WO2016111009A1 - Led lamp drive device - Google Patents

Led lamp drive device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016111009A1
WO2016111009A1 PCT/JP2015/050520 JP2015050520W WO2016111009A1 WO 2016111009 A1 WO2016111009 A1 WO 2016111009A1 JP 2015050520 W JP2015050520 W JP 2015050520W WO 2016111009 A1 WO2016111009 A1 WO 2016111009A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
led lamp
constant current
voltage
unit
output voltage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2015/050520
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
勲 大城
Original Assignee
新電元工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 新電元工業株式会社 filed Critical 新電元工業株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2015/050520 priority Critical patent/WO2016111009A1/en
Priority to JP2016568251A priority patent/JP6275878B2/en
Publication of WO2016111009A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016111009A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the LED lamp drive device which can switch the LED lamp to light.
  • a vehicular lighting device including a plurality of LED lamps and an LED lamp driving device
  • the LED lamp driving device has a constant current power supply unit that outputs a constant current, and supplies a constant current to at least one of the plurality of LED lamps according to a user's control. Thereby, the LED lamp to light can be switched.
  • a vehicle lighting device is used as, for example, a headlight capable of switching between a high beam and a low beam.
  • the output voltage of the constant current power supply unit may be higher than the forward voltage of the LED lamp to be lit. In this case, since an excessive inrush current may flow through the LED lamp to be lit, the reliability of the LED lamp may be reduced.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an LED lamp driving device that can improve the reliability of the LED lamp.
  • An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp connected in series, A constant current power supply unit having a current output terminal for outputting a constant current, and a capacitor connected to the current output terminal; A switching unit that supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp; A voltage detector for detecting an output voltage of the current output terminal; A discharge part for discharging the charge of the capacitor; A controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the constant current after discharging the capacitor charge when the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current; It is characterized by providing.
  • the control unit supplies the constant current after the output voltage is reduced to the second voltage by discharging the capacitor.
  • the second voltage may be equal to or less than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and may be equal to or less than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  • the control unit When the output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the control unit is configured to supply the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor. May be controlled.
  • the first voltage may be lower than a sum of a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  • the control unit When supplying the constant current to both the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp, the control unit supplies the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor regardless of the output voltage.
  • the switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled.
  • the LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp connected in series with the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp,
  • the switching unit supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp
  • the control unit may repeatedly control the switching unit and the discharge unit so that the constant current is supplied to the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp one by one in order.
  • the control unit controls the switching unit to switch the supply destination of the constant current when the output voltage is out of a predetermined output voltage range,
  • the first voltage may be included in the output voltage range.
  • An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp, A first constant current power supply unit having a first current output terminal for outputting a first constant current; and a first capacitor connected to the first current output terminal; A second constant current power supply unit having a second current output terminal for outputting a second constant current, and a second capacitor connected to the second current output terminal; A switching unit for switching whether to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp, and for switching whether to supply the second constant current to the second LED lamp; A voltage detector for detecting a first output voltage of the one current output terminal and a second output voltage of the second current output terminal; A discharge part for discharging the charge of the first capacitor and the second capacitor; If the first output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the first constant current is supplied after discharging the charge of the first capacitor, and the second constant current is supplied.
  • a controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second
  • the control unit decreases the first output voltage to a third voltage due to discharge of the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the first constant current later, When the second output voltage is higher than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit reduces the second output voltage to the fourth voltage due to the discharge of the charge of the second capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second constant current later,
  • the third voltage is equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp;
  • the fourth voltage may be equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  • the control unit When the first output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the control unit supplies the first constant current without discharging the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit, When the second output voltage is equal to or lower than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit supplies the second constant current without discharging the charge of the second capacitor.
  • the switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled.
  • a third constant current power supply unit having a third current output terminal for outputting a third constant current; and a third capacitor connected to the third current output terminal;
  • the LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp,
  • the switching unit switches whether to supply the third constant current to the third LED lamp,
  • the voltage detector detects a third output voltage of the three current output terminals;
  • the control unit repeatedly supplies the first, second, or third constant current to the first, second, and third LED lamps one by one in order, and before supplying the third constant current, When the three output voltage is higher than the first voltage, the switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled to supply the third constant current after discharging the charge of the third capacitor.
  • the controller supplies the second constant current to the second LED lamp when the first output voltage is out of a predetermined first output voltage range, and the second output voltage is determined in advance.
  • the switching unit is controlled to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp,
  • the first voltage is included in the first output voltage range;
  • the second voltage may be included in the second output voltage range.
  • the constant current when the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the constant current is supplied after discharging the capacitor of the constant current power supply unit. As a result, a constant current can be supplied after the output voltage is lowered, so that an excessive inrush current does not flow to the LED lamp. Therefore, the reliability of the LED lamp can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment.
  • the vehicle lighting device 100 includes an LED lamp unit 10, an indicator 20, a battery B, an ignition switch SW1, a high beam switch SWH, a low beam switch SWL, an LED lamp driving device 30, Is provided.
  • the LED lamp unit 10 functions as a vehicle headlight and includes a first LED lamp 11 and a second LED lamp 12 connected in series.
  • Each of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 may include a plurality of LED elements connected in series or one LED element.
  • the first LED lamp 11 is for a high beam
  • the second LED lamp 12 is for a low beam.
  • the anode side terminal 12a is connected to the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11, and the cathode side terminal 12c is grounded.
  • the LED lamp unit 10 may include three or more LED lamps connected in series.
  • the indicator 20 is provided at a position where the user (driver) of the vehicle can easily see and informs the user of an abnormality by lighting.
  • the indicator 20 includes, for example, an LED element.
  • the ignition switch SW1 switches whether to supply the electric power of the battery B to the LED lamp driving device 30 according to the operation of the user.
  • the high beam switch SWH has one end grounded and the other end connected to the LED lamp driving device 30, and switches whether or not the first LED lamp 11 is lit according to the user's operation.
  • the low beam switch SWL has one end grounded and the other end connected to the LED lamp driving device 30, and switches whether or not the second LED lamp 12 is lit according to the user's operation.
  • the LED lamp driving device 30 drives the LED lamp unit 10.
  • the LED lamp driving device 30 includes a control power supply unit 31, an I / F (interface) unit 32, a constant current power supply unit 33, a predrive unit 34, a switching unit 35, a voltage detection unit 36, and a control unit 37. And a discharge unit 38 and an indicator driving unit 39.
  • the control power supply unit 31 generates the control power supply voltage VC using the power of the battery B supplied when the ignition switch SW1 is turned on and supplies the control power supply voltage VC to the control unit 37.
  • the I / F unit 32 is connected to the other end of the high beam switch SWH and the other end of the low beam switch SWL, and detects the state (conductive state or nonconductive state) of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 functions as an LED lamp drive power supply, and outputs a constant current IOUT for driving the LED lamp unit 10 using the power of the battery B supplied when the ignition switch SW1 is turned on.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 includes a current output terminal T1 that outputs the constant current IOUT, and a capacitor C1 connected to the current output terminal T1.
  • the capacitor C1 stabilizes the output voltage VOUT and the output current IOUT of the current output terminal T1.
  • the circuit system of the constant current power supply unit 33 is not particularly limited as long as it conforms to the forward voltage characteristics of the LED lamp unit 10, and any circuit system such as a dropper system, a step-down converter, a boost converter, and a buck-boost converter can be used. Good.
  • the pre-drive unit 34 drives the switching unit 35 according to the control of the control unit 37.
  • the switching unit 35 is supplied with a constant current IOUT from the current output terminal T1 of the constant current power supply unit 33, and this is applied to at least one of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 in accordance with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
  • a constant current IOUT is supplied.
  • the switching unit 35 has a first state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11, and a second state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12. And a third state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11 and the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11 is grounded.
  • the switching unit 35 includes a first switching element Q1, a second switching element Q2, a third switching element Q3, and resistors R1 to R6.
  • the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 may be P-type MOS transistors.
  • the third switching element Q3 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
  • the first switching element Q1 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the resistor R1 is connected between the source and gate of the first switching element Q1.
  • One end of the resistor R2 is connected to the gate of the first switching element Q1, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
  • the second switching element Q2 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the resistor R3 is connected between the source and the gate of the second switching element Q2.
  • the resistor R4 has one end connected to the gate of the second switching element Q2, and the other end supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
  • the third switching element Q3 is connected between the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11 and the ground.
  • the resistor R5 is connected between the source and gate of the third switching element Q3.
  • the resistor R6 has one end connected to the gate of the third switching element Q3 and the other end supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
  • the voltage detector 36 detects the output voltage VOUT of the current output terminal T1.
  • the control unit 37 is a microcomputer, for example, and controls the switching unit 35 via the pre-drive unit 34 according to the detection result in the I / F unit 32. Specifically, the control unit 37 controls the switching unit 35 to switch to the first state, the second state, or the third state according to the operation of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL by the user.
  • the control unit 37 has an abnormality (disconnection or short circuit) in the lighting of the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12.
  • the switching unit 35 is controlled so as to switch the supply destination of the constant current IOUT regardless of the operation by the user.
  • the minimum value of the output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the maximum value of the output voltage range is higher than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the discharge unit 38 is connected to the current output terminal T1, and discharges the capacitor C1.
  • Discharge unit 38 includes a switching element Q4 and resistors R7 to R9.
  • the switching element Q4 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
  • the resistor R7 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the drain of the switching element Q4.
  • the source of the switching element Q4 is grounded.
  • the resistor R8 is connected between the source and gate of the switching element Q4.
  • the resistor R9 has one end connected to the gate of the switching element Q4 and the other end supplied with a control signal from the control unit 37.
  • the control unit 37 supplies the constant current IOUT after discharging the capacitor C1.
  • the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled.
  • the first voltage V ⁇ b> 1 is lower than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the first voltage V1 is included in the output voltage range.
  • the indicator driving unit 39 drives the indicator 20 according to the control of the control unit 37.
  • the control unit 37 causes the indicator driving unit 39 to drive the indicator 20.
  • the operation of the LED lamp driving device 30 will be described in more detail.
  • the ignition switch SW ⁇ b> 1 is turned on by a user's operation
  • the power of the battery B is supplied to the control power supply unit 31 and the constant current power supply unit 33.
  • the control power supply unit 31 generates the control power supply voltage VC and supplies it to the control unit 37.
  • the control unit 37 starts operation by this control power supply voltage VC.
  • the I / F unit 32 detects the states of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL, and sends the detection results to the control unit 37. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 37 switches the first, second, and third switching elements Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the switching unit 35 according to the detection result.
  • the first, second, and third switching elements Q1, Q2, and Q3 are not conductive (OFF). Therefore, the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not lit.
  • the switching unit 35 When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are conductive (CLOSE), the switching unit 35 is switched to the first state. In the first state, the first switching element Q1 conducts (ON), and the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 do not conduct.
  • the switching unit 35 When the high beam switch SWH is non-conductive and the low beam switch SWL is conductive, the switching unit 35 is switched to the second state. In the second state, the second switching element Q2 conducts, and the first switching element Q1 and the third switching element Q3 do not conduct.
  • the switching unit 35 When the high beam switch SWH is conductive and the low beam switch SWL is nonconductive, the switching unit 35 is switched to the third state. In the third state, the first switching element Q1 and the third switching element Q3 are conducted, and the second switching element Q2 is not conducted.
  • control unit 37 outputs an operation start signal S1 to the constant current power supply unit 33.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 outputs a constant current IOUT. Therefore, in the first state, the constant current IOUT flows through the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12, and high beam and low beam lighting is performed.
  • the constant current IOUT flows through the second LED lamp 12, the current does not flow through the first LED lamp 11, and low beam lighting is performed.
  • the constant current IOUT flows through the first LED lamp 11, the current does not flow through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam lighting is performed.
  • the output voltage VOUT of the constant current power supply unit 33 rises and deviates from the output voltage range.
  • the output voltage VOUT decreases and falls outside the output voltage range.
  • the output voltage VOUT does not deviate from the output voltage range, and the other that is not short-circuited continues to be lit. .
  • control unit 37 switches to the second state or the third state, and when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the second state, The switching unit 35 is controlled to switch to the second state when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the third state.
  • control unit 37 outputs the output voltage VOUT in the second state when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, and then in the third state, the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, or in the third state. If the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the second state after that, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops the output of the constant current IOUT.
  • the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT. Note that the second LED lamp 12 may be turned on first when an abnormality is detected when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched from the off state to the on state of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the output voltage VOUT is sufficiently lower than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are extinguished until time t1. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned on at time t1, the capacitor C1 is not discharged, the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11, and the first LED lamp 11 is turned on. The same operation is performed when the low beam switch SWL is turned on instead of the high beam switch SWH at time t1 and when the low beam switch SWL is turned on in addition to the high beam switch SWH.
  • the control unit 37 supplies the constant current IOUT without discharging the charge of the capacitor C1.
  • the unit 38 is controlled.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched off to a state where the first LED lamp 11 is turned on.
  • the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are turned off until time t11. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned on at time t11, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. After that, at time t12, the output voltage VOUT decreases to the second voltage V2 due to the discharge, and then the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11. Thereby, the 1st LED lamp 11 lights. That is, the discharge time is from time t11 to t12.
  • the second voltage V ⁇ b> 2 is less than or equal to the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and less than or equal to the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. Therefore, since an excessive output voltage VOUT is not applied to the first LED lamp 11, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11. The same operation is performed when the low beam switch SWL is turned on instead of the high beam switch SWH at time t11.
  • the control unit 37 reduces the constant voltage IOUT after the output voltage VOUT is reduced to the second voltage V2 by discharging the capacitor C1.
  • the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled so as to supply.
  • the second voltage V2 is included in the output voltage range.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first LED lamp 11 is switched on and the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched on.
  • the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 is lower than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. Therefore, when the low beam switch SWL is turned on at time t21, the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 without discharging the capacitor C1. Thereby, the 1st and 2nd LED lamps 11 and 12 light.
  • the controller 37 supplies the constant current IOUT without discharging the capacitor C1 regardless of the output voltage VOUT.
  • the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched from the lit state to the lit state of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are lit up to time t31. Therefore, when the low beam switch SWL is turned off at time t31, the capacitor C1 is discharged. Then, after the output voltage VOUT drops to the second voltage V2 at time t32, the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied only to the first LED lamp 11. As a result, the first LED lamp 11 is turned on and the second LED lamp 12 is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11. The same operation is performed when the high beam switch SWH is turned off in place of the low beam switch SWL at time t31.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first LED lamp 11 is turned on and the second LED lamp 12 is turned on.
  • the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 is higher than the first voltage V ⁇ b> 1 and higher than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned off at time t41 and the low beam switch SWL is turned on, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. Then, after the output voltage VOUT drops to the second voltage V2 at time t42, the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied to the second LED lamp 12. As a result, the first LED lamp 11 is turned off and the second LED lamp 12 is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the second LED lamp 11.
  • the high beam switch SWH is turned on and the low beam switch SWL is turned off at time t41. In this case, the same operation is performed.
  • the output voltage VOUT when the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT to the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. After that, the constant current IOUT is supplied.
  • the constant current IOUT when the first or second LED lamps 11 and 12 are lit, the constant current IOUT can be supplied after the output voltage VOUT is lowered, so that an excessive inrush current is applied to the first or second LED lamps 11 and 12. It can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 can be improved.
