JP3104553B2 - Automatic irradiation direction control mechanism for automotive headlamps - Google Patents

Automatic irradiation direction control mechanism for automotive headlamps

Info

Publication number
JP3104553B2
JP3104553B2 JP06289770A JP28977094A JP3104553B2 JP 3104553 B2 JP3104553 B2 JP 3104553B2 JP 06289770 A JP06289770 A JP 06289770A JP 28977094 A JP28977094 A JP 28977094A JP 3104553 B2 JP3104553 B2 JP 3104553B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
steering
vehicle
headlight
obstacle
signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP06289770A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPH08142743A (en
Inventor
正幸 土橋
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ichikoh Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Ichikoh Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ichikoh Industries Ltd filed Critical Ichikoh Industries Ltd
Priority to JP06289770A priority Critical patent/JP3104553B2/en
Publication of JPH08142743A publication Critical patent/JPH08142743A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3104553B2 publication Critical patent/JP3104553B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60QARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/12Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to steering position
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60QARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/12Steering parameters
    • B60Q2300/122Steering angle
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60QARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/14Other vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/144Rearward ratio actuation

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent bad condition from being generated due to linkage by improving an automatic control mechanism which makes headlights move in inclination right and left in linkage with the steering of the dirigible device of an automobile (for example, at the time of vehicle shed entering retreat or at the time of column parking retreat, to prevent a walker and a passing vehicle from being dazzled). CONSTITUTION: A steering angle sensor 9 detects a steering wheel operation state, and a control circuit 21, in linkage with the steering state, moves incliningly right and left lamps 6, 1 to the right and left by controlling the drive unit 4, 2 of the right and left lamps 6, 1. In precedence over the above control functions, headlights are moved in inclination toward an obstacle by means of an advance/retreat deciding means 41 and an obstacle detecting means 42 when an obstacle is detected on the opposite side of a steering direction at the time of retreat.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【0001】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は自動車の走行状態を検出
して、それぞれの状態に適したように前照灯の照射方向
を自動的に制御する機構に関するものである。なお、本
発明において前照灯とは、例えばフォグランプなどの補
助前照灯を含む意である。
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mechanism for detecting the running state of a vehicle and automatically controlling the irradiation direction of a headlight so as to be suitable for each state. In the present invention, the headlight is intended to include an auxiliary headlight such as a fog lamp.

【0002】[0002]

【従来の技術】自動車が例えば左カーブの道路を走行す
るときは、前照灯の照射方向が左方に傾いて、進行方向
前方の路上を照射することが望ましい。こうした事情に
鑑みて、運転者が左方に操向すると(いわゆる、左にハ
ンドルを切ると)前照灯が左方に傾動し、右方に操向す
ると前照灯が右方に傾動する自動装置が公知(例えば特
開昭62−231845号)である。ところが、自動車
の走行条件は多種、多様に変化するので、単に「操舵角
に略比例させて、前照灯を操舵方向に傾動させる」とい
う機能だけでは充分でなく、種々の場合に、それぞれ種
々の不具合を生じる。
2. Description of the Related Art When a vehicle travels on a left-curve road, for example, it is desirable that the irradiation direction of a headlight is inclined leftward so that light is emitted on a road ahead in the traveling direction. Under these circumstances, when the driver steers to the left (so-called turning the steering wheel to the left), the headlight tilts to the left, and when the driver steers to the right, the headlight tilts to the right. An automatic device is known (for example, JP-A-62-231845). However, since the running conditions of a vehicle vary widely, the function of simply tilting the headlamp in the steering direction substantially in proportion to the steering angle is not sufficient. Causes a problem.

【0003】イ.例えば市街地のように道路照明の多い
地域を走行する時、および、幹線道路のように完全な照
明が行われている道路を走行する場合は、操向に伴って
前照灯の照射方向を自動制御することの効果が充分に発
揮されない。すなわち、前照灯の照射方向が車体に対し
て一定であっても、旋回走行に別段の支障を感じない。
このような走行条件下においても前照灯の照射方向を自
動制御すると、自動制御機構の作動頻度が徒らに多く、
ランプ駆動部の損耗を早めてしまうことになる。 ロ.対向車線に対向者が有るとき、自己車が対向車線側
へ操向すると、(例えば左側通行である日本国内で右回
りにハンドルを切ると)、自己車の前照灯が自動的に対
向車の方へ傾動し、対向車に眩惑を与えるので危険であ
り、好ましくない。 上述のイ項に述べた不具合を解消して、不必要な作動を
抑制するには、自動車の操向装置の操舵角および操舵方
向を検出する手段と、自動車が走行している道路の照明
状態の明・暗の度合いを検出する手段と、自動車の前照
灯を左右方向に傾動せしめる駆動手段と、前記の操舵方
向の検出信号および照明状態明暗信号を入力されて、前
記駆動手段に作動信号を与える制御回路とを具備してお
り、かつ、上記の制御回路は、走行道路の照明状態が所
定の値よりも暗いときは、操舵角に略比例せしめて前照
灯を操舵方向に傾動させる作動信号を出力し、走行道路
の照明状態が所定の値よりも明るいときは、前照灯を走
行方向前方の基準方向に向ける作動信号を出力するもの
とした構成が有効である。この技術は本発明者が創作し
て別途出願中(特願平6−122417号)の発明であ
って、以下、先願に係る第1の発明と呼ぶことにする
(ただし、紛らわしくない場合には単に第1の発明と略
称すること有り)。
[0003] b. For example, when traveling in an area with a lot of road illumination such as an urban area, or when traveling on a fully illuminated road such as an arterial road, the irradiation direction of the headlights The effect of controlling is not sufficiently exhibited. That is, even if the irradiation direction of the headlamp is constant with respect to the vehicle body, no particular trouble is felt in turning.
Even under such driving conditions, if the irradiation direction of the headlight is automatically controlled, the operation frequency of the automatic control mechanism is unnecessarily high,
This will accelerate the wear of the lamp drive. B. When the oncoming vehicle has an oncoming vehicle and the vehicle steers to the oncoming lane (for example, turning the steering wheel clockwise in Japan, which is on the left), the headlight of the vehicle automatically turns on. It is dangerous and not preferable because it tilts toward the vehicle and dazzles the oncoming vehicle. In order to solve the problem described in the above item a and suppress unnecessary operation, means for detecting a steering angle and a steering direction of a steering device of an automobile, and a lighting state of a road on which the automobile is traveling. Means for detecting the degree of brightness and darkness of the vehicle, driving means for tilting the headlight of the vehicle to the left and right, and the detection signal of the steering direction and the lighting condition light / dark signal are inputted, and an operation signal is inputted to the driving means. And when the lighting condition of the traveling road is darker than a predetermined value, the control circuit tilts the headlight in the steering direction substantially in proportion to the steering angle. It is effective to output an operation signal and output an operation signal for turning the headlight in a reference direction ahead of the traveling direction when the lighting condition of the traveling road is brighter than a predetermined value. This technique was created by the present inventor and is separately filed (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 6-122417), and is hereinafter referred to as the first invention of the prior application (however, in the case where it is not confusing). May be simply referred to as the first invention).

