JP2001105965A - Lighting system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting system for a vehicle capable of suppressing the sense of incompatibility and troublesomeness of a driver while changing a light distribution state according to the vehicle speed and steering angle. SOLUTION: This lighting system for a vehicle is provided with an output light section 1 provided at the front section of the vehicle and capable of changing the light distribution state, a steering angle detecting means 2 detecting the steering angle of the vehicle, a driving means 3 changing the light distribution state of the output light section 1 to the steering direction according to the detected steering angle in the steering angle range according to the vehicle speed, a vehicle speed detecting means 4 detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle, and a steering angle range changing means 5 increasing the steering angle range as the detected vehicle speed is increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device for illuminating the outside of a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the irradiation direction of a lamp according to a vehicle speed,
As an illumination device for switching an irradiation range, for example, there is an illumination device described in JP-A-8-2316. This is because when the traveling speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed sensor provided in the vehicle is out of the set speed range, regardless of the steering state, the headlight is set to the reference state of irradiating the front direction of the vehicle. It is intended to be fixed.

[0003] Therefore, whether the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher or lower than a predetermined range, the headlight irradiation direction control accompanying the steering is stopped, and the vehicle is irradiated in the front direction. Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling at low speed or traveling at high speed and automatic control of the headlight irradiation direction is not necessary, the automatic control does not operate, unnecessary power consumption is reduced, and a movable member such as a motor is used. Wear can be reduced and durability can be improved.

[0004]

However, in the above-described apparatus, when the vehicle is started from a steered state, the irradiation direction and the irradiation range of the headlight are fixed from a low vehicle speed range in which the irradiation state and the irradiation range are fixed to a reference state in front of the vehicle. When switching to the vehicle speed range to be controlled and changed, the irradiation direction and the irradiation range of the headlight rapidly change from the reference state in the front direction of the vehicle to the state corresponding to the steering. Also, when stopping with the rudder turned off, when switching from the vehicle speed range that controls the irradiation direction and irradiation range of the headlight according to the rudder to the low vehicle speed range that fixes the reference state in the front direction of the vehicle, The illumination direction and illumination range of the illuminant suddenly change from a state corresponding to the rudder to a reference state in the front direction of the vehicle. It is conceivable that the headlamp irradiation direction is directed to the direction corresponding to the rudder in the low-speed range. Give it. Therefore, in any case, there is a problem that the driver feels strange and troublesome.

The present invention can be applied to a case in which the irradiation speed and the irradiation range can be changed in accordance with the steering angle and the vehicle speed, but the vehicle speed increases from a stopped or extremely low vehicle speed region, or a vehicle speed region in a stopped or extremely low region. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lighting device that can suppress giving a passenger an uncomfortable feeling and annoyance in any case where the vehicle speed becomes low.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output light section provided at a front portion of a vehicle and having a variable light distribution state, a steering angle detecting means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle, Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle, driving means for changing the light distribution state of the output light portion to a steering direction according to the detected steering angle within a steering angle range corresponding to the vehicle speed, and the steering angle range And a steering angle range changing means for changing the detected vehicle speed so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle lighting device according to the first aspect, the steering angle range changing means changes the steering angle range gradually or continuously. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle lighting device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the steering angle range changing means is configured to detect the first vehicle speed at zero or at an extremely low speed equivalent thereto. When the steering angle range is set to zero, the steering angle range is constant in the steering angle range corresponding to the second vehicle speed in a range where the detected vehicle speed exceeds a second vehicle speed greater than the first vehicle speed, and the driving is performed. The means is such that when the steering angle range is zero, the light distribution state is a reference state for irradiating the front direction of the vehicle, and when the steering angle range is constant, the light distribution state is a limit state in a variable range of the output light unit. It is characterized by doing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle lighting device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the driving means adjusts the detected steering angle when the detected steering angle exceeds the steering angle range. The light distribution state in the steering angle range is set regardless of the increase.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light distribution state of the output light section can be changed in the steering direction according to the detected steering angle within the steering angle range corresponding to the vehicle speed. Moreover, since the steering angle range can be changed so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases, when the vehicle speed is low, the light distribution state of the output light portion is changed to the steering direction according to the detected steering angle within a small steering angle range. However, when the vehicle speed increases, the light distribution state of the output light unit can be changed to the steering direction within a large steering angle range according to the detected steering angle. Therefore, when the vehicle speed is low, either when starting with the rudder turned off or when stopping with the rudder turned off, the change in the light distribution state of the output light unit is in a small range. The movement is natural, and it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable or troublesome.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the steering angle range can be changed continuously or stepwise gradually according to the increase or decrease of the detected vehicle speed. The change of the state becomes more natural, and it is possible to suppress the discomfort and annoyance from being given more.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect, when the detected vehicle speed is zero or an extremely low first vehicle speed equivalent thereto, the steering angle range becomes zero, and light distribution is performed. The state may be a reference state for irradiating the front direction of the vehicle.
In a range where the detected vehicle speed is higher than a second vehicle speed larger than the first vehicle speed, the steering angle range is fixed at a steering angle range corresponding to the second vehicle speed, and the light distribution state is a variable range of the output light unit. In the limit state. Therefore, the light distribution state of the output light unit can be more naturally changed from the reference state to the limit state according to the vehicle speed and the steering angle, and the uncomfortable feeling and troublesomeness of the driver can be suppressed more reliably.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the light distribution state of the output light portion is controlled within a steering angle range corresponding to the vehicle speed in accordance with the detected steering angle. The steering direction can be reliably changed, and the driver's discomfort and annoyance can be suppressed.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle lighting device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle lighting device includes an output light unit 1, a driving unit 2, a steering angle detecting unit 3, a vehicle speed detecting unit 4, and a steering angle range changing unit 5.

