JP2000233679A - On-board lamp control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure illumination more reliably when a headlamp is abnormal. SOLUTION: This on-board lamp control device 1 light-driving a plurality of headlamps L1-L4 is provided with a lighting drive section 20 lighting the headlamps L1-L4, an abnormality content judgment section 13 detecting an abnormality in the lighting drive section 20, specifying a headlamp in an abnormal state, and judging an abnormality content, and a fail-safe process section 15 automatically lighting one headlamp in the normal state in place of the other in the abnormal state among low-beam headlamps L1, L2 and high-beam headlamps L3, L4 based on the judgment result. Even when the low-beam headlamp is exhausted, the high-beam headlamp is automatically lighted, and illumination can be secured more reliably.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an on-vehicle lamp control device for controlling lighting driving of a head lamp of a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional vehicle lamp control device,
When driving a plurality of headlamps including a low beam headlamp and a high beam headlamp, a circuit in which an electromagnetic relay, a circuit protection fuse, etc. are connected in series to each headlamp for each lamp. Some are used. Each of the above headlamps is driven to be lit by manually switching a switch for switching on and off and a switch for switching between a low beam headlamp and a high beam headlamp.

[0003]

Incidentally, in the conventional on-vehicle lamp control device, if an abnormality occurs in the lamp drive system to be turned on, it may be difficult to secure a view. For example, if the headlamp becomes "out of ball" while the vehicle is running, the illumination is not ensured, and the visibility of the driver deteriorates, and the visibility from other vehicles or the like deteriorates.

[0004] In such a case, conventionally, the driver has to deal with the abnormal state by switching the switch manually to turn on another type of headlamp. In this case, depending on the time required for the driver to respond to the abnormality, there is a problem that the time until the lighting is re-secured becomes considerably long, and the burden on the driver increases.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an on-vehicle lamp control device that can more reliably secure illumination when a headlamp abnormality occurs.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, an on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1 is mounted on a vehicle having a plurality of head lamps including a low beam head lamp and a high beam head lamp. A lighting control unit for individually lighting and driving each of the plurality of head lamps; a detecting unit for detecting an abnormality of the head lamp when the lighting driving unit drives the lighting; and the detecting unit. An abnormal content determining means for identifying a headlamp in an abnormal state based on a detection signal from and determining the content of the abnormality, and the abnormal state in accordance with the abnormality content determined by the abnormal content determining means. Instead of one of the low beam headlamp and the high beam headlamp, the other headlamp in a normal state A fail-safe processing means for providing to the lighting drive unit a command to the effect that turning on the characterized in that it comprises a.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an on-vehicle lamp control device according to the first aspect,
Mode determining means for determining a control mode relating to the lighting drive of the headlamp, wherein the fail-safe processing means determines whether or not the abnormality determination means determines a low beam when the mode determining means determines that the DRL mode is set. If the headlamp is determined to be in an abnormal state, the lighting drive unit issues a command to turn on the high beam headlamp in a normal state by dimming control instead of the low beam headlamp in the abnormal state. The feature is to give to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-mounted lamp control device according to the first aspect,
A mode determining unit that determines a control mode relating to lighting driving of the headlamp, wherein the fail-safe processing unit is configured to determine whether the mode is the normal lighting mode by the mode determining unit. When it is determined that the low beam headlamp is in the abnormal state, the lighting drive command is issued to turn on the high beam headlamp in the normal state by dimming control instead of the low beam headlamp in the abnormal state. It is characterized by giving to a part.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-mounted lamp control device according to the first aspect,
A mode determination unit configured to determine a control mode related to a lighting drive of the head lamp, wherein the plurality of head lamps include a plurality of low beam head lamps and a plurality of high beam head lamps; The processing means, when the mode determination means determines that the normal lighting mode is set, among the plurality of headlamps of one of the low beam headlamp and the high beam headlamp to be lit, a) When all the headlamps are determined to be in an abnormal state by the abnormality content determination means, a command to turn on the other type of headlamp instead of the headlamp of the type of the abnormal state is issued. (B) at least one headlamp is normal When it is determined by the abnormality content determination unit that the state is the state, the command to turn on at least one head lamp in the normal state without turning on the other type of head lamp is issued to the lighting drive unit. The feature is to give to.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-mounted lamp control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lighting drive unit uses a semiconductor switching element. The headlamp is driven for lighting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the on-vehicle lamp control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the abnormality content determined by the abnormality content determining means is provided. An error content display section that displays
Is further provided.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Structure> FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a vehicle-mounted lamp control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The in-vehicle lamp control device 1 is a device that controls head lamps L1 to L4 (see FIG. 2) provided in a front portion of the vehicle. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, these headlamps L1 to L4 are low beam headlamps L.
1 and L2 (also collectively referred to as "LB") and high beam headlamps L3 and L4 (collectively referred to as "H").
B ").

