WO2024127894A1 - Vehicle lamp fitting - Google Patents

Vehicle lamp fitting Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024127894A1
WO2024127894A1 PCT/JP2023/041111 JP2023041111W WO2024127894A1 WO 2024127894 A1 WO2024127894 A1 WO 2024127894A1 JP 2023041111 W JP2023041111 W JP 2023041111W WO 2024127894 A1 WO2024127894 A1 WO 2024127894A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
illuminated
change
state
bank angle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/041111
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
拓弥 片岡
大樹 角谷
Original Assignee
株式会社小糸製作所
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社小糸製作所 filed Critical 株式会社小糸製作所
Publication of WO2024127894A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024127894A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/10—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to vehicle inclination, e.g. due to load distribution
    • B60Q1/115—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to vehicle inclination, e.g. due to load distribution by electric means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F21W2102/17—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam
    • F21W2102/19—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam for curves

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle headlamp that has a high beam light source unit, a low beam light source unit, and a cornering lamp that changes the amount of light emitted by the light source according to the bank angle when the vehicle body leans while traveling.
  • the objective of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp turning on when the vehicle body is banked.
  • a vehicle lamp includes: A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising: The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state, The state change when the multiple irradiated areas transition from a non-irradiated state to an irradiated state is configured to be either a first mode in which the multiple irradiated areas transition to an irradiated state all at once, or a second mode in which the multiple irradiated areas transition to an irradiated state in stages, depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per time.
  • a vehicle lamp includes: A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising: The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state, When at least one of the illuminated regions transitions from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state, The gradual change time for the illumination region to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is configured to change according to the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the vehicle lamp disclosed herein can provide a vehicle lamp that reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp turning on when the vehicle body is banked.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of a motorcycle equipped with a headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • 2 illustrates a light distribution pattern formed by the headlamp of FIG. 1 .
  • 2 illustrates an example system configuration of the headlamp of FIG. 1 .
  • 4 illustrates an example of a flow of cornering lamp control by a lamp control unit.
  • 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of ADB light distribution control is formed in a first mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right.
  • 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right.
  • 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of ADB light distribution control is formed in a first mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right.
  • 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 13 shows another example of the flow of control of the cornering lamps by the lamp control unit. 13 shows another example of the flow of control of the cornering lamps by the lamp control unit.
  • arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle 100 equipped with a headlamp 1 according to this embodiment.
  • the motorcycle 100 is a vehicle that can turn by leaning the body in the direction of the turn and travel around corners (curves) on the road.
  • the headlamp 1 is mounted on the front of the motorcycle 100.
  • the headlamp 1 is a lamp capable of emitting light ahead of the vehicle.
  • the headlamp 1 includes a low beam lamp unit 2, a high beam lamp unit 3, and a cornering lamp 4.
  • the cornering lamp 4 is an example of a vehicle lamp.
  • the light emitted from the low beam lamp unit 2 is configured to be irradiated in front of the vehicle to form a low beam light distribution pattern.
  • the light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 3 is configured to be irradiated in front of the vehicle to form a high beam light distribution pattern.
  • the cornering lamps 4 are configured to illuminate the turning direction when the motorcycle 100 is turning. Specifically, the cornering lamps 4 are configured to form a side light distribution pattern to the side of the high beam light distribution pattern by emitting light in front of the vehicle when the vehicle body is banking while traveling.
  • the cornering lamps 4 include a right cornering lamp 4R provided on the right side of the vehicle body, and a left cornering lamp 4L provided on the left side of the vehicle body.
  • the right cornering lamp 4R forms a lateral light distribution pattern to the right of the high beam light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 is traveling around a corner facing right.
  • the left cornering lamp 4L forms a lateral light distribution pattern to the left of the high beam light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 is traveling around a corner facing left.
  • the expression "the body bank” means that the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right with respect to a vertical line.
  • bank angle as used in this specification means the lean angle when the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right with respect to a vertical line.
  • the right cornering lamp 4R is equipped with light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4. Each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently.
  • the left cornering lamp 4L is equipped with light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4. Each of the light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently.
  • light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 and light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 may be simply referred to as light sources 40.
  • Fig. 2 shows the light distribution pattern P formed by the headlamp 1.
  • the light distribution pattern P is formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example 25 m in front of the lamp, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is perpendicular to the road surface.
  • H-H indicates the horizontal direction (horizontal line H)
  • V-V indicates the vertical direction (vertical line V).
  • the light distribution pattern P is formed by combining a high beam light distribution pattern PH, a low beam light distribution pattern PL, and a side light distribution pattern PC.
  • the side light distribution pattern PC is formed by a right light distribution pattern PCR and a left light distribution pattern PCL.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by the right cornering lamp 4R.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed so as to extend further to the right of the vehicle body than the high beam light distribution pattern PH.
  • the left light distribution pattern PCL is formed by the left cornering lamp 4L.
  • the left light distribution pattern PCL is formed so as to extend further to the left of the vehicle body than the high beam light distribution pattern PH.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed, for example, by combining partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4.
  • the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.
  • the irradiable area in front of the vehicle illuminated by the right light distribution pattern PCR is made up of four illumination areas, and light is irradiated into each illumination area by the corresponding partial pattern PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, or PCR4.
  • the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas. That is, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 of the right cornering lamp 4R form partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4, respectively. Specifically, the light source 40R1 forms the partial pattern PCR1, the light source 40R2 forms the partial pattern PCR2, the light source 40R3 forms the partial pattern PCR3, and the light source 40R4 forms the partial pattern PCR4.
  • the left light distribution pattern PCL is formed, for example, by combining partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4.
  • the partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.
  • the irradiable area in front of the vehicle illuminated by the left light distribution pattern PCL is composed of four illumination areas, and light is irradiated into each illumination area by the corresponding partial pattern PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, or PCL4.
  • light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas. That is, light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 of the left cornering lamp 4L form partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4, respectively. Specifically, light source 40L1 forms partial pattern PCL1, light source 40L2 forms partial pattern PCL2, light source 40L3 forms partial pattern PCL3, and light source 40L4 forms partial pattern PCL4.
  • the headlamp 1 includes a lamp control unit 5.
  • the lamp control unit 5 can be realized by a general-purpose memory and a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with the general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU.
  • the lamp control unit 5 is connected to the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4.
  • the lamp control unit 5 is configured to control the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4.
  • the lamp control unit 5 independently controls the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 of the right cornering lamp 4R.
  • the lamp control unit 5 also independently controls the light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 of the left cornering lamp 4L.
  • the lamp control unit 5 is an example of a control unit.
  • the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 to form a predetermined side light distribution pattern PC based on at least one of the bank angle, the amount of change in bank angle per unit time, the vehicle speed, position information of vehicles ahead of the vehicle (vehicles ahead and oncoming vehicles), map information, vehicle position information, and ADB mode execution information.
  • a bank angle sensor 6, an external sensor 7, a speed sensor 8, a wireless communication unit 9, a GPS 10, and an input unit 11 are connected to the lamp control unit 5. These may be connected directly to the lamp control unit 5, or may be connected via a vehicle control unit (not shown).
  • the bank angle sensor 6 is configured to detect the bank angle of the body of the motorcycle 100.
  • the bank angle sensor 6 is configured, for example, as a gyro sensor.
  • the bank angle sensor 6 outputs bank angle information including the bank angle of the body to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the lamp control unit 5 calculates the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time from the bank angle of the body.
  • the bank angle sensor 6 may be configured to detect the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time and output bank angle information including the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the external sensor 7 acquires environmental information outside the vehicle, including object information.
  • the external sensor 7 is configured to acquire information outside the vehicle, including the surrounding environment of the motorcycle 100 (e.g., obstacles, other vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles), pedestrians, road shapes, traffic signs, etc.).
  • the external sensor 7 is configured with at least one of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), a camera, radar, etc.
  • the external sensor 7 outputs environmental information outside the vehicle, including position information of vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles) in front of the vehicle, to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the speed sensor 8 detects the speed of the motorcycle 100 and outputs vehicle speed information to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the lamp control unit 5 acquires map information and the like via the wireless communication unit 9 and a communication network such as the Internet.
