JP3128615B2 - Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting - Google Patents
Illumination direction control device for vehicle lightingInfo
- Publication number
- JP3128615B2 JP3128615B2 JP08157384A JP15738496A JP3128615B2 JP 3128615 B2 JP3128615 B2 JP 3128615B2 JP 08157384 A JP08157384 A JP 08157384A JP 15738496 A JP15738496 A JP 15738496A JP 3128615 B2 JP3128615 B2 JP 3128615B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- detecting means
- lamp
- abnormality
- vehicle height
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q11/00—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
- B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
- B60Q1/10—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to vehicle inclination, e.g. due to load distribution
- B60Q1/115—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to vehicle inclination, e.g. due to load distribution by electric means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
- B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
- B60Q2300/11—Linear movements of the vehicle
- B60Q2300/112—Vehicle speed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
- B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
- B60Q2300/13—Attitude of the vehicle body
- B60Q2300/132—Pitch
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
- Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、車輌姿勢を検出し
て灯具の照射方向を常時一定の方向に保つように補正す
る車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an irradiation direction control apparatus for a vehicle lamp which detects the posture of the vehicle and corrects the irradiation direction of the lamp so as to keep the irradiation direction always constant.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】車輌の傾きが変化した場合でも、車輌に
付設された灯具の照射方向が所定方向に保たれるように
灯具の照射方向を自動的に調整する装置（所謂オートレ
ベリング装置）が知られており、この種の装置は、走行
状態や乗車条件（乗員数や乗員の配置等）、積荷の積載
条件に起因する車体の傾きや高さを検出する検出手段を
有し、該検出手段によって得られる情報に基づいて車輌
の傾きの変化量を算出して、灯具の照射方向が常に所定
の方向となるように灯具の照射方向をその初期の調整値
に対して補正して所定の配光を得るように制御するもの
である。2. Description of the Related Art A device (so-called auto-leveling device) for automatically adjusting the irradiation direction of a lamp so that the irradiation direction of a lamp attached to the vehicle is maintained in a predetermined direction even when the inclination of the vehicle changes. This type of device is known, and has a detecting means for detecting a running state, a riding condition (the number of occupants, an arrangement of the occupants, etc.), and a tilt or a height of a vehicle body caused by a loading condition of a load. The amount of change in the inclination of the vehicle is calculated based on the information obtained by the means, and the irradiation direction of the lamp is corrected with respect to its initial adjustment value so that the irradiation direction of the lamp always becomes a predetermined direction. This is to control the light distribution.
【０００３】例えば、車輌の走行中の加速度変化によっ
て車輌の後部に荷重が加わった場合に、車体の前後方向
における傾斜角を求め、そのままでは照射方向が基準方
向より上向きにずれることになる灯具の照射軸を下向き
に傾動させることによって灯具の照射方向が常に基準方
向に保たれるように調整（所謂レベリング調整）され
る。For example, when a load is applied to the rear portion of a vehicle due to a change in acceleration during traveling of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction is obtained. By tilting the irradiation axis downward, adjustment (so-called leveling adjustment) is performed so that the irradiation direction of the lamp is always maintained in the reference direction.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、従来のオー
トレベリング装置にあっては、車輌姿勢の変化を検出す
る手段として車輌に設けられる複数のセンサーのうちの
一個以上に故障や不調が生じた場合でも灯具の照射方向
に係る補正制御が行われるように構成されているため、
場合によっては車輌姿勢の検出に狂いが生じて適正な制
御を行うことができなくなってしまうという問題があ
る。By the way, in the conventional auto-leveling device, when one or more of a plurality of sensors provided in the vehicle as a means for detecting a change in the vehicle attitude has a failure or malfunction, However, since it is configured so that the correction control regarding the irradiation direction of the lamp is performed,
In some cases, there is a problem in that the detection of the vehicle attitude becomes erroneous, and proper control cannot be performed.
【０００５】例えば、車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ複数
の車高検出手段を設けた場合には、これら車高検出手段
によって得られる車軸部の高さの変化量と、車軸間距離
とに基づいて車輌の前後方向における傾斜角（所謂ピッ
チング角）の変化を算出することができるが、車輌前部
又は後部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の全部が故
障した場合には、車軸部の高さ変化を検出ことができな
くなってしまうため、灯具の照射方向を所定方向に保つ
ことができなくなってしまう。従って、このような状況
下で装置を動作させ続けることは装置の寿命を徒らに短
くすることとなる。[0005] For example, when a plurality of vehicle height detecting means are provided on the front and rear axle portions, respectively, the height change amount of the axle portion obtained by these vehicle height detecting means and the distance between the axles are used. It is possible to calculate the change in the inclination angle (the so-called pitching angle) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, but if all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle fails, the axle Since the height change cannot be detected, the irradiation direction of the lamp cannot be maintained in a predetermined direction. Therefore, continuing operation of the device under such circumstances unnecessarily shortens the life of the device.
【０００６】そこで、この場合には装置を停止させるこ
とが考えられるが、停止時における灯具の状態が不定と
されたのでは、灯具の照射軸が上向きに傾斜した場合
に、灯具の照射する上向きの光が対向車の運転者や歩行
者に対する眩惑光となってしまうという不都合が生じ
る。Therefore, in this case, it is conceivable to stop the apparatus. However, if the state of the lamp at the time of the stop is determined to be indeterminate, when the irradiation axis of the lamp is inclined upward, the lamp irradiates upward. There is a disadvantage that the light becomes dazzling light for the driver and the pedestrian of the oncoming vehicle.
【０００７】本発明は、車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が生じ
た場合に灯具の照射方向が不特定な方向を向かないよう
に制御することを課題とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to control a lighting direction of a lamp so as not to be directed in an unspecified direction when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle posture detecting means.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は上記した課題を
解決するために、車輌の姿勢を検出するための車輌姿勢
検出手段と、灯具の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための
駆動手段と、車輌姿勢検出手段からの信号に応じて灯具
の照射光を所定の方向に保つための補正計算を行って駆
動手段に補正信号を送出する補正計算手段とを備えた車
輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置において、異常検出手段に
よって車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が生じたことが検出され
た場合あるいは補正計算手段が車輌姿勢検出手段の出力
信号を受けてそのレベル又は変動幅から当該車輌姿勢検
出手段に異常が生じたと判断した場合に、補正計算手段
から駆動手段に送出される補正信号により灯具の照射方
向が所定の方向を向くように固定され又は所定の範囲内
に規制されるようにしたものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of a vehicle, and a driving means for directing irradiation light of a lamp in a desired direction. Irradiating direction control of a vehicular lamp including correction calculation means for performing a correction calculation for keeping the irradiation light of the lamp in a predetermined direction in accordance with a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means and sending a correction signal to the driving means. In the device, when the abnormality detecting means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, or when the correction calculating means receives the output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means and the level or the fluctuation width, the abnormality is detected in the vehicle attitude detecting means. When it is determined that the correction has occurred, the correction signal sent from the correction calculation means to the drive means causes the illumination direction of the lamp to be fixed in a predetermined direction or to be restricted within a predetermined range. One in which the.
【０００９】従って、本発明によれば、車輌姿勢検出手
段に異常が生じたことが検出された場合に、灯具の照射
方向が所定の方向に固定されるか又は照射方向が所定の
範囲内に制限されるので、灯具の照射方向が不用意な方
向を向くことがない。Therefore, according to the present invention, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed to a predetermined direction or the irradiation direction is within a predetermined range. Because of the limitation, the illumination direction of the lamp does not turn inadvertently.
【００１０】[0010]
【発明の実施の形態】以下に、本発明車輌用灯具の照射
方向制御装置について説明する。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to the present invention will be described.
【００１１】図１は本発明の基本構成を示すものであ
り、照射方向制御装置１は灯具の照射方向の補正制御を
司る補正計算手段２を有し、該補正計算手段２への入力
手段としては、車輌姿勢検出手段３と異常検出手段４と
を有している。そして、補正計算手段２の出力する補正
信号は駆動手段５に送出され、該駆動手段５によって灯
具６の照射方向が所定の方向を向くように制御される。FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the present invention. An irradiation direction control device 1 has a correction calculation means 2 for controlling the correction of the irradiation direction of a lamp, and as an input means to the correction calculation means 2. Has a vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and an abnormality detecting means 4. Then, the correction signal output from the correction calculation means 2 is sent to the driving means 5, and the driving means 5 controls the illumination direction of the lamp 6 to be directed in a predetermined direction.
【００１２】車輌姿勢検出手段３は、静止及び／又は運
動中の車輌の姿勢（車輌の進行方向における上下の傾斜
を含む。）を検出するために設けられ、例えば、路面の
凹凸による車体の高さを検出するための車高検出手段を
用いる場合には、図２に示すように、車高検出手段３ａ
と路面Ｇとの間の距離Ｌを超音波やレーザー光等の検出
波を使って計測する方法や、車軸の上下変動を検出する
ために車高検出手段３ａがサスペンションＳの伸縮量ｘ
を検出する方法を挙げることができ、いずれの場合も、
車輌における既存設備の利用が可能であるという利点が
ある。尚、車輌姿勢の検出方法としては、この他にジャ
イロセンサーを用いる方法（二輪車輌等に使用され
る。）等を挙げることができる。The vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is provided to detect the attitude of the vehicle at rest and / or in motion (including the up and down inclination in the traveling direction of the vehicle). When the vehicle height detecting means for detecting the vehicle height is used, as shown in FIG.
To measure the distance L between the vehicle and the road surface G using a detection wave such as an ultrasonic wave or a laser beam, or to detect the vertical movement of the axle, the vehicle height detecting means 3a uses the amount of expansion / contraction x of the suspension S.
Can be listed, and in each case,
There is an advantage that the existing equipment in the vehicle can be used. In addition, as a method of detecting the vehicle attitude, a method using a gyro sensor (used for a two-wheeled vehicle or the like) may be used.
【００１３】異常検出手段４は、車輌姿勢検出手段３に
異常が発生したか否かを検出するものであり、その検出
信号が補正計算手段２に送出される。The abnormality detecting means 4 detects whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, and a detection signal is sent to the correction calculating means 2.
