WO2022210601A1

WO2022210601A1 - Vehicle approach notification device and vehicular lighting unit

Info

Publication number: WO2022210601A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/015180
Authority: WO
Inventors: 克也福田; 平祐天野; 幸紀佐伯; 孝幸鈴木
Original assignee: 株式会社小糸製作所
Priority date: 2021-03-30
Filing date: 2022-03-28
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: JPWO2022210601A1

Abstract

This vehicle approach notification device (100) is capable of issuing a notification regarding the approach of a vehicle (10) to the surroundings of the vehicle (10) by means of a notification sound (102), the notification sound (102) including a first frequency component and a second frequency component that is different from the first frequency component. The vehicle approach notification device (100) comprises a first sound-emitting device (104a) that is capable of operating so as to emit a first sound (102a) having a peak of a sound pressure level in the first frequency component, a second sound-emitting device (104b) that is capable of operating so as to emit a second sound (102b) having a peak of a sound pressure level in the second frequency component, and a sound emission control device (106) that controls the first sound-emitting device (104a) and the second sound-emitting device (104b) such that the first sound-emitting device (104a) emits the first sound (102a) and the second sound-emitting device (104b) emits the second sound (102b).

Description

Vehicle proximity notification device and vehicle lamp

The present invention relates to an approaching vehicle audible device and a vehicle lamp.

Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle approach notification device that notifies the surroundings of the vehicle of the approach of the vehicle by sound, and it has been proposed to mount this on the headlamp of the vehicle (see Patent Document 1, for example). In this device, an electromagnetic vibrator is provided on one side of the headlamp, and the vibration is transmitted to the front cover of the headlamp to emit an approaching alarm sound. This headlamp is configured as a composite ECU in which a lamp ECU (electronic control unit) for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp and a sound generation ECU for controlling the vibration of the electromagnetic vibrator are integrally packaged.

JP 2013-35482 A

As in the case of the headlamps described above, if only one of the set of devices installed in the vehicle is provided with a sounding device, this device will have a different configuration from the other device that is not provided with the sounding device. As a result, there is concern that the degree of commonality of parts between both devices will be low, and that the manufacturing cost will increase accordingly.

One of the exemplary objects of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an approaching vehicle audible device at a low cost.

As with the headlamps mentioned above, if the single electronic control unit that controls the lighting is also equipped with notification sound control, it may not be possible to emit the notification sound if this electronic control unit fails.

One of the exemplary purposes of an aspect of the present invention is to reduce the risk of losing the function due to a failure of a vehicle lighting device with a vehicle approaching notification function.

As a result of studying the above headlamps, the inventors came to recognize the following problems. As an example of a control device that can be adopted, a lamp ECU (electronic control unit) that controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp and a sound ECU that controls the vibration of the electromagnetic oscillator are provided, and a CAN (Controller Area Network) cable branched in the middle is connected. A configuration is conceivable in which the lamp ECU is connected to the lamp and the sound ECU. However, since CAN cables are generally twisted wires, it is more difficult than single wires to manufacture branches that satisfy various requirements such as long-term reliability, and there is concern that manufacturing costs will increase. .

An exemplary object of some aspects of the present invention is to provide improved internal equipment connections in a vehicle light having sound function.

An approaching vehicle audible device according to one aspect of the present invention can report an approaching vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a audible notification sound, and the audible notification sound includes a first frequency component and a second frequency component different from the first frequency component. The approaching vehicle audible system comprises a first sound generator operable to emit a first sound having a sound pressure level peak in a first frequency component and a second sound having a sound pressure level peak in a second frequency component. a second sounding device operable to emit a sound, and a sounding control device for controlling the first sounding device and the second sounding device such that the first sounding device emits the first sound and the second sounding device emits the second sound. , provided.

According to this aspect, the synthesized sound of the first sound from the first sounding device and the second sound from the second sounding device can be heard around the vehicle, and this synthesized sound can be used as the vehicle approaching notification sound. Since each of the two sounding devices has a relatively simple function of mainly generating sounds of different frequency components, it becomes easy to adopt relatively simple and inexpensive sounding devices for each of the sounding devices. It can help reduce the manufacturing cost of the reporting device. In addition, since the first frequency component and the second frequency component that constitute the notification sound can be selected respectively, compared to the case where a single frequency sound from a single sounding device is used as the notification sound, it is possible to meet legal requirements and walking. It is expected that it will become easier to meet the various conditions required for notification sounds, such as audibility for people.

The approaching vehicle audible device may further include a first lighting unit provided with a first sounding device and a second lighting unit provided with a second sounding device. The sound generation control device includes a first sound generation control section provided in the first lamp unit and configured to control the first sound generation device so that the first sound generation device emits a first sound; a second sounding control unit for controlling the second sounding device such that the device emits a second sound. In this way, the approaching vehicle audible device can be adapted to a vehicle lamp having two lamp units. Further, since the two lamp units are respectively provided with a sound device and a sound control part, both lamp units have the same structure, and the degree of commonality of parts is increased between the two, thereby obtaining the advantage of reducing the manufacturing cost.

The first lamp unit may include a first light source and a first control circuit board that controls the first light source and operates as a first sound control section. The second lamp unit may include a second light source and a second control circuit board that controls the second light source and operates as a second sound control section. In this way, compared to the case where the sound generation control section is provided as a control circuit board separate from the control circuit board that controls the light source, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The first lighting unit includes a first lighting housing in which the first light source is arranged, and the first sounding device includes a first speaker attached to the first lighting housing outside the first lighting housing. You may prepare. The second lighting unit includes a second lighting housing in which the second light source is arranged, and the second sounding device includes a second speaker attached to the second lighting housing outside the second lighting housing. You may prepare.

The first frequency component may be selected from the range of 1000Hz to 3150Hz, and the second frequency component may be selected from the range of 315Hz to 800Hz.

When a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle, the sound control device may control at least one of the first sound device and the second sound device so as to make the notification sound more audible to the pedestrian. In this way, pedestrians can be effectively notified of the approach of the vehicle.

Another aspect of the present invention is also a vehicle approach audible device. This device is an approaching vehicle audible device capable of reporting an approaching vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a notification sound. a sounding control device for controlling at least one of the first sounding device and the second sounding device to increase the audibility of the notification sound to pedestrians. According to this aspect, the pedestrian can be effectively notified of the approach of the vehicle.

A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention can notify the surroundings of the vehicle of the approach of the vehicle with a notification sound. The vehicle lighting includes a first lighting unit having a first light source, a first sounding device operable to emit a notification sound, and a first control circuit board for controlling the first light source and the first sounding device; a second sounding device operable to emit a notification sound. The second sounding device increases the volume of the notification sound or starts emitting the notification sound when a failure of the first control circuit board is detected.

According to this aspect, when the first control circuit board fails and the first sounding device cannot emit the notification sound or the volume of the notification sound decreases, the second sounding device can assist or replace the first sounding device. In this way, the vehicle approach notification function of the vehicle lamp can be maintained.

The second sound generator may be provided in the second lamp unit.

The second lamp unit may have a second light source and a second control circuit board that controls the second light source and the second sound generator.

The first lighting unit includes a first lighting housing in which the first light source is arranged, and the first sounding device includes a first speaker attached to the first lighting housing outside the first lighting housing. You may prepare.

