JP2016119247A - Auxiliary lighting device for vehicle, and auxiliary lighting system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To constitute an auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle compactly, and reduce a manufacturing cost of the auxiliary lighting device.SOLUTION: An auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle includes a light source 15, and a liquid lens 16 changing its shape. In the auxiliary lighting device, the liquid lens 16 changes its shape according to the state change of the vehicle, and thereby an irradiation area LA irradiated with light emitted from the light source 15 and passing through the liquid lens 16 moves; and also, according to the state of the vehicle at the time when the vehicle travels on a curve, the irradiation area LA moves to the inside of the curve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle and an auxiliary lighting system for a vehicle.

  Conventionally, a vehicle is provided with a main headlight (main lighting device) that illuminates the front of the vehicle. In the main headlight, when the vehicle travels (turns) on a curve, the irradiation area in the traveling direction of the vehicle may decrease. For example, when the vehicle travels on a curve, the main headlight illuminates the outside of the curve rather than the traveling direction of the vehicle. In addition, for example, when the vehicle is tilted and travels on a curve such as a motorcycle, the main headlight illuminates the area on the near side in the traveling direction as compared to the case where the vehicle travels without tilting. It will be.

   Therefore, it is considered that recent vehicles are provided with sub-headlights (auxiliary lighting devices) that are arranged on both the left and right (vehicle width direction) sides of the main headlights and are turned on according to the posture of the vehicle (for example, patents). Reference 1). The sub headlight of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of light sources that illuminate different irradiation areas. In this sub headlight, a predetermined irradiation area is illuminated by turning on a light source appropriately selected from a plurality of light sources in accordance with the posture of the vehicle (for example, a lean posture in which the vehicle is tilted in a motorcycle).

JP 2014-000876 A

  However, in the above-described conventional sub headlight, it is necessary to provide a large number of light sources in order to finely divide the irradiation area illuminated by the sub headlight according to the state of the vehicle (for example, the lean angle of the motorcycle). . For this reason, there exists a problem that it becomes difficult to comprise a sub headlight compactly. In addition, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the sub headlight increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle and an auxiliary lighting system for a vehicle that can be compactly configured and can reduce manufacturing costs. And

  In order to solve this problem, an auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a light source and a liquid lens whose shape changes, and the liquid lens changes its shape in response to a change in the state of the vehicle. The irradiation area irradiated with the light emitted from the light source and passing through the liquid lens moves.

  Further, the auxiliary lighting system for a vehicle according to the present invention includes the auxiliary lighting device, a state detecting unit that detects a state of the vehicle, and the liquid lens so that the shape of the liquid lens changes based on a detection result of the state detecting unit. And a lens driving unit that drives the liquid lens.

  According to the present invention, the shape of the liquid lens changes in accordance with the change in the state of the vehicle, so that the light emitted from the same light source is suitable for the irradiation region (see by the vehicle driver). The area in the desired direction). That is, it is possible to illuminate a plurality of different irradiation areas with light emitted from the same light source. Therefore, when the irradiation area illuminated according to the state of a vehicle is divided finely, the number of light sources can be reduced compared with the past, and it becomes possible to comprise an auxiliary lighting device compactly. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary lighting device can be reduced.

1 is a front view showing a vehicle provided with an auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the auxiliary lamp body of the auxiliary lighting apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the light source part with which the auxiliary lamp body of FIG. 2 is equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid lens with which the light source part of FIG. 3 is equipped. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | sequence of the some drive electrode with which the 1st electrode part of the liquid lens of FIG. 3 is equipped. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing drive electrodes constituting a plurality of divided patterns and a first row pattern among the plurality of drive electrodes of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing drive electrodes constituting a plurality of second row patterns and third row patterns among the plurality of drive electrodes of FIG. 5. It is a block diagram which shows the auxiliary lighting system containing the auxiliary lighting apparatus shown in FIGS. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the procedure which changes the shape of the liquid lens shown to FIGS. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a movement of the irradiation area | region accompanying the shape change of a liquid lens. It is a top view which shows the irradiation area | region irradiated with an auxiliary lighting apparatus in the state which the vehicle is drive | working the curve with a big curvature radius. It is a front view which shows the attitude | position of the vehicle in the state of FIG. 11, and the passage area | region of the light which passes this in a lens cover. It is a figure which shows the drive electrode to which a voltage is applied among the 1st electrode parts in the state of FIG. It is a three-way figure which shows the shape of the liquid lens in the state of FIG. It is a top view which shows the irradiation area | region irradiated with an auxiliary lighting device in the state which the vehicle is driving | running the curve whose curvature radius is smaller than FIG. It is a front view which shows the attitude | position of the vehicle in the state of FIG. 15, and the passage area | region of the light which passes this in a lens cover. It is a figure which shows the drive electrode to which a voltage is applied among the 1st electrode parts in the state of FIG. FIG. 16 is a three-way diagram illustrating the shape of the liquid lens in the state of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a top view showing an irradiation region irradiated by the auxiliary lighting device in a state where the vehicle is traveling on a curve having a smaller radius of curvature than that of FIG. 15. It is a front view which shows the attitude | position of the vehicle in the state of FIG. 19, and the passage area | region of the light which passes this in a lens cover. It is a figure which shows the drive electrode to which a voltage is applied among the 1st electrode parts in the state of FIG. 19, (a) is in a 1st auxiliary lamp body, (b) is in a 2nd auxiliary lamp body. It is a three-way figure which shows the shape of the liquid lens in the state of FIG. 19, (a) is in a 1st auxiliary lamp body, (b) is in a 2nd auxiliary lamp body. It is a top view which shows the modification of the arrangement | sequence of the some drive electrode with which the 1st electrode part of a liquid lens is equipped.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is provided in a motorcycle that is a kind of vehicle that turns in a lean attitude (an attitude in which the vehicle V is tilted in the vehicle width (left-right) direction). The auxiliary lighting device 2 of the present embodiment includes a pair of auxiliary lighting bodies 10 provided on the left and right sides (both sides in the vehicle width direction) of the main lighting device H that illuminates the front of the vehicle V.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each auxiliary lamp body 10 is configured by providing a light source unit 12, a reflecting mirror 13, and a lens cover 14 in a housing 11. The light source unit 12 and the reflecting mirror 13 are provided inside the housing 11. The lens cover 14 is made of a transparent material and is provided in the opening 11 </ b> A of the housing 11. In the present embodiment, the opening 11 </ b> A of the housing 11 faces the front side of the vehicle V. In FIG. 1, the opening 11 </ b> A and the lens cover 14 of the housing 11 are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, but are not limited thereto.