The on-vehicle lamp control device 1 includes an arithmetic processing circuit (CPU) 10, a lighting drive unit 20 for lighting and driving the head lamps L1 to L4, and a head lamp L1 to L4 when the lighting drive unit 20 drives the lighting. Detection circuits 31 to 35 (in a collective term, detection circuit "30"), a high beam indicator 40 for displaying that the high beam headlamp HB is turned on, and detection by the detection circuit 30. An abnormal content display section 50 for displaying the details of the abnormalities, a charge pump circuit 60 for obtaining a drive voltage for the semiconductor switching element, and clock signal generating circuits 71 and 72 for generating a clock signal (generally referred to as a clock signal generating circuit). Circuit "70")
And a watchdog timer 80 used to detect an abnormal loop or runaway of the program.

The input terminals T1 to T12 of the arithmetic processing unit 10 provide various signals (low beam) indicating the setting state of each part of the ignition key signal A1, the parking brake signal A2, the alternator signal A3, and the combination switch 90 (see FIG. 3). Setting signal A4, high beam setting signal A
5, a passing beam setting signal A6, a headlamp lighting setting signal A7), detection signals SD1 to SD5 (described later) in the detection circuits 31 to 35, and the like are given as input signals.

Here, the combination switch 90 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a lever-type combination switch 90 provided near the handle portion of the driver's seat. This combination switch 9
Numeral 0 has a lever main body 91 that can swing in the front-rear direction (arrow AR1 direction and arrow AR2 direction), and a rotatable rotary column switch 92.

The column switch 92 is provided at the tip of the lever main body 91, and determines whether the headlamps L1 to L4 are turned on or off.
MALL) "and" ON ". "Small"
This represents a setting for instructing to turn on a small lamp such as a tail lamp (not shown). However, the lighting state of the head lamp means the same setting as “OFF”. The headlamp lighting setting signal A7 is a low-level signal when the column switch 92 is set to "off" or "small", and becomes a high level signal when the column switch 92 is set to "on". Signal.

The lever body 91 itself of the combination switch 90 can be moved back and forth, and switches between three stages of "low beam (LO)", "high beam (HI)" and "passing beam (PASSING)". be able to. One of the low beam setting signal A4, the high beam setting signal A5, and the passing beam setting signal A6 becomes a high level signal according to each setting state, and becomes a low level signal except for the setting signal corresponding to the setting state.

As described above, the combination switch 9
The setting of 0 changes the signal states of the low beam setting signal A4, the high beam setting signal A5, the passing beam setting signal A6, and the headlamp lighting setting signal A7.

The description will be continued with reference to FIG. 1 again. The arithmetic processing unit 10 includes a mode determination unit 11 that determines a control mode (described later) based on the various input signals, and a headlamp L1 in an abnormal state based on detection signals SD1 to SD5 from the detection circuits 31 to 35. To L4 to determine the content of the abnormality, and a failure for automatically turning on another head lamp in a normal state according to the content of the abnormality determined by the abnormality determination unit 13 Safe processing unit 15 and fail-safe processing unit 15
The lighting drive control unit 17 outputs lighting command signals S1 to S4 to the lighting driving unit 20 based on the processing result, and drives the head lamps L1 to L4 to light up. The display control unit 19 outputs signals S40 and S50 for displaying on the high beam indicator 40 and the abnormality content display unit 50 according to various states such as the details of abnormality of the lamps L1 to L4. As described later, the fail-safe processing unit 1
In 5, the fail-safe processing is executed according to the control mode determined by the mode determination unit 11.
The functions of these units are executed based on a program stored in a memory in the arithmetic processing unit 10.

In order to reduce power consumption, the arithmetic processing unit 10 switches the clock frequency to lower the processing speed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, thereby reducing the processing speed.
Can also be operated. For example, if the ignition key signal A1 satisfies the condition of low level, the headlamp lighting setting signal A7 satisfies the condition of low level, and the passing beam setting signal A6 satisfies the condition of low level, the arithmetic processing unit 10 is operated at a low speed. In other cases, it can be operated at high speed.

The lighting drive unit 20 includes the head lamps L1 to L1.
Semiconductor switching elements are individually provided for each of L4. Here, npn transistors 21 </ b> A to 21 </ b> A for command signal control are used as semiconductor switching elements.
24A and power MOSFETs 21B to 24 for power control
B, the lighting command signal S1 from the arithmetic processing unit 10
The case where headlamps L1 to L4 are turned on corresponding to S4 is shown.