The output light unit 1 is provided at the front of the vehicle and has a variable light distribution state, for example, an irradiation direction and an irradiation range. The steering angle detecting means 2 detects a steering angle of the vehicle, that is, a steering angle of the vehicle or a tire steering angle, and outputs a signal to the driving means 3. The driving means 3 has a driving function,
It has an arithmetic function and a control function, and the steering angle detecting means 2
, A light distribution control amount is calculated, the output light unit 1 is drive-controlled, and the light distribution state of the output light unit 1 is steered according to the detected steering angle within a steering angle range corresponding to the vehicle speed. Change to the direction.
The vehicle speed detecting means 4 detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle and outputs a signal to the steering angle range changing means 5. The steering angle range changing means 5 receives a vehicle speed signal and changes the steering angle range which is the reference of the driving means 3 so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases.

Unless otherwise specified, the steering angle of the steering wheel is expressed as a steering angle and will be described below.

(First Embodiment) [Configuration of Control Block and Vehicle] FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a block diagram, and FIG.
Shows a perspective view of the vehicle C. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the output light unit 1 includes left and right headlamps 11 provided at the front of the vehicle, and a light distribution control lamp (described later) is stored therein. The headlamp 11 is driven by motors M1 and M2 constituting the driving means 3. The motors M1 and M2 are controlled by a microcomputer 6 which also performs the operation and control functions of the drive means 3, and the microcomputer 6 is arranged inside the instrument of the automobile C or the like. The microcomputer 6 receives signals from a vehicle speed sensor as the vehicle speed detecting means 4 for detecting the running state of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor as the steering angle detecting means 2, and a lateral acceleration sensor 7. These sensors 2, 4, 7 are arranged inside the vehicle C.

The turning radius detector 8 detects a state relating to traveling such as the vehicle speed, steering angle, and position of the own vehicle, detects a turning radius of the vehicle, and inputs a signal to the microcomputer 6. In the present embodiment, information necessary for detecting the turning radius is obtained by detecting the turning radius from the vehicle speed, the steering angle, and the lateral acceleration measured by the vehicle speed sensor 4, the steering angle sensor 2, and the lateral acceleration sensor 7. 6 is input.

A signal from the viewpoint guidance distance setting device 9 is input to the microcomputer 6. This viewpoint guidance distance setting device 9 is used to determine the vehicle attitude of the own vehicle,
The physical state and optical state of the headlamp 11 are detected to determine the irradiation range of the headlamp 11, a viewpoint guidance distance is set based on the irradiation range, and a signal is input to the microcomputer 6.

[Light distribution control lamp] Here, headlamp 1
The light distribution control lamp 12 stored inside 1 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a schematic configuration of each light distribution control lamp 12, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show operating states.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view with a partial cutout, and FIG. 5 is a schematic side view with a partial cutout. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light distribution control lamp 12 includes a light source 123 in a reflector 121, two motors M1 and M2 as driving means, and a zoom lens 125. Reflector 12
1, a light source 123 and a zoom lens 125 are integrally formed, supported by a base 126, and rotatable about a fulcrum F1.

The base 126 is mounted on the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about the drive shaft of the motor M1. Then, by driving the motor M1, the entire light distribution control lamp 12 including the base 126 can be swung right and left as shown in FIG. The motor M2 is provided on the base 126.
Is fixed, and the drive shaft of the motor M2 has a gear 127.
Is attached. When the motor M2 is driven, the reflector 121 and the light source 1 which are integrally formed via a gear 129 provided on the lamp 12 side.
23. The zoom lens 125 can be swung up and down as shown in FIG. Depending on the adjustment of the zoom lens 125, the irradiation range of the lamp 12 can be changed.

Next, the processing status of the system will be described with reference to a flowchart.

[Processing Flow of Entire System] FIG. 7 shows a processing flow of the entire system. The overall flow is based on the system operation determination step S1 (hereinafter, “step S”).
Is simply represented as “S”. ), Condition distribution S by vehicle speed
2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, viewpoint guidance distance calculation S8, steering angle boundary value _δHb calculation S9, distribution of conditions by steering angle S10, S11, S12, turning radius calculation S13, optical axis Calculation of movement amount S14, light distribution control processing S1
It is 5.

[System Operation Judgment S1] First, when the process is started, a system operation judgment S1 is performed to judge whether or not the light distribution control is possible.

