JP6201700B2 - Vehicle headlight control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp control device.

  In vehicles represented by automobiles, headlights (especially high beams) as headlamps are composed of a plurality of light sources with different illumination ranges in the left-right direction, and the light intensity (light quantity) of each light source according to the vehicle speed. It has been proposed to change. In Patent Document 1, the light intensity is controlled so that the light intensity gradually increases from the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the center at the time of low speed, while the light source that irradiates the outside in the vehicle width direction is turned off and the center part in the vehicle width direction is changed at high speed. It is disclosed that the luminous intensity of the light source to be irradiated is increased.

JP 2013-82390 A

  In the thing of patent document 1, since it irradiates from the vehicle width direction outer side at the time of a low speed, it becomes an irradiation mode suitable for low-speed driving | running | working, such as improving the visibility of the road sign and pedestrian on the road shoulder side. Further, at high speeds, increasing the luminous intensity of the light source from the center in the vehicle width direction is preferable for improving the visibility in the front and far.

  However, in the thing of patent document 1, when changing to low speed driving | running | working from low speed driving | running | working, since the light source from the vehicle width direction outer side will be extinguished, for example, the visibility of the sign provided in the road shoulder is inferior Become. In particular, when shifting from low-speed driving to high-speed driving, the light source on the outside in the vehicle width direction is turned off, while the center in the vehicle width direction becomes brighter, so there is a difference in light intensity between the outside in the vehicle width direction and the center. Immediately after shifting to high speed, the visibility of the area outside the vehicle width direction becomes extremely poor. In addition, when shifting from high-speed traveling to low-speed traveling, the light intensity from the center in the vehicle width direction is reduced, while the light intensity from the outside in the vehicle width direction is increased. It becomes easy to feel that the brightness of the is extremely dark.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and its purpose is to prevent or suppress the deterioration of the visibility of the driver immediately after the light intensity change when the light intensity in the vehicle width direction is changed according to the vehicle speed. It is to provide a vehicle headlamp control device that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the following solution is adopted in the present invention. That is, as described in claim 1,
A headlamp control device for a vehicle having a plurality of three or more light sources in which a headlamp for illuminating the front of the vehicle has different illumination ranges in the left-right direction,
The plurality of light sources are divided into a first region light source, a second region light source, and a third region light source having different irradiation ranges in the left-right direction, and the light intensity of each region light source is independently set according to the vehicle speed. A light intensity control means for controlling,
The luminous intensity control means includes a dimming control that performs dimming without turning off the light for the three regions, a dimming control that performs a brightening, and an intermediate control that performs a luminous intensity control with less luminous intensity change than the dimming and brightening. It performs a light intensity control was sorted into,
The light intensity control means increases the light intensity of the plurality of light sources as the light source is closer to the turning direction during turning of the vehicle.
It is like that.

According to the above solution, when changing the light intensity in the left-right direction of the headlamp, there are three areas: an area to be controlled for brightening, an area to be controlled for darkening, and an area for which the degree of light increase / decrease is small. Therefore, the presence of this intermediate area with little change in luminous intensity prevents the driver from feeling that the visibility of some areas has deteriorated or that some areas have become extremely bright or Will be suppressed. In this way, it is possible to prevent or suppress the deterioration in visibility associated with the change in luminous intensity and the driver from feeling uncomfortable.
In addition, it is preferable to make the turning direction as bright as possible and improve the visibility in the turning direction.

  The light increase amount when the light intensity control is performed is the same as the light decrease amount when the light intensity control is performed (corresponding to claim 2). In this case, as a whole, the change in luminous intensity is reduced, which is preferable for sufficiently exhibiting the effect corresponding to the first aspect.

  The amount of change in luminous intensity in the intermediate control is set to 0 (corresponding to claim 3). In this case, as a whole, the change in luminous intensity is reduced as much as possible, and this is preferable in order to exhibit the effect corresponding to claim 1 more fully.

  The light intensity change speed when the light intensity control is performed is substantially the same as the light intensity change speed when the light intensity control is performed (corresponding to claim 4). In this case, as a whole, the change in luminous intensity is reduced, which is preferable for sufficiently exhibiting the effect corresponding to the first aspect.

The light source for the first region irradiates the vehicle body center side portion, the light source for the third region radiates the outermost portion in the vehicle width direction, and the light source for the second region is between the light source for the first region and the light source for the third region. Set to illuminate
The luminous intensity control unit performs dimming control on the light source for the third region, control for increasing the light source for the first region, and control the light source for the second region to the intermediate when the transition from the low speed to the medium speed is performed. Control
The luminous intensity control means controls the light increase for the third region light source, controls the light reduction for the first region light source, and controls the light source for the second region to the intermediate when the medium speed shifts to the low speed. Control,
(Corresponding to claim 5). In this case, when the luminous intensity is changed between the low speed and the medium speed, it is possible to obtain a preferable irradiation mode in each vehicle speed region while avoiding a region where the visibility is deteriorated.

The light source for the first region irradiates the vehicle body center side portion, the light source for the third region radiates the outermost portion in the vehicle width direction, and the light source for the second region is between the light source for the first region and the light source for the third region. Set to illuminate
The luminous intensity control means performs the intermediate control of the light source for the third area, the light intensity control of the light source for the first area, and the light source for the second area when the transition from medium speed to high speed is performed. Light control,
The luminous intensity control means performs the intermediate control of the light source for the third region, the dimming control of the light source for the first region, and the light source for the second region when the transition from the high speed to the medium speed is performed. Brightening control is performed (corresponding to claim 6). In this case, it is possible to obtain a preferable irradiation mode in each vehicle speed region while avoiding the presence of a region where visibility deteriorates when the luminous intensity is changed between medium speed and high speed.

Wherein the plurality of light sources, the first area light source, said second fixed and as constituting regions for the light source and the third region light source, are then way (claim 7 correspond). In this case, it is preferable in terms of facilitating the light intensity change control.

The light sources constituting the first region light source, the second region light source, and the third region light source are changed among the plurality of light sources (corresponding to claim 8). In this case, it is preferable to obtain an irradiation mode in which a more preferable luminous intensity distribution is obtained by appropriately changing the light source for area to be dimmed, increased, or intermediately controlled.

The luminous intensity control means is configured to make the luminous intensity change rate during turning larger than the luminous intensity change rate during straight travel (corresponding to claim 9 ). In this case, it is preferable for promptly improving the visibility in the turning direction. Further, when the vehicle goes straight, the light intensity changes relatively slowly, which is preferable for preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the light intensity change.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a driver | operator's visibility deterioration immediately after a luminous intensity change can be prevented or suppressed.

The simplified top view which shows an example of the irradiation state with the headlamp at the time of straight ahead. The characteristic view which shows the example of luminous intensity setting of the left and right headlamps during the straight running and the high speed running. The characteristic view which shows the luminous intensity setting example of the left and right headlamps during the straight traveling and the medium speed traveling. The characteristic view which shows the example of luminous intensity setting of the left and right headlamps during the straight traveling and the low speed traveling. The simplified top view which shows an example of the irradiation state with the headlamp at the time of left turn. The characteristic view which shows the example of luminous intensity setting of the left and right headlamps at the time of left turn. The figure which shows the example of a control system of this invention. The flowchart which shows the example of control of this invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front of the vehicle is illuminated by the headlamps 2L and 2R of the vehicle 1. The headlamps 2L and 2R are subjected to light intensity change control as will be described later according to the vehicle speed, but the light intensity control target is a high beam (the low beam remains lit in a constant state).

  Each of the headlamps 2L and 2R is composed of three or more light sources, and in the embodiment, the light sources are LED lamps. Specifically, the headlamps 2L and 2R are configured by arranging, for example, a total of 12 light sources in the left-right direction. Then, the twelve light sources are classified into four light sources so that the irradiation ranges are different in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) as shown in FIG. That is, the twelve light sources of the left headlamp 2L are sorted into the region light sources L1, L2, L3, and L4, each of which is composed of three light sources sequentially from the left side to the right side.

  Regarding the left headlamp 2L, the above-mentioned four area light sources are grouped into the same group when controlling the luminous intensity, and the first area light source that irradiates from the center in the vehicle width direction is L4. L3. In addition, the third region light source that irradiates from the outermost side (left side) in the vehicle width direction is the region light source L1. And the area | region light source L2 which irradiates the vehicle width direction middle is made into the 2nd area | region light source.

  Similarly, for the right headlamp 2R, the four area light sources are the first area light sources that irradiate from the center in the vehicle width direction, with the area light sources R1 and R2 being in the same group when controlling the light intensity. Is constituted by R1 and R2. The third region light source that irradiates from the outermost side (right side) in the vehicle width direction is the region light source R4. And the area | region light source R3 which irradiates the vehicle width direction middle is made into the 2nd area | region light source.

  FIG. 2 is a light intensity setting example that is set when traveling straight and traveling at a high speed (for example, a vehicle speed range exceeding a vehicle speed of 80 km / h). The luminous intensity of each light source is indicated by the irradiation rate, and the irradiation rate is set to 100% when the applied voltage to each light source becomes the maximum value. That is, the smaller the irradiation rate (the smaller the applied voltage), the smaller the luminous intensity. In the setting example of FIG. 2, the luminous intensity of the first region light sources R1 and R2 (L3 and L4) that are closest to the center in the vehicle width direction is 100% in terms of irradiation rate. Further, the luminous intensity of the second area light source R3 (L2) and the luminous intensity of the third area light source R4 (L1) are each 25% in terms of irradiation rate. In the setting of FIG. 2, the light intensity from the center in the vehicle width direction is made extremely high, and visibility in the front and the far direction becomes extremely good. In addition, the second region light source R3 (L2) and the third region light source R4 (L1) that relatively illuminate the outside in the vehicle width direction are turned on without being turned off, and thus exist on the road shoulder. The visibility of road signs will be sufficiently secured.

  FIG. 3 is a light intensity setting example that is set when traveling straight and traveling at medium speed (for example, a vehicle speed range of 40 to 80 km / h). In the setting example of FIG. 3, the luminous intensity of the first region light sources R1 and R2 (L3, L4) that is most from the center in the predetermined direction is lowered as compared with that during high-speed traveling, and the irradiation rate is 75%. The light intensity of the second region light source R3 (L2) is 50% in terms of irradiation rate, and is in a state where the light intensity is increased as compared with high speed traveling. The light intensity of the third region light source R4 (L1) is 25% in terms of irradiation rate, and is unchanged from that during high-speed travel. In the setting example of FIG. 3, the light intensity in a wide range from the center in the vehicle width direction to the outside is sufficiently secured, and the region outside in the vehicle width direction is also irradiated, which is a preferable irradiation mode in the medium speed range.

  FIG. 4 is a light intensity setting example that is set when traveling straight and traveling at a low speed (for example, a vehicle speed range of less than 40 km / h). In the setting example of FIG. 4, the luminous intensity of the first region light sources R1 and R2 (L3 and L4), which is the most centered in the predetermined direction, is lower than that during medium speed traveling, and the irradiation rate is 50%. The luminous intensity of the second region light source R3 (L2) is 50% in terms of irradiation rate, which is the same as during medium speed traveling. The light intensity of the third region light source R4 (L1) is 50% in terms of irradiation rate, and the light intensity is higher than that during medium speed traveling. Thereby, although long-distance irradiation cannot be performed, sufficient light intensity is ensured over a wide range from the center in the vehicle width direction to the outside, and a preferable irradiation mode is achieved in a low speed region.

  FIG. 5 shows the time when the vehicle 1 is turning left. During the left turn, the light intensity is set to decrease sequentially from the side closer to the left side in the turning direction to the far side. That is, the luminous intensity of the region light source R1 (L1) that irradiates the leftmost side is set to 100% in terms of irradiation rate, the luminous intensity of the region light source R2 (L2) is set to 75% in terms of irradiation rate, and the region light source R3 (L3) Is 50% in terms of irradiation rate, and the luminous intensity of the region light source R4 (L4) is 25% in terms of irradiation rate. Note that when turning right, the illumination mode is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the above-described case, and the luminous intensity of the region light source that illuminates the right side is increased. Thus, by making the area light source that irradiates the turning direction preferentially bright, the visibility in the turning direction can be sufficiently enhanced. The setting shown in FIG. 6 is set regardless of the vehicle speed (priority is ensured in the visibility in the turning direction).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a control system configured in the vehicle 1 in order to perform the above-described control. In FIG. 7, U is a controller (control unit) configured using a microcomputer. The controller U is supplied with a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 11 for detecting the vehicle speed and a signal from the steering angle sensor 12 for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel, and whether or not the light intensity change control is executed manually. A signal from the auto light switch 13 for selection is input. Of course, the controller U controls the light intensity of the left and right headlamps 2L, 2R.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control example of the light intensity change of the controller U. This flowchart will be described below. In the following description, Q indicates a step, and it is assumed that the auto light switch 13 is turned on and it is requested to execute the light intensity change control (when the auto light switch 13 is off, There is no intensity change control).

  First, in Q1, signals from the vehicle speed sensor 11 and the steering angle sensor 12 are read. Next, in Q2, it is determined whether the road is a straight road or a curve based on the detection result of the rudder angle sensor 12. Note that the determination in Q2 can also be performed based on, for example, map information of the navigation device.

  Thereafter, in Q3, it is determined whether the vehicle is currently traveling straight ahead based on the determination result of Q2. If the determination in Q3 is YES, in Q4, it is determined in which speed range the actual speed of the vehicle 1 is. Thereafter, in Q5, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling at a low speed. If YES in Q5, the light intensity is set as shown in FIG. 4 in Q6.

  After Q6 or when NO in Q5, it is determined in Q7 whether the vehicle is traveling at medium speed. If YES in Q7, the light intensity is set as shown in FIG. 3 in Q8.

  After Q8 or when NO in Q7, it is determined in Q9 whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed. When the determination at Q9 is YES, the light intensity is set at Q10 as shown in FIG.

  After Q10 or when NO in Q9, the process returns to Q1. When NO in Q3, that is, when the vehicle is turning, the light intensity is set as shown in FIG. 6 in Q11 (the light intensity setting shown in FIG. 6 when turning left and turning right). Is a reverse relationship).

Here, when the luminous intensity is changed with the change in the vehicle speed, it is preferable that the luminous intensity is changed relatively slowly so that the luminous intensity is not changed at a stretch. In other words, it is preferable to prevent the driver from feeling that the light intensity changes greatly in part and not to give a sense of incongruity due to the light intensity change. On the other hand, when turning, it is preferable to change the light intensity setting as shown in FIG. 6 immediately. That is, it is preferable that the luminous intensity change for responding to turning is faster than the luminous intensity change according to the vehicle speed when traveling straight ahead.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Each light source constituting the area light source can be changed without being fixed to a fixed one. For example, the right headlamp 2R will be described as an example. R1 and R2 are light sources for the first region during high-speed traveling, but the light source for the first region is set to only R1 during medium-speed traveling. The light source R2 may be sorted as the second region light source. When performing luminous intensity change control according to the vehicle speed, hysteresis can be set in the vehicle speed so that the luminous intensity change is not performed when the vehicle speed is slightly changed near the vehicle speed at which the luminous intensity change is performed.

  When there is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, only the light source that irradiates the area where the preceding vehicle or the oncoming vehicle exists may be dimmed from the setting examples in FIGS. (Return from light, that is, brightening is preferably performed as quickly as when turning). Of course, the object of the present invention is not limited to what is explicitly stated, but also implicitly includes providing what is substantially preferred or expressed as an advantage.

  The present invention provides light intensity change control suitable for ensuring driver visibility.

1: Vehicle 2R, 2L: Headlight 11: Vehicle speed sensor 12: Rudder angle sensor U: Controllers R1, R2 (L3, L4): Area light source (first area light source)
R3 (L2): area light source (second area light source)
R4 (L1): area light source (third area light source)

Claims (9)

A headlamp control device for a vehicle having a plurality of three or more light sources in which a headlamp for illuminating the front of the vehicle has different illumination ranges in the left-right direction,
The plurality of light sources are divided into a first region light source, a second region light source, and a third region light source having different irradiation ranges in the left-right direction, and the light intensity of each region light source is independently set according to the vehicle speed. A light intensity control means for controlling,
The luminous intensity control means includes a dimming control that performs dimming without turning off the light for the three regions, a dimming control that performs a brightening, and an intermediate control that performs a luminous intensity control with less luminous intensity change than the dimming and brightening. It performs a light intensity control was sorted into,
The light intensity control means increases the light intensity of the plurality of light sources as the light source is closer to the turning direction during turning of the vehicle.
A vehicle headlamp control device characterized by the above. In claim 1,
2. A vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1, wherein the light increase amount when the light increase control is performed is the same as the light decrease amount when the light decrease control is performed. In claim 1 or claim 2,
A vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of change in luminous intensity in the intermediate control is zero. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1, wherein a luminous intensity change rate when the dimming control is performed is substantially the same as a luminous intensity change rate when the dimming control is performed. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The light source for the first region irradiates the vehicle body center side portion, the light source for the third region radiates the outermost portion in the vehicle width direction, and the light source for the second region is between the light source for the first region and the light source for the third region. Set to illuminate
The luminous intensity control unit performs dimming control on the light source for the third region, control for increasing the light source for the first region, and control the light source for the second region to the intermediate when the transition from the low speed to the medium speed is performed. Control
The luminous intensity control means controls the light increase for the third region light source, controls the light reduction for the first region light source, and controls the light source for the second region to the intermediate when the medium speed shifts to the low speed. Control,
A vehicle headlamp control device characterized by the above. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The light source for the first region irradiates the vehicle body center side portion, the light source for the third region radiates the outermost portion in the vehicle width direction, and the light source for the second region is between the light source for the first region and the light source for the third region. Set to illuminate
The luminous intensity control means performs the intermediate control of the light source for the third area, the light intensity control of the light source for the first area, and the light source for the second area when the transition from medium speed to high speed is performed. Light control,
The luminous intensity control means performs the intermediate control of the light source for the third region, the dimming control of the light source for the first region, and the light source for the second region when the transition from the high speed to the medium speed is performed. Brightening control,
A vehicle headlamp control device characterized by the above. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources are fixed to constitute the first region light source, the second region light source, and the third region light source. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1, wherein light sources constituting the light source for the first region, the light source for the second region, and the light source for the third region are changed among the plurality of light sources . In claim 1,
The vehicle headlamp control device according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity control means increases a luminous intensity change rate during a turn rather than a luminous intensity change rate during straight traveling.

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