connected to the hazard lamp drive unit 3 via the unit extension line UL / signal line SL, and is connected to the lamp ECU 40 via the signal line SL. The on / off control mechanism 61 controls on / off of the relay switch 62 at a predetermined time interval T based on the operating power supplied from the hazard lamp drive unit 3.

In this example, an “electric relay” is employed as the relay 60. In this case, the on / off control mechanism 61 includes an electromagnet (not shown), an electrolytic capacitor (not shown), and the like.
When operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit 3, the electrolytic capacitor (not shown) of the on / off control mechanism 61 is charged / discharged, so that the excitation state of the electromagnet (not shown) connected to the capacitor is maintained for a predetermined time. It changes every interval T.
Due to this change in the excitation state, the movable contact of the relay switch 62 repeatedly moves (opens and closes) at a predetermined time interval T, and the relay switch 62 is switched on and off. More specifically, since the electromagnet (not shown) is not excited while the electrolytic capacitor (not shown) is charged, the movable contact is opened and the relay switch 62 is turned off. On the other hand, since the electromagnet is excited when the electrolytic capacitor (not shown) is discharged, the movable contact is closed and the relay switch 62 is turned on.

Further, by switching on / off of the relay switch 62, conduction or interruption between the hazard lamps 71 to 74 and the battery 80 is alternately repeated at predetermined time intervals T (see FIG. 4). As a result, the hazard lamps 71 to 74 periodically blink at the same interval 2T as the opening / closing interval of the relay 60 (opening / closing cycle 2T).
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the blinking cycle of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 is a total of two strokes of “lighting stroke” and “light extinguishing stroke” each having a predetermined time interval T for both the lighting time and the light extinction time (2T per cycle). ).

The “lighting process” is a process in which when the movable contact of the relay switch 62 is closed, the switch 62 is turned on, the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are conducted, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are lit.
The “light-off process” is a process in which the relay switch 62 is turned off when the movable contact is opened, the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are cut off, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are turned off.
In Japan and the United States, the blinking cycle of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 is defined as a constant cycle of 60 to 120 times per minute. Therefore, the laws and regulations are also complied with regarding the on / off operation of the relay switch 62 according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the connection of the hazard lamp drive unit 3 to the signal line SL will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lamp ECU 40 and the relay 60 are connected by a signal line SL, and signals are input and output between the lamp ECU 40 and the relay 60 via the line SL. The signal line SL is a wire harness in which connectors of a predetermined shape suitable for a vehicle type are attached to both ends.
The hazard lamp drive unit 3 is connected to the lamp ECU 40 so as to be in an electrically parallel relationship when wired to the signal line SL.
In this example, a wire harness (unit extension line UL) with connectors that match the connector shape of the signal line SL is used for wiring connection between the hazard lamp drive unit 3 and the signal line SL.

Figure 5 (A), a in the state to start the mounting of the hazard lamp driving unit 3, the connector and relay connector C _R of the signal line SL are engaged with each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), to be attached to the unit expansion line UL, removing the connector of the signal line SL from the relay connector C _R.
And Figure 5 (C), the so as to interrupt the unit expansion line UL between the connector and relay connector C _R of the removed signal line SL, and connecting the respective connectors.
The wiring work associated with the addition of the apparatus 1 is simply the attachment / detachment of a connector to / from the relay 60 mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the mounting of the hazard lamp parallel operation device 3 can be completed easily and in a short time without cutting the wiring of other electrical components mounted on the vehicle or making complicated connections.

The unit 3 is wired so as to be electrically connected to the lamp ECU 40 in parallel. For this reason, there are two control systems for the relay 60: a “genuine hazard switch control system” composed of the genuine hazard switch 50 and the lamp ECU 40, and an “extended controller control system” composed of the expansion controller 2 and the hazard lamp drive unit 3. .
Since these genuine hazard switch control system and extension controller control system are both connected in parallel to the signal line SL, relay control by each system is also performed independently.
Therefore, from the driver's point of view, the hazard lamps 71 to 74 can be blinked from either the expansion controller 2 or the genuine hazard switch 50.