  • the GPS 10 acquires the current position information of the vehicle and outputs the current position information to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the input unit 11 accepts an input operation by the driver to execute the ADB mode, for example, the input unit 11 outputs ADB mode execution instruction information to the lamp control unit 5.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines a predetermined lateral light distribution pattern PC based on information obtained from the bank angle sensor 6, the external sensor 7, the speed sensor 8, the wireless communication unit 9, the GPS 10, and/or the input unit 11.
  • the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamp 4 so that the state change when the multiple illumination areas transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state by being illuminated with the determined side light distribution pattern PC is either a first mode in which the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state all at once, or a second mode in which the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state stepwise, depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the shape and size of the right light distribution pattern PCR do not change depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the entire right light distribution pattern PCR is formed to become bright instantaneously (first mode), or a part of it becomes bright and then the bright area gradually expands (second mode).
  • the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the determined side light distribution pattern PC in a first mode in which they are turned on all at once, or in a second mode in which they are turned on in stages, depending on the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle.
  • the control of the cornering lamps 4 by the lamp control unit 5 is explained below with reference to Figs. 4 to 12. Note that the following describes the control of the right cornering lamp 4R when driving around a right-facing corner.
  • the control of the left cornering lamp 4L when driving around a left-facing corner is the same as the control of the right cornering lamp 4R, except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description of this is omitted.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines whether the vehicle body has banked (STEP 1). For example, if the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the vehicle body has banked.
  • the predetermined angle can be set appropriately based on, for example, the minimum bank angle at which the body of the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be tilted in order to travel around a corner on a road.
  • the lamp control unit 5 repeats the process of STEP 1 until it determines that the vehicle body has banked (NO in STEP 1).
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines whether the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (STEP 2).
  • the threshold value Th can be set appropriately based on the vehicle speed when the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be traveling on a gentle curve and the vehicle speed when it is assumed to be traveling on a sharp curve.
  • the threshold value Th is, for example, 0.1 (degrees/ms).
  • the threshold value Th is an example of a first threshold value.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects the first mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on simultaneously (STEP 3).
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects a second mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on in stages (STEP 4).
  • the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR in the selected mode (STEP 5).
  • Figures 5 to 12 show a right light distribution pattern PCR formed in ADB light distribution control.
  • the lamp control unit 5 acquires ADB mode execution instruction information, it executes ADB light distribution control in which a dark area is formed in an area where an object exists in front of the vehicle with respect to the cornering lamp 4.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines a side light distribution pattern PC based on environmental information outside the vehicle so that a dark area is formed in an area where an object exists in multiple illumination areas including an area above the vehicle's horizon.
  • dark area includes not only non-illuminated areas formed by not emitting light, but also low-illuminance areas formed by emitting dimmed light.
  • Low illuminance means an illuminance that does not cause glare to the driver of a vehicle (oncoming vehicle, preceding vehicle) in front of the vehicle, for example. In other words, a dark area is formed by turning off or dimming the light source 40.
  • Figures 5 to 9 show examples of right light distribution pattern PCR that is formed when there is no other vehicle in front of the vehicle.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by combining partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is determined as a light distribution pattern that includes partial patterns PCR3 and PCR4 that illuminate the area above the horizon of the vehicle.
  • the lamp control unit 5 simultaneously turns on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 to simultaneously form the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4.
  • the four irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 simultaneously transition to an irradiation state.
  • the lamp control unit 5 turns on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 in this order in stages to form the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 in stages.
  • the four illumination areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 transition to an illumination state in stages.
  • the light sources 40R1 that illuminate the lower area are turned on in sequence, but it is also possible to turn them on, for example, starting with the light source 40R4 that illuminates the upper area. Also, while one light source 40 is turned on in sequence, for example, two adjacent light sources 40 may be turned on in sequence.
  • FIGS. 10 to 12 show the right light distribution pattern PCR that is formed when an oncoming vehicle 50 is present in front of the vehicle.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by combining partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2.
  • the lamp control unit 5 simultaneously turns on the light sources 40R1 and 40R2 to simultaneously form the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2.
  • the two irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 simultaneously transition to an irradiation state.
  • the lamp control unit 5 sequentially turns on the light sources 40R1 and 40R2 in stages to form the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 in stages.
  • the two irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 transition to an irradiation state in stages.
  • the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamp 4 so that the right light distribution pattern PCR changes based on the bank angle, vehicle speed, and the position of vehicles (preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles) in front of the vehicle if the vehicle further banks.
  • the change from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is in the first mode or the second mode depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, but when changing the light distribution pattern when the vehicle is already illuminated, the first mode or the second mode may or may not be applied.
  • the cornering lamp 4 transitions the multiple illumination areas to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, thereby preventing the multiple illumination areas from transitioning to an illuminated state simultaneously every time the vehicle body banks while traveling around successive left and right curves such as an S-shaped curve. This reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp being turned on when the vehicle body banks.
  • the multiple illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state in stages, reducing the annoyance to the driver.
  • the multiple illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state all at once, ensuring responsiveness and visibility.
  • the change in bank angle per unit time is used as the criterion for mode selection, it is possible to select a mode even if the bank angle is small, compared to when the bank angle is used as the criterion. Furthermore, when the change in bank angle per unit time is used as the criterion, it is possible to achieve control that is closer to the driver's sense of the curve angle (gentle or steep), compared to when the bank angle or vehicle speed is used as the criterion.
  • one illumination area is illuminated by one corresponding light source 40, so a vehicle lamp can be realized with a simpler configuration than when one illumination area is illuminated by multiple light sources.
  • ADB light distribution control when ADB light distribution control is being executed in which light is irradiated to multiple areas including an area above the vehicle's horizon, the multiple illuminated areas are transitioned to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. This reduces the annoyance felt by the driver when, for example, the area above the vehicle's horizon transitions to an illuminated state simultaneously every time the vehicle bank while traveling around successive left and right curves.
  • ADB light distribution control can reduce glare for the driver of vehicles (oncoming vehicles, vehicles ahead) in front of the vehicle.
  • the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 so that the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the lamp control unit 5 may also control the cornering lamps 4 so that the gradual change time of each illumination area changes in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the lamp control unit 5 is configured to turn on each light source 40 that forms the side light distribution pattern PC for a first gradual change time or a second gradual change time in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
  • the gradual change time is the time for the illumination area to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state, i.e., the time for the luminance of the light source to increase to a predetermined luminance.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the flow of control of the cornering lamp 4 by the lamp control unit 5. Note that in FIG. 13, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control of FIG. 4 are omitted.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects a second mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on in stages, and selects a first gradual change time as the gradual change time for each light source 40 (STEP 11).
  • the threshold value Th is an example of the second threshold value.
  • the first gradual change time is, for example, 500 ms.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects a first mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on simultaneously, and selects a second gradual change time that is shorter than the first gradual change time as the gradual change time for each light source 40 (STEP 12).
  • the second gradual change time is, for example, 200 ms.
  • the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR in the selected mode and gradual change time (STEP 13). For example, if the first mode and the second gradual change time are selected, the lamp control unit 5 turns on each light source 40 with a short gradual change time when turning on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 all at once as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the lamp control unit 5 lights each light source 40 for a long gradual change time when gradually turning on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 as shown in Figures 6 to 9.
  • the gradual change time for the illuminated area to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state changes depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, making it possible to prevent the illuminated area from transitioning to an illuminated state in a short gradual change time each time the vehicle body banks while traveling around successive left and right curves, such as an S-shaped curve.
  • the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is long, reducing the annoyance to the driver.
  • the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is large, the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is short, ensuring responsiveness and visibility.
  • the lamp control unit 5 may control the cornering lamps 4 so that only the gradual change time of each illumination area changes according to the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the flow of control of the cornering lamp 4 by the lamp control unit 5. Note that in FIG. 14, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control of FIG. 4 are omitted.
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects the first gradual change time as the gradual change time of each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR (STEP 21).
  • the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects a second gradual change time that is shorter than the first gradual change time as the gradual change time of each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR (STEP 22).
  • the lamp control unit 5 turns on each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR for the selected gradual change time (STEP 23).
  • the number of light sources 40 forming the right light distribution pattern PCR is not limited to multiple.