【0004】また前記ロ項に述べた、対向車に眩惑を与
えるという不具合を防止するには、自動車の操向装置の
操舵角および操舵方向を検出する手段と、対向車の有無
を検出する手段と、自動車の前照灯を左右方向に傾動せ
しめる駆動手段と、前記の操舵方向の検出信号および対
向車の有無信号を入力されて、前記駆動手段に作動信号
を与える制御回路とを具備しており、かつ、上記の制御
回路は、対向車が無いことを表わす信号を受けていると
き、操舵角に略比例せしめて前照灯を操舵方向に傾動さ
せる作動信号を出力し、対向車が有ることを表わす信号
を受けているときは、対向車線方向の操舵角が検出され
ても、前照灯を対向車線方向に傾動させる作動信号を出
力しないものとした構成が有効である。この技術も本発
明者が創作して、前記第1の発明と同一の願書によって
出願中の発明であって、以下、先願に係る第2の発明
(紛らわしくない場合は、単に、第2の発明)と呼ぶこ
とにする。
In order to prevent the danger of dazzling an oncoming vehicle as described in the above item (b), means for detecting a steering angle and a steering direction of a vehicle steering device and means for detecting the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle are provided. A driving circuit for tilting the headlight of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and a control circuit that receives the detection signal of the steering direction and the presence / absence signal of the oncoming vehicle and supplies an operation signal to the driving unit. When the control circuit receives a signal indicating that there is no oncoming vehicle, the control circuit outputs an operation signal for tilting the headlight in the steering direction substantially in proportion to the steering angle, and there is an oncoming vehicle. When receiving the signal indicating that the steering angle is detected in the oncoming lane direction, an operation signal for inclining the headlight in the oncoming lane direction is not output even if the steering angle in the oncoming lane direction is detected. This technique was also created by the present inventor and is being filed with the same application as the first invention, and will be hereinafter referred to as the second invention according to the prior application (if not confusing, the second invention is simply referred to as the second invention). Invention).

【0005】次に、図4〜図7を参照して先願に係る第
1の発明の実施例を説明する。図4は第1の発明に係る
自動車用前照灯の照射方向自動制御機構の1実施例を示
す制御系統図である。本実施例におけるステアリング操
舵角センサ9は、角度信号用スリットを有する回転円板
と光学式センサとよりなり、ステアリングホイールの操
舵角を検出するようになっている。操舵方向判断手段1
0は、上記ステアリング操舵角センサ9の検出信号に基
づいて、直進状態に比してステアリングホイールがどち
らの方向に傾いているかを判断し、出力信号を制御回路
21に入力する。光センサ22は、硫化カドミウムを用
いた受光素子を自動車のダッシュボードないしボンネッ
ト付近に配置し、走行道路の照明光を検出するようにし
てある。
Next, an embodiment of the first invention according to the prior application will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a control system diagram showing an embodiment of an irradiation direction automatic control mechanism for a vehicle headlamp according to the first invention. The steering angle sensor 9 according to the present embodiment includes a rotating disk having an angle signal slit and an optical sensor, and detects a steering angle of a steering wheel. Steering direction determining means 1
0 determines which direction the steering wheel is tilted as compared to the straight traveling state based on the detection signal of the steering angle sensor 9 and inputs an output signal to the control circuit 21. The light sensor 22 is provided with a light receiving element using cadmium sulfide near a dashboard or a hood of an automobile to detect illumination light on a traveling road.

【0006】制御回路21は、操舵方向判断手段10を
介してステアリング操舵角センサ9からの信号を入力さ
れ、これに基づいて操舵角を算出し、操舵角の算出値に
応じた制御信号を駆動用回路7を介して、左,右ランプ
の駆動ユニット2,4に与える。上記の制御回路21
は、光センサ22の信号出力が所定値以上になると、
左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4に停止信号を与え、
左,右ランプ1,6の照射方向を基準状態(車体の方向
を基準として法規で定められた状態)で停止させる。
The control circuit 21 receives a signal from the steering angle sensor 9 through the steering direction judging means 10, calculates a steering angle based on the signal, and drives a control signal corresponding to the calculated value of the steering angle. To the drive units 2 and 4 for the left and right lamps via the circuit 7 for use. The above control circuit 21
When the signal output of the optical sensor 22 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value,
A stop signal is given to the drive units 2 and 4 for the left and right lamps,
The irradiation directions of the left and right lamps 1 and 6 are stopped in a reference state (a state defined by regulations based on the direction of the vehicle body).