The vehicle lamp may further include a switch that connects the first lamp unit to the power supply. The switch may disconnect the first lighting unit from the power supply when a failure of the first control circuit board is detected. In this way, even if the first control circuit board fails and an abnormal sound is emitted from the first sound generator, the abnormal sound can be extinguished by shutting off the power supply.

A vehicle lighting device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light source, a sounding device, a first control unit that controls one of the light source and the sounding device based on a first PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, and the light source and the sounding device. a second control section for controlling the other of them based on a second PWM signal; and a communication line connecting said one of the light source and the sound generating device and the second control section in parallel or in series to the first control section. . The first control unit receives vehicle data indicating the state of the vehicle from an external control device, generates a first PWM signal at a first frequency based on the vehicle data, and generates a second PWM signal at the first frequency based on the vehicle data. A superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal, which is generated at a second different frequency, is output to the communication line. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an improved internal device connection in a vehicle lamp having a sound function.

The communication line may connect the one of the light source and the sound generator and the second control section in parallel to the first control section. A first filter is provided that receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first control unit through the communication line, extracts the first PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the first PWM signal to the one of the light source and the sound generator. good too. A second filter may be provided that receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first controller via a communication line, extracts a second PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the second PWM signal to the second controller.

The first controller may control the light source, and the second controller may control the sound generator.

The sounding device may be operable to emit a notification sound to notify the surroundings of the vehicle of the approach of the vehicle.

It should be noted that any combination of the above constituent elements, and any conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc. are also effective as embodiments of the present invention.

According to the present invention, an approaching vehicle audible device can be provided at low cost. Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of losing the function of a vehicle lighting device having a vehicle approaching notification function due to a failure. Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide improved internal device connection in a vehicle lamp having a sound function.

1 is a block diagram of an approaching vehicle audible device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp provided with an approaching vehicle audible device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an approaching vehicle audible device according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method for a vehicle lamp according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first lamp unit of a vehicle lamp according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment;

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting the invention, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent constituent elements, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplication of description will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience in order to facilitate the explanation, and should not be construed as limiting unless otherwise mentioned. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" used in this specification or claims do not represent any order or degree of importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another. is. Also, in each drawing, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiments are omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the vehicle approach audible system according to the first embodiment. An approaching vehicle audible device 100 is mounted on a vehicle 10 . The approaching vehicle notification device 100 can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 10 of the approach of the vehicle 10 with a notification sound 102 . The notification sound 102 may be a pseudo engine sound that simulates the engine sound. The approaching vehicle notification device 100 can notify pedestrians and other vehicles of the approach of the vehicle 10, and is useful for improving safety. In particular, when the vehicle 10, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, uses an electric motor as a drive source, the approaching vehicle 100 is useful because the motor noise is quiet at low speeds and the approach of the vehicle 10 is difficult to notice. be.

In this embodiment, the notification sound 102 consists of a first sound 102a and a second sound 102b. The first sound 102a has a sound pressure level peak at a first frequency component, and the second sound 102b has a sound pressure level peak at a second frequency component different from the first frequency component. That is, the first sound 102a is dominant in the first frequency component or a first frequency band including the same, and the second sound 102b is dominant in the second frequency component or a second frequency band including the same. The first frequency band and the second frequency band may be separate from each other or may partially overlap. The first sound 102a may be a pure tone consisting of only the first frequency component. The second sound 102b may be a pure tone consisting of only the second frequency component.

The first frequency component may be selected from a frequency band audible with good sensitivity for an adult with normal hearing, for example from the range of 1000 Hz to 3150 Hz, for example 1600 Hz. In general, it is known that elderly people have reduced hearing to high-frequency sound. Therefore, the second frequency component may be selected from a frequency band in which hearing loss is small for the elderly, for example, the range of 315 Hz to 800 Hz, and may be 800 Hz, for example.

The approaching vehicle audible device 100 includes a plurality of sounding devices, in this embodiment, a first sounding device 104a and a second sounding device 104b. The first sound producing device 104a is operable to produce a first sound 102a and the second sound producing device 104b is operable to produce a second sound 102b. The sound generating device may be, for example, a speaker, and may have a structure that emits sound by vibrating a diaphragm with a voice coil and a magnet. Alternatively, the sounding device may be any other structure that produces sound.

The first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b are arranged at different locations in the vehicle 10. As an example, the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b are arranged separately on the left and right. For example, these two sound generators are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b are arranged separately in the front and rear such that the first sounding device 104a is provided in the front part of the vehicle 10 and the second sounding device 104b is provided in the rear part of the vehicle 10. may be

The sounding control device 106 controls the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b so that the first sounding device 104a emits the first sound 102a and the second sounding device 104b emits the second sound 102b. The sound generation control device 106 can be implemented by a combination of a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer, and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

In this embodiment, the sound generation control device 106 includes a first sound generation control unit 106a that controls the first sound generation device 104a so that the first sound generation device 104a emits the first sound 102a, and a second sound generation device 104b that controls the second sound generation device 104b. and a second sound generation control unit 106b for controlling the second sound generation device 104b to emit sound 102b.

The first sound generation control unit 106a and the second sound generation control unit 106b each include a speaker drive circuit such as an H bridge circuit and its controller. The controller determines the timing and duration of sound generation based on vehicle data indicating the state of the vehicle, and controls the drive circuit to cause the corresponding sound generator to generate sound according to the determined timing and duration. The vehicle data may include, for example, the speed of the vehicle 10, and the sound control unit may cause the sound generator to sound when the vehicle speed is slower than a predetermined speed (eg, 20 km/h). The sound generation control unit receives vehicle data from a host controller (e.g., a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) such as a body control module (BCM)) mounted on the vehicle 10, from CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). You may receive through the vehicle-mounted network based on network protocols, such as. These two sound generation control units may be mounted on the same circuit board, or may be mounted on separate circuit boards.

With the above configuration, the approaching vehicle audible device 100 emits the first sound 102a and the second sound 102b at the same time under the control of the sound control device 106. A sound obtained by synthesizing the first sound 102a from the first sounding device 104a and the second sound 102b from the second sounding device 104b can be heard around the vehicle 10, and the vehicle approaching notification device 100 emits this synthesized sound. It can be used as notification sound 102 .

According to the embodiment, the first frequency component and the second frequency component constituting the notification sound 102 are designed so as to satisfy various conditions required for the notification sound 102, such as legal requirements and audibility for pedestrians. can be selected by It is expected that the approaching vehicle audible system 100 can more easily satisfy various conditions required for the notification sound 102 compared to the case where a single frequency sound from a single sounding device is used as the notification sound.

Also, each of the two sound generators may have a relatively simple function of mainly generating sounds with different frequency components. Therefore, it becomes easier to adopt relatively simple and inexpensive sound generators for individual sound generators. In addition, by adopting a simple and inexpensive sounding device, it is possible to adopt an inexpensive sounding control unit corresponding to the sounding device. This can help reduce the manufacturing cost of the approaching vehicle audible system.

The approaching vehicle audible device 100 may be incorporated into a vehicle lamp or other vehicle-mounted equipment, and such an embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp equipped with the vehicle approaching audible device according to the first embodiment. The vehicle lamp 20 is a headlamp in this embodiment, and includes a first lamp unit 20a as a left headlamp and a second lamp unit 20b as a right headlamp. Therefore, the first lamp unit 20a and the second lamp unit 20b are provided on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 10, and have substantially the same configuration except that they have a symmetrical structure.

The first lamp unit 20a includes a first light source 22a, a first sound generator 104a, and a first control circuit board 24a. Similarly, the second lamp unit 20b includes a second light source 22b, a second sound generator 104b, and a second control circuit board 24b.