  • the supply destination of the constant current IOUT is switched.
  • the disconnection or short circuit occurs in the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 that is lit and the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the other first LED lamp 11 or The second LED lamp 12 can be turned on. That is, if the other first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 is normal, it is possible to prevent the headlight from being completely turned off without the user operating the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cope with the abnormality of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12.
  • the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT, so that safety can be improved.
  • the LED lamp unit 10 as a headlight does not completely turn off, so that the user may not notice the abnormality.
  • the LED lamp unit 10 when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, the indicator 20 that is easily visible to the user is turned on, so that the user can easily notice abnormally.
  • the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not connected in series.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described below.
  • the LED lamp unit 10 ⁇ / b> A includes a first LED lamp 11 and a second LED lamp 12. Unlike the first embodiment, the first LED lamp 11 has an anode side terminal 11a connected to the LED lamp driving device 30A and a cathode side terminal 11c grounded. In the second LED lamp 12, the anode side terminal 12a is connected to the LED lamp driving device 30A, and the cathode side terminal 12c is grounded.
  • the LED lamp unit 10A may include three or more LED lamps.
  • the LED lamp driving device 30A includes a control power supply unit 31, an I / F unit 32, a first constant current power supply unit 33A1, a second constant current power supply unit 33A2, a pre-drive unit 34A, a switching unit 35A, a voltage A detection unit 36A, a control unit 37A, a discharge unit 38A, and an indicator driving unit 39 are provided.
  • the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 includes a first current output terminal T1 that outputs a first constant current IOUT1, and a first capacitor C1 that is connected to the first current output terminal T1.
  • the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 starts operation in response to the operation start signal S1 from the control unit 37A.
  • the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 has a second current output terminal T2 that outputs a second constant current IOUT2, and a second capacitor C2 connected to the second current output terminal T2.
  • the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 starts to operate in response to the operation start signal S2 from the control unit 37A.
  • the number of constant current power supply units may be the same as the number of LED lamps.
  • the switching unit 35A switches whether to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11, and switches whether to supply the second constant current IOUT2 to the second LED lamp 12.
  • the switching unit 35A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11 and supplies the second constant current IOUT2 to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12, and the first LED lamp
  • the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12 without supplying the first constant current IOUT1 to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11, and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11
  • the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied and the third state in which the second constant current IOUT2 is not supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12 is switched.
  • the switching unit 35A includes a first switching element Q1, a second switching element Q2, and resistors R1 to R4.
  • the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 may be P-type MOS transistors.
  • the first switching element Q1 is connected between the first current output terminal T1 and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the resistor R1 is connected between the source and gate of the first switching element Q1.
  • One end of the resistor R2 is connected to the gate of the first switching element Q1, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34A.
  • the second switching element Q2 is connected between the second current output terminal T2 and the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the resistor R3 is connected between the source and the gate of the second switching element Q2.
  • One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the gate of the second switching element Q2, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34A.
  • the voltage detector 36A detects the first output voltage VOUT1 of the first current output terminal T1 and the second output voltage VOUT2 of the second current output terminal T2.
  • the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 to the second LED lamp 12 and the second output voltage VOUT2 is determined in advance.
  • the switching unit 35A is controlled to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11.
  • the minimum value of the first output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11, and the maximum value of the first output voltage range is higher than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11.
  • the minimum value of the second output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12, and the maximum value of the second output voltage range is higher than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
  • the first output voltage range may be the same as the second output voltage range.
  • the control unit 37A controls the switching unit 35A so as to switch the first state, the second state, or the third state in accordance with an operation by the user.
  • control unit 37A switches the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 of the switching unit 35A according to the respective states of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL.
  • the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 are not conductive. Therefore, the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not lit.
  • the switching unit 35A When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are conductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the first state. In the first state, the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 are conductive. Therefore, the first constant current IOUT1 flows through the first LED lamp 11, the second constant current IOUT2 flows through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam and low beam lighting is performed.
  • the switching unit 35A When the high beam switch SWH is non-conductive and the low beam switch SWL is conductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the second state. In the second state, the second switching element Q2 is conductive and the first switching element Q1 is not conductive. Therefore, the second constant current IOUT2 flows through the second LED lamp 12, and no current flows through the first LED lamp 11, resulting in low beam lighting.
  • the switching unit 35A When the high beam switch SWH is conductive and the low beam switch SWL is nonconductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the third state. In the third state, the first switching element Q1 is conductive and the second switching element Q2 is not conductive. Therefore, the first constant current IOUT1 flows through the first LED lamp 11, the current does not flow through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam lighting is performed.
  • the first output voltage VOUT1 rises and falls outside the first output voltage range.
  • the second output voltage VOUT2 rises and deviates from the second output voltage range.
  • the first output voltage VOUT1 decreases and falls outside the first output voltage range.
  • the second output voltage VOUT2 decreases and falls outside the second output voltage range.
  • the control unit 37A switches to the second state regardless of the operation by the user, and when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, The switching unit 35A is controlled so as to switch to the third state regardless of the operation by the user.
  • control unit 37A determines that the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range and then the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, or the second output voltage VOUT2 is the second output.
  • the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 are supplied with the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2. The output of is stopped.
  • first state If an abnormality is detected in the second output voltage VOUT2 when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on (first state), only the first high-beam LED lamp 11 is turned on (third state). . If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
  • the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
  • the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
  • the discharge unit 38A is connected to the first current output terminal T1 and the second current output terminal T2, and discharges the charges of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.
  • the discharge unit 38A includes a switching element Q5 and resistors R10 to R12 in addition to the configuration of the discharge unit 38 of the first embodiment.
  • the switching element Q5 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
  • the resistor R10 is connected between the second current output terminal T2 and the drain of the switching element Q5.
  • the source of the switching element Q5 is grounded.
  • the resistor R11 is connected between the source and gate of the switching element Q5.
  • the resistor R12 has one end connected to the gate of the switching element Q5 and the other end supplied with a control signal from the control unit 37A.
  • the control unit 37A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 after discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1.
  • the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
  • the first voltage V11 is included in the first output voltage range.
  • the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 after discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. In this manner, the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
  • the second voltage V12 is included in the second output voltage range. The first voltage V11 and the second voltage V12 may be equal.
  • the control unit 37A causes the first output voltage VOUT1 to be changed to the third voltage V13 by discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1.
  • the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled so that the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied after the voltage decreases to the maximum.
  • the third voltage V13 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11, and is included in the first output voltage range.
  • the control unit 37A causes the second output voltage VOUT2 to be changed to the fourth voltage V14 by discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2.
  • the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled so that the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied after the voltage decreases to the maximum.
  • the fourth voltage V14 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12, and is included in the second output voltage range.
  • the third voltage V13 and the fourth voltage V14 may be equal.
  • the control unit 37A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 without discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1. In this manner, the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
  • the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 without discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2.
  • the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
  • control unit 37A drives the indicator 20 to the indicator driving unit 39 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range or when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in the first output voltage VOUT1 of the LED lamp driving device 30A.
  • a disconnection occurs in the lit first LED lamp 11, and the first output voltage VOUT1 rises to the maximum value until time t51.
  • the user turns off the ignition switch SW1 and replaces the disconnected first LED lamp 11 with a normal product.
  • the first output voltage VOUT1 gradually decreases due to, for example, natural discharge of the electric charge of the first capacitor C1.
  • the discharge unit 38A discharges the charge of the first capacitor C1.
  • the discharge of the charge of the first capacitor C1 is stopped, and the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the first LED lamp 11.
  • the 1st LED lamp 11 lights. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11. The same operation is performed when the second LED lamp 12 is disconnected.
  • the first capacitor C1 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is higher than the first voltage V11 before supplying the first constant current IOUT1, the first capacitor C1 is discharged after the first capacitor C1 is discharged.
  • One constant current IOUT1 is supplied.
  • the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied after discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. Accordingly, since the first constant current IOUT1 or the second constant current IOUT2 can be supplied after the first output voltage VOUT1 or the second output voltage VOUT2 is lowered, an excessive inrush current is applied to the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12. Can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 can be improved.
  • the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the second LED lamp 12, and when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, the first LED is output.
  • the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the lamp 11.
  • the first and second constant current power supply units 33A1 and 33A2 are lower than in the first embodiment. What is necessary is just to be able to respond
  • the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the second LED lamp 12 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range regardless of the user's operation, and the second output voltage VOUT2 is supplied.
  • the function of supplying the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11 is provided when the voltage falls outside the second output voltage range.
  • this function may not be provided. Even in this case, the inrush current can be prevented from flowing.
  • the vehicle lighting device 100 of the first embodiment is configured as a direction indicating device.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device (direction indicating device) 100B according to the third embodiment.
  • the same reference numerals are given to the components common to FIG. 1, and the differences will be mainly described below.
  • the vehicle lighting device 100B has a right LED lamp unit 10R and a left LED lamp unit 10L that function as a direction indicator lamp.
  • the LED lamp driving device 30B drives at least one of the LED lamp unit 10R and the LED lamp unit 10L.
  • Each LED lamp unit 10R, 10L further includes a third LED lamp 13 connected in series to the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 in addition to the configuration of the LED lamp unit 10 of the first embodiment.
  • the third LED lamp 13 has a cathode side terminal 13 c connected to the anode side terminal 11 a of the first LED lamp 11.
  • Each LED lamp unit 10R, 10L may include four or more LED lamps connected in series.
  • the switching unit 35B supplies a constant current IOUT to at least one of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13 in the LED lamp unit 10R or 10L according to the drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34B.
  • illustration of a specific configuration of the switching unit 35B is omitted, for example, a configuration using a plurality of switching elements may be used as in the first embodiment.
  • the control unit 37B blinks the selected LED lamp unit 10R when the right direction indicating switch R-SW is turned on by the user's operation, and selects when the left direction indicating switch L-SW is turned on.
  • the switching unit 35B is controlled via the pre-drive unit 34B so as to blink the LED lamp unit 10L.
  • the controller 37B repeatedly switches the selected LED lamp unit 10R or 10L so that the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13 one by one in order. To control. Thereby, in the selected LED lamp unit 10R or 10L, the first LED lamp 11 is lit for a certain period, then the second LED lamp 12 is lit for a certain period, and then the third LED lamp 13 is lit for a certain period. Repeat the operation. Accordingly, the LED lamp units 10R and 10L blink as so-called “flowing blinkers”.
  • the first, second, and third LED lamps 11 to 13 may include one having a high forward voltage. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, when the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT, the control unit 37B supplies the constant current IOUT after discharging the capacitor C1. To do. As a result, even if the output voltage VOUT is increased due to a high forward voltage, the constant current IOUT can be supplied after the output voltage VOUT is lowered, so that the first, second, or third LED lamps 11 to 13 are supplied. An excessive inrush current can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first, second and third LED lamps 11 to 13 can be improved.
  • the output voltage VOUT rises and deviates from the output voltage range.
  • the output voltage VOUT decreases and falls outside the output voltage range.
  • the control unit 37B switches so that the constant current IOUT is intermittently supplied to two of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13.
  • the unit 35B is controlled. Specifically, the control unit 37B applies two LED lamps other than the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13 to which the constant current IOUT is supplied when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range.
  • the switching unit 35B is controlled so as to supply the constant current IOUT intermittently.
  • the LED lamp unit 10R or 10L operates as a “flowing winker”. Is stopped and the same blinking operation as that of a known winker is performed. Therefore, even if any one of the first to third LED lamps 11 to 13 is not lit, it is difficult for the driver of the surrounding vehicle to be surprised. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cope with the abnormality of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13.
  • the two LED lamp units 10R and 10L may be blinked simultaneously as a hazard operation.
  • the vehicle lighting device 100A of the second embodiment is configured as a direction indicating device.
  • FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device (direction indicating device) 100C according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described below.
  • the vehicle lighting device 100C includes a right LED lamp unit 10AR and a left LED lamp unit 10AL that function as direction indicators.
  • Each LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL further includes a third LED lamp 13 in addition to the configuration of the LED lamp unit 10A of the second embodiment.
  • the anode side terminal 13a is connected to the LED lamp driving device 30C, and the cathode side terminal 13c is grounded.
  • Each LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL may include four or more LED lamps.
  • the LED lamp driving device 30C further includes a third constant current power supply unit 33A3 including a third current output terminal T3 that outputs a third constant current IOUT3, and a third capacitor C3 connected to the third current output terminal T3.
  • the third constant current power supply unit 33A3 starts to operate in response to the operation start signal S3 from the control unit 37C.
  • the number of constant current power supply units may be the same as the number of LED lamps.
  • the switching unit 35C switches whether to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11 in the LED lamp unit 10AR or 10AL in accordance with the drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34C, and supplies the second LED lamp 12 with the second signal. Whether to supply the constant current IOUT2 is switched, and whether to supply the third constant current IOUT3 to the third LED lamp 13 is switched.
  • the switching unit 35C can be configured to further include switching elements Q3 to Q6 in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the switching elements Q1 to Q6 are indicated by switch symbols for the sake of clarity, but the switching elements Q1 to Q6 can be configured by transistors as in the second embodiment.
  • the voltage detector 36C detects the third output voltage VOUT3 of the third current output terminal T3 in addition to the function of the second embodiment.
  • the control unit 37C switches through the pre-drive unit 34C so as to blink the selected LED lamp unit 10AR or 10AL according to the state of the direction indicating switches R-SW and L-SW operated by the user.
  • the unit 35C is controlled.
  • the controller 37C repeatedly repeats the first, second, or third constant current IOUT1, one by one for the first, second, and third LED lamps 11, 12, and 13, respectively.
  • the switching unit 35C is controlled to supply IOUT2 and IOUT3. Thereby, like 3rd Embodiment, LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL blinks as a "flowing blinker".
  • the discharging unit 38C discharges the charge of the third capacitor C3 in addition to the function of the second embodiment.
  • control unit 37C discharges the charge of the third capacitor C3 when the third output voltage VOUT3 is higher than the fifth voltage V15 before supplying the third constant current IOUT3.
  • the switching unit 35C and the discharge unit 38C are controlled so that the third constant current IOUT3 is supplied after the third output voltage VOUT3 is reduced to the sixth voltage V16 due to the discharge of electric charge.
  • the first voltage V11, the second voltage V12, and the fifth voltage V15 may be equal.
  • the sixth voltage V ⁇ b> 16 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the third LED lamp 13.
  • the third voltage V13, the fourth voltage V14, and the sixth voltage V16 may be equal.
  • the control unit 37C supplies the third constant current IOUT3 without discharging the charge of the third capacitor C3.
  • the switching unit 35C and the discharge unit 38C are controlled.
  • the first output voltage VOUT1 rises to a maximum value. Therefore, when the disconnected first LED lamp 11 is replaced with a normal product and turned on again, the first output voltage VOUT1 may be higher than the first voltage V11. In this case, the discharge unit 38C discharges the charge of the first capacitor C1. Then, after the first output voltage VOUT1 has dropped to the third voltage V13, the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the first LED lamp 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11. The same operation is performed when the second or third LED lamps 12 and 13 are disconnected.