  • the gradual change time of the light source 40 may be changed according to the amount of change in the bank angle per time. Even when there is only one light source 40 forming the right light distribution pattern PCR, the gradual change time can be varied according to the amount of change in the bank angle per time, thereby reducing the inconvenience to the driver.
  • the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas.
  • the cornering lamp 4 has one illumination area illuminated by one light source.
  • the cornering lamp 4 may be configured so that one illumination area is illuminated by multiple light sources.
  • the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by four partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4, and the left light distribution pattern PCL is formed by four partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4.
  • the number of partial patterns forming the right light distribution pattern PCR and the left light distribution pattern PCL is not limited to four.
  • motorcycle 100 is given as an example of a vehicle that turns by tilting the body in the direction of the turn.
  • the number of wheels of the vehicle is not limited as long as the vehicle is capable of turning by tilting the body in the direction of the turn, like motorcycle 100.
  • the vehicle may also include three-wheeled motor vehicles, four-wheeled motor vehicles, etc.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A cornering lamp (4) is mounted on a motorcycle (100) to illuminate a turning direction when the vehicle turns. The cornering lamp (4) is capable of emitting light in a plurality of illumination regions each having an illumination state that can be changed. The configuration is such that, when the plurality of illumination regions transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state, either a first mode in which the plurality of illumination regions transition simultaneously to the illuminated state or a second mode in which the plurality of illumination regions transition in a stepwise manner to the illuminated state is adopted in accordance with an amount of change per unit time in a bank angle.

Description

車両用灯具Vehicle lighting fixtures
　本開示は、車両用灯具に関する。 This disclosure relates to vehicle lighting.
　特許文献１は、ハイビーム用光源ユニットとロービーム用光源ユニットに加えて、走行時に車体が傾いた時にバンク角に応じて光源の光量を変化させるコーナリングランプを有する自動二輪車用のヘッドランプを開示している。 Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle headlamp that has a high beam light source unit, a low beam light source unit, and a cornering lamp that changes the amount of light emitted by the light source according to the bank angle when the vehicle body leans while traveling.
国際公開第２０２２／１８５８８７号明細書International Publication No. WO 2022/185887
　ところで、本願の発明者は、例えばＳ字カーブのように連続して左右にカーブが存在する場合、車体のバンク角が短時間に左右交互に変化すると、コーナリングランプにより照射される領域も短時間のうちに変わるので、運転者にとって煩わしく感じてしまうことに気が付いた。 The inventors of this application noticed that when there are successive curves on both sides, such as an S-shaped curve, if the bank angle of the vehicle body changes alternately from left to right in a short period of time, the area illuminated by the cornering lamps also changes in a short period of time, which can be annoying for the driver.
　本開示の目的は、車体がバンクした際にコーナリングランプの点灯により運転者が感じる煩わしさを軽減する車両用灯具を提供することである。 The objective of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp turning on when the vehicle body is banked.
　本開示の一態様に係る車両用灯具は、
　曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回する車両に搭載され、前記車両の旋回時に旋回方向を照射する車両用灯具であって、
　前記車両用灯具は、各々の照明状態を変更可能な複数の照射領域に光を照射可能であり、
　複数の前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する場合の状態変化が、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の前記照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移する第一モードか、または、複数の前記照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移する第二モードになるように構成されている。 A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising:
The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state,
The state change when the multiple irradiated areas transition from a non-irradiated state to an irradiated state is configured to be either a first mode in which the multiple irradiated areas transition to an irradiated state all at once, or a second mode in which the multiple irradiated areas transition to an irradiated state in stages, depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per time.
　本開示の一態様に係る車両用灯具は、
　曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回する車両に搭載され、前記車両の旋回時に旋回方向を照射する車両用灯具であって、
　前記車両用灯具は、各々の照明状態を変更可能な複数の照射領域に光を照射可能であり、
　少なくとも一つの前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する場合に、
　バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間が変化するように構成されている。 A vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising:
The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state,
When at least one of the illuminated regions transitions from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state,
The gradual change time for the illumination region to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is configured to change according to the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time.
　本開示に係る車両用灯具によれば、車体がバンクした際にコーナリングランプの点灯により運転者が感じる煩わしさを軽減する車両用灯具を提供できる。 The vehicle lamp disclosed herein can provide a vehicle lamp that reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp turning on when the vehicle body is banked.
本実施形態に係るヘッドランプを備えた自動二輪車の構成を例示している。1 illustrates the configuration of a motorcycle equipped with a headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図１のヘッドランプにより形成される配光パターンを例示している。2 illustrates a light distribution pattern formed by the headlamp of FIG. 1 . 図１のヘッドランプのシステム構成を例示している。2 illustrates an example system configuration of the headlamp of FIG. 1 . ランプ制御部によるコーナリングランプの制御の流れを例示している。4 illustrates an example of a flow of cornering lamp control by a lamp control unit. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第一モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of ADB light distribution control is formed in a first mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第一モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of ADB light distribution control is formed in a first mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. 車体を右に傾けた状態で走行している時にＡＤＢ配光制御の側方配光パターンが第二モードで形成される様子を例示している。13 illustrates an example of how a side light distribution pattern of the ADB light distribution control is formed in the second mode when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. ランプ制御部によるコーナリングランプの制御の流れの別例を示している。13 shows another example of the flow of control of the cornering lamps by the lamp control unit. ランプ制御部によるコーナリングランプの制御の流れの別例を示している。13 shows another example of the flow of control of the cornering lamps by the lamp control unit.
　以下、本開示の実施形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。図面において、矢印Ｕは、図示された構造の上方向を示している。矢印Ｄは、図示された構造の下方向を示している。矢印Ｆは、図示された構造の前方向を示している。矢印Ｂは、図示された構造の後方向を示している。矢印Ｒは、図示された構造の右方向を示している。矢印Ｌは、図示された構造の左方向を示している。これらの方向は、図１に示された自動二輪車１００について設定された相対的な方向である。 Below, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. These directions are relative directions set for the motorcycle 100 shown in FIG. 1.
　図１は、本実施形態に係るヘッドランプ１が搭載される自動二輪車１００を示している。自動二輪車１００は、曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回し、道路のコーナー（カーブ）を走行することが可能な車両である。 FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle 100 equipped with a headlamp 1 according to this embodiment. The motorcycle 100 is a vehicle that can turn by leaning the body in the direction of the turn and travel around corners (curves) on the road.
　ヘッドランプ１は、自動二輪車１００の前部に搭載されている。ヘッドランプ１は、車両前方に光を照射可能な灯具である。ヘッドランプ１は、ロービーム灯具ユニット２、ハイビーム灯具ユニット３、およびコーナリングランプ４を備えている。コーナリングランプ４は、車両用灯具の一例である。 The headlamp 1 is mounted on the front of the motorcycle 100. The headlamp 1 is a lamp capable of emitting light ahead of the vehicle. The headlamp 1 includes a low beam lamp unit 2, a high beam lamp unit 3, and a cornering lamp 4. The cornering lamp 4 is an example of a vehicle lamp.
　ロービーム灯具ユニット２から照射された光は、車両前方に照射されて、ロービーム配光パターンを形成するように構成されている。ハイビーム灯具ユニット３から照射された光は、車両前方に照射されて、ハイビーム配光パターンを形成するように構成されている。 The light emitted from the low beam lamp unit 2 is configured to be irradiated in front of the vehicle to form a low beam light distribution pattern. The light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 3 is configured to be irradiated in front of the vehicle to form a high beam light distribution pattern.
　コーナリングランプ４は、自動二輪車１００の旋回時に旋回方向を照射するように構成されている。具体的には、コーナリングランプ４は、車両走行中に車体がバンクしている時に、車両前方に光を照射することにより、ハイビーム配光パターンの側方に側方配光パターンを形成するように構成されている。 The cornering lamps 4 are configured to illuminate the turning direction when the motorcycle 100 is turning. Specifically, the cornering lamps 4 are configured to form a side light distribution pattern to the side of the high beam light distribution pattern by emitting light in front of the vehicle when the vehicle body is banking while traveling.