The first lamp unit 20a includes a first outer lens 26a arranged so that the light emitted from the first light source 22a is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a first outer lens 26a as a partition separating the first light source 22a and the vehicle body. and a lamp body 28a. The first outer lens 26a is integrated with the first lamp body 28a so as to close the opening of the first lamp body 28a on the front side of the vehicle, and constitutes a first lamp housing 30a in which the first light source 22a is arranged. do. The first sound generator 104a is attached to the first lamp housing 30a (for example, the first lamp body 28a) outside the first lamp housing 30a.

Similarly, the second lamp unit 20b includes a second outer lens 26b arranged so that the light emitted from the second light source 22b is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a partition wall separating the second light source 22b and the vehicle body. and a second lamp body 28b. The second outer lens 26b is integrated with the second lamp body 28b so as to close the opening of the second lamp body 28b on the front side of the vehicle, and constitutes a second lamp housing 30b in which the second light source 22b is arranged. do. The second sound generator 104b is attached to the second lamp housing 30b (for example, the second lamp body 28b) outside the second lamp housing 30b.

The first light source 22a and the second light source 22b are, for example, semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The first control circuit board 24a controls on/off and light intensity of the first light source 22a, and the second control circuit board 24b controls on/off and light intensity of the second light source 22b. The first control circuit board 24a and the second control circuit board 24b are also called a first lamp ECU and a second lamp ECU, respectively.

The first control circuit board 24a controls the first light source 22a and operates as the first sound generation control section 106a. As described above, the first sound generation control unit 106a receives vehicle data (such as vehicle speed data) from the vehicle ECU 110, and controls the first sound generation device 104a based on the vehicle data so that the first sound generation device 104a emits the first sound 102a. 104a. Similarly, the second control circuit board 24b controls the second light source 22b and operates as the second sound generation control section 106b. Second sound generation control unit 106b receives vehicle data from vehicle ECU 110, and controls second sound generation device 104b based on the vehicle data so that second sound generation device 104b emits second sound 102b.

The first control circuit board 24a includes a microcomputer (processor) that controls the first light source 22a, and the first sound generation control section 106a may be mounted on this microcomputer. The second control circuit board 24b may similarly include a microcomputer (processor) for controlling the second light source 22b, and the second sound generation control section 106b may be mounted on this microcomputer. As an alternative configuration, each lamp unit may be provided with a circuit board on which the function for controlling the light source is mounted and another circuit board on which the sound control section is mounted.

With the above configuration, the vehicle lamp 20 can emit the first sound 102a from the first sound generator 104a and the second sound 102b from the second sound generator 104b. The vehicle lamp 20 can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 10 of the approach of the vehicle 10 by the notification sound 102 consisting of the first sound 102a and the second sound 102b.

In this way, the approaching vehicle audible device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be adapted to the vehicle lamp 20. Further, since the two lamp units are respectively provided with a sound device and a sound control part, both lamp units have the same structure, and the degree of commonality of parts is increased between the two, thereby obtaining the advantage of reducing the manufacturing cost. Incorporating the approaching vehicle audible device 100 into the vehicle lamp 20 is advantageous in that it leads to space saving in the vehicle interior compared to the case where the vehicle approaching audible device 100 is provided separately from the vehicle lamp 20 .

Instead of providing the first sound generation control section 106a and the second sound generation control section 106b in separate lamp units, both the first sound generation control section 106a and the second sound generation control section 106b are provided in the same lamp unit. For example, both of these sound generation control units may be mounted on the first control circuit board 24a (or the second control circuit board 24b), thereby controlling the first sound generation device 104a and the second sound generation device 104b. . Alternatively, the sound generation control device 106 (see FIG. 1) having the first sound generation control section 106a and the second sound generation control section 106b may be arranged outside the lighting unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an approaching vehicle notification system according to the second embodiment. The approaching vehicle audible system 100 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the approaching vehicle audible system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in that it has a sound adjustment function based on pedestrian detection. In the following, different configurations will be mainly described, and common configurations will be briefly described or omitted.

The vehicle approach audible device 100 includes a first sounding device 104a and a second sounding device 104b. The first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b emit notification sounds 102 respectively. The approaching vehicle audible device 100 also includes a sound generation control device 106 having a first sound generation control section 106a and a second sound generation control section 106b.

The approaching vehicle audible device 100 also includes a perimeter monitoring sensor 120 . The surroundings monitoring sensor 120 detects the positions of objects such as pedestrians, other vehicles, and structures around the vehicle 10 by image processing or by using radio waves or light. The configuration of the perimeter monitoring sensor 120 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a camera, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), millimeter wave radar, or other sensors or radars.

The sound generation control device 106 may receive the surroundings monitoring data generated by the surroundings monitoring sensor 120 and identify the presence or absence and/or location of pedestrians around the vehicle 10 based on the surroundings monitoring data. The surroundings monitoring data may be image data when the surroundings monitoring sensor 120 is a camera, or may be measurement data by the sensor when the surroundings monitoring sensor 120 is another sensor. Further, a control device (for example, a vehicle ECU) separate from the sound generation control device 106 may be provided. Pedestrian data indicating the presence and/or location of pedestrians in the surrounding area may be generated and provided to sound control device 106 . The sound control device 106 may receive the pedestrian data and detect the presence and/or location of pedestrians around the vehicle 10 based on the pedestrian data.

When a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle 10, the sound control device 106 controls at least one of the first sound device 104a and the second sound device 104b so as to make the notification sound 102 more audible to the pedestrian. . For example, when a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle 10, the sound generation control device 106 may increase the volume of at least one of the first sound generation device 104a and the second sound generation device 104b. The sounding control device 106 may increase the volume of the sounding device closer to the pedestrian, out of the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b.

The first sound generator 104a and the second sound generator 104b may be installed in the vehicle 10 so as to be movable. For example, the approaching vehicle audible device 100 may include an actuator 107 that rotates the first sound generator 104a and the second sound generator 104b about a vertical axis (an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane). In this case, in order to increase the audibility of the notification sound 102 for pedestrians, the sound control device 106 activates at least one of the first sound device 104a and the second sound device 104b when a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle 10. The sounding device may be oriented so that one side faces the pedestrian. For example, the sound generation control device 106 may control the actuator 107 of the sound generation device so that at least one of the first sound generation device 104a and the second sound generation device 104b faces the pedestrian.

Also, when the wind is strong around the vehicle 10, the notification sound 102 flows downwind and becomes difficult to hear on the windward side. Accordingly, the sound control device 106 may be capable of externally receiving wind data indicative of wind direction and/or wind speed around the vehicle 10, and adjusting the wind data to enhance the audibility of the windward notification sound 102. At least one of the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b may be controlled based on this. A wind sensor 108 may be mounted on the vehicle 10 to measure wind direction and/or speed around the vehicle 10 , and the sound control device 106 may receive wind data generated by the wind sensor 108 . The sounding control device 106 may increase the volume of the sounding device closer to the windward side of the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b. The sound generation control device 106 may adjust the orientation of at least one of the first sound generation device 104a and the second sound generation device 104b so as to face upwind.

