JP3128615B2 - Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control a lamp so that its illuminating angle is not directed in an unspecified direction when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle attitude detecting means in an auto-leveling device. SOLUTION: An illuminating angle controlling device 1 for vehicle lamps has a vehicle attitude detecting means 3 for detecting the attitude of a vehicle, a driving means 5 for orienting illumination light of a lamp 6 in a desired direction, and a correction calculating means 2 for acquiring a correction signal for holding the illumination light of the lamp 6 in a prescribed direction according to a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and for putting it out to the driving means 5. When an abnormality occurring in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is detected by an abnormality detecting means 4, or when the correction calculating means 2 received an output signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and determines from its level or fluctuation width that an abnormality occurs in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, the illuminating direction of the lamp 6 is fixed in the prescribed direction by a signal Sc sent out from the correction calculating means 2 to the driving means 5, or the illuminating direction is controlled within a prescribed range.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an irradiation direction control apparatus for a vehicle lamp which detects the posture of the vehicle and corrects the irradiation direction of the lamp so as to keep the irradiation direction always constant.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A device (so-called auto-leveling device) for automatically adjusting the irradiation direction of a lamp so that the irradiation direction of a lamp attached to the vehicle is maintained in a predetermined direction even when the inclination of the vehicle changes. This type of device is known, and has a detecting means for detecting a running state, a riding condition (the number of occupants, an arrangement of the occupants, etc.), and a tilt or a height of a vehicle body caused by a loading condition of a load. The amount of change in the inclination of the vehicle is calculated based on the information obtained by the means, and the irradiation direction of the lamp is corrected with respect to its initial adjustment value so that the irradiation direction of the lamp always becomes a predetermined direction. This is to control the light distribution.

For example, when a load is applied to the rear portion of a vehicle due to a change in acceleration during traveling of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction is obtained. By tilting the irradiation axis downward, adjustment (so-called leveling adjustment) is performed so that the irradiation direction of the lamp is always maintained in the reference direction.

[0004]

By the way, in the conventional auto-leveling device, when one or more of a plurality of sensors provided in the vehicle as a means for detecting a change in the vehicle attitude has a failure or malfunction, However, since it is configured so that the correction control regarding the irradiation direction of the lamp is performed,
In some cases, there is a problem in that the detection of the vehicle attitude becomes erroneous, and proper control cannot be performed.

[0005] For example, when a plurality of vehicle height detecting means are provided on the front and rear axle portions, respectively, the height change amount of the axle portion obtained by these vehicle height detecting means and the distance between the axles are used. It is possible to calculate the change in the inclination angle (the so-called pitching angle) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, but if all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle fails, the axle Since the height change cannot be detected, the irradiation direction of the lamp cannot be maintained in a predetermined direction. Therefore, continuing operation of the device under such circumstances unnecessarily shortens the life of the device.

Therefore, in this case, it is conceivable to stop the apparatus. However, if the state of the lamp at the time of the stop is determined to be indeterminate, when the irradiation axis of the lamp is inclined upward, the lamp irradiates upward. There is a disadvantage that the light becomes dazzling light for the driver and the pedestrian of the oncoming vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to control a lighting direction of a lamp so as not to be directed in an unspecified direction when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle posture detecting means.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of a vehicle, and a driving means for directing irradiation light of a lamp in a desired direction. Irradiating direction control of a vehicular lamp including correction calculation means for performing a correction calculation for keeping the irradiation light of the lamp in a predetermined direction in accordance with a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means and sending a correction signal to the driving means. In the device, when the abnormality detecting means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, or when the correction calculating means receives the output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means and the level or the fluctuation width, the abnormality is detected in the vehicle attitude detecting means. When it is determined that the correction has occurred, the correction signal sent from the correction calculation means to the drive means causes the illumination direction of the lamp to be fixed in a predetermined direction or to be restricted within a predetermined range. One in which the.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed to a predetermined direction or the irradiation direction is within a predetermined range. Because of the limitation, the illumination direction of the lamp does not turn inadvertently.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the present invention. An irradiation direction control device 1 has a correction calculation means 2 for controlling the correction of the irradiation direction of a lamp, and as an input means to the correction calculation means 2. Has a vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and an abnormality detecting means 4. Then, the correction signal output from the correction calculation means 2 is sent to the driving means 5, and the driving means 5 controls the illumination direction of the lamp 6 to be directed in a predetermined direction.

The vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is provided to detect the attitude of the vehicle at rest and / or in motion (including the up and down inclination in the traveling direction of the vehicle). When the vehicle height detecting means for detecting the vehicle height is used, as shown in FIG.
To measure the distance L between the vehicle and the road surface G using a detection wave such as an ultrasonic wave or a laser beam, or to detect the vertical movement of the axle, the vehicle height detecting means 3a uses the amount of expansion / contraction x of the suspension S.
Can be listed, and in each case,
There is an advantage that the existing equipment in the vehicle can be used. In addition, as a method of detecting the vehicle attitude, a method using a gyro sensor (used for a two-wheeled vehicle or the like) may be used.

The abnormality detecting means 4 detects whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, and a detection signal is sent to the correction calculating means 2.

The abnormality detecting method of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 includes a quantity indicating the state of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, for example, a method of detecting a remarkable decrease in voltage or current, a method of detecting an overvoltage or an overcurrent, a disconnection or the like. Can be detected by an attached circuit.

Further, instead of providing the abnormality detecting means 4 for monitoring the state of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 positively, the change of the detection signal sent from the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 to the correction calculating means 2 is corrected. The monitoring by the calculating means 2 may determine whether or not the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has failed.

This includes the following method.

I) A method for detecting an abnormal change in the detection signal. II) A method for detecting that the signal change in the detection signal has disappeared.

First, I) is a method for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 when it is detected that an unusual change has occurred in the detection signal under normal conditions.
For example, there is a method of setting an allowable range for the detection signal level, and determining an abnormality when the signal level deviates outside the allowable range or when the degree or frequency of the deviation is remarkable.

II) is a method for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 when no change is detected in the detection signal. For example, there are several methods described below. Can be.

II-a) By setting a predetermined detection time T,
A method of judging from the degree of fluctuation of the detection signal level within the detection time T (a case where the detection time T is fixed to a fixed value, and a case where the detection time T is changed according to the running state of the vehicle or the like. II-b) Method using moving average II-c) Method for judging abnormality from correlation of level changes of a plurality of detection signals II-d) Method for judging abnormality from time change rate of detection signal level.

First, in II-a), in order to detect that the detection signal level has become substantially constant, predetermined upper and lower threshold values are set, and the detection signal level is sandwiched between the two threshold values. A method of determining an abnormality when the value falls within the range, or setting a comparison threshold value related to the upper and lower limits for the detection signal level, and setting the number of times the detection signal level deviates from the range defined by the upper and lower limits as a predetermined set number. A method of comparing, or a method of comparing a difference between a maximum value or a peak value (maximum value) of the detection signal level and a minimum value or a bottom value (minimum value) or a sum of absolute values of the difference with a predetermined value is cited. Can be. This method has the advantage that the processing is relatively simple.

Further, II-b) includes a method of calculating a moving average for the number of times the detected signal level exceeds a predetermined upper and lower limit and comparing the calculated value with a predetermined value, a method of calculating a peak value and a bottom value of the detected signal level. There is a method of calculating a moving average of values and comparing these with predetermined values, and has an advantage that there is no delay in determination except for an initial detection period in which the number of data required for calculating a moving average is not collected. Having.

II-c) is a method that focuses on the fact that it is rare that a detection signal with extremely small fluctuation is rarely obtained when a change in the attitude of the vehicle is recognized to some extent. And / or identifying a detecting means in which an abnormality has occurred based on the level of correlation of the detection signal level change between the vehicle attitude detecting means provided on the left and right and the magnitude of the output difference. Note that this method compares detection signals from a plurality of detection means with each other (for example, a detection signal from a detection means suspected to be abnormal and a detection signal from two or more other detection means, or By comparing the detection signal of the detection means suspected of being abnormal with the detection signals of all or a majority of the remaining detection means, etc.), the presence or absence of abnormality in the specific detection means is determined from the overall change in the vehicle attitude. Therefore, more appropriate abnormality determination can be performed as compared with the method of performing each abnormality determination only from the detection signal level of each detection unit.

II-d) is a method of detecting a time differential amount (a level change amount per unit time) of a detection signal level and comparing the detected value with a predetermined value, and by detecting an instantaneous change in the signal level. There is an advantage that no significant delay occurs in the determination.