　本例においては、コーナリングランプ４は、車体の右側に設けられた右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒと、車体の左側に設けられた左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌを有している。右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒは、自動二輪車１００が右向きのコーナーを走行する場合にハイビーム配光パターンの右側方に側方配光パターンを形成する。左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌは、自動二輪車１００が左向きのコーナーを走行する場合にハイビーム配光パターンの左側方に側方配光パターンを形成する。 In this example, the cornering lamps 4 include a right cornering lamp 4R provided on the right side of the vehicle body, and a left cornering lamp 4L provided on the left side of the vehicle body. The right cornering lamp 4R forms a lateral light distribution pattern to the right of the high beam light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 is traveling around a corner facing right. The left cornering lamp 4L forms a lateral light distribution pattern to the left of the high beam light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 is traveling around a corner facing left.
　なお、本明細書で用いられる「車体がバンクする」という表現は、自動二輪車１００の車体が鉛直線に対して左または右に傾斜することを意味する。本明細書で用いられる「バンク角」という用語は、自動二輪車１００の車体が鉛直線に対して左または右に傾斜したときの傾斜角を意味する。 As used in this specification, the expression "the body bank" means that the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right with respect to a vertical line. The term "bank angle" as used in this specification means the lean angle when the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right with respect to a vertical line.
　右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒは、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４を備えている。光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４の各々は、独立して点消灯可能に制御される。左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌは、光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４を備えている。光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４の各々は、独立して点消灯可能に制御される。なお、以降の説明では、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４、光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４を単に光源４０という場合がある。 The right cornering lamp 4R is equipped with light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4. Each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently. The left cornering lamp 4L is equipped with light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4. Each of the light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently. In the following description, light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 and light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 may be simply referred to as light sources 40.
　図２は、ヘッドランプ１により形成される配光パターンＰを示している。当該配光パターンＰは、自動二輪車１００の車体が路面に対して垂直である状態において、灯具前方の所定位置、例えば灯具前方２５ｍの位置に配置された仮想鉛直スクリーン上に形成される配光パターンである。図２において、Ｈ－Ｈは水平方向（水平線Ｈ）を、Ｖ－Ｖは垂直方向（垂直線Ｖ）をそれぞれ示している。 Fig. 2 shows the light distribution pattern P formed by the headlamp 1. The light distribution pattern P is formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example 25 m in front of the lamp, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is perpendicular to the road surface. In Fig. 2, H-H indicates the horizontal direction (horizontal line H) and V-V indicates the vertical direction (vertical line V).
　配光パターンＰは、ハイビーム配光パターンＰＨ、ロービーム配光パターンＰＬおよび側方配光パターンＰＣが合成されることにより形成される。本例においては、側方配光パターンＰＣは、右方配光パターンＰＣＲと左方配光パターンＰＣＬにより形成される。具体的には、右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒにより形成される。右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、ハイビーム配光パターンＰＨよりも車体の右方向に広がって形成される。左方配光パターンＰＣＬは、左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌにより形成される。左方配光パターンＰＣＬは、ハイビーム配光パターンＰＨよりも車体の左方向に広がって形成される。 The light distribution pattern P is formed by combining a high beam light distribution pattern PH, a low beam light distribution pattern PL, and a side light distribution pattern PC. In this example, the side light distribution pattern PC is formed by a right light distribution pattern PCR and a left light distribution pattern PCL. Specifically, the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by the right cornering lamp 4R. The right light distribution pattern PCR is formed so as to extend further to the right of the vehicle body than the high beam light distribution pattern PH. The left light distribution pattern PCL is formed by the left cornering lamp 4L. The left light distribution pattern PCL is formed so as to extend further to the left of the vehicle body than the high beam light distribution pattern PH.
　右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、例えば、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４が合成されることにより形成される。部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４は、上下方向に隣接して形成される。本例においては、右方配光パターンＰＣＲにより照射される車両前方における照射可能領域は四つの照射領域により構成されており、各照射領域には、対応する部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、またはＰＣＲ４により光が照射される。部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４を独立して形成することにより、各照射領域の照明状態を変更可能である。 The right light distribution pattern PCR is formed, for example, by combining partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4. The partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In this example, the irradiable area in front of the vehicle illuminated by the right light distribution pattern PCR is made up of four illumination areas, and light is irradiated into each illumination area by the corresponding partial pattern PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, or PCR4. By independently forming the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4, the lighting state of each illumination area can be changed.
　本例においては、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４は、各々の照射領域に光を照射するように構成されている。すなわち、右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒの光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４は、各々の部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４を形成する。具体的には、光源４０Ｒ１は部分パターンＰＣＲ１を形成し、光源４０Ｒ２は部分パターンＰＣＲ２を形成し、光源４０Ｒ３は部分パターンＰＣＲ３を形成し、光源４０Ｒ４は部分パターンＰＣＲ４を形成する。 In this example, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas. That is, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 of the right cornering lamp 4R form partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4, respectively. Specifically, the light source 40R1 forms the partial pattern PCR1, the light source 40R2 forms the partial pattern PCR2, the light source 40R3 forms the partial pattern PCR3, and the light source 40R4 forms the partial pattern PCR4.
　左方配光パターンＰＣＬは、例えば、部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、ＰＣＬ４が合成されることにより形成される。部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、ＰＣＬ４は、上下方向に隣接して形成される。本例においては、左方配光パターンＰＣＬにより照射される車両前方における照射可能領域は四つの照射領域により構成されており、各照射領域には、対応する部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、またはＰＣＬ４により光が照射される。部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、ＰＣＬ４を独立して形成することにより、各照射領域の照明状態を変更可能である。 The left light distribution pattern PCL is formed, for example, by combining partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4. The partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In this example, the irradiable area in front of the vehicle illuminated by the left light distribution pattern PCL is composed of four illumination areas, and light is irradiated into each illumination area by the corresponding partial pattern PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, or PCL4. By independently forming the partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4, the lighting state of each illumination area can be changed.
　本例においては、光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４は、各々の照射領域に光を照射するように構成されている。すなわち、左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌの光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４は、各々の部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、ＰＣＬ４を形成する。具体的には、光源４０Ｌ１は部分パターンＰＣＬ１を形成し、光源４０Ｌ２は部分パターンＰＣＬ２を形成し、光源４０Ｌ３は部分パターンＰＣＬ３を形成し、光源４０Ｌ４は部分パターンＰＣＬ４を形成する。 In this example, light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas. That is, light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 of the left cornering lamp 4L form partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4, respectively. Specifically, light source 40L1 forms partial pattern PCL1, light source 40L2 forms partial pattern PCL2, light source 40L3 forms partial pattern PCL3, and light source 40L4 forms partial pattern PCL4.
　図３に示すように、ヘッドランプ１は、ランプ制御部５を備えている。ランプ制御部５は、汎用メモリと、汎用メモリと協働して動作する汎用マイクロプロセッサにより実現されうる。汎用マイクロプロセッサとしては、ＣＰＵ、ＭＰＵ、ＧＰＵが例示されうる。 As shown in FIG. 3, the headlamp 1 includes a lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 can be realized by a general-purpose memory and a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with the general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU.
　ランプ制御部５には、ロービーム灯具ユニット２、ハイビーム灯具ユニット３およびコーナリングランプ４が接続されている。ランプ制御部５は、ロービーム灯具ユニット２、ハイビーム灯具ユニット３およびコーナリングランプ４を制御するように構成されている。ランプ制御部５は、右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒの光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４をそれぞれ独立して制御する。また、ランプ制御部５は、左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌの光源４０Ｌ１、４０Ｌ２、４０Ｌ３、４０Ｌ４をそれぞれ独立して制御する。ランプ制御部５は、制御部の一例である。 The lamp control unit 5 is connected to the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4. The lamp control unit 5 is configured to control the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4. The lamp control unit 5 independently controls the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 of the right cornering lamp 4R. The lamp control unit 5 also independently controls the light sources 40L1, 40L2, 40L3, and 40L4 of the left cornering lamp 4L. The lamp control unit 5 is an example of a control unit.