The system operation determination S1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the process starts,
A detection S1-1 of the traveling state of the own vehicle is performed, and it is determined whether the own vehicle is in the traveling state or not S1-2. S if the vehicle is in a running state
1-2 YES, the process is continued, and if not running, S1
-2NO, the process ends. If the process is continued, it is determined whether or not the light distribution control is possible, and S1-3. If it is determined that the light distribution control is possible, the process proceeds to S1-4 YES and the next process S2.
If it is determined that the light distribution control is not possible, S1-4 is NO, and the process returns to the running state detection S1-1.

In the detection of running state S1-1 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the starting state of the engine is detected and S1-1-
1. If the engine is started, it is determined that the vehicle is running, and S1-1-2 YES, S1-1-3. If the engine is not started, it is determined that the vehicle is not running, S1-1-2.
NO, S1-1-4.

In the light distribution control enable / disable judgment S1-3 shown in FIG. 9, the switch state of the light distribution control mode is detected as shown in FIG. S1-3-2 YES, S1-3- YES
3. If the switch is off, it is determined that light distribution control is impossible S1-3-2NO, S1-3-4.

As switches in the light distribution control mode, in addition to switches that can be manually turned on and off by the driver himself, an automatic switch that detects the traveling environment of the vehicle and enters the light distribution control mode according to the situation is considered. Can be

[Distribution of conditions by vehicle speed S2, S3, S
4, S5, S6, S7] In the vehicle speed V detection S2 shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle speed V is detected from a vehicle speed sensor attached to the vehicle.

Detection of vehicle speed V The vehicle speed V detected in S2 is:
A determination S3 is made as to whether the vehicle speed is greater than the _first threshold value V1. If the detected vehicle speed V is greater than _{V 1} S3YES, proceeds to the comparison step S5 of the detected vehicle speed and the threshold of the second vehicle speed, the vehicle speed V
If but _{V 1} below S3NO, the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis is 0 S4, the process proceeds to the light distribution control process S15. Here, the first vehicle speed is zero or an extremely low speed equivalent thereto,
The second vehicle speed is higher than the first vehicle speed.

Next, when the vehicle speed V is greater than the first speed threshold _{V 1} S3YES, vehicle speed V read in detection S2 of the vehicle speed V is whether the second vehicle speed threshold _{V 2} is less than or determine S
Perform step 5. If the vehicle speed V is less than _{V 2} S5YES, the maximum value θ _{P · m ax} of the movement amount of the optical axis

(Equation 1) And to S7, if the vehicle speed V is _{V 2} or more S5NO, the maximum value θ _{P · m ax} of the movement amount of the optical axis

(Equation 2) The process proceeds to S6, a setting process of the viewpoint guidance distance Ls S8. MAXθ _P in the expression is a limit state in a variable range of the output light unit, that is, a limit value of a mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12.

[Calculation of viewpoint guidance distance] Two methods of the viewpoint guidance distance setting processing S8 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 12 shows a first method. First, various physical quantities of the headlamp 11 are detected (S8-1). The physical quantities of the light distribution control lamp 12 are parameters that are not directly related to the basic pattern of light distribution of the headlamp 11, such as the inclination of the optical axis of the headlamp 11 with respect to the vehicle reference plane and the height above the ground. Next, various engineering quantities of the headlamp 11 are detected (S8-2). The optical quantities of the headlamp 11 are
Headlights 11 such as the brightness of the light source and the shape of the reflector
Is a parameter necessary for determining the basic pattern of light distribution.

A process S8-3 for calculating an illuminance distribution on the vehicle reference plane as shown in FIG. 13 from these two types of parameter groups. S8-4 for calculating the distance from the obtained illuminance distribution to the brightest area. When traveling at a speed of about 50 km / h such as traveling on a general road, the driver's viewpoint concentrates on the brightest area where the light of the headlamp 11 is irradiated. When the light distribution of the headlamp 11 moves, the viewpoint also moves so as to follow this bright area. Therefore, the distance to the brightest area in the illuminance distribution is set as the viewpoint guide distance Ls in S8-5.

FIG. 14 shows a second method. The processes from the detection of the physical quantities of the lamp S8-1 to the process of calculating the illuminance distribution on the vehicle reference plane S8-3 are the same as those in the first method, and the description is omitted.

On the other hand, in the second method, a distance Ls _min to the brightest area in the illuminance distribution obtained in the processing S8-3 for calculating the illuminance distribution on the vehicle reference plane is obtained S8-4. Next, the distance Ls _max at which the light of visible illuminance has reached from the obtained illuminance distribution is calculated S
8-6. The visible illuminance means, for example, generally the presence of an illuminance of 5 lux, and it is said that an object can be visually recognized with this illuminance. In the illuminance distribution illustrated in FIG. 15, the outermost line of the equal illuminance distribution line indicates a 5 lux equal illuminance line, and a distance Ls _max to a position of a tip of the line is assumed.

Next, the speed is detected from the vehicle speed sensor of the vehicle in S8-7. According to the detected speed, the viewpoint guidance distance Ls is set between the distance Ls _min to the brightest area in the illuminance distribution _and the distance Ls _max at which the light of visible illuminance has reached S8-5. .

When the vehicle is traveling at a speed of about 50 km / h such as traveling on a general road, the driver's viewpoint concentrates on the brightest area where the light of the headlamp 11 is illuminated. If the speed is high, the viewpoint gradually moves farther as the speed increases.

