JP2021046086A - Light unit control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a light unit control device that can accurately notify a following vehicle of a deceleration state.SOLUTION: A control device 10 controls a lighting state of a light unit 20 capable of notifying a following vehicle 2 of a deceleration state of own vehicle 1. The control device 10 includes: a deceleration calculation unit 11 for calculating deceleration on the basis of information from an acceleration sensor 31; and a lighting state control unit 12 for changing a lighting state of a deceleration light 22 included in the light unit 20 in accordance with the deceleration calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a lighting state of a lighting unit capable of notifying a following vehicle of a deceleration state.

As a conventional technique for controlling the lighting state of the braking light used to indicate to the following vehicle that the own vehicle is using the braking device, for example, Patent Document 1 provides the brake pedal of the vehicle. By changing the lighting state of the brake light according to at least one of the braking force, specifically, the braking force, the braking pressure, or the amount of pedal operation, the driver of the following vehicle is the more strongly the brake pedal is depressed. The technology that made it possible to call attention to is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-08897

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, when the same brake pedal is depressed in different vehicles, the driver of the following vehicle reads the information regarding the braking operation of the vehicle in front through the braking lights in the same lighting state. .. However, the actual degree of deceleration in the vehicle in front differs depending on the braking characteristics of each vehicle, and also differs depending on the state of tire wear and the road surface condition of the traveling road. For this reason, the information read by the driver of the following vehicle is beyond the scope of reference, and in the end, the driver of the following vehicle needs to estimate the degree of deceleration of the vehicle in front. That is, with respect to the conventional technology, there is a problem that the driver of the following vehicle cannot accurately grasp the deceleration state of the vehicle in front.

As a result, the driver of the following vehicle performs a sudden braking operation when he / she determines that the degree of deceleration of the vehicle in front is larger than his / her own expectation, but there is a risk of a rear-end collision due to a delay in the determination. On the contrary, if the deceleration degree of the vehicle in front is smaller than expected, the driver of the following vehicle may step on the brake pedal even in a situation where it is not necessary to step on the brake pedal. There was a possibility that it would become a hotbed for traffic congestion and congestion due to the chain of traffic.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control device for a lighting unit capable of accurately notifying a following vehicle of a deceleration state.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control device for a lighting unit capable of notifying a following vehicle of a deceleration state. This control device includes a calculation unit that calculates a deceleration based on information from a sensor, and a control unit that changes the lighting state of the lighting unit according to the deceleration.

According to the control device according to the present invention as described above, by changing the lighting state of the lighting unit according to the deceleration, the deceleration state of the own vehicle is notified to the following vehicle based on the universal standard of deceleration. Will be done. As a result, the driver of the following vehicle can objectively and accurately grasp the deceleration state of the vehicle in front, so that it is possible to respond quickly and accurately to a sudden deceleration of the vehicle in front. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing traffic congestion and congestion by reducing the chances of unnecessary braking operation.

It is a block diagram which shows the main part structure of the vehicle to which the control device of the lighting unit by one Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the schematic arrangement of each part of the vehicle of FIG. 1 and the positional relationship with the following vehicle. It is a top view which shows an example of the specific lighting surface of the lighting unit in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the control device by the said Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control process of the lighting state of a lighting unit in the said embodiment. It is a top view which shows the lighting surface of the lighting unit of the 1st modification which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a top view which shows the lighting surface of the lighting unit of the 2nd modification which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control process of the lighting state of the lighting unit in the said 1st or 2nd modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle to which a control device for a lighting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic arrangement of each part of the vehicle of FIG. 1 and a positional relationship with a following vehicle.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the control device 10 of the present embodiment controls the lighting state of the lighting unit 20 capable of notifying the following vehicle 2 of the deceleration state of the own vehicle 1. The control device 10 includes a deceleration calculation unit 11 as a calculation unit and a lighting state control unit 12 as a control unit. Further, the lighting unit 20 has a braking light 21 and a deceleration light 22 different from the braking light 21.