In the approaching vehicle notification device 100 shown in FIG. 3, the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b emit the same notification sound 102 as described above, but the two sounding devices may emit different sounds. The sound adjustment function based on pedestrian detection is performed when the first sound device 104a emits the first sound 102a and the second sound device 104b emits the second sound 102b, like the vehicle approach audible device 100 shown in FIG. can be similarly applied to

Also, the first sound generator 104a and the second sound generator 104b may emit guidance sounds different from each other. Based on the vehicle data, the sound generation control device 106 causes the first sound device 104a to emit the first guidance sound at the first timing, and the second sound generation device 104b to generate the second guidance sound different from the first guidance sound at the first timing. You may control the 1st sound generator 104a and the 2nd sound generator 104b so that it may emit at different 2nd timings. For example, when the first sound generator 104a and the second sound generator 104b are arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle 10, the sound generation control device 106 outputs a guidance sound indicating left turn from the left sound generator when the vehicle 10 turns left (for example, "left turn"). ), and when the vehicle 10 turns right, the sound generator on the right side emits a guidance sound indicating a right turn (e.g., "Turn right"). You may Also in this case, the above-described pronunciation adjustment function based on pedestrian detection may be applied.

At least one of the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b may be arranged close to the sidewalk on the own lane side with respect to the vehicle center line extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 . For example, when traveling on the left side, at least one of the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b is provided on the left side (for example, the left end) of the vehicle 10 . In this way, the audibility of the notification sound 102 can be enhanced for pedestrians on the sidewalk on the own lane side close to the vehicle 10 .

The approaching vehicle audible device 100 of FIG. 3 may also be incorporated into the vehicle lamp 20 as shown in FIG. 2, similar to the approaching vehicle audible device 100 of FIG. In this case, when a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle 10, the sound control device 106 controls at least one of the first sound device 104a and the second sound device 104b so as to make the notification sound 102 more audible to the pedestrian. At least one of the first light source 22a and the second light source 22b may be controlled while controlling one. By using light in combination with the notification sound 102, it is possible to make it easier for pedestrians to recognize the approach of the vehicle 10. FIG.

As an exemplary configuration, when the vehicle approach audible device 100 of FIG. The control functions of the two sound generators may be mounted on the other of the first control circuit board 24a and the second control circuit board 24b.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to the third embodiment. Vehicle lamp 1020 is mounted on vehicle 1010 . The vehicle lamp 1020 has a vehicle approach notification function, that is, can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 1010 of the approach of the vehicle 1010 with a notification sound 1012 . The notification sound 1012 may be a pseudo engine sound that simulates the engine sound. In particular, when the vehicle 1010, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, uses an electric motor as a drive source, the motor noise at low speed is quiet, and the approach of the vehicle 1010 is hardly noticed. By providing the vehicle lighting device 1020 with a vehicle approach notification function, pedestrians and other vehicles can be notified of the approach of the vehicle 1010, which helps improve safety.

The vehicle lamp 1020 is a headlamp in this embodiment, and includes a first lamp unit 1020a as a left headlamp and a second lamp unit 1020b as a right headlamp. Accordingly, the first lamp unit 1020a and the second lamp unit 1020b are provided on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 1010, and have substantially the same configuration except that they have a symmetrical structure.

The first lamp unit 1020a includes a first light source 1022a, a first sound generator 1023a, and a first control circuit board 1024a. Similarly, the second lamp unit 1020b includes a second light source 1022b, a second sound generator 1023b, and a second control circuit board 1024b.

Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the second sound generator 1104a increases the volume of the notification sound 1012 or starts emitting the notification sound 1012 when a failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected. Similarly, the first sound generator 1023a increases the volume of the notification sound 1012 or starts emitting the notification sound 1012 when a failure of the second control circuit board 1024b is detected.

The first lamp unit 1020a includes a first outer lens 1026a arranged so that the light emitted from the first light source 1022a is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a first outer lens 1026a as a partition separating the first light source 1022a and the vehicle body. and a lamp body 1028a. The first outer lens 1026a is integrated with the first lamp body 1028a so as to close the opening of the first lamp body 1028a on the vehicle front side, and constitutes a first lamp housing 1030a in which the first light source 1022a is arranged. do. The first sound generator 1023a is attached to the first lamp housing 1030a (for example, the first lamp body 1028a) outside the first lamp housing 1030a.

Similarly, the second lamp unit 1020b includes a second outer lens 1026b arranged so that the light emitted from the second light source 1022b is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a partition wall separating the second light source 1022b and the vehicle body. and a second lamp body 1028b. The second outer lens 1026b is integrated with the second lamp body 1028b so as to close the opening of the second lamp body 1028b on the front side of the vehicle, and constitutes a second lamp housing 1030b in which the second light source 1022b is arranged. do. The second sound generator 1023b is attached to the second lamp housing 1030b (for example, the second lamp body 1028b) outside the second lamp housing 1030b.

The first control circuit board 1024a and the second control circuit board 1024b transmit vehicle data indicating the state of the vehicle 1010 to a host controller (for example, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) such as a body control module (BCM)) mounted on the vehicle 1010. 1014) through an in-vehicle network conforming to a network protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The vehicle data can include information related to the vehicle 1010, such as information indicating the running state of the vehicle 1010 such as vehicle speed, and surrounding object position information indicating the positions of objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles around the vehicle 1010. . The first control circuit board 1024a and the second control circuit board 1024b are also called a first lamp ECU and a second lamp ECU, respectively. These lamp ECU and vehicle ECU 1014 can be implemented by combining a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

The first light source 1022a and the second light source 1022b are, for example, semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The first control circuit board 1024a has a first light source controller 1032a, and the second control circuit board 1024b has a second light source controller 1032b. The first light source control unit 1032a receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 1014, and controls on/off and light intensity of the first light source 1022a based on the vehicle data. The second light source control unit 1032b receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 1014, and controls on/off and light intensity of the second light source 1022b based on the vehicle data.

The first sounding device 1023 a and the second sounding device 1023 b are operable to emit the notification sound 1012 . The sound generating device may be, for example, a speaker, and may have a structure that emits sound by vibrating a diaphragm with a voice coil and a magnet. Alternatively, the sounding device may be any other structure that produces sound. The first control circuit board 1024a has a first sound generation control section 1034a, and the second control circuit board 1024b has a second sound generation control section 1034b. The first sound generation control section 1034a and the second sound generation control section 1034b each include a speaker driving circuit such as an H bridge circuit and its controller. The sound generation control unit receives vehicle data from vehicle ECU 1014, determines the timing and duration of sound generation based on the vehicle data, and controls the drive circuit to cause the corresponding sound generator to generate sound according to the determined timing and duration. do. For example, the sound generation control section may cause the sound generation device to generate sound when the vehicle speed is slower than a predetermined speed (for example, 20 km/h).

As an exemplary configuration, the first control circuit board 1024a may include a microcomputer (processor) that operates as the first light source control section 1032a, and this microcomputer may also be configured to operate as the first sound generation control section 1034a. . Similarly, the second control circuit board 1024b may be provided with one microcomputer (processor) that operates as the second light source control section 1032b and the second sound generation control section 1034b. Alternatively, the light source control section and the sound generation control section may be mounted on separate microcomputers, and these microcomputers may be provided on the circuit board.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method for vehicle lamps according to the third embodiment. The illustrated control routine is, for example, repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing during the period in which the notification sound 1012 should be generated. This control routine is executed by the vehicle ECU 1014, for example.

