JP4438719B2 - Vehicle lighting device - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, the left side additional light and the right side additional light are turned on and off based on vehicle information, for example, at least one of steering wheel steering and direction indicator operation and vehicle speed. The present invention relates to a vehicular lighting device (vehicle lighting system). In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicular illumination device that can turn on an additional light on the left side or an additional light on the right side that has been turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle stopped under certain conditions. 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.

  Conventionally, there is a vehicular illumination device that turns on and off an additional lamp based on at least one information of the vehicle and a vehicle speed, such as AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). Hereinafter, a conventional vehicle lighting device will be described. In the conventional vehicle lighting device, when a predetermined time elapses after the vehicle stops by the control device, the left side additional light and the right side additional light are turned off, and when the vehicle travels again, the left side of the lighted state is turned off. The additional light on the right side and the additional light on the right side are lit again. Such a vehicle lighting device can prevent power consumption by turning off the additional light on the left side and the additional light on the right side when waiting for a signal at an intersection or the like, and can also prevent drivers of other vehicles, passengers and pedestrians. No glare is given.

  However, in the conventional lighting device for a vehicle, the additional light on the left side and the additional light on the right side remain off until the vehicle travels again, so that the traveling direction side of the vehicle is visually recognized before the vehicle travels again. There is a problem in that.

JP 2005-138700 A JP 2005-138701 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that the conventional vehicle lighting device has a problem in visually recognizing the traveling direction side of the vehicle before the vehicle travels again.

  According to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), one or more left-side additional lights or one or more right-side additional lights are turned off when the direction indication operation is stopped once and then operated again. It is characterized by comprising a control device that lights up.

  In addition, according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), one or a plurality of lights are turned off when the steering angle of the steering wheel once becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined turn-off steering angle and again becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined turn-on steering angle. And a control device for lighting one or more additional lamps on the right side.

  Further, according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), the plurality of left additional lamps and the plurality of right additional lamps are different in light irradiation direction, and at least one slow light that irradiates a gentle curve region. It is characterized by each including an additional light for curve irradiation and at least one additional light for sharp curve irradiation that irradiates a sharp curve region.

  Furthermore, in the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), one or a plurality of left additional lights and one or a plurality of right additional lights are turned off or turned on. It is lighted.

  Furthermore, in the present invention (the invention according to claim 5), one or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights swivel according to the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle. It is a lamp.

  Furthermore, the present invention (the invention according to claim 6) is characterized in that the light source of one or a plurality of left additional lamps and one or a plurality of right additional lamps is a semiconductor light source. To do.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), when the direction indication operation is stopped once and then operated again, one or a plurality of left-side additional lights or one or a plurality of right-side lights are turned off. Additional lights can be turned on. As a result, the vehicular illumination device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) again causes the left side additional lamp and the right side additional lamp that have been turned off after a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle stopped to operate again by the operation of the above direction indication. Can be lit. Thus, the vehicular lighting device of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) can contribute to traffic safety because the vehicle traveling direction side can be visually recognized before the vehicle travels again. In addition, it is possible to sufficiently respond to the driver's psychology that it is desired to visually recognize (confirm) the traveling direction side of the vehicle before the vehicle travels again.

  In the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is once made equal to or smaller than the predetermined turn-off steering angle by the control device and again made larger than the predetermined turn-on steering angle, the lighting device is turned off. One or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights can be lit. As a result, the vehicular illumination device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) sets the left side additional light and the right side additional light that have been turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle stopped to the steering angle of the steering handle. It can be turned on again by operation. As a result, the vehicle illumination device of the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), like the vehicle illumination device of the invention according to claim 1, displays the vehicle traveling direction side before the vehicle travels again. Since it can be visually recognized, it can contribute to traffic safety. In addition, it is possible to sufficiently respond to the driver's psychology that it is desired to visually recognize (confirm) the traveling direction side of the vehicle before the vehicle travels again.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular illumination device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3), when the vehicle travels on a gentle curve, the additional light for illuminating the gentle curve illuminates and illuminates a loose curve area, and the vehicle travels on a sharp curve. Then, the additional light for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area, or the additional lamp for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area, and the additional lamp for gentle curve irradiation irradiates the gentle curve area. Then, when the vehicle travels through the intersection, the additional light for sharp curve irradiation irradiates and illuminates the area in the traveling direction of the intersection. As described above, the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3) includes a gentle curve region, a sharp curve region, and a region in the direction of travel of the intersection depending on the traveling state of the vehicle such as curve traveling or intersection traveling. Can be illuminated and can contribute to traffic safety.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), one or a plurality of left additional lights and one or a plurality of right additional lights are instantaneously turned off or turned on. The dimming is turned off and the dimming is turned on so that the driver and passengers of the vehicle and the drivers, passengers and pedestrians of surrounding vehicles do not feel uncomfortable. .