【００１４】車輌姿勢検出手段３に係る異常検出方法と
しては、車輌姿勢検出手段３についてのその状態を示す
量、例えば、電圧や電流の著しい低下や過電圧又は過電
流等を検出する方法や断線等の発生を付設の回路によっ
て検出する方法を挙げることができる。The abnormality detecting method of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 includes a quantity indicating the state of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, for example, a method of detecting a remarkable decrease in voltage or current, a method of detecting an overvoltage or an overcurrent, a disconnection or the like. Can be detected by an attached circuit.
【００１５】また、このように車輌姿勢検出手段３の状
態を監視する異常検出手段４を積極的に設ける代わり
に、車輌姿勢検出手段３から補正計算手段２に送出され
る検出信号の変化を補正計算手段２が監視することによ
って車輌姿勢検出手段３に異常が生じたか否かを判断し
ても良い。Further, instead of providing the abnormality detecting means 4 for monitoring the state of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 positively, the change of the detection signal sent from the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 to the correction calculating means 2 is corrected. The monitoring by the calculating means 2 may determine whether or not the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has failed.
【００１６】これには下記に示す方法が挙げられる。This includes the following method.
【００１７】Ｉ）検出信号についての異常な変化を検出
する方法 ＩＩ）検出信号の信号変化がなくなったことを検出する
方法。I) A method for detecting an abnormal change in the detection signal. II) A method for detecting that the signal change in the detection signal has disappeared.
【００１８】先ず、Ｉ）は検出信号について正常時には
ありえない変化が生じたことを検出したときに車輌姿勢
検出手段３に異常が生じたものと判断する方法であり、
例えば、検出信号レベルに対して許容範囲を設定し、信
号レベルが当該許容範囲外に逸脱した場合あるいは逸脱
の度合や頻度が著しい場合に異常の判定を下す方法等を
挙げることができる。First, I) is a method for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 when it is detected that an unusual change has occurred in the detection signal under normal conditions.
For example, there is a method of setting an allowable range for the detection signal level, and determining an abnormality when the signal level deviates outside the allowable range or when the degree or frequency of the deviation is remarkable.
【００１９】また、ＩＩ）は検出信号の信号に変化が認
められない場合に車輌姿勢検出手段３に異常が生じたも
のと判断する方法であり、例えば、下記に示す幾つかの
方法を挙げることができる。II) is a method for judging that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 when no change is detected in the detection signal. For example, there are several methods described below. Can be.
【００２０】ＩＩ−ａ）所定の検出時間Ｔを設定して、
当該検出時間Ｔ内における検出信号レベルの変動の度合
から判断する方法（検出時間Ｔを一定の値に固定する場
合と、検出時間Ｔを車輌の走行状態等に応じて変化させ
る場合とがある。） ＩＩ−ｂ）移動平均を用いる方法 ＩＩ−ｃ）複数の検出信号のレベル変化の相関性から異
常を判断する方法 ＩＩ−ｄ）検出信号レベルの時間変化率から異常を判断
する方法。II-a) By setting a predetermined detection time T,
A method of judging from the degree of fluctuation of the detection signal level within the detection time T (a case where the detection time T is fixed to a fixed value, and a case where the detection time T is changed according to the running state of the vehicle or the like. II-b) Method using moving average II-c) Method for judging abnormality from correlation of level changes of a plurality of detection signals II-d) Method for judging abnormality from time change rate of detection signal level.
【００２１】先ず、ＩＩ−ａ）には、検出信号レベルが
ほぼ一定値となったことを検出するために、所定の上限
閾値及び下限閾値を設定して検出信号レベルが両閾値で
挟まれた範囲内に収まっている場合に異常と判定する方
法や、検出信号レベルについて上下限に係る比較閾値を
設定し、検出信号レベルが上下限によって規定される範
囲から逸脱した回数を所定の設定数と比較する方法、あ
るいは、検出信号レベルの最大値若しくはピーク値（極
大値）と最小値若しくはボトム値（極小値）との差ある
いは差の絶対値の総和を所定値と比較する方法等を挙げ
ることができる。尚、この方法は処理が比較的簡単であ
るという利点を有する。First, in II-a), in order to detect that the detection signal level has become substantially constant, predetermined upper and lower threshold values are set, and the detection signal level is sandwiched between the two threshold values. A method of determining an abnormality when the value falls within the range, or setting a comparison threshold value related to the upper and lower limits for the detection signal level, and setting the number of times the detection signal level deviates from the range defined by the upper and lower limits as a predetermined set number. A method of comparing, or a method of comparing a difference between a maximum value or a peak value (maximum value) of the detection signal level and a minimum value or a bottom value (minimum value) or a sum of absolute values of the difference with a predetermined value is cited. Can be. This method has the advantage that the processing is relatively simple.
【００２２】また、ＩＩ−ｂ）には、検出信号レベルが
所定の上下限を越えた回数についての移動平均を計算し
てこれを所定値と比較する方法や、検出信号レベルのピ
ーク値やボトム値についての移動平均を計算してこれら
をそれぞれ所定値と比較する方法等を挙げることがで
き、移動平均計算に必要なデータ数が集まらない初めの
検出期間を除いて判定に遅れがないという利点を有す
る。Further, II-b) includes a method of calculating a moving average for the number of times the detected signal level exceeds a predetermined upper and lower limit and comparing the calculated value with a predetermined value, a method of calculating a peak value and a bottom value of the detected signal level. There is a method of calculating a moving average of values and comparing these with predetermined values, and has an advantage that there is no delay in determination except for an initial detection period in which the number of data required for calculating a moving average is not collected. Having.
【００２３】ＩＩ−ｃ）は車輌の姿勢変化がある程度認
められる場合において極端に変動の少ない検出信号が得
られることは希であるという事実に着目した方法であ
り、この場合には、車輌の前後及び／又は左右に設けら
れた車輌姿勢検出手段同士の検出信号のレベル変化につ
いて相関性の高低や出力差の大小から異常の発生した検
出手段を特定する。尚、この方法は複数の検出手段によ
る検出信号を互いに比較する（例えば、異常の疑いがあ
る検出手段の検出信号と、それ以外の２つ以上の検出手
段の検出信号を比較したり、あるいは、異常の疑いがあ
る検出手段の検出信号と、残り全て若しくは過半数の検
出手段の検出信号とを比較する等。）ことにより車輌姿
勢の全体的な変化から特定の検出手段についての異常の
有無を判断することができるので、各検出手段の検出信
号レベルのみからそれぞれの異常判定を行う方法に比べ
てより適正な異常判定を行うことができる。II-c) is a method that focuses on the fact that it is rare that a detection signal with extremely small fluctuation is rarely obtained when a change in the attitude of the vehicle is recognized to some extent. And / or identifying a detecting means in which an abnormality has occurred based on the level of correlation of the detection signal level change between the vehicle attitude detecting means provided on the left and right and the magnitude of the output difference. Note that this method compares detection signals from a plurality of detection means with each other (for example, a detection signal from a detection means suspected to be abnormal and a detection signal from two or more other detection means, or By comparing the detection signal of the detection means suspected of being abnormal with the detection signals of all or a majority of the remaining detection means, etc.), the presence or absence of abnormality in the specific detection means is determined from the overall change in the vehicle attitude. Therefore, more appropriate abnormality determination can be performed as compared with the method of performing each abnormality determination only from the detection signal level of each detection unit.
【００２４】ＩＩ−ｄ）は検出信号レベルの時間微分量
（単位時間当たりのレベル変化量）を検出してこれを所
定値と比較する方法であり、信号レベルの瞬時的な変化
を捉えることにより判定に著しい遅れが生じないという
利点がある。II-d) is a method of detecting a time differential amount (a level change amount per unit time) of a detection signal level and comparing the detected value with a predetermined value, and by detecting an instantaneous change in the signal level. There is an advantage that no significant delay occurs in the determination.
【００２５】この他、これらの方法を適宜に組み合わせ
た方法やその細部において各種の比較方法が考えられる
が、要は、検出信号のレベル変動幅が小さいことを検出
する方法であれば、如何なる方法でも採用することがで
きる。In addition, various methods can be considered in combination of these methods as appropriate and in detail, but the point is that any method can be used as long as it is a method for detecting that the level fluctuation width of the detection signal is small. But it can be adopted.
【００２６】但し、この方法ＩＩ）では車輌姿勢に変化
がないために車輌姿勢検出手段３の検出信号レベルに変
化が少ない場合と車輌姿勢検出手段３の異常によって検
出信号レベルに変化がなくなった場合とを区別するため
の手法（例えば、検出信号レベルが上限閾値と下限閾値
とで挟まれた範囲内にある場合の継続時間が所定時間以
上である場合に異常の判定を下す等。）を講じる必要が
ある。However, in this method II), the change in the detection signal level of the vehicle attitude detection means 3 is small because there is no change in the vehicle attitude, and the change in the detection signal level due to the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detection means 3 (For example, an abnormality is determined when the duration is longer than a predetermined time when the detection signal level is within a range between the upper threshold and the lower threshold). There is a need.
【００２７】尚、方法ＩＩ）と上記異常検出手段４から
の情報を併用することによって車輌姿勢検出手段３の異
常判定を下すようにしても良いことは勿論である。何故
なら、異常検出手段４が常に正常に機能するという絶対
的な保証はないからである。It is a matter of course that the abnormality determination of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 may be made by using the method II) and the information from the abnormality detecting means 4 together. This is because there is no absolute guarantee that the abnormality detection means 4 always functions normally.