In addition, various methods can be considered in combination of these methods as appropriate and in detail, but the point is that any method can be used as long as it is a method for detecting that the level fluctuation width of the detection signal is small. But it can be adopted.

However, in this method II), the change in the detection signal level of the vehicle attitude detection means 3 is small because there is no change in the vehicle attitude, and the change in the detection signal level due to the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detection means 3 (For example, an abnormality is determined when the duration is longer than a predetermined time when the detection signal level is within a range between the upper threshold and the lower threshold). There is a need.

It is a matter of course that the abnormality determination of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 may be made by using the method II) and the information from the abnormality detecting means 4 together. This is because there is no absolute guarantee that the abnormality detection means 4 always functions normally.

In the irradiation direction control device 1, when the vehicle posture detecting means 3 is working normally, an output signal of the vehicle posture detecting means 3 is sent to the correction calculating means 2, where the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 is changed. Correction calculation relating to control is performed. For example, when the above-described vehicle height detecting means 3a is used as the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, a change in the vehicle height of the axle part before and after the vehicle is detected, and the pitching angle of the pitching angle is determined from this and the distance between the axle parts. The change is obtained, and the correction calculating means 2 calculates a correction signal (including a correction angle command for the irradiation direction of the lamp 6) for canceling the change of the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 depending on the angle. This correction signal becomes a control signal to the driving means 5, and the driving means 5 causes the lighting direction of the lamp 6 to be the same as the change in the pitching angle and in the opposite direction to the change direction of the pitching angle. Is controlled so that the optical axis of the lamp 6 is always kept in a fixed direction.

Further, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and it is determined that it is difficult to appropriately control the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 in response to the change in the vehicle attitude. Controls the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 in accordance with the following method i) or ii) by a signal (this is referred to as “Sc”) sent from the correction calculating means 2 to the driving means 5.

I) A method of fixing the irradiation direction of the lamp to a predetermined direction ii) A method of restricting the irradiation direction of the lamp to a predetermined range.

First, the method i) is a method in which the irradiation direction of the lamp is maintained in a predetermined direction when an abnormality is detected. For example, the lamp may be held in a state where the irradiation direction of the lamp is slightly lower than the horizontal plane so that the irradiation light of the lamp does not become upward light. Note that the downward irradiation direction at this time may be set to a value irrelevant to the illumination state of the lamp before the abnormality is detected. However, the irradiation direction of the lamp immediately before the abnormality is detected is corrected (slightly downward). And the like, or the irradiation direction of the lamp is defined by the average irradiation direction in a predetermined period before the abnormality is detected or a direction obtained by correcting the average irradiation direction.

Method for limiting the allowable range of the irradiation direction ii)
Is calculated by comparing the allowable range of the illumination direction of the lamp when the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has an abnormality with the allowable range of the illumination direction of the lamp when the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is operating normally. It is a method of narrowing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is detected, the allowable range of the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 (6a indicates its light source) is "θa", and the vehicle attitude detection is performed. When the allowable range of the irradiation direction when the unit 3 is operating normally is “θb”, the ratio “n” (0 <(1 /
By introducing n) <1) and narrowing the angle range so that “θa = θb / n”, it is possible to prevent the irradiation light from being directed inadvertently. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to set an upper limit θm with respect to the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 at the time of detecting an abnormality, and to regulate the irradiation direction so as not to be directed upward.

In this method, it is easily understood that the case where the allowable range in the irradiation direction of the lamp is set to zero (that is, the ratio n is set to infinity) is the method i). .

Some of the configurations for changing the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 by the driving means 5 include those in which the irradiation direction is changed by rotating the entire lamp by the driving means 5, and those for changing the irradiation direction. An example in which the irradiation direction of the lamp is changed by changing the position of a part of the constituent member is exemplified. For example, as a configuration in which the direction of the reflected light is changed by tilting the reflecting mirror by the driving means 5, a part of the reflecting mirror is supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the lamp, and the tilt angle of the reflecting mirror is adjusted. In order to rotate the screw member by a motor, a device using a transmission mechanism including a worm and a worm wheel may be used (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-195441), or the lens may be tilted by the driving means 5. By doing so, a configuration in which the direction of irradiation light passing through the lens is changed (for example, see JP-A-7-37405) can be mentioned. Instead of tilting the entire reflecting mirror or lens, the main part of the irradiation light may be changed in a desired direction by controlling the position of a part thereof.