  The reflecting mirror 13 is provided so that the light emitted from the light source unit 12 becomes parallel light when entering the lens cover 14. The reflecting mirror 13 is provided so that the lengths of the optical paths from the light source unit 12 to the lens cover 14 are equal. The reflecting mirror 13 is provided so that the light emitted from the light source unit 12 can pass through the entire area of the lens cover 14 evenly. The reflecting mirror 13 may be a convex mirror or a concave mirror, for example. Two reflectors 13 may be provided as illustrated in FIG. 2, but may be one, for example, or three or more.

  The lens cover 14 is provided so as to cover the opening 11 </ b> A of the housing 11. The lens cover 14 is formed so that the spread of light emitted from the light source unit 12 and irradiated to the outside from the opening 11 </ b> A of the housing 11 is constant.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 12 includes a light source 15 and a liquid lens 16 whose shape changes.
The light source 15 of the present embodiment is an LED (Light Emitting Diode), but may be a filament lamp, for example. In the present embodiment, the number of the light sources 15 included in the light source unit 12 is one, but may be a plurality, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid lens 16 includes a lens portion 17 in which a liquid 20 is sealed between a base material 18 and an elastic film 19.
The base material 18, the elastic film 19 and the liquid 20 are all made of a transparent material. For the base material 18, for example, plate-like glass (for example, thin film glass) is used. As the elastic film 19, a film having flexibility and elasticity (for example, a thin film made of parelin) is used. The liquid 20 has a higher refractive index than air. Specific examples of the liquid 20 include transparent silicone oil.
The lens portion 17 of the present embodiment is configured as a convex lens in which a portion on the elastic film 19 side bulges outward. The lens unit 17 is arranged so that light emitted from the light source 15 enters from the base material 18 side and exits from the elastic film 19 side.

In addition, the liquid lens 16 of the present embodiment has a first electrode portion 21 disposed on the base material 18 side of the lens portion 17 as shown in FIGS. And a second electrode portion 22 disposed on the elastic film 19 side.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first electrode unit 21 includes a plurality of drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, 34-k to which drive potentials are independently applied (in the illustrated example, n = 1 to 4, i = 1 to 5, j = 1 to 10, k = 1 to 10 (all are integers)). A part of the drive electrodes 31-n constitutes a division pattern 23. The remaining drive electrodes 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k form column patterns 24, 25, and 26.

A plurality of drive electrodes 31-n (hereinafter referred to as divided drive electrodes 31-n) constituting the divided pattern 23 are formed so as to extend linearly outward from the vicinity of the center of the lens portion 17 in plan view. Has been. The plurality of divided drive electrodes 31-n are electrically insulated from each other.
The plurality of divided drive electrodes 31-n are arranged on the lens unit 17 so as to divide the region (the region indicated by reference numeral 17 in FIGS. 5 to 7) through which the light from the light source 15 passes in the lens unit 17 in plan view. They are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the four divided drive electrodes 31-n are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the lens unit 17 so as to divide the lens unit 17 in plan view into four regions having the same size.
In the following description, the divided drive electrode 31-1 extending upward from the vicinity of the center of the lens unit 17 is referred to as a first divided drive electrode 31-1, and hereinafter, the three divided drive electrodes 31-2, 31-3 and 31-4 may be referred to as a second divided drive electrode 31-2, a third divided drive electrode 31-3, and a fourth divided drive electrode 31-4.

The first electrode portion 21 of the present embodiment has three types of column patterns 24, 25, and 26.
The first row pattern 24 is configured by concentrically arranging a plurality of drive electrodes 32-i (hereinafter referred to as first drive electrodes 32-i) formed in an annular shape. In the illustrated example, the interval between the first drive electrodes 32-i adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the first row pattern 24 is set so as to decrease toward the inner side in the radial direction of the first row pattern 24. This is not a limitation.

  The first electrode portion 21 has a plurality of the first row patterns 24. The plurality of first row patterns 24 are arranged at equal intervals around the center of the lens portion 17 in plan view. In the present embodiment, one first row pattern 24 is arranged in each region of the lens unit 17 divided by the four divided drive electrodes 31-n.

The second row pattern 25 and the third row pattern 26 are configured by arranging a plurality of drive electrodes 33-j and 34-k formed in a strip shape in a lattice shape.
A plurality of drive electrodes 33-j (hereinafter referred to as second drive electrodes 33-j) constituting the second row pattern 25 are respectively connected to a straight portion 331 extending in the left-right direction and one end of the straight portion 331. And a circular arc portion 332 formed in an arc shape concentric with the center of the lens portion 17 in plan view.
The linear portions 331 of the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction in one region of the lens unit 17 divided by the plurality of divided drive electrodes 31-n. Further, the arc portions 332 of the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j are different from the region of the lens portion 17 where the plurality of linear portions 331 are arranged (the region of the lens portion 17 where the linear portions 331 are arranged). (Regions adjacent to the right side or the left side) with respect to each other in the radial direction.
In the illustrated example, the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j are arranged at equal intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The first electrode portion 21 of the present embodiment has two second row patterns 25 described above. The two second row patterns 25 are respectively arranged in an upper region and a lower region of the second divided drive electrode 31-2 and the fourth divided drive electrode 31-4 extending in the left-right direction. The upper second row pattern 25 </ b> A and the lower second row pattern 25 </ b> B are provided so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the lens unit 17.
The arrangement of the second row pattern 25 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is in the auxiliary lamp body 10L on the left side as viewed from the driver. The arrangement of the second row pattern 25 in the right auxiliary lamp body 10R is opposite to that shown in FIG.

