JP4415916B2 - Vehicle headlamp device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved headlight device for a vehicle capable of generating a light distribution to suit both the normal running on a curved path and turning to the left or right or running on a right-angle curved path. <P>SOLUTION: The headlight device for the vehicle is equipped with a swivel angle calculating means 6 and a swivel angle controlling means 7 to swivel the headlights 1L and 1R by driving swivel devices 2L and 2R in conformity to the steering angle signal given by a steering angle sensing means 4 in the range from around the neutral position of a steering wheel to the first prescribed steering angle &alpha;1 and in the range from the second prescribed steering angle &alpha;2 of the steering wheel to the third prescribed steering angle &alpha;3 and to fix the headlights 1L and 1R by stopping the swivel devices 2L and 2R in the range around the neutral position, in the range from first prescribed steering angle &alpha;1 to the second prescribed steering angle &alpha;2, and in the range equal to or above the third prescribed steering angle &alpha;3. This allows generating light distribution patterns PL and PR to suit both the normal running on a curved path and turning to the left or right or running on a right-angle curved path. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device (vehicle headlamp system) that changes a light distribution range of a headlamp by swiveling a lamp according to steering of a steering handle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device in which a lamp is swiveled stepwise (discontinuously) and the light distribution range of the headlamp changes stepwise. In this specification, “road surface or the like” refers to a road surface, a person (such as a pedestrian) or an object (such as a guardrail, another vehicle, a road sign, or a building) on the road surface.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicular headlamp apparatus that changes a light distribution range of a headlamp by swiveling a lamp in accordance with steering of a steering handle, such as AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System), has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). ). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle headlamp apparatus will be described. In a conventional vehicle headlamp device, a control circuit drives a motor according to a steering angle to swivel a lamp to change a light distribution range. That is, light is emitted along the road on which the automobile is about to travel.

  However, since the conventional vehicle headlamp device continuously swivels the lamp from the front of the vehicle to the maximum swivel angle to continuously change the light distribution range, it has the following problems. That is, when the maximum swivel angle is set large so that visibility (view) can be ensured when traveling left and right at intersections, right-angled roads, etc. (steep curves), As shown by the two-dot chain line, when driving on a normal curved road (such as a gentle curve), the lamp (ramp) is swiveled greatly with respect to the steering angle of the steering (so-called excessive swing, swivel angle is large) The light distribution deviates from the traveling direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the maximum swivel angle is set small so that visibility can be ensured during traveling on a normal curved road, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. When the vehicle is traveling, the lamp stops at a small maximum swivel angle even if the steering is greatly steered, and sufficient brightness cannot be obtained in the vicinity of the side required when turning left or right.

JP 2002-225621 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that the conventional vehicle headlamp device cannot obtain a light distribution suitable for both when traveling on a normal curved road and when turning left or right or traveling on a right-angled curved road. It is in.

  According to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), based on the steering angle signal from the steering angle sensor, the range from the vicinity of the neutral position of the steering handle to the first predetermined steering angle, and the second predetermined steering angle of the steering handle. In the range up to the third predetermined steering angle, the swivel device is driven to swivel the lamp, the range near neutral, the range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle, and the third predetermined steering angle. In the above-mentioned range, a control device for stopping the swivel device and fixing the lamp is provided.

  The invention (the invention according to claim 2) is characterized in that the control device maintains the swivel angle of the lamp at the first predetermined steering angle in the range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle. To do.

  Further, the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) is characterized in that the control device maintains the swivel angle of the lamp at the third predetermined steering angle in a range not less than the third predetermined steering angle.

  Furthermore, in the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), the swivel speed of the lamp in the range from the neutral position to the first predetermined steering angle is in the range from the second predetermined steering angle to the third predetermined steering angle. It is slower than the speed.