  Furthermore, in the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 5), one or a plurality of left additional lights and one or a plurality of right additional lights are included in the steering angle of the steering handle of the vehicle. Because it swivels accordingly, the variation of the light distribution pattern of the additional lamps increases, the degree of freedom of light distribution design increases, and it can respond to various preferences and needs of users.

  Furthermore, in the vehicular illumination device of the present invention (the invention according to claim 6), the light source of the additional lamp uses a semiconductor light source such as an LED, so that power saving, that is, power consumption can be reduced. The additional lights can be reduced in size, and the design of the additional lights can be diversified and enriched.

  Below, 3 examples of the Example of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention are described in detail based on drawing. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  FIGS. 1-6 shows Example 1 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. Hereinafter, the structure of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an additional lamp 1R on the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side, a steering angle sensor 2, a headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication. A detection unit 16 and a control device 6 (control circuit unit and ECU / electronic control unit) are provided. The steering angle sensor 2, the headlamp switch 3, the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the direction indication detection unit 16 constitute a vehicle information detection unit that detects vehicle information and outputs an information signal. is there.

  The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are additionally provided on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 7, as shown in FIG. On the left and right side of the front portion of the vehicle 7, a headlamp 8R on the right side of the left headlamp 8L is mounted. The left head lamp 8L and the right head lamp 8R illuminate the road surface with a predetermined light distribution pattern P as shown in FIG. The left additional lamp 1L illuminates the road surface and the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PL on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The right additional lamp 1R illuminates a road surface or the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PR on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R.

  The left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are connected to the ignition switch 9 battery 10 via the control device 6 as shown in FIG. Further, the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R use one or more semiconductor light sources such as LEDs as a light source. As a light source, in addition to a semiconductor type light source such as an LED, for example, 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.), a halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp, etc. May be used. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the left headlamp 8 </ b> L and the right headlamp 8 </ b> R are similarly connected to the ignition switch 9 battery 10 via the control device 6.

  The steering angle sensor 2 detects a steering angle (steering angle and synonym) and steering direction of a steering handle (not shown, synonymous terms such as a steering wheel and a steering wheel) and controls the steering angle signal and steering direction signal. This is output to the device 6. That is, the steering angle sensor 2 is used, for example, when the vehicle 7 travels on a curved road (a road with a left curve or a road with a right curve) and when the vehicle 7 makes a left turn or a right turn on an intersection. The steering angle (rotation angle) and the steering direction (rotation direction) of the steering wheel steered by the driver are detected, and the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are output to the control device 6. The steering angle signal and the steering direction signal are obtained as specific numerical data by, for example, networking the steering angle sensor 2 and the control device 6 mounted on a vehicle. 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, for example, as electric signals output from the steering angle sensor 2 (for example, an optical sensor) mounted on a vehicle to the control device 6.

  The headlamp switch 3 is for turning on or off the headlamps 8L and 8R by a driver operating ON or OFF. When the headlamp switch 3 is ON, it outputs an ON signal (for example, a high level signal) and when it is OFF. An OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) is output to the control device 6. The vehicle speed sensor 5 detects a vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal to the control device 6. The direction indication detection unit 16 detects a direction indication operation and outputs a direction indication signal to the control device 6.

  The direction indication detection unit 16 includes, for example, a left turn signal switch and a right turn signal switch. In this example, the left turn signal switch is automatically turned on when the driver turns on when turning left and right at an intersection, and when the steering wheel returns more than a predetermined angle after turning left and right at an intersection. Is turned off automatically. Further, the left turn signal switch outputs the ON signal (for example, a high level signal) to the control device 6 when it is ON, and controls the OFF signal (for example, a low level signal) when it is OFF. This is output to the device 6. Further, when the left turn signal switch is ON, a left turn signal lamp (not shown) and a right turn signal lamp (not shown) are flashed, and the left turn signal switch and the right turn signal switch are turned on. When is OFF, the left turn signal lamp and the right turn signal lamp are turned off.