【００２８】照射方向制御装置１において、車輌姿勢検
出手段３が正常に働いている場合には、車輌姿勢検出手
段３の出力信号が補正計算手段２に送出されて、ここで
灯具６の照射方向制御に係る補正計算が行われる。例え
ば、車輌姿勢検出手段３として上記のような車高検出手
段３ａを用いる場合には、車輌前後の車軸部についての
車高変化を検出し、これと車軸部の軸間距離とからピッ
チング角の変化を求め、当該角度によって灯具６の照射
方向が変化するのを打ち消すための補正信号（灯具６の
照射方向に対する補正角の指令を含む。）を補正計算手
段２が算出する。この補正信号が駆動手段５への制御信
号となり、駆動手段５は灯具６の照射方向がピッチング
角の変化分と同じ角度をもってその変化方向とは逆の方
向となるように灯具６又はその構成部材の姿勢を変化さ
せ、灯具６の光軸が常に一定の方向に保たれるように制
御される。In the irradiation direction control device 1, when the vehicle posture detecting means 3 is working normally, an output signal of the vehicle posture detecting means 3 is sent to the correction calculating means 2, where the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 is changed. Correction calculation relating to control is performed. For example, when the above-described vehicle height detecting means 3a is used as the vehicle attitude detecting means 3, a change in the vehicle height of the axle part before and after the vehicle is detected, and the pitching angle of the pitching angle is determined from this and the distance between the axle parts. The change is obtained, and the correction calculating means 2 calculates a correction signal (including a correction angle command for the irradiation direction of the lamp 6) for canceling the change of the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 depending on the angle. This correction signal becomes a control signal to the driving means 5, and the driving means 5 causes the lighting direction of the lamp 6 to be the same as the change in the pitching angle and in the opposite direction to the change direction of the pitching angle. Is controlled so that the optical axis of the lamp 6 is always kept in a fixed direction.
【００２９】また、車輌姿勢検出手段３に異常が発生し
たことが検出され、このままでは車輌姿勢の変化に対応
した灯具６の照射方向制御を適正に行うことが困難であ
ると判断された場合には、補正計算手段２から駆動手段
５に送出される信号（これを「Ｓｃ」と記す。）によっ
て灯具６の照射方向を下記のｉ）又はｉｉ）の方法に従
って制御する。Further, when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 and it is determined that it is difficult to appropriately control the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 in response to the change in the vehicle attitude. Controls the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 in accordance with the following method i) or ii) by a signal (this is referred to as “Sc”) sent from the correction calculating means 2 to the driving means 5.
【００３０】ｉ）灯具の照射方向を所定方向に固定する
方法 ｉｉ）灯具の照射方向を所定範囲に制限する方法。I) A method of fixing the irradiation direction of the lamp to a predetermined direction ii) A method of restricting the irradiation direction of the lamp to a predetermined range.
【００３１】先ず、ｉ）の方法は、異常検出時に灯具の
照射方向を所定方向に保持する方法である。例えば、灯
具の照射光が上向き光とならないように、灯具の照射方
向が水平面よりやや下向きになる状態で灯具を保持すれ
ば良い。尚、この時の下向きの照射方向の設定について
は、異常検出前における灯具の照射状態とは無関係な値
に設定しても良いが、異常検出直前の灯具の照射方向に
対して補正（やや下向きにする等。）を加えたり、ある
いは、異常検出前の所定期間における平均的な照射方向
又はこれに補正を加えた方向をもって灯具の照射方向を
規定する等、各種の選択が可能である。First, the method i) is a method in which the irradiation direction of the lamp is maintained in a predetermined direction when an abnormality is detected. For example, the lamp may be held in a state where the irradiation direction of the lamp is slightly lower than the horizontal plane so that the irradiation light of the lamp does not become upward light. Note that the downward irradiation direction at this time may be set to a value irrelevant to the illumination state of the lamp before the abnormality is detected. However, the irradiation direction of the lamp immediately before the abnormality is detected is corrected (slightly downward). And the like, or the irradiation direction of the lamp is defined by the average irradiation direction in a predetermined period before the abnormality is detected or a direction obtained by correcting the average irradiation direction.
【００３２】照射方向の許容範囲を制限する方法ｉｉ）
は、車輌姿勢検出手段３に異常が生じた時の灯具の照射
方向に係る許容範囲を、車輌姿勢検出手段３が正常に動
作している時の灯具の照射方向に係る許容範囲に比して
狭める方法である。Method for limiting the allowable range of the irradiation direction ii)
Is calculated by comparing the allowable range of the illumination direction of the lamp when the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has an abnormality with the allowable range of the illumination direction of the lamp when the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is operating normally. It is a method of narrowing.
【００３３】例えば、図３に示すように、車輌姿勢検出
手段３の異常を検出した時の灯具６（６ａはその光源を
示す。）の照射方向の許容範囲を「θａ」とし、車輌姿
勢検出手段３が正常に動作している時の照射方向の許容
範囲を「θｂ」としたときに、比率「ｎ」（０＜（１／
ｎ）＜１）を導入して、「θａ＝θｂ／ｎ」となるよう
に角度範囲を狭めれば、照射光が不用意な方向に向けら
れるのを防ぐことができる。その際、図４に示すよう
に、異常検出時における灯具６の照射方向に対して上限
θｍを設定してこれより上向きの状態にならないように
規制することが好ましい。For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 is detected, the allowable range of the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 (6a indicates its light source) is "θa", and the vehicle attitude detection is performed. When the allowable range of the irradiation direction when the unit 3 is operating normally is “θb”, the ratio “n” (0 <(1 /
By introducing n) <1) and narrowing the angle range so that “θa = θb / n”, it is possible to prevent the irradiation light from being directed inadvertently. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to set an upper limit θm with respect to the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 at the time of detecting an abnormality, and to regulate the irradiation direction so as not to be directed upward.
【００３４】尚、この方法において灯具の照射方向に係
る許容範囲をゼロにした場合（つまり、上記の比率ｎを
無限大とする。）がｉ）の方法に他ならないことは容易
に理解される。In this method, it is easily understood that the case where the allowable range in the irradiation direction of the lamp is set to zero (that is, the ratio n is set to infinity) is the method i). .
【００３５】上記駆動手段５により灯具６の照射方向を
変化させるための構成の中には、駆動手段５により灯具
全体を回動させることでその照射方向を変化させるよう
にしたものや、灯具の構成部材の一部の姿勢を変化させ
ることによって灯具の照射方向を変化させるものを挙げ
ることができる。例えば、駆動手段５によって反射鏡を
傾動させることで反射光の向きを変化させるようにした
構成として、反射鏡の一部を灯具に対して傾動自在に支
持するとともに、反射鏡の傾動角調整用のネジ部材をモ
ータで回転させるために、ウォーム及びウォームホィー
ルを含む伝達機構を使ったものを用いたり（例えば、特
開昭５９−１９５４４１号公報参照。）、あるいは、駆
動手段５によってレンズを傾動させることで当該レンズ
を通過した照射光の向きを変化させるようにした構成
（例えば、特開平７−３７４０５号公報参照。）を挙げ
ることができる。尚、反射鏡やレンズについてはその全
体を傾動させる代わりに、それらの一部分の位置制御を
行うことによって照射光の主要部を所望の方向に変化さ
せるようにしても良い。Some of the configurations for changing the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 by the driving means 5 include those in which the irradiation direction is changed by rotating the entire lamp by the driving means 5, and those for changing the irradiation direction. An example in which the irradiation direction of the lamp is changed by changing the position of a part of the constituent member is exemplified. For example, as a configuration in which the direction of the reflected light is changed by tilting the reflecting mirror by the driving means 5, a part of the reflecting mirror is supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the lamp, and the tilt angle of the reflecting mirror is adjusted. In order to rotate the screw member by a motor, a device using a transmission mechanism including a worm and a worm wheel may be used (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-195441), or the lens may be tilted by the driving means 5. By doing so, a configuration in which the direction of irradiation light passing through the lens is changed (for example, see JP-A-7-37405) can be mentioned. Instead of tilting the entire reflecting mirror or lens, the main part of the irradiation light may be changed in a desired direction by controlling the position of a part thereof.
【００３６】また、反射鏡とレンズとの間に位置される
シェードを駆動手段５によって移動させることによっ
て、灯具の配光パターンにおける明暗境界を上下に変化
させるような構成（例えば、特開平７−２９４０１号公
報参照。）の他、反射鏡及び光源、レンズ及び反射鏡、
あるいはレンズ及びシェードを駆動手段５により一緒に
移動することによって照射方向を変化させる等、灯具に
おける光学的な構成部材の組み合わせの如何に応じた各
種の実施形態が可能である。Further, by moving the shade positioned between the reflecting mirror and the lens by the driving means 5, the light / dark boundary in the light distribution pattern of the lamp is changed up and down (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 29401), a reflector and a light source, a lens and a reflector,
Alternatively, various embodiments according to the combination of the optical components of the lamp, such as changing the irradiation direction by moving the lens and the shade together by the driving means 5, are possible.
【００３７】ところで、車輌姿勢検出手段３が複数の検
出手段を備えている場合には、それらのうちの必要最低
限の検出手段が正常である限り、灯具の照射方向制御を
続行させることが車輌の走行安全性の面で好ましい。In the case where the vehicle attitude detecting means 3 has a plurality of detecting means, it is necessary to continue the control of the lighting direction of the lamp as long as the minimum necessary detecting means among them is normal. This is preferable in terms of running safety.
【００３８】例えば、自動車において全輪のそれぞれに
対して車高センサーを設ける場合には、自動車のピッチ
ング角の変化は前後の車軸部の高さの変化量とホィール
ベース（軸距）とから算出することができる。つまり、
ピッチング角を求めるには、車輌前後の車軸部について
それぞれ少なくとも１個以上の車高センサーが正常に機
能している必要がある。For example, when a vehicle height sensor is provided for each of all wheels in a vehicle, the change in the pitching angle of the vehicle is calculated from the amount of change in the height of the front and rear axles and the wheel base (wheel distance). can do. That is,
In order to determine the pitching angle, it is necessary that at least one or more vehicle height sensors function normally for each of the axle portions before and after the vehicle.