  In the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the lamp is swiveled stepwise (discontinuously) and the light distribution range of the headlamp changes stepwise. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) is visible when traveling on a normal curved road or the like in the range from the vicinity of the neutral position of the steering handle to the first predetermined steering angle. In addition, in the range from the second predetermined steering angle to the third predetermined steering angle of the steering handle, it is possible to ensure visibility during left turn, right turn, and right-angled driving. As a result, the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can contribute to traffic safety.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) distributes the light by stopping the swivel device and fixing the lamp in the range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle. It is fixed once. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) has a small curvature (a curved path with a small curvature, a gentle curve) with a small curvature on the road with reference to the light distribution once fixed. A large curvature (a curved path with a large curvature, a steep curve) can be easily determined, fatigue during driving for a long time can be reduced, and traffic safety can be contributed.

  The vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) maintains the swivel angle of the lamp at the first predetermined steering angle in the range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2) makes the driver feel uncomfortable when traveling on a normal curved road other than when turning left or right or traveling on a right-angled curved road. Visibility ahead of the traveling direction of the vehicle can be ensured without giving, and it can contribute to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) maintains the swivel angle of the lamp at the third predetermined steering angle in the range not less than the third predetermined steering angle. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device of the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) can obtain sufficient brightness in the vicinity of the vehicle when traveling to the left or right or when driving on a right-angled curve, It is possible to prevent the visibility of the traveling direction of the vehicle from being excessively lost, and to contribute to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), since the swivel of the lamp is gentle when traveling on a normal curved road, the light distribution does not fluctuate and the driver is bothered. There is no such thing as giving. On the other hand, since the swivel of the lamp is steep when traveling left or right or when driving on a right-angled curved road, the light distribution quickly changes in a predetermined direction, and visibility can be secured quickly.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment includes a left headlight 1L, a right headlight 1R, a left swivel device 2L, a right swivel device 2R, and a left swivel angle. A swivel angle sensor 3R on the right side of the sensor 3L, a steering angle detection means 4 as a steering angle sensor, a vehicle information detection means 5 as a vehicle information detection unit, a swivel angle calculation means 6 and a swivel angle control means 7 as control devices. And comprising.

  The left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 8, as shown in FIG. The left headlamp 1L illuminates mainly the left side of a road surface or the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern (light distribution range) PL. The right headlamp 1R illuminates mainly the right side of a road surface or the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern (light distribution range) PR. The left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R are rotatable (swivelable) from side to side about a vertical axis. As a result, the light distribution patterns PL and PR are changed to the outside direction of the vehicle 8, for example, in the case of the left headlamp 1L, from the front direction of the vehicle 8 to the left direction (in the case of the right headlamp 1R, the vehicle 8 It can be changed from the front direction to the right side) or from the front direction of the vehicle 8 to the left and right sides.

  In this example, the left headlamp 1L and the right headlamp 1R are projector types that use a discharge lamp (a so-called high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp such as a metal halide lamp, a high-intensity discharge lamp (HID), etc.) as a light source. It is a lamp. As the lamp (the left headlamp 1L and the right headlamp 1R), a lamp other than a projector-type lamp using a discharge lamp as a light source, for example, a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED, a halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp Such as a light source, a reflection type lamp, a direct light type lamp or the like may be used. Further, the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R are swiveled on the entire lamp unit, but may be swiveled only on the reflector.

  The left swivel device 2L and the right swivel device 2R swivel the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R to the left and right about a substantially vertical axis. The left swivel device 2L and the right swivel device 2R can rotate, for example, a driving unit such as a stepping motor or a normal motor, and the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R about a vertical axis. And a driving force transmitting portion provided between the driving portion and the supporting portion.

  The left swivel angle sensor 3L and the right swivel angle sensor 3R indicate the swivel angle of the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R swiveled by the left swivel device 2L and the right swivel device 2R. The detected angle data is output and transmitted to the swivel angle calculation means 6. The left swivel angle sensor 3L uses, for example, a hall element, a potentiometer, or another device.