  A plurality of drive electrodes 34-k (hereinafter referred to as third drive electrodes 34-k) constituting the third row pattern 26 are formed in a straight line extending in the vertical direction. Each third drive electrode 34-k is formed so as to straddle the second divided drive electrode 31-2 and the fourth divided drive electrode 31-4 extending in the left-right direction. The plurality of third drive electrodes 34-k are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-k are arranged at equal intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-k are orthogonal to the straight portions 331 of the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j, and the arc portions 332 of the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j. Are overlapped with the plurality of second drive electrodes 33-j. Further, each third drive electrode 34-k is arranged so as to overlap with the tip of the arc portion 332 extending from one end of the linear portion 331 in each second drive electrode 33-j.

  The first electrode portion 21 of the present embodiment has two third row patterns 26 described above. One third row pattern 26A is arranged in a region on the right side of the first divided drive electrode 31-1 and the third divided drive electrode 31-3 extending in the vertical direction. The other third row pattern 26B is arranged in the left region of the first divided drive electrode 31-1 and the third divided drive electrode 31-3.

  The second row pattern 25 and the third row pattern 26 are formed in a circular shape in plan view similar to the lens portion 17 as a whole. For this reason, the length dimension of the linear portion 331 of the second drive electrode 33-j forming the second row pattern 25 is shorter as the linear portion 331 located away from the middle in the vertical direction upward or downward. Further, the length dimension of the third drive electrode 34-k forming the third row pattern 26 is shorter as the third drive electrode 34-k is located farther leftward or rightward from the middle in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first to third row patterns 24, 25, and 26 of the present embodiment configured as described above have mutual drive electrodes 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k. The lens portions 17 are laminated in the thickness direction so as to be electrically insulated. Further, the second row and third row patterns 25 and 26 and the divided pattern 23 have a thickness of the lens portion 17 so that the drive electrodes 31-n, 33-j and 34-k are electrically insulated from each other. They are stacked in the vertical direction. Since the division pattern 23 and the first row pattern 24 do not overlap in the thickness direction as illustrated in FIG. 5, they can be provided in the same layer.
In order to realize such a laminated structure, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the division pattern 23 and the first to third row patterns 24, 25, and 26 may be configured by a multilayer wiring board.

  The second electrode unit 22 has a common electrode to which a ground potential is commonly applied. The common electrode is formed on the outer surface of the elastic film 19 so as not to contact the liquid 20 of the lens unit 17. For this reason, the common electrode may have the same characteristics as the elastic film 19. The common electrode may be formed on the entire outer surface of the elastic film 19 by film formation, for example, but corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, 34-k described above, for example. May be formed.

The liquid lens 16 of the present embodiment configured as described above has a horizontal direction in FIGS. 5 to 7 corresponding to the vehicle width direction of the vehicle V (see FIG. 1), and the vertical direction in FIGS. It arrange | positions in the housing 11 (refer FIG. 2) so that a direction may respond | correspond to the up-down direction (refer FIG. 1) of the vehicle V. FIG.
And in the auxiliary lighting apparatus 2 of this embodiment mentioned above, when the liquid lens 16 changes shape according to the state change of the vehicle V, it is irradiated by the light emitted from the light source 15 and passed through the liquid lens 16. A region (for example, an irradiation region irradiated on a road surface) moves. The shape change of the liquid lens 16 in this embodiment is performed by the state detection unit 3 and the lens driving unit 4 (see FIG. 8) described below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the auxiliary lighting device 2 of the present embodiment includes a state detection unit 3 that detects the state of the vehicle V (see FIG. 1), and the liquid lens 16 based on the detection result of the state detection unit 3. The auxiliary lighting system 1 is configured together with the lens driving unit 4 that drives the liquid lens 16 so as to change its shape.
The state detection unit 3 includes a posture detection unit 5 that detects the posture of the vehicle V and a switch detection unit 6 that detects the state of a blinker switch (not shown) of the vehicle V.

The posture detection unit 5 of the present embodiment includes a vehicle speed sensor, a handle angle sensor, and a vehicle tilt sensor. The vehicle speed sensor detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle V. The handle angle sensor detects a rotation angle (handle angle) of the steering wheel to the left and right with reference to a state in which the steering wheel (front wheel tire in the present embodiment) faces in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V. The vehicle tilt sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor, and detects a tilt angle of the vehicle V to the left and right (hereinafter referred to as a lean angle) based on a state where the vehicle V stands upright (see FIG. 1).
Signals indicating the vehicle speed, the handle angle, and the lean angle detected by the vehicle speed sensor, the handle angle sensor, and the vehicle tilt sensor are sent to the lens driving unit 4.

  The switch detection unit 6 detects the position of the blinker switch. Specifically, the switch detection unit 6 detects whether the winker switch is arranged at a position where the right or left winker (direction indicator) is operated or a position where the winker is not operated. A signal indicating the position of the blinker switch detected by the switch detection unit 6 is sent to the lens driving unit 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the lens driving unit 4 of the present embodiment changes the shape of the liquid lens 16 based on the detection result of the state detection unit 3 described above. For example, the lens driving unit 4 changes the shape of the liquid lens 16 based on the lean angle detected by the posture detection unit 5. Further, the lens driving unit 4 changes the shape of the liquid lens 16 based on the position of the blinker switch detected by the switch detection unit 6, for example.

  Moreover, the lens drive part 4 may obtain | require the cornering radius of a vehicle based on a vehicle speed and a lean angle, for example. In this case, the lens driving unit 4 may predict the traveling state (turning state) of the vehicle V based on the cornering radius, and change the shape of the liquid lens 16 based on the prediction. The update of the steering wheel angle and lean angle data detected by the steering wheel angle sensor and the vehicle tilt sensor is faster than the update of the vehicle speed data detected by the vehicle speed sensor. For this reason, for example, the driving state of the vehicle may be predicted by detecting the displacement of the steering wheel angle and the lean angle at a predetermined vehicle speed and obtaining the cornering radius.

And the lens drive part 4 drives with respect to several drive electrode 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, 34-k (refer FIGS. 5-7) which comprises the 1st electrode part 21 of the liquid lens 16. FIG. By selectively applying a potential, the shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed.
For example, the lens driving unit 4 may have a function of holding a driving potential applied to the driving electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k.
The lens driving unit 4 independently drives the liquid lenses 16 of the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R on the left and right sides.