  The control device 6 includes an interface circuit 11 as an external signal input device to which the steering angle sensor 2, the headlamp switch 3, the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the direction indication detection unit 16 are connected, and a central processing unit The CPU 12 (arithmetic control unit) and the left side additional lamp 1L are connected to the right side additional lamp 1R. The left side additional lamp driver circuit 13L is connected to the right side additional lamp driver circuit 13R (the left side additional lamp is driven). And an additional lamp driving unit (driver unit) on the right side of the unit (driver unit) and a power supply circuit 14. For example, a relay or a semiconductor switch (such as an FET or a transistor) is used as the driver circuit 13R for the additional light on the left side.

  The control device 6 includes a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal of the steering angle sensor 2 input to the interface circuit 11, an ON signal OFF signal of the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 5, and the Based on the direction indication signal of the direction indication detection unit 16, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether to turn on / off the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R, and based on the determination result. The left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R are turned on and off via the left additional light driver circuit 13L and the right additional light driver circuit 13R. The control device 6 uses, for example, an ECU / electronic control unit dedicated to AFS.

  The interface circuit 11 includes a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication detection unit 16. A direction instruction signal or the like is input, the input signal is processed into a signal that can be handled by the central processing unit / CPU 12, and the processing signal is output to the central processing unit / CPU 12.

  The central processing unit / CPU 12 sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 based on the processing signal from the interface circuit 11. Further, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a lighting signal extinction signal to the driver circuit 13L for the left additional lamp and the driver circuit 13R for the right additional lamp based on the characteristics shown in FIGS. The central processing unit / CPU 12 may be integrated with the interface circuit 11.

  The driver circuit 13L for the left additional light is connected to the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R based on a lighting signal extinction signal from the central processing unit / CPU 12. Turn on / off processing control. Thereby, the lighting of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R is controlled.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis indicates the vehicle speed (km / h), direction indication (ON, OFF), that is, the left turn signal switch, the ON / OFF state of the right turn signal switch, and the additional light (ON, OFF), that is, the left turn signal. Additional lamp 1L The right additional lamp 1R is turned on and off, and the horizontal axis represents time t. In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the operation of the vehicle speed and direction instruction and the operation of turning on / off the additional lamp shown in FIG. 4 are as follows. For example, when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the direction instruction operation is OFF, the additional lamp is in an OFF state as shown at t0. When the vehicle is running and the vehicle speed is increased from 0 km / h and the direction instruction operation is turned on, the additional lamp is turned from the OFF state to the ON state as shown at t1. Here, when the vehicle stops and the vehicle speed becomes 0 km / h and a predetermined time T elapses from time t2, the additional lamp is turned on as shown at t3 even if the direction instruction operation is ON. From the (lit) state to the off (unlit) state. When the direction instruction operation is turned OFF once and then turned ON again, the additional lamp is changed from the OFF state to the ONF state as shown at t4.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, on the vertical axis, the vehicle speed (km / h), the steering angle (additional lamp ON predetermined steering angle, additional lamp OFF predetermined steering angle), that is, the steering angle of the steering wheel, and the additional lamp (ON, OFF), that is, the above-mentioned The left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R are turned on and off, and the horizontal axis represents time t. In the control device 6 (central processing unit / CPU 12), the operation of turning on and off the vehicle speed and the steering angle and the additional lamp shown in FIG. 5 is as follows. For example, when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the rudder angle is 0, the additional lamp is in an OFF state as shown at t0. When the vehicle travels and the vehicle speed is increased from 0 km / h, if the steering angle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined steering angle (lighting steering angle), the additional lamp is turned on from the OFF state as indicated by t1. It becomes a state. Here, when the vehicle stops and the vehicle speed becomes 0 km / h and a predetermined time T has elapsed from time t2, the additional light is turned off even if the steering angle is not less than the additional light OFF predetermined steering angle (light-off steering angle). Is changed from the ON state to the OFF state as indicated by t3. Then, once the steering angle is set to the additional lamp OFF predetermined steering angle or less once again to the additional lamp ON predetermined steering angle or more, the additional lamp changes from the OFF state to the ONF state as shown at t4. Note that the lighting steering angle of the left additional lamp 1L and the lighting steering angle of the right additional lamp 1R may be the same or different. Further, the turn-off steering angle of the left additional light 1L and the turn-off steering angle of the right additional light 1R may be the same or different.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, the ignition switch 9 is turned on. Then, in the control device 6, power is turned on from the power supply circuit 14 to the central processing unit / CPU 12, and the central processing unit / CPU 12 operates. That is, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sequentially processes the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the procedure (operation) of the process of the central processing unit / CPU 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the operation of the central processing unit / CPU 12 is started, the steering angle sensor 2 detects the steering angle and steering direction of the steering wheel and outputs detection signals (steering angle signal and steering direction signal) to the control device 6. The headlamp switch 3 outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control device 6, the vehicle speed sensor 5 detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal to the control device 6, and the direction indication detection unit 16 outputs the direction indication. An operation is detected and a direction indication signal is output to the control device 6. The central processing unit / CPU 12 detects a detection signal from the steering angle sensor 2, an ON signal or an OFF signal from the headlamp switch 3, a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 5, and a direction indication signal from the direction indication detection unit 16. Are input via the interface circuit 11 (steering steering angle, turn signal, vehicle speed detection S1).