【0007】以上のように構成された本実施例(図4)
の作動について以下に説明する。ランプスイッチ14に
は、OFF,ポジション,ロービーム,連動の4種類の
モードが有り、連動モードの場合のみ、ステアリングに
連動して、以下に述べるような前照灯照射方向の自動制
御が行なわれるようになっている。光センサ22の検出
信号が所定値以下の場合(道路の照明が暗い場合)、ス
テアリング操舵角センサ9で検出された信号は、操舵方
向判断手段10を経て制御回路21に入力される。上記
制御回路21はステアリング操舵角を算出して、操舵角
算出値に応じた駆動信号を出力し、駆動回路7を経て
左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4を作動させ、左,右
ランプ1,6を操舵方向に回動させる。左,右ランプ
1,6の回動角は、角度センサ3,5によって検出さ
れ、制御回路21にフィードバックされる。左,右ラン
プ1,6の回動角が、前記の操舵角算出値に適応した角
度になると、制御回路21はブレーキ信号を出力して
左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4を停止させる。光セ
ンサ22の検出信号が所定値以上となった場合の作用を
次に述べる。図5は上掲の図4に示した実施例を備えた
自動車が道路を走行したときのタイムチャートの1例を
示し、(A)はランプスイッチの出力信号を、(B)は
操舵方向判断手段の出力信号を、(C)は光センサの出
力信号を、(D)は左,右旋回に関するハンドル操作の
状態を、(E)は走行道路の照明状態を、それぞれ表し
た図表である。t1〜t5は、それぞれ時刻を表わしてい
る。時刻t1でランプスイッチ14(図4参照)が連動
モードに操作され、ランプスイッチ出力信号がL0から
Hiに変化している。操舵方向判断手段出力信号が示し
ているように、時刻t2からt3まで左旋回し、時刻t3
からt4まで直進し、時刻t4からt5まで右旋回し、時
刻t5からは直進になっている。上記のように左,右に
操舵されている間、道路条件は時刻t6までの間、光セ
ンサがL0信号を発信していることから分かるように比
較的暗い状態である。上記の暗い状態(t1〜t6)にお
いては、図4について説明したようにして、操舵に伴っ
て操舵方向に、前照灯の照射方向が自動的に変化せしめ
られる。時刻t6からt11まで、光センサ出力信号がH
iとなり、道路の照明条件が比較的明るいことを示して
いる。この間(t6〜t11)において、時刻t7からt8
まで左旋回、時刻t9からt10まで右旋回の操舵が行な
われているが、図4について説明したように、光センサ
22が暗いことを検知している(出力信号がL0であ
る)から、操舵方向判断手段10の出力信号の如何に拘
らず、左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4は作動信号を
与えられず、左,右ランプ1,6は基準方向に向けられ
たままである。時刻t11〜t13までは光センサ出力信号
がL0(道路照明状態・暗)であるから、t12で右旋回
が始まると、前照灯の照射方向は操舵角に応じて右に向
けられる。ところが、時刻t13で光センサ出力信号がH
iになるので、右に向けられていた前照灯照射方向は基
準方向に戻され、時刻t15までの間(道路の照明が明る
い間)前照灯照射方向は基準方向に保たれ、明るい所で
は必要の少ない前照灯照射方向の自動制御作動は中止さ
れ、前照灯の駆動機構の損耗を防止する。図6はステア
リング操舵角を横軸にとり、ランプ作動角を縦軸にとっ
て示した特性図表を示し、(A)は第1の発明において
道路の照明状態が暗い状態の場合、および第2の発明に
おいて対向車の無い場合であり、(B)は第2の発明に
おいて自己車が左側走行していて、右側に対向車が検出
されてランプ作動が制限された場合である。この(B)
図については図8,図9と併せて、後に詳述する。図7
は前掲の図1に示した実施例の照射方向自動制御機構に
おける作動を表したフローチャートである。ステップ3
1でスタートし、ステップ32でランプスイッチ14
(図4参照)が連動モードであるか否かを判定し、NO
であればステップ33に進んで終了する。連動モードで
あればステップ34を経てステップ35に進み、光セン
サ22(図4参照)の出力信号が所定値以上であるかを
判定する。所定値以上でなければ(道路の照明状態が暗
ければ)ステップ36に進んで、ステアリング操舵角に
応じて前照灯照射方向を自動制御して、以下、循環す
る。ステップ35で光センサ22の出力信号が所定値以
上であれば、ステップ37に進んで前照灯照射方向を基
準方向とし、ステップ38で左,右ランプの駆動ユニッ
ト2,4(図4参照)に制動指令を与えて左右ランプ
1,6を固定する。
This embodiment (FIG. 4) configured as described above
The operation of will be described below. The lamp switch 14 has four modes: OFF, position, low beam, and interlocking. Only in the interlocking mode, automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction described below is performed in conjunction with the steering. It has become. When the detection signal of the optical sensor 22 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (when the road lighting is dark), the signal detected by the steering angle sensor 9 is input to the control circuit 21 via the steering direction determination means 10. The control circuit 21 calculates the steering angle, outputs a drive signal corresponding to the calculated steering angle, activates the left and right lamp drive units 2 and 4 via the drive circuit 7, and outputs the left and right lamps 1. , 6 in the steering direction. The rotation angles of the left and right lamps 1 and 6 are detected by angle sensors 3 and 5 and are fed back to the control circuit 21. When the turning angles of the left and right ramps 1 and 6 become the angles adapted to the calculated steering angle, the control circuit 21 outputs a brake signal to stop the drive units 2 and 4 of the left and right ramps. The operation when the detection signal of the optical sensor 22 is equal to or more than a predetermined value will be described below. FIG. 5 shows an example of a time chart when the vehicle equipped with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 runs on a road, where (A) shows an output signal of a lamp switch and (B) shows a steering direction judgment. (C) shows the output signal of the optical sensor, (D) shows the state of the steering wheel operation related to left and right turns, and (E) shows the lighting state of the traveling road. . t 1 ~t 5 are each represent a time. Lamp switch 14 at time t 1 (see FIG. 4) is operated in interlock mode, lamp switch output signal changes from L 0 to Hi. As the steering direction determining means output signal is indicative, turning left from time t 2 to t 3, time t 3
Straight from to t 4, turning to the right from the time t 4 to t 5, which is to go straight from the time t 5. The left as described above, while being steered to the right, the road condition between times t 6, a relatively dark state as can be seen from the optical sensor is transmitting the L 0 signal. In the dark state (t 1 to t 6 ), the irradiation direction of the headlight is automatically changed in the steering direction along with the steering as described with reference to FIG. From time t 6 to t 11, the optical sensor output signal is H
i, indicating that the lighting conditions of the road are relatively bright. During this time (t 6 to t 11 ), time t 7 to t 8
Left turn up, although steering in the rightward turning from time t 9 to t 10 is performed, as described for FIG. 4, the optical sensor 22 has detected that the dark (output signal is at L 0 ), Regardless of the output signal of the steering direction judging means 10, the drive units 2 and 4 for the left and right lamps are not provided with an operation signal, and the left and right lamps 1 and 6 are directed in the reference direction. is there. Since until time t 11 ~t 13 is an optical sensor output signal is L 0 (dark road lighting state.), The right turn start with t 12, the irradiation direction of the headlamp on the right according to the steering angle Pointed. However, the optical sensor output signal at time t 13 is H
since the i, headlight illumination direction before have been directed to the right is returned to the reference direction, (bright during illumination of the road) headlamp irradiation direction until time t 15 is held in the reference direction, bright At some places, the automatic control operation of the headlight irradiation direction, which is less necessary, is stopped to prevent wear of the headlight drive mechanism. FIG. 6 is a characteristic chart in which the steering angle is plotted on the horizontal axis and the lamp operating angle is plotted on the vertical axis. FIG. 6 (A) shows the case where the lighting condition of the road is dark in the first invention, and in the second invention. (B) is a case where the own vehicle is traveling on the left side in the second invention and the oncoming vehicle is detected on the right side, and the lamp operation is limited. This (B)
The drawings will be described later in detail together with FIGS. FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. Step 3
1 starts, and in step 32, the lamp switch 14
(Refer to FIG. 4) is in the interlock mode, and
If so, proceed to step 33 and end. If it is the interlocking mode, the process proceeds to step 35 via step 34, and it is determined whether the output signal of the optical sensor 22 (see FIG. 4) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (if the lighting condition of the road is dark), the routine proceeds to step 36, in which the headlight irradiation direction is automatically controlled in accordance with the steering angle, and thereafter, circulation is performed. If the output signal of the optical sensor 22 is equal to or more than the predetermined value in step 35, the process proceeds to step 37 in which the headlight irradiation direction is set as the reference direction, and in step 38, the left and right lamp drive units 2 and 4 (see FIG. 4). And the left and right lamps 1 and 6 are fixed.