Here, the relationship between the application of the drive potential to the drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k and the shape change of the liquid lens 16 will be described.
For example, when a drive potential is applied to the predetermined drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, 34-k, the predetermined drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, 34-k are applied. Coulomb force acts between the first electrode portion 22 and the second electrode portion 22. By this Coulomb force, the distance between the base material 18 and the elastic film 19 is changed at a predetermined portion of the liquid lens 16 corresponding to the predetermined drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k. The distance from the base material 18 to the elastic film 19 at a predetermined portion of the liquid lens 16 is such that the magnitude of the drive potential applied to the predetermined drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k increases. , Get smaller. Along with this, the liquid 20 in the lens unit 17 moves, and the shape of the elastic film 19 changes. That is, the shape of the liquid lens 16 changes.

In the auxiliary lighting system 1 configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the liquid lens 16 moves in the irradiation area LA of the light emitted from the light source 15 and passed through the liquid lens 16 when the shape of the liquid lens 16 changes. Can be made.
In order to change the liquid lens 16 into a desired shape, a plurality of drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, appropriately selected so that the liquid 20 appropriately flows in the lens unit 17 is used. A driving potential having an appropriate magnitude may be applied to 34-k (see FIGS. 5 to 7) in an appropriate order.

The shape of the liquid lens 16 is, for example, from a convex lens shape with the top portion LP positioned at the center (the shape of the liquid lens 16 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10) to a convex lens shape with the top portion LP positioned on the left side (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 10). In the case of changing to the shape of the liquid lens 16, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a driving potential is applied to the plurality of third driving electrodes 34-k arranged in the left-right direction as follows. Good.
The magnitude of the drive potential applied to the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-k is the largest for the third drive electrode 34-1 located at the right end, and is arranged on the left side of the third drive electrode 34-1 at the right end. The plurality of third drive electrodes 34-2, 34-3, and 34-4 are sequentially reduced.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9A, the drive potential is first applied to the third drive electrode 34-1 positioned at the right end, and thereafter, FIG. 9B and FIG. c) Applied to the third drive electrodes 34-2, 34-3, and 34-4 in the order shown in FIG. 9D.
That is, in the liquid lens 16 after the change, the drive potential applied to the corresponding third drive electrode 34-k is increased as the distance between the base material 18 and the elastic film 19 is smaller, and the corresponding third drive is performed. The order of application to the electrodes 34-k may be accelerated.

By displacing the position of the top portion LP of the liquid lens 16 as described above, the irradiation area LA of the light emitted from the light source 15 and passing through the liquid lens 16 is moved, for example, as shown in FIG.
More specifically, when the top portion LP of the liquid lens 16 is displaced from the center (when the top portion LP of the liquid lens 16 is displaced to the left of the center in FIG. 10), the irradiation region LAl ( The center of the irradiation region LAl) after movement moves from the center of the irradiation region LAc (irradiation region LAc before movement) when the top LP is located in the center in the displacement direction of the top LP (leftward in FIG. 10). .

However, the center LCl of the irradiation area LAl after movement is located within the range of the irradiation area LAc before movement. Further, the range of the irradiation area LAl after the movement is more than the edge of the irradiation area LAc before the movement located on the displacement direction side of the top portion LP with respect to the center LCc of the irradiation area LAc before the movement (the left end in FIG. 10). Does not protrude to the moving direction side. For this reason, the dimension of the irradiation region LAl after movement in the moving direction of the irradiation region LA is smaller than the irradiation region LAc before movement. When the irradiation area LAc before movement is circular as shown in FIG. 10, the irradiation area LAl after movement is elliptical.
In the above description, the centers LCc and LCl of the irradiation areas LAc and LAl indicate the positions with the highest illuminance in the irradiation areas LAc and LAl. In addition, the illuminance of each irradiation region LAc, LAl gradually decreases from the center LCc, LCl of the irradiation region LAc, LAl toward the radially outer side of the irradiation region LAc, LAl.

  Next, an operation when the auxiliary lighting device 2 having the above configuration and the auxiliary lighting system 1 including the auxiliary lighting device 2 are provided in the vehicle V will be described. Here, operation | movement of the auxiliary lighting system 1 accompanying the state change of the vehicle V is demonstrated. The change in the state of the vehicle V in the present embodiment includes a change in the posture of the vehicle V and a change in the state of the blinker switch of the vehicle V.

[Operations associated with vehicle posture changes]
First, the operation of the auxiliary lighting system 1 according to the attitude change of the vehicle V, specifically, the lean angle of the vehicle V will be described.

[When the vehicle lean angle is 0 degree]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the vehicle V travels in a state where it does not tilt in the vehicle width direction (lean angle θ = 0 degree), specifically, it travels on a straight road or a curve with a large curvature radius. Or a case where the vehicle turns at a sufficiently low vehicle speed even with a curve with a small radius of curvature. The above-described traveling on the curve includes traveling on a curved road as well as traveling on a corner.

When the vehicle V travels without tilting in the vehicle width direction, that is, when the lean angle θ obtained based on the signal from the attitude detection unit 5 is 0 degree, each auxiliary lamp body of the auxiliary lighting device 2 Similarly to the main lighting device H, the light emitted from 10L and 10R may irradiate the area on the front side of the vehicle V on the road. In FIG. 11, symbol HLA indicates an irradiation region (main irradiation region) by the main lighting device H, symbol 10LLA indicates a sub-irradiation region by the left auxiliary lamp 10L in the auxiliary lighting device 2, and symbol 10RLA indicates the right auxiliary. The sub irradiation area | region by the lamp 10R is shown.
In addition, when the vehicle V travels at a low speed on a curve with a small radius of curvature, the light emitted from the main lighting device H can sufficiently irradiate the area on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle V. Therefore, the light emitted from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R may irradiate the area on the front side of the vehicle V in the same manner as when traveling in a straight line.