　例えば、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量、車速、車両前方に存在する車両（前走車や対向車）の位置情報、地図情報、自車両の位置情報、ＡＤＢモード実行情報の少なくとも一つに基づいて所定の側方配光パターンＰＣを形成するようにコーナリングランプ４を制御する。 For example, the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 to form a predetermined side light distribution pattern PC based on at least one of the bank angle, the amount of change in bank angle per unit time, the vehicle speed, position information of vehicles ahead of the vehicle (vehicles ahead and oncoming vehicles), map information, vehicle position information, and ADB mode execution information.
　具体的には、例えば図３に示すように、ランプ制御部５には、バンク角センサ６、外部センサ７、速度センサ８、無線通信部９、ＧＰＳ１０、および入力部１１が接続されている。これらは、ランプ制御部５に直接接続されてもよく、不図示の車両制御部を介して接続されてもよい。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a bank angle sensor 6, an external sensor 7, a speed sensor 8, a wireless communication unit 9, a GPS 10, and an input unit 11 are connected to the lamp control unit 5. These may be connected directly to the lamp control unit 5, or may be connected via a vehicle control unit (not shown).
　バンク角センサ６は、自動二輪車１００の車体のバンク角を検出するように構成されている。バンク角センサ６は、例えばジャイロセンサで構成される。バンク角センサ６は、車体のバンク角を含むバンク角情報をランプ制御部５へ出力する。ランプ制御部５は、車体のバンク角からバンク角の時間当たりの変化量を算出する。なお、バンク角センサ６は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量を検出し、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量を含むバンク角情報をランプ制御部５へ出力するように構成されてもよい。 The bank angle sensor 6 is configured to detect the bank angle of the body of the motorcycle 100. The bank angle sensor 6 is configured, for example, as a gyro sensor. The bank angle sensor 6 outputs bank angle information including the bank angle of the body to the lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 calculates the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time from the bank angle of the body. The bank angle sensor 6 may be configured to detect the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time and output bank angle information including the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time to the lamp control unit 5.
　外部センサ７は、対象物情報などを含む車両外部の環境情報を取得する。具体的には、外部センサ７は、自動二輪車１００の周辺環境（例えば障害物、他車（前走車、対向車）、歩行者、道路形状、交通標識等）を含む自車両の外部の情報を取得するように構成されている。外部センサ７は、例えばＬｉＤＡＲ（Ｌｉｇｈｔ　Ｄｅｔｅｃｔｉｏｎ　ａｎｄ　ＲａｎｇｉｎｇまたはＬａｓｅｒ　Ｉｍａｇｉｎｇ　Ｄｅｔｅｃｔｉｏｎ　ａｎｄ　Ｒａｎｇｉｎｇ）、カメラ、レーダ等の少なくとも一つで構成されている。外部センサ７は、車両前方に存在する車両（前走車、対向車）の位置情報を含む車両外部の環境情報をランプ制御部５へ出力する。 The external sensor 7 acquires environmental information outside the vehicle, including object information. Specifically, the external sensor 7 is configured to acquire information outside the vehicle, including the surrounding environment of the motorcycle 100 (e.g., obstacles, other vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles), pedestrians, road shapes, traffic signs, etc.). The external sensor 7 is configured with at least one of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), a camera, radar, etc. The external sensor 7 outputs environmental information outside the vehicle, including position information of vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles) in front of the vehicle, to the lamp control unit 5.
　速度センサ８は、自動二輪車１００の速度を検出し、車速情報をランプ制御部５へ出力する。ランプ制御部５は、無線通信部９とインターネットなどの通信ネットワークを介して地図情報などを取得する。ＧＰＳ１０は、自車両の現在位置情報を取得し、現在位置情報をランプ制御部５に出力する。入力部１１は、例えばＡＤＢモードを実行するための運転者による入力操作を受け付けると、ＡＤＢモード実行指示情報をランプ制御部５へ出力する。 The speed sensor 8 detects the speed of the motorcycle 100 and outputs vehicle speed information to the lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 acquires map information and the like via the wireless communication unit 9 and a communication network such as the Internet. The GPS 10 acquires the current position information of the vehicle and outputs the current position information to the lamp control unit 5. When the input unit 11 accepts an input operation by the driver to execute the ADB mode, for example, the input unit 11 outputs ADB mode execution instruction information to the lamp control unit 5.
　ランプ制御部５は、バンク角センサ６、外部センサ７、速度センサ８、無線通信部９、ＧＰＳ１０、および／または入力部１１から取得した情報に基づいて、所定の側方配光パターンＰＣを決定する。 The lamp control unit 5 determines a predetermined lateral light distribution pattern PC based on information obtained from the bank angle sensor 6, the external sensor 7, the speed sensor 8, the wireless communication unit 9, the GPS 10, and/or the input unit 11.
　さらに、ランプ制御部５は、決定した側方配光パターンＰＣで照射されることにより複数の照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する場合の状態変化が、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移する第一モードか、または、複数の照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移する第二モードになるように、コーナリングランプ４を制御する。換言すれば、例えば車体が右方に旋回するときに車両前方の右方を照射する右方配光パターンＰＣＲを照射することが決定された場合、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、右方配光パターンＰＣＲの形状や大きさは変化しない。しかし、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する際に、右方配光パターンＰＣＲの全域が瞬間的に明るくなるように形成される（第一モード）か、一部が明るくなってから徐々に明るい領域が広がっていく（第二モード）。 Furthermore, the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamp 4 so that the state change when the multiple illumination areas transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state by being illuminated with the determined side light distribution pattern PC is either a first mode in which the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state all at once, or a second mode in which the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state stepwise, depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. In other words, for example, when it is determined to illuminate a right light distribution pattern PCR that illuminates the right front of the vehicle when the vehicle body turns right, the shape and size of the right light distribution pattern PCR do not change depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. However, when the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed, the entire right light distribution pattern PCR is formed to become bright instantaneously (first mode), or a part of it becomes bright and then the bright area gradually expands (second mode).
　具体的には、ランプ制御部５は、車体がバンクしたときに、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、決定した側方配光パターンＰＣを形成する複数の光源４０を、一斉に点灯させる第一モードか、または、段階的に点灯させる第二モードで、点灯させる。 Specifically, when the vehicle body is banked, the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the determined side light distribution pattern PC in a first mode in which they are turned on all at once, or in a second mode in which they are turned on in stages, depending on the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle.
　以下に、ランプ制御部５によるコーナリングランプ４の制御について、図４～図１２を用いて説明する。なお、以下では、右向きのコーナーを走行する場合の右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒの制御について説明する。左向きのコーナーを走行する場合の左側コーナリングランプ４Ｌの制御については、左右の方向が逆であること以外は、右側コーナリングランプ４Ｒの制御と同じであるため、説明は省略する。 The control of the cornering lamps 4 by the lamp control unit 5 is explained below with reference to Figs. 4 to 12. Note that the following describes the control of the right cornering lamp 4R when driving around a right-facing corner. The control of the left cornering lamp 4L when driving around a left-facing corner is the same as the control of the right cornering lamp 4R, except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description of this is omitted.
　まず、図４に示されるように、ランプ制御部５は、車体がバンクしたかを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ１）。例えば、車体のバンク角が所定の角度以上となった場合に、車体がバンクしたと判断する。所定の角度は、例えば、自動二輪車１００の車体が道路のコーナーを走行するために傾斜されたと想定される最小のバンク角に基づいて適宜設定されうる。ランプ制御部５は、車体がバンクしたと判断するまで、ＳＴＥＰ１の処理を繰り返す（ＳＴＥＰ１においてＮＯ）。 First, as shown in FIG. 4, the lamp control unit 5 determines whether the vehicle body has banked (STEP 1). For example, if the bank angle of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the vehicle body has banked. The predetermined angle can be set appropriately based on, for example, the minimum bank angle at which the body of the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be tilted in order to travel around a corner on a road. The lamp control unit 5 repeats the process of STEP 1 until it determines that the vehicle body has banked (NO in STEP 1).
　ランプ制御部５は、車体がバンクしたと判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ１においてＹＥＳ）、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ以上であるか判断する（ＳＴＥＰ２）。閾値Ｔｈは、自動二輪車１００が緩やかなカーブを走行していると想定される車両の速度および急なカーブを走行していると想定される車両の速度に基づいて適宜設定されうる。閾値Ｔｈは、例えば、０．１（度／ｍｓ）である。閾値Ｔｈは、第一閾値の一例である。 When the lamp control unit 5 determines that the vehicle body has banked (YES in STEP 1), it determines whether the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (STEP 2). The threshold value Th can be set appropriately based on the vehicle speed when the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be traveling on a gentle curve and the vehicle speed when it is assumed to be traveling on a sharp curve. The threshold value Th is, for example, 0.1 (degrees/ms). The threshold value Th is an example of a first threshold value.
　ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ以上であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＹＥＳ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を一斉に点灯させる第一モードを選択する（ＳＴＥＰ３）。 When the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects the first mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on simultaneously (STEP 3).
　一方、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ未満であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＮＯ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を段階的に点灯させる第二モードを選択する（ＳＴＥＰ４）。 On the other hand, if the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects a second mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on in stages (STEP 4).
　続いて、ランプ制御部５は、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を選択したモードで点灯させる（ＳＴＥＰ５）。 Next, the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR in the selected mode (STEP 5).
　例えば図５～図１２は、ＡＤＢ配光制御において形成される右方配光パターンＰＣＲを示している。ランプ制御部５は、ＡＤＢモード実行指示情報を取得すると、コーナリングランプ４に対して車両前方に存在する対象物が存在する領域に暗部が形成されるＡＤＢ配光制御を実行する。具体的には、ランプ制御部５は、車両外部の環境情報に基づいて、車両の水平線よりも上方の領域を含む複数の照射領域において対象物が存在する領域に暗部が形成されるように、側方配光パターンＰＣを決定する。 For example, Figures 5 to 12 show a right light distribution pattern PCR formed in ADB light distribution control. When the lamp control unit 5 acquires ADB mode execution instruction information, it executes ADB light distribution control in which a dark area is formed in an area where an object exists in front of the vehicle with respect to the cornering lamp 4. Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 determines a side light distribution pattern PC based on environmental information outside the vehicle so that a dark area is formed in an area where an object exists in multiple illumination areas including an area above the vehicle's horizon.
　なお、本明細書において用いられる用語「暗部」とは、光を照射させないことにより形成される非照射領域だけでなく、減光された光を照射することにより形成される低照度領域も含みうる。「低照度」とは、例えば車両前方に存在する車両（対向車、前走車）の運転者にグレアを与えない程度の照度を意味する。すなわち、光源４０を消灯させるまたは減光させることにより、暗部が形成される。 The term "dark area" as used in this specification includes not only non-illuminated areas formed by not emitting light, but also low-illuminance areas formed by emitting dimmed light. "Low illuminance" means an illuminance that does not cause glare to the driver of a vehicle (oncoming vehicle, preceding vehicle) in front of the vehicle, for example. In other words, a dark area is formed by turning off or dimming the light source 40.
　図５～図９は、車両前方に他車が存在しない場合に形成される右方配光パターンＰＣＲを例示している。右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４が合成されることにより形成される。すなわち、右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、車両の水平線よりも上方の領域を照射する部分パターンＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４を含む配光パターンとして決定される。 Figures 5 to 9 show examples of right light distribution pattern PCR that is formed when there is no other vehicle in front of the vehicle. The right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by combining partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4. In other words, the right light distribution pattern PCR is determined as a light distribution pattern that includes partial patterns PCR3 and PCR4 that illuminate the area above the horizon of the vehicle.
　例えば第一モードが選択されている場合、図５に示すように、ランプ制御部５は、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４を一斉に点灯させて、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４を同時に形成する。これにより、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４により形成される四つの照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移する。 For example, when the first mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 5, the lamp control unit 5 simultaneously turns on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 to simultaneously form the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4. As a result, the four irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 simultaneously transition to an irradiation state.
　一方、例えば第二モードが選択されている場合、図６から図９に示すように、ランプ制御部５は、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４をこの順に段階的に点灯させて、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４を段階的に形成する。これにより、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４により形成される四つの照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移する。 On the other hand, when the second mode is selected, for example, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the lamp control unit 5 turns on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 in this order in stages to form the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 in stages. As a result, the four illumination areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4 transition to an illumination state in stages.
　なお、本例においては、下方の領域を照射する光源４０Ｒ１から順に点灯させているが、例えば上方の領域を照射する光源４０Ｒ４から順に点灯させてもよい。また、一つの光源４０を順に点灯させているが、例えば二つの隣接する光源４０ずつを順に点灯させてもよい。 In this example, the light sources 40R1 that illuminate the lower area are turned on in sequence, but it is also possible to turn them on, for example, starting with the light source 40R4 that illuminates the upper area. Also, while one light source 40 is turned on in sequence, for example, two adjacent light sources 40 may be turned on in sequence.
　図１０～図１２は、車両前方に対向車５０が存在する場合に形成される右方配光パターンＰＣＲを示している。例えば部分パターンＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４が形成される領域に対向車５０が存在する場合、右方配光パターンＰＣＲは、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２が合成されることにより形成される。 FIGS. 10 to 12 show the right light distribution pattern PCR that is formed when an oncoming vehicle 50 is present in front of the vehicle. For example, when an oncoming vehicle 50 is present in the area where partial patterns PCR3 and PCR4 are formed, the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by combining partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2.
　例えば第一モードが選択されている場合、図１０に示すように、ランプ制御部５は、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２を一斉に点灯させて、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２を同時に形成する。これにより、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２により形成される二つの照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移する。 For example, when the first mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 10, the lamp control unit 5 simultaneously turns on the light sources 40R1 and 40R2 to simultaneously form the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2. As a result, the two irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 simultaneously transition to an irradiation state.
　一方、例えば第二モードが選択されている場合、図１１と図１２に示すように、ランプ制御部５は、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２を順に段階的に点灯させて、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２を段階的に形成する。これにより、部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２により形成される二つの照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移する。 On the other hand, when the second mode is selected, for example, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the lamp control unit 5 sequentially turns on the light sources 40R1 and 40R2 in stages to form the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 in stages. As a result, the two irradiation areas formed by the partial patterns PCR1 and PCR2 transition to an irradiation state in stages.
　なお、ランプ制御部５は、ＳＴＥＰ５において右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する光源４０を第一モードまたは第二モードで点灯させた後、さらに車体がバンクする場合は、バンク角、車速、車両前方に存在する車両（先行車、対向車）の位置などに基づいて、右方配光パターンＰＣＲが変化するようにコーナリングランプ４を制御する。非照射状態から照射状態への状態変化はバンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて第一モードまたは第二モードになるが、既に照射状態となっている状態において配光パターンを変化させる場合には第一モードや第二モードの適用はしてもよいし、しなくてもよい。 In addition, after turning on the light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR in the first mode or the second mode in STEP 5, the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamp 4 so that the right light distribution pattern PCR changes based on the bank angle, vehicle speed, and the position of vehicles (preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles) in front of the vehicle if the vehicle further banks. The change from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is in the first mode or the second mode depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, but when changing the light distribution pattern when the vehicle is already illuminated, the first mode or the second mode may or may not be applied.
　本実施形態に係るコーナリングランプ４によれば、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の照射領域を一斉または段階的に照射状態に遷移させることにより、Ｓ字カーブのように連続して左右にカーブを走行中に車体がバンクする度に、複数の照射領域が一斉に照明状態に遷移することを抑制できる。これにより、車体がバンクした際にコーナリングランプの点灯により運転者が感じる煩わしさを軽減できる。 The cornering lamp 4 according to this embodiment transitions the multiple illumination areas to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, thereby preventing the multiple illumination areas from transitioning to an illuminated state simultaneously every time the vehicle body banks while traveling around successive left and right curves such as an S-shaped curve. This reduces the annoyance felt by the driver due to the cornering lamp being turned on when the vehicle body banks.
　特に、本実施形態においては、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が小さい場合、複数の照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移するので、運転者の煩わしさを軽減できる。一方、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が大きい場合は、複数の照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移するので、応答性および視認性を確保できる。 In particular, in this embodiment, when the change in bank angle per unit time is small, the multiple illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state in stages, reducing the annoyance to the driver. On the other hand, when the change in bank angle per unit time is large, the multiple illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state all at once, ensuring responsiveness and visibility.