【0008】次に、図8および図9を順次に参照して第
2の発明の実施例を説明する。図8は第2の発明におけ
る前照灯自動制御機構の1実施例を示す系統図であっ
て、第1の実施例における図4に対応する図である。図
8(第2の発明)が図4(第1の発明)に比して異なる
ところは、光センサ22に代えて対向車検出手段23を
設けた点である。この対向車検出手段23も光センサを
用いた構成機器であるが、道路の照明状態を検知するよ
うな位置・姿勢に設置することなく、対向車のヘッドラ
ンプから投射された光を検知するように、車体側面もし
くはドアミラーに配設してある。先に述べた第1の発明
においては光センサ22がHiレベルの検出信号を出力
すると、操舵状態の如何に拘らず前照灯の照射方向を基
準方向(概要的には車体進行方向)に向けて固定した。
第2の発明を、これ(第1の発明)と比較して言えば、
対向車検出手段23(図8)が対向車の前照灯の光を検
知してHiレベルの検出信号を出力している状態におい
ては、イ.自己車線側(L)に操舵すると操舵角に応じ
てランプ作動角が自己車線側(L)へ傾動せしめられ、
ロ.対向車線側(R)へ操舵してもランプ作動角は基準
状態(車体進行方向)よりも対向車線側(R)に向かな
い。これにより、対向車に眩惑を与える虞れが無く、夜
間交通が安全である。図9は第2の発明における前照灯
照射方向制御機構の1実施例を備えた自動車が走行した
ときのタイムチャートの1例であって、第1の発明の実
施例における図5に対応する図であり、(A)はランプ
スイッチの出力信号を、(B)は操舵方向判断手段の出
力信号を、(C)は対向車検出手段の出力信号を、
(D)は操向状態を、(E)は対向車の有無を、それぞ
れ表す図表である。時刻t1でランプスイッチが連動モ
ードに操作される。時刻t6からt10までの間、対向車
検出手段の出力信号がHiレベルになって、対向車の存
在を表わしている。先に述べたように、本例の対向車検
出手段は対向車の前照灯からの光を検知する構造である
から、対向車が存在するとは、お互いの前照灯が視界に
入る状態を意味している。時刻t13で、また別の対向車
が視界に入っていることが分かる。そして、対向車が無
いときは図6(A)に示した制御特性のように、ステア
リング操舵方向に、かつ操舵角に応じて(或る値までは
略比例して)前照灯が照射方向(ランプ作動角)を自動
制御される。そして、対向車が有るとき(時刻t6から
11まで、および、t13以降)は、図6(B)に示した
制御特性のように、左,右方向それぞれに操舵した場
合、自己車線側の操舵に伴って前照灯照射方向(ランプ
作動角)が自己車線側に向いて走行予定方向を照射する
が、対向車が有るときは対向車線側(R)に操舵しても
前照灯照射方向は基準方向(車体正面)よりも対向車線
側(R)に向かない。これにより、対向車に眩惑を与え
ることが防止される。
Next, an embodiment of the second invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a system diagram showing one embodiment of a headlight automatic control mechanism according to the second invention, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 (second invention) differs from FIG. 4 (first invention) in that an oncoming vehicle detection unit 23 is provided instead of the optical sensor 22. The oncoming vehicle detection means 23 is also a component device using an optical sensor, but detects light projected from the headlamps of the oncoming vehicle without being installed in a position or orientation that detects the lighting condition of the road. Is arranged on the side of the vehicle body or on the door mirror. In the first aspect described above, when the optical sensor 22 outputs a Hi-level detection signal, the irradiation direction of the headlight is directed in the reference direction (generally, the vehicle body traveling direction) regardless of the steering state. Fixed.
If the second invention is compared with this (the first invention),
In a state where the oncoming vehicle detecting means 23 (FIG. 8) detects the light of the headlight of the oncoming vehicle and outputs a Hi-level detection signal, a. When the vehicle is steered to the own lane (L), the lamp operating angle is tilted toward the own lane (L) according to the steering angle,
B. Even when the vehicle is steered to the oncoming lane (R), the lamp operating angle is not more toward the oncoming lane (R) than in the reference state (vehicle traveling direction). Thus, there is no danger of dazzling the oncoming vehicle, and night traffic is safe. FIG. 9 is an example of a time chart when an automobile equipped with one embodiment of the headlamp irradiation direction control mechanism according to the second invention travels, and corresponds to FIG. 5 in the embodiment of the first invention. (A) shows the output signal of the lamp switch, (B) shows the output signal of the steering direction determining means, (C) shows the output signal of the oncoming vehicle detecting means,
(D) is a chart showing a steering state, and (E) is a chart showing the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle. Lamp switch is operated in conjunction mode at the time t 1. Between the time t 6 to t 10, the output signal of the oncoming vehicle detecting means becomes Hi level, represents the presence of oncoming vehicles. As described above, since the oncoming vehicle detection means of this example has a structure for detecting light from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle, the presence of the oncoming vehicle means that the respective headlights are in view. Means. At time t 13, also it can be seen that another oncoming vehicle is in sight. When there is no oncoming vehicle, the headlight is illuminated in the steering direction and in accordance with the steering angle (substantially in proportion to a certain value), as shown in the control characteristics shown in FIG. (Lamp operating angle) is automatically controlled. When the oncoming vehicle is present (from time t 6 to t 11, and, t 13 and later), as a control characteristic shown in FIG. 6 (B), the left, when the steering respectively right, self lane The headlamp irradiation direction (lamp operating angle) is directed to its own lane side in accordance with the steering of the vehicle, and irradiates the expected traveling direction. The lamp irradiation direction is not more toward the oncoming lane side (R) than the reference direction (the front of the vehicle body). This prevents dazzling of the oncoming vehicle.

【0009】[0009]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明者は前記の先願
に係る発明を出願した後さらに実用化研究を続行し、そ
の第1の発明を適用すると、操向状態を表わす信号と、
道路の明暗を表わす信号とが制御装置に入力され、道路
が暗いときは操舵に伴って前照灯の照射方向が自動的に
操舵方向に向くので、旋回操向に際して予定前方が照明
されて好都合であり、しかも、道路が明るいときは上記
の自動制御が停止されるので、無駄な自動制御作動が抑
制され、自動制御機構(とりわけ前照灯の照射方向を傾
けるべく該前照灯を傾動させる駆動手段)の無益な損耗
が防止され、耐久性が向上するという優れた実用的効果
を奏することを充分に確認することが出来た。また先願
に係る第2の発明を適用すると、操向状態を表わす信号
と、対向車の有無を表わす信号とが制御装置に入力さ
れ、対向車が無いときは操舵に伴って前照灯の照射方向
が自動的に操舵方向に向くので、旋回操向に際して予定
前方が照明されて好都合であり、しかも、対向車が有る
ときは上記の自動制御が停止されるので、無駄な自動制
御作動が抑制され、自動制御機構(とりわけ前照灯の照
射方向を傾けるべく該前照灯を傾動させる駆動手段)の
無益な損耗が防止され、耐久性が向上する上に、対向車
に眩惑を与える虞れが無く、夜間交通の安全に貢献する
という効果を奏することも充分に確認することが出来
た。しかし乍ら、前記の実用化試験によって、さらに改
善の望まれる余地が有ることも発見されたので、該不具
合の解消と対策に努力を傾注して改良した。図10は先
願の発明に係る自動車用前照灯の照射方向自動制御機構
によっては解消されなかった不具合を説明するために示
したもので、自動車の平面図に前照灯の照射方向を表す
矢印および走行経路を表す矢印を付記してそれぞれに符
号を付した説明図である。この説明図はハンドルを左に
切ったところを模式的に描いてあり、図において前輪W
が左方に傾いている。この状態で自動車が前進すると矢
印aのように左方へ旋回するので、前方正面(基準方
向)矢印S,S′に向いていた前照灯が矢印l,l′の
ように左方へ傾動されると好都合であり、道路の照明が
明るかったり対向車が有ったりする場合を除いて、操舵
方向へ前照灯が傾動する自動制御装置は交通安全の為に
も有益である。ところが、後進時には上述の機能が必ず
しも好適ではない。すなわち、車体が矢印bのように左
方へ旋回するに伴って、車体の前端部は矢印cのように
右に振れる。従って、前照灯の照射方向が矢印l,l′
のように左方へ傾動することは無益であるのみならず、
却って有害である。図10について以上に説明した不具
合を解消するため、後進時には前照灯の傾動方向を操舵
方向の反対にする発明(特開平5−74495号)が提
案されて公知になっている。しかし、上記の公知発明に
おいては次のような問題が有る。すなわち、図10に示
した例のように左方に操舵しつつ後進するとき、矢印
r,r′のように右斜め方向を照射する必要が有るの
は、車体の右側に何らかの障害物が有る場合だけであ
る。車体の右側に別段の障害物が無いのに矢印r,r′
のように前照灯を右方に傾動させても別段のメリットは
無く、却って通行中の車両や人に眩惑を与えるなどの弊
害無としない。たとえ弊害が僅少で有ったとしても、無
益な前照灯傾動を行なわせることは、前照灯を傾動させ
るための無駄なエネルギを消費する上に、前照灯を傾動
可能に支持している部材や傾動駆動用の機器の損耗を早
めるので好ましくない。本発明は上述の事情に鑑みて為
されたものであって、通常の前進走行時には操向装置の
左,右操舵角に応じて前照灯が左,右に傾動せしめら
れ、しかも、後進時には必要に応じて前照灯が必要方向
に傾動せしめられ、無益な傾動が抑制されて耐久性が改
善される、自動車用前照灯の照射方向自動制御機構を提
供することを目的とする。
The inventor of the present invention has applied for the invention according to the above-mentioned prior application, and has continued the research for practical use. When the first invention is applied, a signal indicating a steering state is obtained.
A signal representing the brightness of the road is input to the control device, and when the road is dark, the headlight irradiation direction automatically turns to the steering direction with steering, so that the scheduled front is illuminated at the time of turning steering, which is convenient. In addition, when the road is bright, the above automatic control is stopped, so that useless automatic control operation is suppressed, and the automatic control mechanism (particularly, the headlight is tilted to tilt the irradiation direction of the headlight) It was sufficiently confirmed that the useless useless driving means was prevented and the durability was improved, and an excellent practical effect was exhibited. Further, when the second invention according to the prior application is applied, a signal indicating a steering state and a signal indicating the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle are input to the control device. Since the irradiation direction automatically turns to the steering direction, it is convenient that the scheduled front is illuminated during turning steering, and the above automatic control is stopped when there is an oncoming vehicle, so that useless automatic control operation is performed. It is possible to prevent unnecessary use of the automatic control mechanism (particularly, driving means for tilting the headlight to tilt the irradiation direction of the headlight), thereby improving the durability and dazzling the oncoming vehicle. It was also fully confirmed that it had the effect of contributing to night traffic safety. However, the above practical use test revealed that there was still room for further improvement. Therefore, efforts were made to eliminate the inconveniences and to work on measures to improve them. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a problem that is not solved by the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of the automotive headlamp according to the invention of the prior application, and shows the irradiation direction of the headlamp in a plan view of the automobile. It is explanatory drawing which added the arrow and the arrow which shows a driving route, and attached the code respectively. In this illustration, the steering wheel is turned to the left, which is schematically depicted.
Is leaning to the left. When the vehicle moves forward in this state, the vehicle turns left as indicated by arrow a, so that the headlights facing the front front (reference direction) arrows S and S 'tilt leftward as indicated by arrows l and l'. The automatic control device in which the headlight tilts in the steering direction is useful for traffic safety, except when the road lighting is bright or there are oncoming vehicles. However, at the time of reverse, the above-mentioned functions are not always suitable. That is, as the vehicle body turns left as indicated by arrow b, the front end of the vehicle body swings right as indicated by arrow c. Therefore, the irradiation direction of the headlamp is indicated by arrows l and l '.
It is not only futile to tilt to the left like
It is rather harmful. In order to solve the problem described above with reference to FIG. 10, an invention (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-74495) in which the tilting direction of the headlight is set opposite to the steering direction when the vehicle is moving backward is proposed and known. However, the above known invention has the following problems. That is, when moving backward while steering leftward as in the example shown in FIG. 10, it is necessary to irradiate diagonally right as shown by arrows r and r 'because there is some obstacle on the right side of the vehicle body. Only if. Arrows r, r 'without any other obstacle on the right side of the vehicle
Even if the headlamp is tilted to the right as described above, there is no particular advantage, and there is no adverse effect such as dazzling the passing vehicles and people. Even if the adverse effects are slight, the useless tilting of the headlight is not only consumed wasteful energy for tilting the headlight, but also supported by tilting the headlight. It is not preferable because wear of the member and the device for tilting drive is accelerated. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the headlight is tilted left and right in accordance with the left and right steering angles of the steering device during normal forward running, and when the vehicle is traveling backward. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic headlamp irradiation direction control mechanism for a vehicle headlamp in which a headlamp is tilted in a required direction as needed, and useless tilting is suppressed and durability is improved.