In this embodiment, each power MOSF
The drain terminals of the ETs 21B to 24B are connected to the positive terminal of the battery BT, and a predetermined voltage (12 V in the figure) of the battery BT is applied to each drain terminal. The charge pump circuit 60 is connected to a positive terminal of the battery BT. Charge pump circuit 60
Is configured by combining an oscillation circuit such as a multivibrator and a booster circuit such as a voltage doubler rectifier circuit, and has a function of boosting the voltage 12V of the battery BT to 24V which is doubled. The output terminals of the charge pump circuit 60 are connected to the collector terminals of the npn transistors 21A to 24A, whereby a voltage (24 V in the figure) boosted by the charge pump circuit 60 is applied to each collector terminal. Is done. Note that the above-described clock signal generation circuit 70 may be used as the oscillation circuit of the charge pump circuit 60.

The base terminal of the npn transistor 21A is connected to the output terminal T21 of the processing unit 10, and the emitter terminal of the npn transistor 21A is connected to the gate terminal of the power MOSFET 21B. Further, the source terminal of the power MOSFET 21B is grounded with the detection circuit 31 and the headlamp L1 interposed in series. Similarly, the base terminal of each of the npn transistors 22A to 24A is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 1
0 is connected to each of the output terminals T22 to T24, and the emitter terminal of each of the npn transistors 22A to 24A is connected to each of the gate terminals of the power MOSFETs 22B to 24B. Furthermore, each power MO
The source terminals of the SFETs 22B to 24B are
2 to 34 and each headlamp L2 to L4,
It is grounded while being inserted in series.

Here, when a high-level signal (for example, an applied voltage of 5 V) is applied as the lighting command signal S1, the collector-emitter terminal of the npn-type transistor 21A is turned on in response to this, and A high-level signal from the emitter terminal (applied voltage 24
V) is output and input as a high-level signal to the gate terminal of the power MOSFET 21B. Further, in conjunction therewith, the drain-source terminal of the power MOSFET 21B is energized, and power is supplied from the battery BT to the headlamp L1 via the power MOSFET 21B and the detection circuit 31 to drive the headlamp L1. . Conversely, when a low-level signal is given as the lighting command signal S1, the npn-type transistor 21A
Is in a non-conductive state (off) between the collector terminal and the emitter terminal, and the headlamp L1 is turned off.

The same applies to the other head lamps L2 to L4.
In response to the signal states of the respective lighting command signals S2 to S4 for the respective transistors 22A to L4, the corresponding transistors 22A to 22A
4A and the power MOSFETs 22B to 24B perform a switching operation, so that each headlamp L2
L4 is turned on and off.

Here, if a high level signal is continuously given as the lighting command signals S1 to S4, each headlamp L
1 to L4 can be continuously turned on. In the later-described normal lighting mode, continuous lighting is performed by this.

Further, using the above-mentioned semiconductor switching element, the high-level and the low-level are alternately switched at a high speed by the lighting command signals S1 to S4, and the time ratio between the high-level and the low-level in a predetermined period is obtained. DUTY
(Pulse Width Mo) that changes the (duty) ratio
(dulation) control, it is possible to realize dimming control of each of the head lamps L1 to L4. For example, in a DRL (Day Running Light) mode described later, this P
By performing the dimming control by the WM control, it is possible to perform an efficient control with less power loss as compared with the series control in which the power share ratio is changed in a DC manner.

The detection circuit 30 (FIG. 1) has a plurality of circuits 31 to 34 corresponding to the respective head lamps L1 to L4. An abnormality in the current supplied to the power supply is detected. When each of the circuits 31 to 34 detects an excessive current due to a short circuit or the like, or an undercurrent due to a burnout of a headlamp, the detection signals SD1 to SD4 are sent to the arithmetic processing unit 10.
Is output as a high-level signal, for example. The detection circuit 30 further includes a circuit 35 for detecting an abnormality of the charge pump circuit 60.
When an abnormality such as 0 output side voltage is detected, the detection signal S
D5 is, for example, a high-level signal as the arithmetic processing unit 10
Is output to

Detection signals SD1 to SD5 indicating these abnormalities
Is given to the arithmetic processing unit 10, the display control unit 19 outputs a signal S50 for displaying the content of the abnormality to the content display unit 50, and these abnormal states are displayed on the content display unit 50. Here, 4 is displayed in the abnormal content display section 50.
An example is shown in which three LEDs (light emitting diodes) are provided and the details of the abnormality are displayed using these LEDs 1 to 4 (FIG. 8). The LEDs 1 to 4 indicate the detection results of the abnormal current flowing through the detection circuits 31 to 34, respectively, and thus correspond to the head lamps L1 to L4. For example, when an abnormality related to the headlamp L1 exists, the LED1 lights up, and when an abnormality related to the headlamp L2 exists, the LED2 lights up. L
The same applies to ED3 and LED4. These LEDs 1 to 4 are turned on in accordance with the respective abnormal states, and when there are a plurality of head lamps indicating the abnormal states, the LEDs corresponding to the corresponding head lamps are simultaneously turned on.