  • control unit 37C intermittently supplies the second and third constant currents IOUT2 and IOUT3 to the second and third LED lamps 12 and 13 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range.
  • the switching unit 35C is controlled.
  • the controller 37C may intermittently supply the first and third constant currents IOUT1 and IOUT3 to the first and third LED lamps 11 and 13 when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range.
  • the switching unit 35C is controlled.
  • the controller 37C intermittently supplies the first and second constant currents IOUT1 and IOUT2 to the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 when the third output voltage VOUT3 is outside the predetermined third output voltage range.
  • the switching unit 35C is controlled.
  • the fifth voltage V15 and the sixth voltage V16 described above are included in the third output voltage range.
  • the two LED lamp units 10AR and 10AL may be configured to blink at the same time as a hazard operation in accordance with a user operation.

Abstract

This LED lamp drive device 30 drives an LED lamp unit 10 containing a first LED lamp 11 and a second LED lamp 12 connected in series. The LED lamp drive device 30 comprises: a constant current power source unit 33 having a current output terminal T1 for sending out a constant current IOUT and a capacitor C1 connected to the current output terminal T1; a switching unit 35 for supplying the constant current IOUT to at least either of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12; a voltage detection unit 36 for detecting the output voltage VOUT of the current output terminal T1; a discharge unit 38 for discharging the electric charge of the capacitor C1; and a control unit 37 for controlling the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 in such a manner that if, before supplying the constant current IOUT, the output voltage VOUT is higher than a first voltage V1, the constant current IOUT is supplied after the electric charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged.

Description

ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置LED lamp driving device
　本発明は、点灯させるＬＥＤランプを切り替えることができるＬＥＤランプ駆動装置に関する。 This invention relates to the LED lamp drive device which can switch the LED lamp to light.
　従来、複数のＬＥＤランプと、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置と、を備える車両用灯火装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置は、定電流を出力する定電流電源部を有しており、使用者の制御に応じて、複数のＬＥＤランプの少なくとも何れかに定電流を供給して点灯させる。これにより、点灯させるＬＥＤランプを切り替えることができる。このような車両用灯火装置は、例えば、ハイビームとロービームを切り替え可能なヘッドライト等として用いられる。 Conventionally, a vehicular lighting device including a plurality of LED lamps and an LED lamp driving device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The LED lamp driving device has a constant current power supply unit that outputs a constant current, and supplies a constant current to at least one of the plurality of LED lamps according to a user's control. Thereby, the LED lamp to light can be switched. Such a vehicle lighting device is used as, for example, a headlight capable of switching between a high beam and a low beam.
特開２００４－１３６７１９号公報JP 2004-136719 A
　しかしながら、電源投入時や、点灯させるＬＥＤランプの切り替え時において、定電流電源部の出力電圧が、点灯させるＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧よりも高くなっている場合がある。この場合、点灯させるＬＥＤランプに過大な突入電流が流れる恐れがあるため、ＬＥＤランプの信頼性が低下する可能性がある。 However, when the power is turned on or when the LED lamp to be lit is switched, the output voltage of the constant current power supply unit may be higher than the forward voltage of the LED lamp to be lit. In this case, since an excessive inrush current may flow through the LED lamp to be lit, the reliability of the LED lamp may be reduced.
　そこで、本発明は、ＬＥＤランプの信頼性を向上できるＬＥＤランプ駆動装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an LED lamp driving device that can improve the reliability of the LED lamp.
　本発明の一態様に係るＬＥＤランプ駆動装置は、
　直列接続された第１ＬＥＤランプ及び第２ＬＥＤランプを含むＬＥＤランプユニットを駆動するＬＥＤランプ駆動装置であって、
　定電流を出力する電流出力端子と、前記電流出力端子に接続されたコンデンサと、を有する定電流電源部と、
　前記第１ＬＥＤランプと前記第２ＬＥＤランプの少なくとも何れかに前記定電流を供給する切り替え部と、
　前記電流出力端子の出力電圧を検出する電圧検出部と、
　前記コンデンサの電荷を放電する放電部と、
　前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が第１電圧より高い場合、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する制御部と、を備える
　ことを特徴とする。 An LED lamp driving device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided.
An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp connected in series,
A constant current power supply unit having a current output terminal for outputting a constant current, and a capacitor connected to the current output terminal;
A switching unit that supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp;
A voltage detector for detecting an output voltage of the current output terminal;
A discharge part for discharging the charge of the capacitor;
A controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the constant current after discharging the capacitor charge when the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current; It is characterized by providing.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が前記第１電圧より高い場合、前記コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記出力電圧が第２電圧まで低下した後で前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
　前記第２電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であり、且つ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であってもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
When the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the control unit supplies the constant current after the output voltage is reduced to the second voltage by discharging the capacitor. And controlling the switching unit and the discharge unit,
The second voltage may be equal to or less than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and may be equal to or less than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が前記第１電圧以下の場合、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御してもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
When the output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the control unit is configured to supply the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor. May be controlled.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記第１電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧と前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧との和より低くてもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
The first voltage may be lower than a sum of a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第２ＬＥＤランプの両者に前記定電流を供給する場合、前記出力電圧によらず、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御してもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
When supplying the constant current to both the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp, the control unit supplies the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor regardless of the output voltage. The switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記ＬＥＤランプユニットは、前記第１ＬＥＤランプと前記第２ＬＥＤランプとに直列接続された第３ＬＥＤランプを更に含み、
　前記切り替え部は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第３ＬＥＤランプの少なくとも何れかに前記定電流を供給し、
　前記制御部は、繰り返し、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第３ＬＥＤランプに１つずつ順番に前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御してもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
The LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp connected in series with the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp,
The switching unit supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp,
The control unit may repeatedly control the switching unit and the discharge unit so that the constant current is supplied to the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp one by one in order.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記出力電圧が予め定められた出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記定電流の供給先を切り替えるように前記切り替え部を制御し、
　前記第１電圧は、前記出力電圧範囲内に含まれていてもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
The control unit controls the switching unit to switch the supply destination of the constant current when the output voltage is out of a predetermined output voltage range,
The first voltage may be included in the output voltage range.
　本発明の他の一態様に係るＬＥＤランプ駆動装置は、
　第１ＬＥＤランプ及び第２ＬＥＤランプを含むＬＥＤランプユニットを駆動するＬＥＤランプ駆動装置であって、
　第１定電流を出力する第１電流出力端子と、前記第１電流出力端子に接続された第１コンデンサと、を有する第１定電流電源部と、
　第２定電流を出力する第２電流出力端子と、前記第２電流出力端子に接続された第２コンデンサと、を有する第２定電流電源部と、
　前記第１ＬＥＤランプに前記第１定電流を供給するか否か切り替え、前記第２ＬＥＤランプに前記第２定電流を供給するか否か切り替える切り替え部と、
　前記１電流出力端子の第１出力電圧及び前記第２電流出力端子の第２出力電圧を検出する電圧検出部と、
　前記第１コンデンサ及び前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電する放電部と、
　前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が第１電圧より高い場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第１定電流を供給し、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が第２電圧より高い場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する制御部と、を備える、
　ことを特徴とする。 An LED lamp driving device according to another aspect of the present invention is provided.
An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp,
A first constant current power supply unit having a first current output terminal for outputting a first constant current; and a first capacitor connected to the first current output terminal;
A second constant current power supply unit having a second current output terminal for outputting a second constant current, and a second capacitor connected to the second current output terminal;
A switching unit for switching whether to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp, and for switching whether to supply the second constant current to the second LED lamp;
A voltage detector for detecting a first output voltage of the one current output terminal and a second output voltage of the second current output terminal;
A discharge part for discharging the charge of the first capacitor and the second capacitor;
If the first output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the first constant current is supplied after discharging the charge of the first capacitor, and the second constant current is supplied. A controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second constant current after discharging the electric charge of the second capacitor when the second output voltage is higher than the second voltage. And comprising
It is characterized by that.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が前記第１電圧より高い場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記第１出力電圧が第３電圧まで低下した後で前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
　前記制御部は、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が前記第２電圧より高い場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記第２出力電圧が第４電圧まで低下した後で前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
　前記第３電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であり、
　前記第４電圧は、前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であってもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
When the first output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the control unit decreases the first output voltage to a third voltage due to discharge of the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the first constant current later,
When the second output voltage is higher than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit reduces the second output voltage to the fourth voltage due to the discharge of the charge of the second capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second constant current later,
The third voltage is equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp;
The fourth voltage may be equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が前記第１電圧以下の場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
　前記制御部は、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が前記第２電圧以下の場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御してもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
When the first output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the control unit supplies the first constant current without discharging the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit,
When the second output voltage is equal to or lower than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit supplies the second constant current without discharging the charge of the second capacitor. The switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　第３定電流を出力する第３電流出力端子と、前記第３電流出力端子に接続された第３コンデンサと、を有する第３定電流電源部を更に備え、
　前記ＬＥＤランプユニットは、第３ＬＥＤランプを更に含み、
　前記切り替え部は、前記第３ＬＥＤランプに前記第３定電流を供給するか否か切り替え、
　前記電圧検出部は、前記３電流出力端子の第３出力電圧を検出し、
　前記制御部は、繰り返し、前記第１、第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプに１つずつ順番に前記第１、第２又は第３定電流を供給し、前記第３定電流を供給する前に前記第３出力電圧が前記第１電圧より高い場合、前記第３コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第３定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御してもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
A third constant current power supply unit having a third current output terminal for outputting a third constant current; and a third capacitor connected to the third current output terminal;
The LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp,
The switching unit switches whether to supply the third constant current to the third LED lamp,
The voltage detector detects a third output voltage of the three current output terminals;
The control unit repeatedly supplies the first, second, or third constant current to the first, second, and third LED lamps one by one in order, and before supplying the third constant current, When the three output voltage is higher than the first voltage, the switching unit and the discharge unit may be controlled to supply the third constant current after discharging the charge of the third capacitor.
　また、前記ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置において、
　前記制御部は、前記第１出力電圧が予め定められた第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記第２ＬＥＤランプに前記第２定電流を供給し、前記第２出力電圧が予め定められた第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記第１ＬＥＤランプに前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部を制御し、
　前記第１電圧は、前記第１出力電圧範囲内に含まれ、
　前記第２電圧は、前記第２出力電圧範囲内に含まれていてもよい。 In the LED lamp driving device,
The controller supplies the second constant current to the second LED lamp when the first output voltage is out of a predetermined first output voltage range, and the second output voltage is determined in advance. When the output voltage range is out of range, the switching unit is controlled to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp,
The first voltage is included in the first output voltage range;
The second voltage may be included in the second output voltage range.
　本発明によれば、定電流を供給する前に出力電圧が第１電圧より高い場合、定電流電源部のコンデンサの電荷を放電した後で定電流を供給するようにしている。これにより、出力電圧を低下させた後で定電流を供給できるため、ＬＥＤランプに過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。従って、ＬＥＤランプの信頼性を向上できる。 According to the present invention, when the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the constant current is supplied after discharging the capacitor of the constant current power supply unit. As a result, a constant current can be supplied after the output voltage is lowered, so that an excessive inrush current does not flow to the LED lamp. Therefore, the reliability of the LED lamp can be improved.
第１の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the vehicle lighting device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 第１の実施形態に係るハイビームスイッチ及びロービームスイッチの状態と、第１、第２及び第３スイッチング素子の状態との関係を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the relationship between the state of the high beam switch and low beam switch which concern on 1st Embodiment, and the state of a 1st, 2nd and 3rd switching element. 第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプが消灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプが点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧の変化の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the change of an output voltage when the state which the 1st and 2nd LED lamp is extinguished switches to the state which a 1st LED lamp lights. 第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプが消灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプが点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧の変化の他の例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the other example of the change of an output voltage when it switches from the state in which the 1st and 2nd LED lamps are extinguished to the state in which the 1st LED lamp lights. 第１ＬＥＤランプが点灯している状態から、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプが点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧の変化の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the change of an output voltage when it switches from the state in which the 1st LED lamp is lighted to the state in which the 1st and 2nd LED lamp is lighted. 第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプが点灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプが点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧の変化の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the change of an output voltage when it switches from the state in which the 1st and 2nd LED lamps light to the state in which a 1st LED lamp lights. 第１ＬＥＤランプが点灯している状態から、第２ＬＥＤランプが点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧の変化の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the change of an output voltage when it switches from the state in which the 1st LED lamp is lighting to the state in which a 2nd LED lamp is lighting. 第２の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the vehicle lighting device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 第２の実施形態に係るハイビームスイッチとロービームスイッチの状態と、第１及び第２スイッチング素子の状態との関係を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the relationship between the state of the high beam switch and low beam switch which concern on 2nd Embodiment, and the state of a 1st and 2nd switching element. ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置の第１出力電圧の変化を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the change of the 1st output voltage of a LED lamp drive device. 第３の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the vehicle lighting device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 第４の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the vehicle lighting apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.
　以下に、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態について説明する。これらの実施形態は、本発明を限定するものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments do not limit the present invention.
（第１の実施形態）
　図１は、第１の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置１００の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。図１に示すように、車両用灯火装置１００は、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０と、インジケータ２０と、バッテリＢと、イグニッションスイッチＳＷ１と、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨと、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬと、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０と、を備える。 (First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lighting device 100 includes an LED lamp unit 10, an indicator 20, a battery B, an ignition switch SW1, a high beam switch SWH, a low beam switch SWL, an LED lamp driving device 30, Is provided.
　ＬＥＤランプユニット１０は、車両のヘッドライトとして機能し、直列接続された第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２を含む。第１ＬＥＤランプ１１と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は、それぞれ、直列接続された複数のＬＥＤ素子を含んでもよく、１つのＬＥＤ素子を含んでもよい。例えば、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１はハイビーム用であり、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２はロービーム用である。第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は、アノード側端子１２ａが第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のカソード側端子１１ｃに接続され、カソード側端子１２ｃが接地されている。ＬＥＤランプユニット１０は、直列接続された３以上のＬＥＤランプを含んでもよい。 The LED lamp unit 10 functions as a vehicle headlight and includes a first LED lamp 11 and a second LED lamp 12 connected in series. Each of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 may include a plurality of LED elements connected in series or one LED element. For example, the first LED lamp 11 is for a high beam, and the second LED lamp 12 is for a low beam. In the second LED lamp 12, the anode side terminal 12a is connected to the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11, and the cathode side terminal 12c is grounded. The LED lamp unit 10 may include three or more LED lamps connected in series.
　インジケータ２０は、車両の使用者（運転者）が目視し易い位置に設けられ、点灯により使用者に異常を知らせる。インジケータ２０は、例えば、ＬＥＤ素子を含む。 The indicator 20 is provided at a position where the user (driver) of the vehicle can easily see and informs the user of an abnormality by lighting. The indicator 20 includes, for example, an LED element.
　イグニッションスイッチＳＷ１は、使用者の操作に応じて、バッテリＢの電力をＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０に供給するか否か切り替える。 The ignition switch SW1 switches whether to supply the electric power of the battery B to the LED lamp driving device 30 according to the operation of the user.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨは、一端が接地され、他端がＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０に接続され、使用者の操作に応じて第１ＬＥＤランプ１１を点灯させるか否か切り替える。 The high beam switch SWH has one end grounded and the other end connected to the LED lamp driving device 30, and switches whether or not the first LED lamp 11 is lit according to the user's operation.