【００３９】よって、前輪（又は後輪）に対して付設さ
れた車高センサーが全て故障した場合にのみ上記ｉ）又
はｉｉ）の制御を行い、前輪及び後輪についてそれぞれ
１個以上の正常の車高センサーがある限り灯具の照射方
向に係る補正制御を続行することが望ましい。尚、この
ように全車輪について車高センサーを設けた場合にはこ
れらの車高センサーの出力信号と車軸部の高さ変化とを
どのような関係をもって規定するかが車輌姿勢変化の検
出精度等に重要な影響を与えるので、例えば、左右の車
輪に対して設けられた車高センサーの出力信号レベルの
平均値を車軸部の高さの示す代表値として採用すると、
信号レベルのバラツキが低減され、またノイズ等の影響
によって好ましくない信号レベルがそのまま採用されて
検出精度を低下させるといった問題を解決することがで
きる。但し、この場合には、左右の車輪に設けられた車
高センサーのうちの一方に異常が発生した場合には残さ
れた正常の車高センサーの出力信号を車軸部の高さの代
表値として採用する。Accordingly, the control of the above i) or ii) is performed only when all the vehicle height sensors attached to the front wheels (or the rear wheels) have failed, and one or more normal wheels for the front wheels and the rear wheels are respectively provided. It is desirable to continue the correction control relating to the irradiation direction of the lamp as long as the vehicle height sensor exists. When the vehicle height sensors are provided for all the wheels as described above, the relationship between the output signal of these vehicle height sensors and the change in the height of the axle portion is determined by the detection accuracy of the change in the vehicle attitude. For example, if the average value of the output signal levels of the vehicle height sensors provided for the left and right wheels is adopted as a representative value indicating the height of the axle portion,
It is possible to solve the problem that the variation in the signal level is reduced, and the undesired signal level is adopted as it is due to the influence of noise or the like, thereby lowering the detection accuracy. However, in this case, when an abnormality occurs in one of the vehicle height sensors provided on the left and right wheels, the output signal of the remaining normal vehicle height sensor is used as a representative value of the axle height. adopt.
【００４０】しかして、車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ複
数の車高検出手段を設けた場合（車高検出手段が車輌に
既存のものか又は新たに設けられたものかは問わな
い。）には、前方の車軸部に対する車高検出手段のうち
の少なくとも一つが正常に機能しかつ後方の車軸部に対
する車高検出手段のうちの少なくとも一つが正常に機能
している限り、灯具の照射方向に係る補正制御を継続さ
せることが好ましい。However, in the case where a plurality of vehicle height detecting means are provided on the axle portions before and after the vehicle (regardless of whether the vehicle height detecting means is existing or newly provided on the vehicle). As long as at least one of the vehicle height detecting means for the front axle part is functioning normally and at least one of the vehicle height detecting means for the rear axle part is functioning normally, It is preferable to continue the correction control.
【００４１】[0041]
【実施例】図５乃至図１１は本発明の実施の一例を示す
ものであり、自動車への適用例を示すものである。5 to 11 show an embodiment of the present invention, and show an example of application to an automobile.
【００４２】図５は車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ１個の
車高センサーを設けた場合の照射方向制御装置７の構成
を示すものであり、上記補正計算手段２の機能を実現す
るためにコンピュータを内蔵するＥＣＵ（電子制御ユニ
ット）８を有し、該ＥＣＵ８には車高センサー９Ｆ、９
Ｒによる検出信号が入力される。尚、車高センサー９Ｆ
が前輪の車軸部に対して設けられ、車高センサー９Ｒが
後輪の車軸部に対して設けられており、これらが上記車
輌姿勢検出手段３に相当する。そして、車高センサー９
Ｆ、９Ｒによる検出信号がＥＣＵ８に入力されると、Ｅ
ＣＵ８内では車輌前後の車軸部の高低変化及びホィール
ベースから車輌のピッチング角の変化を算出して灯具の
照射方向を所定の方向に保つための補正計算を行う。
尚、本実施例では所定の時間間隔毎に車高センサー９
Ｆ、９Ｒの出力信号をＥＣＵ８内に取り込んでピッチン
グ角の算出に係る計算を行っているが、本発明に関する
限りその計算方法の如何は問わない。FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the irradiation direction control device 7 in the case where one vehicle height sensor is provided on each of the axle portions before and after the vehicle. A computer for realizing the function of the correction calculation means 2 is shown. (Electronic control unit) 8 incorporating a vehicle height sensor 9F, 9
A detection signal based on R is input. In addition, vehicle height sensor 9F
Are provided for the axle portion of the front wheel, and the vehicle height sensor 9R is provided for the axle portion of the rear wheel. These correspond to the vehicle attitude detecting means 3. And the vehicle height sensor 9
When the detection signals from F and 9R are input to the ECU 8, E
In the CU 8, a change in the height of the axle portion before and after the vehicle and a change in the pitching angle of the vehicle from the wheel base are calculated, and a correction calculation for maintaining the irradiation direction of the lamp in a predetermined direction is performed.
In this embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 9 is provided at predetermined time intervals.
Although the output signals of F and 9R are taken into the ECU 8 and the calculation relating to the calculation of the pitching angle is performed, any calculation method may be used as far as the present invention is concerned.
【００４３】ＥＣＵ８の出力する補正信号は、車輌前部
に設けられた左右一対の灯具の照射方向をそれぞれ制御
する駆動部１０、１０′に送出される。尚、駆動部１
０、１０′には、灯具又はその構成部材（反射鏡、レン
ズ等）を駆動するためのモータ１０ａ、１０′ａや、灯
具又はその構成部材の姿勢を検出するための位置検出器
１０ｂ、１０′ｂを備えており、ＥＣＵ８の出力信号が
モータ１０ａ、１０′ａに対して直接に又はモータ駆動
回路１０ｃ、１０′ｃを介して送出され、位置検出器１
０ｂ、１０′ｂの検出信号がＥＣＵ８に送出される。The correction signal output from the ECU 8 is sent to driving units 10 and 10 'for controlling the irradiation directions of a pair of right and left lamps provided at the front of the vehicle. The driving unit 1
Reference numerals 0 and 10 'include motors 10a and 10'a for driving the lamp or its components (reflecting mirrors, lenses, etc.), and position detectors 10b and 10 for detecting the attitude of the lamp or its components. 'B, the output signal of the ECU 8 is sent directly to the motors 10a, 10'a or via the motor drive circuits 10c, 10'c, and the position detector 1
Detection signals 0b and 10'b are sent to the ECU 8.
【００４４】照射方向制御装置７では、車高センサー９
Ｆ、９Ｒについての異常検出は車高センサーからＥＣＵ
８に送出される検出信号レベルの変動幅をＥＣＵ８が常
に監視することによって行われる。The irradiation direction control device 7 includes a vehicle height sensor 9
Abnormality detection for F and 9R is performed by ECU from vehicle height sensor.
This is performed by the ECU 8 constantly monitoring the fluctuation width of the detection signal level sent to the ECU 8.
【００４５】図６及び図７は横軸に時間ｔをとり縦軸に
車高センサーの出力信号レベル（これを「Ｖ」と記
す。）をとってその時間的変化の一例を示すものであ
り、図６が車高センサーの正常な動作時における出力変
化を示し、図７が車高センサーの故障時における出力変
化を示している。FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a temporal change of the time t on the horizontal axis and the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor (this is described as "V") on the vertical axis. 6 shows the output change when the vehicle height sensor operates normally, and FIG. 7 shows the output change when the vehicle height sensor fails.
【００４６】車高センサーが正常に機能している場合に
は、図６から明らかなように信号レベルＶに変動が認め
られるのに対して、車高センサーの故障時には図７に示
すように信号レベルが一定となり変動がほとんどがみら
れなくなる。When the vehicle height sensor is functioning normally, the signal level V fluctuates as is apparent from FIG. 6, whereas when the vehicle height sensor fails, the signal level V changes as shown in FIG. The level becomes constant and almost no fluctuation is observed.
【００４７】よって、信号レベルの変動幅が所定の設定
幅より小さい場合には車高センサーに異常が生じたとの
判定を下すことができ、また、車輌の姿勢が変化した場
合には前部の車軸部と後部の車軸部との間に相関性のあ
る高さ変動（但し、前後の時間差はホィールベースや車
速等により決まる。）が認められることに着目し、ある
車高センサーの出力信号についてレベル変動が小さいの
に対して、残りの車高センサーの出力信号のレベル変動
がある程度大きい場合に、レベル変動の小さな信号を出
力している車高センサーに異常が生じたとの判定を下す
ことができる。Therefore, when the fluctuation width of the signal level is smaller than the predetermined setting width, it can be determined that the vehicle height sensor has failed, and when the posture of the vehicle changes, the front portion of the vehicle can be determined. Focusing on the fact that there is a correlated height change between the axle and the rear axle (however, the time difference before and after is determined by the wheelbase, vehicle speed, etc.), the output signal of a certain vehicle height sensor is noted. If the level fluctuation of the output signal of the remaining vehicle height sensor is large to some extent while the level fluctuation is small, it is possible to determine that the vehicle height sensor that is outputting the signal with the small level fluctuation has an abnormality. it can.
【００４８】例えば、前側の車高センサー９Ｆの出力信
号レベルの変動幅と後側の車高センサー９Ｒの出力信号
レベルの変動幅とを比較することによって両者の変動幅
に大幅な違いが認められる場合に前後どちらかの車高セ
ンサーに異常が生じたものと判断することができる。つ
まり、図６が前側の車高センサー９Ｆの出力信号レベル
の変化を示し、図７が後側の車高センサー９Ｒの出力信
号レベルの変化を示すものとすると、前側の車高センサ
ー９Ｆについての出力信号レベルの変動幅がある程度の
幅を有するのに対して、後側の車高センサー９Ｒについ
ての出力信号レベルの変動幅が小さいため、両者のセン
サーのうちのいずれかに異常が生じたことが分かる。
尚、この場合の注意事項としては、図７に示す信号レベ
ル変化がセンサーの故障を示すと速断することはできな
いことである。これは、自動車が平坦路を姿勢変化なく
走行している場合には車高センサーの出力信号レベルの
変動幅が小さいので、このような状況と車高センサーの
故障時とを区別することができないからである。よっ
て、自動車が平坦路の走行から悪路の走行へと移行する
際のように、前輪が悪路に差しかかっても後輪が未だ平
坦路上にある場合に、後側の車高センサーの出力変動幅
が、前側の車高センサーの出力変動幅ほどには大きくな
いような場合には、後側の車高センサーが正常であるに
もかかわらず異常の判定が下される虞がある。そこで、
この場合には車高センサーの出力信号レベルの変動幅が
所定の設定幅より小さくなっている期間が所定の時間以
上に亘って継続した場合に異常と判定する方法を用いた
り、あるいは、故障の疑いのある車高センサーの出力を
同じ車軸部に対して設けられた別の車高センサーの出力
と比較する方法等を用いることによって解決することが
できる。For example, by comparing the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the front vehicle height sensor 9F with the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R, a large difference is recognized between the two fluctuation widths. In this case, it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred in one of the front and rear vehicle height sensors. That is, assuming that FIG. 6 shows a change in the output signal level of the front vehicle height sensor 9F and FIG. 7 shows a change in the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R, While the output signal level has a certain range of variation, the output signal level of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R has a small range of variation, so that an abnormality has occurred in one of the two sensors. I understand.