However, a situation in which the vehicle travels while illuminating the headlamp 11 and visually recognizing an obstacle with the light illuminated by the headlamp 11 is a case in which the ambient illuminance around the vehicle is dark such as at night. As the speed increases, as in the case where the ambient illuminance is bright, the viewpoint position does not necessarily increase indefinitely, and the movement of the viewpoint is limited to the range where the object can be visually recognized by the light of the headlamp 11.

Therefore, as shown in the graph of FIG. 16, the speed is V ₃ (for example, 50 V as a speed running on a general road).
km / h) to V ₄ (for example, 100 km / h as a speed on a highway), the viewpoint guidance distance Ls is visible from the distance Ls _min to the brightest area in the illuminance distribution. It changes linearly to the distance Ls _max at which the light of the illuminance has reached. Also, if the speed is V ₃ or less, perspective induction distance Ls is fixed in the distance Ls _min to the brightest areas in the illumination distribution,
Speed V ₄ or more visible if speed of light to set the distance Ls _{m ax} has been reached as the viewpoint induction distance Ls.

[Calculation of Steering Angle Boundary Value δ _Hb ] First control is performed to calculate the irradiation direction and irradiation range corresponding to the steering angle of the vehicle, and to match the irradiation direction and irradiation range of the light distribution control lamp 12 to that direction. And the movement amount of the optical axis calculated in _steps S6 and S7 by calculating the boundary value δ _Hb of the steering angle of the second control in which the light distribution control lamp 12 is fixed to a constant irradiation direction and irradiation range regardless of the steering angle. the maximum value θ _{P · max,} visibility induction distance Ls set viewing induction distance Ls set in S8, a vehicle speed V detected by the detection S2 of the vehicle speed V

(Equation 3) S9 calculated by:

The vehicle specific coefficient A and the wheel base 1 are values for determining the motion characteristics of the vehicle, for example, the turning characteristics of the vehicle C.

[0044]

(Equation 4) The vehicle specific coefficient A is also called a stability factor,
(Expression 4) Here, m is the vehicle weight, lf
Is the distance from the vehicle center of gravity to the front wheel axle, lr is the distance from the vehicle center of gravity to the rear wheel axle, and Kf and Kr are the cornering forces of the front and rear wheels, respectively. The cornering forces Kf and Kr are functions of the speed V, but since the vehicle specific coefficient A does not change so much, a value of 0.002 is usually used.

[0045]

(Equation 5) Is derived as follows. That is, it will be described later.

(Equation 6) The derived deformed into a form to determine the steering angle [delta] _H

(Equation 7) Of the amount of movement theta _P of the optical axis, it calculates the boundary values [delta] _{H b} of the steering angle by substituting the maximum value θ _{P · max.}

[0046] In the detection of the condition of the sorting by the steering angle] steering angle [delta] _H S10, detects a steering angle [delta] _H from the steering angle sensor attached to the vehicle.

Next, the steering angle δ_HRudder detected in S10
Angle δ_HIs the steering angle boundary value δ_HbOf the steering angle calculated in S9
Boundary value δ_HbS11 for judging whether or not it is smaller. Rudder
Angle δ _HIs the steering angle boundary value δ_HbS11YE if smaller
S, the process proceeds to a turning radius R detection process S13, and the steering angle δ_HHelm
Angle boundary value δ_HbIf it is above, S11NO, the movement amount of the optical axis
θ_PIs the maximum value θ of the movement amount of the optical axis._P.maxAnd S12,
The process proceeds to the light distribution control process S15.

[Method of Obtaining Turning Radius] Next, the method of the turning radius detection processing S13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The method shown in FIG. 17 is a method for obtaining the turning radius R from the speed and the steering angle of the vehicle.

First, the detection of the vehicle speed V of the own vehicle and the tire steering angle δ
S13-1 and S13-2 for detecting _T. Type information of the detected vehicle speed V and the steering angle [delta] _T to the arithmetic unit 4,

(Equation 8) The turning radius R is calculated by S13-3.

The vehicle speed V of the own vehicle may be the vehicle speed detected in the detection S2 of the speed V. The tire steering angle [delta] _T from been the steering angle δH and the steering gear ratio N detected by the S10

(Equation 9) May be calculated.

[Calculation of the movement amount of the optical axis] The movement amount θ _{P of the} optical axis
Of the turning radius R detected in the detection S13 of the turning radius R and the visual guidance distance Ls set in the setting S8 of the visual guidance distance Ls
From

(Equation 10) S14 calculated by:

[0053]

[Equation 11] The method for deriving is described.