　ロービームスイッチＳＷＬは、一端が接地され、他端がＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０に接続され、使用者の操作に応じて第２ＬＥＤランプ１２を点灯させるか否か切り替える。 The low beam switch SWL has one end grounded and the other end connected to the LED lamp driving device 30, and switches whether or not the second LED lamp 12 is lit according to the user's operation.
　ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０は、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０を駆動する。ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０は、制御電源部３１と、Ｉ／Ｆ（インターフェース）部３２と、定電流電源部３３と、プリドライブ部３４と、切り替え部３５と、電圧検出部３６と、制御部３７と、放電部３８と、インジケータ駆動部３９と、を備える。 The LED lamp driving device 30 drives the LED lamp unit 10. The LED lamp driving device 30 includes a control power supply unit 31, an I / F (interface) unit 32, a constant current power supply unit 33, a predrive unit 34, a switching unit 35, a voltage detection unit 36, and a control unit 37. And a discharge unit 38 and an indicator driving unit 39.
　制御電源部３１は、イグニッションスイッチＳＷ１の導通時に供給されるバッテリＢの電力を用いて、制御電源電圧ＶＣを生成して制御部３７に供給する。 The control power supply unit 31 generates the control power supply voltage VC using the power of the battery B supplied when the ignition switch SW1 is turned on and supplies the control power supply voltage VC to the control unit 37.
　Ｉ／Ｆ部３２は、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨの他端とロービームスイッチＳＷＬの他端とに接続され、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨとロービームスイッチＳＷＬのそれぞれの状態（導通状態又は非導通状態）を検出する。 The I / F unit 32 is connected to the other end of the high beam switch SWH and the other end of the low beam switch SWL, and detects the state (conductive state or nonconductive state) of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL.
　定電流電源部３３は、ＬＥＤランプ駆動電源として機能し、イグニッションスイッチＳＷ１の導通時に供給されるバッテリＢの電力を用いて、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０を駆動するための定電流ＩＯＵＴを出力する。定電流電源部３３は、この定電流ＩＯＵＴを出力する電流出力端子Ｔ１と、電流出力端子Ｔ１に接続されたコンデンサＣ１と、を有する。例えば、コンデンサＣ１は、電流出力端子Ｔ１の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ及び出力電流ＩＯＵＴを安定化する。定電流電源部３３の回路方式は、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０の順方向電圧特性に適合していれば特に限定されず、ドロッパ方式、降圧コンバータ、昇圧コンバータ、昇降圧コンバータ等、どのような回路方式でもよい。 The constant current power supply unit 33 functions as an LED lamp drive power supply, and outputs a constant current IOUT for driving the LED lamp unit 10 using the power of the battery B supplied when the ignition switch SW1 is turned on. The constant current power supply unit 33 includes a current output terminal T1 that outputs the constant current IOUT, and a capacitor C1 connected to the current output terminal T1. For example, the capacitor C1 stabilizes the output voltage VOUT and the output current IOUT of the current output terminal T1. The circuit system of the constant current power supply unit 33 is not particularly limited as long as it conforms to the forward voltage characteristics of the LED lamp unit 10, and any circuit system such as a dropper system, a step-down converter, a boost converter, and a buck-boost converter can be used. Good.
　プリドライブ部３４は、制御部３７の制御に従って切り替え部３５を駆動する。 The pre-drive unit 34 drives the switching unit 35 according to the control of the control unit 37.
　切り替え部３５は、定電流電源部３３の電流出力端子Ｔ１から定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給され、プリドライブ部３４からの駆動信号に応じて、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の少なくとも何れかにこの定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する。 The switching unit 35 is supplied with a constant current IOUT from the current output terminal T1 of the constant current power supply unit 33, and this is applied to at least one of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 in accordance with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34. A constant current IOUT is supplied.
　具体的には、切り替え部３５は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する第１状態と、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のアノード側端子１２ａに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する第２状態と、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給し、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のカソード側端子１１ｃを接地する第３状態と、を切り替える。 Specifically, the switching unit 35 has a first state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11, and a second state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12. And a third state in which the constant current IOUT is supplied to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11 and the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11 is grounded.
　切り替え部３５は、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１と、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２と、第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３と、抵抗Ｒ１～Ｒ６と、を有する。図示する例のように、第１及び第２スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２は、Ｐ型ＭＯＳトランジスタであってもよい。第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３は、Ｎ型ＭＯＳトランジスタであってもよい。 The switching unit 35 includes a first switching element Q1, a second switching element Q2, a third switching element Q3, and resistors R1 to R6. As in the illustrated example, the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 may be P-type MOS transistors. The third switching element Q3 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
　第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１は、電流出力端子Ｔ１と第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ１は、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ２は、一端が第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１のゲートに接続され、他端にプリドライブ部３４から駆動信号が供給される。 The first switching element Q1 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11. The resistor R1 is connected between the source and gate of the first switching element Q1. One end of the resistor R2 is connected to the gate of the first switching element Q1, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
　第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は、電流出力端子Ｔ１と第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のカソード側端子１１ｃとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ３は、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ４は、一端が第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２のゲートに接続され、他端にプリドライブ部３４から駆動信号が供給される。 The second switching element Q2 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11. The resistor R3 is connected between the source and the gate of the second switching element Q2. The resistor R4 has one end connected to the gate of the second switching element Q2, and the other end supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
　第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のカソード側端子１１ｃと接地との間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ５は、第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ６は、一端が第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３のゲートに接続され、他端にプリドライブ部３４から駆動信号が供給される。 The third switching element Q3 is connected between the cathode side terminal 11c of the first LED lamp 11 and the ground. The resistor R5 is connected between the source and gate of the third switching element Q3. The resistor R6 has one end connected to the gate of the third switching element Q3 and the other end supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34.
　電圧検出部３６は、電流出力端子Ｔ１の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴを検出する。 The voltage detector 36 detects the output voltage VOUT of the current output terminal T1.
　制御部３７は、例えばマイコンであり、Ｉ／Ｆ部３２における検出結果に応じて、プリドライブ部３４を介して切り替え部３５を制御する。具体的には、制御部３７は、使用者によるハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬの操作に応じて、第１状態、第２状態又は第３状態に切り替えるように、切り替え部３５を制御する。 The control unit 37 is a microcomputer, for example, and controls the switching unit 35 via the pre-drive unit 34 according to the detection result in the I / F unit 32. Specifically, the control unit 37 controls the switching unit 35 to switch to the first state, the second state, or the third state according to the operation of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL by the user.
　また、制御部３７は、電圧検出部３６で検出された出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが予め定められた出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に異常（断線又は短絡）があると判断し、使用者による操作によらず定電流ＩＯＵＴの供給先を切り替えるように、切り替え部３５を制御する。 Further, when the output voltage VOUT detected by the voltage detection unit 36 is out of a predetermined output voltage range, the control unit 37 has an abnormality (disconnection or short circuit) in the lighting of the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12. The switching unit 35 is controlled so as to switch the supply destination of the constant current IOUT regardless of the operation by the user.
　出力電圧範囲の最小値は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧より低く、且つ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧より低い。出力電圧範囲の最大値は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧との和より高い。 The minimum value of the output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. The maximum value of the output voltage range is higher than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
　放電部３８は、電流出力端子Ｔ１に接続され、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電する。放電部３８は、スイッチング素子Ｑ４と、抵抗Ｒ７～Ｒ９と、を有する。例えば、スイッチング素子Ｑ４は、Ｎ型ＭＯＳトランジスタであってもよい。 The discharge unit 38 is connected to the current output terminal T1, and discharges the capacitor C1. Discharge unit 38 includes a switching element Q4 and resistors R7 to R9. For example, the switching element Q4 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
　抵抗Ｒ７は、電流出力端子Ｔ１とスイッチング素子Ｑ４のドレインとの間に接続されている。スイッチング素子Ｑ４のソースは、接地されている。抵抗Ｒ８は、スイッチング素子Ｑ４のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ９は、一端がスイッチング素子Ｑ４のゲートに接続され、他端に制御部３７から制御信号が供給される。 The resistor R7 is connected between the current output terminal T1 and the drain of the switching element Q4. The source of the switching element Q4 is grounded. The resistor R8 is connected between the source and gate of the switching element Q4. The resistor R9 has one end connected to the gate of the switching element Q4 and the other end supplied with a control signal from the control unit 37.
　制御部３７は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する前に出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第１電圧Ｖ１より高い場合、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電した後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するように、切り替え部３５及び放電部３８を制御する。第１電圧Ｖ１は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧との和より低い。第１電圧Ｖ１は、出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。 When the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT to the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12, the control unit 37 supplies the constant current IOUT after discharging the capacitor C1. Thus, the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled. The first voltage V <b> 1 is lower than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. The first voltage V1 is included in the output voltage range.
　インジケータ駆動部３９は、制御部３７の制御に応じてインジケータ２０を駆動する。制御部３７は、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、インジケータ駆動部３９にインジケータ２０を駆動させる。 The indicator driving unit 39 drives the indicator 20 according to the control of the control unit 37. When the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, the control unit 37 causes the indicator driving unit 39 to drive the indicator 20.
　次に、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０の動作について、より詳しく説明する。
　まず、使用者の操作によりイグニッションスイッチＳＷ１が導通すると、バッテリＢの電力が制御電源部３１と定電流電源部３３とに供給される。これにより、制御電源部３１は制御電源電圧ＶＣを生成して制御部３７に供給する。制御部３７は、この制御電源電圧ＶＣによって動作を開始する。 Next, the operation of the LED lamp driving device 30 will be described in more detail.
First, when the ignition switch SW <b> 1 is turned on by a user's operation, the power of the battery B is supplied to the control power supply unit 31 and the constant current power supply unit 33. As a result, the control power supply unit 31 generates the control power supply voltage VC and supplies it to the control unit 37. The control unit 37 starts operation by this control power supply voltage VC.
　Ｉ／Ｆ部３２は、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨとロービームスイッチＳＷＬのそれぞれの状態を検出し、検出結果を制御部３７に送る。制御部３７は、図２に示すように、検出結果に応じて切り替え部３５の第１、第２及び第３スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２，Ｑ３を切り替える。 The I / F unit 32 detects the states of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL, and sends the detection results to the control unit 37. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 37 switches the first, second, and third switching elements Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the switching unit 35 according to the detection result.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通（ＯＰＥＮ）の場合、第１、第２及び第３スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２，Ｑ３は導通しない（ＯＦＦ）。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は点灯しない。 When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are non-conductive (OPEN), the first, second, and third switching elements Q1, Q2, and Q3 are not conductive (OFF). Therefore, the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not lit.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通（ＣＬＯＳＥ）している場合、切り替え部３５は第１状態に切り替えられる。第１状態において、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１は導通し（ＯＮ）、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２及び第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３は導通しない。 When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are conductive (CLOSE), the switching unit 35 is switched to the first state. In the first state, the first switching element Q1 conducts (ON), and the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 do not conduct.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが非導通であり、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通している場合、切り替え部３５は第２状態に切り替えられる。第２状態において、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は導通し、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１及び第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３は導通しない。 When the high beam switch SWH is non-conductive and the low beam switch SWL is conductive, the switching unit 35 is switched to the second state. In the second state, the second switching element Q2 conducts, and the first switching element Q1 and the third switching element Q3 do not conduct.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通し、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通の場合、切り替え部３５は第３状態に切り替えられる。第３状態において、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１及び第３スイッチング素子Ｑ３は導通し、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は導通しない。 When the high beam switch SWH is conductive and the low beam switch SWL is nonconductive, the switching unit 35 is switched to the third state. In the third state, the first switching element Q1 and the third switching element Q3 are conducted, and the second switching element Q2 is not conducted.
　また、制御部３７は、定電流電源部３３に動作開始信号Ｓ１を出力する。これにより、定電流電源部３３は定電流ＩＯＵＴを出力する。よって、第１状態では、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴが流れ、ハイビーム及びロービーム点灯となる。 Further, the control unit 37 outputs an operation start signal S1 to the constant current power supply unit 33. As a result, the constant current power supply unit 33 outputs a constant current IOUT. Therefore, in the first state, the constant current IOUT flows through the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12, and high beam and low beam lighting is performed.
　第２状態では、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴが流れ、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に電流が流れず、ロービーム点灯となる。 In the second state, the constant current IOUT flows through the second LED lamp 12, the current does not flow through the first LED lamp 11, and low beam lighting is performed.
　第３状態では、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に定電流ＩＯＵＴが流れ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に電流が流れず、ハイビーム点灯となる。 In the third state, the constant current IOUT flows through the first LED lamp 11, the current does not flow through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam lighting is performed.
　ここで、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に断線が発生すると、定電流電源部３３の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは上昇し、出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。 Here, when a disconnection occurs in the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 that is lit, the output voltage VOUT of the constant current power supply unit 33 rises and deviates from the output voltage range.
　また、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に短絡が発生すると、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは低下し、出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。但し、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴが流れている第１状態では、一方が短絡しても出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは出力電圧範囲から外れず、短絡していない他方は点灯し続ける。 In addition, when a short circuit occurs in the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 that is lit, the output voltage VOUT decreases and falls outside the output voltage range. However, in the first state where the constant current IOUT flows through the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12, even if one of them is short-circuited, the output voltage VOUT does not deviate from the output voltage range, and the other that is not short-circuited continues to be lit. .
　制御部３７は、第１状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、第２状態又は第３状態に切り替え、第２状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、第３状態に切り替え、第３状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、第２状態に切り替えるように、切り替え部３５を制御する。 When the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the first state, the control unit 37 switches to the second state or the third state, and when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the second state, The switching unit 35 is controlled to switch to the second state when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the third state.
　また、制御部３７は、第２状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れ、その後、第３状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、又は、第３状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れ、その後、第２状態において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、定電流電源部３３に定電流ＩＯＵＴの出力を停止させる。 Further, the control unit 37 outputs the output voltage VOUT in the second state when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, and then in the third state, the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, or in the third state. If the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range in the second state after that, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops the output of the constant current IOUT.
　これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時（第１状態）に異常が検出されると、ハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯される（第３状態）。この時に再び異常が検出されると、ロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯される（第２状態）。この時に再び異常が検出されると、定電流電源部３３は定電流ＩＯＵＴの出力を停止する。なお、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時に異常が検出された時に、先に第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯されてもよい。 Thereby, when an abnormality is detected when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on (first state), the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT. Note that the second LED lamp 12 may be turned on first when an abnormality is detected when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on.
　また、ロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時（第２状態）に異常が検出されると、ハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する（第３状態）。そして、この時に再び異常が検出されると、定電流電源部３３は定電流ＩＯＵＴの出力を停止する。 If an abnormality is detected when the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state), the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT.
　また、ハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の点灯時（第３状態）に異常が検出されると、ロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯する（第２状態）。そして、この時に再び異常が検出されると、定電流電源部３３は定電流ＩＯＵＴの出力を停止する。 If an abnormality is detected when the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state), the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT.
　次に、図３から図７を参照して、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０の放電動作を説明する。
　図３は、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が消灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴの変化の一例を示す図である。 Next, the discharge operation of the LED lamp driving device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched from the off state to the on state of the first LED lamp 11.