As a precaution in this case, if the signal level change shown in FIG. 7 indicates a failure of the sensor, it cannot be quickly stopped. This is because when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road without any change in posture, the fluctuation width of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor is small, and it is not possible to distinguish such a situation from the time of failure of the vehicle height sensor. Because. Therefore, if the rear wheels are still on a flat road even when the front wheels are approaching a rough road, such as when the vehicle shifts from running on a flat road to running on a rough road, the output of the rear vehicle height sensor If the fluctuation width is not as large as the output fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor, an abnormality may be determined even though the rear vehicle height sensor is normal. Therefore,
In this case, a method of determining an abnormality when a period in which the fluctuation range of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor is smaller than the predetermined setting range continues for a predetermined time or more, The problem can be solved by using a method of comparing the output of the suspected vehicle height sensor with the output of another vehicle height sensor provided for the same axle.
【００４９】図８は車高センサー９Ｆ、９Ｒからの出力
信号に基づきこれらについて異常の有無を判定するため
にＥＣＵ８内で行われる処理の流れを示すフローチャー
ト図である。尚、本実施例では、車高センサーの出力信
号レベルの検出において所定の検出時間を設定するとと
もに、出力信号レベルの最大値と最小値を取り出して両
者の差が所定値以下の場合に車高センサーに故障（例え
ば、電源等とのショートや断線等）が生じたものとみな
す方法を用いている。即ち、図６が前方の車軸部に設け
られた車高センサー９Ｆの出力信号のレベル変化を示す
ものとし、ある一定の検出時間（これを「Ｔ」とする）
を設定して、当該検出時間Ｔ内における信号レベルの最
大値を「ＳＦｍａｘ」、その最小値を「ＳＦｍｉｎ」と
し、差「ΔＳＦ」を「ΔＳＦ＝ＳＦｍａｘ−ＳＦｍｉ
ｎ」で定義し、後方の車軸部についても同様に、検出時
間Ｔ内における車高センサー９Ｒの出力信号レベルの最
大値を「ＳＲｍａｘ」、その最小値を「ＳＲｍｉｎ」と
し、差「ΔＳＲ」を「ΔＳＲ＝ＳＲｍａｘ−ＳＲｍｉ
ｎ」で定義するとともに、ΔＳＲや上記ΔＳＦと２つの
基準値（これらを「ＳＡ」、「ＳＢ」と記す。）との間
の大小関係をそれぞれ比較する。尚、前後の車高センサ
ーについての検出時間Ｔの開始タイミングを同じにする
こともできるし、これに対してホィールベースや車速に
応じた時間差を設けても良い。また、検出時間Ｔの長さ
を前後のセンサーについて同じにしても良いし、それぞ
れ異なる長さに設定することもでき、さらに、検出時間
Ｔや基準値ＳＡ、ＳＢを車速（例えば、図５に示すよう
に車速センサー１１による検出信号をＥＣＵ８に入力す
る。）等に応じて変化させても良い。FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the ECU 8 to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality based on output signals from the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R. In the present embodiment, a predetermined detection time is set in detecting the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor, and the maximum value and the minimum value of the output signal level are taken out. A method is used in which a failure (for example, a short-circuit with a power supply or a disconnection) occurs in the sensor. That is, FIG. 6 shows the level change of the output signal of the vehicle height sensor 9F provided on the front axle, and a certain detection time (this is referred to as “T”).
Is set, the maximum value of the signal level within the detection time T is “SFmax”, the minimum value is “SFmin”, and the difference “ΔSF” is “ΔSF = SFmax−SFmi”.
n ", the maximum value of the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor 9R within the detection time T is similarly set to" SRmax ", the minimum value thereof is set to" SRmin ", and the difference" ΔSR " “ΔSR = SRmax−SRmi
n ”, and the magnitude relation between ΔSR or ΔSF and two reference values (these are referred to as“ SA ”and“ SB ”) is compared. The start timing of the detection time T for the front and rear vehicle height sensors can be the same, or a time difference corresponding to the wheel base or the vehicle speed can be provided. Further, the length of the detection time T may be the same for the front and rear sensors, or may be set to different lengths. Further, the detection time T and the reference values SA and SB may be set at the vehicle speed (for example, as shown in FIG. 5). As shown, a detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 11 is input to the ECU 8).
【００５０】図８のステップＳ１では前側の車高センサ
ー９Ｆについての変動幅ΔＳＦと基準値ＳＡとの大小を
比較し、「ΔＳＦ≦ＳＡ」の場合にはステップＳ２に進
み、「ΔＳＦ＞ＳＡ」の場合にはステップＳ７に進む。In step S1 of FIG. 8, the magnitude of the variation width ΔSF of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is compared with the reference value SA. If “ΔSF ≦ SA”, the process proceeds to step S2, where “ΔSF> SA” In the case of, the process proceeds to step S7.
【００５１】ステップＳ２では後側の車高センサー９Ｒ
についての変動幅ΔＳＲと基準値ＳＢとの大小を比較
し、「ΔＳＲ≧ＳＢ」の場合にはステップＳ３に進み、
「ΔＳＲ＜ＳＢ」の場合にはステップＳ４に進む。In step S2, the rear vehicle height sensor 9R
Is compared with the reference value SB, and if “ΔSR ≧ SB”, the process proceeds to step S3.
If “ΔSR <SB”, the process proceeds to step S4.
【００５２】ステップＳ３に到達したということは前側
の車高センサー９Ｆについての変動幅が小さく、かつ後
側の車高センサー９Ｒについての変動幅がある程度大き
い状態を意味しているので、前側の車高センサー９Ｆに
異常が発生した可能性があると判断する。勿論、車高セ
ンサー９Ｆが正常であってかつ前輪が平坦路上にあり、
後輪が悪路上にある状況も可能性として否定できないの
で、所定時間以上に亘ってこのような状態が継続した場
合に前側の車高センサー９Ｆに異常が生じたと判定する
必要がある。The arrival at step S3 means that the fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is small and the fluctuation width of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R is large to some extent. It is determined that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the high sensor 9F. Of course, the height sensor 9F is normal and the front wheels are on a flat road,
Since the situation where the rear wheels are on a rough road cannot be denied as a possibility, it is necessary to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the front vehicle height sensor 9F when such a state continues for a predetermined time or more.
【００５３】ステップＳ４に到達するのは、前後の車高
センサーについての変動幅がともに小さい場合であり、
そのままでは自動車が平坦路を走行しているためにセン
サー出力の変動が少ないのか、あるいは、両センサーに
異常が発生したためにセンサー出力の変動が少ないのか
を区別することができないため、この状態が所定の時間
以上継続したか否かを本ステップＳ４で問い、そうであ
ればステップＳ６に進んで両方のセンサーに異常が生じ
たと判断し、そうでなければステップＳ５に進みセンサ
ーがともに正常であると判断する。尚、車高センサーの
異常によってその出力が正常時に比べて著しく低下する
等の顕著な変化が認められるような場合には、所定時間
の経過を待つことなく、ステップＳ４において異常時の
特徴的な変化がみられるか否かを判断してステップＳ５
又はＳ６に条件分岐すれば良い。The process reaches step S4 when both the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are small.
Since it is not possible to distinguish whether the output of the sensor is small because the car is traveling on a flat road, or if there is an abnormality in both sensors, it is not possible to distinguish whether the change in the sensor output is small. In this step S4, it is inquired whether or not the operation has continued for more than the time, and if so, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in both sensors. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5, where both sensors are normal. to decide. In the case where a remarkable change such as the output of the vehicle height sensor is significantly reduced compared to the normal state due to the abnormality of the vehicle height sensor, the characteristic at the time of abnormality is determined in step S4 without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not there is a change, and step S5 is performed.
Alternatively, a conditional branch may be made to S6.
【００５４】ステップＳ７では後側の車高センサー９Ｒ
についての変動幅ΔＳＲと基準値ＳＡとの大小を比較
し、「ΔＳＲ≦ＳＡ」の場合にはステップＳ８に進み、
「ΔＳＲ＞ＳＡ」の場合にはステップＳ１３に進む。In step S7, the rear vehicle height sensor 9R
Is compared with the reference value SA, and when “ΔSR ≦ SA”, the process proceeds to step S8.
If “ΔSR> SA”, the process proceeds to step S13.
【００５５】ステップＳ８では前側の車高センサー９Ｆ
についての変動幅ΔＳＦと基準値ＳＢとの大小を比較
し、「ΔＳＦ≧ＳＢ」の場合にはステップＳ９に進み、
「ΔＳＦ＜ＳＢ」の場合にはステップＳ１０に進む。In step S8, the front vehicle height sensor 9F
Is compared with the reference value SB, and when “ΔSF ≧ SB”, the process proceeds to step S9.
If “ΔSF <SB”, the process proceeds to step S10.
【００５６】ステップＳ９に到達したということは後側
の車高センサー９Ｒについての変動幅が小さく、かつ前
側の車高センサー９Ｆについての変動幅がある程度大き
い状態を意味しているので、後側の車高センサー９Ｒに
異常が発生した可能性があり、この状態が所定時間以上
に亘って継続した場合に後側の車高センサー９Ｒに異常
が生じたと判定する。Reaching step S9 means that the fluctuation width of the rear vehicle height sensor 9R is small and the fluctuation width of the front vehicle height sensor 9F is large to some extent. There is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height sensor 9R, and if this state has continued for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the rear vehicle height sensor 9R.
【００５７】また、ステップＳ１０に到達するのは、前
後の車高センサーについての変動幅がともに小さい場合
であり、この状態が所定の時間以上継続したか否かを本
ステップで問い、そうであればステップＳ１２に進んで
両方のセンサーに異常が生じたと判断し、そうでなけれ
ばステップＳ１１に進みセンサーがともに正常であると
判断する。尚、車高センサーの異常によってその出力が
正常時に比べて著しく低下する等の顕著な変化が認めら
れるような場合には、所定時間の経過を待つことなく、
ステップＳ１０から直ちにステップＳ１１又はＳ１２に
条件分岐することができる。The process reaches step S10 when both the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are small. It is asked in this step whether or not this state has continued for a predetermined time or longer. For example, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in both sensors. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11, where it is determined that both sensors are normal. If a noticeable change such as a decrease in the output of the vehicle height sensor due to an abnormality in the vehicle height sensor is observed, the waiting time does not have to be passed for a predetermined time.