When an abnormality occurs in the charge pump circuit 60, only the LED 1 blinks, and the other LEDs blink.
2 to 4 are turned off. Here, “blinking” refers to a state in which a lighting state and a lighting state are alternately repeated at a constant cycle (for example, 0.5 seconds), and is distinguished from a mere “lighting” state.

<Operation> The operation of the vehicle-mounted lamp control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described below.

The on-vehicle lamp control device 1 has two control modes relating to the driving operation of the headlamp: a "normal lighting mode" and a "DRL (Day Running Light) mode". The appropriate control mode is determined and set by the above-described mode determination unit 11 (FIG. 1). Here, the "normal lighting mode" is a normal mode in which a headlamp is turned on by a driver's explicit switch operation, and the "DRL mode" is a mode in which a headlight is automatically turned on even in the daytime. The dimming control is performed according to the ambient brightness. Which mode is set is determined by the setting of the combination switch 90 as follows.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the column switch 92 is set to "off" or "small", the mode is the DRL mode. "Small" as described above
Indicates an instruction to turn on a small lamp such as a tail lamp. In this case, as described later, the headlamp is driven to be turned on in the DRL mode as in the case of the “off” setting. In the DRL mode, the low-beam headlamp LB is, in principle, lighted and driven by PWM control to perform dimming control.

When the column switch 92 is set to "ON", the mode is the "normal lighting mode". At this time, which of the low beam headlamp LB and the high beam headlamp HB is turned on is explicitly set by setting the position of the lever body 91 of the combination switch 90. Here, these settings indicate a driver's lighting instruction, and as described later, if an abnormality occurs in the headlamp to which the lighting instruction is directed, another headlamp is automatically activated by fail-safe processing. Is lit.

When the "passing beam" is set, the lever body 91 is set regardless of the setting of the column switch 92.
As long as is moved to the “passing” position, the same control as in the “high beam” setting of the “normal lighting mode” is performed.

The determination of the control mode by the mode determination section 11 (FIG. 1) is specifically performed as follows.
That is, the mode determination unit 11 sets the DRL on the condition that the headlamp lighting setting signal A7 is at a low level.
Mode is determined. However, in the DRL mode, the condition that the ignition key signal A1 is at a high level, the parking brake signal A2 is at a low level (brake release state), and the alternator signal A3 indicating engine start is at a high level. The control is started only when the condition is further satisfied.
If the control in the DRL mode is not required for the driving of the headlamp, for example, by cutting the wiring so that the alternator signal A3 itself is not input to the arithmetic processing unit 10, these conditions are satisfied. What should be done is not satisfied.

The mode determining section 11 determines that the normal lighting mode is set on condition that the headlamp lighting setting signal A7 is at a high level.

In each of these control modes, the following fail-safe processing is executed by the function of the fail-safe processing section 15.

<DRL Mode> First, the fail-safe processing in the DRL mode will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the fail-safe process at this time, and shows the correspondence of the abnormal state of each of the cases E1 to E9 to the lighting state of each headlamp. D
In the RL mode, although the column switch 92 is set to “off” or “small”, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
B (L1, L2) is dimmed and turned on.

More specifically, the mode determination section 11 (FIG. 1) determines that the DRL mode is set on condition that the above conditions are satisfied, and when the lighting control is started, the fail-safe processing section 15 , Lighting command signals S1 to S24 from output terminals T21 to T24 via the lighting drive control unit 17.
4 is output to each of the npn transistors 21A to 24A. Of these, the lighting command signals S3 and S4 are output as a low level. Therefore, npn transistors 23A and 24A are turned off, and power MOSFET 2
Since 3B and 24B are also turned off, the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are turned off. In addition, the lighting drive control unit 17 controls the power MOSFET through the npn transistors 21A and 22A in response to the lighting command signals S1 and S2.
The dimming control of the low beam headlamps L1 and L2 is performed by performing PWM control on T21B and 22B.

Here, when there is no abnormality in any of the two low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 (cases E1, E2 and E3), the abnormality is not detected by the detection circuits 31 and 32, and The low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 are driven by PWM control in the DRL mode.