【0010】[0010]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記の目的を達成するた
めに創作した本発明の自動車用前照灯の照射方向自動制
御機構の構成は、自動車の走行状態を検出して前照灯の
照射方向を自動的に制御する装置において、自動車の側
方ないし斜め側方の障害物を検出する障害物検出手段
と、自動車の駆動装置が前進状態であるか後進状態であ
るかを検出する手段と自動車の操向装置の操舵角および
操舵方向を検出する手段と、自動車の前照灯を左右方向
に傾動せしめる駆動手段と、前記の各検出手段の検出信
号を入力されて、前記駆動手段に作動信号を与える制御
回路とを具備しており、かつ、上記の制御回路は、自動
車が前進状態であるときは、操向装置の操舵角に略比例
せしめて前照灯を操舵方向に傾動させる作動信号を出力
し、自動車が後進状態であり、かつ障害物が検知されな
いときは、操向装置の操舵状態のいかんに拘らず、前照
灯を車体前方の基準方向に向けてその傾動を停止させる
信号を出力し、自動車が後進状態であり、かつ操向装置
の操舵方向の反対側に障害物が検知されたときは、前照
灯を操舵方向の反対側に傾動させる信号を出力し、自動
車が後進状態であり、かつ操向装置の操舵方向の反対側
に障害物が検出されないときは、前照灯を車体前方の基
準方向に向けてその傾動を停止させる信号を出力するも
のであることを特徴とする。
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above object, an automatic headlight irradiation direction control mechanism for a vehicle according to the present invention is provided which detects a running state of the vehicle and irradiates the headlight. In a device for automatically controlling the direction, an obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle on the side or oblique side of the vehicle, and a means for detecting whether the driving device of the vehicle is in a forward state or a backward state. Means for detecting the steering angle and the steering direction of the steering device of the vehicle, driving means for tilting the headlight of the vehicle in the left and right direction, and detection signals of the respective detection means, which are inputted and operated by the driving means A control circuit for giving a signal, and the control circuit, when the vehicle is in a forward movement state, tilts the headlight in the steering direction substantially in proportion to the steering angle of the steering device. Outputs a signal and the car moves backward When no obstacle is detected, regardless of the steering state of the steering device, a signal is output to stop the tilt of the headlight in the reference direction ahead of the vehicle body and the vehicle is in the reverse state. When an obstacle is detected on the opposite side of the steering direction of the steering device, a signal for tilting the headlight to the opposite side of the steering direction is output, and the vehicle is in the reverse state and the steering is performed. When an obstacle is not detected on the opposite side of the steering direction of the device, a signal for stopping the tilt of the headlight in a reference direction ahead of the vehicle body is output.

【0011】[0011]

【作用】上記の手段によると、自動車が前進方向に走行
しているときは、操向装置の操舵状態に応じて前照灯が
左,右に傾動せしめられる。そして、後進するときは、
自動車の駆動装置が後進状態になっていることが自動的
に検知され、後進中であることを表す信号が制御回路に
入力される。さらに、上記の作動と併行して、自動車の
側方ないし斜側方に障害物が有るか無いかを表す信号も
上記制御回路に入力される。該制御回路は、自動車が後
進中であって障害物が検知されないときは前照灯を車体
前方正面(基準方向)に向けるように指令信号を出力
し、また、自動車が後進中であって操舵方向の反対側に
障害物が検知されたときのみ、前照灯を操舵方向と反対
側(障害物の存在する方向)に傾動させるように指令信
号を出力する。そして、自動車が後進中であって障害物
が検知されても、該障害物が操舵方向の反対側でなけれ
ば、前照灯車体前方正面(基準方向)に向けて固定する
ように指令信号を出力する。これにより、本発明に係る
機構は、前進走行時における前照灯照射方向の自動制御
機能を有し、しかも、後進走行時には必要に応じて前照
灯照射方向の自動制御が行なわれる。すなわち、車体側
方ないし斜め側方の障害物に接触する虞れが有る場合に
のみ、前照灯が該障害物の在る方向に向けて傾動せしめ
られる。このため、運転者は上記の障害物に気付いて明
確にこれを認識しつつ運転することができる。その上、
接触の虞れの無い所に障害物が有っても、前照灯は車体
の前方正面(基準方向)に向けて固定され、傾動しない
ので、前照灯の無益な左右傾動が抑制され、前照灯の傾
動駆動装置の損耗が軽減され、装置全体の耐久性が改善
される。
According to the above-mentioned means, when the vehicle is traveling in the forward direction, the headlight is tilted left and right according to the steering state of the steering device. And when you go backwards,
It is automatically detected that the drive device of the automobile is in the reverse state, and a signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling in the reverse direction is input to the control circuit. Further, in parallel with the above operation, a signal indicating whether or not there is an obstacle on the side or on the side of the vehicle is also input to the control circuit. The control circuit outputs a command signal to turn the headlight toward the front of the vehicle body (reference direction) when the vehicle is moving backward and no obstacle is detected. Only when an obstacle is detected on the opposite side of the direction, a command signal is output so that the headlight is tilted in the opposite direction to the steering direction (the direction in which the obstacle exists). Then, even if the vehicle is moving backward and an obstacle is detected, if the obstacle is not on the opposite side of the steering direction, a command signal is issued to fix the vehicle toward the front of the headlight vehicle body (reference direction). Output. As a result, the mechanism according to the present invention has an automatic control function of the headlight irradiation direction during forward running, and also performs automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction as needed during reverse running. That is, the headlight is tilted toward the direction of the obstacle only when there is a risk of contact with an obstacle on the side of the vehicle body or on an oblique side. For this reason, the driver notices the obstacle and can drive while clearly recognizing the obstacle. Moreover,
Even if there is an obstacle in a place where there is no danger of contact, the headlight is fixed toward the front front (reference direction) of the vehicle body and does not tilt, so that useless left and right tilting of the headlight is suppressed, Wear of the headlight tilt drive device is reduced, and the overall durability of the device is improved.