In addition, the fact that the “extension controller control system” is operably attached independently of the genuine hazard switch control system is equivalent to “double the hazard blink control system”.
Therefore, even if the genuine hazard switch 50 or the lamp ECU 40 breaks down, the hazard lamps 71 to 74 can be driven to blink from the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 that forms the standby system of the hazard control mechanism, and high safety can be secured even in the event of a failure. .
As shown in FIG. 7, there may be a case where the genuine hazard switch control system does not necessarily have the lamp ECU 40 and the genuine hazard switch 50 and the relay 60 are directly connected by the signal line SL. In the present invention, even if it is such a genuine hazard switch control system, the safety lamp drive unit 3 is connected in parallel to the same control system, so that high safety is ensured even when the genuine hazard switch 50 fails.

  A lamp ECU 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that is provided as a standard in an automobile and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The lamp ECU 40 is installed in a vehicle such as a headlight (not shown) and a brake lamp (not shown) in addition to the hazard lamps 71 to 74 by loading an application program stored in a ROM or the like into the RAM and executing it. Controls the overall light operation.

  The genuine hazard switch 50 is a position holding type (alternate type) switch that is turned on and off every time it is pressed, and is connected to the lamp ECU 40. When the genuine hazard switch 50 is energized by turning on the driver, the hazard lamps 71 to 74 blink by relay control of the lamp ECU 40.

The battery 80 is a secondary battery that is directly connected to the hazard lamp drive unit 3, the relay 60, and the like by a power supply line (thick line in FIG. 1), and on-vehicle electrical components including these components 3 and 60. Supply power to the whole. The battery 80 is a general battery used for automobile applications. For example, a lead storage battery using lead dioxide for the positive electrode, spongy lead for the negative electrode, and dilute sulfuric acid for the electrolyte can be employed.
Since the blinking of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 indicates that the vehicle is inherently stopped, the blinking function is necessary even when the automobile engine is stopped. Therefore, power is always supplied from the battery 80 to the hazard lamp drive unit 3 and the lamp ECU 40 / genuine hazard switch 50 regardless of the on / off state of the key switch of the automobile (so-called constant power supply).

Next, the electrical configuration of the hazard lamp drive unit 3 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the hazard lamp driving unit 3 includes a receiving unit 31 and a power feeding unit 32.
The receiving unit 31 is a unit that receives an operation instruction signal that is wirelessly output. For the receiving means 31, a weak radio wave receiving unit is used for radio output by radio waves, and an infrared light receiving unit is used for radio output by infrared rays.

The power supply means 32 is means for supplying operating power to the on / off control mechanism 61 of the relay 60 or stopping supply of operating power to the on / off control mechanism 61 based on the operation instruction signal.
The operating power is supplied to the relay 60 via the unit extension line UL and the signal line SL.

Next, the blinking operation of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 by the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 having the above configuration will be described.
Below, the case where the normal hazard lamp blinking function (normal hazard function) which continues blinking operation until the switch (extension controller 2) is turned off once blinking the hazard lamps 71-74 is demonstrated.

During driving of the automobile, the driver reaches for the expansion controller 2 fixed near the driver's seat and presses the button of the controller 2.
Then, an operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller 2 toward the hazard lamp drive unit 3.

When the hazard lamp drive unit 3 receives this operation instruction signal, it supplies operating power to the on / off control mechanism 61 of the relay 60 via the unit extension line UL and the signal line SL.
When operating power is supplied from the unit 3, charging of an electrolytic capacitor (not shown) in the on / off control mechanism 61 is started. Since the electromagnet (not shown) in the on / off control mechanism 61 is not excited during charging of the capacitor, the movable contact of the relay switch 62 remains open and the switch 62 is also in the off state.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 connected via the relay switch 62 are shut off, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are turned off (light-off process).

Thereafter, when charging of the electrolytic capacitor (not shown) is completed, the electric charge stored in the capacitor is discharged. Thereby, an electromagnet (not shown) in the on / off control mechanism 61 is excited, the movable contact of the relay switch 62 is closed, and the switch 62 is turned on.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the battery 80 connected via the relay switch 62 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are conducted, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are lit (lighting process).
The capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor (not shown) is selected so that the duration (lighting time) of the lighting of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 due to the discharge of the capacitor is a predetermined time interval T.

When a predetermined time interval T elapses after the electrolytic capacitor starts discharging, charging of the electrolytic capacitor is started again as the charge accumulated in the capacitor decreases. During this charging, as described above, the relay switch 62 is also in the off state.
Thereafter, when the charging time of the electrolytic capacitor (the time from the start of charging to immediately before discharging) reaches a predetermined time interval T, the extinguishing process ends and the lighting process starts with the resumption of discharging from the electrolytic capacitor.
The relay 60 periodically flashes the hazard lamps 71 to 74 by turning on and off the relay switch 62 periodically while operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp drive unit 3 (lights on / off). Alternate execution).