In order to emit light from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R in this way, the light emitted from the light source 15 and passed through the liquid lens 16 is evenly applied to the reflecting mirror 13 (see FIG. 2), and the lens cover 14 The shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed so as to pass through the entire region evenly. In FIG. 12, symbol PA indicates a light passage region in the lens cover 14.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed so that the four tops LP are formed in the liquid lens 16, that is, the four convex lens portions 17A are formed. The shape change of the liquid lens 16 is performed as follows by the lens driving unit 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

  As shown in FIG. 13, first, a drive potential is applied to the four divided drive electrodes 31-n so that the liquid 20 in the lens unit 17 gathers in the four regions divided by the divided drive electrodes 31-n. To do. Next, a drive potential is applied to the first drive electrode 32-1 positioned on the outermost radial direction among the plurality of first drive electrodes 32-i constituting each first row pattern 24. Thereby, convex lens portions 17A are formed in the four divided areas, respectively.

  In order to stabilize the shape of each convex lens portion 17A, for example, a driving potential may be applied to the plurality of first driving electrodes 32-i of each first row pattern 24. In this case, the magnitude of the drive potential for the plurality of first drive electrodes 32-i may be made smaller as the first drive electrode 32-1 located on the radially inner side. Furthermore, the drive potential may be applied in order from the radially outer first drive electrode 32-1 to the inner first drive electrode 32-5.

  When the vehicle V travels without tilting, the shape of the liquid lens 16 is not limited to that described above, and the shape of the liquid lens 16 may be changed so that, for example, only one top portion LP is formed. However, in this case, the brightest part in the light irradiation region (sub-irradiation regions 10LLA and 10RLA in FIG. 11) on the road is only the center of the irradiation region, and the brightness in the irradiation region is radial from the center of the irradiation region. It becomes low as it goes to the outside. On the other hand, if the shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed so that the four top portions LP are formed as described above, the brightest portion in the irradiation region increases to four, so that the illuminance in the irradiation region is made uniform. I can plan.

[When the lean angle of the vehicle is small]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the vehicle V runs on a curve while maintaining a predetermined vehicle speed, specifically, the vehicle V is slightly inclined in the vehicle width direction (lean angle θ = Consider the case of traveling at θ1).

  When the vehicle V travels in a slightly inclined state, that is, when the lean angle θ obtained based on the signal from the attitude detection unit 5 is small, the main irradiation area HLA of the light emitted from the main lighting device H is: The area outside the curve with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle V is irradiated. Therefore, the shape of the liquid lens 16 is such that the sub-irradiation areas 10LLA and 10RLA of the light emitted from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R of the auxiliary lighting device 2 move to the inside of the curve from the front side of the vehicle V. To change.

Specifically, the sub-irradiation area 10LLA of light emitted from the first auxiliary lamp body 10L (the left auxiliary lamp body 10L in FIG. 16) located inside the curve is an area inside the curve, that is, the vehicle V. The shape of the liquid lens (first liquid lens) 16 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L is changed so as to positively illuminate the area in the front side of the traveling direction.
On the other hand, a sub-irradiation area 10RLA of light emitted from the second auxiliary lamp body 10R (the auxiliary lamp body 10R on the right side in FIG. 16) located outside the curve illuminates an area outside the curve, for example, an area of the oncoming lane. The shape of the liquid lens (second liquid lens) 16 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10 </ b> R is changed so as not to be present.

In order to emit light from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R in this way, the light emitted from the light source 15 and passed through the liquid lens 16 is converted into the lenses of the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R as shown in FIG. The shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed so as to pass through the passing area PA inside the curve of the cover 14.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, so that the two top portions LP are formed in the region corresponding to the curve inside of the liquid lens 16, that is, the two convex lens portions 17 </ b> A are formed, The shape of the liquid lens 16 is changed so that the lens portion 17 is formed in a shape (a shape like a triangle in a side view) that decreases from the top portion LP toward a region corresponding to the outside of the curve. The shape change of the liquid lens 16 is performed as follows by the lens driving unit 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

As shown in FIG. 17, first, the first and third divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-3 extending in the vertical direction are driven to the third drive electrode 34-k of the third row pattern 26 positioned outside the curve. Apply potential. Here, the magnitude of the drive potential is maximized for the third drive electrode 34-1 positioned on the outermost side of the third row pattern 26 on the outer side of the curve, and on the inner side of the curve of the third drive electrode 34-1. The plurality of arranged third drive electrodes 34-2 to 34-10 are sequentially reduced.
In addition, the driving potential is applied to the third driving electrode 34-1 positioned first on the outermost curve, and then the third driving electrodes 34-1 arranged on the inner side of the curve. The drive electrodes 34-2 to 34-10 are sequentially applied. The driving potentials may be sequentially applied to the plurality of third driving electrodes 34-k one by one. For example, two driving potentials may be sequentially applied in pairs.

  In addition, a drive potential is applied to the first drive electrode 32-1 positioned on the outermost radial direction of the two first row patterns 24 positioned on the inner side of the curve. Here, the magnitude of the drive potential is preferably larger than, for example, the third drive electrodes 34-5 to 34-10 described above and smaller than the third drive electrodes 34-1 and 34-2. The magnitude of the drive potential is preferably the same as the drive potential applied to the third drive electrodes 34-3 and 34-4, for example.

The timing of applying the drive potential to the first drive electrode 32-1 may be after the drive potential is applied to the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-k. For example, the last applied third drive electrode 34- 10 may be simultaneously applied with the driving potential.
As described above, as shown in FIG. 18, the liquid 20 in the lens unit 17 gathers in a region inside the curve with respect to the first and third divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-3. Further, two convex lens portions 17A are formed in a region inside the curve with respect to the first and third divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-3. The method for stabilizing the shape of the convex lens portion 17A is the same as described above.

  Further, when the vehicle V travels in a slightly inclined state, the shape of each liquid lens 16 is changed as described above, and the light emitted from the first auxiliary lamp body 10L illuminates the area inside the curve brightly. The illuminance of light emitted from the light source (first light source) 15 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L may be increased. Further, the light emitted from the second auxiliary lamp body 10R is emitted from the light source (second light source) 15 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R so as not to illuminate the area outside the curve (particularly the area of the opposite lane). It is better to reduce the illuminance.

[When the lean angle of the vehicle is large]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the vehicle V travels on a curve while maintaining a state where the vehicle speed is higher than that described above, that is, the vehicle V is greatly inclined in the vehicle width direction (lean). Consider a case of traveling at an angle θ = θ2> θ1).