Further, by moving the shade positioned between the reflecting mirror and the lens by the driving means 5, the light / dark boundary in the light distribution pattern of the lamp is changed up and down (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 29401), a reflector and a light source, a lens and a reflector,
Alternatively, various embodiments according to the combination of the optical components of the lamp, such as changing the irradiation direction by moving the lens and the shade together by the driving means 5, are possible.

In the case where the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has a plurality of detecting means, it is necessary to continue the control of the lighting direction of the lamp as long as the minimum necessary detecting means among them is normal. This is preferable in terms of running safety.

For example, when a vehicle height sensor is provided for each of all wheels in a vehicle, the change in the pitching angle of the vehicle is calculated from the amount of change in the height of the front and rear axles and the wheel base (wheel distance). can do. That is,
In order to determine the pitching angle, it is necessary that at least one or more vehicle height sensors function normally for each of the axle portions before and after the vehicle.

Accordingly, the control of the above i) or ii) is performed only when all the vehicle height sensors attached to the front wheels (or the rear wheels) have failed, and one or more normal wheels for the front wheels and the rear wheels are respectively provided. It is desirable to continue the correction control relating to the irradiation direction of the lamp as long as the vehicle height sensor exists. When the vehicle height sensors are provided for all the wheels as described above, the relationship between the output signal of these vehicle height sensors and the change in the height of the axle portion is determined by the detection accuracy of the change in the vehicle attitude. For example, if the average value of the output signal levels of the vehicle height sensors provided for the left and right wheels is adopted as a representative value indicating the height of the axle portion,
It is possible to solve the problem that the variation in the signal level is reduced, and the undesired signal level is adopted as it is due to the influence of noise or the like, thereby lowering the detection accuracy. However, in this case, when an abnormality occurs in one of the vehicle height sensors provided on the left and right wheels, the output signal of the remaining normal vehicle height sensor is used as a representative value of the axle height. adopt.

However, in the case where a plurality of vehicle height detecting means are provided on the axle portions before and after the vehicle (regardless of whether the vehicle height detecting means is existing or newly provided on the vehicle). As long as at least one of the vehicle height detecting means for the front axle part is functioning normally and at least one of the vehicle height detecting means for the rear axle part is functioning normally, It is preferable to continue the correction control.

[0041]

5 to 11 show an embodiment of the present invention, and show an example of application to an automobile.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the irradiation direction control device 7 in the case where one vehicle height sensor is provided on each of the axle portions before and after the vehicle. A computer for realizing the function of the correction calculation means 2 is shown. (Electronic control unit) 8 incorporating a vehicle height sensor 9F, 9
A detection signal based on R is input. In addition, vehicle height sensor 9F
Are provided for the axle portion of the front wheel, and the vehicle height sensor 9R is provided for the axle portion of the rear wheel. These correspond to the vehicle attitude detecting means 3. And the vehicle height sensor 9
When the detection signals from F and 9R are input to the ECU 8, E
In the CU 8, a change in the height of the axle portion before and after the vehicle and a change in the pitching angle of the vehicle from the wheel base are calculated, and a correction calculation for maintaining the irradiation direction of the lamp in a predetermined direction is performed.
In this embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 9 is provided at predetermined time intervals.
Although the output signals of F and 9R are taken into the ECU 8 and the calculation relating to the calculation of the pitching angle is performed, any calculation method may be used as far as the present invention is concerned.

The correction signal output from the ECU 8 is sent to driving units 10 and 10 'for controlling the irradiation directions of a pair of right and left lamps provided at the front of the vehicle. The driving unit 1
Reference numerals 0 and 10 'include motors 10a and 10'a for driving the lamp or its components (reflecting mirrors, lenses, etc.), and position detectors 10b and 10 for detecting the attitude of the lamp or its components. 'B, the output signal of the ECU 8 is sent directly to the motors 10a, 10'a or via the motor drive circuits 10c, 10'c, and the position detector 1
Detection signals 0b and 10'b are sent to the ECU 8.

The irradiation direction control device 7 includes a vehicle height sensor 9
Abnormality detection for F and 9R is performed by ECU from vehicle height sensor.
This is performed by the ECU 8 constantly monitoring the fluctuation width of the detection signal level sent to the ECU 8.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a temporal change of the time t on the horizontal axis and the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor (this is described as "V") on the vertical axis. 6 shows the output change when the vehicle height sensor operates normally, and FIG. 7 shows the output change when the vehicle height sensor fails.