It is possible to immediately branch from step S10 to step S11 or S12.
【００５８】ステップＳ１３への到達は、前後の車高セ
ンサーについての変動幅がともにある程度大きい場合で
あり、よってこの場合には両センサーが正常に機能して
いるという判断を下す。The arrival at step S13 is when the fluctuation widths of the front and rear vehicle height sensors are both large to some extent, and in this case, it is determined that both sensors are functioning normally.
【００５９】ステップＳ１４及びステップＳ１５は、車
高センサーに係る異常判定後の処理を示しており、ステ
ップＳ５、Ｓ１１、Ｓ１３において車高センサーが正常
に機能していると判断された場合にはステップＳ１５に
進み、ＥＣＵ８内において車高センサー９Ｆ、９Ｒから
の検出信号に基づいて車輌のピッチング角の算出計算が
行われるとともに、算出されたピッチング角と同じ角度
であってピッチング角の変化方向とは逆方向の補正角を
もって灯具の照射方向を変化させるための補正信号が求
められ、これが駆動部１０、１０′にそれぞれ送出され
ることによって灯具又はその構成部材が駆動される。Steps S14 and S15 show the processing after the abnormality determination relating to the vehicle height sensor. If it is determined in steps S5, S11 and S13 that the vehicle height sensor is functioning normally, step S15 is executed. Proceeding to S15, the calculation of the pitching angle of the vehicle is performed in the ECU 8 based on the detection signals from the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R, and the pitching angle is the same as the calculated pitching angle and the direction in which the pitching angle changes is A correction signal for changing the irradiation direction of the lamp with a correction angle in the opposite direction is obtained, and the correction signal is sent to the driving units 10 and 10 ′, whereby the lamp or its components are driven.
【００６０】また、ステップＳ３、Ｓ６、Ｓ９、Ｓ１２
において車高センサー９Ｆ、９Ｒの一方又は両方に異常
が生じたと判断された場合にはステップＳ１４に進み、
ＥＣＵ８から駆動部１０、１０′に送出される信号によ
って灯具又はその構成部材が駆動されて灯具の照射方向
が所定方向を向くように規定される（前記した方法ｉ）
参照。）。Steps S3, S6, S9, S12
If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in one or both of the vehicle height sensors 9F and 9R, the process proceeds to step S14,
A lamp or a component thereof is driven by a signal transmitted from the ECU 8 to the driving units 10 and 10 ', and the irradiation direction of the lamp is defined so as to be directed in a predetermined direction (the method i described above).
reference. ).
【００６１】尚、本実施例では車輌前後の車軸部に対し
て車高センサーが１個ずつ設けられているが、前後の車
軸部に対してそれぞれ複数の車高センサーを設けるよう
にした構成に拡張することは容易である。In this embodiment, one vehicle height sensor is provided for each of the front and rear axles, but a plurality of vehicle height sensors are provided for each of the front and rear axles. It is easy to extend.
【００６２】例えば、全輪に対して車高センサーが設け
られている場合には、図９の照射方向制御装置１２に示
すように、４つの車高センサー９ＦＲ、９ＦＬ、９Ｒ
Ｒ、９ＲＬの出力信号がＥＣＵ８に入力される。尚、車
高センサー９ＦＲ、９ＦＬは自動車の前輪に対して設け
られたセンサーであり、９ＦＲが右輪に対するセンサ
ー、９ＦＬが左輪に対するセンサーである。また、車高
センサー９ＲＲ、９ＲＬは自動車の後輪に対して設けら
れたセンサーであり、９ＲＲが右輪に対するセンサー、
９ＲＬが左輪に対するセンサーである。For example, when vehicle height sensors are provided for all the wheels, four vehicle height sensors 9FR, 9FL, 9R are provided as shown in the irradiation direction control device 12 of FIG.
Output signals of R and 9RL are input to the ECU 8. The vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9FL are sensors provided for the front wheels of the vehicle, 9FR is a sensor for the right wheel, and 9FL is a sensor for the left wheel. The vehicle height sensors 9RR and 9RL are sensors provided for the rear wheels of the vehicle, and 9RR is a sensor for the right wheel.
9RL is a sensor for the left wheel.
【００６３】これらの車高センサーについての異常判定
方法については上記した方法を容易に一般化することが
できる。即ち、ある車高センサーの出力信号レベルＳＸ
Ｙ（ＸはＦ又はＲ、ＹはＬ又はＲである。）について検
出時間Ｔ内の最大値ＳＸＹｍａｘと最小値ＳＸＹｍｉｎ
との差ΔＳＸＹを求め、これと基準値ＳＡとを比較し、
ΔＳＸＹ≦ＳＡの場合には、残りの３つの車高センサー
の出力信号レベルＳｘｙ（ｘはＦ又はＲ、ｙはＬ又はＲ
であり、ｘ≠Ｘまたはｙ≠Ｙである。）の全てについて
検出時間Ｔ内の最大値Ｓｘｙｍａｘと最小値Ｓｘｙｍｉ
ｎとの差ΔＳｘｙを求めてこれを基準値ＳＢと比較す
る。そして、ΔＳＸＹ≦ＳＡであって、残り３つの車高
センサーについてΔＳｘｙ≧ＳＢが成立する場合には、
ＳＸＹに係る車高センサーの出力信号のレベル変動幅だ
けが他の３つの車高センサーの出力信号のレベル変動幅
に比して小さいことからＳＸＹに係る車高センサーに異
常が生じたものと判断する。また、ΔＳＸＹ＞ＳＡの場
合には残りの車高センサーを特定（つまりＸ、Ｙを変更
する。）して信号レベルＳＸＹについて上記と同様の処
理を行えば良い。The above-described method can be easily generalized as a method of determining an abnormality for these vehicle height sensors. That is, the output signal level SX of a certain vehicle height sensor
For Y (X is F or R, Y is L or R), the maximum value SXYmax and the minimum value SXYmin within the detection time T
Is obtained, and this is compared with a reference value SA.
When ΔSXY ≦ SA, the output signal levels Sxy of the remaining three vehicle height sensors (x is F or R, y is L or R
And x ≠ X or y ≠ Y. ), The maximum value Sxymax and the minimum value Sxymi within the detection time T.
The difference ΔSxy from n is obtained and compared with a reference value SB. Then, if ΔSXY ≦ SA and ΔSxy ≧ SB holds for the remaining three vehicle height sensors,
Since only the level fluctuation width of the output signal of the vehicle height sensor relating to SXY is smaller than the level fluctuation width of the output signals of the other three vehicle height sensors, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height sensor relating to SXY. I do. When ΔSXY> SA, the remaining vehicle height sensor may be specified (that is, X and Y are changed) and the same processing as described above may be performed for the signal level SXY.
【００６４】そして、照射方向制御装置１２において、
４つの車高センサーが全て正常に機能している場合に
は、図９に示すように、車高センサー９ＦＲ及び９ＦＬ
の出力信号がＥＣＵ８内の平均計算部８ａに送出されて
両者の信号レベルが平均化された後これがピッチング角
計算部８ｃに送られる。また、車高センサー９ＲＲ及び
９ＲＬの出力信号がＥＣＵ８内の平均計算部８ｂに送出
されて両者の信号レベルが平均化された後これがピッチ
ング角計算部８ｃに送られる。Then, in the irradiation direction control device 12,
When all four vehicle height sensors are functioning normally, as shown in FIG. 9, vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9FL
Is sent to the average calculation unit 8a in the ECU 8, and the signal levels of both are averaged, and then sent to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c. The output signals of the vehicle height sensors 9RR and 9RL are sent to an averaging calculator 8b in the ECU 8, and their signal levels are averaged, and then sent to a pitching angle calculator 8c.
【００６５】ピッチング角計算部８ｃでは、平均計算部
８ａ、８ｂからの情報と自動車のホィールベースに基づ
いてピッチング角が求められ、これが補正角計算部８ｄ
に送られると、灯具の照射方向を所定方向に保つための
補正角が算出され、補正角に応じた補正信号が駆動部１
０、１０′のモータ駆動回路１０ｃ、１０′ｃにそれぞ
れ送出されてモータ１０ａ、１０′ａの駆動により灯具
の照射方向制御が行われる。The pitching angle calculator 8c calculates the pitching angle based on the information from the average calculators 8a and 8b and the wheelbase of the vehicle, and calculates the pitching angle based on the information.
, A correction angle for maintaining the illumination direction of the lamp in a predetermined direction is calculated, and a correction signal corresponding to the correction angle is output to the driving unit 1.
The illumination direction of the lamp is controlled by driving the motors 10a and 10'a to the motor driving circuits 10c and 10'c respectively.
【００６６】尚、平均計算部８ａ及び８ｂ、ピッチング
角計算部８ｃ、補正角計算部８ｄは、ＥＣＵ８内の処理
機能をブロック図により視覚化して示すものであり、こ
れらはプログラム処理によって実現される。The average calculation units 8a and 8b, the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, and the correction angle calculation unit 8d visualize and show the processing functions in the ECU 8 by a block diagram, and are realized by program processing. .
【００６７】このような照射方向に係る補正制御は、車
高センサー９ＦＬ、９ＦＲのうちの少なくとも一方が正
常に機能し、かつ、車高センサー９ＲＬ、９ＲＲのうち
の少なくとも一方が正常に機能している限り行われる。
但し、一方の車高センサーに異常が生じた場合に出力信
号レベルについての平均化処理を行うことは、不確かな
情報の混入を許すことになるので正常に機能している方
の車高センサーの出力信号レベルをそのまま採用する。In such correction control regarding the irradiation direction, at least one of the vehicle height sensors 9FL and 9FR functions normally, and at least one of the vehicle height sensors 9RL and 9RR functions normally. As long as there is.
However, averaging the output signal level when an abnormality occurs in one of the vehicle height sensors allows the incorporation of uncertain information. Use the output signal level as it is.