【0012】[0012]

【実施例】次に、図1ないし図3を順次に参照しつつ、
本発明の実施例を説明する。図1は本発明に係る自動車
用前照灯の照射方向自動制御機構の1実施例を示す制御
系統図である。本実施例(図1)を、前記先願に係る第
1の発明の図4と比較し、また、第2の発明の図8と比
較すると、本願発明の特徴的な構成として前後進判断手
段41と、障害物検出手段42とが追加設置されてい
る。しかし、本発明を実施する際、先願に係る第1の発
明(図4)の光センサ22および同第2の発明(図8)
の対向車検出手段23を併設することも出来る。すなわ
ち、本願発明と前記先願に係る未公知の発明とを併用す
ることができる。その理由は、先願の発明は自動車の前
進走行時における前照灯照射方向の自動制御に関するも
のであり、本願発明は自動車の後進時における前照灯照
射方向の自動制御に関するものであって、両者の機能が
相互に干渉・妨害する虞れが無いからである。前記の前
後進判断手段41は、A/T車の場合はA/Tセレクト
レバーの位置を検知して、R位置であれば後進状態であ
ると判断するように構成される。また歯車変速車の場合
はチェンジレバーの位置を検知して、後退位置であれば
後進状態であると判断するように構成される。また、前
記の障害物検知手段42は、車体の左前端部と車体の右
前端部とに超音波センサを設置して構成されている。図
2は上記実施例における障害物検知手段の機能を説明す
るために示したものであって、車体の平面図に検知エリ
アを付記した図である。斑点を付して示した左側方検知
エリア51、もしくは右側方検知エリア52に障害物が
有った場合、超音波センサによって該障害物の存在が検
出され、その検出信号は図1に示した制御回路21に入
力される。
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, referring to FIGS.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a control system diagram showing one embodiment of an irradiation direction automatic control mechanism for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention. This embodiment (FIG. 1) is compared with FIG. 4 of the first invention of the prior application and FIG. 8 of the second invention. 41 and an obstacle detection means 42 are additionally provided. However, when implementing the present invention, the optical sensor 22 of the first invention (FIG. 4) and the second invention (FIG. 8) of the earlier application
The oncoming vehicle detecting means 23 can also be provided. That is, the invention of the present application and the previously-unknown invention according to the prior application can be used in combination. The reason is that the invention of the prior application relates to automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction when the vehicle is traveling forward, and the invention of the present application relates to automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction when the vehicle is traveling backward. This is because there is no possibility that the functions of the two interfere with each other. The forward / reverse determination means 41 is configured to detect the position of the A / T select lever in the case of an A / T vehicle, and determine that the vehicle is in a reverse state if the vehicle is in the R position. In the case of a gear transmission, the position of the change lever is detected, and if the vehicle is in the reverse position, it is determined that the vehicle is in a reverse state. Further, the obstacle detecting means 42 is configured by installing ultrasonic sensors at the front left end of the vehicle body and the front right end of the vehicle body. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the function of the obstacle detecting means in the above embodiment, and is a diagram in which a detection area is added to a plan view of the vehicle body. When there is an obstacle in the left side detection area 51 or the right side detection area 52 indicated by a spot, the presence of the obstacle is detected by the ultrasonic sensor, and the detection signal is shown in FIG. Input to the control circuit 21.

【0013】以上のように構成された本実施例(図1)
の作動について以下に説明する。ランプスイッチ14に
は、OFF,ポジション,ロービーム,連動の4種類の
モードが有り、連動モードの場合のみ、ステアリングに
連動して、以下に述べるような前照灯照射方向の自動制
御が行なわれるようになっている。前後進判断手段41
が、前進状態であることを表す信号を出力している場
合、ステアリング操舵角センサ9で検出された信号は、
操舵方向判断手段10を経て制御回路21に入力され
る。上記制御回路21はステアリング操舵角を算出し
て、操舵角算出値に応じた駆動信号を出力し、駆動回路
7を経て左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4を作動さ
せ、左,右ランプ1,6を操舵方向に回動させる。左,
右ランプ1,6の回動角は、角度センサ3,5によって
検出され、制御回路21にフィードバックされる。左,
右ランプ1,6の回動角が、前記の操舵角算出値に適応
した角度になると、制御回路21はブレーキ信号を出力
して左,右ランプの駆動ユニット2,4を停止させる。
このようにして、前進走行中においては、操向装置の操
舵方向と操舵角とに応じて前照灯が左右に傾動せしめら
れる。この場合(前進走行時)、図示を省略するが、先
に説明したように先願に係る第1の発明を構成する光セ
ンサ22(図3)を併用することもでき、先願に係る第
2の発明を構成する対向車検出手段23(図7)を併用
することもできる。先願に係る第1の発明を併用する
と、前進走行時に道路の照明条件が良い所では前照灯の
左右傾動が抑制され、第2の発明を併用すると前進走行
時に対向車が有るときに前照灯の傾動を抑制して眩惑を
与えないようにすることができる。
This embodiment (FIG. 1) configured as described above
The operation of will be described below. The lamp switch 14 has four modes: OFF, position, low beam, and interlocking. Only in the interlocking mode, automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction described below is performed in conjunction with the steering. It has become. Forward / reverse determination means 41
Is outputting a signal indicating that the vehicle is in the forward traveling state, the signal detected by the steering angle sensor 9 is:
The signal is input to the control circuit 21 via the steering direction judging means 10. The control circuit 21 calculates the steering angle, outputs a drive signal corresponding to the calculated steering angle, activates the left and right lamp drive units 2 and 4 via the drive circuit 7, and outputs the left and right lamps 1. , 6 in the steering direction. left,
The rotation angles of the right lamps 1 and 6 are detected by the angle sensors 3 and 5 and are fed back to the control circuit 21. left,
When the turning angles of the right ramps 1 and 6 reach an angle adapted to the steering angle calculation value, the control circuit 21 outputs a brake signal to stop the drive units 2 and 4 for the left and right ramps.
In this way, during forward running, the headlight is tilted left and right according to the steering direction and the steering angle of the steering device. In this case (when traveling forward), although not shown, the optical sensor 22 (FIG. 3) constituting the first invention according to the earlier application can be used together as described above, The oncoming vehicle detecting means 23 (FIG. 7) constituting the second invention may be used in combination. When the first invention according to the prior application is used in combination, the left and right tilting of the headlamp is suppressed in a place where road lighting conditions are good during forward running, and when the second invention is used in combination, the headlight is turned forward when there is an oncoming vehicle during forward running. The tilt of the illuminating light can be suppressed to prevent dazzling.