When the vehicle height sensor is functioning normally, the signal level V fluctuates as is apparent from FIG. 6, whereas when the vehicle height sensor fails, the signal level V changes as shown in FIG. The level becomes constant and almost no fluctuation is observed.

Therefore, when the fluctuation width of the signal level is smaller than the predetermined setting width, it can be determined that the vehicle height sensor has failed, and when the posture of the vehicle changes, the front portion of the vehicle can be determined. Focusing on the fact that there is a correlated height change between the axle and the rear axle (however, the time difference before and after is determined by the wheelbase, vehicle speed, etc.), the output signal of a certain vehicle height sensor is noted. If the level fluctuation of the output signal of the remaining vehicle height sensor is large to some extent while the level fluctuation is small, it is possible to determine that the vehicle height sensor that is outputting the signal with the small level fluctuation has an abnormality. it can.

For example, by comparing the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the front vehicle height sensor 9F with the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R, a large difference is recognized between the two fluctuation widths. In this case, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in one of the front and rear vehicle height sensors. That is, assuming that FIG. 6 shows a change in the output signal level of the front vehicle height sensor 9F and FIG. 7 shows a change in the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R, While the output signal level has a certain range of variation, the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R has a small range of variation, so that an abnormality has occurred in one of the two sensors. I understand.
As a precaution in this case, if the signal level change shown in FIG. 7 indicates a failure of the sensor, it cannot be quickly stopped. This is because when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road without any change in posture, the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor is small, and it is not possible to distinguish such a situation from the time of failure of the vehicle height sensor. Because. Therefore, if the rear wheels are still on a flat road even when the front wheels are approaching a rough road, such as when the vehicle shifts from running on a flat road to running on a rough road, the output of the rear vehicle height sensor If the fluctuation width is not as large as the output fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor, an abnormality may be determined even though the rear vehicle height sensor is normal. Therefore,
In this case, a method of determining an abnormality when a period in which the fluctuation range of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor is smaller than the predetermined setting range continues for a predetermined time or more, The problem can be solved by using a method of comparing the output of the suspected vehicle height sensor with the output of another vehicle height sensor provided for the same axle.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the ECU 8 to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality based on output signals from the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R. In the present embodiment, a predetermined detection time is set in detecting the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor, and the maximum value and the minimum value of the output signal level are taken out. A method is used in which a failure (for example, a short-circuit with a power supply or a disconnection) occurs in the sensor. That is, FIG. 6 shows the level change of the output signal of the vehicle height sensor 9F provided on the front axle, and a certain detection time (this is referred to as “T”).
Is set, the maximum value of the signal level within the detection time T is “SFmax”, the minimum value is “SFmin”, and the difference “ΔSF” is “ΔSF = SFmax−SFmi”.
n ", the maximum value of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor 9R within the detection time T is similarly set to" SRmax ", the minimum value thereof is set to" SRmin ", and the difference" ΔSR " “ΔSR = SRmax−SRmi
n ”, and the magnitude relation between ΔSR or ΔSF and two reference values (these are referred to as“ SA ”and“ SB ”) is compared. The start timing of the detection time T for the front and rear vehicle height sensors can be the same, or a time difference corresponding to the wheel base or the vehicle speed can be provided. Further, the length of the detection time T may be the same for the front and rear sensors, or may be set to different lengths. Further, the detection time T and the reference values SA and SB may be set at the vehicle speed (for example, as shown in FIG. 5). As shown, a detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 11 is input to the ECU 8).

In step S1 of FIG. 8, the magnitude of the variation width ΔSF of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is compared with the reference value SA. If “ΔSF ≦ SA”, the process proceeds to step S2, where “ΔSF> SA” In the case of, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S2, the rear vehicle height sensor 9R
Is compared with the reference value SB, and if “ΔSR ≧ SB”, the process proceeds to step S3.
If “ΔSR <SB”, the process proceeds to step S4.

The arrival at step S3 means that the fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is small and the fluctuation width of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R is large to some extent. It is determined that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the high sensor 9F. Of course, the height sensor 9F is normal and the front wheels are on a flat road,
Since the situation where the rear wheels are on a rough road cannot be denied as a possibility, it is necessary to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the front vehicle height sensor 9F when such a state continues for a predetermined time or more.