First, the vehicle ECU 1014 receives a first state signal from the first control circuit board 1024a and a second state signal from the second control circuit board 1024b (S10). This status signal indicates whether or not each control circuit board (for example, a light source control unit) is in a normal operating state, and is transmitted from the control circuit board to the vehicle ECU 1014 . For example, the status signal may be continuously output from the control circuit board when the control circuit board is operating normally, and may be stopped (or a signal indicating the failure may be output) when the control circuit board fails. . Alternatively, the status signal may be output from the control circuit board only when the control circuit board fails.

The vehicle ECU 1014 determines whether any control circuit board has failed based on the received status signal (S11). The vehicle ECU 1014 detects failure of the first control circuit board 1024a based on the first status signal, and detects failure of the second control circuit board 1024b based on the second status signal. When vehicle ECU 1014 does not receive a status signal indicating that the control circuit board is operating normally or receives a status signal indicating that the control circuit board has failed, vehicle ECU 1014 determines that the control circuit board has failed. do.

When none of the control circuit boards is malfunctioning, that is, when both the first control circuit board 1024a and the second control circuit board 1024b are operating normally (N in S11), the vehicle ECU 1014 performs normal sound generation operation. The vehicle lamp 1020 is permitted (S12). In this case, the first sound generation control section 1034a of the first control circuit board 1024a controls the first sound generation device 1023a so that the first sound generation device 1023a emits the notification sound 1012, and the second sound generation of the second control circuit board 1024b. The control unit 1034b controls the second sound generator 1023b so that the second sound generator 1023b sounds 102.

On the other hand, if a failure is detected in any of the control circuit boards (Y in S11), the vehicle ECU 1014 causes the vehicle lamp 1020 to perform a failure sound generation operation (S13). When a failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected, the vehicle ECU 1014 supplies a command signal to the second control circuit board 1024b. In response to this command signal, the second sound generation control section 1034b of the second control circuit board 1024b controls the second sound generation device 1023b to increase the volume of the notification sound 1012 emitted by the second sound generation device 1023b. Conversely, when a failure of the second control circuit board 1024b is detected, the vehicle ECU 1014 supplies a command signal to the first control circuit board 1024a, and the first sound generation control section 1034a of the first control circuit board 1024a The first sound generator 1023a is controlled to increase the volume of the notification sound 1012 emitted by the first sound generator 1023a according to the signal.

When a failure is detected in any of the control circuit boards, the vehicle ECU 1014 notifies the driver of information indicating the occurrence of the failure via visual or audio notification means such as displaying on a display in the vehicle compartment. You may

It should be noted that it is extremely rare for the first control circuit board 1024a and the second control circuit board 1024b to fail at the same time. 1024b can fail.

With the above-described configuration, the vehicle lamp 1020 can emit the notification sound 1012 from both the first sound generator 1023a and the second sound generator 1023b during normal operation. The vehicle lamp 1020 can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 1010 of the approach of the vehicle 1010 with the notification sound 1012 .

On the other hand, in the vehicle lamp 1020, when the first control circuit board 1024a fails and the notification sound 1012 is not emitted from the first sounding device 1023a or the volume of the notification sound 1012 is lowered, the notification sound 1012 from the second sounding device 1023b is Increase volume. In this way, the second sounding device 1023b can assist or replace the first sounding device 1023a, and the vehicle approach notification function of the vehicle lamp 1020 can be maintained. In addition, when the second control circuit board 1024b fails and the notification sound 1012 is not emitted from the second sound generator 1023b or the volume of the notification sound 1012 is lowered, the vehicle lamp 1020 does not emit the notification sound 1012 from the first sound generator 1023a. Increase volume. In this way, the first sounding device 1023a can assist or replace the second sounding device 1023b, and the vehicle approach notification function of the vehicle lamp 1020 can be maintained.

It should be noted that, when the vehicle lamp 1020 is normal, only one of the two sounding devices may emit the notification sound 1012, and the other may stop sounding as a backup. For example, the second sound generator 1023b may be a backup sound generator. In this case, the second sound generator 1023b may start emitting the notification sound 1012 when the failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected.

Failure detection of the first control circuit board 1024a may be performed by the second control circuit board 1024b. In this case, the second control circuit board 1024b may receive the first status signal from the first control circuit board 1024a and detect the failure of the first control circuit board 1024a based on the first status signal. When a failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected, the second control circuit board 1024b controls the second sound generator 1023b to increase the volume of the notification sound 1012 emitted by the second sound generator 1023b. Further, failure detection of the second control circuit board 1024b may be performed by the first control circuit board 1024a. In this case, the first control circuit board 1024a may receive the second status signal from the second control circuit board 1024b and detect the failure of the second control circuit board 1024b based on the second status signal. When a failure of the second control circuit board 1024b is detected, the first control circuit board 1024a controls the first sound generator 1023a to increase the volume of the notification sound 1012 emitted by the first sound generator 1023a.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to a modification of the third embodiment. The vehicle lamp 1020 includes a first lamp unit 1020a and a second lamp unit 1020b. The first lighting unit 1020a includes a first light source 1022a, a first sound generator 1023a, a first control circuit board 1024a, and a first switch 1036a. The second lighting unit 1020b includes a second light source 1022b and a first 2 sound generator 1023b, a second control circuit board 1024b, and a second switch 1036b.

A first switch 1036a connects the first lamp unit 1020a to the power supply 1038, and a second switch 1036b connects the second lamp unit 1020b to the power supply 1038. Power source 1038 is, for example, an onboard battery. The vehicle ECU 1014 turns on the first switch 1036a when lighting the first light source 1022a or when making the first sound generator 1023a sound. Thereby, the power supply voltage is supplied to the first control circuit board 1024a. Further, the vehicle ECU 1014 turns on the second switch 1036b when lighting the second light source 1022b or when making the second sound generator 1023b sound. Thereby, the power supply voltage is supplied to the second control circuit board 1024b.

The first switch 1036a cuts off the first lamp unit 1020a from the power supply 1038 when a failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected. Specifically, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the vehicle ECU 1014 receives the first state signal S1 from the first control circuit board 1024a, and controls the first control circuit board based on the first state signal S1. 1024a has failed. When the failure of the first control circuit board 1024a is detected, the vehicle ECU 1014 turns off the first switch 1036a as part of the sound generation operation at the time of failure to stop the supply of the power supply voltage to the first control circuit board 1024a.

Also, the second switch 1036b cuts off the second lamp unit 1020b from the power supply 1038 when a failure of the second control circuit board 1024b is detected. Specifically, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the vehicle ECU 1014 receives the second state signal S2 from the second control circuit board 1024b, and controls the second control circuit board based on the second state signal S2. 1024b has failed. When a failure of the second control circuit board 1024b is detected, the vehicle ECU 1014 turns off the second switch 1036b as part of the failure sound generation operation to stop the supply of power supply voltage to the second control circuit board 1024b.

In this way, even if an abnormal sound is emitted from the first sound generator 1023a or the second sound generator 1023b due to a failure of the first control circuit board 1024a or the second control circuit board 1024b, the abnormal sound is It can be turned off by blocking 1038.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle lamp according to the fourth embodiment. A vehicle lamp 2020 is mounted on a vehicle 2010 . The vehicle lamp 2020 has a vehicle approach notification function, that is, can notify the surroundings of the vehicle 2010 of the approach of the vehicle 2010 with a notification sound 2012 . The notification sound 2012 may be a pseudo engine sound that simulates the engine sound. In particular, when the vehicle 2010, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, uses an electric motor as a drive source, the motor noise at low speeds is quiet and the approach of the vehicle 2010 is hardly noticed. By providing the vehicle lighting device 2020 with a vehicle approach notification function, pedestrians and other vehicles can be notified of the approach of the vehicle 2010, which helps improve safety.