  Next, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the headlamp switch 3 is ON or OFF (H / L ON? S2). When the headlamp switch 3 is OFF, the central processing unit / CPU 12 outputs a turn-off signal to the driver circuit 13R of the additional lamp 1R on the right side of the driver circuit 13L of the left side additional lamp 1L to add the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side. The lamp 1R is turned off (left and right additional lamp turn-off processing S3), and then the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S2), when the headlamp switch 3 is ON, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the additional lamp 1R on the right side of the additional lamp 1L on the left side is in a lighting state (additional lamp lighting? S4). . When the additional lamp 1R on the right side is not in the lighting state, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or greater than a predetermined lighting steering angle, or the turn signal switch is ON. (S5)?

  In the above (S5), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or larger than the predetermined lighting steering angle, or when the turn signal switch is ON, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sets the predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time elapsed flag set after stopping? S6. When the predetermined time elapse flag is set after the stop, the process returns to (S1).

  When the predetermined time elapsed flag after the stop is not set in (S6), the central processing unit / CPU 12 sends a lighting signal to the driver circuit 13L of the left additional light 1L or the driver circuit 13R of the right additional light 1R. The left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is turned on from the unlit state (see t1 or t4 in FIG. 4, t1 or t4 in FIG. 5) (left and right additional lamp lighting process S7). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  When the additional light 1L on the left side or the additional light 1R on the right side is lit and the additional light 1R on the right side of the additional light 1L on the left side is in the lit state in (S4), the central processing unit / CPU 12 It is determined whether or not the steering angle is equal to or smaller than a predetermined turn-off steering angle or whether or not the winker switch is OFF (is equal to or smaller than the predetermined steering angle or blinker off? S8).

  In the above (S8), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or smaller than the predetermined turn-off steering angle, or when the turn signal switch is OFF, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sets a predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping. If it is, the predetermined time elapsed flag is cleared after stopping, and if the elapsed time after stopping is counted, the elapsed time count after stopping is cleared (clear the predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping clear the elapsed time count after stopping S9), In addition, a turn-off signal is output to the driver circuit 13L of the left additional light 1L or the driver circuit 13R of the right additional light 1R, and the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is changed from the lighted state to the light-off state (left and right added Lamp extinguishing process S10). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  If the steering angle of the steering wheel is not equal to or smaller than the predetermined extinguishing steering angle in (S8), or if the turn signal switch is not OFF, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not the vehicle 7 is stopped. Judge (stop? S11).

  When the vehicle 7 is not stopped in (S11), the central processing unit / CPU 12 maintains the lighting state of the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R (t1 to t2 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). See t1 to t2). Further, the central processing unit / CPU 12 clears the predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping if the predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping is set, and counts the elapsed time after stopping if the elapsed time after stopping is counted. Clear (predetermined elapsed time flag after stopping clearing elapsed time count after stopping S12). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S11), when the vehicle 7 is stopped, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines whether or not a predetermined time T has elapsed since the vehicle 7 stopped (has the predetermined time elapsed since the vehicle stopped? S13).