【００６８】例えば、図１０に示すように、左側後輪に
係る車高センサー９ＲＬに異常が生じた場合には、車高
センサー９ＲＲの出力信号がピッチング角計算部８ｃに
直接送出され、正常な車高センサー９ＦＬ、９ＦＲにつ
いてはこれらの出力信号が平均計算部８ａに送出され
る。For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle height sensor 9RL related to the left rear wheel, the output signal of the vehicle height sensor 9RR is directly sent to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, and the normal signal is output. The output signals of the vehicle height sensors 9FL and 9FR are sent to the average calculation unit 8a.
【００６９】また、図１１に示すように、右側前輪に係
る車高センサー９ＦＲ及び左側の後輪に係る車高センサ
ー９ＲＬに異常が生じた場合には、車高センサー９Ｆ
Ｌ、９ＲＲの出力信号がそれぞれピッチング角計算部８
ｃに直接送出される。尚、図１０や図１１において車高
センサー９ＦＲ、９ＲＬに係る枠から右方に延びる線分
に付された「×」印は、これらの車高センサーに異常が
生じたことを意味するものであって、車高センサーの出
力信号がＥＣＵ８に入力されないことを意味するもので
はないことに注意を要する。As shown in FIG. 11, when the vehicle height sensor 9FR for the right front wheel and the vehicle height sensor 9RL for the left rear wheel become abnormal, the vehicle height sensor 9F
The output signals of L and 9RR are respectively output to the pitching angle
c directly. In FIGS. 10 and 11, a mark “x” attached to a line segment extending rightward from the frame relating to the vehicle height sensors 9FR and 9RL means that an abnormality has occurred in these vehicle height sensors. It should be noted that this does not mean that the output signal of the vehicle height sensor is not input to the ECU 8.
【００７０】車高センサー９ＦＲ、９ＦＬの両方又は９
ＲＲ、９ＲＬの両方に異常が生じた場合には、ピッチン
グ角計算部８ｃに有用な情報が入力されないので、ピッ
チング角計算部８ｃがその旨を補正角計算部８ｄに通知
し、補正角計算部８ｄから駆動部１０、１０′に送出さ
れる信号によって灯具の照射方向が予め決められた方向
を向くように規定され、照射方向が固定される。[0070] Vehicle height sensor 9FR, 9FL both or 9
If both RR and 9RL are abnormal, useful information is not input to the pitching angle calculation unit 8c, so the pitching angle calculation unit 8c notifies the correction angle calculation unit 8d of the fact, and the correction angle calculation unit The irradiation direction of the lamp is defined by a signal transmitted from 8d to the driving units 10, 10 'so as to be directed in a predetermined direction, and the irradiation direction is fixed.
【００７１】[0071]
【発明の効果】以上に記載したところから明らかなよう
に、請求項１に係る発明によれば、異常検出手段により
車輌姿勢検出手段の異常が検出された場合には、灯具の
照射方向が所定方向を向くように規定し又は灯具の照射
方向を所定範囲内に制限することによって、異常発生時
に灯具の照射方向が不特定な方向を向かないように制御
されるので、対向車等への眩惑を防止することができ
る。As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality of the vehicle attitude detecting means, the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed. By stipulating the lighting direction or limiting the lighting direction of the lamp within a predetermined range, the lighting direction of the lamp is controlled so that it does not point in an unspecified direction when an abnormality occurs, so dazzling to oncoming vehicles etc. Can be prevented.
【００７２】請求項２に係る発明によれば、補正計算手
段が車輌姿勢検出手段の出力信号に基づいて当該車輌姿
勢検出手段に異常が生じたか否かの判断を下すことがで
きるので車輌姿勢検出手段に対して別段の異常検出手段
を設ける必要がない。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the correction calculating means can determine whether or not the vehicle attitude detecting means has an abnormality based on the output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means. There is no need to provide a separate abnormality detecting means for the means.
【００７３】請求項３に係る発明によれば、車輌姿勢検
出手段による検出信号の変動幅が所定の範囲内であり、
かつこの状態が所定時間以上に亘って継続した場合に当
該車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が生じたものと判断すること
で、車輌の姿勢が安定している場合に車輌姿勢検出手段
の検出信号の変動幅が小さい状況を当該車輌姿勢検出手
段の異常時であると誤認することが少なくなる。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the fluctuation range of the detection signal by the vehicle attitude detecting means is within a predetermined range,
If this state continues for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means, and the detection signal fluctuation of the vehicle attitude detecting means when the vehicle attitude is stable is determined. It is less likely that a situation where the width is small is erroneously recognized as an abnormal time of the vehicle posture detecting means.
【００７４】請求項４や請求項５に係る発明によれば、
車輌姿勢検出手段が車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ設けら
れた複数の車高検出手段からなる場合において、車輌前
部又は後部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の全てに
ついて異常が生じるまでは灯具の照射方向制御を極力続
行することで車輌走行の安全性を保証することができ
る。According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention,
In the case where the vehicle attitude detecting means comprises a plurality of vehicle height detecting means provided on the front and rear axles, respectively, until all the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle become abnormal. By continuing to control the illumination direction of the lamp as much as possible, it is possible to guarantee the safety of running the vehicle.
【００７５】請求項６や請求項７に係る発明によれば、
ある車高検出手段について異常の疑いがある場合にその
出力信号を、他の車高検出手段の出力信号と比べること
によって当該車高検出手段に異常が生じたか否かを判断
することができるので、車輌姿勢に関する総合的な状況
判断に基づいてより正確な異常判定を下すことができ
る。尚、請求項７に係る発明によれば、車高検出手段の
出力信号の変動幅を所定値と比較することによって判定
処理の簡素化を図ることができる。According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention,
When an abnormality is suspected for a certain vehicle height detecting means, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height detecting means by comparing the output signal with the output signal of another vehicle height detecting means. In addition, it is possible to make a more accurate abnormality determination based on a comprehensive situation determination regarding the vehicle attitude. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the determination process can be simplified by comparing the fluctuation range of the output signal of the vehicle height detecting means with a predetermined value.
【図１】本発明に係る車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置の
構成について説明するためのブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of an irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to the present invention.
【図２】車高検出手段について説明するための車輌の概
略図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle for explaining a vehicle height detecting means.
【図３】車輌姿勢検出手段の異常時に灯具の照射範囲を
所定範囲に狭める方法について説明するための概略図で
ある。FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of narrowing the irradiation range of the lamp to a predetermined range when the vehicle posture detecting means is abnormal.
【図４】車輌姿勢検出手段の異常時に灯具の照射範囲を
所定範囲に狭めるとともに照射方向の上限を規制する方
法について説明するための概略図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of narrowing the irradiation range of the lamp to a predetermined range and restricting the upper limit of the irradiation direction when the vehicle posture detecting means is abnormal.
【図５】図６乃至図１１とともに本発明の実施の一例を
示すもので、本図は回路ブロック図である。FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention together with FIGS. 6 to 11, and is a circuit block diagram.
【図６】図７とともに車高センサーの出力信号レベルに
ついての時間的変化を概略的に示すグラフ図であり、本
図は車高検出手段の正常時におけるレベル変化の一例を
示す。6 is a graph schematically showing a temporal change in the output signal level of the vehicle height sensor together with FIG. 7, and this figure shows an example of a level change when the vehicle height detecting means is normal.
【図７】車高センサーの異常時におけるレベル変化の一
例を示す。FIG. 7 shows an example of a level change when a vehicle height sensor is abnormal.
【図８】制御の流れを示すフローチャート図である。FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control flow.
【図９】図１０及び図１１とともに自動車の全車輪に対
してそれぞれ車高センサーが設けられている場合の装置
構成の要部を示すものであり、本図は４つの車高センサ
ーが正常に機能している場合の制御について説明するた
めの要部のブロック図である。9 and FIG. 9 together with FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the main parts of the device configuration in the case where a vehicle height sensor is provided for all the wheels of the vehicle, and FIG. It is a block diagram of an important section for explaining control in the case of functioning.
【図１０】左側の後輪に対して設けられた車高センサー
に異常が生じた場合の制御について説明するための要部
のブロック図である。FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a main part for describing control when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle height sensor provided for a left rear wheel.
【図１１】右側の前輪及び左側の後輪に対して設けられ
た車高センサーに異常が生じた場合の制御について説明
するための要部のブロック図である。FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a main part for describing control when an abnormality occurs in a vehicle height sensor provided for the right front wheel and the left rear wheel.
１…照射方向制御装置、２…補正計算手段、３…車輌姿
勢検出手段、３ａ…車高検出手段、４…異常検出手段、
５…駆動手段、６…車輌用灯具、９Ｆ、９Ｒ、９ＦＲ、
９ＦＬ、９ＲＲ、９ＲＬ…車高センサー（車高検出手
段）、１０、１０′…駆動部（駆動手段）DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Irradiation direction control device, 2 ... Correction calculation means, 3 ... Vehicle attitude detection means, 3a ... Vehicle height detection means, 4 ... Abnormality detection means,
5 ... drive means, 6 ... vehicle lamp, 9F, 9R, 9FR,
9FL, 9RR, 9RL ... vehicle height sensor (vehicle height detecting means), 10, 10 '... driving unit (driving means)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 特開 平７−17321（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平７−17322（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開 平７−17323（ＪＰ，Ａ) 独国特許出願公開4441493（ＤＥ，Ａ １) 独国特許出願公開4311669（ＤＥ，Ａ １) 欧州特許出願公開554663（ＥＰ，Ａ ２) 欧州特許出願公開355539（ＥＰ，Ａ ２) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.7，ＤＢ名) B60Q 1/115 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-7-17321 (JP, A) JP-A-7-17322 (JP, A) JP-A-7-17323 (JP, A) German patent application published 4441493 (DE, A1) DE 43 11 669 (DE, A 1) EP 554663 (EP, A 2) EP 355539 (EP, A 2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. 7 , DB name) B60Q 1/115
Claims (7)
出手段と、灯具の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための駆
動手段と、車輌姿勢検出手段からの信号に応じて灯具の
照射光を所定の方向に保つための補正計算を行って駆動
手段に補正信号を送出する補正計算手段と、車輌姿勢検
出手段に異常が生じたことを検出する異常検出手段とを
備えた車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置であって、 異常検出手段によって車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が生じた
ことが検出された場合に補正計算手段から駆動手段に送
出される補正信号により灯具の照射方向が所定の方向を
向くように固定され又は所定の範囲内に規制されるよう
にしたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装
置。1. A vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of a vehicle, a driving means for directing irradiation light of a lamp in a desired direction, and an irradiation light of a lamp in response to a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means. Irradiation of a vehicle lamp equipped with a correction calculating means for performing a correction calculation for maintaining a predetermined direction and sending a correction signal to the driving means, and an abnormality detecting means for detecting that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means. A direction control device, wherein the illumination direction of the lamp is directed to a predetermined direction by a correction signal sent from the correction calculation unit to the driving unit when the abnormality detection unit detects that the vehicle posture detection unit has failed. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction control device is fixed or regulated within a predetermined range.