When the vehicle V travels with a large inclination, that is, when the lean angle θ obtained based on the signal from the attitude detection unit 5 is large, the main irradiation area HLA of the light emitted from the main lighting device H is: An area outside the curve with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle V is irradiated. Therefore, the shape of the liquid lens 16 is such that the sub-irradiation areas 10LLA and 10RLA of the light emitted from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R of the auxiliary lighting device 2 move to the inside of the curve from the front side of the vehicle V. To change.
Furthermore, the sub-irradiation area 10LLA of light emitted from the first auxiliary lamp body 10L (the left auxiliary lamp body 10L in FIG. 20) located inside the curve positively moves the area behind the vehicle V in the traveling direction. The shape of the liquid lens (first liquid lens) 16 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L is changed so as to illuminate. Further, the sub-irradiation area 10RLA of the light emitted from the second auxiliary lamp body 10R (the auxiliary lamp body 10R on the right side in FIG. 20) located outside the curve does not illuminate the oncoming lane, that is, before the traveling direction. The shape of the liquid lens (second liquid lens) 16 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R is changed so as to illuminate the region on the side.

  In order to emit light from the auxiliary lamp bodies 10L and 10R in this way, the light emitted from the light source (first light source) 15 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L and passed through the first liquid lens 16 is shown in FIG. As shown, the shape of the first liquid lens 16 is changed so as to pass through the passing area PA on the curve inner side and the upper side of the lens cover 14 of each auxiliary lamp body 10L, 10R. Further, the light emitted from the light source (second light source) 15 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R and passing through the second liquid lens 16 passes inside the curve and below the lens cover 14 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R. The shape of the second liquid lens 16 is changed so as to pass through the region PA.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22A, in the first liquid lens 16 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L, one apex LP is formed in a region corresponding to the curve inner side and the upper side. In other words, the shape of the lens portion 17 becomes thinner so that one convex lens portion 17A is formed, and the thickness of the lens portion 17 becomes thinner from the top portion LP toward the region corresponding to the curve outer side and the region corresponding to the lower side (triangular shape in side view) The shape of the first liquid lens 16 is changed so as to be formed in such a shape.
Further, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), in the second liquid lens 16 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R, one apex LP is formed in a region corresponding to the curve inner side and the lower side, that is, one. The shape is such that two convex lens portions 17A are formed, and the thickness of the lens portion 17 decreases from the top toward the region corresponding to the curve outer side and the region corresponding to the upper side (a shape like a triangle in a side view). As a result, the shape of the second liquid lens 16 is changed. The shape change of each liquid lens 16 is performed by the lens driving unit 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 21, first, in each liquid lens 16 of each auxiliary lamp body 10L, 10R, the first and third divided drive electrodes 31-1, 31-3 extending in the vertical direction are positioned outside the curve. A drive potential is applied to the third drive electrode 34-k of the three-row pattern 26. Further, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), in the first liquid lens 16 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L, it is below the second and fourth divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-4 extending in the left-right direction. A driving potential is applied to the second driving electrode 33-j of the second row pattern 25 located. Further, as shown in FIG. 21B, the second liquid lens 16 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R is positioned above the second and fourth divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-4 extending in the left-right direction. A drive potential is applied to the second drive electrode 33-j of the second row pattern 25 to be performed.

Here, in each liquid lens 16, the magnitude of the drive potential for the third drive electrode 34-k is the largest for the third drive electrode 34-1 positioned on the outermost curve side of the third row pattern 26 on the outer side of the curve. Then, the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-2 to 34-10 arranged inside the curve of the third drive electrode 34-1 are sequentially reduced.
Further, in the first liquid lens 16, the magnitude of the driving potential with respect to the second driving electrode 33-j is the largest for the second driving electrode 33-1 positioned on the lowermost side of the lower second row pattern 25. The plurality of second drive electrodes 33-2 to 33-10 arranged on the upper side of the second drive electrode 33-1 are sequentially reduced. Furthermore, in the second liquid lens 16, the magnitude of the drive potential for the second drive electrode 33-j is the largest for the second drive electrode 33-1 located on the uppermost side of the upper second row pattern 25, The plurality of second drive electrodes 33-2 to 33-10 arranged below the second drive electrode 33-1 are sequentially reduced.

The order in which the drive potential is applied to the second and third drive electrodes 33-j and 34-k of the first liquid lens 16 is as follows.
First, it is applied to the third drive electrode 34-1 located on the outermost side of the curve and the second drive electrode 33-1 located on the lowermost side. Thereafter, the voltage is sequentially applied to the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-2 to 34-10 arranged inside the curve of the third drive electrode 34-1 and is arranged above the second drive electrode 33-1. The plurality of second drive electrodes 33-2 to 33-10 are sequentially applied. A driving potential may be sequentially applied to each of the plurality of third driving electrodes 34-k and second driving electrodes 33-j. For example, two driving potentials are sequentially applied in pairs. May be.

The order in which the drive potential is applied to the second and third drive electrodes 33-j and 34-k of the second liquid lens 16 is as follows.
First, the voltage is applied to the third drive electrode 34-1 positioned on the outermost side of the curve and the second drive electrode 33-1 positioned on the uppermost side. Thereafter, the plurality of third drive electrodes 34-2 to 34-10 arranged in the curve inside the third drive electrode 34-1 are sequentially applied and arranged below the second drive electrode 33-1. The plurality of second drive electrodes 33-2 to 33-10 are sequentially applied. A driving potential may be sequentially applied to each of the plurality of third driving electrodes 34-k and second driving electrodes 33-j. For example, two driving potentials are sequentially applied in pairs. May be.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, in the first liquid lens 16, the driving potential is applied to the first driving electrode 32-1 positioned on the outermost radial direction in the first row pattern 24 positioned on the inner side and the upper side of the curve. Apply.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), in the second liquid lens 16, the first drive electrode 32-1 located on the outermost side in the radial direction in the first row pattern 24 located on the inner side and the lower side of the curve. Apply drive potential.