  In the above (S13), when the predetermined time T has not elapsed since the vehicle 7 stopped, the central processing unit / CPU 12 returns to (S1), and the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is detected. The lighting state is maintained (see t2 to t3 in FIG. 4 and t2 to t3 in FIG. 5).

  In the above (S13), when the predetermined time T has elapsed since the vehicle 7 stopped, the central processing unit / CPU 12 sets a predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping (set a predetermined time elapsed flag after stopping S14). ), And outputs a turn-off signal to the driver circuit 13L of the left additional light 1L or the driver circuit 13R of the right additional light 1R to turn off the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R from the lighted state (FIG. 4). (See t3 of FIG. 5 and t3 of FIG. 5)) (left and right additional lamp extinguishing process S15). Thereafter, the process returns to (S1).

  In the above (S5), when the steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or larger than the predetermined lighting steering angle or when the turn signal switch is ON, the process proceeds to (S8). Then, when a predetermined time T elapses after the vehicle 7 is stopped (S11) (S13), the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is turned off (S15). Thereafter, the steering handle is steered to a predetermined turn-off steering angle or less, or the turn signal switch is turned off (S8, S9), and the steering handle is steered more than a predetermined turn-on steering angle, or the turn signal switch is turned on. (S5). Then, the left-side additional lamp 1L or the right-side additional lamp 1R is turned on (see S7, t4 in FIG. 4 and t4 in FIG. 5). In this way, in order to turn off the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R that has been turned on again, the normal turn-off operation, that is, the steering handle is steered below a predetermined turn-off steering angle, Turn off the switch. Alternatively, the light may be automatically turned off after a predetermined time (about 5 seconds) has elapsed after turning on again.

  The vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment is configured and operated as described above. Hereinafter, effects of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As is apparent from the configuration and operation as described above, the vehicular lighting device according to the first embodiment is provided with the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R that are turned off after a predetermined time T has elapsed since the vehicle 7 stopped. The turn-on switch can be turned on again by turning it off once, or by turning the steering handle once below a predetermined turn-off steering angle and steering it again above a predetermined lighting steering angle. Thereby, since the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this Example 1 can visually recognize the advancing direction side of the vehicle 7 before the vehicle 7 drive | works again, it can contribute to traffic safety. In addition, it is possible to sufficiently respond to the driver's psychology of wanting to visually recognize (confirm) the traveling direction side of the vehicle 7 before the vehicle 7 travels again.

  Further, in the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the first embodiment, the light source of the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R uses a semiconductor light source such as an LED, so that power saving, that is, power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R can be reduced in size, and the design of the left additional light 1L and the right additional light 1R can be diversified and enriched.

  FIGS. 7-9 shows Example 2 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. The vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 denote the same components.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment is provided with the left side additional lights 1L-1 and 1L-2 and the right side additional lights 1R-1 and 1R-2 in front of the vehicle 7. In this example, two additional units are provided on the left side and the right side of the unit (see JP 2000-238576 A, JP 2001-213227 A, JP 2003-159986 A, etc.). ). That is, the first left additional light 1L-1 is installed on the inside of the left side of the front part of the vehicle 7, and the second left additional light 1L-2 is installed on the outside of the left side of the front part of the vehicle 7, The first right additional lamp 1 </ b> R- 1 is installed on the inner right side of the front part of the vehicle 7, and the second right additional lamp 1 </ b> R- 2 is installed on the left outer side of the front part of the vehicle 7.

  The additional lamp 1L-1 on the first left side illuminates the road surface and the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PL1 on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The second left additional lamp 1L-2 is a predetermined light distribution pattern on the left side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R and outside the light distribution pattern PL1 of the first left additional lamp 1L-1. Illuminate the road surface with PL2. The first right additional lamp 1R-1 illuminates the road surface or the like with a predetermined light distribution pattern PR1 on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R. The second right additional light 1R-2 is on the right side of the light distribution pattern P of the headlamps 8L and 8R and outside the light distribution pattern PR1 of the first right additional light 1R-1. Illuminate the road surface with PR2. Thus, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the first right additional lamp 1R-1 are additional lamps for irradiating a gentle curve, and the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the first additional lamp 1L-1 The additional light 1R-2 on the right side of 2 is an additional light for sharp curve irradiation.