【0014】本実施例の特徴的な機能は、前記の前後進
判断手段41(図1)が「後進」を表す信号を出力して
いる場合に発揮され、該前後進判断手段41の出力信号
は制御回路21に入力される。この制御回路21は次に
説明するように作用する。図3は前掲の図1に示した実
施例の照射方向自動制御機構における作動を表したフロ
ーチャートである。ステップ31でスタートし、ステッ
プ32でランプスイッチ14(図1参照)が連動モード
であるか否かを判定し、NOであればステップ33に進
んで終了する。連動モードであればステップ34を経て
ステップ43に進み、後進状態か否かを判定する。後進
状態でなければ、ステップ36に進んで、ステアリング
操舵角に応じて前照灯照射方向を自動制御して、以下、
循環する。ステップ43で、前後進判定手段41(図
1)の出力信号が後進であればステップ44に進んで障
害物を検出し、ステップ45で障害物が無ければ、前照
灯の照射方向を車体前方正面に向け(ステップ37)、
その状態に前照灯の傾動を停止させる(ステップ3
8)。前記のステップ45で障害物が有れば、ステップ
46に進んで該障害物の方向と操舵方向とが同じである
か反対であるかを判断し、反対でなければステップ37
に進んで、障害物の無い場合と同様に作動する。そし
て、障害物の方向と操舵方向とが反対であれば、ステッ
プ47に進んで、前照灯の照射方向を操舵方向と反対の
方向(すなわち、障害物の存在する方向)に向ける。
The characteristic function of the present embodiment is exhibited when the forward / reverse determination means 41 (FIG. 1) outputs a signal indicating "reverse". Is input to the control circuit 21. This control circuit 21 operates as described below. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. It starts in step 31 and determines in step 32 whether or not the lamp switch 14 (see FIG. 1) is in the interlocking mode. If NO, the process proceeds to step 33 and ends. If it is the interlocking mode, the process proceeds to step 43 via step 34, and it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a reverse state. If the vehicle is not in the reverse drive state, the process proceeds to step 36, in which the headlight irradiation direction is automatically controlled according to the steering angle.
Circulate. In step 43, if the output signal of the forward / reverse determination means 41 (FIG. 1) is reverse, the flow proceeds to step 44 to detect an obstacle, and if there is no obstacle in step 45, the irradiation direction of the headlight is changed to the front of the vehicle body. Facing the front (step 37),
In this state, the tilting of the headlight is stopped (step 3).
8). If there is an obstacle in step 45, the flow advances to step 46 to determine whether the direction of the obstacle and the steering direction are the same or opposite.
The operation proceeds as if there were no obstacle. If the direction of the obstacle and the steering direction are opposite to each other, the process proceeds to step 47, and the irradiation direction of the headlight is directed to the direction opposite to the steering direction (that is, the direction in which the obstacle exists).

【0015】[0015]

【発明の効果】本発明を適用すると、自動車が前進方向
に走行しているときは、操向装置の操舵状態に応じて前
照灯が左,右に傾動せしめられる。そして、後進すると
きは、自動車の駆動装置が後進状態になっていることが
自動的に検知され、後進中であることを表す信号が制御
回路に入力される。さらに、上記の作動と併行して、自
動車の側方ないし斜側方に障害物が有るか無いかを表す
信号も上記制御回路に入力される。該制御回路は、自動
車が後進中であって障害物が検知されないときは前照灯
を車体前方正面(基準方向)に向けるように指令信号を
出力し、また、自動車が後進中であって操舵方向の反対
側に障害物が検知されたときのみ、前照灯を操舵方向と
反対側(障害物の存在する方向)に傾動させるように指
令信号を出力する。そして、自動車が後進中であって障
害物が検知されても、該障害物が操舵方向の反対側でな
ければ、前照灯車体前方正面(基準方向)に向けて固定
するように指令信号を出力する。これにより、本発明に
係る機構は、前進走行時における前照灯照射方向の自動
制御機能を有し、しかも、後進走行時には必要に応じて
前照灯照射方向の自動制御が行なわれる。すなわち、車
体側方ないし斜め側方の障害物に接触する虞れが有る場
合にのみ、前照灯が該障害物の在る方向に向けて傾動せ
しめられる。このため、運転者は上記の障害物に気付い
て明確にこれを認識しつつ運転することができる。その
上、接触の虞れの無い所に障害物が有っても、前照灯は
車体の前方正面(基準方向)に向けて固定され、傾動し
ないので、前照灯の無益な左右傾動が抑制され、前照灯
の傾動駆動装置の損耗が軽減され、装置全体の耐久性が
改善されるという優れた実用的効果を奏し、交通安全お
よび自動車用機器産業の発達に貢献するところ多大であ
る。
According to the present invention, when the vehicle is traveling in the forward direction, the headlight is tilted left and right in accordance with the steering state of the steering device. When the vehicle travels backward, it is automatically detected that the driving device of the vehicle is in the reverse state, and a signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling backward is input to the control circuit. Further, in parallel with the above operation, a signal indicating whether or not there is an obstacle on the side or on the side of the vehicle is also input to the control circuit. The control circuit outputs a command signal to turn the headlight toward the front of the vehicle body (reference direction) when the vehicle is moving backward and no obstacle is detected. Only when an obstacle is detected on the opposite side of the direction, a command signal is output so that the headlight is tilted in the opposite direction to the steering direction (the direction in which the obstacle exists). Then, even if the vehicle is moving backward and an obstacle is detected, if the obstacle is not on the opposite side of the steering direction, a command signal is issued to fix the vehicle toward the front of the headlight vehicle body (reference direction). Output. As a result, the mechanism according to the present invention has an automatic control function of the headlight irradiation direction during forward running, and also performs automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction as needed during reverse running. That is, the headlight is tilted toward the direction of the obstacle only when there is a risk of contact with an obstacle on the side of the vehicle body or on an oblique side. For this reason, the driver notices the obstacle and can drive while clearly recognizing the obstacle. In addition, even if there is an obstacle in a place where there is no risk of contact, the headlamp is fixed toward the front front (reference direction) of the vehicle body and does not tilt, so that the headlamp is uselessly tilted left and right. Suppressed, the wear of the headlight tilting drive device is reduced, and the durability of the entire device is improved, which has an excellent practical effect, greatly contributing to the development of traffic safety and the automotive equipment industry. .

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図1】本発明に係る自動車用前照灯の照射方向自動制
御機構の1実施例を示す制御系統図である。
FIG. 1 is a control system diagram showing one embodiment of an irradiation direction automatic control mechanism for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.

【図2】上記実施例における障害物検知手段の機能を説
明するために示したものであって、車体の平面図に検知
エリアを付記した図である。
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a function of an obstacle detection means in the embodiment, and is a diagram in which a detection area is added to a plan view of a vehicle body.

【図3】前掲の図1に示した実施例の照射方向自動制御
機構における作動を表したフローチャートである。
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above.