For example, the deceleration calculation unit 11 acquires information from the acceleration sensor 31 mounted on the own vehicle 1, calculates the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 based on the acquired information, and indicates a signal indicating the calculation result. Is output to the lighting state control unit 12. The acceleration sensor 31 detects the acceleration (deceleration) of the own vehicle 1 and transmits information indicating the detection result to the deceleration calculation unit 11 via an in-vehicle network (not shown). When the information from the acceleration sensor 31 represents the acceleration (speed change per unit time) of the own vehicle 1 in the traveling direction, the deceleration is indicated by a negative value (negative acceleration), and the deceleration is It is indicated by the absolute value of a negative value. Although an example of obtaining the deceleration using the acceleration sensor 31 is shown here, in addition to this, for example, the deceleration may be calculated based on the information from the vehicle speed sensor. In this case, by calculating the change in the vehicle speed per unit time detected by the vehicle speed sensor, the deceleration can be obtained in the same manner as in the case of the acceleration sensor 31.

The lighting state control unit 12 receives an output signal from the deceleration calculation unit 11, and sets the lighting state of the deceleration light 22 of the lighting unit 20 according to the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11. A control signal to be changed is generated, and the control signal is output to the deceleration lamp 22. Further, the lighting state control unit 12 determines whether or not the brake pedal 33 has been operated by the driver of the own vehicle 1 by using the information from the brake switch 32 mounted on the own vehicle 1, for example, and brakes. When the pedal 33 is operated, a control signal for lighting the brake light 21 of the lighting unit 20 is generated, and the control signal is output to the brake light 21. The brake switch 32 can detect whether or not the brake pedal 33 has been depressed by the driver, and transmits information indicating the detection result to the lighting state control unit 12 via the vehicle-mounted network. The determination of whether or not the brake pedal is operated by the lighting state control unit 12 is the same as the determination of whether or not the brake pedal is operated, which is performed when switching the lighting / extinguishing of a general braking light (brake lamp). That is, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to detect the braking force (brake pedaling force, brake pressure, pedal operation amount) applied to the brake pedal as in the above-mentioned conventional technique.

In the lighting unit 20, the brake light 21 and the deceleration light 22 are attached to predetermined positions at the rear of the own vehicle 1, and the deceleration state of the own vehicle 1 is determined by the lighting state of the brake light 21 and the deceleration light 22. Notify the second prize.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a specific lighting surface of the lighting unit 20, and FIGS. 3A to 3D exemplify changes in the lighting state according to deceleration. In the example of FIG. 3, the lighting unit 20 has a pair of left and right braking lights 21 and 21 and deceleration lights 22 and 22. Each of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 has a substantially rectangular lighting surface, and each of the braking lights 21 and 21 has a lighting surface having a predetermined width surrounding the lighting surface of each of the deceleration lights 22 and 22. Here, the lighting surface of the deceleration lamp 22 is divided into, for example, three lighting areas A1, A2, and A3, respectively. Regarding the deceleration lamp 22 on the left side, the lighting area A1 has an area having a predetermined width from the right end of the lighting surface, the lighting area A2 has an area adjacent to the lighting area A1 and having a width similar to that of the lighting area A1, and the lighting area A3. Adjacent to the lighting area A2 and has a width about twice as wide as the lighting area A2. The lighting areas A1 to A3 of the deceleration lamp 22 on the right side are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lighting areas A1 to A3 of the deceleration light 22 on the left side. In the example of FIG. 3, it is shown that the hatched portion is in a lit state.

In a vehicle to which the control device 10 having the above configuration is applied, the driver is notified by displaying on the dashboard or the like that the control of the lighting unit 20 by the control device 10 is in operation. Is preferable. The control function of the lighting unit 20 by the control device 10 may be turned on / off by the driver as needed, or may be automatically turned on / off according to the vehicle conditions and the like.

Next, the control operation of the lighting unit 20 by the control device 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.
In the control device 10, first, in step S1 of FIG. 4, the deceleration calculation unit 11 acquires information indicating the detection result of the acceleration sensor 31 via the vehicle-mounted network.