  The steering angle detection means 4 detects a steering angle (steering angle and synonym) and steering direction of a steering handle (not shown, synonymous terms such as steering wheel and steering wheel), and outputs a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal. This is output to the swivel angle calculation means 6. That is, the steering angle detection means 4 is used when, for example, the vehicle 8 travels on a curved road (a road with a left curve or a road with a right curve), and when the vehicle 8 makes a left turn or a right turn on an intersection. In addition, a steering angle (rotation angle) and a steering direction (rotation direction) of a steering wheel steered by the driver are detected, and a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal are output to the swivel angle calculation means 6. The steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are obtained as specific numerical data by, for example, networking the steering angle detecting means 4 and the swivel angle calculating means 6 mounted on the vehicle 8. As specific numerical data, for example, numerical data of + 10 ° is obtained when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the right, and numerical data of −10 ° is obtained when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the left. As specific numerical data, for example, when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the right, numerical data of “990” with respect to the neutral value of “1000”, while when the steering wheel is turned 10 ° to the left, It is obtained as numerical data “1010” with respect to the neutral numerical value “1000”. On the other hand, the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are obtained as electrical signals output from the steering angle detection means 4 (for example, an optical sensor) mounted on the vehicle to the swivel angle calculation means 6, for example.

  The vehicle information detection means 5 detects vehicle information and outputs an information signal to the swivel angle calculation means 6. The vehicle information detection means 5 is composed of, for example, a headlamp switch, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like. The headlamp switch is turned on or off by a driver to turn on and off the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R. When the headlamp switch is ON, an ON signal (for example, a high level signal) And an OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) is output to the swivel angle calculation means 6 when OFF. The vehicle speed sensor detects a vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal to the swivel angle calculation means 6. The steering angle detection means 4 also constitutes vehicle information detection means for detecting vehicle information and outputting an information signal.

  The control device includes the swivel angle calculation means 6 including a central processing unit / CPU (arithmetic control unit) and the driver circuit of the right swivel device driver circuit (the drive unit of the left swivel device ( The swivel angle control means 7 includes a driver unit) and a drive unit (driver unit) of the right swivel device. The control device uses a computer mounted on a vehicle, for example, a car navigation (navigation system) computer, a control circuit unit, an ECU / electronic control unit computer, or the like.

  The swivel angle calculation means 6 is connected to the left swivel angle sensor 3L, the right swivel angle sensor 3R, the steering angle detection means 4, and the vehicle information detection means 5, respectively. The swivel angle calculation means 6 includes angle data of swivel angle of the left headlight 1L and right headlight 1R from the left swivel angle sensor 3L and right swivel angle sensor 3R, and the steering angle detection. Steering angle signals and steering direction signals of the steering wheel and steering direction from the means 4, and information signals of vehicle information from the vehicle information detecting means 5 (for example, an ON signal OFF signal from the headlamp switch, a vehicle speed) Based on the vehicle speed signal from the sensor), an optimum swivel angle in the current running state of the vehicle 8 is calculated, and swivel angle data is output to the swivel angle control means 7.

  The swivel angle control means 7 is connected to the left swivel device 2L, the right swivel device 2R, and the swivel angle calculation means 6, respectively. The swivel angle control means 7 drives one or both of the left swivel device 2L and the right swivel device 2R based on the swivel angle data from the swivel angle calculation means 6 to The headlight 1L The right headlight 1R is rotated (swiveled) about the vertical axis to the left and right to change the light distribution patterns PL and PR. The driver circuit of the left swivel device of the swivel angle control means 7 is, for example, a relay or a semiconductor switch (FET, transistor, etc.) as the driver circuit of the right swivel device.

  The control device composed of the swivel angle calculation means 6 and the swivel angle control means 7 sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 and, based on the characteristics shown in FIG. 3, the left swivel Device 2L Drives and controls the right swivel device 2R.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the swivel speed of the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R. In FIG. 3A, the vertical axis indicates the swivel speed and the horizontal axis indicates the steering angle. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering handle and the swivel angle of the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R. In FIG. 3B, the vertical axis represents the swivel angle and the horizontal axis represents the steering angle.