出手段と、灯具の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための駆
動手段と、車輌姿勢検出手段からの信号に応じて灯具の
照射光を所定の方向に保つための補正計算を行って駆動
手段に補正信号を送出する補正計算手段とを備えた車輌
用灯具の照射方向制御装置において、 補正計算手段が車輌姿勢検出手段の出力信号を受けてそ
のレベル又は変動幅から当該車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が
生じたと判断した場合に、補正計算手段から駆動手段に
送出される補正信号により灯具の照射方向が所定の方向
を向くように固定され又は所定の範囲内に規制されるよ
うにしたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装
置。2. A vehicle attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of the vehicle, a driving means for directing the illumination light of the lamp in a desired direction, and an illumination light of the lamp in response to a signal from the vehicle attitude detecting means. A correction calculating means for performing a correction calculation for maintaining the predetermined direction and transmitting a correction signal to the driving means, wherein the correction calculating means receives an output signal of the vehicle attitude detecting means. When it is determined from the level or the fluctuation range that the vehicle posture detecting means has an abnormality, the illumination direction of the lamp is fixed so as to be directed in a predetermined direction by a correction signal sent from the correction calculating means to the driving means, or An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction control device is controlled to be within a predetermined range.
制御装置において、 車輌姿勢検出手段による検出信号の変動幅が所定の範囲
内であり、かつこの状態が所定時間以上に亘って継続し
た場合に当該車輌姿勢検出手段に異常が生じたと補正計
算手段が判断することを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方
向制御装置。3. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein a fluctuation width of a detection signal by the vehicle posture detecting means is within a predetermined range, and this state continues for a predetermined time or more. An illumination direction control device for a vehicular lamp, wherein the correction calculating means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle attitude detecting means in the event that the vehicle attitude detecting means has failed.
の車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置において、 車輌姿勢検出手段が車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ設けら
れた複数の車高検出手段からなり、 車輌前部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の全て又は
車輌後部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の全てにつ
いて異常が生じたことが検出された場合に、補正計算手
段から駆動手段に送出される補正信号により灯具の照射
方向が所定の方向を向くように固定され又は所定の範囲
内に規制されるようにしたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具
の照射方向制御装置。4. The vehicle lighting direction control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle attitude detecting means is provided on a plurality of vehicle height detecting means provided on front and rear axles, respectively. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the axle portion at the front of the vehicle or all of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the axle portion at the rear of the vehicle, the correction calculation is performed. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the irradiation direction of the lamp is fixed or regulated within a predetermined range by a correction signal sent from the means to the driving means. .
制御装置において、 車輌前部又は後部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の
うち異常が生じたことが検出されないものが１個だけに
なった場合には当該車高検出手段による検出値を車輌前
部又は後部の車軸部に係る車高検出値として用い、 車輌前部又は後部の車軸部に設けられた車高検出手段の
うち異常が生じたことが検出されないものが複数の場合
にはこれらの車高検出手段による検出値についての平均
値を車輌前部又は後部の車軸部に係る車高検出値として
用いることを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装
置。5. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein one of the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle of the vehicle, which does not detect that an abnormality has occurred, is provided. In the case where only the number of the vehicle is detected, the value detected by the vehicle height detecting means is used as the vehicle height detected value relating to the front or rear axle, and the vehicle height detecting means provided on the front or rear axle is provided. In the case where there are a plurality of vehicles in which the occurrence of an abnormality is not detected, an average value of the detected values by these vehicle height detecting means is used as a vehicle height detected value relating to the front or rear axle. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp.
具の照射方向制御装置において、 ある車高検出手段の出力信号を、他の複数の車高検出手
段の出力信号と比べたときに相関性が低い場合に当該車
高検出手段に異常が生じたと異常検出手段又は補正計算
手段が判断することを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向
制御装置。6. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein an output signal of a certain vehicle height detecting means is compared with output signals of a plurality of other vehicle height detecting means. An illumination direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the abnormality detection means or the correction calculation means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle height detection means when the correlation is low.
制御装置において、 ある車高検出手段についてその出力信号の変動幅が小さ
いために異常の疑いがある場合に、残り全て若しくは複
数の車高検出手段の出力信号について所定時間における
それぞれの変動幅を所定値と比較し、これらの変動幅が
所定値以上である場合に上記異常の疑いのある車高検出
手段に異常が生じたものと異常検出手段又は補正計算手
段が判断することを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制
御装置。7. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein when a certain height of the vehicle height detection means is suspected to be abnormal due to a small fluctuation range of an output signal, all or a plurality of the remaining vehicle height detection means are provided. The output signal of the vehicle height detecting means is compared with a predetermined value for each fluctuation width in a predetermined time, and if the fluctuation widths are equal to or more than a predetermined value, the abnormality is detected in the suspected height detection means. And an abnormality detecting means or a correction calculating means.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP08157384A JP3128615B2 (en) | 1996-05-30 | 1996-05-30 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
| DE1997122717 DE19722717C2 (en) | 1996-05-30 | 1997-05-30 | Beam direction control device for a vehicle lamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP08157384A JP3128615B2 (en) | 1996-05-30 | 1996-05-30 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH09315213A JPH09315213A (en) | 1997-12-09 |
| JP3128615B2 true JP3128615B2 (en) | 2001-01-29 |
Family
ID=15648475
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP08157384A Expired - Fee Related JP3128615B2 (en) | 1996-05-30 | 1996-05-30 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3128615B2 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19722717C2 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3518362B2 (en) * | 1998-01-06 | 2004-04-12 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Vehicle pitch angle calculation device |
| JPH11211455A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 1999-08-06 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Arithmetic device for vehicle pitching angle |
| JP3721013B2 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2005-11-30 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Auto-leveling device for automotive headlamps |
| DE19947408C2 (en) * | 1999-10-01 | 2001-10-31 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Headlight range control system for motor vehicles |
| DE19949896C1 (en) * | 1999-10-15 | 2001-01-18 | Lear Automotive Electronics Gm | Parallel stepping motors monitoring method evaluates voltages supplied to coil pairs of stepping motors during test phase for providing automatic cut-out command upon indication of fault condition |
| DE10054606A1 (en) * | 2000-11-04 | 2002-05-08 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | Method and device for headlight range control of the headlights of a motor vehicle |
| JP3643315B2 (en) * | 2001-05-07 | 2005-04-27 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle lighting device |
| JP3687741B2 (en) | 2001-05-07 | 2005-08-24 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle lighting device |
| JP2003127754A (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2003-05-08 | Mitsubishi Motors Corp | Optical axis adjusting device of headlamp for vehicle |
| JP4130345B2 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2008-08-06 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp device |
| JP4087201B2 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2008-05-21 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Optical axis position setting method for vehicle headlamp device |
| JP2004276824A (en) * | 2003-03-18 | 2004-10-07 | Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp | Optical axis adjustment device of head lamp for vehicle |
| JP2004276825A (en) * | 2003-03-18 | 2004-10-07 | Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp | Optical axis adjustment device of head lamp for vehicle |
| FR2862582B1 (en) * | 2003-11-25 | 2006-02-24 | Valeo Vision | INSTALLATION OF PROJECTORS ON A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE INSTALLATION |
| JP4356935B2 (en) * | 2004-12-08 | 2009-11-04 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle headlamp |
| JP4717614B2 (en) * | 2005-12-06 | 2011-07-06 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Leveling device for vehicle lamp |
| JP4501894B2 (en) * | 2006-05-12 | 2010-07-14 | 株式会社デンソー | Vehicle headlight optical axis adjustment device |
| DE102007020327B4 (en) | 2007-04-30 | 2023-02-02 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Method for controlling a headlight in motor vehicles with automatic headlight range control |
| DE102007051272A1 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2009-04-30 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Device for controlling and / or regulating the activation or deactivation of the automatic adjustment of the cut-off line of a motor vehicle headlight or the switching on or off of the high beam in motor vehicle headlights |
| JP2009162690A (en) * | 2008-01-09 | 2009-07-23 | Denso Corp | Failure determination apparatus and light controller |
| JP4715878B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2011-07-06 | 株式会社デンソー | LIGHT CONTROL DEVICE AND LIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM |
| JP5067305B2 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2012-11-07 | 株式会社デンソー | Operation amount specifying device, leveling control device, and program |
| JP4986173B2 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2012-07-25 | オムロンオートモーティブエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Auto-leveling device and auto-leveling method |
| JP5387145B2 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2014-01-15 | パナソニック株式会社 | Cogeneration apparatus and method of operating cogeneration apparatus |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3827983C1 (en) * | 1988-08-18 | 1990-02-01 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co, 4780 Lippstadt, De | |
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| JP3128606B2 (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 2001-01-29 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
| JP3128610B2 (en) * | 1996-02-01 | 2001-01-29 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
| JP3128609B2 (en) * | 1996-02-01 | 2001-01-29 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Illumination direction control device for vehicle lighting |
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1996
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1997
- 1997-05-30 DE DE1997122717 patent/DE19722717C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| DE4311669A1 (en) | 1993-04-08 | 1994-10-13 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for adjusting vehicle headlamps |
| DE4441493A1 (en) | 1994-11-22 | 1996-05-23 | Cms Mikrosysteme Gmbh Chemnitz | Multiple part mechanical system components position detecting and correcting device e.g. for automatic alignment of vehicle headlights |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH09315213A (en) | 1997-12-09 |
| DE19722717C2 (en) | 1999-12-02 |
| DE19722717A1 (en) | 1997-12-11 |
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