　また、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量をモード選択の判断基準とするので、例えばバンク角を判断基準とする場合に比べて、バンク角が小さくてもモード選択を行うことが可能となる。さらに、例えばバンク角や車速を判断基準とする場合に比べて、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量を判断基準とする場合は、カーブ角度（緩または急）に応じた運転者の感覚に近い制御が可能となる。 In addition, because the change in bank angle per unit time is used as the criterion for mode selection, it is possible to select a mode even if the bank angle is small, compared to when the bank angle is used as the criterion. Furthermore, when the change in bank angle per unit time is used as the criterion, it is possible to achieve control that is closer to the driver's sense of the curve angle (gentle or steep), compared to when the bank angle or vehicle speed is used as the criterion.
　また、本実施形態においては、一つの照射領域は対応する一つの光源４０により照射される構成されるので、複数の光源により一つの照射領域を照射する場合と比べて、簡単な構成で車両用灯具を実現できる。 In addition, in this embodiment, one illumination area is illuminated by one corresponding light source 40, so a vehicle lamp can be realized with a simpler configuration than when one illumination area is illuminated by multiple light sources.
　また、本実施形態においては、車両の水平線よりも上方の領域を含む複数の領域に光が照射されるＡＤＢ配光制御が実行されている場合に、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の照射領域を一斉または段階的に照射状態に遷移させる。これにより、例えば連続して左右にカーブを走行中に車体がバンクする度に車両の水平線よりも上方の領域が一斉に照明状態に遷移することにより運転者が感じる煩わしさを軽減できる。また、ＡＤＢ配光制御により、車両前方に存在する車両（対向車、前走車）の運転者に対するグレアを低減できる。 In addition, in this embodiment, when ADB light distribution control is being executed in which light is irradiated to multiple areas including an area above the vehicle's horizon, the multiple illuminated areas are transitioned to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. This reduces the annoyance felt by the driver when, for example, the area above the vehicle's horizon transitions to an illuminated state simultaneously every time the vehicle bank while traveling around successive left and right curves. In addition, ADB light distribution control can reduce glare for the driver of vehicles (oncoming vehicles, vehicles ahead) in front of the vehicle.
　なお、本実施形態においては、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の照射領域が一斉にまたは段階的に照明状態に遷移するように、コーナリングランプ４を制御する。しかしながら、ランプ制御部５は、さらにバンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、各照射領域の徐変時間が変化するようにコーナリングランプ４を制御してもよい。具体的には、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、側方配光パターンＰＣを形成する各光源４０を第一徐変時間または第二徐変時間で点灯させるように構成される。徐変時間とは、照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する時間、すなわち光源の輝度が所定の輝度まで増加する時間である。 In this embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 so that the multiple illumination areas transition to an illuminated state simultaneously or stepwise in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. However, the lamp control unit 5 may also control the cornering lamps 4 so that the gradual change time of each illumination area changes in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 is configured to turn on each light source 40 that forms the side light distribution pattern PC for a first gradual change time or a second gradual change time in accordance with the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time. The gradual change time is the time for the illumination area to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state, i.e., the time for the luminance of the light source to increase to a predetermined luminance.
　図１３は、ランプ制御部５によるコーナリングランプ４の制御の流れを例示している。なお、図１３において、図４の制御と同じ工程については説明を省略する。 FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the flow of control of the cornering lamp 4 by the lamp control unit 5. Note that in FIG. 13, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control of FIG. 4 are omitted.
　ＳＴＥＰ２において、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ未満であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＮＯ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を段階的に点灯させる第二モードを選択するとともに各光源４０の徐変時間として第一徐変時間を選択する（ＳＴＥＰ１１）。閾値Ｔｈは、第二閾値の一例である。第一徐変時間は、例えば、５００ｍｓである。 In STEP 2, if the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects a second mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on in stages, and selects a first gradual change time as the gradual change time for each light source 40 (STEP 11). The threshold value Th is an example of the second threshold value. The first gradual change time is, for example, 500 ms.
　一方、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ以上であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＹＥＳ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を一斉に点灯させる第一モードを選択するとともに各光源４０の徐変時間として第一徐変時間より短い第二徐変時間を選択する（ＳＴＥＰ１２）。第二徐変時間は、例えば、２００ｍｓである。 On the other hand, if the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects a first mode in which the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR are turned on simultaneously, and selects a second gradual change time that is shorter than the first gradual change time as the gradual change time for each light source 40 (STEP 12). The second gradual change time is, for example, 200 ms.
　続いて、ランプ制御部５は、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する複数の光源４０を選択したモードおよび徐変時間で点灯させる（ＳＴＥＰ１３）。例えば第一モードおよび第二徐変時間が選択されている場合、ランプ制御部５は、図５に示すように光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４を一斉に点灯させる際に、各光源４０を短い徐変時間で点灯させる。 Then, the lamp control unit 5 turns on the multiple light sources 40 that form the right light distribution pattern PCR in the selected mode and gradual change time (STEP 13). For example, if the first mode and the second gradual change time are selected, the lamp control unit 5 turns on each light source 40 with a short gradual change time when turning on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 all at once as shown in FIG. 5.
　一方、例えば第二モードおよび第一徐変時間が選択されている場合、ランプ制御部５は、図６から図９に示すように光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４を段階的に点灯させる際に、各光源４０を長い徐変時間で点灯させる。 On the other hand, when the second mode and the first gradual change time are selected, for example, the lamp control unit 5 lights each light source 40 for a long gradual change time when gradually turning on the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 as shown in Figures 6 to 9.
　このような構成によれば、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間が変化することにより、Ｓ字カーブのように連続して左右にカーブを走行中に車体がバンクする度に照明領域が短い徐変時間で照明状態に遷移することを抑制できる。 With this configuration, the gradual change time for the illuminated area to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state changes depending on the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time, making it possible to prevent the illuminated area from transitioning to an illuminated state in a short gradual change time each time the vehicle body banks while traveling around successive left and right curves, such as an S-shaped curve.
　また、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が小さい場合、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間は長いので、運転者の煩わしさを軽減できる。一方、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が大きい場合は、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間は短いので応答性および視認性を確保できる。 In addition, when the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is small, the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is long, reducing the annoyance to the driver. On the other hand, when the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is large, the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is short, ensuring responsiveness and visibility.
　なお、上記の実施形態において、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、各照射領域の徐変時間のみが変化するようにコーナリングランプ４を制御してもよい。 In the above embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 may control the cornering lamps 4 so that only the gradual change time of each illumination area changes according to the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle.
　図１４は、ランプ制御部５によるコーナリングランプ４の制御の流れを例示している。なお、図１４において、図４の制御と同じ工程については説明を省略する。 FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the flow of control of the cornering lamp 4 by the lamp control unit 5. Note that in FIG. 14, explanations of steps that are the same as those in the control of FIG. 4 are omitted.
　ＳＴＥＰ２において、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ未満であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＮＯ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する各光源４０の徐変時間として第一徐変時間を選択する（ＳＴＥＰ２１）。 In STEP 2, if the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than the threshold value Th (NO in STEP 2), it selects the first gradual change time as the gradual change time of each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR (STEP 21).
　一方、ランプ制御部５は、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が閾値Ｔｈ以上であると判断すると（ＳＴＥＰ２においてＹＥＳ）、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する各光源４０の徐変時間として第一徐変時間よりも短い第二徐変時間を選択する（ＳＴＥＰ２２）。 On the other hand, if the lamp control unit 5 determines that the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in STEP 2), it selects a second gradual change time that is shorter than the first gradual change time as the gradual change time of each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR (STEP 22).
　続いて、ランプ制御部５は、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する各光源４０を選択した徐変時間で点灯させる（ＳＴＥＰ２３）。 Next, the lamp control unit 5 turns on each light source 40 that forms the right light distribution pattern PCR for the selected gradual change time (STEP 23).
　このような構成においても、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が小さい場合、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間は長いので、運転者の煩わしさを軽減できる。一方、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が大きい場合は、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間は短いので応答性および視認性を確保できる。 Even with this configuration, if the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle is small, the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is long, reducing the annoyance to the driver. On the other hand, if the amount of change per unit time in the bank angle is large, the gradual change time required to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is short, ensuring responsiveness and visibility.