  The control device 6 of the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment includes the first left additional light 1L-1, the second left additional light 1L-2, the first right additional light 1R-1, and the second right additional. Driver circuit 13L-1 for the first left additional lamp to which the lamp 1R-2 is connected, driver circuit 13L-2 for the second left additional lamp, and driver circuit 13R-1 for the second right additional driver circuit 13R-1 An additional lamp driver circuit 13R-2 is provided. The first left additional light driver circuit 13L-1 The second left additional light driver circuit 13L-2 The first right additional light driver circuit 13R-1 The second right additional light driver circuit 13R -2 is connected to the battery 10 via the ignition switch 9 and to the central processing unit / CPU 12.

  Based on the processing signal from the interface circuit 11, the central processing unit / CPU 12 determines the first left additional lamp 1L-1 the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the first right additional lamp 1R-1. The process of turning on / off the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is sequentially performed based on a predetermined algorithm.

  For example, when the turn signal switch is set to the first ON, the first left additional light 1L-1 or the first right additional light 1R-1 is turned on, and when the turn signal switch is set to the second ON, the second left additional light 1L-2 is turned on. Alternatively, when the second right additional lamp 1R-2 is turned on and the turn signal switch is turned off, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 is turned on, the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the first right additional lamp 1R is turned on. -1 The second right additional lamp 1R-2 is extinguished. Alternatively, when the steering handle is steered to a predetermined first lighting steering angle (for example, 50 °) or more, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 is turned on, and the steering handle is fixed. When the steering wheel is steered beyond the second lighting steering angle (for example, 160 °), the second additional lamp 1L-2 on the left side or the second additional lamp 1R-2 on the right side is lit, and the steering handle is turned off to a predetermined steering angle (for example, , 20 °), the first left additional lamp 1L-1, the second left additional lamp 1L-2, or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are turned on. Turns off. The lighting steering angle of the first left additional lamp 1L-1 and the second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the lighting steering angle of the first right additional lamp 1R-1 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 are: Same as 50 ° and 160 °, but may be different from left to right. The turn-off steering angle of the first left-side additional light 1L-1 and the second left-side additional light 1L-2 and the turn-off steering angle of the first right-side additional light 1R-1 and the second right-side additional light 1R-2 are: It is the same as 20 °, but it may be different on the left and right.

  Since the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to achieve substantially the same operational effects as the vehicular illumination device according to the first embodiment.

  In particular, in the vehicular illumination apparatus according to the second embodiment, when the vehicle 7 travels on a gentle curve, the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the first right additional lamp 1R-1 as an additional lamp for gentle curve irradiation is used. Illuminates by illuminating a loose curve region (PL1 or PR1 in FIG. 9). Further, when the vehicle 7 travels on a sharp curve, the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 as the additional light for sharp curve irradiation is a sharp curve region (PL2 or PR2 in FIG. 9). Or the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 irradiates and illuminates the sharp curve area and the first left additional lamp 1L-1 or the second additional lamp 1L-2. 1 The additional lamp 1R-1 on the right side illuminates a light curve area. Further, when the vehicle 7 travels the intersection, the second left additional lamp 1L-2 or the second right additional lamp 1R-2 illuminates the area in the traveling direction of the intersection. As described above, the vehicular illumination device according to the second embodiment illuminates by illuminating a gentle curve region, a sharp curve region, and a region in the advancing direction of an intersection according to a traveling state such as curve traveling or intersection traveling of the vehicle. Can contribute to road safety.

  FIG. 10 shows Embodiment 3 of the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment will be described. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 9 denote the same components.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicular lighting device according to the third embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-277936, JP, 2003-159986, A, etc.). That is, the rotation shaft of the left motor 4L is attached to the left additional lamp 1L, and the left additional lamp 1L can be rotated by the left motor 4L. On the other hand, a rotation shaft of a right motor 4R is attached to the right additional lamp 1R, and the right additional lamp 1R can be rotated by the right motor 4R.