　図３の例では、時刻ｔ１までの第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が消灯している間、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは第１電圧Ｖ１より十分に低い。そのため、時刻ｔ１においてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通すると、コンデンサＣ１は放電されずに第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給され、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する。
　時刻ｔ１において、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨに代えてロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通する場合、及び、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨに加えてロービームスイッチＳＷＬも導通する場合にも、同様に動作する。 In the example of FIG. 3, the output voltage VOUT is sufficiently lower than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are extinguished until time t1. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned on at time t1, the capacitor C1 is not discharged, the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11, and the first LED lamp 11 is turned on.
The same operation is performed when the low beam switch SWL is turned on instead of the high beam switch SWH at time t1 and when the low beam switch SWL is turned on in addition to the high beam switch SWH.
　つまり、制御部３７は、定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する前に出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第１電圧Ｖ１以下の場合、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電せずに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するように、切り替え部３５及び放電部３８を制御する。 That is, when the output voltage VOUT is equal to or lower than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT, the control unit 37 supplies the constant current IOUT without discharging the charge of the capacitor C1. The unit 38 is controlled.
　第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が消灯している時間が十分長く、コンデンサＣ１の電荷が十分に放電されている場合には、図３に示すように動作する。しかし、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２の両者が点灯した後、消灯している時間が短く、コンデンサＣ１の電荷が十分に放電されていない場合などには、図４に示すように動作する。 When the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are extinguished for a sufficiently long time and the electric charge of the capacitor C1 is sufficiently discharged, the operation is performed as shown in FIG. However, when both the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are turned on and the time during which they are extinguished is short and the electric charge of the capacitor C1 is not sufficiently discharged, the operation is performed as shown in FIG. .
　図４は、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が消灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴの変化の他の例を示す図である。 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched off to a state where the first LED lamp 11 is turned on.
　図４の例では、時刻ｔ１１までの第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が消灯している間、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは第１電圧Ｖ１より高い。そのため、時刻ｔ１１においてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通すると、コンデンサＣ１の電荷が放電される。その後、時刻ｔ１２において放電により出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第２電圧Ｖ２まで低下した後で、コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電が停止され、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給される。これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する。つまり、時刻ｔ１１からｔ１２の間が放電時間である。 In the example of FIG. 4, the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are turned off until time t11. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned on at time t11, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. After that, at time t12, the output voltage VOUT decreases to the second voltage V2 due to the discharge, and then the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11. Thereby, the 1st LED lamp 11 lights. That is, the discharge time is from time t11 to t12.
　第２電圧Ｖ２は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧以下であり、且つ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧以下である。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが印加されないため、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。
　時刻ｔ１１においてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨに代えてロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通する場合にも、同様に動作する。 The second voltage V <b> 2 is less than or equal to the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and less than or equal to the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. Therefore, since an excessive output voltage VOUT is not applied to the first LED lamp 11, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11.
The same operation is performed when the low beam switch SWL is turned on instead of the high beam switch SWH at time t11.
　つまり、制御部３７は、定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する前に出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第１電圧Ｖ１より高い場合、コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電によって出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第２電圧Ｖ２まで低下した後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するように、切り替え部３５及び放電部３８を制御する。第２電圧Ｖ２は、出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。 That is, when the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT, the control unit 37 reduces the constant voltage IOUT after the output voltage VOUT is reduced to the second voltage V2 by discharging the capacitor C1. The switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled so as to supply. The second voltage V2 is included in the output voltage range.
　図５は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯している状態から、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴの変化の一例を示す図である。 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first LED lamp 11 is switched on and the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched on.
　第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧との和より低い。そのため、時刻ｔ２１においてロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通すると、コンデンサＣ１を放電せずに、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給される。これにより、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が点灯する。 The forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 is lower than the sum of the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12. Therefore, when the low beam switch SWL is turned on at time t21, the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 without discharging the capacitor C1. Thereby, the 1st and 2nd LED lamps 11 and 12 light.
　第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯している状態から、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が点灯する状態に切り替わる時も、同様に動作する。 The same operation is performed when switching from the state in which the second LED lamp 12 is lit to the state in which the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are lit.
　つまり、制御部３７は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の両者に定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する場合、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴによらず、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電せずに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するように、切り替え部３５及び放電部３８を制御する。 That is, when supplying the constant current IOUT to both the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12, the controller 37 supplies the constant current IOUT without discharging the capacitor C1 regardless of the output voltage VOUT. In addition, the switching unit 35 and the discharge unit 38 are controlled.
　図６は、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が点灯している状態から、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴの変化の一例を示す図である。 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are switched from the lit state to the lit state of the first LED lamp 11.
　図６に示すように、時刻ｔ３１までの第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２が点灯している間、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは第１電圧Ｖ１より高い。そのため、時刻ｔ３１においてロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通になると、コンデンサＣ１の電荷が放電される。そして、時刻ｔ３２において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第２電圧Ｖ２まで低下した後で、コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電が停止され、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のみに定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給される。これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯し、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は消灯する。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。
　時刻ｔ３１においてロービームスイッチＳＷＬに代えてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが非導通になる場合にも、同様に動作する。 As shown in FIG. 6, the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 while the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 are lit up to time t31. Therefore, when the low beam switch SWL is turned off at time t31, the capacitor C1 is discharged. Then, after the output voltage VOUT drops to the second voltage V2 at time t32, the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied only to the first LED lamp 11. As a result, the first LED lamp 11 is turned on and the second LED lamp 12 is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11.
The same operation is performed when the high beam switch SWH is turned off in place of the low beam switch SWL at time t31.
　図７は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯している状態から、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯する状態に切り替わる時の出力電圧ＶＯＵＴの変化の一例を示す図である。ここでは、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧は、第１電圧Ｖ１より高く、且つ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧より高いとする。 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the output voltage VOUT when the first LED lamp 11 is turned on and the second LED lamp 12 is turned on. Here, it is assumed that the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 is higher than the first voltage V <b> 1 and higher than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
　時刻ｔ４１までの第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯している間、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは第１電圧Ｖ１より高い。そのため、時刻ｔ４１においてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが非導通になり、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通すると、コンデンサＣ１の電荷が放電される。そして、時刻ｔ４２において出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第２電圧Ｖ２まで低下した後で、コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電が停止され、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給される。これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が消灯し、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯する。よって、第２ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。 While the first LED lamp 11 is on until time t41, the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1. Therefore, when the high beam switch SWH is turned off at time t41 and the low beam switch SWL is turned on, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. Then, after the output voltage VOUT drops to the second voltage V2 at time t42, the discharge of the charge of the capacitor C1 is stopped, and the constant current IOUT is supplied to the second LED lamp 12. As a result, the first LED lamp 11 is turned off and the second LED lamp 12 is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the second LED lamp 11.
　第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧が、第１電圧Ｖ１より高く、且つ、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧より高い場合であって、時刻ｔ４１においてハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通し、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通になる場合にも、同様に動作する。 When the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12 is higher than the first voltage V1 and higher than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11, the high beam switch SWH is turned on and the low beam switch SWL is turned off at time t41. In this case, the same operation is performed.
　以上で説明したように、本実施形態によれば、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する前に出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第１電圧Ｖ１より高い場合、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電した後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するようにしている。これにより、第１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２を点灯させる際に、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴを低下させた後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給できるため、第１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。従って、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２の信頼性を向上できる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT to the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12, the charge of the capacitor C1 is discharged. After that, the constant current IOUT is supplied. As a result, when the first or second LED lamps 11 and 12 are lit, the constant current IOUT can be supplied after the output voltage VOUT is lowered, so that an excessive inrush current is applied to the first or second LED lamps 11 and 12. It can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 can be improved.
　また、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、定電流ＩＯＵＴの供給先を切り替えるようにしている。これにより、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に断線又は短絡が発生して出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、異常であると判断し、他の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２を点灯させることができる。つまり、他の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が正常であれば、使用者がハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬの操作を行うことなくヘッドライトが全消灯となることを防止することができる。従って、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の異常に適切に対処できる。 Also, when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, the supply destination of the constant current IOUT is switched. As a result, when the disconnection or short circuit occurs in the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 that is lit and the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the other first LED lamp 11 or The second LED lamp 12 can be turned on. That is, if the other first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12 is normal, it is possible to prevent the headlight from being completely turned off without the user operating the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cope with the abnormality of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12.
　また、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の両者が異常である場合に、定電流電源部３３は定電流ＩＯＵＴの出力を停止するので、安全性を向上できる。 Further, when both the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are abnormal, the constant current power supply unit 33 stops outputting the constant current IOUT, so that safety can be improved.
　ところで、上述のように本実施形態では、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に異常が発生してもヘッドライトとしてのＬＥＤランプユニット１０が全消灯しないため、使用者は異常に気付かない可能性がある。しかし、本実施形態によれば、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、使用者に視認され易いインジケータ２０が点灯するため、使用者は異常に容易に気付くことができる。 By the way, in this embodiment as described above, even if an abnormality occurs in the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12, the LED lamp unit 10 as a headlight does not completely turn off, so that the user may not notice the abnormality. There is. However, according to the present embodiment, when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, the indicator 20 that is easily visible to the user is turned on, so that the user can easily notice abnormally.
　なお、本実施形態では、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合に、使用者の操作によらず定電流ＩＯＵＴの供給先を切り替える機能も設けられている一例について説明したが、この機能は設けられていなくてもよい。この場合であっても、突入電流が流れないようにできる。 In this embodiment, an example is described in which a function for switching the supply destination of the constant current IOUT is provided regardless of the operation of the user when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range. It may not be provided. Even in this case, the inrush current can be prevented from flowing.
（第２の実施形態）
　第２の実施形態では、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は直列接続されていない。 (Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not connected in series.
　図８は、第２の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置１００Ａの概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。図８では、図１と共通する構成部分には同一の符号を付しており、以下では相違点を中心に説明する。 FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described below.
　ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ａは、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２を含む。第１の実施形態と異なり、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１は、アノード側端子１１ａがＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ａに接続され、カソード側端子１１ｃが接地されている。第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は、アノード側端子１２ａがＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ａに接続され、カソード側端子１２ｃが接地されている。ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ａは、３以上のＬＥＤランプを含んでもよい。 The LED lamp unit 10 </ b> A includes a first LED lamp 11 and a second LED lamp 12. Unlike the first embodiment, the first LED lamp 11 has an anode side terminal 11a connected to the LED lamp driving device 30A and a cathode side terminal 11c grounded. In the second LED lamp 12, the anode side terminal 12a is connected to the LED lamp driving device 30A, and the cathode side terminal 12c is grounded. The LED lamp unit 10A may include three or more LED lamps.
　ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ａは、制御電源部３１と、Ｉ／Ｆ部３２と、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１と、第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２と、プリドライブ部３４Ａと、切り替え部３５Ａと、電圧検出部３６Ａと、制御部３７Ａと、放電部３８Ａと、インジケータ駆動部３９と、を備える。 The LED lamp driving device 30A includes a control power supply unit 31, an I / F unit 32, a first constant current power supply unit 33A1, a second constant current power supply unit 33A2, a pre-drive unit 34A, a switching unit 35A, a voltage A detection unit 36A, a control unit 37A, a discharge unit 38A, and an indicator driving unit 39 are provided.
　第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１は、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を出力する第１電流出力端子Ｔ１と、第１電流出力端子Ｔ１に接続された第１コンデンサＣ１と、を有する。第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１は、制御部３７Ａからの動作開始信号Ｓ１に応じて動作開始する。 The first constant current power supply unit 33A1 includes a first current output terminal T1 that outputs a first constant current IOUT1, and a first capacitor C1 that is connected to the first current output terminal T1. The first constant current power supply unit 33A1 starts operation in response to the operation start signal S1 from the control unit 37A.
　第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は、第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を出力する第２電流出力端子Ｔ２と、第２電流出力端子Ｔ２に接続された第２コンデンサＣ２と、を有する。第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は、制御部３７Ａからの動作開始信号Ｓ２に応じて動作開始する。定電流電源部は、ＬＥＤランプの数と同じ数だけ設ければよい。 The second constant current power supply unit 33A2 has a second current output terminal T2 that outputs a second constant current IOUT2, and a second capacitor C2 connected to the second current output terminal T2. The second constant current power supply unit 33A2 starts to operate in response to the operation start signal S2 from the control unit 37A. The number of constant current power supply units may be the same as the number of LED lamps.
　切り替え部３５Ａは、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するか否か切り替え、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するか否か切り替える。 The switching unit 35A switches whether to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11, and switches whether to supply the second constant current IOUT2 to the second LED lamp 12.
　切り替え部３５Ａは、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給し、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のアノード側端子１２ａに第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する第１状態と、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給せず、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のアノード側端子１２ａに第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する第２状態と、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給し、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のアノード側端子１２ａに第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給しない第３状態と、を切り替える。 The switching unit 35A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11 and supplies the second constant current IOUT2 to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12, and the first LED lamp The second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12 without supplying the first constant current IOUT1 to the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11, and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11 The first constant current IOUT1 is supplied and the third state in which the second constant current IOUT2 is not supplied to the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12 is switched.
　切り替え部３５Ａは、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１と、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２と、抵抗Ｒ１～Ｒ４と、を有する。図示する例のように、第１及び第２スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２は、Ｐ型ＭＯＳトランジスタであってもよい。 The switching unit 35A includes a first switching element Q1, a second switching element Q2, and resistors R1 to R4. As in the illustrated example, the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 may be P-type MOS transistors.
　第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１は、第１電流出力端子Ｔ１と第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ１は、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ２は、一端が第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１のゲートに接続され、他端にプリドライブ部３４Ａから駆動信号が供給される。 The first switching element Q1 is connected between the first current output terminal T1 and the anode side terminal 11a of the first LED lamp 11. The resistor R1 is connected between the source and gate of the first switching element Q1. One end of the resistor R2 is connected to the gate of the first switching element Q1, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34A.
　第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は、第２電流出力端子Ｔ２と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のアノード側端子１２ａとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ３は、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ４は、一端が第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２のゲートに接続され、他端にプリドライブ部３４Ａから駆動信号が供給される。 The second switching element Q2 is connected between the second current output terminal T2 and the anode side terminal 12a of the second LED lamp 12. The resistor R3 is connected between the source and the gate of the second switching element Q2. One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the gate of the second switching element Q2, and the other end is supplied with a drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34A.
　電圧検出部３６Ａは、第１電流出力端子Ｔ１の第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１及び第２電流出力端子Ｔ２の第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２を検出する。 The voltage detector 36A detects the first output voltage VOUT1 of the first current output terminal T1 and the second output voltage VOUT2 of the second current output terminal T2.
　制御部３７Ａは、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が予め定められた第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給し、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が予め定められた第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａを制御する。 When the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the predetermined first output voltage range, the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 to the second LED lamp 12 and the second output voltage VOUT2 is determined in advance. When the voltage is out of the two output voltage range, the switching unit 35A is controlled to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11.
　第１出力電圧範囲の最小値は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧より低く、第１出力電圧範囲の最大値は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧より高い。 The minimum value of the first output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11, and the maximum value of the first output voltage range is higher than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11.
　第２出力電圧範囲の最小値は、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧より低く、第２出力電圧範囲の最大値は、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧より高い。 The minimum value of the second output voltage range is lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12, and the maximum value of the second output voltage range is higher than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12.