Also, two low-beam headlamps L
An abnormality occurs in one of L1 and L2 (cases E4 and E4).
5, E6), the abnormality is detected by the detection circuit 31 or 32.
Is detected by The abnormality content judging section 13 detects the detection circuit 3
The headlamp in the abnormal state is specified based on the detection signals SD1 to SD4 from 0, and the contents of the abnormality are determined in case E.
It is determined which of E2 to E9. Then, the fail-safe processing unit 15 controls the high-beam headlamp L.
The headlamp to be driven for lighting is switched from the low beam headlamp LB to the high beam headlamp HB according to the states of L3 and L4 to be lit. For example, as shown in case E4, the low-beam headlamps L1,
When an abnormality has occurred in one of the lights in L2,
When there is no abnormality in any of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4, the low beam headlamps L
1 and L2 are turned off, and instead, the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are driven to be turned on. At this time, the fail-safe processing unit 15 (FIG. 1) outputs the lighting command signals S1 and S2 at a low level via the lighting drive control unit 17, turns off the low beam headlamps L1 and L2, and turns on the lighting command. By switching the signals S3 and S4 between high level and low level at high speed, the dimming control of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 is performed. Thereby, illumination can be more reliably secured. Alternatively, as shown in cases E5 and E6, when at least one of the high-beam headlamps L3 and L4 also has an abnormality, one of the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 that can be normally operated is continued. Drive on.

Further, both the two low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 are abnormal (cases E7 and E7).
8, E9), the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 are turned off, and the high-beam headlamps HB are turned on instead. At this time, in principle, all the high-beam headlamps HB having no abnormality are turned on. For example, as shown in case E7, when there is no abnormality in any of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4, both of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are turned on. In the DRL mode, the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are also driven to be lit by dimming control.
Further, as shown in case E8, when only one of the high-beam headlamps L3 and L4 has an abnormality, one of the high-beam headlamps L3 and L4 that can operate normally is turned on. . Further, as shown in case E9, two high beam headlamps L3, L
4 also has an abnormality, that is, if all headlamps L1 to L4 have an abnormality,
As a result, all lights are turned off.

<Normal Lighting Mode> Next, the fail-safe processing in the normal lighting mode will be described. At this time, the column switch 92 is set to “ON”,
Further, depending on the position of the lever body 91, either "low beam" or "high beam" is selected as the basic lighting head lamp (see FIG. 4). Since this is considered that an explicit instruction is given by the driver, each beam is turned on preferentially. Hereinafter, a case where each of the instructions of (1) “low beam” or (2) “high beam” is given will be described.
As described above, in the normal lighting mode, each headlamp is continuously lit.

(1) First, a case where a "low beam" lighting instruction is given will be described with reference to FIG.

When the mode determination unit 11 (FIG. 1) determines that the normal lighting mode is set and that the "low beam" lighting instruction is given, the fail-safe processing unit 15 sets the lighting drive control unit. 17, the lighting command signals S3 and S4 are set to low level, and the lighting command signal S3
1 and S2 are continuously output as high level. By these lighting command signals S1 to S4 and the lighting driving unit 20, the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are turned off,
The low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 are continuously driven for lighting.

Here, when there is no abnormality in the two low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 (cases E1 to E
In 3), no abnormalities are detected by the detection circuits 31 and 32, and the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 are driven to light as they are.

On the other hand, low beam headlamps L1, L
2 is abnormal, the abnormality is detected by the detection circuits 31, 32.
Is detected by The abnormality content judging section 13 detects the detection circuit 3
Based on the detection signal from 0, a headlamp in an abnormal state is specified to determine the details of the abnormality. Then, the fail-safe processing unit 15 performs a fail-safe process according to the content of the abnormality (cases E4 to E9).

First, two low beam headlamps L
An abnormality occurs in one of L1 and L2 (cases E4 and E4).
5, E6), the headlamp in which the abnormality has occurred is turned off, and the low-beam headlamp L is turned off.
One normal lamp of L1 and L2 is continuously turned on. Here, it is important to emphasize that the driver gives an explicit “low beam” lighting instruction using the column switch 92, and the low beam headlamps L1 and L2 are preferentially lit, and the high beam headlamp L3 is turned on. , L4 are not turned on.

Also, two low-beam headlamps L
1 and L2 are abnormal (cases E7, E8,
E9) If so, the low-beam headlamp L
1 and L2 are turned off, and the high beam headlamp HB is turned on instead. At this time, in principle, all the normal high beam headlamps HB are turned on.
For example, as shown in case E7, if none of the high beam headlamps L3, L4 is abnormal, both high beam headlamps L3, L4 are turned on. Further, as shown in case E8, when an abnormality occurs in only one of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4, another one of the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 that can operate normally. Lights up. It should be noted that, in such an abnormal condition, the high beam headlamp L3,
When turning on L4, in this mode (normal lighting mode), light control may be performed by PWM control to reduce the amount of light. According to this, it is also possible to reduce glare to oncoming vehicles and the like. And case E9
, Two high beam headlamps L3,
If an abnormality has also occurred in L4, that is, if all of the headlamps L1 to L4 have an abnormality, as a result, all lights are turned off.

(2) Next, a case where a "high beam" lighting instruction is given will be described with reference to FIG.