  The vehicle lighting device control device 6 according to the third embodiment includes a left motor driver circuit 15L to which the left motor 4L, the right motor 4R are respectively connected, and a right motor driver circuit 15R. Is. The driver circuit 15L for the left motor and the driver circuit 15R for the right motor are connected to the battery 10 and the central processing unit / CPU 12 via the ignition switch 9.

  Since the vehicular lighting device according to the third embodiment is configured as described above, when the steering angle of the steering handle reaches the lighting steering angle or more, the left additional light 1L or the right additional light 1R is lit, and the steering When the steering angle of the steering wheel reaches the turn-off steering angle or less, the left-side additional lamp 1L or the right-side additional lamp 1R is turned off. Further, when the steering handle is steered in the turning direction at a lighting steering angle or more, the left motor 4L or the right motor 4R is driven, and the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R is moved from the inside to the outside to a predetermined angle. Rotate. On the other hand, when the steering handle is steered in the returning direction, the left motor 4L or the right motor 4R is reversely driven, and the left additional lamp 1L or the right additional lamp 1R rotates from the outside to the inside.

  Thus, since the vehicle lighting device according to the third embodiment has the above-described configuration and operation, substantially the same effects as those of the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment can be achieved. In particular, the vehicular illumination device according to the third embodiment swings (swivels) the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R, so that the left additional lamp 1L and the right additional lamp 1R The variation of the light distribution pattern is increased, the degree of freedom of the light distribution design is increased, and it is possible to respond to various preferences and needs of the user.

  Hereinafter, examples other than Examples 1, 2, and 3 will be described. In the first, second, and third embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are provided. It turns on at once or turns off at once. However, in the present invention, the left additional lamp or the right additional lamp gradually increases (about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds), that is, dimming lighting (for example, 0% to 100% lighting). You may do it. In the present invention, the left additional lamp or the right additional lamp gradually turns off (about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds), that is, dimming off (for example, 100% to 0% off). ). For the dimming control of the dimming lighting and the dimming extinction, for example, a pulse wide modulation (PWM) system or a voltage control system is used (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2001-213227, 2003-159986, etc.). In this way, the additional light is not turned on or off at a stretch, but the additional light is turned on or off gradually, so the driver of the vehicle, the passenger and the driver of the surrounding vehicle There will be no discomfort for passengers or pedestrians. Also, as in Examples 1, 2, and 3, the use of a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED as the light source of the additional lamp makes it possible to easily and reliably control dimming and extinguishing the light. It is. In the case where the light source is a semiconductor-type light source such as an LED, the pulse-wide modulation (PWM) dimming control and dimming control are, for example, a frequency of 500 Hz, a duty ratio interval of 0.01%, and a dimming lighting time of about 0. 100% light is turned on in 2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds, and 0% light is turned off in the dimming off time of about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds. Note that pulse wide modulation (PWM) dimming lighting control and dimming light off control in the case of a halogen bulb are, for example, a frequency of 100 Hz, a duty ratio interval of 0.1%, and a dimming lighting time of about 0.2 seconds to 100% light is turned on in about 0.4 seconds, and 0% light is turned off in the dimming off time of about 0.5 seconds to about 1.5 seconds.

  In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are one or two. However, in the present invention, three or more left side additional lights or right side additional lights may be provided.

  Further, in the first, second, and third embodiments, when the headlamp switch 3 is OFF, the left side additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right side additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are used. When the headlamp switch 3 is turned on, the left additional lights 1L, 1L-1, 1L-2 or the right additional lights 1R, 1R-1, 1R-2 are turned on / off. Is. However, in the present invention, a switch other than the headlamp switch, for example, an ignition switch ON / OFF, an accessory switch ON / OFF, or an additional lamp-dedicated switch ON / OFF is added on the left side. A lamp or a right additional lamp may be turned on / off.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first left additional light 1L-1 and the first right additional light 1R-1 located inside the vehicle 7 illuminate the gentle curve area, and the outside of the vehicle 7 The second left additional lamp 1L-2 and the second right additional lamp 1R-2 which are located in the area illuminate the sharp curve region. However, in the present invention, conversely, the additional lamp located inside the vehicle may illuminate the sharp curve area, and the additional lamp located outside the vehicle may illuminate the gentle curve area.