The magnitude of the drive potential of each liquid lens 16 with respect to the first drive electrode 32-1 is greater than, for example, the second drive electrodes 33-5 to 33-10 and the third drive electrodes 34-5 to 34-10 described above. Moreover, it is good that it is smaller than the second drive electrodes 33-1 and 33-2 and the third drive electrodes 34-1 and 34-2. The magnitude of the drive potential may be the same as the drive potential applied to the second drive electrodes 33-3 and 33-4 and the third drive electrodes 34-3 and 34-4, for example.
The timing for applying the drive potential to the first drive electrode 32-1 of each liquid lens 16 may be after the drive potential is applied to the plurality of second and third drive electrodes 33-j and 34-k. For example, it may be simultaneously with the application of the drive potential to the second and third drive electrodes 33-10 and 34-10 applied last.

As described above, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 22A, the liquid 20 in the lens portion 17 of the first liquid lens 16 is surrounded by the first and second divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-2. Gathered in the area (inside and above the curve). In addition, one convex lens portion 17A is formed in a region surrounded by the first and second divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-2.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 22B, the liquid 20 in the lens portion 17 of the second liquid lens 16 is surrounded by the second and third divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-3. Gathered in the area (the area inside and below the curve). In addition, one convex lens portion 17A is formed in a region surrounded by the second and third divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-3.
The method for stabilizing the shape of the convex lens portion 17A in each liquid lens 16 is the same as described above.

  In the above description, the shape change of the liquid lens 16 is based on the state in which the drive potential is not applied to all the drive electrodes 31-n, 32-i, 33-j, and 34-k of the first electrode portion 21. As stated, this is not a limitation. The lean angle θ of the vehicle V when traveling on a curve continuously changes in accordance with the road and the traveling condition (for example, the radius of curvature of the curve, the traveling speed, etc.). For this reason, even if the shape of the liquid lens 16 changes so as to correspond to a state where the lean angle θ is large (see FIGS. 19 to 22), for example, based on a state where the lean angle θ is small (see FIGS. 15 to 18). Good.

More specifically, when the lean angle θ is small, the third drive electrode 34-k of the third row pattern 26 located outside the curve and the first drive of the two first row patterns 24 inside the curve. A driving potential is applied in advance to the electrode 32-i (see FIG. 17).
When the lean angle θ increases from this state, the second row pattern 25 positioned below the second and fourth divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-4 extending in the left-right direction in the first liquid lens 16. The second drive electrode 33-j (see FIG. 21A) and the second liquid lens 16 are positioned above the second and fourth divided drive electrodes 31-2 and 31-4 extending in the left-right direction. The drive potential may be applied to the second drive electrode 33-j (see FIG. 21B) of the second row pattern 25 in the manner described above. Further, the drive potential applied to the first drive electrode 32-i of the first row pattern 24 positioned on the inner side and the lower side of the curve in the first liquid lens 16, and the position on the inner side and the upper side of the curve of the second liquid lens 16 The drive potential applied to the first drive electrode 32-i of the first row pattern 24 to be released may be released (discharged).

[Operation associated with the change in the status of the blinker switch]
Next, the state change of the blinker switch of the vehicle V, specifically, the operation of the auxiliary lighting system 1 based on the operation of the blinker switch will be described.
For example, when the driver of the vehicle V operates the blinker switch so as to blink the left blinker, that is, when the signal output from the switch detection unit 6 to the lens driving unit 4 indicates blinking of the left blinker, V is predicted to travel a curve that turns to the left.

For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the irradiation area irradiated by the light emitted from the auxiliary lamps 10L and 10R of the auxiliary lighting device 2 is on the inner side (left side) of the curve than the front side of the vehicle V. The shape of each liquid lens 16 is changed as shown in FIG. 18 so as to move.
In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the light emitted from the first auxiliary lamp body 10 </ b> L located on the inner side (left side) of the curve positively illuminates the region on the far side in the traveling direction of the vehicle V. Thus, the shape of the first liquid lens 16 of the first auxiliary lamp body 10L is changed as shown in FIG. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the light emitted from the second auxiliary lamp body 10R located outside the curve (right side) does not illuminate the outside of the curve (eg, the opposite lane), that is, before the traveling direction. The shape of the second liquid lens 16 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R is changed as shown in FIG. 22B so as to illuminate the region on the side.
The method for changing the shape of each liquid lens 16 may be the same as described above.

  As described above, according to the auxiliary lighting device 2 and the auxiliary lighting system 1 including the auxiliary lighting device 2 according to the present embodiment, the state of the vehicle V (the size of the lean angle, the state of the blinker switch) is changed according to the change. By changing the shape of the lens 16, the light emitted from the same light source 15 can illuminate the irradiation regions 10 LLA and 10 RLA (regions in the direction that the driver of the vehicle V wants to see) suitable for the state of the vehicle V. . In other words, it is possible to illuminate a plurality of different irradiation areas 10LLA and 10RLA with light emitted from the same light source 15. Therefore, when the irradiation areas 10LLA and 10RLA illuminated according to the state of the vehicle V are subdivided, the number of the light sources 15 can be reduced as compared with the conventional case, and the auxiliary lighting device 2 can be configured compactly. Become. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary lighting device 2 can be reduced.

In particular, in the auxiliary lighting device 2 and the auxiliary lighting system 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid lens 16 moves the irradiation areas 10LLA and 10RLA to the inside of the curve according to the state of the vehicle V when the vehicle V travels the curve. The shape changes as you do. Further, the shape of the liquid lens 16 changes in accordance with the change in the posture of the vehicle V (change in the lean angle θ).
Thereby, the area | region of the advancing direction of the vehicle V (area | region of the direction which a driver | operator wants to see) can be actively illuminated with the light radiate | emitted from the auxiliary lighting apparatus 2. FIG. Moreover, it can suppress that the light radiate | emitted from the auxiliary lighting apparatus 2 illuminates the oncoming lane which exists on the outer side of a curve, ie, it can suppress reaching the driver | operator of the vehicle V which drive | works an oncoming lane.