When the mode determination unit 11 (FIG. 1) determines that the normal lighting mode is set and that the "high beam" lighting instruction is given, the fail-safe processing unit 15 turns on the lighting drive control unit. 17, the lighting command signals S1 and S2 are set to low level, and the lighting command signal S
3, and S4 are continuously output as high level. By these lighting command signals S1 to S4 and the lighting drive unit 20, the low beam headlamps L1 and L2 are turned off,
The high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are driven to be continuously turned on.

Here, there is no abnormality in the two high beam headlamps HB (L3, L4) (case E
No abnormalities are detected by the detection circuits 33 and 34 in the first, E4 and E7), and the high beam headlamp L
3 and L4 are driven for lighting.

On the other hand, high beam headlamps L3, L
4, an abnormality is detected by the detection circuits 33 and 34.
Is detected by The abnormality content judging section 13 detects the detection circuit 3
Based on the detection signal from 0, a headlamp in an abnormal state is specified to determine the details of the abnormality. Then, the fail-safe processing unit 15 performs a fail-safe process according to the content of the abnormality.

First, two high beam headlamps L
An abnormality has occurred in one of the lamps L3 and L4 (cases E2 and E4).
5, E8), the headlamp in which the abnormality has occurred is turned off, and the high-beam headlamp L is turned off.
One of the normal lamps out of L3 and L4 is continuously turned on. Here, it is important to emphasize that the driver gives an explicit “high beam” lighting instruction using the column switch 92, and the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 are preferentially lit, and the low beam headlamp L1 is turned on. , L2 are not turned on.

Further, an abnormality occurs in each of the two high beam headlamps L3 and L4 (cases E3 and E4).
6, E9), the high-beam headlamps L3, L4 are turned off, and the low-beam headlamps L1, L2 are driven to light instead. At this time, in principle, all the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 having no abnormality are turned on.

For example, a low beam headlamp L
When there is no abnormality in both the first and second lamps, the low beam headlamps L1 and L2 are turned on (case E).
3). At this time, the fail-safe processing unit 15 (FIG. 1)
Are turned on by the lighting drive control unit 17, and are turned on by the lighting command signal S3.
S4 is output at a low level to turn off the high beam headlamps L3 and L4, and to turn on the lighting command signals S1 and S2.
At a high level to continuously drive the low beam headlamps L1 and L2. Thereby, illumination can be more reliably ensured. If one of the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 has an abnormality, another normally-operable low-beam headlamp L1 or L2 is turned on (case E).
6). Also, two low beam headlamps L1, L
In the case where an abnormality has occurred in any of the two, that is, in the case where an abnormality has occurred in the head lamps L1 to L4,
As a result, all lights are turned off (case E9).

When an abnormality occurs in each of the above control modes, the above-described fail-safe processing is performed, and at the same time, the detection signal S of the detection circuits 31 to 35 is output.
The abnormality content determined by the abnormality content determination unit 13 according to D1 to SD5 is displayed on the abnormality content display unit 50 via the display control unit 19.

<Effects of this Embodiment> As described above, according to this on-vehicle lamp control device, when an abnormality occurs in the headlamps L1 to L4 during lighting, the abnormality is detected by the corresponding circuits 31 to 34. Then, instead of one of the low beam headlamp LB and the high beam headlamp HB in the abnormal state, the other headlamp in the normal state is driven to be turned on by automatic switching. Appropriate countermeasures against abnormal conditions are more reliably and immediately taken without occurring.

In the DRL mode, when the high beam headlamp HB in the normal state is turned on instead of the low beam headlamp LB in the abnormal state, the high beam headlamp HB is turned on by dimming control. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

In the normal lighting mode, when the high beam headlamp HB in the normal state is turned on instead of the low beam headlamp LB in the abnormal state, the high beam headlamp HB is turned on by dimming control. By doing so, it is possible to reduce glare for oncoming vehicles and the like.

Further, in the normal lighting mode, a plurality of head lamps of a type to be lit, such as one of the low beam head lamp LB and the high beam head lamp HB (for example, the low beam head lamps L1.L).
Of (2), (a) all (two) headlamps (L
1, L2) is in an abnormal state, priority is given to securing the visibility, and the other type of headlamp (high beam headlamp HB) is used instead of the abnormal type of headlamp (low beam headlamp LB). ) Is turned on, and (b) at least one headlamp (L1
Or, when L2) is in the normal state, the driver's will is respected, and the other type of headlamp (high-beam headlamp HB) is not turned on, but one of the types of normal lamps to be turned on is in the normal state. Since the headlamp (L1 or L2) is continuously turned on, it is possible to secure a view while respecting the driver's will.