  Further, in the third embodiment, one left additional lamp 1L, one right additional lamp 1R, one left motor 4L and one right motor 5R are provided. It is. However, in the present invention, two or more left additional lamps, two or more right additional lamps, two or more left motors, and two or more right motors may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows the Example 1 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. Similarly, it is a partial front view of the vehicle carrying the vehicle lighting device according to the first embodiment. Similarly, it is a plane explanatory view showing the light distribution pattern of the headlamp, the light distribution pattern of the left additional lamp, and the light distribution pattern of the right additional lamp. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relative relationship between operation of a vehicle speed, a blinker switch, and lighting on / off of the left side additional light or the right side additional light. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement relationship between vehicle speed, steering of a steering wheel, vehicle speed, and lighting of the additional light on the left side or the additional light on the right side. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the effect | action (procedure of process processing) of a control apparatus (central processing unit and CPU). It is a block diagram which shows the Example 2 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention. Similarly, it is a partial front view of the vehicle carrying the vehicle lighting device according to the second embodiment. Similarly, it is a plane explanatory view showing the light distribution pattern of the headlamp, the light distribution pattern of the left additional lamp, and the light distribution pattern of the right additional lamp. It is a block diagram which shows the Example 3 of the illuminating device for vehicles concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1L Left side additional light 1L-1 First left side additional light 1L-2 Second left side additional light 1R Right side additional light 1R-1 First right side additional light 1R-2 Second right side additional light 2 Steering angle sensor (Detection means)
3 Head Lamp Switch 4L Left Motor 4R Right Motor 5 Vehicle Speed Sensor 6 Control Device 7 Vehicle 8L Left Head Lamp 8R Right Head Lamp 9 Ignition Switch 10 Battery 11 Interface Circuit 12 Central Processing Unit / CPU
13L Left side additional light driver circuit 13L-1 First left side additional light driver circuit 13L-2 Second left side additional light driver circuit 13R Right side additional light driver circuit 13R-1 First right side additional light driver circuit Driver circuit 13R-2 Driver circuit for the second right additional lamp 14 Power supply circuit 15L Driver circuit for the left motor 15R Driver circuit for the right motor 16 Direction indication detector P Predetermined light distribution pattern of the headlamp PL Additional light on the left Predetermined light distribution pattern PR1 predetermined light distribution pattern of right additional lamp PL1 predetermined light distribution pattern of first left additional light PR1 predetermined light distribution pattern of first right additional light PL2 second left additional light Predetermined light distribution pattern PR2 Predetermined light distribution pattern of the second right additional lamp

Claims (6)

In a vehicle lighting device having one or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights mounted on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle,
A direction indication detector that detects a direction indication operation and outputs a direction indication signal;
A vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal;
Based on the direction indication signal from the direction indication detection unit and the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor, one or a plurality of the additional lamps on the left side or one or a plurality of the left additional lights that are lit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle stopped One or more additional lights on the left side or one or more additional lights on the right side are turned off when a plurality of right side additional lights are turned off and the direction indication operation is stopped once and then operated again. A control device for turning on the light;
A vehicle lighting device comprising: In a vehicle lighting device having one or more left additional lights and one or more right additional lights mounted on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle,
A steering angle sensor that detects a steering angle and a steering direction of the steering wheel and outputs a steering angle signal and a steering direction signal;
A vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal;
Based on the steering angle signal and the steering direction signal from the steering angle sensor and the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor, the one or more additional lights on the left side and the one or more lights that are turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle stopped. The right additional lights are turned off, and the steering handle is turned off when the steering angle of the steering wheel once becomes equal to or less than a predetermined turn-off steering angle and again exceeds a predetermined turn-on steering angle. A control device for turning on the additional light on the left side or one or more additional lights on the right side;
A vehicle lighting device comprising: The plurality of additional lamps on the left side and the plurality of additional lamps on the right side have different light irradiation directions and irradiate at least one additional lamp for irradiating a gentle curve and a sharp curve area. Each having at least one additional light for sharp curve irradiation,
The vehicular illumination device according to claim 1, wherein One or a plurality of the left additional lamps and one or a plurality of the right additional lamps are turned off or turned on.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more left-side additional lights and the one or more right-side additional lights are lamps that swivel according to the steering angle of the steering wheel of the vehicle.
The vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting device for a vehicle is used. The light source of the one or more left additional lamps or the one or more right additional lamps is a semiconductor light source.
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein

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