In the next step S2, the deceleration calculation unit 11 that receives the information from the acceleration sensor 31 calculates the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 using the detection value of the acceleration by the acceleration sensor 31. Specifically, when the detected value of acceleration is a positive number or zero, the deceleration is set to zero, and when the detected value of acceleration is a negative number, the absolute value of the detected value is set to deceleration. The calculation result of the deceleration calculation unit 11 is transmitted to the lighting state control unit 12.

In the following step S3, the lighting state control unit 12 receives the calculation result of the deceleration calculation unit 11 and the information from the brake switch 32, and receives the pair of left and right braking lights 21 and 21 and the deceleration light 22 of the lighting unit 20. 22 controls the lighting state.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the lighting state control process of the lighting unit 20 in step S3.
First, in step S10 of FIG. 5, whether or not the lighting state control unit 12 has operated the brake pedal 33 by the driver of the own vehicle 1 using the information from the brake switch 32 (hereinafter, "presence or absence of brake operation"). (Abbreviated as)) is determined. When it is determined that there is a brake operation (YES), the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the braking lights 21 and 21 in the next step S11, and the control signal is output to the braking lights 21 and 21. As a result, each lighting surface is in a lit state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that there is no brake operation (NO), the process proceeds to step S12, and the lighting state control unit 12 sets the threshold value calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11 for preset deceleration. It is determined whether or not T0 (second threshold value) is exceeded. In this determination, the driver presses the brake pedal such as a sudden deceleration in which the driver of the own vehicle 1 does not operate the brake pedal 33, specifically, a collision with an obstacle that the driver does not notice. This is performed to detect deceleration of the own vehicle 1 in a situation where the vehicle cannot be stepped on, deceleration of the own vehicle 1 due to the operation of a large engine brake, and the like. When such a sudden deceleration occurs, the deceleration will increase remarkably. Therefore, the deceleration threshold value T0 is set in advance in the lighting state control unit 12 so that the sudden deceleration as described above can be detected, and the deceleration calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11 sets the threshold value T0. If it exceeds the limit, it is determined that a sudden deceleration occurs due to a collision or engine braking. The threshold value T0 is preferably set to a value larger than the threshold value T3 set for determining that the deceleration described later is in a relatively large state.

When it is determined in step S12 that the deceleration exceeds the threshold value T0 (YES), the lighting state control unit 12 generates control signals for lighting the braking lights 21 and 21 in the next step S13. At the same time as outputting to the brake lights 21 and 21, a control signal for lighting all the lighting areas A1 to A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 is generated and output to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, when a sudden deceleration occurs in which the driver of the own vehicle 1 does not operate the brake pedal 33, the lighting unit 20 of the own vehicle 1 is in the lighting state as shown in FIG. 3 (D) described above. That is, the braking lights 21 and 21 are turned on, and the lighting areas A1 to A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are all turned on. When the process of step S13 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1. When the sudden deceleration as described above occurs, the hazard lamp may be blinked at high speed in addition to the lighting of the brake lamp and the deceleration lamp. As a result, the driver of the following vehicle 2 can be more reliably alerted.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the deceleration is equal to or less than the threshold value T0 (NO), the lighting state control unit 12 moves to step S14 to display the braking lights 21 and 21 and the deceleration lights 22. , 22 is generated to turn off the lights, and is output to the lighting unit 20. As a result, the lighting unit 20 of the own vehicle 1 is in a lighting state as shown in FIG. 3A, that is, the braking lights 21 and 21 are turned off and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are turned on. Areas A1 to A3 are all controlled to be turned off. When the process of step S14 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