The process reaches step S4 when both the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are small.
Since it is not possible to distinguish whether the output of the sensor is small because the car is traveling on a flat road, or if there is an abnormality in both sensors, it is not possible to distinguish whether the change in the sensor output is small. In this step S4, it is inquired whether or not the operation has continued for more than the time, and if so, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in both sensors. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5, where both sensors are normal. to decide. In the case where a remarkable change such as the output of the vehicle height sensor is significantly reduced compared to the normal state due to the abnormality of the vehicle height sensor, the characteristic at the time of abnormality is determined in step S4 without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not there is a change, and step S5 is performed.
Alternatively, a conditional branch may be made to S6.

In step S7, the rear vehicle height sensor 9R
Is compared with the reference value SA, and when “ΔSR ≦ SA”, the process proceeds to step S8.
If “ΔSR> SA”, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S8, the front vehicle height sensor 9F
Is compared with the reference value SB, and when “ΔSF ≧ SB”, the process proceeds to step S9.
If “ΔSF <SB”, the process proceeds to step S10.

Reaching step S9 means that the fluctuation width of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R is small and the fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is large to some extent. There is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height sensor 9R, and if this state has continued for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the rear vehicle height sensor 9R.

The process reaches step S10 when both the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are small. It is asked in this step whether or not this state has continued for a predetermined time or longer. For example, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in both sensors. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11, where it is determined that both sensors are normal. If a noticeable change such as a decrease in the output of the vehicle height sensor due to an abnormality in the vehicle height sensor is observed, the waiting time does not have to be passed for a predetermined time.
It is possible to immediately branch from step S10 to step S11 or S12.

The arrival at step S13 is when the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are both large to some extent, and in this case, it is determined that both sensors are functioning normally.

Steps S14 and S15 show the processing after the abnormality determination relating to the vehicle height sensor. If it is determined in steps S5, S11 and S13 that the vehicle height sensor is functioning normally, step S15 is executed. Proceeding to S15, the calculation of the pitching angle of the vehicle is performed in the ECU 8 based on the detection signals from the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R, and the pitching angle is the same as the calculated pitching angle and the direction in which the pitching angle changes is A correction signal for changing the irradiation direction of the lamp with a correction angle in the opposite direction is obtained, and the correction signal is sent to the driving units 10 and 10 ′, whereby the lamp or its components are driven.

Steps S3, S6, S9, S12
If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in one or both of the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R, the process proceeds to step S14,
A lamp or a component thereof is driven by a signal transmitted from the ECU 8 to the driving units 10 and 10 ', and the irradiation direction of the lamp is defined so as to be directed in a predetermined direction (the method i described above).
reference. ).

In this embodiment, one vehicle height sensor is provided for each of the front and rear axles, but a plurality of vehicle height sensors are provided for each of the front and rear axles. It is easy to extend.

For example, when vehicle height sensors are provided for all the wheels, four vehicle height sensors 9FR, 9FL, 9R are provided as shown in the irradiation direction control device 12 of FIG.
Output signals of R and 9RL are input to the ECU 8. The vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9FL are sensors provided for the front wheels of the vehicle, 9FR is a sensor for the right wheel, and 9FL is a sensor for the left wheel. The vehicle height sensors 9RR and 9RL are sensors provided for the rear wheels of the vehicle, and 9RR is a sensor for the right wheel.
9RL is a sensor for the left wheel.

The above-described method can be easily generalized as a method of determining an abnormality for these vehicle height sensors. That is, the output signal level SX of a certain vehicle height sensor
For Y (X is F or R, Y is L or R), the maximum value SXYmax and the minimum value SXYmin within the detection time T
Is obtained, and this is compared with a reference value SA.
When ΔSXY ≦ SA, the output signal levels Sxy of the remaining three vehicle height sensors (x is F or R, y is L or R
And x ≠ X or y ≠ Y. ), The maximum value Sxymax and the minimum value Sxymi within the detection time T.
The difference ΔSxy from n is obtained and compared with a reference value SB. Then, if ΔSXY ≦ SA and ΔSxy ≧ SB holds for the remaining three vehicle height sensors,
Since only the level fluctuation width of the output signal of the vehicle height sensor relating to SXY is smaller than the level fluctuation width of the output signals of the other three vehicle height sensors, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height sensor relating to SXY. I do. When ΔSXY> SA, the remaining vehicle height sensor may be specified (that is, X and Y are changed) and the same processing as described above may be performed for the signal level SXY.