As shown in FIG. 18, the vehicle C makes a circular turn at the center of the lane. It is assumed that the driver in the vehicle C is visually recognizing on the vehicle traveling line. A point Ps on the vehicle traveling line separated by the visual guidance distance Ls is a position that the driver wants to visually recognize. At this time, the triangle formed by the center O of the circular turn, the position Ps desired to be visually recognized by the driver, and the front end center point Pc of the vehicle C is an isosceles triangle. If the distance from the front end center point Pc of the vehicle C to the position point Ps to be visually recognized by the driver is the visual guidance distance Ls, and the radius of the circular turn is R, the vehicle front end central portion Pc and the position to be visually recognized by the driver. angle theta ₁ formed by the front direction of the straight line of the vehicle in line with the vehicle C passing through the point Ps is,

(Equation 12) Can be determined by: Headlamp 11, since the vicinity of the optical axis is the brightest, the angle theta ₁ only when moving the optical axis brightest portion of the headlamp 11 so that the irradiation direction of the location points Ps you want to visually recognize the driver. Thus when the vehicle front central portion angle theta ₁ formed by the straight line and the forward direction of the vehicle of the vehicle C passing through the Pc and the position Ps you want to visually recognize the driver and the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis,

(Equation 13) Becomes

The turning radius R is

[Equation 14] In expressed, the relationship between the steering angle [delta] _H and the tire steering angle [delta] _T

(Equation 15) From in represented that, the relationship of the movement amount theta _P and the steering angle [delta] _H of the optical axis

(Equation 16) It can be expressed as.

[Light Distribution Control Processing] The light distribution control processing S15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

S15-1 for driving the motor M1 which is the optical axis adjusting actuator of the driving means 2. The control means 3 calculates the movement amount θ of the optical axis for which the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12 has been calculated.
_It is determined whether or not _{P has} been reached, and S15-2. If it is determined that the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12 has reached the movement amount of the optical axis, S15-2 YES, the drive of the motor M1 as an optical axis adjustment actuator is performed. Is completed, and the process returns to S15-3, the system operation determination S1. The optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12 is performed when it is determined that does not reach the movement quantity theta _P of the optical axis S15-2NO, the driving of the motor M1 is the optical axis adjustment actuator continues.

[Control Status] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the control status when the present embodiment is performed when turning right.

From above, (a1) and (a2) indicate the vehicle speed V = V
_AIs the first vehicle speed threshold V₁A graph showing the control status in the following cases
(B), (b1) and (b2) indicate the vehicle speed V = V_BIs the first vehicle speed threshold
Value V ₁And second vehicle speed threshold V₂The control situation when
Graphs (c1) and (c2) show vehicle speed V = V_CIs second
Vehicle speed threshold V₂A graph showing the control situation at the time of
You. The right side of each graph (a1), (b1), (c
1) is the maximum value θ of the vehicle speed V and the moving amount of the optical axis._P.maxWhen
And (a2), (b2), (c) on the left side of the graph.
2) is the steering angle δ_HAnd the optical axis movement θ_PShows the relationship
You.

[0060] velocity V = when _{V A} is the first vehicle speed threshold value _{V 1} or less, the maximum value θ _{P · m ax} of the movement amount of the optical axis is zero.
Vehicle speed V = V _B is the first vehicle speed threshold value V ₁ and the second vehicle speed threshold V
Maximum theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis between the _two increases linearly, the maximum value theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis when the second vehicle speed threshold V ₂ is the light distribution control lamp 12 mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the continues to hold the limit value MAXθ _P.

[0061] When the speed V = _{V A} is the first vehicle speed threshold value _{V 1} or less, the maximum value of the moving amount of the optical axis from the view 20 (a1) θ
Since _{P · max} is zero, the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis even if the steering angle [delta] _H is increased as shown in FIG. 20 (a2) remains zero. That is, the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 is a reference state for irradiating the vehicle in the front direction.

When the vehicle speed V = V _B is between the first vehicle speed threshold V ₁ and the second vehicle speed threshold V ₂ , the maximum value θ _{P · max} of the movement amount of the optical axis is θ from FIG. _{P · max (VB)}
Therefore, the boundary value δ of the steering angle as shown in FIG.
_HB becomes δ _{HB (V = VB)} . In this case, the vehicle speed _{V B}
And the maximum value θP _{· max (VB)} of the movement amount of the optical axis.

[Equation 17] From the relationship,

(Equation 18) There is relationship, also the vehicle speed V boundary value of the maximum value θ _{P · max (VB)} and the steering angle movement amount of the optical axis when the _B [delta]
_{Between HB (V = VB)}

[Equation 19] From the relationship,

(Equation 20) There is a relationship. Figure 20 (b2) from the steering angle [delta] _H is the steering angle boundary value δ _{HB (V = V B)} at less than the steering angle [delta] _H
Becomes larger

(Equation 21) , The optical axis movement amount θ _P also increases, and when the steering angle δ _H becomes greater than or equal to δ _{HB (V = V B)} , the optical axis movement amount θ _P maintains θ _{P · max (VB)} . Keep doing.

[0063] When the vehicle speed V = _{V C} of the second vehicle speed threshold _{V 2} or more, the view 20 (c1) from the maximum value of the moving amount of the optical axis θ
Since _{P · max} is the limit value MAXshita _P of mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12, FIG. 2
0 (c2), the boundary value δ _HB of the steering angle is δ
_{HB (V ≧ V2)} . At this time, between the boundary value [delta] _HB maximum value MAXshita _P and the steering angle of the movement amount of the optical axis _{(V ≧ V2)} is

(Equation 22) From the relationship,

(Equation 23) There is a relationship. Figure 20 (c2) from the steering angle [delta] _H is the steering angle boundary value δ _{HB (V ≧ V 2)} at less than the steering angle [delta] _H
Becomes larger

(Equation 24) Is maintained, the optical axis movement amount θ _P also increases, and when the steering angle δ _H becomes δ _{HB (V ≧ V 2)} or more, the optical axis movement amount θ _P becomes mechanical or It continues to hold the limit value MAXshita _P of the movement amount of the functional optical axis.