The vehicle lamp 2020 is a cornering lamp in this embodiment, and includes a first lamp unit 2020a and a second lamp unit 2020b. The first lamp unit 2020a and the second lamp unit 2020b are provided on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle 2010, and have substantially the same configuration except that they have a symmetrical structure.

The first lamp unit 2020a includes a first light source 2022a, a first sound generator 2023a, a first lamp ECU 2024a as a first control unit that controls the first light source 2022a based on a first PWM signal, and the first sound generator 2023a. based on the second PWM signal. Similarly, the second lamp unit 2020b includes a second light source 2022b, a second sound generator 2023b, a second lamp ECU 2024b that controls the second light source 2022b based on the first PWM signal, and a second light generator 2023b that controls the second sound generator 2023b as the second PWM signal. and a second sound source ECU 2025b that performs control based on the signal.

The first lamp unit 2020a includes a first outer lens 2026a arranged so that the light emitted from the first light source 2022a is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a first light source 2022a as a partition separating the first light source 2022a from the vehicle body. and a lamp body 2028a. The first outer lens 2026a is integrated with the first lamp body 2028a so as to close the opening of the first lamp body 2028a on the vehicle front side, and constitutes a first lamp housing 2030a in which the first light source 2022a is arranged. do. The first sound generator 2023a is attached to the first lamp housing 2030a (for example, the first lamp body 2028a) outside the first lamp housing 2030a.

Similarly, the second lamp unit 2020b includes a second outer lens 2026b arranged so that the light emitted from the second light source 2022b is transmitted forward of the vehicle, and a partition wall separating the second light source 2022b and the vehicle body. and a second lamp body 2028b. The second outer lens 2026b is integrated with the second lamp body 2028b so as to close the opening of the second lamp body 2028b on the vehicle front side, and constitutes a second lamp housing 2030b in which the second light source 2022b is arranged. do. The second sound generator 2023b is attached to the second lamp housing 2030b (for example, the second lamp body 2028b) outside the second lamp housing 2030b.

The first lamp ECU 2024a is connected by an external communication line 2032 to the vehicle ECU 2014 as an external control device. The second lamp ECU 2024 b is also connected to the vehicle ECU 2014 via an external communication line 2032 . The vehicle ECU 2014 , which may be, for example, a body control module (BCM), is mounted on the vehicle 2010 and arranged outside the vehicle lamp 2020 . The external communication line 2032 may be, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) cable. The lighting ECU, sound source ECU, and vehicle ECU 2014 can be implemented by combining a processor (hardware) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer and a software program executed by the processor (hardware).

The first lamp ECU 2024 a and the second lamp ECU 2024 b receive vehicle data indicating the state of the vehicle 2010 from the vehicle ECU 2014 through the external communication line 2032 . The vehicle data can include information related to the vehicle 2010, such as information indicating the running state of the vehicle 2010 such as vehicle speed, and surrounding object position information indicating the positions of objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles around the vehicle 2010. .

An internal communication line 2034 is provided in each of the first lamp unit 2020a and the second lamp unit 2020b. The internal communication line 2034 connects the first light source 2022a and the first sound source ECU 2025a in parallel to the first lamp ECU 2024a in the first lamp unit 2020a. Also, the internal communication line 2034 connects the second light source 2022b and the second sound source ECU 2025b in parallel to the second lamp ECU 2024b in the second lamp unit 2020b. Internal communication line 2034 has branch 2036 . An internal communication line 2034 extending from the lighting ECU of each lighting unit is branched at a branching portion 2036 and connected to the light source and sound source ECU in the lighting unit. The internal communication line 2034 may be a signal line capable of transmitting PWM signals, and may be a single line, for example. The internal communication lines 2034 need not be twisted lines such as CAN cables.

Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the first lamp ECU 2024a receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a first PWM signal based on the vehicle data, and generates a second PWM signal based on the vehicle data. , outputs a superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal to the internal communication line 2034 . A first PWM signal is generated at a first frequency and a second PWM signal is generated at a second frequency different from the first frequency. Similarly, the second lamp ECU 2024b receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a first PWM signal at a first frequency based on the vehicle data, generates a second PWM signal at a second frequency based on the vehicle data, A superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal is output to the internal communication line 2034 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle lamp shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the first lamp unit 2020a as a representative and omits the second lamp unit 2020b, but the second lamp unit 2020b can be configured similarly to the first lamp unit 2020a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first lamp ECU 2024a includes a first PWM signal generator 2038, a second PWM signal generator 2040, and a superimposed PWM signal generator 2042. The first lamp unit 2020a also includes a first filter 2044 and a second filter 2046 that are connected to the first lamp ECU 2024a via an internal communication line 2034. As shown in FIG. The first filter 2044 is connected with the first light source 2022a, and the second filter 2046 is connected with the first sound source ECU 2025a.

The first PWM signal generator 2038 receives vehicle data S20 from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a first PWM signal S21 based on the vehicle data S20, and outputs the first PWM signal S21 to the superimposed PWM signal generator 2042. The first PWM signal S21 controls the first light source 2022a when input to the first light source 2022a.

The second PWM signal generator 2040 receives vehicle data S20 from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a second PWM signal S22 based on the vehicle data S20, and outputs the second PWM signal S22 to the superimposed PWM signal generator 2042. The second PWM signal S22 controls the first sound generator 2023a when input to the first sound generator 2023a.

In this embodiment, the first frequency of the first PWM signal S21 is higher than the second frequency of the second PWM signal S22. However, this magnitude relationship is not essential, and the first frequency of the first PWM signal S21 may be lower than the second frequency of the second PWM signal S22.

The superimposed PWM signal generation unit 2042 generates a superimposed PWM signal S23 by superimposing the first PWM signal S21 and the second PWM signal S22 from the input first PWM signal S21 and second PWM signal S22, and transmits the superimposed PWM signal S23 to the internal communication line. 2034 output. The superimposed PWM signal is supplied from the first lamp ECU 2024a through the internal communication line 2034 to the first light source 2022a and the first sound source ECU 2025a.

Note that when the first light source 2022a is turned off, the first PWM signal generator 2038 does not generate the first PWM signal S21. When the first sound generator 2023a produces sound while the first light source 2022a is turned off, only the second PWM signal S22 is generated and output to the internal communication line 2034 from the first lamp ECU 2024a.

The first filter 2044 receives the superimposed PWM signal S23 from the first lamp ECU 2024a via the internal communication line 2034, extracts the first PWM signal S21 from the superimposed PWM signal S23, and supplies the first PWM signal S21 to the first light source 2022a. do. The first filter 2044 is designed to pass signals of a first frequency component and block signals of a second frequency component. If the first frequency of the first PWM signal S21 is higher than the second frequency of the second PWM signal S22, the first filter 2044 may be a high pass filter with a cutoff frequency between the first frequency and the second frequency. . Therefore, the first filter 2044 can remove the second PWM signal S22 from the superimposed PWM signal S23 and extract the first PWM signal S21.