Then, in the irradiation direction control device 12,
When all four vehicle height sensors are functioning normally, as shown in FIG. 9, vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9FL
Is sent to the average calculation unit 8a in the ECU 8, and the signal levels of both are averaged, and then sent to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c. The output signals of the vehicle height sensors 9RR and 9RL are sent to an averaging calculator 8b in the ECU 8, and their signal levels are averaged, and then sent to a pitching angle calculator 8c.

The pitching angle calculator 8c calculates the pitching angle based on the information from the average calculators 8a and 8b and the wheelbase of the vehicle, and calculates the pitching angle based on the information.
, A correction angle for maintaining the illumination direction of the lamp in a predetermined direction is calculated, and a correction signal corresponding to the correction angle is output to the driving unit 1.
The illumination direction of the lamp is controlled by driving the motors 10a and 10'a to the motor driving circuits 10c and 10'c respectively.

The average calculation units 8a and 8b, the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, and the correction angle calculation unit 8d visualize and show the processing functions in the ECU 8 by a block diagram, and are realized by program processing. .

In such correction control regarding the irradiation direction, at least one of the vehicle height sensors 9FL and 9FR functions normally, and at least one of the vehicle height sensors 9RL and 9RR functions normally. As long as there is.
However, averaging the output signal level when an abnormality occurs in one of the vehicle height sensors allows the incorporation of uncertain information. Use the output signal level as it is.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle height sensor 9RL related to the left rear wheel, the output signal of the vehicle height sensor 9RR is directly sent to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, and the normal signal is output. The output signals of the vehicle height sensors 9FL and 9FR are sent to the average calculation unit 8a.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the vehicle height sensor 9FR for the right front wheel and the vehicle height sensor 9RL for the left rear wheel become abnormal, the vehicle height sensor 9F
The output signals of L and 9RR are respectively output to the pitching angle
c directly. In FIGS. 10 and 11, a mark “x” attached to a line segment extending rightward from the frame relating to the vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9RL means that an abnormality has occurred in these vehicle height sensors. It should be noted that this does not mean that the output signal of the vehicle height sensor is not input to the ECU 8.

[0070] Vehicle height sensor 9FR, 9FL both or 9
If both RR and 9RL are abnormal, useful information is not input to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, so the pitching angle calculation unit 8c notifies the correction angle calculation unit 8d of the fact, and the correction angle calculation unit The irradiation direction of the lamp is defined by a signal transmitted from 8d to the driving units 10, 10 'so as to be directed in a predetermined direction, and the irradiation direction is fixed.

[0071]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detecting means, the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed. By stipulating the lighting direction or limiting the lighting direction of the lamp within a predetermined range, the lighting direction of the lamp is controlled so that it does not point in an unspecified direction when an abnormality occurs, so dazzling to oncoming vehicles etc. Can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the correction calculating means can determine whether or not the vehicle attitude detecting means has an abnormality based on the output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means. There is no need to provide a separate abnormality detecting means for the means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the fluctuation range of the detection signal by the vehicle attitude detecting means is within a predetermined range,
If this state continues for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, and the detection signal fluctuation of the vehicle attitude detecting means when the vehicle attitude is stable is determined. It is less likely that a situation where the width is small is erroneously recognized as an abnormal time of the vehicle posture detecting means.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention,
In the case where the vehicle attitude detecting means comprises a plurality of vehicle height detecting means provided on the front and rear axles, respectively, until all the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle become abnormal. By continuing to control the illumination direction of the lamp as much as possible, it is possible to guarantee the safety of running the vehicle.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention,
When an abnormality is suspected for a certain vehicle height detecting means, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height detecting means by comparing the output signal with the output signal of another vehicle height detecting means. In addition, it is possible to make a more accurate abnormality determination based on a comprehensive situation determination regarding the vehicle attitude. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the determination process can be simplified by comparing the fluctuation range of the output signal of the vehicle height detecting means with a predetermined value.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of an irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle for explaining a vehicle height detecting means.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of narrowing the irradiation range of the lamp to a predetermined range when the vehicle posture detecting means is abnormal.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of narrowing the irradiation range of the lamp to a predetermined range and restricting the upper limit of the irradiation direction when the vehicle posture detecting means is abnormal.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention together with FIGS. 6 to 11, and is a circuit block diagram.