  In the control device, the relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 3A and the swivel speed of the right headlight 1R on the left headlight 1L, and FIG. The relative relationship between the steering angle of the steering wheel shown and the swivel angle of the right headlight 1R on the left headlight 1L is as follows. First, the control device includes a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal from the steering angle detection means 4 and a vehicle information signal from the vehicle information detection means 5 (for example, an ON signal from a headlamp switch or a vehicle speed sensor). Vehicle speed ≠ 0 signal). Here, when the steering angle is in a neutral range of 0 to α0, that is, in a so-called dead zone, the vehicle 8 is almost straight, so the swivel angle is 0, as shown in FIG. Light distribution patterns PL and PR are obtained. This is to fix the light distribution patterns PL and PR when the vehicle 8 is traveling substantially straight, and to prevent a sense of incongruity and annoyance caused by the light distribution patterns PL and PR fluctuating. Further, in the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2 (A), since the far visual object 9 and the nearby visual object 10 are not included, the driver can see the far visual object 9 and the nearby visual object 9. The visual recognition object 10 cannot be visually recognized.

  Next, in the case where the steering angle is in the range of α0 to the first predetermined steering angle (first predetermined steering angle) α1, that is, the range in which the steering wheel is steered when traveling on a normal curved road, for example, the vehicle 8 is turned to the left curved road. When traveling on the left side, the left headlight 1L changes in a swivel angle (the swivel angle and the steering angle) calculated in the left direction at the swivel speed S1 (see FIG. 3A). As the steering angle increases from α0 to α1, the swivel angle gradually increases from 0 to θ1 (see the solid line in FIG. 3B). When the swivel angle reaches θ1, the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2B are obtained. In the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2 (B), since the far visual object 9 on the path of the vehicle 8 enters, the driver can visually recognize the far visual object 9.

  Subsequently, the steering angle is in the range of the first predetermined steering angle α1 to the second predetermined steering angle (second predetermined steering angle) α2, that is, the steering during normal curved road travel in substantially the same range as the range of α0 to α1. In the range where the steering wheel is steered, for example, when the vehicle 8 continues to travel on the left curve, the swivel of the left headlamp 1L is stopped when the swivel angle reaches θ1 (the swivel angle reaches θ1). (See the solid line in FIG. 3B). For this reason, the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2B are continuously maintained.

  When the steering angle is in the range of the second predetermined steering angle α2 to the third predetermined steering angle (third predetermined steering angle) α3, that is, the range in which the steering handle is steered when turning right or left, for example, the vehicle 8 turns left When the headlight 1L on the left side is swivel speed S2 (the swivel speed S1 is slower than the swivel speed S2, see FIG. 3A), the swivel angle calculated in the left direction (the swivel angle and the steering angle) For example, when the steering angle increases from α2 to α3, the swivel angle gradually increases from θ1 to θ2, as shown in the solid line in FIG. When the swivel angle reaches θ2, the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2C are obtained. In the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2C, the field of view ahead of the path of the vehicle 8, that is, the nearby visual object 10 enters, so that the driver can visually recognize the visual object 10 in the vicinity. .

  Subsequently, in the case where the steering angle is in the range of the third predetermined steering angle α3 or more, that is, the range in which the steering wheel is steered at the time of turning right or left in the same manner as the range of α2 to α3, for example, the vehicle 8 continues to turn left In this case, when the swivel angle reaches θ2, the swivel of the left headlamp 1L is stopped (the swivel angle is maintained at θ2, see the solid line in FIG. 3B). For this reason, the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. 2C are continuously maintained.

  It should be noted that, based on the characteristics shown in FIG. 3, one of the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R swivels, but the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1L Both of the headlamps 1R may be swiveled.

  The vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment is configured as described above. Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. That is, the control device sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the procedure (action) of the process processing of the control device will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the operation of the control device is started, the steering angle detection means 4 detects the steering angle and steering direction of the steering wheel, and outputs detection signals (steering angle signal and steering direction signal) to the swivel angle calculation means 6. Further, the vehicle information detection unit 5 outputs an information signal of the vehicle 8 to the swivel angle calculation unit 6. The swivel angle calculation means 6 inputs the detection signal from the steering angle sensor 2 and the vehicle information signal from the vehicle information detection means 5 (steering angle α reading S1).