Therefore, the steering angle range changing means 5 changes the steering angle range so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases.
The steering angle range is continuously and gradually changed. Note that the steering angle range can be changed stepwise. Further, the steering angle range changing means 5, detects the vehicle speed is zero the steering angle range when the first vehicle speed V = V ₁ equivalent very low speed and zero or this large detected vehicle speed than the first vehicle speed in the range above the second speed V = V ₂ is a constant steering angle range in a steering angle range according to the second vehicle speed V _2, the drive means 3, the steering angle range of the headlamp 11 when the zero The light distribution state is a reference state for irradiating the front direction of the vehicle, and when the steering angle range is constant, the light distribution state is a limit state in a variable range of the headlamp 11. Further, when the detected steering angle exceeds the steering angle range, the drive unit 3 sets the light distribution state in the steering angle range regardless of the increase in the detected steering angle.

That is, the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 can be changed in the steering direction according to the detected steering angle within the steering angle range corresponding to the vehicle speed. Moreover, since the steering angle range can be changed so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases, when the vehicle speed is low, the light distribution state of the output light portion is changed to the steering direction according to the detected steering angle within a small steering angle range. However, when the vehicle speed increases, the light distribution state of the output light unit can be changed to the steering direction within a large steering angle range according to the detected steering angle.
Therefore, when the vehicle speed is low, either when starting with the rudder turned off or when stopping with the rudder turned off, the change in the light distribution state of the output light unit is in a small range. The movement is natural, and it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable or troublesome.

Further, the steering angle range can be gradually changed stepwise or stepwise according to the increase or decrease of the detected vehicle speed, so that the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 can be changed more naturally, giving more uncomfortable feeling and troublesomeness. Can be suppressed.

[0067] Further, when the first speed V ₁ of the extremely low speed equivalent to the detected vehicle speed is zero or it can be a reference state steering angle range becomes zero, the light distribution state is irradiated with the vehicle front direction . The detected vehicle speed is in the range above the second speed V ₂ greater than the first vehicle speed V _1, and a constant steering angle range in a steering angle range according to the second speed V _2, the head of the light distribution state limit state in the variable range of the lamp 11, that is, a limit value MAXshita _P of mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12. Therefore, the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 can be more naturally changed from the reference state to the limit state according to the vehicle speed and the steering angle,
It is possible to more reliably suppress the driver's discomfort and annoyance.

When the detected steering angle exceeds the steering angle range, the light distribution state of the steering angle range is set regardless of the increase in the detected steering angle. Therefore, the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 is changed according to the vehicle speed. Within the range, the steering direction can be more reliably changed according to the detected steering angle, and the driver's uncomfortable feeling and troublesomeness can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the boundary value δ _HB of the steering angle is obtained, and the steering angle δ _H and the boundary value δ _{H B of the} steering angle are obtained.
Of it was determined movement amount theta _P of the optical axis for comparing the magnitudes, in the second embodiment not be compared the magnitude of the boundary value [delta] _HB of the steering angle [delta] _H and the steering angle directly, determined by calculation Calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _PC and the maximum value θ _{P · max} of the movement amount of the optical axis
To determine the amount of movement θ _P of the optical axis, and indirectly switches between the first control and the second control at the boundary value δ _HB of the steering angle.

The configuration of the vehicle and the configuration of the light distribution control lamp are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[Processing Flow of Entire System] FIG. 20 shows a processing flow of the entire system.

The system operation determination S1, the condition distribution S2 to S7 according to the vehicle speed, the viewpoint guidance distance calculation S8, and the method of obtaining the turning radius S13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

[0073] Calculation of the amount of movement calculated values of the optical axis] visual guidance set by the movement amount calculated value θ set of turning radius R and the viewing inductive distance Ls sensed the _PC in detection S13 in turning radius R S8 the optical axis From distance Ls

(Equation 25) S16 calculated by:

[0074]

(Equation 26) Is calculated in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.

The turning radius R is

[Equation 27] In expressed, the relationship between the steering angle [delta] _H and the tire steering angle [delta] _T

[Equation 28] Therefore, the relationship between the movement amount θ _PC of the optical axis and the steering angle δ _H is

(Equation 29) It can be expressed as.

[0076] the amount of movement of the optical axis movement amount calculated values theta _PC optical axis calculated by the calculation S16 in movement amount computation value of the optical axis is set in S6, S7 [distributed by the movement amount computation value of the optical axis] To determine whether or not the maximum value θ is smaller than θ _{P · max}
17. If the movement amount calculated values theta _PC of the optical axis is smaller than the maximum value θ _{P · ma x} of the movement amount of the optical axis S17YES, the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis and the movement amount calculated values theta _PC optical axis S18, the optical axis maximum theta movement amount calculated values theta _PC of the movement amount of the optical axis
If it is equal to or larger than _{P · max} , S17 is NO, and the optical axis movement amount θ _{P
Is set} as the maximum value θP _{· max} of the movement amount of the optical axis, and the process proceeds to S12 and the light distribution control process S15.