The hazard lamp drive unit 3 starts operating power supply to the relay 60 in response to receiving the operation instruction signal, and then when a new operation instruction signal is transmitted from the expansion controller 2 in accordance with the driver's button operation, The operation power supply to the relay 60 is stopped.
Thereby, the blinking of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 ends.

As described above, according to the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present application, the blinking / extinguishing operation of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 that has been conventionally performed using the genuine hazard switch 50 is performed in the driver's seat. This is done with the expansion controller 2 fixed in the vicinity.
Therefore, the hazard lamp blinking operation can be quickly and easily performed from the driver's seat while ensuring the safety of the driving operation even during driving of the automobile. In addition, communication can be achieved by sending a signal to surrounding drivers by blinking the hazard lamp, which can contribute to improving traffic safety and traffic manners.

In the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the relay 60 provided as a standard in the automobile is removed, and this is replaced with the hazard lamp drive unit 3A. Wiring connection is also possible.
In this case, the specification of the unit 3A is required to have a function equivalent to the relay 60 (that is, a function for switching the connection state between the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval). Is done.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the hazard lamp drive unit 3A includes components (on / off control mechanism 301 and relay switch corresponding to the on / off control mechanism 61 and relay switch 62 shown in FIG. 3). 302).
The on / off control mechanism 301 performs on / off control of the relay switch 302 at a predetermined time interval T based on the operating power supplied from the power supply means 32.
The relay switch 302 is a switch mechanism connected between the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74.

When the relay switch 302 is turned on by the control of the on / off control mechanism 301, the connection state between the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 becomes conductive. Therefore, driving power is supplied from the battery 80 to the hazard lamps 71 to 74, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are lit for a predetermined time interval T.
On the other hand, when the relay switch 302 is turned off under the control of the on / off control mechanism 301, the connection state between the battery 80 and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 is cut off. Therefore, the drive power supply from the battery 80 to the hazard lamps 71 to 74 is stopped, and the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are extinguished for a predetermined time interval T.

8A and 8B, the relay 60 is removed and the hazard lamp drive unit 3A is installed instead. Therefore, the space where the relay 60 was originally installed is installed in the unit 3A. It can be diverted as a space.
For this reason, when the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 is added, it is freed from the trouble of newly securing the installation space of the unit 3 in the automobile with limited space.

[Embodiment 2: Expansion controller (wired)]
Embodiment 2 of the present invention is an example in which a wired lamp technology is applied to an expansion controller to configure a hazard lamp parallel operation device 1A.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a hazard blinking control system including the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1A according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the parallel operation device 1 </ b> A is different from the first embodiment in which the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output in that the extension controller 2 </ b> A is “wired” to the hazard lamp drive unit 3. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the hazard lamp driving unit 3 is basically the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Also in the configuration of the second embodiment, similarly to the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 of the first embodiment, the additional controller 2A is provided as a switch mechanism different from the genuine hazard switch 50, and in parallel with the operation of the genuine hazard switch 50. Since the hazard lamps 71 to 74 can be blinked from the controller 2A, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
That is, the hazard lamp blinking operation from the driver's seat can be performed quickly and easily while ensuring the safety of the driving operation.

[Embodiment 3: Thank you hazard function]
Many of the genuine hazard switches 50 are of a self-holding type that holds the pressed state when the button is pressed. Therefore, when trying to realize a Thank You hazard by manual operation, a series of operations are required in which the hazard lamp blinks several times by turning it on once and then turned off.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, a function of displaying a thank hazard (hereinafter referred to as a “thank you hazard function”) by automatically turning off after a hazard lamp blinking operation for a certain period of time only by operating the button of the expansion controller 2 once. Realize.
As shown in FIG. 11 in order to realize the above-mentioned hazard function, the hazard lamp drive unit 3B of the third embodiment further includes “storage means 33 / timer means 34” in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. .