In the above-described lighting drive unit 20,
Headlights are not lit because they are driven using a semiconductor switching element that functions as electrical contacts, compared to driving using an electromagnetic relay with a short life due to having mechanical contacts. Such as "relay life" and "out of ball". Therefore, illumination can be more reliably secured over a long period of time. In addition, since it is not necessary to install a fuse, it is not necessary to replace a fuse that is blown at the time of an abnormality for the purpose of circuit protection. further,
If dimming control of the headlamp is performed by PWM control using the semiconductor switching element, efficient headlamp lighting control becomes possible.

In addition, at the time of occurrence of each abnormality, the above-mentioned fail-safe processing is performed, and at the same time, the details of the abnormality are displayed on the abnormality content display section 50. Since the contents of the state can be immediately known, it is possible to quickly take a countermeasure such as repairing the cause of the abnormality.

<Modification> In the above-described embodiment, one of the low beam head lamp LB and the high beam head lamp HB is used in response to an abnormality in one of the head lamps to be turned on. Although only the headlights are turned on, the present invention is not limited to this, and the low beam headlamps LB and the high beam headlamps HB may be turned on one by one.

For example, in cases E4 and E5 in FIG. 6, in addition to one normal low-beam headlamp L1 and L2, high-beam headlamps L3 and L4
May be further turned on. Alternatively, in the cases E2 and E5 of FIG. 7, similarly to the normal one of the high-beam headlamps L3 and L4, one of the low-beam headlamps L1 and L2 may be further turned on. Furthermore, case E in the DRL mode (FIG. 5)
4. At E5, the low-beam headlamps L1, L
2 and the high beam headlamps L3 and L4 may be turned on one by one. As a result, it is possible to more reliably secure the field of view.

In this case, the left head lamp and the right head lamp are further distinguished from each other, and the light is turned on only when a normal head lamp is present on the same side as the abnormal head lamp. Is preferred. For example, when the "low beam" is turned on (FIG. 6), if an abnormality occurs only in the left low beam headlamp L2 (cases E4 and E5), in addition to the right normal low beam headlamp L1. The normal left high beam headlamp L4 can be turned on.
At this time, the right high beam headlamp L3 does not turn on because the right low beam headlamp L1 is normal.

In the above embodiment, the case where the four-lamp headlamps L1 to L4 are provided as separate units in front of the vehicle (FIG. 2) is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. This is a four-lamp type headlamp in which two types of high-beam headlamps are provided in the same unit, one for each type, and two units are provided, one at the left and right at the front of the vehicle. You may. In this case, each of the four headlamps is constituted by, for example, each filament provided in the unit, and in each unit, two filaments (double filaments) and two filaments are provided. A shade or the like for causing each to function as either a low beam headlamp or a high beam headlamp is provided.

Further, the headlamp is not limited to the four-lamp type. For example, a two-lamp headlamp provided with one low-beam headlamp and one high-beam headlamp, or a six-lamp headlamp with four low-beam headlamps and two high-beam headlamps may be used. It may be something. Also in these cases, another normal headlamp can be turned on instead of the headlamp in which an abnormality has occurred.

In the above embodiment, the power MOSFETs 21B to 21B as the semiconductor switching elements are used.
Although 4B was used, the present invention is not limited to this, and IGBT (In
A power controllable semiconductor switching element such as a sulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) may be used.

<Others> In the above description, "DRL
Although the PWM control is performed in the “mode”, the PWM control may be used in the “normal lighting mode”. For example, when the headlamp is turned on from a light-off state by a switching operation of the column switch 92 (FIG. 3), PWM control is performed so as to gradually increase the brightness until a certain brightness is reached, and then the continuous lighting is performed. can do.
As a result, the rush current to the headlamps L1 to L4 can be reduced, so that the life of the headlamps can be extended. Therefore, illumination by the headlamp can be more reliably ensured for a long time.

In the above description, switching at the time of abnormality has been described. In the case where the low beam head lamp LB and the high beam head lamp HB are manually switched by operating the lever body 91 in the normal state, both types are used. Can be switched so that none of the headlamps LB and HB is turned off. For example,
A time is provided for overlappingly lighting the two types of headlamps LB and HB, and the above-described PWM control is used to switch from one to the other while continuously changing the light amount of both types of headlamps LB and HB. I just need. Thereby, it is also possible to prevent the illumination from being interrupted during the blank time during manual switching.

[0073]

According to the present invention, when one of the low beam headlamp and the high beam headlamp has an abnormality, the other headlamp can be used. Is driven by automatic switching, it is possible to more reliably ensure illumination even when an abnormality occurs in the headlamp.

According to the on-vehicle lamp control device of the second aspect, in the DRL mode, the high beam headlamp which is turned on instead of the abnormal low beam headlamp is turned on by dimming control. Power consumption can be reduced.

According to the on-vehicle lamp control device of the third aspect, in the normal lighting mode, the high beam headlamp that is turned on instead of the abnormal low beam headlamp is turned on by dimming control. Thus, glare for an oncoming vehicle or the like can be reduced.