  The swivel angle calculation means 6 determines whether or not the steering angle is in the range of 0 to α0 near neutral (α≈neutral? S2). When the steering angle is in the neutral range from 0 to α0, the swivel angle calculation means 6 passes the swivel angle control means 7 and the swivel device 2R on the right side of the left swivel device 2L to the right side of the left headlight 1L. When the headlamp 1R is not swiveled and faces the front, the swivel angle 0 is maintained, or when the headlamp 1R on the right side of the left headlamp 1L is swiveled and faces the outside or inside To swivel back to swivel angle 0 (swive the lamp to the center S3). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S2), when the steering angle is not in the neutral range of 0 to α0, the swivel angle calculation means 6 determines whether or not the steering angle is in the range of α0 to the first predetermined steering angle α1. (Α <α1? S4). When the steering angle is in the range of α0 to the first predetermined steering angle α1, the swivel angle calculation means 6 calculates the swivel angle (swivel angle calculation S5), and the swivel angle control means 7 and the swivel device on the right side of the left swivel device 2L. Through the device 2R, the left headlight 1L and the right headlight 1R are swiveled to the calculated swivel angle at the swivel speed S1 (the swivel speed is swiveled to the calculated swivel angle = S1 and the lamp is swiveled S6). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S4), when the steering angle is not in the range of α0 to the first predetermined steering angle α1, the swivel angle calculating means 6 has the steering angle in the range of the first predetermined steering angle α1 to the second predetermined steering angle α2. It is determined whether or not there is (α1 ≦ α <α2? S7). When the steering angle is in the range of the first predetermined steering angle α1 to the second predetermined steering angle α2, the swivel angle calculating means 6 is connected to the left side through the swivel angle control means 7 and the swivel device 2R on the right side of the left swivel device 2L. The headlamp 1R on the right side of the headlamp 1L is maintained at the swivel angle θ1 (holding the lamp at the swivel angle at the time of α1 S8). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  When the steering angle is not in the range of the first predetermined steering angle α1 to the second predetermined steering angle α2 in (S7), the swivel angle calculation means 6 has the steering angle of the second predetermined steering angle α2 to the third predetermined steering angle. It is determined whether or not the angle is within the range of α3 (α2 ≦ α <α3? S9). When the steering angle is in the range of the second predetermined steering angle α2 to the third predetermined steering angle α3, the swivel angle calculation means 6 calculates the swivel angle (swivel angle calculation S10), the swivel angle control means 7 and the left swivel. Through the swivel device 2R on the right side of the device 2L, the headlight 1R on the left side of the left headlight 1L is swiveled to the calculated swivel angle at the swivel speed S2 (the swivel speed is swiveled to the calculated swivel angle = S2 and the lamp is swiveled S11). ). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S9), when the steering angle is not in the range of the second predetermined steering angle α2 to the third predetermined steering angle α3, the swivel angle calculation means 6 is the swivel angle control means 7 and the swivel device on the right side of the left swivel device 2L. The headlamp 1R on the right side of the left headlamp 1L is maintained at the swivel angle θ2 via the device 2R (the lamp is held at the swivel angle at the time of α3 S12). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  The vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment is configured and operated as described above. Hereinafter, the effects of the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

  In the vehicle headlamp apparatus according to this embodiment, as is apparent from the above-described configuration and operation, the lamp, that is, the headlamp 1R on the right side of the left headlamp 1L is swiveled stepwise (discontinuously). As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the light distribution patterns PL and PR change stepwise. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment can ensure visibility during traveling on a normal curved road in the range from the vicinity of the steering handle neutral to the first predetermined steering angle α1. In the range from the second predetermined steering angle α2 to the third predetermined steering angle α3 of the steering handle, it is possible to ensure visibility during traveling such as a left turn or a right turn. As a result, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment can contribute to traffic safety.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment stops the left swivel device 2L and the right swivel device 2R in the range from the first predetermined rudder angle α1 to the second predetermined rudder angle α2. The headlamp 1R on the right side of the lamp 1L is fixed to temporarily fix the light distribution patterns PL and PR in the state shown in FIG. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment has a small curvature of the road (the curvature is small) with reference to the light distribution patterns PL and PR (see FIG. 2B) once fixed. It can easily be judged as a curved road, a gentle curve) and a large curvature (a curved road with a large curvature, a steep curve), can reduce fatigue during long driving, etc. Can contribute.