　第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧とがほぼ等しければ、第１出力電圧範囲は第２出力電圧範囲と同じであってもよい。 As long as the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11 and the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12 are substantially equal, the first output voltage range may be the same as the second output voltage range.
　制御部３７Ａは、使用者による操作に応じて、第１状態、第２状態又は第３状態を切り替えるように、切り替え部３５Ａを制御する。 The control unit 37A controls the switching unit 35A so as to switch the first state, the second state, or the third state in accordance with an operation by the user.
　具体的には、制御部３７Ａは、図９に示すように、ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨとロービームスイッチＳＷＬのそれぞれの状態に応じて、切り替え部３５Ａの第１及び第２スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２を切り替える。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 37A switches the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 of the switching unit 35A according to the respective states of the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通の場合、第１及び第２スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２は導通しない。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２は点灯しない。 When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are non-conductive, the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 are not conductive. Therefore, the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not lit.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨ及びロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通している場合、切り替え部３５Ａは第１状態に切り替えられる。第１状態において、第１及び第２スイッチング素子Ｑ１，Ｑ２は導通する。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１が流れ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２が流れ、ハイビーム及びロービーム点灯となる。 When the high beam switch SWH and the low beam switch SWL are conductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the first state. In the first state, the first and second switching elements Q1, Q2 are conductive. Therefore, the first constant current IOUT1 flows through the first LED lamp 11, the second constant current IOUT2 flows through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam and low beam lighting is performed.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが非導通であり、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが導通している場合、切り替え部３５Ａは第２状態に切り替えられる。第２状態において、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は導通し、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１は導通しない。よって、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２が流れ、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に電流が流れず、ロービーム点灯となる。 When the high beam switch SWH is non-conductive and the low beam switch SWL is conductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the second state. In the second state, the second switching element Q2 is conductive and the first switching element Q1 is not conductive. Therefore, the second constant current IOUT2 flows through the second LED lamp 12, and no current flows through the first LED lamp 11, resulting in low beam lighting.
　ハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通し、ロービームスイッチＳＷＬが非導通の場合、切り替え部３５Ａは第３状態に切り替えられる。第３状態において、第１スイッチング素子Ｑ１は導通し、第２スイッチング素子Ｑ２は導通しない。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１が流れ、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に電流が流れず、ハイビーム点灯となる。 When the high beam switch SWH is conductive and the low beam switch SWL is nonconductive, the switching unit 35A is switched to the third state. In the third state, the first switching element Q1 is conductive and the second switching element Q2 is not conductive. Therefore, the first constant current IOUT1 flows through the first LED lamp 11, the current does not flow through the second LED lamp 12, and high beam lighting is performed.
　ここで、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に断線が発生すると、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は上昇し、第１出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。点灯中の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に断線が発生すると、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２は上昇し、第２出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。 Here, when a disconnection occurs in the first LED lamp 11 that is lit, the first output voltage VOUT1 rises and falls outside the first output voltage range. When disconnection occurs in the second LED lamp 12 that is lit, the second output voltage VOUT2 rises and deviates from the second output voltage range.
　また、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に短絡が発生すると、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は低下し、第１出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。点灯中の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に短絡が発生すると、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２は低下し、第２出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。 In addition, when a short circuit occurs in the first LED lamp 11 that is lit, the first output voltage VOUT1 decreases and falls outside the first output voltage range. When a short circuit occurs in the second LED lamp 12 that is turned on, the second output voltage VOUT2 decreases and falls outside the second output voltage range.
　制御部３７Ａは、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、使用者による操作によらず第２状態に切り替え、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、使用者による操作によらず第３状態に切り替えるように、切り替え部３５Ａを制御する。 When the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range, the control unit 37A switches to the second state regardless of the operation by the user, and when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, The switching unit 35A is controlled so as to switch to the third state regardless of the operation by the user.
　また、制御部３７Ａは、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れ、その後、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、又は、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れ、その後、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２の出力を停止させる。 In addition, the control unit 37A determines that the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range and then the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, or the second output voltage VOUT2 is the second output. When the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range after that, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 are supplied with the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2. The output of is stopped.
　これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時（第１状態）に第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１に異常が検出されると、ロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２のみが点灯される（第２状態）。この時に再び異常が検出されると、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２の出力を停止する。 Accordingly, when an abnormality is detected in the first output voltage VOUT1 when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on (first state), only the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state). ). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
　また、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時（第１状態）に第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２に異常が検出されると、ハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のみが点灯される（第３状態）。この時に再び異常が検出されると、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２の出力を停止する。 If an abnormality is detected in the second output voltage VOUT2 when the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are turned on (first state), only the first high-beam LED lamp 11 is turned on (third state). . If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
　また、使用者の操作によるロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の点灯時（第２状態）に異常が検出されると、ハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する（第３状態）。そして、この時に再び異常が検出されると、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２の出力を停止する。 Also, when an abnormality is detected when the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on by the user's operation (second state), the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on (third state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
　さらに、使用者の操作によるハイビーム用の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の点灯時（第３状態）に異常が検出されると、ロービーム用の第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が点灯する（第２状態）。そして、この時に再び異常が検出されると、第１定電流電源部３３Ａ１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ２は第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２の出力を停止する。 Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected when the first LED lamp 11 for high beam is turned on by the user's operation (third state), the second LED lamp 12 for low beam is turned on (second state). If an abnormality is detected again at this time, the first constant current power supply unit 33A1 and the second constant current power supply unit 33A2 stop outputting the first constant current IOUT1 and the second constant current IOUT2.
　放電部３８Ａは、第１電流出力端子Ｔ１及び第２電流出力端子Ｔ２に接続され、第１コンデンサＣ１及び第２コンデンサＣ２の電荷を放電する。 The discharge unit 38A is connected to the first current output terminal T1 and the second current output terminal T2, and discharges the charges of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.
　放電部３８Ａは、第１の実施形態の放電部３８の構成に加え、スイッチング素子Ｑ５と、抵抗Ｒ１０～Ｒ１２と、を有する。例えば、スイッチング素子Ｑ５は、Ｎ型ＭＯＳトランジスタであってもよい。 The discharge unit 38A includes a switching element Q5 and resistors R10 to R12 in addition to the configuration of the discharge unit 38 of the first embodiment. For example, the switching element Q5 may be an N-type MOS transistor.
　抵抗Ｒ１０は、第２電流出力端子Ｔ２とスイッチング素子Ｑ５のドレインとの間に接続されている。スイッチング素子Ｑ５のソースは、接地されている。抵抗Ｒ１１は、スイッチング素子Ｑ５のソースとゲートとの間に接続されている。抵抗Ｒ１２は、一端がスイッチング素子Ｑ５のゲートに接続され、他端に制御部３７Ａから制御信号が供給される。 The resistor R10 is connected between the second current output terminal T2 and the drain of the switching element Q5. The source of the switching element Q5 is grounded. The resistor R11 is connected between the source and gate of the switching element Q5. The resistor R12 has one end connected to the gate of the switching element Q5 and the other end supplied with a control signal from the control unit 37A.
　制御部３７Ａは、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給する前に第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１電圧Ｖ１１より高い場合、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電した後で第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。第１電圧Ｖ１１は、第１出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。 When the first output voltage VOUT1 is higher than the first voltage V11 before supplying the first constant current IOUT1, the control unit 37A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 after discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1. The switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled. The first voltage V11 is included in the first output voltage range.
　また、制御部３７Ａは、第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する前に第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２電圧Ｖ１２より高い場合、第２コンデンサＣ２の電荷を放電した後で第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。第２電圧Ｖ１２は、第２出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。第１電圧Ｖ１１と第２電圧Ｖ１２は等しくてもよい。 In addition, when the second output voltage VOUT2 is higher than the second voltage V12 before supplying the second constant current IOUT2, the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 after discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. In this manner, the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled. The second voltage V12 is included in the second output voltage range. The first voltage V11 and the second voltage V12 may be equal.
　また、制御部３７Ａは、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給する前に第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１電圧Ｖ１１より高い場合、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電によって第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第３電圧Ｖ１３まで低下した後で第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。第３電圧Ｖ１３は、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１の順方向電圧以下であり、第１出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。 In addition, when the first output voltage VOUT1 is higher than the first voltage V11 before supplying the first constant current IOUT1, the control unit 37A causes the first output voltage VOUT1 to be changed to the third voltage V13 by discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1. The switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled so that the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied after the voltage decreases to the maximum. The third voltage V13 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the first LED lamp 11, and is included in the first output voltage range.
　また、制御部３７Ａは、第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する前に第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２電圧Ｖ１２より高い場合、第２コンデンサＣ２の電荷の放電によって第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第４電圧Ｖ１４まで低下した後で第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。第４電圧Ｖ１４は、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の順方向電圧以下であり、第２出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。第３電圧Ｖ１３と第４電圧Ｖ１４は等しくてもよい。 In addition, when the second output voltage VOUT2 is higher than the second voltage V12 before supplying the second constant current IOUT2, the control unit 37A causes the second output voltage VOUT2 to be changed to the fourth voltage V14 by discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. The switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled so that the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied after the voltage decreases to the maximum. The fourth voltage V14 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the second LED lamp 12, and is included in the second output voltage range. The third voltage V13 and the fourth voltage V14 may be equal.
　さらに、制御部３７Ａは、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給する前に第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１電圧Ｖ１１以下の場合、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電せずに第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。 Further, when the first output voltage VOUT1 is equal to or lower than the first voltage V11 before supplying the first constant current IOUT1, the control unit 37A supplies the first constant current IOUT1 without discharging the charge of the first capacitor C1. In this manner, the switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
　制御部３７Ａは、第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する前に第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２電圧Ｖ１２以下の場合、第２コンデンサＣ２の電荷を放電せずに第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ａ及び放電部３８Ａを制御する。 When the second output voltage VOUT2 is equal to or lower than the second voltage V12 before supplying the second constant current IOUT2, the control unit 37A supplies the second constant current IOUT2 without discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. The switching unit 35A and the discharge unit 38A are controlled.
　また、制御部３７Ａは、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、又は、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、インジケータ駆動部３９にインジケータ２０を駆動させる。 Further, the control unit 37A drives the indicator 20 to the indicator driving unit 39 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range or when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range. Let
　次に、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ａにおける放電動作について説明する。
　図１０は、ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ａの第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１の変化を示す図である。図１０の例では、点灯している第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に断線が発生し、時刻ｔ５１までの間、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は上昇して最大値になっている。使用者は、時刻ｔ５１以降、イグニッションスイッチＳＷ１を非導通にして、断線した第１ＬＥＤランプ１１を正常品に取り替える。この時、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷の自然放電等により、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は徐々に低下する。 Next, the discharge operation in the LED lamp driving device 30A will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in the first output voltage VOUT1 of the LED lamp driving device 30A. In the example of FIG. 10, a disconnection occurs in the lit first LED lamp 11, and the first output voltage VOUT1 rises to the maximum value until time t51. After time t51, the user turns off the ignition switch SW1 and replaces the disconnected first LED lamp 11 with a normal product. At this time, the first output voltage VOUT1 gradually decreases due to, for example, natural discharge of the electric charge of the first capacitor C1.
　次に、時刻ｔ５２においてイグニッションスイッチＳＷ１及びハイビームスイッチＳＷＨが導通した時、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は第１電圧Ｖ１１より高いままである。そのため、放電部３８Ａは、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電する。そして、時刻ｔ５３において第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第３電圧Ｖ１３まで低下した後で、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷の放電が停止され、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１が第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に供給される。これにより、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が点灯する。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。
　第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に断線が発生した場合にも、同様に動作する。 Next, when the ignition switch SW1 and the high beam switch SWH are turned on at time t52, the first output voltage VOUT1 remains higher than the first voltage V11. Therefore, the discharge unit 38A discharges the charge of the first capacitor C1. Then, after the first output voltage VOUT1 drops to the third voltage V13 at time t53, the discharge of the charge of the first capacitor C1 is stopped, and the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the first LED lamp 11. Thereby, the 1st LED lamp 11 lights. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11.
The same operation is performed when the second LED lamp 12 is disconnected.
　以上で説明したように、本実施形態によれば、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給する前に第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１電圧Ｖ１１より高い場合、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電した後で第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するようにしている。また、第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給する前に第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２電圧Ｖ１２より高い場合、第２コンデンサＣ２の電荷を放電した後で第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するようにしている。これにより、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１又は第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２を低下させた後で第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１又は第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給できるため、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。従って、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２の信頼性を向上できる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the first output voltage VOUT1 is higher than the first voltage V11 before supplying the first constant current IOUT1, the first capacitor C1 is discharged after the first capacitor C1 is discharged. One constant current IOUT1 is supplied. When the second output voltage VOUT2 is higher than the second voltage V12 before supplying the second constant current IOUT2, the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied after discharging the charge of the second capacitor C2. Accordingly, since the first constant current IOUT1 or the second constant current IOUT2 can be supplied after the first output voltage VOUT1 or the second output voltage VOUT2 is lowered, an excessive inrush current is applied to the first LED lamp 11 or the second LED lamp 12. Can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 can be improved.
　また、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給し、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するようにしている。これにより、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に断線又は短絡が発生した場合に、異常であると判断し、他の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１又は第２ＬＥＤランプ１２を点灯させることができる。従って、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１２の異常に適切に対処できる。また、第１の実施形態の他の効果も得られる。 When the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range, the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the second LED lamp 12, and when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range, the first LED is output. The first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the lamp 11. Thereby, when disconnection or a short circuit occurs in the 1st LED lamp 11 or the 2nd LED lamp 12 which is lighting, it judges that it is abnormal and can light the other 1st LED lamp 11 or the 2nd LED lamp 12. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cope with the abnormality of the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12. Moreover, the other effect of 1st Embodiment is also acquired.
　加えて、第１の実施形態と異なり、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が直列接続されていないので、第１及び第２定電流電源部３３Ａ１，３３Ａ２は、第１の実施形態よりも低い第１及び第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１，ＶＯＵＴ２に対応できればよい。 In addition, unlike the first embodiment, since the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 are not connected in series, the first and second constant current power supply units 33A1 and 33A2 are lower than in the first embodiment. What is necessary is just to be able to respond | correspond to 1st and 2nd output voltage VOUT1, VOUT2.
　なお、本実施形態では、使用者の操作によらず、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給し、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給する機能も設けられている一例について説明したが、この機能は設けられていなくてもよい。この場合であっても、突入電流が流れないようにできる。 In the present embodiment, the second constant current IOUT2 is supplied to the second LED lamp 12 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range regardless of the user's operation, and the second output voltage VOUT2 is supplied. Has been described with respect to an example in which the function of supplying the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11 is provided when the voltage falls outside the second output voltage range. However, this function may not be provided. Even in this case, the inrush current can be prevented from flowing.
（第３の実施形態）
　第３の実施形態では、第１の実施形態の車両用灯火装置１００を方向指示装置として構成している。 (Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the vehicle lighting device 100 of the first embodiment is configured as a direction indicating device.
　図１１は、第３の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置（方向指示装置）１００Ｂの概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。図１１では、図１と共通する構成部分には同一の符号を付しており、以下では相違点を中心に説明する。 FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device (direction indicating device) 100B according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to FIG. 1, and the differences will be mainly described below.