The first light source 2022a includes a semiconductor light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and its drive circuit. The first PWM signal generator 2038 may be configured to perform known PWM dimming based on the vehicle data S20, and the first PWM signal S21 is a PWM signal that instructs the light intensity of the first light source 2022a. good too. When the first PWM signal S21 extracted by the first filter 2044 is supplied from the first filter 2044 to the first light source 2022a, the driving current is supplied to the first light source 2022a according to the first PWM signal S21, thereby The first light source 2022a may be lit with the instructed amount of light.

The second filter 2046 receives the superimposed PWM signal S23 from the first lamp ECU 2024a via the internal communication line 2034, extracts the second PWM signal S22 from the superimposed PWM signal S23, and supplies the second PWM signal S22 to the first sound source ECU 2025a. do. The second filter 2046 is designed to block signals of the first frequency component and pass signals of the second frequency component. If the first frequency of the first PWM signal S21 is higher than the second frequency of the second PWM signal S22, the first filter 2044 may be a low pass filter with a cutoff frequency between the first frequency and the second frequency. . Therefore, the second filter 2046 can remove the first PWM signal S21 from the superimposed PWM signal S23 and extract the second PWM signal S22.

The first sound generator 2023a is operable to emit the notification sound 2012, and may be a speaker, for example, and may have a structure that emits sound by vibrating a diaphragm with a voice coil and a magnet. Alternatively, the sounding device may be any other structure that produces sound. The second PWM signal S22 is used as an input signal to the first sound source ECU 2025a for operating the first sound generator 2023a. The second PWM signal S22 may be a signal indicating specific data (eg, vehicle speed, shift position, etc.) used by the first sound source ECU 2025a to control the first sound generating device 2023a among the vehicle data S20. The first sound source ECU 2025a may include, for example, a speaker drive circuit such as an H-bridge circuit and its controller. The first sound source ECU 2025a receives the second PWM signal S22 extracted by the second filter 2046, and causes the first sound generating device 2023a to emit a desired sound (for example, the notification sound 2012) based on the data indicated by the second PWM signal S22. It controls the first sound generator 2023a. For example, the first sound source ECU 2025a may operate the first sound generator 2023a so that the first sound generator 2023a emits the notification sound 2012 when the vehicle speed is slower than a predetermined speed (for example, 20 km/h).

Note that FIG. 8 does not necessarily show that the first filter 2044 is separate hardware from the first light source 2022a, and may be integrated (or built in) with the first light source 2022a. Similarly, the second filter 2046 may be provided separately from the first sound source ECU 2025a, or may be integrated (or incorporated) with the first sound source ECU 2025a.

By the way, assuming that the first lamp ECU 2024a, the first light source 2022a, and the first sound source ECU 2025a are connected by a CAN cable having a branch, as described at the beginning of this document, the CAN cable is generally a twisted wire. Compared to a single wire, it is more difficult to manufacture a branch portion that satisfies various requirements such as long-term reliability, and there is also concern that the manufacturing cost will increase.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the first PWM signal S21 for controlling the first light source 2022a and the second PWM signal S22 for controlling the first sound generator 2023a are combined into the superimposed PWM signal S23, and this superimposed A PWM signal S23 is output from the first lamp ECU 2024a to the first light source 2022a and the first sound generator 2023a. In general, a simple communication line such as a single line can be used for transmission of PWM signals. Such a communication line is simple, inexpensive, and highly reliable. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an improved internal device connection in the vehicle lamp 2020 having a sound function.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a first lamp unit of a vehicle lamp according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. The first lamp unit 2020a includes a first light source 2022a, a first sound generator 2023a, a first lamp ECU 2024a as a first control section, and a first sound source ECU 2025a as a second control section. The first lamp ECU 2024 a is connected to the vehicle ECU 2014 via an external communication line 2032 . The internal communication line 2034 connects the first light source 2022a and the first sound source ECU 2025a in series to the first lamp ECU 2024a. The first light source 2022a is connected by an internal communication line 2034 to the first lamp ECU 2024a via the first sound source ECU 2025a. The first sound generator 2023a is connected to the first sound source ECU 2025a.

Also in this case, the first lamp ECU 2024a receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a first PWM signal based on the vehicle data, generates a second PWM signal based on the vehicle data, and outputs the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal. A superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the signal is output to the internal communication line 2034 . A first PWM signal is generated at a first frequency and a second PWM signal is generated at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

The superimposed PWM signal is supplied from the first lamp ECU 2024a to the first sound source ECU 2025a via the internal communication line 2034. A second filter 2046 is provided in the first sound source ECU 2025a. The second filter 2046 receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first lamp ECU 2024a via the internal communication line 2034, extracts the second PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the second PWM signal to the first sound source ECU 2025a. The first sound source ECU 2025a controls the first sound generator 2023a based on the second PWM signal.

Also, the superimposed PWM signal is supplied from the first sound source ECU 2025a to the first light source 2022a via the internal communication line 2034. A first filter 2044 is provided in the first light source 2022a. The first filter 2044 receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first sound source ECU 2025a through the internal communication line 2034, extracts the first PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the first PWM signal to the first light source 2022a.

The first sound source ECU 2025a may generate the first PWM signal by removing the extracted second PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supply the first PWM signal to the first light source 2022a. In this case, the first filter 2044 is not required for the first light source 2022a.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 9, similarly to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 sound source ECU 2025a can be connected. An improved internal device connection can be provided in the vehicle lamp 2020 with sound function.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it is also possible to combine the embodiments and modifications, and to add further modifications such as various design changes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. , and embodiments and modifications in which such combinations or further modifications are added are also included in the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications, and new embodiments resulting from combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications with the following modifications, combine the effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications. Have.

In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicle lamp 20 is a headlamp has been described as an example, but the vehicle lamp 20 is not limited to this specific example. The vehicle lamp 20 may be a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a daytime running lamp, a marker lamp such as a clearance lamp, or other vehicle lamps.

The vehicle approach audible device 100 may be equipped with more than two sounding devices. For example, the approaching vehicle audible device 100 may include a third sounding device and a fourth sounding device in addition to the first sounding device 104a and the second sounding device 104b. (For example, lamp units provided at the four corners of the vehicle 10). Alternatively, at least one sounding device may be arranged outside the lighting unit.

In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicle lamp 1020 is a headlamp has been described as an example, but the vehicle lamp 1020 is not limited to this specific example. The vehicle lighting device 1020 may be a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a daytime running lamp, a marker lamp such as a clearance lamp, or other vehicle lighting device. Therefore, the first lamp unit 1020a and the second lamp unit 1020b may form a pair of left and right marker lamps provided at the rear of the vehicle 1010. FIG. Alternatively, one of the first lamp unit 1020a and the second lamp unit 1020b is a left or right headlamp, and the other of the first lamp unit 1020a and the second lamp unit 1020b is a left or right headlamp provided at the rear of the vehicle. It may be a marker light.

The vehicle lamp 1020 may have more than two sound generators. For example, the approaching vehicle audible device 1100 may include a third sounding device and a fourth sounding device in addition to the first sounding device 1023a and the second sounding device 1023b. (For example, lamp units provided at the four corners of the vehicle 1010). Alternatively, one lighting unit may be provided with a plurality of (for example, two) sounding devices. In this case, two control circuit boards for controlling the two sounding devices respectively are also provided in the same lamp unit. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of sounding devices may be provided in the vehicle lamp 1020, and the other sounding device may be provided separately from the vehicle lamp 1020 (for example, may be provided in another vehicle-mounted device). . When one of the plurality of sounding devices provided in the lighting unit or its control device is out of order, at least one other sounding device increases the volume of the notification sound 1012 or increases the notification sound 1012. may begin to emit

In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicle lamp 2020 is a cornering lamp has been described as an example, but the vehicle lamp 2020 is not limited to this specific example. The vehicle lamp 2020 may be a marker lamp such as a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, a daytime running lamp, or a clearance lamp, or may be another vehicle lamp such as a headlamp or fog lamp.