When the brake lights 21 and 21 are turned on by the process of step S11 described above, in the following step S15, the lighting state control unit 12 sets the deceleration calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11 to a preset threshold value T1 (first threshold value). ) Judge whether or not it is the above. This threshold value T1 is set to determine that the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 is relatively small. Specifically, for example, G is set as the gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m / s ² ). , 0.1G and the like may be set. If the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S16, and if the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1 (NO), the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S16, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the lighting area A1 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, in the state where the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T1, the lighting units 20 have the braking lights 21 and 21 lit and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 in the lighting area. It is controlled so that A1 is lit (FIG. 3 (B)). When the process of step S16 is completed, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S17, in response to the determination that the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1 in step S15 described above, the lighting state control unit 12 is set to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lights 22 and 22. Judge whether or not. In the present embodiment, the lighting states of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 are controlled so that the lighting area increases stepwise as the deceleration increases and the lighting area decreases stepwise as the deceleration decreases, as will be described later. .. In such control of the lighting state, when the deceleration becomes a small value less than the threshold value T1, the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are turned off. For example, the own vehicle 1 is normally operated by the driver's brake operation. Considering the situation from deceleration to stop, the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are not turned off for a certain period from immediately before the stop to after the stop, but the lighting state up to that point is maintained and the following vehicle In many cases, it is safer to continue alerting the driver in 2. Therefore, the control device 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a function of setting whether or not to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lamp when the deceleration decreases below the threshold value T1. In the determination of step S17, if the setting for maintaining the lighting state of the deceleration lamp is made (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S18, and if the setting for not maintaining is made (NO), the step. Move to S19.

In step S18, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for maintaining the previous lighting state of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 for a certain period of time and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, even when the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 is reduced to less than the threshold value T1, the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit, and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are maintained in the lighting state up to that point. It will be controlled and the driver of the following vehicle 2 will be continuously alerted.

On the other hand, in step S19, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for extinguishing all the lighting areas A1 to A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signals to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, when the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 becomes less than the threshold value T1, only the braking lights 21 and 21 are turned on, and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled to be turned off. When the process of step S18 or step S19 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

When the deceleration is controlled to be lit in the lighting areas A1 of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 when the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T1 by each of the processes of steps S15 and S16 described above, the lighting state control unit is in the subsequent step S20. 12 determines whether or not the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T2, which is larger than the threshold value T1 described above. This threshold value T2 is set to determine that the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 is in a relatively medium state, and specifically, a value such as 0.3 G may be set. .. If the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S21. On the other hand, when the deceleration is less than the threshold value T2, that is, when the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T1 and less than the threshold value T2 (NO), the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S21, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the lighting areas A2 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, in the state where the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T2, the lighting unit 20 lights the braking lights 21 and 21 and the lighting areas of the deceleration lights 22 and 22. It is controlled so that A1 + A2 are lit (FIG. 3 (C)). When the process of step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S22, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for turning off the lighting areas A2 and A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signals to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, in the state where the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T1 and less than the threshold value T2 (deceleration: small), the lighting unit 20 has the braking lights 21 and 21 lit and the deceleration lights 21 and 21 are lit. The lighting areas A1 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled to be lit (FIG. 3B). When the process of step S22 is completed, the control process of the lighting state in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

When the deceleration is controlled to the lighting areas A1 + A2 of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 when the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T2 by each of the processes of steps S20 and S21, the lighting state control unit 12 is in the subsequent step S23. Determines whether or not the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T3, which is larger than the threshold value T2. The threshold value T3 is set to determine that the deceleration of the own vehicle 1 is relatively large, and specifically, a value such as 0.5 G may be set. If the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T3 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S24. On the other hand, when the deceleration is less than the threshold value T3, that is, when the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T2 and less than the threshold value T3 (NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S24, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the lighting areas A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, in the state where the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T3 (deceleration: large), the lighting unit 20 has the braking lights 21 and 21 lit and the deceleration lights. The lighting areas A1 + A2 + A3 of 22 and 22 are controlled to be lit (see FIG. 3D). When the process of step S24 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

In step S25, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for turning off the lighting areas A3 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, in the state where the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T2 and less than the threshold value T3 (deceleration: medium), the lighting unit 20 has the braking lights 21 and 21 lit and the deceleration lights 21 and 21 are lit. The lighting areas A1 + A2 of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled to be lit (see FIG. 3C). When the process of step S25 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