Furthermore, in the auxiliary lighting device 2 and the auxiliary lighting system 1 of the present embodiment, the first auxiliary lighting body 10L located inside the curve according to the lean attitude (lean angle θ) when the vehicle V travels the curve. The first irradiation area 10LLA irradiated with the light emitted from the first light source 15 and passed through the first liquid lens 16 moves to the back side in the traveling direction of the vehicle V. Further, the second irradiation area 10RLA irradiated with the light emitted from the second light source 15 of the second auxiliary lamp body 10R located outside the curve and passed through the second liquid lens 16 is the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle V. Move to.
As a result, even if the lean angle θ of the vehicle V increases, the region in the traveling direction of the vehicle V (the region that the driver wants to see) is more actively illuminated by the light emitted from the auxiliary lighting device 2. And illuminating the oncoming lane outside the curve can be suitably suppressed.

Further, in the auxiliary lighting device 2 and the auxiliary lighting system 1 of the present embodiment, the shape of the liquid lens 16 changes according to the state of the blinker switch of the vehicle V.
As a result, regardless of the posture of the vehicle V, at the stage before the vehicle V travels the curve (the state before the vehicle V assumes the lean posture), the tip of the curve (the region in which the vehicle V is traveling is predicted). ).

  Although the details of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The plurality of drive electrodes provided in the first electrode portion 21 of the liquid lens 16 is not limited to being arranged as in the above embodiment, and may be arranged as shown in FIG. 23, for example.
In the first electrode portion 21 shown in FIG. 23, some of the drive electrodes 31-n and 32-i constitute a divided pattern 23 and a first row pattern 24 similar to those in the above embodiment. That is, the divided pattern 23 has four divided drive electrodes 31-n as in the above embodiment. In addition, the first row pattern 24 having a circular shape in plan view including the plurality of first drive electrodes 32-i is arranged one by one in each region of the lens unit 17 divided by the four divided drive electrodes 31-n. Yes.

  The remaining drive electrodes 35-m (in the example shown, m = 1 to 10 (integer)) constitute a second row pattern 27 different from that in the above embodiment. The plurality of drive electrodes 35-m (second drive electrodes 35-m) constituting the second row pattern 27 are each formed in an arc shape concentric with the center of the lens portion 17 in plan view. A plurality of second drive electrodes 35-m constituting the same second row pattern 27 are arranged at intervals in the radial direction in one region of the lens unit 17 divided by the divided drive electrodes 31-n. Yes. The second row pattern 27 is arranged one by one in each region of the lens unit 17 (divided region of the lens unit 17) divided by the four divided drive electrodes 31-n. The four second row patterns 27 are electrically insulated from each other. The four second drive electrodes 35-m having the same radius of curvature in the four second row patterns 27 form a ring shape as a whole.

Even in the first electrode portion 21 having the configuration shown in FIG. 23, the shape of the liquid lens 16 can be changed as in the above-described embodiment.
For example, in order to change the shape of the liquid lens 16 as shown in FIG. 18, first, two second rows located on the left side of the first and third divided drive electrodes 31-1 and 31-3 extending in the vertical direction. A drive potential may be applied to the second drive electrode 35-m of the pattern 27.
Here, the magnitude of the drive potential is maximized for the second drive electrode 35-1 located on the outermost radial direction in each of the left second row patterns 27, and the radial direction of the second drive electrode 35-1 is set. What is necessary is just to make small sequentially about several 2nd drive electrode 35-2-35-10 arranged inside. The order of applying the drive potential is first applied to the second drive electrode 35-1 positioned on the outermost radial direction first, and then a plurality of the drive potentials arranged on the radial inner side of the second drive electrode 35-1. What is necessary is just to apply to the 2nd drive electrodes 35-2-35-10 in order. The drive potentials may be sequentially applied to the plurality of second drive electrodes 35-k one by one. For example, two drive potentials may be sequentially applied in pairs.

In addition, a drive potential may be applied to the first drive electrode 32-1 positioned on the outermost radial direction of the two first row patterns 24 positioned on the right side. Here, the magnitude of the drive potential may be the same as in the above embodiment. The timing for applying the drive potential to the first drive electrode 32-1 may be after the drive potential is applied to the plurality of second drive electrodes 35-m. For example, the second drive electrode to be applied last is used. It may be simultaneously with the application of the driving potential to 35-10.
As described above, the shape of the liquid lens 16 can be changed as shown in FIG.

  The auxiliary lighting device and the auxiliary lighting system of the present invention are not limited to being applied to a motorcycle. For example, the auxiliary lighting device and the auxiliary lighting system are turned in a lean posture such as a motor tricycle, a snowmobile, and an ATV (all-terrain vehicle). The present invention can also be applied to other vehicles or vehicles such as automobiles that do not turn in a lean position.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Auxiliary lighting system 2 Auxiliary lighting apparatus 3 State detection part 4 Lens drive part 5 Posture detection part 6 Switch detection part 10, 10L, 10R Auxiliary lamp 10LLA, 10RLA Subirradiation area (irradiation area)
15 Light source 16 Liquid lens LA Irradiation area

Claims (8)

A light source and a liquid lens that changes shape,
An auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle in which an irradiation area irradiated with light emitted from the light source and passed through the liquid lens moves by changing a shape of the liquid lens according to a change in a state of the vehicle.   The auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation area moves to the inside of the curve according to a state of the vehicle when the vehicle travels on the curve.   The auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the liquid lens changes according to a change in posture of the vehicle. The light source and the liquid lens are provided on both sides in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle turning in a lean attitude;
The first irradiation area irradiated by the light emitted from the first light source located inside the curve and passing through the first liquid lens according to the lean attitude when the vehicle travels on the curve is the back side in the traveling direction of the vehicle Go to
The second irradiation area irradiated by the light emitted from the second light source located outside the curve and passing through the second liquid lens according to the lean attitude when the vehicle travels on the curve is the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle The auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 3, which moves to   The auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the liquid lens changes depending on a state of a winker switch of the vehicle. An auxiliary lighting device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A state detector for detecting the state of the vehicle;
A vehicle auxiliary lighting system comprising: a lens driving unit that drives the liquid lens so that the shape of the liquid lens changes based on a detection result of the state detection unit.   The auxiliary lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the state detection unit detects a change in posture of the vehicle.   The auxiliary lighting system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the state detection unit detects a state of a blinker switch of the vehicle.