The storage means 33 stores various data and programs, and uses a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 33 stores blink number setting information including “blinking operation continuous time”.
The “flashing operation continuous time” refers to a time during which the flashing operation of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 (the flashing cycle in one flashing operation is 2T) is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times (about several times).
The timer means 34 detects that the operation power supply time t ₁ to the relay 60 by the power supply means 32 has reached the blinking operation continuous time based on the blinking number setting information in the storage means 33.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the timer unit 34 starts the operation power supply to the relay 60 in response to the operation instruction signal (step S11) from the extension controller 2 (step S12). The elapsed time from the start of the power supply (hereinafter referred to as “supply time”) t ₁ is counted (step S13).
The timer means 34 refers to the number of flashes setting information in the storage unit 33, supply time t ₁ in the timing it is detected that reaches the flashing operation continuous time (step S14 in FIG. 12; Yes).

Power supply means 32 according to the third embodiment, the timer means 34 detects that the supply time t ₁ of the operating power reaches a blinking continuous time, stops the supply of the operating power to the relay 60 (step S15).
As a result, a thank-you hazard function (a function that automatically turns off after a predetermined number of blinks of the hazard lamp, which is performed during the blinking operation continuous time by performing a single button operation of the expansion controller 2) is realized.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the operation power supply control equivalent to when sending a thank-you hazard signal is automatically performed by performing the button operation of the additional controller 2 only once.
Therefore, it is freed from unnecessary switch operation for turning off the hazard lamps 71 to 74, and the operation burden on the driver is reduced.

[Embodiment 4: Hazard blinking operation switching function]
The above-mentioned Thank Hazard function is automatically turned off after a predetermined number of hazard lamp blinking operations by operating the button of the expansion controller 2 only once. It is free from the switch operation for turning off the light and is highly convenient.
However, if the hazard blinking function of the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 is limited to the thank you hazard function, the usage scene of the parallel operation device 1 will be extremely limited.

In order to perform the normal hazard lamp blinking operation (continuous blinking operation) using the Thank You hazard function, the expansion controller 2 is repeatedly operated again after automatic turn-off by the Thank You hazard function. .
However, the device 1 is attached to ensure the safety of the driving operation and to facilitate the hazard blinking operation from the driver's seat. Therefore, if the driver is forced to perform a busy operation, not only the effect that should be derived from the present apparatus 1 is impaired, but also the object of the invention is obstructed.

  In order to solve the above problem, the operation mode of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 suitable for the surrounding situation can be selected from “thank you hazard function” and “normal hazard function” by the number of operations of the expansion controller do it.

In order to realize such an operation mode selection function, as shown in FIG. 13, the hazard lamp drive unit 3C of the fourth embodiment includes an “operation frequency counting means 35” in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIG. Further prepare.
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller 2, the operation count counting unit 35 counts the number of times the expansion controller is operated by the driver within a predetermined operation determination time.
Further, the operation number counting means 35 controls the operation of the timer means 34 that measures the operating power supply time t ₁ according to the number of times of operation of the additional controller within the operation determination time.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the number of operation times of the additional controller within the operation determination time is 1 (step S23; Yes), the operation number counting means 35 is for turning on (validating) the time counting operation of the timer means 34. Is output to the timer means 34.
If counting enable signal from the operation number counting means 35 is output, the timer means 34, measures the supply time t ₁ of the operating power for the relay 60 of the power supply unit 32 further supplies the time t ₁ is reach the flashing operation continuous time It is detected (step S25; Yes). In response to this detection result, the power supply means 32 stops the supply of operating power (step S28).
That is, when the number of times of operation of the additional controller within the operation determination time is 1, the thank you hazard function is executed.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the number of operation times of the additional controller within the operation determination time is 2 or more (step S23; No), the operation number counting unit 35 turns off (invalidates) the timing operation of the timer unit 34. For this purpose, a time count invalid signal is output to the timer means 34.
When the time measurement disabling signal from the operation number counting means 35 is output, the timer means 34, without counting the feed time t ₁ of the operation power by the power supply unit 32, also the supply time t ₁ is blinking continuous time It is not detected that this has been reached.
Therefore, the power supply means 32 continues to supply operating power to the relay 60 until a new operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller 2 by the driver's off operation (step S27; Yes).
That is, the normal hazard function is executed when the number of times of operation of the additional controller within the operation determination time is two or more.