The light distribution control processing S15 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[Control Status] FIG. 22 is a graph showing the control status when the present embodiment is carried out when turning right.

From above, (a1) and (a2) indicate the vehicle speed V = V
_AIs the first vehicle speed threshold V₁A graph showing the control status in the following cases
(B), (b1) and (b2) indicate the vehicle speed V = V_BIs the first vehicle speed threshold
Value V ₁And second vehicle speed threshold V₂The control situation when
Graphs (c1) and (c2) show vehicle speed V = V_CIs second
Vehicle speed threshold V₂A graph showing the control situation at the time of
You. The right side of each graph (a1), (b1), (c
1) is the maximum value θ of the vehicle speed V and the moving amount of the optical axis._P.maxWhen
And (a2), (b2), (c) on the left side of the graph.
2) is the steering angle δ_HAnd the optical axis movement θ_PShows the relationship
You.

[0080] velocity V = when _{V A} is the first vehicle speed threshold value _{V 1} or less, the maximum value θ _{P · m ax} of the movement amount of the optical axis is zero.
Vehicle speed V = V _B is the first vehicle speed threshold value V ₁ and the second vehicle speed threshold V
Maximum theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis between the _two increases linearly, the maximum value theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis when the second vehicle speed threshold V ₂ is the light distribution control lamp 12 mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the continues to hold the limit value MAXθ _P.

[0081] When the speed V = _{V A} is the first vehicle speed threshold value _{V 1} or less, the maximum value of the moving amount of the optical axis from the view 22 (a1) θ
Since _{P · max} is zero, the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis even if the steering angle [delta] _H is increased as shown in FIG. 22 (a2) remains zero. That is, the light distribution state of the headlamp 11 is a reference state for irradiating the vehicle in the front direction.

When the vehicle speed V = V _B is between the first vehicle speed threshold V ₁ and the second vehicle speed threshold V ₂ , the maximum value θ _{P · max} of the movement amount of the optical axis is θ from FIG. _{P · max (VB)}
Therefore, the boundary value δ of the steering angle as shown in FIG.
_HB becomes δ _{HB (V = VB)} . In this case, the vehicle speed _{V B}
And the maximum value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{P · max (VB)}

[Equation 30] From the relationship,

(Equation 31) It is a relationship. At this time, the steering angle δ _H is
Once a the size of a [delta] _{H 1} so that is (b2), the moving amount calculated values theta _PC of the optical axis becomes _{θ PC (δH1).} At this time, the steering angle δ _H1 and the calculated amount of movement of the optical axis θ
_{During PC (δH1)}

(Equation 32) From the relationship,

[Equation 33] It is a relationship.

_{Comparing the} calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{PC (δH1)} with the maximum value θ _{P · max ( VB)} of the movement amount of the optical axis, the calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{PC (δH1)} movement amount computation value of the movement amount theta _P of the optical axis because it is smaller than the maximum value theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis _(VB) of the optical axis theta
_{PC (δH1)} .

[0084] Further, if the steering angle [delta] _H was large as a [delta] _H2 as the right-hand graph, the movement amount calculated values theta _PC of the optical axis at this time is _{θ PC (δH2).} At this time, the steering angle δ _H2 and the calculated amount of movement of the optical axis θ
_{Between PC (δH2)}

(Equation 34) From the relationship,

(Equation 35) It is a relationship.

A _comparison between the calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{PC (δH2)} and the maximum value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{P · max ( VB)} shows that the calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{PC (δH2)} maximum value theta moving amount theta _P of the optical axis is greater than the maximum value theta _{P · max} amount of movement of the optical axis _(VB) is towards the moving amount of the optical axis
_{P · max (VB)} .

[0086] Thus, the steering angle [delta] _H is the steering angle boundary value [delta]
_{HB (V = VB)} at less than, according to the steering angle [delta] _H increases

[Equation 36] Is maintained, the optical axis movement amount θ _P also increases, and when the steering angle δ _H exceeds δ _{HB (V = VB )} , the optical axis movement amount θ _P becomes the maximum value θ of the optical axis movement amount. _{P · max (VB )} is maintained.

When the vehicle speed V is equal to the second vehicle speed threshold value V₂Above, for example
As shown in FIG. 22 (c1), the vehicle speed V is V_CPlace that was
The maximum value θ of the movement amount of the optical axis_P.maxIs a light distribution control run
Limit value of mechanical or functional optical axis movement of the pump 12
MAXθ_PBecomes At this time, the steering angle δ_HIs shown in FIG. 22 (c2).
Δ as in_H3If the size was
The calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis at the time θ_PCIs θ_{PC (δH3)}When
Become. At this time, the steering angle δ _H3And the calculated amount of movement of the optical axis θ
_{PC (δH3)}Between

(37) From the relationship,

(38) It is a relationship.