　なお、光源４０の徐変時間を変化させる構成においては、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する光源４０の数は、複数に限定されない。すなわち、右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する光源４０の数が１つの場合（照射領域が１つの場合）に、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、光源４０の徐変時間を変化させてもよい。右方配光パターンＰＣＲを形成する光源４０の数が１つの場合でも、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて徐変時間を異ならせることにより、運転者の煩わしさを軽減できる。 In addition, in a configuration in which the gradual change time of the light source 40 is changed, the number of light sources 40 forming the right light distribution pattern PCR is not limited to multiple. In other words, when there is only one light source 40 forming the right light distribution pattern PCR (when there is only one illumination area), the gradual change time of the light source 40 may be changed according to the amount of change in the bank angle per time. Even when there is only one light source 40 forming the right light distribution pattern PCR, the gradual change time can be varied according to the amount of change in the bank angle per time, thereby reducing the inconvenience to the driver.
　以上、本開示の実施形態について説明をしたが、本開示の技術的範囲が本実施形態の説明により限定的に解釈されるべきではないのは言うまでもない。本実施形態は単なる一例であって、請求の範囲に記載された発明の範囲内において、様々な実施形態の変更が可能であることが当業者により理解されるところである。本開示の技術的範囲は請求の範囲に記載された発明の範囲およびその均等の範囲に基づいて定められるべきである。 The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure, but it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of this embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiment are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
　上記の実施形態では、光源４０Ｒ１、４０Ｒ２、４０Ｒ３、４０Ｒ４は、各々の照射領域に光を照射するように構成されている。つまり、コーナリングランプ４は、一つの光源により一つの照射領域が照射されている。しかしながら、コーナリングランプ４は、複数の光源により一つの照射領域が照射されるように構成されてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3, and 40R4 are configured to irradiate light to their respective illumination areas. In other words, the cornering lamp 4 has one illumination area illuminated by one light source. However, the cornering lamp 4 may be configured so that one illumination area is illuminated by multiple light sources.
　上記の実施形態では、右方配光パターンＰＣＲは四つの部分パターンＰＣＲ１、ＰＣＲ２、ＰＣＲ３、ＰＣＲ４により形成されており、左方配光パターンＰＣＬは四つの部分パターンＰＣＬ１、ＰＣＬ２、ＰＣＬ３、ＰＣＬ４により形成されている。しかしながら、右方配光パターンＰＣＲおよび左方配光パターンＰＣＬを形成する部分パターンの数（すなわち照明状態を変更可能な照射領域の数）は、四つに限定されない。 In the above embodiment, the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by four partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, PCR3, and PCR4, and the left light distribution pattern PCL is formed by four partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, PCL3, and PCL4. However, the number of partial patterns forming the right light distribution pattern PCR and the left light distribution pattern PCL (i.e., the number of illumination areas in which the illumination state can be changed) is not limited to four.
　上記の実施形態では、曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回する車両の例として、自動二輪車１００を挙げている。しかしながら、当該車両は、自動二輪車１００のように、曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回可能な車両であれば、車輪の数は限定されない。例えば、当該車両には、自動三輪車、自動四輪車なども含まれうる。 In the above embodiment, motorcycle 100 is given as an example of a vehicle that turns by tilting the body in the direction of the turn. However, the number of wheels of the vehicle is not limited as long as the vehicle is capable of turning by tilting the body in the direction of the turn, like motorcycle 100. For example, the vehicle may also include three-wheeled motor vehicles, four-wheeled motor vehicles, etc.
　本出願は、２０２２年１２月１２日出願の日本特許出願２０２２－１９７９９８号に基づくものであり、その内容はここに参照として取り込まれる。 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-197998, filed on December 12, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (7)

  1. 　曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回する車両に搭載され、前記車両の旋回時に旋回方向を照射する車両用灯具であって、
    　前記車両用灯具は、各々の照明状態を変更可能な複数の照射領域に光を照射可能であり、
    　複数の前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する場合の状態変化が、バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、複数の前記照射領域が一斉に照射状態に遷移する第一モードか、または、複数の前記照射領域が段階的に照射状態に遷移する第二モードになるように構成されている、車両用灯具。     A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising:
    The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state,
    A vehicular lamp configured such that a state change when the plurality of illuminated areas transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state is either a first mode in which the plurality of illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state all at once, or a second mode in which the plurality of illuminated areas transition to an illuminated state in stages, in accordance with an amount of change per unit time of a bank angle.
  2. 　前記バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が第一閾値未満である場合、複数の前記照射領域は、前記第二モードで遷移し、
    　前記バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が前記第一閾値以上である場合、複数の前記照射領域は、前記第一モードで遷移する、請求項１に記載の車両用灯具。     When the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than a first threshold, the plurality of illumination regions transition in the second mode;
    The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein, when a change amount per unit time of the bank angle is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the illumination regions transition to the first mode.
  3. 　前記バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間が変化する、請求項１または請求項２に記載の車両用灯具。 The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gradual change time for the illuminated area to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state varies according to the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle.
  4. 　前記バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が第二閾値未満である場合、前記照射領域は、第一徐変時間で、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移し、
    　前記バンク角の時間当たりの変化量が前記第二閾値以上である場合、前記照射領域は、前記第一徐変時間よりも短い第二徐変時間で、非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する、請求項３に記載の車両用灯具。     When the amount of change in the bank angle per unit time is less than a second threshold value, the illumination region transitions from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state in a first gradual change time;
    4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 3, wherein when the amount of change per unit time of the bank angle is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the illuminated region transitions from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state in a second gradual change time that is shorter than the first gradual change time.
  5. 　各々の前記照射領域に光を照射する、複数の光源と、
    　前記複数の光源をそれぞれ独立して制御する制御部と、
    を備えている、請求項１または請求項２に記載の車両用灯具。     A plurality of light sources each irradiating light onto the illumination region;
    A control unit that independently controls each of the plurality of light sources;
    The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
  6. 　前記車両用灯具は、前記車両外部の対象物が存在する領域に暗部が形成されるＡＤＢ配光制御を実行可能であり、
    　前記ＡＤＢ配光制御を実行中における複数の前記照射領域は、前記車両の水平線よりも上方の領域を含む、請求項１または請求項２に記載の車両用灯具。     The vehicle lamp is capable of performing ADB light distribution control in which a dark area is formed in an area where an object outside the vehicle is present,
    3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of illuminated regions during execution of the ADB light distribution control include a region above a horizon of the vehicle.
  7. 　曲がる方向に向かって車体を傾けることで旋回する車両に搭載され、前記車両の旋回時に旋回方向を照射する車両用灯具であって、
    　前記車両用灯具は、各々の照明状態を変更可能な複数の照射領域に光を照射可能であり、
    　少なくとも一つの前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する場合に、
    　バンク角の時間当たりの変化量に応じて、前記照射領域が非照射状態から照射状態に遷移する徐変時間が変化するように構成されている、車両用灯具。     A vehicle lamp that is mounted on a vehicle that turns by tilting a body toward a turning direction and illuminates a turning direction when the vehicle turns, comprising:
    The vehicle lamp is capable of irradiating light onto a plurality of illumination areas each of which can change an illumination state,
    When at least one of the illuminated regions transitions from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state,
    The vehicular lamp is configured such that a gradual change time for the illumination region to transition from a non-illuminated state to an illuminated state changes according to an amount of change per unit time of a bank angle.
PCT/JP2023/041111 2022-12-12 2023-11-15 Vehicle lamp fitting WO2024127894A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017119475A (en) * 2015-12-28 2017-07-06 川崎重工業株式会社 vehicle
JP2019137382A (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-22 スタンレー電気株式会社 Lighting control device for light source, lighting fixture for vehicle and lighting control method for light source
JP2022047882A (en) * 2020-09-14 2022-03-25 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lamp fitting and vehicle system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2017119475A (en) * 2015-12-28 2017-07-06 川崎重工業株式会社 vehicle
JP2019137382A (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-08-22 スタンレー電気株式会社 Lighting control device for light source, lighting fixture for vehicle and lighting control method for light source
JP2022047882A (en) * 2020-09-14 2022-03-25 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lamp fitting and vehicle system

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