In this way, the operation mode (thank-you hazard function or normal hazard function) of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 suitable for the surrounding situation can be selected by the driver according to the number of operations of the additional controller, and one hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 can be selected. So you can have both functions.
Therefore, by adding the parallel operation device 1, not only the convenience when sending a thank you hazard but also the high safety at the time of failure due to the duplication of the hazard blink control system can be enjoyed.

[Variation: Hazard lamp blinking number change function during Thank You hazard function]
In the said embodiment, you may comprise the hazard lamp drive unit 3 so that the blink frequency | count of the hazard lamps 71-74 in a Thank You hazard function can be changed arbitrarily.
Under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, the hazard lamp drive unit 3D further includes “setting means 36 / setting operation means 37” in addition to the configuration in the third embodiment shown in FIG.

The setting operation means 37 is an operation interface for the driver to specify and input the blinking operation continuous time.
The operation method of the setting operation means 37 may be any of a dial type, a button type, and a key input type.

The setting means 36 writes the blinking operation continuous time designated and input via the setting operation means 37 in the blink count setting information in the storage means 33.
Timer means 34, when detecting that the supply time t ₁ of the operating power reaches a blinking continuous time, referring to the blinking continuous time written in the number of flashes setting information by the setting means 36.
Thereby, the blinking operation continuous time (continuous driving time of the relay) in which the operation power supply to the relay 60 is maintained can be changed to an arbitrary length, and thus the hazard lamps 71 to 71 blinking according to the ON / OFF of the relay 60. The number of blinks of 74 can be arbitrarily adjusted.

In the method of directly specifying the blinking operation continuous time, it is usually considered that it is difficult for the user of the hazard lamp parallel operation device 1 to intuitively know how many times the blinking operation is performed during the designated blinking operation continuous time. .
Therefore, the setting operation means 37 may be configured to designate the number of times of blinking in the thank-you hazard function instead of the blinking operation continuous time.

Under this configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the blinking number setting information stores a blinking operation continuous time corresponding to the number of blinks of the hazard lamps 71 to 74. In the example of FIG. 16, the blinking cycle of the hazard lamps 71 to 74 is set to 60 times per minute (flashing cycle 1 second: both lighting time T and light-off time T are 0.5 seconds each).
In addition, when the number of blinks is specified via the setting operation unit 37, the setting unit 36 specifies the blinking operation continuous time necessary for the hazard lamp drive of the same number of blinks from the information stored in the blink number setting information.
When the operation instruction signal is output by operating the button of the extension controller 2, the hazard lamp driving unit 3 supplies operating power to the relay 60 based on the blinking operation continuous time specified by the setting means 36. This makes it easier for the user to set the number of blinks during the Thank You Hazard function.

[Modification: Special sign blinking function]
The hazard lamp driving unit given in this example uses a turn signal lamp (hazard lamps 71 to 74 in this example) mounted on the vehicle to sign a special pattern other than “thank you hazard” (hereinafter, “ The lamp may be controlled to be flashing so that a special sign can be sent.
Here, the signal using the all turn signal lamps (hazard lamps 71 to 74) such as Thank You hazard has a strong meaning for the following vehicle, and is usually not accepted as a signal for the oncoming vehicle in front of the vehicle.

Therefore, when sending a signal to the surroundings using the hazard lamps 71 to 74, it is not necessary to blink all the lamps 71 to 74 at the four corners of the vehicle, and the lamps 71 to 74 are provided at the rear of the vehicle. Only two of them need to be driven to blink.
Here, in recent years, relays 60 that control the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are mainly provided with eight or more pins connected to the lamps 71 to 74. In such a relay 60 having eight or more pins, the four hazard lamps 71 to 74 on the front, rear, left, and right can be controlled to blink independently by adjusting an input signal (supply of operating power) to the relay 60.
In the following description, it is assumed that the hazard lamps 73 and 74 (hereinafter also referred to as “turn signal lamps 73 and 74”) among the hazard lamps 71 to 74 are located at the rear of the vehicle.

In order to realize the operation of blinking only the turn signal lamps 73 and 74 at the rear of the automobile, the hazard lamp drive unit 3E includes special sign blinking means 38 as shown in FIG.
When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller 2, the special sign blinking means 38 measures the supply timing and supply stop timing corresponding to the blink pattern of the “special sign” using the turn signal lamps 73 and 74. Then, the power supply means 32 is notified of these timings.
As an example of the “special sign”, there is one that continuously repeats the operation of blinking the rear turn signal lamps 73 and 74 a predetermined number of times (for example, about 2 or 3 times) for a very short time.