  Further, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment has a headlamp on the right side of the headlamp 1L on the left side at the first predetermined steering angle α1 in the range from the first predetermined steering angle α1 to the second predetermined steering angle α2. The swivel angle θ1 of 1R is maintained. That is, the light distribution patterns PL and PR shown in FIG. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present embodiment can be used for the vehicle 8 without making the driver feel uncomfortable during traveling on a normal turn except for turning left or right or running on a right-angled turn. The front visibility in the traveling direction can be ensured, the far visual object 9 can be visually recognized, and it can contribute to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment maintains the swivel angle θ2 of the left headlamp 1L and the right headlamp 1R at the third predetermined rudder angle α3 within the range of the third predetermined rudder angle α3 or more. To do. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment can obtain sufficient brightness on the side of the vicinity when the vehicle turns on the left or right, or when traveling on a right-angled curved road, etc. In addition, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the traveling direction of the vehicle 8 from being excessively lost, thereby contributing to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp device according to this embodiment, the swivel of the headlamp 1R on the right side of the headlamp 1L on the left side is moderate during traveling on a normal curved road, so that the light distribution patterns PL and PR are There is no wobbling and it does not bother the driver. On the other hand, when turning left or right, or when driving on a right-angled curved road, the swivel of the headlight 1R on the right side of the left headlight 1L is steep, so that the light distribution patterns PL and PR quickly change in a predetermined direction and are visually recognized. Sex can be secured quickly.

  Hereinafter, examples other than the above-described embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the change in the swivel angle of the left headlamp 1L and the right headlamp 1R in the range from the neutral position of the steering wheel to the first predetermined steering angle α1. And the change of the swivel angle of the left headlight 1R on the right side in the range from the second predetermined rudder angle α2 to the third predetermined rudder angle α3 of the steering handle is linear (directly proportional). It is. However, in the present invention, the change in the swivel angle of the left headlight and the right headlight may be a curve or a combination of straight lines with different inclinations.

1 is a configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle headlamp device according to the present invention. Similarly, it is plane explanatory drawing which shows the change of a light distribution pattern. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between the steering angle of a steering handle, and the swivel speed and swivel angle of the right headlight on the left side. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing an operation (procedure of process process) of the control device (swivel angle calculation means and swivel angle control means).

Explanation of symbols

1L Left headlight (lamp)
1R right headlight (lamp)
2L Left swivel device 2R Right swivel device 3L Left swivel angle sensor 3R Right swivel angle sensor 4 Steering angle detection means (steering angle sensor)
5 Vehicle information detection means 6 Swivel angle calculation means (control device)
7 Swivel angle control means (control device)
8 Vehicle 9 Distant visual object 10 Near visual object α1 First predetermined steering angle (first predetermined steering angle)
α2 Second predetermined steering angle (second predetermined steering angle)
α1 Third predetermined steering angle (third predetermined steering angle)
PL Light distribution pattern of the left headlight PR Light distribution pattern of the right headlight

Claims (4)

In the vehicle headlamp device for changing the light distribution range of the headlamp by swiveling the lamp according to the steering of the steering handle,
The lamp,
A swivel device for swiveling the lamp;
A steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel and outputs a steering angle signal;
Based on a steering angle signal from the steering angle sensor, in a range from the neutral vicinity of the steering handle to the first predetermined steering angle, and in a range from the second predetermined steering angle to the third predetermined steering angle of the steering handle. Drives the swivel device to swivel the lamp, a range near the neutral, a range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle, and a range equal to or greater than the third predetermined steering angle A control device for stopping the swivel device and fixing the lamp;
A vehicle headlamp device characterized by comprising: The control device maintains a swivel angle of the lamp at the first predetermined steering angle in a range from the first predetermined steering angle to the second predetermined steering angle;
The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1. The control device maintains a swivel angle of the lamp at the third predetermined steering angle in a range equal to or greater than the third predetermined steering angle;
The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1. The swivel speed of the lamp in the range from the neutral vicinity to the first predetermined steering angle is slower than the swivel speed of the lamp in the range from the second predetermined steering angle to the third predetermined steering angle.
The vehicle headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

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