As described above, according to the control device 10 of the lighting unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the lighting state (lighting area in this case) of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 is changed according to the deceleration of the own vehicle 1. The deceleration state of the vehicle 1 is notified to the following vehicle 2 based on the universal standard of deceleration. As a result, the driver of the following vehicle 2 can objectively and accurately grasp the deceleration state of the vehicle in front, so that it is possible to respond quickly and accurately to a sudden deceleration of the vehicle in front. In addition, by reducing the chances of unnecessary braking, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing traffic congestion and congestion, and it is also possible to reduce driver fatigue. Further, according to the control device 10 of the present embodiment, when a sudden deceleration occurs in a situation where the driver of the own vehicle 1 cannot step on the brake pedal 33, the brake lights 21 and 21 and the deceleration are decelerated based on the deceleration. Since the lights 22 and 22 are turned on and the driver of the following vehicle 2 can be alerted, the possibility of an accident such as multiple collisions can be suppressed.

In the above-described embodiment, the lighting surfaces of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 have three lighting areas A1 to A3, and the lighting state of the lighting areas A1 to A3 is changed in three stages according to the deceleration. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lighting surface of the deceleration lamp is divided into two or four or more regions, and the lighting state of those regions is changed stepwise according to the deceleration. It is also possible to. The number of stages of deceleration control may be set and adjusted by the driver within an acceptable range. Further, instead of dividing the lighting surface of the deceleration lamp into a plurality of regions, for example, a first modification in which the lighting color of the deceleration lamp is changed according to the deceleration as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 A second modification in which the shape of a figure or character displayed on the lighting surface of the deceleration lamp as shown in the above is changed according to the deceleration is also possible.

Specifically, the lighting unit 20 in the first modification shown in FIG. 6 includes a pair of left and right braking lights 21 and 21 and deceleration lights 22, 22 as in the example shown in FIG. 3 in the above-described embodiment. Have. The deceleration lights 22 and 22 are configured so that their respective lighting colors can be variably controlled. Specific examples of the lighting colors of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 include blue when the deceleration is small, green when the deceleration is medium, and red when the deceleration is large. It is not limited to this. It is possible to consider the case where the lighting color is the same and the brightness is changed in the same manner.

Further, the lighting unit 20 in the second modification shown in FIG. 7 also has a pair of left and right braking lights 21 and 21 and deceleration lights 22, 22 as in the example shown in FIG. 3 in the above-described embodiment. ing. Each of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 can display figures and characters on their respective lighting surfaces. Here, for example, a cross is displayed on the lighting surfaces of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22, and the display shape (here, the thickness of the line) changes according to the deceleration.

When the lighting unit 20 of the first or second modification as described above is applied, the control device 10 that controls the lighting state of the lighting unit 20 is the control process of the lighting state shown in FIG. 5 in the above-described embodiment. Since the procedure of will be different, a specific example will be given below for a detailed explanation. The configuration of the control device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the overall control operation shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a lighting state control process corresponding to the lighting unit 20 of the first or second modification. In the following, the lighting state of the deceleration lamp corresponding to the case where the deceleration is small (FIG. 6 (B) or FIG. 7 (B)) is set as pattern P1, and the deceleration is medium (FIG. 6 (C) or FIG. Pattern P2 is the lighting state of the deceleration lamp corresponding to 7 (C)), and pattern P3 is the lighting state of the deceleration lamp corresponding to the case where the deceleration is large (FIG. 6 (D) or FIG. 7 (D)). I will explain as.

First, in step S30 of FIG. 8, the lighting state control unit 12 determines whether or not the brake pedal 33 has been operated by the driver of the own vehicle 1 (presence or absence of brake operation) using the information from the brake switch 32. To do. When it is determined that there is a brake operation (YES), the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the braking lights 21 and 21 and outputs the control signal to the braking lights 21 and 21 in the next step S31. As a result, the brake lights 21 and 21 are turned on. On the other hand, when it is determined that no brake operation is performed (NO), the lighting state control unit 12 determines in step S32 whether or not the deceleration calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11 exceeds the threshold value T0.

When it is determined in step S32 that the deceleration exceeds the threshold value T0 (YES), the lighting state control unit 12 generates control signals for lighting the braking lights 21 and 21 in the next step S33. At the same time as outputting to the brake lights 21 and 21, a control signal for lighting the deceleration lights 22 and 22 in the pattern P3 is generated and output to the deceleration lights 22 and 22. As a result, when a sudden deceleration occurs in which the driver of the own vehicle 1 does not operate the brake pedal 33, the light units 20 of the own vehicle 1 turn on the brake lights 21 and 21 and each decrease. The speed lights 22 and 22 are lit in red (FIG. 6 (D)), or the brake lights 21 and 21 are lit and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are marked with a thick cross (x) ( It is controlled as shown in FIG. 7 (D)). When the process of step S33 is completed, the lighting state control process in step S3 of FIG. 4 described above is completed, and the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that the deceleration is equal to or less than the threshold value T0 (NO), the lighting state control unit 12 moves to step S34 to display the braking lights 21 and 21 and the deceleration lights 22. , 22 is generated to turn off the lights, and is output to the lighting unit 20. As a result, the lighting unit 20 of the own vehicle 1 is controlled so that the braking lights 21 and 21 and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are turned off (FIGS. 6A or 7A). When the process of step S34 is completed, the process returns to step S1 of FIG. 4 described above.

When the brake lights 21 and 21 are turned on by the process of step S31 described above, in the following step S35, the lighting state control unit 12 determines whether or not the deceleration calculated by the deceleration calculation unit 11 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1. judge. If the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S36, and if the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1 (NO), the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S36, the lighting state control unit 12 stores the pattern P1 in a buffer (not shown) provided inside the lighting state control unit 12. This buffer is used to temporarily store the pattern information set as the lighting state of the deceleration lights 22, 22. The pattern information stored in the buffer shall be sequentially updated by writing new pattern information. When the process of step S36 is completed, the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S37, in response to the determination that the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1 in step S35 described above, the lighting state control unit 12 is set to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lights 22 and 22. Judge whether or not. If it is set to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lamp (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S38, and if it is set not to be maintained (NO), the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S38, the lighting state control unit 12 stores the same pattern information as the previous lighting state of the deceleration lights 22 and 22 in the buffer. On the other hand, in step S39, the lighting state control unit 12 stores the information for turning off the deceleration lights 22 and 22 (here, the pattern P0) in the buffer. When the process of step S38 or step S39 is completed, the process proceeds to step S44.

When the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1 and the pattern P1 is stored in the buffer as the lighting state of the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 by each of the processes of steps S35 and S36 described above, the lighting state control unit is in the subsequent step S40. 12 determines whether or not the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T2. If the deceleration is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S41. On the other hand, when the deceleration is less than the threshold value T2, that is, when the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T1 and less than the threshold value T2 (NO), the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S41, the lighting state control unit 12 stores the pattern P2 in the buffer. As a result, the pattern P1 stored in the buffer in step S36 is updated to the pattern P2. In the next step S42, the lighting state control unit 12 determines whether or not the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T3. If the deceleration is equal to or higher than the threshold value T3 (YES), the process proceeds to the next step S43. On the other hand, when the deceleration is less than the threshold value T3, that is, when the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T2 and less than the threshold value T3 (NO), the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S43, the lighting state control unit 12 stores the pattern P3 in the buffer. As a result, the pattern P2 stored in the buffer in step S41 is updated to the pattern P3. In the next step S44, the lighting state control unit 12 generates a control signal for lighting the deceleration lamps 22 and 22 according to the pattern stored in the buffer and outputs the control signal to the deceleration lamps 22 and 22.

By the process of step S44, the lighting unit 20 of the first modification shown in FIG. 6 described above has a brake operation by the driver, the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1, and the deceleration light is lit. In a state corresponding to the pattern P0 in which the setting is not maintained, the braking lights 21 and 21 are turned on and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are turned off. Further, in a state corresponding to the pattern P1 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T1 and less than the threshold value T2 (deceleration: small), the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit and each is The deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled to be lit in blue (FIG. 6B). Further, in a state (deceleration: medium) corresponding to the pattern P2 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T2 and less than the threshold value T3, the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit and each is The deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled to be lit in green (FIG. 6 (C)). In addition, each braking light 21 and 21 is lit and each deceleration light is in a state corresponding to the pattern P3 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is the threshold value T3 or more (deceleration: large). It is controlled so that 22 and 22 are lit in red (FIG. 6 (D)).

Alternatively, the lighting unit 20 of the second modification shown in FIG. 7 described above is set so that the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is less than the threshold value T1 so that the deceleration light does not maintain the lighting state. In the state corresponding to the pattern P0, the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit, and the deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled so as not to display the x mark. Further, in a state corresponding to the pattern P1 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T1 and less than the threshold value T2 (deceleration: small), the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit and each is The deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled so as to display a thin line x (FIG. 7 (B)). Further, in a state (deceleration: medium) corresponding to the pattern P2 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is equal to or more than the threshold value T2 and less than the threshold value T3, the braking lights 21 and 21 are lit and each is The deceleration lights 22 and 22 are controlled so as to display the cross mark on the middle line (FIG. 7 (C)). In addition, each braking light 21 and 21 is lit and each deceleration light is in a state corresponding to the pattern P3 in which the driver operates the brake and the deceleration is the threshold value T3 or more (deceleration: large). 22 and 22 are controlled to be in a state where a thick cross mark is displayed (FIG. 7 (D)).

The same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained with respect to the control device 10 for controlling the lighting state of the lighting unit 20 of the first or second modification as described above.
In the first and second modifications, an example of changing the lighting state of the deceleration lamp in three stages according to the deceleration has been described, but it is of course possible to change the lighting state in two stages or four or more stages. is there.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and its modification, an example is shown in which the lighting surfaces of the brake lights 21 and 21 are arranged so as to surround the lighting surfaces of the deceleration lights 22 and 22. The arrangement of the brake light and the deceleration light is not limited to this example. For example, the lighting surface of the brake light may be arranged either above or below or to the left or right of the lighting surface of the deceleration light, or the lighting surface of the brake light and the lighting surface of the deceleration light may be arranged at intervals. You may. When the brake lights and the deceleration lights are arranged at intervals, it is possible to make the brake lights and the deceleration lights independent units.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and its modification, the case where the lighting state of the lighting unit is controlled by determining whether or not the driver operates the brake pedal 33 and the deceleration is described. In addition, for example, it is also determined whether or not the driver has operated the accelerator pedal, and if there is an accelerator operation, the lighting state of the deceleration light is changed to the side with the smaller deceleration, or the deceleration light is turned on. Applications such as canceling are also possible. This makes it possible to control the deceleration lamp in order to prioritize the driver's intention.

1 ... own vehicle, 2 ... following vehicle, 10 ... control device, 11 ... deceleration calculation unit, 12 ... lighting state control unit, 20 ... lighting unit, 21 ... braking light, 22 ... deceleration light, 31 ... acceleration sensor, 32 ... Brake switch, 33 ... Brake pedal, A1 to A3 ... Lighting area

Claims (7)

A control device for a lighting unit that can notify the following vehicle of the deceleration status.
A calculation unit that calculates deceleration based on information from the sensor,
A control unit that changes the lighting state of the lighting unit according to the deceleration,
Including the control device. The lighting unit has a brake light and a deceleration light different from the brake light.
The control unit turns on the brake light when the brake pedal is operated, determines whether or not the deceleration is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, and if the deceleration is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the reduction is performed. The speed lamp is turned on, and the lighting state of the deceleration lamp is changed according to the increase or decrease of the deceleration.
The control device according to claim 1. If the control unit is set to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lamp when the deceleration is reduced to less than the first threshold value, the control unit maintains the lighting state of the deceleration lamp for a certain period of time. If the setting is made not to maintain the lighting state of the deceleration lamp, the deceleration lamp is turned off.
The control device according to claim 2. When the brake pedal is not operated and the deceleration exceeds the second threshold value, the control unit turns on the brake light and turns on the deceleration light in a predetermined state.
The control device according to claim 2 or 3. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit increases the lighting area of the deceleration lamp as the deceleration increases. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the lighting color or brightness of the deceleration lamp in response to an increase or decrease in the deceleration. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the display shape of the deceleration lamp in response to an increase or decrease in the deceleration.

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