As a modification, the arrangement of the first lamp ECU 2024a and the first sound source ECU 2025a may be reversed from the above embodiment. In this case, the first sound source ECU 2025a as the first control unit controls the first sound generator 2023a based on the first PWM signal, and the first lamp ECU 2024a as the second control unit controls the first light source 2022a based on the second PWM signal. can be controlled by An internal communication line 2034 may connect the first sound generator 2023a and the first lamp ECU 2024a in parallel (or in series) to the first sound source ECU 2025a. First sound source ECU 2025 a may be connected to vehicle ECU 2014 via external communication line 2032 . The first sound source ECU 2025a receives vehicle data from the vehicle ECU 2014, generates a first PWM signal at a first frequency based on the vehicle data, and generates a second PWM signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency based on the vehicle data. Alternatively, a superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal may be output to the internal communication line 2034 .

A first filter 2044 is provided that receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first sound source ECU 2025a through the internal communication line 2034, extracts the first PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the first PWM signal to the first sound generator 2023a. good too. A second PWM signal is received from the first sound source ECU 2025a (or the first lamp ECU 2024a) via an internal communication line 2034, a second PWM signal is extracted from the superimposed PWM signal, and the second PWM signal is supplied to the first lamp ECU 2024a. A filter 2046 may be provided.

Although the present invention has been described using specific terms based on the embodiment, the embodiment only shows one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention, and the embodiment does not include the claims. Many variations and rearrangements are permissible without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in its scope.

The present invention can be used in the field of vehicle approach notification systems.

10 vehicle, 20 vehicle lighting, 20a first lighting unit, 20b second lighting unit, 22a first light source, 22b second light source, 24a first control circuit board, 24b second control circuit board, 30a first lighting housing , 30b second lamp housing, 100 vehicle approaching alarm device, 102 notification sound, 102a first sound, 102b second sound, 104a first sounding device, 104b second sounding device, 106 sounding control device, 106a first sounding control 106b second sound control unit 1010 vehicle 1012 notification sound 1020 vehicle lamp 1020a first lamp unit 1020b second lamp unit 1022a first light source 1022b second light source 1023a first sound device 1023b Second sound generator, 1024a First control circuit board, 1024b Second control circuit board, 1030a First lamp housing, 1036a First switch, 1036b Second switch, 1038 Power supply, 2010 Vehicle, 2012 Notification sound, 2014 Vehicle ECU, 2020 vehicle lamp, 2020a first lamp unit, 2020b second lamp unit, 2022a first light source, 2022b second light source, 2023a first sound generator, 2023b second sound generator, 2024a first lamp ECU, 2024b second lamp ECU , 2025a first sound source ECU, 2025b second sound source ECU, 2032 external communication line, 2034 internal communication line, 2036 branch, 2044 first filter, 2046 second filter.

Claims

An approaching vehicle notification device capable of reporting an approaching vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a notification sound, the notification sound including a first frequency component and a second frequency component different from the first frequency component,
a first sound generator operable to emit a first sound having a sound pressure level peak at the first frequency component;
a second sound generator operable to emit a second sound having a sound pressure level peak at the second frequency component;
a sounding control device for controlling the first sounding device and the second sounding device such that the first sounding device emits the first sound and the second sounding device emits the second sound; A vehicle approach notification device.
a first lamp unit provided with the first sound generator;
a second lighting unit provided with the second sounding device,
The pronunciation control device is
a first sound generation control section provided in the first lamp unit for controlling the first sound generation device such that the first sound generation device emits the first sound;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second sound control section provided in the second lamp unit, the second sound control section controlling the second sound generating device so that the second sound generating device emits the second sound. vehicle proximity notification device.
The first lamp unit includes a first light source and a first control circuit board that controls the first light source and operates as the first sound control section,
3. The approaching vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the second lighting unit includes a second light source and a second control circuit board that controls the second light source and operates as the second sound control section. notification device.
The first lighting unit includes a first lighting housing in which a first light source is arranged, and the first sound generating device is attached to the first lighting housing outside the first lighting housing. Equipped with a first speaker,
The second lamp unit includes a second lamp housing in which a second light source is arranged, and the second sound generating device is attached to the second lamp housing outside the second lamp housing. 4. The approaching vehicle audible system according to claim 2, further comprising a second speaker.
5. A vehicle approach as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first frequency component is selected from the range of 1000Hz to 3150Hz and the second frequency component is selected from the range of 315Hz to 800Hz. notification device.
The sound control device controls at least one of the first sound device and the second sound device so as to increase the audibility of the notification sound for the pedestrian when a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle. The approaching vehicle audible device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:
An approaching vehicle notification device capable of notifying an approaching vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a notification sound,
a first sounding device;
a second sounding device;
a sounding control device for controlling at least one of the first sounding device and the second sounding device so as to increase the audibility of the notification sound for the pedestrian when a pedestrian is detected around the vehicle; A vehicle approach notification device, comprising:
A vehicular lamp capable of reporting an approaching vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a notification sound,
a first lighting unit having a first light source, a first sounding device operable to emit the notification sound, and a first control circuit board for controlling the first light source and the first sounding device;
a second sounding device operable to emit the notification sound;
The vehicle lamp, wherein the second sounding device increases the volume of the notification sound or starts emitting the notification sound when a failure of the first control circuit board is detected.
The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, wherein the second sound generator is provided in the second lamp unit.
The vehicle lamp according to claim 9, wherein the second lamp unit has a second light source and a second control circuit board for controlling the second light source and the second sound generator.
The first lamp unit includes a first lamp housing in which the first light source is arranged, and the first sound generating device is attached to the first lamp housing outside the first lamp housing. 11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 8, further comprising a first speaker.
further comprising a switch for connecting the first lighting unit to a power supply;
The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the switch disconnects the first lamp unit from the power supply when a failure of the first control circuit board is detected.
a light source;
a sounding device;
a first control unit that controls one of the light source and the sound generator based on a first PWM signal;
a second control unit that controls the other of the light source and the sound generator based on a second PWM signal;
a communication line that connects the one of the light source and the sound generating device and the second control unit in parallel or in series to the first control unit;
The first control unit receives vehicle data indicating a state of the vehicle from an external control device, generates the first PWM signal at a first frequency based on the vehicle data, and generates the second PWM signal based on the vehicle data. is generated at a second frequency different from the first frequency, and a superimposed PWM signal obtained by superimposing the first PWM signal and the second PWM signal is output to the communication line.
the communication line connects the one of the light source and the sound generating device and the second control section in parallel to the first control section;
receiving the superimposed PWM signal from the first control unit via the communication line, extracting the first PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplying the first PWM signal to the one of the light source and the sound generator. A first filter is provided for
a second filter that receives the superimposed PWM signal from the first control unit via the communication line, extracts the second PWM signal from the superimposed PWM signal, and supplies the second PWM signal to the second control unit; 14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 13, further comprising:
15. The vehicle lamp according to claim 13, wherein the first control section controls the light source, and the second control section controls the sound generator.
The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that said sounding device is operable to emit a notification sound to inform the surroundings of said vehicle of the approach of said vehicle.