【図4】第1の発明に係る自動車用前照灯の照射方向自
動制御機構の1実施例を示す制御系統図である。
FIG. 4 is a control system diagram showing an embodiment of an irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of a vehicle headlamp according to the first invention.

【図5】上掲の図4に示した実施例を備えた自動車が道
路を走行したときのタイムチャートの1例を示し、
(A)はランプスイッチの出力信号を、(B)は操舵方
向判断手段の出力信号を、(C)は光センサの出力信号
を、(D)は左,右旋回に関するハンドル操作の状態
を、(E)は走行道路の照明状態を、それぞれ表した図
表である。
FIG. 5 shows an example of a time chart when a vehicle equipped with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 runs on a road;
(A) shows the output signal of the lamp switch, (B) shows the output signal of the steering direction judging means, (C) shows the output signal of the optical sensor, and (D) shows the state of the steering operation related to left and right turns. , (E) are charts respectively showing the lighting conditions of the traveling road.

【図6】ステアリング操舵角を横軸にとり、ランプ作動
角を縦軸にとって示した特性図表を示し、(A)は第1
の発明において道路の照明状態が暗い状態の場合、およ
び第2の発明において対向車の無い場合であり、(B)
は第2の発明において自己車が左側走行していて、右側
に対向車が検出されてランプ作動が制限された場合であ
る。
FIG. 6 is a characteristic chart in which a horizontal axis represents a steering angle and a vertical axis represents a lamp operating angle, and FIG.
(B) the case where the lighting condition of the road is dark in the invention of the second aspect and the case where there is no oncoming vehicle in the second aspect of the invention;
In the second invention, the self-vehicle is traveling on the left side, and an oncoming vehicle is detected on the right side, and the lamp operation is restricted.

【図7】前掲の図1に示した実施例の照射方向自動制御
機構における作動を表したフローチャートである。
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 described above.

【図8】先願に係る第2の発明における前照灯自動制御
機構の1実施例を示す系統図であって、第1の実施例に
おける図4に対応する図である。
FIG. 8 is a system diagram showing one embodiment of a headlight automatic control mechanism in a second invention according to the prior application, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

【図9】第2の発明に係る前照灯照射方向制御機構の1
実施例を備えた自動車が走行したときのタイムチャート
の1例であって、第1の発明の実施例における図2に対
応する図であり、(A)はランプスイッチの出力信号
を、(B)は操舵方向判断手段の出力信号を、(C)は
対向車検出手段の出力信号を、(D)は操向状態を、
(E)は対向車の有無を、それぞれ表わす図表である。
FIG. 9 shows a headlight irradiation direction control mechanism according to a second invention.
FIG. 3 is an example of a time chart when the automobile equipped with the embodiment travels and corresponds to FIG. 2 in the embodiment of the first invention, and FIG. 3A shows an output signal of a lamp switch and FIG. ) Is the output signal of the steering direction determination means, (C) is the output signal of the oncoming vehicle detection means, (D) is the steering state,
(E) is a chart showing the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle, respectively.

【図10】先願の発明に係る自動車用前照灯の照射方向
自動制御機構によっては解消されなかった不具合を説明
するために示したもので、自動車の平面図に前照灯の照
射方向を表す矢印および走行経路を表す矢印を付記して
それぞれに符号を付した説明図である。
FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a problem which is not solved by the irradiation direction automatic control mechanism for a vehicle headlamp according to the invention of the prior application, and shows the irradiation direction of the headlamp in a plan view of the vehicle. It is explanatory drawing which added the arrow which expresses and the arrow which expresses a driving route, and attached the code respectively.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

1…左側前照灯、2…左側前照灯の駆動ユニット、3…
左側前照灯の角度センサ、4…右側前照灯の駆動ユニッ
ト、5…右側前照灯の角度センサ、6…右側前照灯、7
…前照灯駆動回路、9…ステアリング操舵角センサ、1
0…操舵方向判定手段、14…ランプスイッチ、21…
制御回路、22…光センサ、23…対向車検出手段、4
1…前後進判断手段、42…障害物検出手段、51,5
2…検知エリア。
1 ... left headlight, 2 ... left headlight drive unit, 3 ...
Left headlight angle sensor, 4 right headlight drive unit, 5 right headlight angle sensor, 6 right headlight, 7
... Headlight drive circuit, 9 ... Steering steering angle sensor, 1
0: steering direction determination means, 14: lamp switch, 21 ...
Control circuit, 22: optical sensor, 23: oncoming vehicle detecting means, 4
1: forward / backward determination means, 42: obstacle detection means, 51, 5
2: Detection area.

Claims (1)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項1】 自動車の走行状態を検出して前照灯の照
射方向を自動的に制御する装置において、 自動車の側方ないし斜め側方の障害物を検出する障害物
検出手段と、 自動車の駆動装置が前進状態であるか後進状態であるか
を検出する手段と自動車の操向装置の操舵角および操舵
方向を検出する手段と、 自動車の前照灯を左右方向に傾動せしめる駆動手段と、 前記の各検出手段の検出信号を入力されて、前記駆動手
段に作動信号を与える制御回路とを具備しており、 かつ、上記の制御回路は、自動車が前進状態であるとき
は、操向装置の操舵角に略比例せしめて前照灯を操舵方
向に傾動させる信号を出力し、 自動車が後進状態であり、かつ障害物が検知されないと
きは、操向装置の操舵状態のいかんに拘らず、前照灯を
車体前方の基準方向に向けてその傾動を停止させる信号
を出力し、 自動車が後進状態であり、かつ操向装置の操舵方向の反
対側に障害物が検知されたときは、前照灯を操舵方向の
反対側に傾動させる信号を出力し、 自動車が後進状態であり、かつ操向装置の操舵方向の反
対側に障害物が検知されないときは、前照灯を車体前方
の基準方向に向けてその傾動を停止させる信号を出力す
るものであることを特徴とする、自動車用前照灯の照射
方向自動制御機構。
1. An apparatus for detecting a running state of an automobile and automatically controlling an irradiation direction of a headlight, comprising: an obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle on a side or an oblique side of the automobile; Means for detecting whether the drive device is in the forward state or the reverse state, means for detecting the steering angle and the steering direction of the steering device of the vehicle, drive means for tilting the headlight of the vehicle in the left and right direction, A control circuit that receives a detection signal from each of the detection means and provides an operation signal to the drive means, and the control circuit includes a steering device when the vehicle is in a forward state. A signal that tilts the headlamp in the steering direction in substantially proportion to the steering angle of the vehicle.If the vehicle is in reverse and no obstacle is detected, regardless of the steering state of the steering device, Headlight in the reference direction in front of the vehicle When the vehicle is in reverse and an obstacle is detected on the opposite side of the steering direction of the steering device, the headlight is moved to the opposite side of the steering direction. Outputs a signal to tilt the vehicle, when the vehicle is in reverse and no obstacle is detected on the opposite side of the steering direction of the steering device, stops the tilt by moving the headlight toward the reference direction ahead of the vehicle body An irradiation direction automatic control mechanism for an automotive headlamp, which outputs a signal.
JP06289770A 1994-11-24 1994-11-24 Automatic irradiation direction control mechanism for automotive headlamps Expired - Fee Related JP3104553B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP06289770A JP3104553B2 (en) 1994-11-24 1994-11-24 Automatic irradiation direction control mechanism for automotive headlamps

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP06289770A JP3104553B2 (en) 1994-11-24 1994-11-24 Automatic irradiation direction control mechanism for automotive headlamps

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH08142743A JPH08142743A (en) 1996-06-04
JP3104553B2 true JP3104553B2 (en) 2000-10-30

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