When the supply timing of the operating power corresponding to the “special sign” is notified from the special sign flashing means 38, the power supply means 32 is provided with a turn signal lamp 73 provided at the rear of the vehicle with respect to the relay 60 according to the supply timing. “Rear lighting operating power” for lighting only 74 is supplied.
Further, when the supply stop timing of the operating power corresponding to the special sign is notified from the special sign blinking means 38, the power supply means 32 stops the supply of the “rear lighting operating power” to the relay 60 according to the supply stop timing. .

In the example of FIG. 17, the operation number counting means 35 appropriately switches the three functions of “special sign blinking function, thank hazard function, and normal hazard function” according to the number of times of operation of the additional controller within a predetermined operation determination time.
When these three functions are realized by one hazard lamp drive unit, the special sign blinking means 38 also has the function of the timer means 34 (FIG. 13).

  When the relay 60 provided as a standard in an automobile is used as it is, as shown in FIGS. 18 (A) and 18 (B), the hazard lamp drive unit 3E is connected to the unit 3E via the unit signal line UL. By connecting to the line SL, the hazard lamp drive unit 3E is connected in parallel to the genuine hazard switch control system.

The hazard lamp driving unit having the special sign blinking function described above can be installed in a state where it coexists with the relay 60 or in a state where it is replaced with the relay 60.
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 19, the hazard lamp drive unit 3F further includes an on / off control mechanism 301 and a relay switch 302 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG.
The special sign blinking means 38 shown in FIG. 19 supplies and stops supply of driving power corresponding to the blink pattern of “special sign” using the turn signal lamps 73 and 74 when the operation instruction signal is output from the extension controller 2. And the power supply means 32 is notified of these timings.

When the supply timing of the driving power corresponding to the special sign is notified from the special sign blinking means 38, the power supply means 32 shown in FIG. 19 sends a turn signal at the rear of the vehicle to the on / off control mechanism 301 according to the supply timing. The “rear lighting operating power” for turning on only the lamps 73 and 74 is supplied.
When the relay switch 302 is turned on by the on / off control mechanism 301 that has been supplied with the operating power for rear lighting, the connection state between the battery 80 and the rear turn signal lamps 73 and 74 becomes conductive. Therefore, driving power is supplied from the battery 80 to the lamps 73 and 74, and these lamps 73 and 74 are turned on.

When the supply stop timing of the driving power corresponding to the special sign is notified from the special sign blinking means 38, the power supply means 32 supplies the “rear lighting operation power” to the on / off control mechanism 301 according to the supply stop timing. To stop.
When the relay switch 302 is turned off by stopping the supply of the operating power for rear lighting, the connection state between the battery 80 and the rear turn signal lamps 73 and 74 is cut off. For this reason, the drive power supply from the battery 80 to the lamps 73 and 74 is stopped, and the lamps 73 and 74 are turned off.

Note that when the unit 3F is installed in the vehicle in a coexistence with the relay 60 provided as a standard equipment, as shown in FIG. 20A, on the feeder line connecting the rear turn signal lamps 73 and 74 and the battery 80 without using the relay 60. Then, connection is made so that the unit 3F (relay switch 302) is interrupted between these components 73, 74 and 80.
In this case, the unit 3F directly controls the drive power supply from the battery 80 to the rear turn signal lamps 73 and 74.

Further, when replacing the hazard lamp drive unit 3F with the relay 60, as shown in FIG. 20B, the unit 3F is connected to the genuine hazard switch 50 (or the lamp ECU 40) by the signal line SL, and the rear turn A power feed line is connected between the signal lamps 73 and 74 and the battery 80 so that the unit 3F (relay switch 302) is interrupted.
Thus, under the configuration of FIG. 20B, the hazard lamp drive unit 3F causes the hazard lamps 71 to 74 (or turn signal lamps among them) according to the operation instruction signals from both the genuine hazard switch 50 and the extension controller 2. 73/74 only) is controlled.
For the operation instruction signal from the genuine hazard switch 50, the unit 3F performs the blinking operation by the normal hazard function.

[Variation: Mounting position of expansion controller]
In the above embodiment, as long as the ease of operation of the additional controller 2 from the driver's seat is ensured, the mounting position of the controller 2 may be arbitrarily selected (for example, the steering wheel 92 main body, the column periphery, the shift knob periphery, etc.).
For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 (A) and 21 (B), the mounting position of the expansion controller 2 may be finely adjusted according to the habit and preference when each driver holds the steering wheel (steering wheel 92). . Further, the extension controller 2 may be installed not only on the front side of the steering wheel 92 as seen from the driver, but also on the side surface or the back side of the wheel 92.

Although the extension controller 2 can be considerably reduced in size, it cannot be denied that depending on the driver, the presence of the controller 2 may be noticed when attached to the steering wheel 92 body used for driving operation.
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), the steering wheel 92 main body may be provided with a recessed portion (storage space for the additional controller 2), and the controller 2 may be incorporated in the recessed portion.
Thereby, even when the extension controller 2 is attached to the steering wheel 92 main body, the comfort of the driving operation can be maintained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22 (B), a mounting base 21 that functions as a base for the expansion controller 2 is manufactured, and the expansion controller 2 is installed on the mounting base 21, and then the base 21 is attached to the vicinity of the driver's seat with an adhesive tape or the like (steering wheel 92).
Many automobile interior parts such as the steering wheel 92 and the instrument panel 91 have curved shapes, and it is difficult to adapt the body shape of the additional controller 2 to all of these interior parts.
However, it is possible to expand the options for mounting the expansion controller 2 by designing and manufacturing the mounting base 21 that matches the shape of the interior product in advance and using this.
Further, the mounting base 21 may be molded into a dedicated shape so as to conform to the specifications of the vehicle model on the assumption that the additional controller 2 is mounted on a specific vehicle model.
The extension controller 2 can be directly attached to the vicinity of the driver's seat with an adhesive tape / adhesive or the like without using the attachment base 21.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Hazard lamp parallel operation device 2 Expansion controller 3 Hazard lamp drive unit 40 Lamp ECU
50 Genuine hazard switch 60 Relay 71, 72, 73, 74 Hazard lamp 80 Battery 92 Steering wheel SL Signal line UL Unit extension line

Claims (16)

A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
A signal line connecting a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the automobile and the relay is a unit electrically connected in parallel with the lamp ECU, and is used as an operation instruction signal for the hazard lamp. A hazard lamp drive unit for supplying operating power to the relay in response,

When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeatedly turns on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, characterized in that it is configured as follows.
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
The hazard controller is wired and connected in parallel to the lamp ECU with respect to a signal line connecting a lamp ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the automobile and the relay. A hazard lamp drive unit that supplies operating power to the relay in response to the operation instruction signal of

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeatedly turns on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, characterized in that it is configured as follows.
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
The signal line connecting the genuine hazard switch mounted on the automobile and the relay is a unit electrically connected in parallel with the genuine hazard switch, and according to the operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit for supplying operating power to the relay,

When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeatedly turns on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, characterized in that it is configured as follows.
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls turning on or off of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile by turning on and off a relay connected to the hazard lamp,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
Wired to the expansion controller and connected to the genuine hazard switch in parallel to the signal line connecting the genuine hazard switch mounted on the automobile and the relay, and the operation instruction of the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit that supplies operating power to the relay in response to a signal,

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller,
While the operating power is supplied from the hazard lamp driving unit in response to the operation instruction signal, the relay repeatedly turns on and off at a predetermined time interval, and the hazard lamp blinks at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, characterized in that it is configured as follows.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The hazard lamp parallel operation device, wherein the extension controller is configured to be attached to a steering wheel that is commonly used by a driver during operation of the automobile.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

The hazard lamp drive unit that stops the supply of the operating power when detecting that the supply time of the operating power to the relay has reached the blinking operation continuous time for blinking the hazard lamp a predetermined number of times,

Only during the supply time of the operating power, the hazard lamp blinks at the same interval by repeating the ON and OFF at the predetermined time interval,
When it is detected that the supply time has reached the flashing operation continuous time, the operation power supply from the hazard lamp driving unit to the relay is interrupted, and the hazard lamp is automatically turned off. , Hazard lamp parallel operation device.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to claim 6,
The hazard lamp drive unit that counts the number of times of operation of the additional controller by the driver performed within a predetermined operation determination time when the operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller,