　車両用灯火装置１００Ｂは、方向指示灯として機能する右側用のＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒと左側用のＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｌとを有する。ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ｂは、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＲとＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｌの少なくとも何れかを駆動する。 The vehicle lighting device 100B has a right LED lamp unit 10R and a left LED lamp unit 10L that function as a direction indicator lamp. The LED lamp driving device 30B drives at least one of the LED lamp unit 10R and the LED lamp unit 10L.
　各ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ，１０Ｌは、第１の実施形態のＬＥＤランプユニット１０の構成に加え、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１と第２ＬＥＤランプ１２とに直列接続された第３ＬＥＤランプ１３を更に含む。第３ＬＥＤランプ１３は、カソード側端子１３ｃが第１ＬＥＤランプ１１のアノード側端子１１ａに接続されている。各ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ，１０Ｌは、直列接続された４以上のＬＥＤランプを含んでもよい。 Each LED lamp unit 10R, 10L further includes a third LED lamp 13 connected in series to the first LED lamp 11 and the second LED lamp 12 in addition to the configuration of the LED lamp unit 10 of the first embodiment. The third LED lamp 13 has a cathode side terminal 13 c connected to the anode side terminal 11 a of the first LED lamp 11. Each LED lamp unit 10R, 10L may include four or more LED lamps connected in series.
　切り替え部３５Ｂは、プリドライブ部３４Ｂからの駆動信号に応じて、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ又は１０Ｌにおける第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１３の少なくとも何れかに定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する。切り替え部３５Ｂの具体的な構成の図示は省略するが、例えば、第１の実施形態と同様に複数のスイッチング素子を用いた構成とすることができる。 The switching unit 35B supplies a constant current IOUT to at least one of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13 in the LED lamp unit 10R or 10L according to the drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34B. Although illustration of a specific configuration of the switching unit 35B is omitted, for example, a configuration using a plurality of switching elements may be used as in the first embodiment.
　制御部３７Ｂは、使用者の操作によって右側用の方向指示スイッチＲ－ＳＷが導通した場合、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒを点滅させ、左側用の方向指示スイッチＬ－ＳＷが導通した場合、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｌを点滅させるように、プリドライブ部３４Ｂを介して切り替え部３５Ｂを制御する。 The control unit 37B blinks the selected LED lamp unit 10R when the right direction indicating switch R-SW is turned on by the user's operation, and selects when the left direction indicating switch L-SW is turned on. The switching unit 35B is controlled via the pre-drive unit 34B so as to blink the LED lamp unit 10L.
　制御部３７Ｂは、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ又は１０Ｌにおいて、繰り返し、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１３に１つずつ順番に定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｂを制御する。これにより、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ又は１０Ｌにおいて、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１が一定期間だけ点灯し、その後、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２が一定期間だけ点灯し、その後、第３ＬＥＤランプ１３が一定期間だけ点灯する動作を繰り返す。従って、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ，１０Ｌは、いわゆる「流れるウィンカー」として点滅動作する。 The controller 37B repeatedly switches the selected LED lamp unit 10R or 10L so that the constant current IOUT is supplied to the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13 one by one in order. To control. Thereby, in the selected LED lamp unit 10R or 10L, the first LED lamp 11 is lit for a certain period, then the second LED lamp 12 is lit for a certain period, and then the third LED lamp 13 is lit for a certain period. Repeat the operation. Accordingly, the LED lamp units 10R and 10L blink as so-called “flowing blinkers”.
　ところで、順方向電圧のばらつき等により、第１，第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１１～１３の中に順方向電圧が高いものが含まれている場合がある。そこで、制御部３７Ｂは、第１の実施形態と同様に、定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する前に出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが第１電圧Ｖ１より高い場合、コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電した後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給する。これにより、順方向電圧が高いことによって出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが高くなっていても、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴを低下させた後で定電流ＩＯＵＴを供給できるため、第１，第２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１１～１３に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。従って、第１，第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１１～１３の信頼性を向上できる。 By the way, due to variations in forward voltage, the first, second, and third LED lamps 11 to 13 may include one having a high forward voltage. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, when the output voltage VOUT is higher than the first voltage V1 before supplying the constant current IOUT, the control unit 37B supplies the constant current IOUT after discharging the capacitor C1. To do. As a result, even if the output voltage VOUT is increased due to a high forward voltage, the constant current IOUT can be supplied after the output voltage VOUT is lowered, so that the first, second, or third LED lamps 11 to 13 are supplied. An excessive inrush current can be prevented from flowing. Therefore, the reliability of the first, second and third LED lamps 11 to 13 can be improved.
　ここで、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１３に断線が発生すると、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは上昇し、出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。また、点灯中の第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１３に短絡が発生すると、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴは低下し、出力電圧範囲から外れるようになる。 Here, when a disconnection occurs in the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13 that is lit, the output voltage VOUT rises and deviates from the output voltage range. In addition, when a short circuit occurs in the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13 that is lit, the output voltage VOUT decreases and falls outside the output voltage range.
　制御部３７Ｂは、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１３のうちの２つに定電流ＩＯＵＴを間欠的に供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｂを制御する。具体的には、制御部３７Ｂは、出力電圧ＶＯＵＴが出力電圧範囲から外れた時に定電流ＩＯＵＴが供給されていた第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１３以外の２つのＬＥＤランプに定電流ＩＯＵＴを間欠的に供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｂを制御する。 When the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range, the control unit 37B switches so that the constant current IOUT is intermittently supplied to two of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, and the third LED lamp 13. The unit 35B is controlled. Specifically, the control unit 37B applies two LED lamps other than the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13 to which the constant current IOUT is supplied when the output voltage VOUT is out of the output voltage range. The switching unit 35B is controlled so as to supply the constant current IOUT intermittently.
　これにより、異常が発生していない２つのＬＥＤランプを同時に点滅させることができる。 This makes it possible to simultaneously flash two LED lamps that are not abnormal.
　「流れるウィンカー」として動作しているＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ又は１０Ｌにおいて、第１から第３ＬＥＤランプ１１～１３のうちの何れかが点灯しないようになると、流れるような点灯動作が途中で途切れるように視認されるため、周囲の車両の運転者等が驚く可能性がある。 In the LED lamp unit 10R or 10L operating as a “flowing winker”, when any one of the first to third LED lamps 11 to 13 is not lit, it is visually recognized that the flowing lighting operation is interrupted. Therefore, the driver of the surrounding vehicle may be surprised.
　これに対して、本実施形態によれば、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１３に異常が発生した場合には、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ又は１０Ｌは、「流れるウィンカー」としての動作を停止して、周知のウィンカーと同じ点滅動作を行う。そのため、第１から第３ＬＥＤランプ１１～１３のうちの何れかが点灯しなくとも、周囲の車両の運転者等が驚き難くなる。従って、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１３の異常に適切に対処できる。 On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13, the LED lamp unit 10R or 10L operates as a “flowing winker”. Is stopped and the same blinking operation as that of a known winker is performed. Therefore, even if any one of the first to third LED lamps 11 to 13 is not lit, it is difficult for the driver of the surrounding vehicle to be surprised. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cope with the abnormality of the first LED lamp 11, the second LED lamp 12, or the third LED lamp 13.
　なお、使用者の操作によって方向指示スイッチＲ－ＳＷ，Ｌ－ＳＷの両方が導通した場合に、ハザード動作として２つのＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ｒ，１０Ｌを同時に点滅動作させてもよい。 In addition, when both the direction indicating switches R-SW and L-SW are turned on by the user's operation, the two LED lamp units 10R and 10L may be blinked simultaneously as a hazard operation.
（第４の実施形態）
　第４の実施形態では、第２の実施形態の車両用灯火装置１００Ａを方向指示装置として構成している。 (Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the vehicle lighting device 100A of the second embodiment is configured as a direction indicating device.
　図１２は、第４の実施形態に係る車両用灯火装置（方向指示装置）１００Ｃの概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。図１２では、図８と共通する構成部分には同一の符号を付しており、以下では相違点を中心に説明する。 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lighting device (direction indicating device) 100C according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different points will be mainly described below.
　車両用灯火装置１００Ｃは、方向指示灯として機能する右側用のＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲと左側用のＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＬとを有する。 The vehicle lighting device 100C includes a right LED lamp unit 10AR and a left LED lamp unit 10AL that function as direction indicators.
　各ＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ，１０ＡＬは、第２の実施形態のＬＥＤランプユニット１０Ａの構成に加え、第３ＬＥＤランプ１３を更に含む。第３ＬＥＤランプ１３は、アノード側端子１３ａがＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ｃに接続され、カソード側端子１３ｃが接地されている。各ＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ，１０ＡＬは、４つ以上のＬＥＤランプを含んでもよい。 Each LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL further includes a third LED lamp 13 in addition to the configuration of the LED lamp unit 10A of the second embodiment. In the third LED lamp 13, the anode side terminal 13a is connected to the LED lamp driving device 30C, and the cathode side terminal 13c is grounded. Each LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL may include four or more LED lamps.
　ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置３０Ｃは、第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を出力する第３電流出力端子Ｔ３と、第３電流出力端子Ｔ３に接続された第３コンデンサＣ３と、を有する第３定電流電源部３３Ａ３を更に備える。第３定電流電源部３３Ａ３は、制御部３７Ｃからの動作開始信号Ｓ３に応じて動作開始する。定電流電源部は、ＬＥＤランプの数と同じ数だけ設ければよい。 The LED lamp driving device 30C further includes a third constant current power supply unit 33A3 including a third current output terminal T3 that outputs a third constant current IOUT3, and a third capacitor C3 connected to the third current output terminal T3. Prepare. The third constant current power supply unit 33A3 starts to operate in response to the operation start signal S3 from the control unit 37C. The number of constant current power supply units may be the same as the number of LED lamps.
　切り替え部３５Ｃは、プリドライブ部３４Ｃからの駆動信号に応じて、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ又は１０ＡＬにおいて、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１を供給するか否か切り替え、第２ＬＥＤランプ１２に第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ２を供給するか否か切り替え、第３ＬＥＤランプ１３に第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を供給するか否か切り替える。切り替え部３５Ｃは、例えば、第２の実施形態の構成に加え、スイッチング素子Ｑ３～Ｑ６を更に備えた構成とすることができる。なお、図１２では、明確化のためにスイッチング素子Ｑ１～Ｑ６をスイッチの記号で示しているが、スイッチング素子Ｑ１～Ｑ６は、第２の実施形態と同様にトランジスタで構成することができる。 The switching unit 35C switches whether to supply the first constant current IOUT1 to the first LED lamp 11 in the LED lamp unit 10AR or 10AL in accordance with the drive signal from the pre-drive unit 34C, and supplies the second LED lamp 12 with the second signal. Whether to supply the constant current IOUT2 is switched, and whether to supply the third constant current IOUT3 to the third LED lamp 13 is switched. For example, the switching unit 35C can be configured to further include switching elements Q3 to Q6 in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the switching elements Q1 to Q6 are indicated by switch symbols for the sake of clarity, but the switching elements Q1 to Q6 can be configured by transistors as in the second embodiment.
　電圧検出部３６Ｃは、第２の実施形態の機能に加え、第３電流出力端子Ｔ３の第３出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ３を検出する。 The voltage detector 36C detects the third output voltage VOUT3 of the third current output terminal T3 in addition to the function of the second embodiment.
　制御部３７Ｃは、使用者により操作された方向指示スイッチＲ－ＳＷ，Ｌ－ＳＷの状態に応じて、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ又は１０ＡＬを点滅させるように、プリドライブ部３４Ｃを介して切り替え部３５Ｃを制御する。 The control unit 37C switches through the pre-drive unit 34C so as to blink the selected LED lamp unit 10AR or 10AL according to the state of the direction indicating switches R-SW and L-SW operated by the user. The unit 35C is controlled.
　制御部３７Ｃは、選択されたＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ又は１０ＡＬにおいて、繰り返し、第１、第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２，１３に１つずつ順番に第１、第２又は第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ１，ＩＯＵＴ２，ＩＯＵＴ３を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃを制御する。これにより、第３の実施形態と同様に、ＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ，１０ＡＬは、「流れるウィンカー」として点滅動作する。 In the selected LED lamp unit 10AR or 10AL, the controller 37C repeatedly repeats the first, second, or third constant current IOUT1, one by one for the first, second, and third LED lamps 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The switching unit 35C is controlled to supply IOUT2 and IOUT3. Thereby, like 3rd Embodiment, LED lamp unit 10AR, 10AL blinks as a "flowing blinker".
　放電部３８Ｃは、第２の実施形態の機能に加え、第３コンデンサＣ３の電荷を放電する。 The discharging unit 38C discharges the charge of the third capacitor C3 in addition to the function of the second embodiment.
　制御部３７Ｃは、第２の実施形態の放電機能に加え、第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を供給する前に第３出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ３が第５電圧Ｖ１５より高い場合、第３コンデンサＣ３の電荷を放電し、電荷の放電によって第３出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ３が第６電圧Ｖ１６まで低下した後で第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃ及び放電部３８Ｃを制御する。 In addition to the discharge function of the second embodiment, the control unit 37C discharges the charge of the third capacitor C3 when the third output voltage VOUT3 is higher than the fifth voltage V15 before supplying the third constant current IOUT3. The switching unit 35C and the discharge unit 38C are controlled so that the third constant current IOUT3 is supplied after the third output voltage VOUT3 is reduced to the sixth voltage V16 due to the discharge of electric charge.
　第１電圧Ｖ１１と第２電圧Ｖ１２と第５電圧Ｖ１５は等しくてもよい。第６電圧Ｖ１６は、第３ＬＥＤランプ１３の順方向電圧以下である。第３電圧Ｖ１３と第４電圧Ｖ１４と第６電圧Ｖ１６は等しくてもよい。 The first voltage V11, the second voltage V12, and the fifth voltage V15 may be equal. The sixth voltage V <b> 16 is equal to or lower than the forward voltage of the third LED lamp 13. The third voltage V13, the fourth voltage V14, and the sixth voltage V16 may be equal.
　また、制御部３７Ｃは、第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を供給する前に第３出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ３が第５電圧Ｖ１５以下の場合、第３コンデンサＣ３の電荷を放電せずに第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ３を供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃ及び放電部３８Ｃを制御する。 In addition, when the third output voltage VOUT3 is equal to or lower than the fifth voltage V15 before supplying the third constant current IOUT3, the control unit 37C supplies the third constant current IOUT3 without discharging the charge of the third capacitor C3. Thus, the switching unit 35C and the discharge unit 38C are controlled.
　第２の実施形態で説明したように、例えば、点灯している第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に断線が発生した場合、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は上昇して最大値になる。そこで、断線した第１ＬＥＤランプ１１を正常品に取り替え、再度点灯させる時、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１は第１電圧Ｖ１１より高くなっている可能性がある。この場合、放電部３８Ｃは、第１コンデンサＣ１の電荷を放電する。そして、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第３電圧Ｖ１３まで低下した後で、第１定電流ＩＯＵＴ１が第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に供給される。よって、第１ＬＥＤランプ１１に過大な突入電流が流れないようにできる。
　第２又は第３のＬＥＤランプ１２，１３に断線が発生した場合にも、同様に動作する。 As described in the second embodiment, for example, when a disconnection occurs in the lit first LED lamp 11, the first output voltage VOUT1 rises to a maximum value. Therefore, when the disconnected first LED lamp 11 is replaced with a normal product and turned on again, the first output voltage VOUT1 may be higher than the first voltage V11. In this case, the discharge unit 38C discharges the charge of the first capacitor C1. Then, after the first output voltage VOUT1 has dropped to the third voltage V13, the first constant current IOUT1 is supplied to the first LED lamp 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive inrush current from flowing through the first LED lamp 11.