[0088] movement amount calculations Comparing the movement amounts calculated value _{θ PC (δH3)} and mechanical or functional movement of the magnitude of the limit value MAXshita _P of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12 of the optical axis optical axis The value θ _{PC (δH3)} is the limit value MAXθ of the mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12.
Movement amount theta _P of the optical axis is smaller than _P, the amount of movement calculated value theta _PC of the optical axis _(δH3).

[0089] Further, if the steering angle [delta] _H was large as a [delta] _H4 as the right-hand graph, the movement amount calculated values theta _PC of the optical axis at this time is _{θ PC (δH4).} At this time, the steering angle δ _H4 and the calculated amount of movement of the optical axis θ
_{Between PC (δH4)}

[Equation 39] From the relationship,

(Equation 40) It is a relationship.

A _comparison between the calculated value of the movement amount of the optical axis θ _{PC (δH4)} and the limit value MAXθ _P of the mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12 shows that the calculation of the movement amount of the optical axis The value θ _{PC (δH4)} is the limit value MAXθ of the mechanical or functional movement amount of the optical axis of the light distribution control lamp 12.
Is larger than _P, the movement amount θ _P of the optical axis is
The limit value MA of the mechanical or functional optical axis movement amount 2
And Xθ _P.

[0091] Thus, the steering angle [delta] _H is the steering angle boundary value [delta]
_{HB (V ≧ V2)} at less than, according to the steering angle [delta] _H increases

[Equation 41] Is maintained, the optical axis movement amount θ _P also increases, and when the steering angle δ _H becomes δ _{HB (V ≧ V 2)} or more, the optical axis movement amount θ _P becomes mechanical or It continues to hold the limit value MAXshita _P of the movement amount of the functional optical axis.

As described above, the optical axis movement amount θ _P is determined by comparing the calculated optical axis movement amount θ _PC and the maximum value of the optical axis movement amount θ _{P · max} , manner can provide the same effects as the first embodiment even when switching the first control and the second control in the boundary of the boundary value [delta] _HB of the steering angle. In the present embodiment, more rapid processing is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light distribution control lamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a plane.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the light distribution control lamp according to the first embodiment as viewed from a side.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an operation state of the light distribution control lamp according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an operation state of the light distribution control lamp according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of the entire system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for determining light distribution control.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for determining a running state.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for determining light distribution control.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a guidance viewpoint distance.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an illuminance distribution on a vehicle reference plane.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing for calculating an illuminance distribution on a vehicle reference plane.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an illuminance distribution.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between speed and viewpoint guidance distance.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating turning radius detection processing.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a relationship between a vehicle turning and an optical axis movement amount.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a light distribution control process.

FIG. 20 shows a control situation, wherein (a1) and (a2) show the control situation when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold, and (b)
1) and (b2) show control situations when the vehicle speed is between the first vehicle speed threshold and the second vehicle speed threshold, and (c1) and (c)
2) shows a control situation when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the second vehicle speed threshold, and (a1), (b1) and (c1) are graphs showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the optical axis movement amount, and (a2) and (b2). ), (C2)
Is a graph showing the relationship between the steering angle and the movement amount of the optical axis.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing of the system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a control situation according to the second embodiment, in which (a)
1) and (a2) show control situations when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first vehicle speed threshold, and (b1) and (b2) show when the vehicle speed is between the first vehicle speed threshold and the second vehicle speed threshold. (C1), (c2) show the control situation when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the second vehicle speed threshold, and (a1), (b1), (c1)
Are graphs showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the movement amount of the optical axis, (a2), (b)
2) and (c2) are graphs showing the relationship between the steering angle and the movement amount of the optical axis.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 output light unit 2 steering angle detecting means 3 driving means 4 vehicle speed detecting means 5 steering angle range changing means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kenjo Umezaki F-term in Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. 2 Takaracho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture (Reference) 3K039 AA01 AA08 CC01 DC02 FD12 GA02 JA03

Claims (4)

[Claims] An output light unit provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having a variable light distribution state; a steering angle detection unit for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; a vehicle speed detection unit for detecting a vehicle speed of the vehicle; Driving means for changing a light distribution state of the output light unit in a steering direction according to the detected steering angle within a steering angle range corresponding to a vehicle speed; and changing the steering angle range so as to increase as the detected vehicle speed increases. A lighting device for a vehicle, comprising: a steering angle range changing unit that changes the steering angle. 2. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the steering angle range changing means changes the steering angle range continuously or gradually. 3. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the steering angle range changing unit is configured to control the steering angle range when the detected vehicle speed is zero or an extremely low first vehicle speed equivalent thereto. Is zero, and in a range where the detected vehicle speed is higher than a second vehicle speed greater than the first vehicle speed, a steering angle range is constant in a steering angle range corresponding to the second vehicle speed. When the angular range is zero, the light distribution state is a reference state for irradiating the front direction of the vehicle, and when the steering angle range is constant, the light distribution state is a limit state in a variable range of the output light unit. Lighting equipment for vehicles. 4. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is configured to perform the driving when the detected steering angle exceeds the steering angle range, regardless of an increase in the detected steering angle. A lighting device for a vehicle, wherein a light distribution state is set in a steering angle range.