JP7141244B2 - LIGHT SOURCE LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE LAMP, AND LIGHT SOURCE LIGHTING CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to lighting control technology for a light source mounted on a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art In a vehicle such as a motorcycle, the vertical position of the headlight is relatively lowered due to the inclination of the vehicle body when turning, so the light from the headlight may not reach a long distance. As a countermeasure against such inconvenience, a technique is known in which an auxiliary light (light source) is turned on according to the tilt angle (bank angle) of the vehicle when the vehicle is turning to emit light, thereby compensating for the lack of light irradiation. .

For example, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2017-119474 (Patent Document 1), on the premise of the above technology, an auxiliary light is provided in order to reduce discomfort to passengers due to the sudden lighting of the auxiliary light. A lighting control technique is described in which a preceding lighting state with a brightness lower than the set lighting state is set before the set lighting state is set. Specifically, a threshold θ corresponding to the set lighting state and another threshold θ ₀ smaller than the threshold θ are set, and the auxiliary light is lit at a relatively low brightness at the timing when the bank angle exceeds θ ₀ . ing. Further, in a certain range where the bank angle exceeds θ, the brightness of the light is increased in proportion to the bank angle to light the auxiliary lamp.

In addition, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2017-119475 (Patent Document 2), while premised on the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, when the bank angle changes greatly due to a sudden tilt of the vehicle body, it is possible to turn on the auxiliary light. In order to avoid the occurrence of a delay, the threshold θ is variably set so that the larger the change in the bank angle per unit time, the smaller the threshold θ. A lighting control technique is described. Also, when the auxiliary lights are turned off, the same lighting control technology is used to advance the turn-off timing of the auxiliary lights as necessary.

By the way, in the prior art according to Patent Document 2 described above, although it is attempted to reduce the turn-off delay of the auxiliary light based on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, when the vehicle is actually running, bank failure due to the tilt of the vehicle body is likely to occur. The vehicle body continues to change from the tilted state to the upright state during the period from when the angle starts to change until the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is calculated. Therefore, for example, if the vehicle body changes relatively rapidly, the setting of the threshold value θ corresponding to the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time may not be in time, resulting in a delay in turning off the auxiliary lights. be.

JP 2017-119474 A JP 2017-119475 A

A specific aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technique capable of reducing the turn-off delay when turning off the light source according to the bank angle of the vehicle.

[1] A light source lighting control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for controlling the lighting state of a light source installed in a vehicle, wherein the inclination angle of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is a reference value. is smaller, the time required to turn off the light source is set to be shorter as the vehicle speed increases, and the light source is turned off over the set time, and the light source is turned off. is set to a first value obtained by decreasing a value set according to the speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount when the vehicle is accelerating, and when the vehicle is decelerating. is a light source lighting control device for setting a second value obtained by increasing the value set according to the speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount .
[2] A lighting control device for a light source according to one aspect of the present invention is (a) a device for controlling the lighting state of a light source installed in a vehicle, wherein (b) the tilt angle of the body of the vehicle is (c) a determination unit that determines whether or not the tilt angle of the vehicle body is smaller than the reference value; and (d) a lighting control unit for turning off the light source over the time set by the setting unit. (e) the setting unit decreases the time required to turn off the light source by a predetermined amount from the value set according to the vehicle speed when the vehicle is accelerating; and, when the vehicle is decelerating, a second value obtained by increasing the value set according to the speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount .
[3] A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention includes the lighting control device according to 1 or 2 above , a main light source for emitting light forward of the vehicle, and capable of turning on and off independently of the main light source. an auxiliary light source for auxiliary light irradiation to a range different from that of the main light source, wherein the auxiliary light source is controlled by the lighting control device ; the vehicle lamp is controlled by the lighting control device. A vehicle lamp including a light source.
[4] A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention includes (a) a lamp unit installed in a vehicle, which has a main light source and at least one auxiliary light source, and (b) controls the lighting state of the auxiliary light source. (c) a memory connected to the lighting control device; (d) a bank angle detection unit that detects a bank angle that is the inclination angle of the vehicle body of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction; (f) the lighting control device detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle; (f2) a driving condition determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle is in a driving condition for entering; (f3) the driving state determination unit determines that the vehicle is in a driving state when entering a straight road from a curve; (g) the data stored in the memory is the vehicle speed; is for setting the extinguishing time so that the extinguishing time becomes shorter as the vehicle speed increases in a range of at least 50 km/h to 90 km/h; is smaller than a reference value, the vehicle is determined to be in a running state when entering a straight road from a curve, and (i) the light-off time setting unit sets the light-off time to (j) the lighting control unit sets the bank angle to be less than or equal to the threshold value when the vehicle speed is within a range smaller than a threshold set to a value smaller than the reference value and smaller than the reference value; This is a vehicle lamp that turns off the auxiliary light source when it becomes.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the turn-off delay when turning off the light source according to the bank angle of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing how the lamp unit is viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing how light is distributed by the lamp unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data for setting an extinguishing time stored in a memory. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of lighting the auxiliary light sources at different timings according to the bank angle. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between vehicle speed and turn-off time. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure by the control unit. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between vehicle speed, acceleration, and turn-off time. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data for setting an extinguishing time stored in a memory. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure by the control unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the first embodiment. The illustrated vehicular lamp is installed in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle that runs with its body tilted in the vehicle width direction when turning, and is used to irradiate light forward of the vehicle. This vehicle lamp includes a bank angle detector 11 , a vehicle speed detector 12 , a controller 13 , a memory 14 and a lamp unit 19 .

The bank angle detection unit 11 detects a bank angle, which is an inclination angle of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction. The bank angle detection unit 11 is configured using, for example, a gyro sensor. If the vehicle is equipped with a gyro sensor or the like for other purposes, the bank angle detector 11 may be omitted by using the output from the sensor or the like.

The vehicle speed detection unit 12 detects the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle during travel. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor or the like for other purposes, the vehicle speed detection unit 12 may be omitted by using the vehicle speed detected by the sensor or the like.

The control unit 13 is for controlling the overall operation of the vehicle lamp, and is realized by causing a microcomputer to execute a predetermined operation program, for example.

The memory 14 is connected to the control unit 13 and stores data used for information processing in the control unit 13 .

The lamp unit 19 is provided at a predetermined position in the front part of the vehicle and is for illuminating the front of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the lamp unit 19 includes a main light source 20 for illuminating the front of the vehicle when the vehicle is running, and a main light source 20 for illuminating the front of the vehicle when the vehicle body tilts and the light irradiation range of the main light source 20 changes. A supplementary light source unit 21 is provided to supplementally irradiate a range where light from the lamp is difficult to irradiate. For this reason, the auxiliary light source unit 21 is provided, for example, on each of the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle in response to the case where the vehicle body is tilted to the left and right, respectively. shows only The auxiliary light source unit 21 in the lamp unit 19 has a plurality of (three in this example) auxiliary light sources 22 , 23 and 24 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing how the lamp unit is viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the main light source 20 is arranged in the center of the lamp unit 19 and serves to mainly illuminate the forward direction of the vehicle while the vehicle is running. Each of the auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 in the auxiliary light source unit 21 is arranged one each on the left and right sides of the lamp unit 19, and can be turned on and off independently, depending on the bank angle of the vehicle body. It turns on and off at different times. The lighting states of the main light source 20 and auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 are controlled by the control section 13 described above. The main light source 20 and auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 are configured using light-emitting elements such as LEDs, for example. A halogen lamp, a discharge lamp, or the like may be used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing how light is distributed by the lamp unit. FIG. 3A shows the light distribution when the vehicle body is not tilted. As shown in the figure, the main light source 20 forms a main light distribution 120 having a uniform shape in front of the vehicle. FIG. 3B shows the light distribution when the vehicle body is tilted. As shown in the figure, the main light distribution 120 from the main light source 20 is tilted from the horizontal direction, and in the example shown in the figure, the illumination light from the main light source 20 is reduced in the left side area. Visibility is supplemented by forming auxiliary light distributions 122, 123, and 124 by 23 and 24, respectively.

Refer to FIG. 1 again. The above-described control unit 13 includes a driving state determination unit (determination unit) 15, a lighting time setting unit (setting unit) 16, and a lighting control unit 17 as functional blocks configured by executing a predetermined operation program in a microcomputer. is composed of

Based on the bank angle of the vehicle body detected by the bank angle detection unit 11, the running state determination unit 15 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a running state when entering a straight road from a curve (curved road). judge. Specifically, for example, a reference value θv larger than 0° is set in advance, and it is determined whether or not the bank angle detected by the bank angle detection unit 11 is equal to or less than the reference value θv. When the value is equal to or less than the value θv, it can be determined that the vehicle is traveling from a curve to a straight road. The reference value θv may be set as appropriate, for example, it can be set to 5° in absolute value. In this case, for example, if the tilt angle to the left is a positive value and the tilt angle to the right is a negative value, when it becomes +5° or less or −5° or more, It can be determined that the vehicle is traveling when entering a straight road from a curve. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the absolute value of the bank angle has become smaller than the reference value θv.

The turn-off time setting unit 16 uses the data stored in the memory 14 to set turn-off times for turning off the auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 of the lamp unit 19 according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12. set. The extinguishing time referred to here is the time required for the lighting rate of each auxiliary light source 22, 23, 24 to change from 100% (relatively high set value) to 0% (relatively low set value), that is, It means the time required to turn off the light. The relatively low set value is, for example, a preset value as the lowest light intensity (luminous intensity) when operating the vehicle lamp of the present embodiment, and is typically 0%. Other values may be set. Similarly, the relatively high set value is, for example, a value preset as the highest light intensity (luminous intensity) when operating the vehicle lamp of the present embodiment, and is typically 100%. , may be set to other values.

The lighting control unit 17 controls the lighting control unit 17 when the running state determination unit 15 determines that the vehicle is in the state of entering a straight road from a curve (that is, when the absolute value of the bank angle is equal to or less than the reference value θv). , the auxiliary light sources 22 , 23 , 24 are extinguished according to the extinguishing time set by the lighting speed setting unit 16 . In this embodiment, the lighting controller 17 turns off the auxiliary light sources 22 , 23 , and 24 at different timings according to the bank angle detected by the bank angle detector 11 . The lighting control unit 17 also performs control for turning on and off the auxiliary light sources 22 and the like. The lighting and extinguishing timing is appropriately set, for example, according to the bank angle, and controlled so that the auxiliary light sources 22 and the like are turned on and off at different timings.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data for setting an extinguishing time stored in a memory. As shown in the figure, the memory 14 stores a data table representing the vehicle speed and the turn-off time corresponding to each vehicle speed. For example, when the vehicle speed is 50 km/h, the light-off time setting unit 16 reads out the corresponding light-off time T ₅₀ (ms) from the memory 14 and sets the light-off time based thereon. In this embodiment, the relationship between the two is set so that the higher the vehicle speed, the shorter the turn-off time. A specific value of the extinguishing time may be set to a suitable value obtained by experiments or the like. Although the vehicle speed is set in increments of 5 km/h here for the sake of clarity of explanation, the present invention is not limited to this. can be kept.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of turning off each auxiliary light source at different timings according to the bank angle. FIG. 5 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis corresponds to the bank angle and the vertical axis corresponds to the lighting rate. As shown in the lower part of the figure, three different thresholds are provided for the bank angle. The lighting control unit 17 turns off the auxiliary light source 24 when the bank angle becomes equal to or less than the largest threshold value _θ3 . Further, the lighting control unit 17 turns off the auxiliary light source 23 when the bank angle becomes equal to or less _than the threshold value θ2 which is greater _than θ1. Further, the lighting control unit 17 turns off the auxiliary light source 22 when the bank angle becomes equal to or _less than the smallest threshold value θ1. Instead of turning off the auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 when the bank angles are equal to or _{less than the thresholds θ 1 , θ 2 , and} θ _{3 ,} The supplementary light sources 22, 23, and 24 may be extinguished when they become smaller.

Further, in the present embodiment, a reference value _θV3 larger than the threshold value _θ3 is set, and the turn-off time setting unit 16 provides assistance based on the vehicle speed when the bank angle reaches this reference value _θV3 . A turn-off time corresponding to the light source 24 is set. Similarly, a reference value _θV2 larger than the threshold _θ2 is set, and the lighting speed setting unit 16 responds to the auxiliary light source 23 based on the vehicle speed when the bank angle reaches this reference value _θV2 . set the turn-off time. Similarly, a reference value _θV1 larger than the threshold _θ1 is set, and the lighting speed setting unit 16 responds to the auxiliary light source 22 based on the vehicle speed at the time when the bank angle reaches this reference value _θV1 . set the turn-off time. Note that the lighting speed setting unit 16 may set the turn-off time corresponding to the auxiliary light source 22 based on the vehicle speed at an arbitrary timing when the bank angle is in the range of the threshold value θ1 or _more and the reference value _θV1 or less. . The same goes for the extinguishing times corresponding to the auxiliary light sources 23,23. Furthermore, all the turn-off times corresponding to the auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 may be set based _on the vehicle speed at the time when the bank angle reaches the reference value _θV3 . All turn-off times corresponding to the auxiliary light sources 22, 23, and 24 may be set based on the vehicle speed at arbitrary timing when θ is in the range of less than _V3 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between vehicle speed and turn-off time. FIG. 6 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis corresponds to time and the vertical axis corresponds to lighting rate. As shown in the figure, the extinguishing time set by the extinguishing time setting unit 16 is the time required for the lighting rate, which was ₁₀₀ % at time t1, to reach 0%. In the illustrated example, T ₅₀ , T ₇₀ , and T ₉₀ are light-off times corresponding to vehicle speeds of 50 km/h, 70 km/h, and 90 km/h, respectively, and the higher the vehicle speed, the shorter the light-off time. For example, if the bank angle _becomes equal to or less than (or less than) the reference value _θV1 at time _tV1 prior to time t1, and the vehicle speed detected at that time is 50 km/h, the turn-off time corresponding to that vehicle speed is _T50 is set. After that, when the bank angle becomes equal to or _{less than} the threshold value θ1 at time t1, the auxiliary light source 22 is turned on so that the lighting rate decreases from ₁₀₀ % to 0% over a period of time corresponding to the turn-off time _T50 from the time t1. controlled. The lighting of other auxiliary light sources 23 and 24 is similarly controlled. Further, although the illustrated example shows the case where the lighting rate decreases linearly from 100% to 0%, the manner of decrease is not limited to this and may be curvilinear.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure by the control unit. The processing procedure will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart. It should be noted that each process shown in the drawing can be executed by changing the order of each other as long as the results are not contradictory or inconsistent, and such a mode is not excluded.

Based on the bank angle of the vehicle body, the running state determination unit 15 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a running state when entering a straight road (step S10). Specifically, when the absolute value of the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or less than the reference value _θV3 , it is determined that the vehicle is entering a straight road. If the vehicle is not in the running state for entering a straight road (step S10; NO), the determination in step S10 is repeated.

If the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S10; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 sets the light-off time based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 (step S11).

Next, the lighting control unit 17 determines whether or not the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or less than the threshold value θ3 ₍ step S13). When the bank angle is equal to or less than the threshold value θ3 ₍ step S12; YES), the lighting control unit 17 performs control to turn off the auxiliary light source 24 (step S13).

Next, based on the bank angle of the vehicle body, the running state determination unit 15 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a running state when entering a straight road (step S14). Specifically, when the absolute value of the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or less than the reference value _θV2 , it is determined that the vehicle is entering a straight road. In other words, it is determined that the state of entering the straight road is maintained. If the vehicle is not in the running state for entering a straight road (step S14; NO), the process returns to step S10 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S14; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 sets the light-off time based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 (step S15).

Next, the lighting control unit 17 determines whether or not the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or less _than the threshold value θ2 (step S16). When the bank angle is equal to or less _than the threshold value θ2 (step S16; YES), the lighting control unit 17 performs control to turn off the auxiliary light source 23 (step S17).

Next, based on the bank angle of the vehicle body, the running state determination unit 15 determines whether or not the vehicle is in a running state when entering a straight road (step S18). Specifically, when the absolute value of the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or less than the reference value _θV1 , it is determined that the vehicle is entering a straight road. In other words, it is determined that the state of entering the straight road is maintained. If the vehicle is not in the running state for entering a straight road (step S18; NO), the process returns to step S10 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S18; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 sets the light-off time based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 (step S19).

Next, the lighting control unit 17 determines whether or not the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or _less than the threshold value θ1 (step S20). When the bank angle is equal to or _less than the threshold value θ1 (step S20; YES), the lighting control unit 17 performs control to turn off the auxiliary light source 22 (step S21). After that, the process returns to step S10 described above.

_On the other hand, when the bank angle of the vehicle body is greater than the threshold value θ3 (step S12; NO), the lighting control section 17 controls lighting of the auxiliary light source 24 (step S22). If the auxiliary light source 24 is originally lit, the lighting state is maintained. Similarly, when the bank angle of the vehicle body is greater _than the threshold value θ2 (step S16; NO), the lighting control unit 17 controls lighting of the auxiliary light source 23 (step S23). If the auxiliary light source 23 is originally lit, the lighting state is maintained. Similarly, when the bank angle of the vehicle body is greater _than the threshold value θ1 (step S19; NO), the lighting control unit 17 performs control to turn on the auxiliary light source 22 (step S24). If the auxiliary light source 22 is originally lit, the lighting state is maintained. After the processing of each step is performed, the process returns to step S10.

According to the embodiment as described above, it is possible to reduce the turn-off delay when turning off the light source according to the bank angle of the vehicle. In other words, while the bank angle generally tends to change faster as the vehicle speed increases, in the present embodiment, when the bank angle becomes smaller than the reference value, that is, when it is estimated that the vehicle will enter a straight road from a curve, the vehicle speed increases. Since the lighting control is performed so that the light source is turned off faster as the value is larger, the turn-off delay can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle lamp according to the second embodiment. The configuration of this vehicle lamp is generally the same as that of the vehicle lamp of the first embodiment. The difference is that the turning-off time is set. In the following, descriptions of common configurations will be omitted, and different configurations will be described in detail.

The acceleration detection unit 18 detects, for example, acceleration in each of the XYZ three axes orthogonal to each other. The acceleration detection unit 18 of the present embodiment is installed so that the X axis corresponds to the vehicle longitudinal direction, the Y axis corresponds to the vehicle lateral direction (vehicle width direction), and the Z axis corresponds to the vehicle vertical direction (vehicle height direction). shall be If the vehicle is provided with an acceleration detector for other purposes, the acceleration detector 18 may be omitted by using its output.

Based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 18, the turn-off time setting unit 16 uses the data stored in the memory 14 to set each of the auxiliary light sources 22, 22 of the lamp unit 19. Set the extinguishing time when extinguishing 23 and 24. The turn-off time setting unit 16 of the present embodiment sets the turn-off time using the longitudinal acceleration (X-axis acceleration) of the vehicle detected by the acceleration detection unit 18 .

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between vehicle speed, acceleration, and turn-off time. FIG. 9 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis corresponds to time and the vertical axis corresponds to lighting rate. For convenience of illustration, the scale of the horizontal axis is different from that in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the extinguishing time set by the extinguishing time setting section 16 is the time required for the lighting rate, which was ₁₀₀ % at time t1, to reach 0%. Also in the second embodiment, it is common to the first embodiment that the turning-off time is set so that the turning-off time becomes shorter as the vehicle speed increases (see FIG. 6 above). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle has a negative value (when the vehicle is accelerating), the larger the absolute value (the smaller the value), the greater the acceleration. When the extinguishing time is short and the acceleration has a positive value (when the vehicle is decelerating), the extinguishing time is set such that the larger the absolute value, the longer the extinguishing time. In other words, it can be said that the value is increased or decreased (corrected) by a predetermined amount according to the acceleration based on the turn-off time determined according to the vehicle speed. In this embodiment, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is detected as a negative value when the vehicle is accelerating in the direction of travel, and is detected as a positive value when the vehicle is decelerating in the direction of travel. and

FIG. 9 exemplifies the turn-off time when the vehicle speed is 70 km/h. For example, the turn-off time set when the acceleration is 0 is _T70 , whereas when the acceleration is a negative value, a turn-off time shorter than _T70 is set, and the acceleration is a positive value. , the extinguishing time longer than this _T70 is set. In this embodiment, the turn-off time when the acceleration is a negative value is T _70a , T _70b , T _70c (T _70a <T _70b <T _70c ) depending on the magnitude (that is, the degree of acceleration). It is set by selecting from one. Similarly, there are three turn-off times when the acceleration is a positive value: T _70d , T _70e , and T _70f (T _70d < T _70e < T _70f ) depending on the magnitude of the acceleration (that is, the degree of acceleration). is set by selecting from

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data for setting an extinguishing time stored in a memory. As shown in the figure, the memory 14 stores a data table representing vehicle speeds and accelerations, and turn-off times corresponding to each vehicle speed and each acceleration. For example, when the vehicle speed is 50 km/h and the acceleration is 0, the light-off time setting unit 16 reads out the corresponding light-off time T ₅₀ (ms) from the memory 14 and sets the light-off time based thereon. . Further, when the vehicle speed is 50 km/h and the acceleration is a negative value, the light-off time setting unit 16 selects one of T _50a , T _50b , and T _50c according to the magnitude of the acceleration. The data is read out from the memory 14 by pressing and the light-off time is set based on the data. Regarding the acceleration in this case, for example, the range of -0.7m/s2 or ^more smaller than 0 is "large", and the range of -1.4m/s2 or ^more smaller ^than -0.7m/s2 is "medium". , −1.4 m/s ² is defined as “small”. Then, the light-off time setting unit 16 selects a light-off time within a range corresponding to the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 18 . The same is true when the acceleration is a positive value, and the turn-off time setting unit 16 selects one of T _50d , T _50e , and T _50f according to the magnitude of the acceleration, reads it from the memory 14, and based on it, to set the light-out time.

A specific value of the extinguishing time may be set to a suitable value obtained by experiments or the like. Although the vehicle speed is set in steps of 5 km/h here as well for the sake of clarity of explanation, the present invention is not limited to this. can be kept. Similarly, the step size of the acceleration is not limited to the three steps shown as an example, but can be arbitrarily set and the corresponding extinguishing time can be stored.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure by the control unit. The processing procedure will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart. It should be noted that each process shown in the drawing can be executed by changing the order of each other as long as the results are not contradictory or inconsistent, and such a mode is not excluded. Note that the processing procedure is generally the same as in the case of the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 7), and only the processing in steps S11a, S15a, and S19a for setting the turn-off time is different. , the explanation will be omitted as appropriate, and mainly the differences will be explained.

If it is determined in step S10 that the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S10; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 detects the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 18. to set the turn-off time (step S11a).

After that, the lighting control unit 17 performs control to appropriately turn off or turn on the auxiliary light source 24 according to the bank angle of the vehicle body (steps S12, S13, S22). At this time, the extinguishing time set in step S11a is used.

If it is determined in step S14 that the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S14; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 detects the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 18. to set the turn-off time (step S15a).

After that, the lighting control unit 17 performs control to appropriately turn off or turn on the auxiliary light source 23 according to the bank angle of the vehicle body (steps S16, S17, and S23). At this time, the extinguishing time set in step S15a is used.

If it is determined in step S18 that the vehicle is traveling on a straight road (step S18; YES), the light-off time setting unit 16 detects the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 18. to set the turn-off time (step S19a).

After that, the lighting control unit 17 performs control to appropriately turn off or turn on the auxiliary light source 22 according to the bank angle of the vehicle body (steps S20, S21, S24). At this time, the extinguishing time set in step S19a is used.

According to the embodiment as described above, it is possible to reduce the turn-off delay when turning off the light source according to the bank angle of the vehicle. In other words, while the bank angle generally tends to change faster as the vehicle speed increases, in the present embodiment, when the bank angle becomes smaller than the reference value, that is, when it is estimated that the vehicle will enter a straight road from a curve, the vehicle speed increases. Since the lighting control is performed so that the light source is turned off faster as the value is larger, the turn-off delay can be reduced. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the acceleration at the time of entering the straight road is taken into account to increase or decrease the turn-off time, so it is possible to correct the turn-on timing to be more appropriate.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments, a motorcycle was given as an example of a vehicle to which the present invention can be applied, but the vehicle is not limited to this.

In the above-described embodiment, the light-off time is set according to the vehicle speed and acceleration by referring to the data table stored in the memory 14 beforehand. can be set. For example, the relationship between the vehicle speed and the corresponding turn-off time may be expressed by a formula, and the turn-off time may be set according to the vehicle speed and the like using the formula.

In the above-described embodiment, a lamp unit having three auxiliary light sources is used, and each auxiliary light source is extinguished at different timings depending on the bank angle. However, at least one auxiliary light source is sufficient. . Also, the three auxiliary light sources may be extinguished at the same timing. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an auxiliary light source was used as an example of a light source, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this, and any light source mounted on a vehicle can be used. good too.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is taken into account as the acceleration used to set the turn-off time. For example, the turn-off time may be set using an acceleration value obtained by synthesizing the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. That is, any value of acceleration having a correlation with the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle may be used. Further, the acceleration used for setting the turn-off time is not limited to the acceleration obtained by the acceleration detection section 18, and may be obtained by performing differentiation processing using the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection section 12, for example. In this case, the vehicle speed sensor and the controller 13 function as an acceleration detector.

11: bank angle detection unit 12: vehicle speed detection unit 13: control unit 14: memory 15: running state determination unit 16: light-off time setting unit 17: lighting control unit 18: acceleration detection unit 19: lamp unit 20: main light source 21: Auxiliary light source units 22, 23, 24: Auxiliary light source

Claims (8)

A device for controlling the lighting state of a light source installed in a vehicle,
When the tilt angle of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is smaller than a reference value, the time required to turn off the light source is set to be shorter as the vehicle speed is higher, and the set time is taken. extinguishing the light source ,
When the vehicle is accelerating, the time required to turn off the light source is set to a first value obtained by decreasing a value set according to the speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount, and the vehicle is decelerated. setting the value set according to the speed of the vehicle to a second value obtained by increasing the value by a predetermined amount;
Light source lighting control device. extinguishing the light source when the tilt angle of the vehicle body is smaller than a reference value and the tilt angle of the vehicle body is smaller than a threshold set to a value smaller than the reference value;
The lighting control device for a light source according to claim 1 . setting the time required to turn off the light source according to the vehicle speed when the tilt angle of the vehicle body is within a range smaller than the reference value and larger than the threshold value;
The lighting control device for a light source according to claim 2 . Determining whether the vehicle is in the accelerating state or the decelerating state based on the acceleration having a correlation with the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle;
The lighting control device for a light source according to claim 1 . The first value is set to a smaller value as the degree of acceleration of the vehicle increases,
The second value is set to a larger value as the degree of deceleration of the vehicle increases.
The lighting control device for a light source according to claim 1 . A device for controlling the lighting state of a light source installed in a vehicle,
a determination unit that determines whether the tilt angle of the vehicle body of the vehicle is smaller than a reference value;
When the judging unit judges that the inclination angle of the vehicle body is smaller than the reference value, the time required to turn off the light source is reduced as the vehicle speed increases. a setting section for setting to
a lighting control unit that turns off the light source over the time set by the setting unit;
including
The setting unit sets the time required to turn off the light source to a first value obtained by decreasing a value set according to the vehicle speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount when the vehicle is accelerating. setting a second value obtained by increasing a value set according to the vehicle speed of the vehicle by a predetermined amount when the vehicle is decelerating;
Light source lighting control device. A lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
a main light source for irradiating light forward of the vehicle;
an auxiliary light source that can be turned on and off independently of the main light source and that supplementally irradiates a range different from that of the main light source;
including
A vehicle lamp , wherein the auxiliary light source is controlled by the lighting control device. a lamp unit having a main light source and at least one auxiliary light source and installed in a vehicle;
a lighting control device that controls the lighting state of the auxiliary light source;
a memory connected to the lighting control device;
a bank angle detection unit that detects a bank angle that is an inclination angle of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction;
a vehicle speed detection unit that detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle;
including
The lighting control device includes:
a running state determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle is in a running state when the vehicle enters a straight road from a curve based on the bank angle detected by the bank angle detection unit;
a turn-off time setting unit that sets a turn-off time, which is a time required to turn off the auxiliary light source, according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit, using the data stored in the memory;
The auxiliary light source is extinguished according to the extinguishing time set by the extinguishing time setting unit when the traveling condition judging unit judges that the vehicle is in a traveling condition when the vehicle enters a straight road from a curve. a lighting control unit;
and
The data stored in the memory is for setting the turn-off time so that the turn-off time becomes shorter as the vehicle speed increases within a range of at least 50 km/h to 90 km/h;
The running state determination unit determines that the vehicle is in a running state when entering a straight road from a curve when the bank angle is smaller than a reference value, and
The turn-off time setting unit sets the turn-off time according to the vehicle speed when the bank angle is smaller than the reference value and within a range smaller than a threshold set to a value smaller than the reference value,
The lighting control unit turns off the auxiliary light source when the bank angle is equal to or less than the threshold value.
Vehicle lighting.

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