6 is a graph schematically showing a temporal change in the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor together with FIG. 7, and this figure shows an example of a level change when the vehicle height detecting means is normal.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a level change when a vehicle height sensor is abnormal.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control flow.

9 and FIG. 9 together with FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the main parts of the device configuration in the case where a vehicle height sensor is provided for all the wheels of the vehicle, and FIG. It is a block diagram of an important section for explaining control in the case of functioning.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a main part for describing control when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle height sensor provided for a left rear wheel.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a main part for describing control when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle height sensor provided for the right front wheel and the left rear wheel.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Irradiation direction control device, 2 ... Correction calculation means, 3 ... Vehicle attitude detection means, 3a ... Vehicle height detection means, 4 ... Abnormality detection means,
5 ... drive means, 6 ... vehicle lamp, 9F, 9R, 9FR,
9FL, 9RR, 9RL ... vehicle height sensor (vehicle height detecting means), 10, 10 '... driving unit (driving means)

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-7-17321 (JP, A) JP-A-7-17322 (JP, A) JP-A-7-17323 (JP, A) German patent application published 4441493 (DE, A1) DE 43 11 669 (DE, A 1) EP 554663 (EP, A 2) EP 355539 (EP, A 2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60Q 1/115

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of a vehicle, a driving means for directing irradiation light of a lamp in a desired direction, and an irradiation light of a lamp in response to a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means. Irradiation of a vehicle lamp equipped with a correction calculating means for performing a correction calculation for maintaining a predetermined direction and sending a correction signal to the driving means, and an abnormality detecting means for detecting that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means. A direction control device, wherein the illumination direction of the lamp is directed to a predetermined direction by a correction signal sent from the correction calculation unit to the driving unit when the abnormality detection unit detects that the vehicle posture detection unit has failed. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction control device is fixed or regulated within a predetermined range. 2. A vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of the vehicle, a driving means for directing the illumination light of the lamp in a desired direction, and an illumination light of the lamp in response to a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means. A correction calculating means for performing a correction calculation for maintaining the predetermined direction and transmitting a correction signal to the driving means, wherein the correction calculating means receives an output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means. When it is determined from the level or the fluctuation range that the vehicle posture detecting means has an abnormality, the illumination direction of the lamp is fixed so as to be directed in a predetermined direction by a correction signal sent from the correction calculating means to the driving means, or An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction control device is controlled to be within a predetermined range. 3. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein a fluctuation width of a detection signal by the vehicle posture detecting means is within a predetermined range, and this state continues for a predetermined time or more. An illumination direction control device for a vehicular lamp, wherein the correction calculating means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means in the event that the vehicle attitude detecting means has failed. 4. The vehicle lighting direction control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle attitude detecting means is provided on a plurality of vehicle height detecting means provided on front and rear axles, respectively. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the axle portion at the front of the vehicle or all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the axle portion at the rear of the vehicle, the correction calculation is performed. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed or regulated within a predetermined range by a correction signal sent from the means to the driving means. . 5. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein one of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle, which does not detect that an abnormality has occurred, is provided. In the case where only the number of the vehicle is detected, the value detected by the vehicle height detecting means is used as the vehicle height detected value relating to the front or rear axle, and the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle is provided. In the case where there are a plurality of vehicles in which the occurrence of an abnormality is not detected, an average value of the detected values by these vehicle height detecting means is used as a vehicle height detected value relating to the front or rear axle. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp. 6. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein an output signal of a certain vehicle height detecting means is compared with output signals of a plurality of other vehicle height detecting means. An illumination direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the abnormality detection means or the correction calculation means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height detection means when the correlation is low. 7. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein when a certain height of the vehicle height detection means is suspected to be abnormal due to a small fluctuation range of an output signal, all or a plurality of the remaining vehicle height detection means are provided. The output signal of the vehicle height detecting means is compared with a predetermined value for each fluctuation width in a predetermined time, and if the fluctuation widths are equal to or more than a predetermined value, the abnormality is detected in the suspected height detection means. And an abnormality detecting means or a correction calculating means.