The same operation is performed when the second or third LED lamps 12 and 13 are disconnected.
　また、制御部３７Ｃは、第１出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ１が第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１２，１３に第２及び第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ２，ＩＯＵＴ３を間欠的に供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃを制御する。 Further, the control unit 37C intermittently supplies the second and third constant currents IOUT2 and IOUT3 to the second and third LED lamps 12 and 13 when the first output voltage VOUT1 is out of the first output voltage range. Next, the switching unit 35C is controlled.
　制御部３７Ｃは、第２出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ２が第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１及び第３ＬＥＤランプ１１，１３に第１及び第３定電流ＩＯＵＴ１，ＩＯＵＴ３を間欠的に供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃを制御する。 The controller 37C may intermittently supply the first and third constant currents IOUT1 and IOUT3 to the first and third LED lamps 11 and 13 when the second output voltage VOUT2 is out of the second output voltage range. The switching unit 35C is controlled.
　制御部３７Ｃは、第３出力電圧ＶＯＵＴ３が予め定められた第３出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、第１及び第２ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２に第１及び第２定電流ＩＯＵＴ１，ＩＯＵＴ２を間欠的に供給するように、切り替え部３５Ｃを制御する。前述の第５電圧Ｖ１５及び第６電圧Ｖ１６は、第３出力電圧範囲内に含まれている。 The controller 37C intermittently supplies the first and second constant currents IOUT1 and IOUT2 to the first and second LED lamps 11 and 12 when the third output voltage VOUT3 is outside the predetermined third output voltage range. Thus, the switching unit 35C is controlled. The fifth voltage V15 and the sixth voltage V16 described above are included in the third output voltage range.
　これにより、第１、第２又は第３ＬＥＤランプ１１，１２，１３に異常が発生した場合には、「流れるウィンカー」としての動作を停止して、異常が発生していないＬＥＤランプを同時に点滅させることができる。従って、第３の実施形態と同様の効果も得られる。 Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the first, second or third LED lamps 11, 12, 13, the operation as “flowing winker” is stopped, and the LED lamps in which no abnormality has occurred are simultaneously blinked. be able to. Therefore, the same effect as the third embodiment can be obtained.
　本実施形態においても、使用者の操作に応じて、ハザード動作として２つのＬＥＤランプユニット１０ＡＲ，１０ＡＬを同時に点滅動作させるように構成してもよい。 Also in this embodiment, the two LED lamp units 10AR and 10AL may be configured to blink at the same time as a hazard operation in accordance with a user operation.
　本発明の態様は、上述した個々の実施形態に限定されるものではなく、当業者が想到しうる種々の変形も含むものであり、本発明の効果も上述した内容に限定されない。すなわち、特許請求の範囲に規定された内容およびその均等物から導き出される本発明の概念的な思想と趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の追加、変更および部分的削除が可能である。 The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above, but include various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to the contents described above. That is, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made without departing from the concept and spirit of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and equivalents thereof.
１０，１０Ａ，１０Ｌ，１０Ｒ，１０ＡＬ，１０ＡＲ　ＬＥＤランプユニット
１１　第１ＬＥＤランプ
１２　第２ＬＥＤランプ
１３　第３ＬＥＤランプ
２０　インジケータ
Ｂ　バッテリ
ＳＷ１　イグニッションスイッチ
ＳＷＨ　ハイビームスイッチ
ＳＷＬ　ロービームスイッチ
Ｒ－ＳＷ，Ｌ－ＳＷ　方向指示スイッチ
３０，３０Ａ，３０Ｂ，３０Ｃ　ＬＥＤランプ駆動装置
３１　制御電源部
３２　Ｉ／Ｆ部
３３　定電流電源部
３３Ａ１　第１定電流電源部
３３Ａ２　第２定電流電源部
３３Ａ３　第３定電流電源部
Ｃ１　コンデンサ、第１コンデンサ
Ｃ２　第２コンデンサ
Ｃ３　第３コンデンサ
Ｔ１　電流出力端子、第１電流出力端子
Ｔ２　第２電流出力端子
Ｔ３　第３電流出力端子
３４，３４Ａ，３４Ｂ，３４Ｃ　プリドライブ部
３５，３５Ａ，３５Ｂ，３５Ｃ　切り替え部
Ｑ１　第１スイッチング素子
Ｑ２　第２スイッチング素子
Ｑ３　第３スイッチング素子
３６，３６Ａ，３６Ｃ　電圧検出部
３７，３７Ａ，３７Ｂ，３７Ｃ　制御部
３８，３８Ａ，３８Ｃ　放電部
３９　インジケータ駆動部
１００，１００Ａ，１００Ｂ，１００Ｃ　車両用灯火装置 10, 10A, 10L, 10R, 10AL, 10AR LED lamp unit 11 First LED lamp 12 Second LED lamp 13 Third LED lamp 20 Indicator B Battery SW1 Ignition switch SWH High beam switch SWL Low beam switch R-SW, L-SW Direction indication switch 30 , 30A, 30B, 30C LED lamp driving device 31 control power supply unit 32 I / F unit 33 constant current power supply unit 33A1 first constant current power supply unit 33A2 second constant current power supply unit 33A3 third constant current power supply unit C1 capacitor, first Capacitor C2 Second capacitor C3 Third capacitor T1 Current output terminal, first current output terminal T2 Second current output terminal T3 Third current output terminals 34, 34A, 34B, 34C Pre-drive units 35, 35A, 35B, 35C switching unit Q1 1st switching element Q2 2nd switching element Q3 3rd switching element 36,36A, 36C Voltage detection part 37,37A, 37B, 37C Control part 38,38A, 38C Discharge part 39 Indicator drive part 100,100A, 100B, 100C Vehicle Lighting equipment

Claims (12)

  1. 　直列接続された第１ＬＥＤランプ及び第２ＬＥＤランプを含むＬＥＤランプユニットを駆動するＬＥＤランプ駆動装置であって、
    　定電流を出力する電流出力端子と、前記電流出力端子に接続されたコンデンサと、を有する定電流電源部と、
    　前記第１ＬＥＤランプと前記第２ＬＥＤランプの少なくとも何れかに前記定電流を供給する切り替え部と、
    　前記電流出力端子の出力電圧を検出する電圧検出部と、
    　前記コンデンサの電荷を放電する放電部と、
    　前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が第１電圧より高い場合、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する制御部と、を備える
    　ことを特徴とするＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp connected in series,
    A constant current power supply unit having a current output terminal for outputting a constant current, and a capacitor connected to the current output terminal;
    A switching unit that supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp;
    A voltage detector for detecting an output voltage of the current output terminal;
    A discharge part for discharging the charge of the capacitor;
    A controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the constant current after discharging the capacitor charge when the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current; An LED lamp driving device comprising:
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が前記第１電圧より高い場合、前記コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記出力電圧が第２電圧まで低下した後で前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
    　前記第２電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であり、且つ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下である、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     When the output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the control unit supplies the constant current after the output voltage is reduced to the second voltage by discharging the capacitor. And controlling the switching unit and the discharge unit,
    2. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the second voltage is equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  3. 　前記制御部は、前記定電流を供給する前に前記出力電圧が前記第１電圧以下の場合、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。 When the output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the constant current, the control unit is configured to supply the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the LED lamp driving device is controlled.
  4. 　前記第１電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧と前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧との和より低い、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。 2. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the first voltage is lower than a sum of a forward voltage of the first LED lamp and a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  5. 　前記制御部は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第２ＬＥＤランプの両者に前記定電流を供給する場合、前記出力電圧によらず、前記コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。 When supplying the constant current to both the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp, the control unit supplies the constant current without discharging the charge of the capacitor regardless of the output voltage. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit and the discharge unit are controlled.
  6. 　前記ＬＥＤランプユニットは、前記第１ＬＥＤランプと前記第２ＬＥＤランプとに直列接続された第３ＬＥＤランプを更に含み、
    　前記切り替え部は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第３ＬＥＤランプの少なくとも何れかに前記定電流を供給し、
    　前記制御部は、繰り返し、前記第１ＬＥＤランプ、前記第２ＬＥＤランプ及び前記第３ＬＥＤランプに１つずつ順番に前記定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     The LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp connected in series with the first LED lamp and the second LED lamp,
    The switching unit supplies the constant current to at least one of the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp,
    The control unit repeatedly controls the switching unit and the discharge unit so as to supply the constant current to the first LED lamp, the second LED lamp, and the third LED lamp one by one in order. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1.
  7. 　前記制御部は、前記出力電圧が予め定められた出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記定電流の供給先を切り替えるように前記切り替え部を制御し、
    　前記第１電圧は、前記出力電圧範囲内に含まれている、ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     The control unit controls the switching unit to switch the supply destination of the constant current when the output voltage is out of a predetermined output voltage range,
    The LED lamp driving device according to claim 1, wherein the first voltage is included in the output voltage range.
  8. 　第１ＬＥＤランプ及び第２ＬＥＤランプを含むＬＥＤランプユニットを駆動するＬＥＤランプ駆動装置であって、
    　第１定電流を出力する第１電流出力端子と、前記第１電流出力端子に接続された第１コンデンサと、を有する第１定電流電源部と、
    　第２定電流を出力する第２電流出力端子と、前記第２電流出力端子に接続された第２コンデンサと、を有する第２定電流電源部と、
    　前記第１ＬＥＤランプに前記第１定電流を供給するか否か切り替え、前記第２ＬＥＤランプに前記第２定電流を供給するか否か切り替える切り替え部と、
    　前記１電流出力端子の第１出力電圧及び前記第２電流出力端子の第２出力電圧を検出する電圧検出部と、
    　前記第１コンデンサ及び前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電する放電部と、
    　前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が第１電圧より高い場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第１定電流を供給し、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が第２電圧より高い場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する制御部と、を備える、
    　ことを特徴とするＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     An LED lamp driving device for driving an LED lamp unit including a first LED lamp and a second LED lamp,
    A first constant current power supply unit having a first current output terminal for outputting a first constant current; and a first capacitor connected to the first current output terminal;
    A second constant current power supply unit having a second current output terminal for outputting a second constant current, and a second capacitor connected to the second current output terminal;
    A switching unit for switching whether to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp, and for switching whether to supply the second constant current to the second LED lamp;
    A voltage detector for detecting a first output voltage of the one current output terminal and a second output voltage of the second current output terminal;
    A discharge part for discharging the charge of the first capacitor and the second capacitor;
    If the first output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the first constant current is supplied after discharging the charge of the first capacitor, and the second constant current is supplied. A controller that controls the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second constant current after discharging the electric charge of the second capacitor when the second output voltage is higher than the second voltage. And comprising
    The LED lamp drive device characterized by the above-mentioned.
  9. 　前記制御部は、前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が前記第１電圧より高い場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記第１出力電圧が第３電圧まで低下した後で前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
    　前記制御部は、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が前記第２電圧より高い場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷の放電によって前記第２出力電圧が第４電圧まで低下した後で前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
    　前記第３電圧は、前記第１ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下であり、
    　前記第４電圧は、前記第２ＬＥＤランプの順方向電圧以下である、ことを特徴とする請求項８に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     When the first output voltage is higher than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the control unit decreases the first output voltage to a third voltage due to discharge of the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the first constant current later,
    When the second output voltage is higher than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit reduces the second output voltage to the fourth voltage due to the discharge of the charge of the second capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit to supply the second constant current later,
    The third voltage is equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the first LED lamp;
    The LED lamp driving device according to claim 8, wherein the fourth voltage is equal to or lower than a forward voltage of the second LED lamp.
  10. 　前記制御部は、前記第１定電流を供給する前に前記第１出力電圧が前記第１電圧以下の場合、前記第１コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御し、
    　前記制御部は、前記第２定電流を供給する前に前記第２出力電圧が前記第２電圧以下の場合、前記第２コンデンサの電荷を放電せずに前記第２定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する、ことを特徴とする請求項８に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     When the first output voltage is equal to or lower than the first voltage before supplying the first constant current, the control unit supplies the first constant current without discharging the charge of the first capacitor. Controlling the switching unit and the discharging unit,
    When the second output voltage is equal to or lower than the second voltage before supplying the second constant current, the control unit supplies the second constant current without discharging the charge of the second capacitor. The LED lamp driving device according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit and the discharge unit are controlled.
  11. 　第３定電流を出力する第３電流出力端子と、前記第３電流出力端子に接続された第３コンデンサと、を有する第３定電流電源部を更に備え、
    　前記ＬＥＤランプユニットは、第３ＬＥＤランプを更に含み、
    　前記切り替え部は、前記第３ＬＥＤランプに前記第３定電流を供給するか否か切り替え、
    　前記電圧検出部は、前記３電流出力端子の第３出力電圧を検出し、
    　前記制御部は、繰り返し、前記第１、第２及び第３ＬＥＤランプに１つずつ順番に前記第１、第２又は第３定電流を供給し、前記第３定電流を供給する前に前記第３出力電圧が第５電圧より高い場合、前記第３コンデンサの電荷を放電した後で前記第３定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部及び前記放電部を制御する、ことを特徴とする請求項８に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     A third constant current power supply unit having a third current output terminal for outputting a third constant current; and a third capacitor connected to the third current output terminal;
    The LED lamp unit further includes a third LED lamp,
    The switching unit switches whether to supply the third constant current to the third LED lamp,
    The voltage detector detects a third output voltage of the three current output terminals;
    The control unit repeatedly supplies the first, second, or third constant current to the first, second, and third LED lamps one by one in order, and before supplying the third constant current, 3. The switching unit and the discharging unit are controlled to supply the third constant current after discharging the charge of the third capacitor when the three output voltage is higher than the fifth voltage. Item 9. The LED lamp driving device according to Item 8.
  12. 　前記制御部は、前記第１出力電圧が予め定められた第１出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記第２ＬＥＤランプに前記第２定電流を供給し、前記第２出力電圧が予め定められた第２出力電圧範囲から外れた場合、前記第１ＬＥＤランプに前記第１定電流を供給するように、前記切り替え部を制御し、
    　前記第１電圧は、前記第１出力電圧範囲内に含まれ、
    　前記第２電圧は、前記第２出力電圧範囲内に含まれている、ことを特徴とする請求項８に記載のＬＥＤランプ駆動装置。     The controller supplies the second constant current to the second LED lamp when the first output voltage is out of a predetermined first output voltage range, and the second output voltage is determined in advance. When the output voltage range is out of range, the switching unit is controlled to supply the first constant current to the first LED lamp,
    The first voltage is included in the first output voltage range;
    The LED lamp driving device according to claim 8, wherein the second voltage is included in the second output voltage range.
PCT/JP2015/050520 2015-01-09 2015-01-09 Led lamp drive device WO2016111009A1 (en)

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