The hazard lamp drive unit is
(1) When the number of additional controller operations performed within the operation determination time is 1, the operating power is supplied to the relay for the flashing operation continuous time, and the operation power supply time is set to the flashing operation continuous time. After that, the supply of operating power is stopped,
(2) When the number of operations of the expansion controller performed within the operation determination time is 2 or more, the configuration is such that the operation power supply to the relay is continued until a new operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, characterized in that
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to claim 6 or 7,
The hazard lamp parallel operation device, wherein the hazard lamp drive unit is configured to change the number of blinks of the hazard lamp by changing the setting of the blinking operation continuous time according to a manual operation of a driver. .
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The hazard lamp drive unit that measures the supply timing and supply stop timing of the operating power corresponding to the blink pattern of the special sign using the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle,

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller, the hazard lamp drive unit is
According to the supply timing of the operating power corresponding to the special sign, the rear lighting operating power for turning on only the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle is supplied to the relay,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device configured to stop the supply of the operation power for rear lighting to the relay in accordance with the supply stop timing of the operation power corresponding to the special sign.
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls lighting or extinguishing of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which wirelessly outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to the button operation of the driver,
Wirelessly connected to the expansion controller, wired to a genuine hazard switch that outputs the operation instruction signal, and additionally wired between the battery that supplies driving power to the hazard lamp and the hazard lamp A hazard lamp drive unit,

When the operation instruction signal is wirelessly output from the expansion controller, or when the operation instruction signal is output from the genuine hazard switch,
In response to these operation instruction signals, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp is turned on at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device characterized by being configured to flash.
A hazard lamp parallel operation device that controls lighting or extinguishing of a hazard lamp installed in an automobile,

An expansion controller that is fixedly installed near the driver's seat of the automobile, which outputs an operation instruction signal of the hazard lamp according to a driver's button operation,
A hazard lamp drive unit wired to the hazard lamp and a genuine hazard switch that outputs the operation instruction signal and wired between the hazard lamp and a battery that supplies drive power to the hazard lamp; Prepared,

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller or the genuine hazard switch,
In response to these operation instruction signals, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp is turned on at the predetermined time interval. A hazard lamp parallel operation device characterized by being configured to flash.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to claim 10 or 11,
The hazard lamp parallel operation device, wherein the extension controller is configured to be attached to a steering wheel that is commonly used by a driver during operation of the automobile.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of claims 10 to 12,

When an operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller, when detecting that the drive power supply time from the battery to the hazard lamp has reached a blinking operation continuous time for blinking the hazard lamp a predetermined number of times, The hazard lamp drive unit for cutting off a connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp,

Only during the driving power supply time, the hazard lamp drive unit switches the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp between conduction and interruption at the predetermined time interval, so that the hazard lamp blinks at the same interval,
When it is detected that the drive power supply time has reached the flashing operation continuous time, the drive power supply from the battery to the hazard lamp is interrupted, and the hazard lamp is automatically turned off. , Hazard lamp parallel operation device.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to claim 13,
The hazard lamp drive unit that counts the number of times of operation of the additional controller by the driver performed within a predetermined operation determination time when the operation instruction signal is output from the additional controller,

The hazard lamp drive unit is
(1) When the number of times of operation of the additional controller performed within the operation determination time is 1, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is switched between conduction and interruption at a predetermined time interval for the blinking operation continuous time. In addition, when the driving power supply time from the battery to the hazard lamp blinks continuously, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is cut off.
(2) When the number of times of operation of the expansion controller performed within the operation determination time is 2 or more, the connection state between the battery and the hazard lamp is predetermined until a new operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller. A hazard lamp parallel operation device, which is configured to switch between conduction and interruption at a time interval of.
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to claim 13 or 14,
The hazard lamp parallel operation device, wherein the hazard lamp drive unit is configured to change the number of blinks of the hazard lamp by changing the setting of the blinking operation continuous time according to a manual operation of a driver. .
The hazard lamp parallel operation device according to any one of claims 10 to 15,

The hazard lamp drive unit that measures the supply timing of the drive power corresponding to the blinking pattern of the special sign using the turn signal lamp at the rear of the automobile and the supply stop timing,

When the operation instruction signal is output from the expansion controller, the hazard lamp drive unit is
According to the supply timing of the driving power corresponding to the special sign, the connection state between the turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle and the battery is conducted,
A hazard lamp parallel operation device configured to block a connection state between a turn signal lamp at the rear of the vehicle and the battery according to a supply stop timing of driving power corresponding to the special sign.

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