According to the on-vehicle lamp control device of the fourth aspect, in the normal lighting mode, of the plurality of types of headlamps to be lit in the normal lighting mode,
(A) When all the headlamps are in an abnormal state, priority is given to securing the visibility and the other type of headlamp is turned on instead of the abnormal type of headlamp. When the headlamp of the lamp is in a normal state, one of the headlamps (L1 or L2) in a normal state of the type to be turned on is respected without respect to the driver's will and without turning on the other type of headlamp. ) Is continuously illuminated, so that it is possible to secure the view while respecting the driver's will.

According to the vehicle lamp control device of the fifth aspect, the lighting control is performed by the semiconductor switching element.
Since there is no mechanical contact such as a relay contact, the life of the element itself is increased. Therefore, an abnormality itself such as headlight non-lighting due to the life of the relay is less likely to occur, and illumination can be more reliably secured for a long time.

According to the on-vehicle lamp control device according to the sixth aspect, the details of the abnormality determined by the abnormality content determining means are displayed on the abnormality content display section, so that the driver has occurred at that time. Since the contents of the abnormal state can be immediately known, it is possible to quickly take countermeasures such as repairing the cause of the abnormality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an on-vehicle lamp control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a front portion of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a combination switch.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control mode and a basic lighting headlamp according to a setting state of a combination switch.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fail-safe process in a DRL mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a fail-safe process in a normal lighting mode (basic setting = low beam).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a fail-safe process in a normal lighting mode (basic setting = high beam).

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing display of an abnormal state on an abnormal content display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle lamp control device 10 Arithmetic processing part 20 Lighting drive part 21A-24A Transistor 21B-24B Power MOSFET 30 Detection circuit 40 High beam indicator 90 Combination switch L1, L2, LB Low beam headlamp L3, L4, HB High beam headlamp S1 to S4 Lighting command signal SD1 to SD5 Detection signal

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Sonoda 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Inside Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Hoshino 1, Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi No. 7-10 Harness Research Institute, Ltd. F term (reference) 3K039 AA04 AA08 CC01 MA05 MB11

Claims (6)

[Claims] An on-vehicle lamp control device for a vehicle having a plurality of headlamps including a low-beam headlamp and a high-beam headlamp, wherein the lighting drive unit individually lights and drives each of the plurality of headlamps. A detection unit that detects an abnormality of the headlamp during lighting driving by the lighting driving unit; and an abnormality content that identifies a headlamp in an abnormal state based on a detection signal from the detection unit to determine an abnormality content. Determining means, according to the content of the abnormality determined by the abnormality content determining means, instead of one of the low beam headlamp and the high beam headlamp in the abnormal state, the other in the normal state Fail-safe processing means for giving a command to turn on the headlamp to the lighting drive unit; Vehicle lamp control apparatus comprising: a. 2. The on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode determination unit configured to determine a control mode relating to a lighting drive of the head lamp, wherein the fail-safe processing unit is configured to perform the mode determination. When it is determined that the mode is the DRL mode,
When the low-beam headlamp is determined to be in an abnormal state by the abnormality content determining means, the high-beam headlamp in a normal state is turned on by dimming control instead of the low-beam headlamp in the abnormal state. The in-vehicle lamp control device characterized in that the instruction of (1) is given to the lighting drive unit. 3. The on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode determination unit configured to determine a control mode related to a lighting drive of the headlamp, wherein the fail-safe processing unit is configured to perform the mode determination. If the low-light headlamp is determined to be in an abnormal state by the abnormal content determination means in the case where the means is determined to be in the normal lighting mode, a normal state is substituted for the low-beam headlamp in the abnormal state. A command to turn on the high beam headlamp according to the dimming control to the lighting drive unit. 4. The on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode determination unit configured to determine a control mode related to a lighting drive of the head lamp, wherein the plurality of head lamps includes a plurality of low beams. The headlamp for low beam and the headlamp for low beam when the mode determining unit determines that the normal lighting mode is set. Among the plurality of head lamps of any one type to be turned on, (a) when it is determined by the abnormality content determination means that all the head lamps are in an abnormal state, the type of the abnormal state Command to turn on the other type of headlamp instead of the headlamp of Applied to serial lighting drive unit, (b) when at least one light head lamp is determined by the abnormality content determining means as a normal state, without turning on the other types of headlamps,
An in-vehicle lamp control device, wherein a command to continuously light at least one headlamp in the normal state is given to the lighting drive unit. 5. The on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting drive unit drives and lights the head lamp using a semiconductor switching element. On-board lamp control device. 6. The on-vehicle lamp control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an abnormality content display unit that displays the abnormality content determined by the abnormality content determination unit. An in-vehicle lamp control device, comprising: