WO2006070177A1

WO2006070177A1 - Improvements relating to vehicle safety

Info

Publication number: WO2006070177A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/005006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Frost; Barry Connolly; Chris Smart; Andrew Bradley
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2004-12-29
Filing date: 2005-12-22
Publication date: 2006-07-06
Also published as: GB2421859A; GB0428464D0

Abstract

A vehicle, equipped with headlights and a steering wheel (2) has a steering wheel (2) provided with an actuator (6) capable of switching the light output of the headlights between full beam and dipped beam conditions. In one embodiment, the actuator (6) is a momentary push switch so that the light output of the headlights is switched to the dipped beam condition for the duration of the actuation.

Description

Improvements Relating to Vehicle Safety

The invention relates to the safety of vehicles when operated at night or in other reduced visibility conditions. In particular, the invention relates to switching the headlights of a vehicle between full beam and dipped beam, ensuring good illumination whilst avoiding dazzling other road users.

Headlights operating in the full beam condition provide the best dispersion of light for illuminating the approaching road, with maximum range and spread. Alternatively, the dipped beam condition directs the light produced by the headlights in a downward direction and slightly away from oncoming traffic. Therefore, in the dipped beam condition, the bulk of the light produced is used to illuminate the area directly in front of the vehicle, without dazzling other road users.

Headlights must be used at night or when visibility is otherwise reduced, such as in heavy rain. As a general principle, it is better for a driver of a vehicle to use full beam where possible as this gives the greatest range and spread of illumination. However, the driver must be careful not to dazzle other road users when using headlights in the full beam condition. Indeed, it may be a criminal offence to use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users. For example, when following another vehicle it is good practice to keep the headlights of a vehicle dipped until overtaking whereupon once level with the other vehicle one can change to main beam if necessary and appropriate. In addition, in order to avoid dazzling the driver of an oncoming vehicle, headlights should be switched temporarily from the full beam to the dipped beam condition until that vehicle has passed. Furthermore, regulations may specify that dipped headlights must be used in urban or built-up areas.

The upshot of this is that a driver may need to make numerous switching operations when driving, especially when driving down an unfamiliar, dark and winding road against oncoming traffic.

Changing between full beam and dipped beam is controlled by an actuator commonly known as a "dip switch". In some vehicles the dip switch comprises an electrical three-way switch. One connection of the three-way switch is connected to a power source. The other two connections, which the switch moves between, are each connected to earth via a respective pair of bulbs or filaments arranged in parallel, thus providing an electrical circuit. One pair of bulbs or filaments is used for the full beam condition and one pair is used for the dipped beam condition. The bulbs or filaments of the full beam pair are positioned in each respective headlight so that the light is reflected by the headlight reflector to illuminate as much of the approaching road as possible. The bulbs or filaments of the dipped beam pair are positioned in each respective headlight so that the light is reflected by the headlight reflector in the more restrictive manner of the dipped beam condition.

Alternatively, instead of a three-way electrical switch alternating the electrical current between each pair of bulbs or filaments, headlights operating in the full beam condition may pass electrical current through both the bulbs or filaments of the full beam pair together with the bulbs or filaments of the dipped beam pair. In this arrangement, the dip switch is used to break the electrical circuit of the full beam pair of bulbs or filaments, thus leaving the dipped beam pair illuminated and providing illumination for the approaching road in the more restrictive manner of the dipped beam condition.

The dip switch in early car models was positioned on the floor to the left of the steering column so that it could be operated by the left foot of the driver. However, there are several problems associated with having the dip switch in this position. The fact that the position of the switch is not within the driver's peripheral vision and is operated by the driver's foot (which is unlikely to offer a good sense of touch, especially as shoes are usually worn while driving) means that the headlights may not be changed from full beam to dipped beam or vice versa quickly enough to avoid dazzling other road users or to illuminate an onrushing hazard. If the driver is in the process of changing gear in a manual-transmission vehicle then he or she cannot operate the dip switch since the left foot will be operating the clutch pedal. Although this problem does not present itself in cars with automatic gearboxes, it is often inconvenient and sometimes difficult to operate the dip switch in this position, especially when travelling at speed or when cornering. Additionally, it is possible that the dip switch may be operated accidentally by the driver if he or she is careless.

In modern cars, the dip switch is usually operated by a stalk, which is a lever mounted on the housing surrounding the steering column directly behind the steering wheel. A dip switch in this position is operated by the driver's hand, thereby increasing the driver's ability to operate the dip switch by feel, and is in the peripheral vision of the driver. This reduces the time taken to change between full beam and dipped beam. However, in order to operate the dip switch the driver must at least adjust his or her grip of the steering wheel to release a hand or a finger to operate the switch. This has the unsatisfactory result of reducing the control the driver has over the vehicle, especially when the driver has to operate the switch frequently as may be necessary on a winding road. As operation of the dip switch is likely only to take place at night or in reduced visibility conditions such as heavy rain, this can result in a dangerous situation which may be exacerbated when travelling at speed or when cornering.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means to switch between full beam and dipped beam in a way that avoids the problems described above. In particular, the invention aims to make the process of switching from full beam to dipped beam and vice versa easier and safer when overtaking and approaching oncoming traffic thereby improving the safety of vehicles and other road users at night or when visibility is seriously reduced.

Against this background, the present invention resides in a vehicle equipped with headlights and a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel comprises an actuator capable of switching the light output of the headlights between full beam and dipped beam conditions.

In a preferred embodiment the steering wheel comprises at least one spoke on which the actuator is positioned. Additionally, the actuator may be offset toward an outer grip end of the spoke. When the steering wheel is in a straight-ahead position, the actuator may be positioned above the central horizontal plane of the wheel and also may be positioned to one side of the central vertical plane of the wheel.

The actuator may be positioned on the steering wheel to face a driver of the vehicle in use. Preferably, the actuator may be a switch, push-to-operate switch or a push-to-lock switch.

Suitably, the light output of the headlights switches to the dipped beam condition when the actuator is operated. Preferably, the light output of the headlights reverts to the full beam condition when the driver releases the actuator. Alternatively or in addition, the light output of the headlights continues in the dipped beam condition after release of the actuator. In a further embodiment, the light output of the headlights reverts to the full beam condition when the driver repeats operation of the actuator.

Preferably, the light output of the headlights is in the full beam condition unless the actuator is operated.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the actuator provides an auxiliary means of switching the light output of the headlights between the full beam and dipped beam conditions.

The invention also resides in a vehicle comprising one or more lights capable of outputting light in full beam and dipped beam conditions; a primary actuator for causing said light output to switch between the full beam and dipped beam conditions; and an auxiliary actuator for causing said light output to switch between the full beam and dipped beam conditions.

Preferably, the auxiliary actuator switches the condition determined by the primary actuator to the other of said conditions. Additionally, the auxiliary actuator may be effective to switch light output to the dipped beam condition only if said light output is in the full beam condition due to selection via the primary actuator. Suitably, operation of the auxiliary actuator breaks an electrical circuit that powers first light emitting elements associated with the full beam condition. Preferably, operation of the auxiliary actuator to break said electrical circuit also completes an electrical circuit that powers second light emitting elements associated with the dipped beam condition.

The auxiliary actuator may be on a steering wheel of the vehicle. Preferably, the primary actuator is not on the steering wheel of the vehicle, but may be on a steering column stalk or on a dashboard of the vehicle.

Suitably, the vehicle has first and second light emitting elements each associated with a respective one of the full beam and dipped beam conditions. Preferably, when the light output is in the full beam condition, the first and second light emitting elements both emit light. Or, suitably, when the light output is in the full beam condition, only the first light emitting elements emit light. Also, it is preferable that when the light output is in the dipped beam condition, only the second light emitting elements emit light.

The invention further resides in a steering wheel for a vehicle equipped with headlights, wherein the steering wheel comprises an actuator capable of causing the light output of the headlights to switch between full beam and dipped beam conditions.

The invention also resides in a steering wheel for use in the vehicle as described herein.

The invention further resides in a vehicle fitted with the steering wheel as described herein.

The invention further resides in a method of changing the light output of a vehicle headlight system, the output alternating between a full beam condition and a dipped beam condition, the method comprising selecting one of said conditions using a primary actuator; and operating an auxiliary actuator to change the condition to the other of said conditions. The method may further comprise using the auxiliary actuator to change the light output to the dipped beam condition when the primary actuator has selected the full beam condition. Preferably, the condition reverts to that selected by the primary actuator when operation of the auxiliary actuator ceases. Suitably, operation of the auxiliary actuator ceases upon being released by an operator. Alternatively, operation of the auxiliary actuator may cease upon subsequent operation thereof by an operator.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a steering wheel of the invention in use in a vehicle;

Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of an actuator situated on the steering wheel of the invention;

Figure 3 is a close-up perspective view of an actuator as in Figure 2 with the actuator shown in operation;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlight system according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle headlight system according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a steering wheel 2 is shown fitted inside a vehicle. The steering wheel 2 comprises an actuator 6 in the form of a push-button positioned on a spoke 8 of the steering wheel 2. As can be seen from Figure 1, and also Figures 2 and 3, the actuator 6 is conveniently positioned facing the driver of the vehicle such that the driver is able to operate the actuator 6 with his right thumb 10 without removing his right hand 22 from the steering wheel 2. In contrast, the driver's left hand 20 is shown operating a combination switch 16 conventionally sited on a stalk 4 projecting from the steering column housing 12 behind the steering wheel 2. The combination switch 16 is used to switch the headlights of the vehicle on and off and to switch between full beam and dipped beam conditions. As can be seen, in order to operate the combination switch 16 it is necessary for the driver to completely remove his left hand 20 from the grip 14 of the steering wheel 2.

To avoid removal of a hand from the steering wheel 2, it is advantageous for the driver to use the actuator 6 to alternate between the full beam and dipped beam conditions. However, in order for the actuator 6 to affect the spread of light produced by the headlights, the headlights must be in full beam, as is desirable when driving at night or in other conditions where visibility is reduced, other than when full beam would dazzle other road users.

In use, the driver of the vehicle firstly selects full beam using the combination switch 16. While driving the vehicle it may become necessary to switch temporarily from full beam to dipped beam, for example, if there is an oncoming car. The driver can do this quickly and conveniently by operating the actuator 6 without removing his right hand 22 from the steering wheel 2. Thus, the driver remains in full control of the vehicle because both of his hands 20, 22 remain on the steering wheel 2 while changing from full beam to dipped beam.

Figure 2 shows the normal driving position of the driver's right hand 22, in particular, the driver's right thumb 10 is shown conveniently resting on the spoke 8 of the steering wheel 2 close to the actuator 6. At night or in other reduced visibility conditions, as is required, the headlights will be in the full beam condition. If it becomes necessary for the driver of the vehicle to change the spread of light produced by the headlights of the vehicle temporarily from full beam to dipped beam, he can do so by operating the actuator 6 as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 shows the actuator 6 in operation. The driver operates the actuator 6 with his thumb 10. Operation of the actuator 6 by depressing the push-button changes the light output produced by the headlights from full beam to dipped beam. Operation of the actuator 6 ceases when the driver lifts his thumb 10 from the actuator 6, whereupon the push-button springs back, at which point the light output returns to full beam.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the light output of the headlights continues in the dipped beam condition after the driver lifts his thumb 10 from the actuator 6. In this case the push-button latches in the depressed position until released by a further operation. The light output can then be returned to full beam by a further operation of the actuator 6.

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the headlight system of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention. The diagram shows a combination switch 16 capable of controlling a left full beam bulb 18a and a right full beam bulb 18b, which together output light in the full beam condition. A pair of dipped beam bulbs (not shown), also controlled by the combination switch 16, together output light in the dipped beam condition. The dipped beam bulbs and the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b will typically reside in a pair of vehicle headlights (not shown).

The full beam bulbs 18a, 18b are positioned in each respective headlight to illuminate as much of the approaching road as possible. The dipped beam bulbs may be positioned in each respective headlight so that the light is reflected by the headlight reflector in the more restrictive manner of the dipped beam condition. Alternatively, each of the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b may respectively reside in a first pair of headlights and the pair of dipped beam bulbs may respectively reside in a second pair of headlights.

When the combination switch 16 is used to select the full beam condition for the headlights, electrical current is passed through both the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b and the bulbs of the dipped beam pair.

The combination switch 16 is connected to the vehicle's battery (not shown) by a first pair of wires 7a, 7b. The combination switch 16 is also connected to a second pair of wires 9a, 9b. The second pair of wires 9a, 9b are spliced and connected to the actuator which in this embodiment is a normally-closed electrical switch 6. The circuit on the other side of the switch 6 is divided into two wires 11a, 1 Ib, one connected to the left full beam bulb 18a and the other connected to the right full beam bulb 18b. Finally, the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b are each connected to earth by two wires 13a, 13b. Thus, when the circuit is completed, the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b together with the dipped beam bulbs are illuminated. In this embodiment, this is the full beam condition because the light produced has a full beam element and, as such, has the potential to dazzle other road users.

In the full beam condition, the actuator is not in operation which corresponds to the switch 6 functioning in the closed position, thereby allowing current to pass through the full beam bulbs 18 a, 18b. If it becomes necessary for the driver of the vehicle to change from full beam to dipped beam, for example, if there is an oncoming car, the electrical circuit to the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b can be broken by operating the actuator. This opens the switch 6 as shown, thereby preventing current passing through the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b. However, the pair of dipped beam bulbs continue to emit light in the dipped beam condition, thereby providing illumination without dazzling the driver of the oncoming car.

The headlight system may be returned to the full beam condition by ceasing operation of the actuator, i.e. releasing the actuator to close the switch 6, once the oncoming car has passed. Or, alternatively, the headlight system may be returned to the full beam condition by a further operation of the actuator, i.e. depressing the actuator again to unlatch it and hence close the switch 6.

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the headlight system of a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the invention. The diagram shows a combination switch 16 capable of controlling a left full beam bulb 18a and a right full beam bulb 18b, which together output light in the full beam condition. A pair of dipped beam bulbs (not shown), also controlled by the combination switch 16, produce light in dipped beam.

Again, the dipped beam bulbs and the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b will typically reside in a single pair of vehicle headlights (not shown) although as before, it is possible to separate full beam and dipped beam functions into separate pairs of headlights. In this further embodiment, when the combination switch 16 is used to select the full beam condition for the headlights, electrical current is passed through the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b only.

The combination switch 16 is connected to the vehicle's battery (not shown) by a first pair of wires 7a, 7b. The combination switch 16 is also connected to a second pair of wires 9a, 9b. The second pair of wires 9a, 9b are connected to a relay 22 by a pair of first connection means 24a, 24b respectively. The relay 22 is operated by an actuator in the form of an electrical switch 6. The relay 22 also has a pair of second connection means 26a, 26b connected to wires 11a, 1 Ib respectively which are connected in turn to the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b respectively. The full beam bulbs 18a, 18b are connected to earth by two wires 13a, 13b respectively. A pair of dipped beam bulbs (not shown) are connected to the relay 22 by a pair of third connection means 28a, 28b.

In the full beam condition, the actuator is not in operation which corresponds to the switch 6 being in the open position. In this situation, electrical current passes through the first and second connection means 24a, 26a via bridging means 30a to the left full beam bulb 18a and through the first and second connection means 24b, 26b via bridging means 30b to the right full beam bulb 18b, thereby illuminating the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b.

If it becomes necessary for the driver of the vehicle to change from full beam to dipped beam, for example, if there is an oncoming car, the relay 22 can be caused to change the position of the bridging means 30a, 30b by operating the actuator and thereby closing the electrical switch 6. In this situation, the bridging means 30a, 30b instead connects the first connection means 24a, 24b to the third connection means 28a, 28b respectively, as shown by dashed lines 32a, 32b in Figure 5. This breaks the electrical circuit to the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b, whilst simultaneously completing electrical circuits for the pair of dipped beam bulbs (not shown). Consequently, the full beam bulbs 18a, 18b cease to emit light and the pair of dipped beam bulbs (not shown) become illuminated providing light in the dipped beam condition without dazzling the driver of the oncoming car. As before, the headlight system can be returned to the full beam condition by releasing the actuator, i.e. opening the switch 6, once the oncoming car has passed. Or, alternatively, the headlight system may be returned to the full beam condition by a further operation of the actuator to unlatch it from a depressed position.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential attributes. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims and other general statements herein rather than to the foregoing specific description as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle equipped with headlights and a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel comprises an actuator capable of switching the light output of the headlights between full beam and dipped beam conditions.

2. The vehicle of Claim 1, wherein the steering wheel comprises at least one spoke on which the actuator is positioned.

3. The vehicle of Claim 2, wherein the actuator is offset toward an outer grip end of the spoke.

4. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein when the steering wheel is in a straight-ahead position, the actuator is positioned above the central horizontal plane of the wheel.

5. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein when the steering wheel is in a straight-ahead position, the actuator is positioned to one side of the central vertical plane of the wheel.

6. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein the actuator is positioned on the steering wheel to face a driver of the vehicle in use.

7. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein the actuator is a switch.

8. The vehicle of Claim 7, wherein the actuator is a push-to-operate switch.

9. The vehicle of Claim 7, wherein the actuator is a push-to-lock switch.

10. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein the light output of the headlights switches to the dipped beam condition when the actuator is operated.

11. The vehicle of Claim 10, wherein the light output of the headlights reverts to the full beam condition when the driver releases the actuator.

12. The vehicle of Claim 10, wherein the light output of the headlights continues in the dipped beam condition after the driver releases the actuator.

13. The vehicle of Claim 12, wherein the light output of the headlights reverts to the full beam condition when the driver repeats operation of the actuator.

14. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein the light output of the headlights is in the full beam condition unless the actuator is operated.

15. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, wherein the actuator provides an auxiliary means of switching the light output of the headlights between the full beam and dipped beam conditions.

16. A vehicle comprising: one or more lights capable of outputting light in full beam and dipped beam conditions; a primary actuator for causing said light output to switch between the full beam and dipped beam conditions; and an auxiliary actuator for causing said light output to switch between the full beam and dipped beam conditions.

17. The vehicle of Claim 16, wherein the auxiliary actuator switches the condition determined by the primary actuator to the other of said conditions.

18. The vehicle of Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the auxiliary actuator is effective to switch light output to the dipped beam condition only if said light output is in the full beam condition due to selection via the primary actuator.

19. The vehicle of any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein operation of the auxiliary actuator breaks an electrical circuit that powers first light emitting elements associated with the full beam condition.

20. The vehicle of Claim 19, wherein operation of the auxiliary actuator to break said electrical circuit also completes an electrical circuit that powers second light emitting elements associated with the dipped beam condition.

21. The vehicle of any of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the auxiliary actuator is on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

22. The vehicle of any of Claims 16 to 21, wherein the primary actuator is not on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

23. The vehicle of Claim 22, wherein the primary actuator is on a steering column stalk or on a dashboard of the vehicle.

24. The vehicle of any preceding Claim, further comprising first and second light emitting elements each associated with a respective one of the full beam and dipped beam conditions.

25. The vehicle of Claim 24, wherein when the light output is in the full beam condition, the first and second light emitting elements both emit light.

26. The vehicle of Claim 24, wherein when the light output is in the full beam condition, only the first light emitting elements emit light.

27. The vehicle of any of Claims 24 to 26, wherein when the light output is in the dipped beam condition, only the second light emitting elements emit light.

28. A steering wheel for a vehicle equipped with headlights, wherein the steering wheel comprises an actuator capable of causing the light output of the headlights to switch between full beam and dipped beam conditions.

29. A steering wheel for use in the vehicle of any of Claims 1 to 27.

30. A vehicle fitted with the steering wheel of Claim 28 or Claim 29.

31. A method of changing the light output of a vehicle headlight system, the output alternating between a full beam condition and a dipped beam condition, the method comprising: selecting one of said conditions using a primary actuator; and operating an auxiliary actuator to change the condition to the other of said conditions.

32. The method of Claim 31, comprising using the auxiliary actuator to change the light output to the dipped beam condition when the primary actuator has selected the full beam condition.

33. The method of Claim 31 or Claim 32, wherein the condition reverts to that selected by the primary actuator when operation of the auxiliary actuator ceases.

34. The method of Claim 33, wherein operation of the auxiliary actuator ceases upon being released by an operator.

35. The method of Claim 33, wherein operation of the auxiliary actuator ceases upon subsequent operation thereof by an operator.

36. A vehicle or a steering wheel, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of changing the light output of a vehicle headlight system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.