JPH10226271A - Illuminating direction control device for vehicular lamp - Google Patents
Illuminating direction control device for vehicular lampInfo
- Publication number
- JPH10226271A JPH10226271A JP3367197A JP3367197A JPH10226271A JP H10226271 A JPH10226271 A JP H10226271A JP 3367197 A JP3367197 A JP 3367197A JP 3367197 A JP3367197 A JP 3367197A JP H10226271 A JPH10226271 A JP H10226271A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- attitude
- lamp
- irradiation direction
- detecting means
- 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.)
- Granted
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
- 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
- B60Q2300/116—Vehicle at a stop
Landscapes
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、車輌の前輪又は後
輪の車軸部に対してその高さ変化を検出する車高検出手
段を設け、車輌の姿勢変化に応じて車輌用灯具の照射方
向の制御を行うようにした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 provides a vehicle height detecting means for detecting a change in the height of an axle portion of a front wheel or a rear wheel of a vehicle. The present invention relates to an irradiation direction control device for a vehicular lamp that performs the above control.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】車輌の姿勢変化によって車輌に付設され
た灯具の照射光の向きが一定しなくなるのを防止するた
めに、車輌の走行姿勢の変化に対して、当該変化を打ち
消すように灯具の照射方向を常時補正する装置（所謂オ
ートレベリング装置）が知られている。2. Description of the Related Art In order to prevent the direction of light emitted from a lamp attached to a vehicle from becoming unstable due to a change in the posture of the vehicle, a change in the running posture of the vehicle is made so as to cancel the change. A device that constantly corrects the irradiation direction (a so-called auto-leveling device) is known.
【０００３】例えば、車輌の前輪及び後輪の車軸部にそ
れぞれ付設された車高検出手段（車高センサー等）によ
って得られる検出信号に基づいて、車輌のピッチング角
（あるいはピッチ角）の変化を求め、これに応じて灯具
の照射方向を制御するようにした装置がある。For example, a change in the pitching angle (or pitch angle) of a vehicle is determined based on detection signals obtained by vehicle height detection means (vehicle height sensors and the like) attached to the axles of the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. There is a device that controls the irradiation direction of the lamp in response to the request.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、上記の装置
にあっては、車輌の前後輪の車軸部に対してそれぞれ１
個の車高検出手段を必要とするため、その配置スペース
の確保やコストの点で問題がある。By the way, in the above-mentioned device, each of the axles of the front and rear wheels of the vehicle has one position.
Since the individual vehicle height detecting means is required, there is a problem in securing the arrangement space and cost.
【０００５】即ち、上記の装置では車輌前後の各車輪の
車軸部に少なくとも１個以上の車高検出手段が必要とな
るが、車輌によってはその前輪の車軸部において車高セ
ンサーを取り付ける場所を確保することができない場合
がある。また、複数の車高検出手段を車輌に付設するこ
とは部品点数の増加をもたらし、コスト高の問題や取付
作業に時間がかかるといった問題を惹き起こす。That is, in the above-mentioned apparatus, at least one or more vehicle height detecting means is required at the axle portion of each wheel before and after the vehicle, but depending on the vehicle, a place for mounting the vehicle height sensor at the axle portion of the front wheel is secured. May not be possible. In addition, attaching a plurality of vehicle height detecting means to the vehicle causes an increase in the number of parts, and causes problems such as a high cost and a long time for mounting work.
【０００６】そして、車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ付設
される車高検出手段の一方のものが故障等によって機能
しなくなった場合には、車輌の姿勢を知ることが不可能
になってしまい、灯具の照射方向が定まらなくなるとい
った不都合が生じる。If one of the vehicle height detecting means attached to the front and rear axles of the vehicle does not function due to a failure or the like, it becomes impossible to know the posture of the vehicle, and the lighting fixture is not lit. However, there arises a problem that the irradiation direction cannot be determined.
【０００７】本発明は、車輌の前輪又は後輪のうちの一
方の車軸部に対して車高検出手段を設けるだけで車輌の
姿勢変化に応じた灯具の照射方向制御を行うことができ
るようにすることを課題とする。According to the present invention, the illumination direction of the lamp can be controlled in accordance with a change in the attitude of the vehicle only by providing a vehicle height detecting means for one of the axles of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the vehicle. The task is to
【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、車輌の前輪又は後輪の車軸部の高さ変
化を検出するための車高検出手段と、灯具の照射光を所
望の方向に向けるための駆動手段と、車高検出手段の検
出信号に基づいて車輌の停車姿勢を算出するとともに、
該停車姿勢に基づいて車輌の走行姿勢と車高検出手段の
検出信号との間の相関関係を規定し、かつ車高検出手段
の検出信号から車輌の走行姿勢を算出する車輌姿勢算出
手段と、車輌姿勢算出手段からの信号に応じて灯具の照
射方向を補正するための信号を駆動手段に送出する照射
制御手段とを設けたものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle height detecting means for detecting a change in the height of an axle of a front wheel or a rear wheel of a vehicle, and a lighting device for illuminating light. Driving means for directing in a desired direction, and calculating the stopping posture of the vehicle based on the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means,
Vehicle attitude calculating means for defining a correlation between the running attitude of the vehicle and the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means based on the stopping attitude, and calculating the running attitude of the vehicle from the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means, And an irradiation control unit for transmitting a signal for correcting the irradiation direction of the lamp to the driving unit in accordance with a signal from the vehicle posture calculation unit.
【０００９】従って、本発明によれば、車輌の停車姿勢
に基づいて車輌の走行姿勢と車高検出手段の検出信号と
の間の相関関係を規定することによって、車高検出手段
の検出信号から車輌の走行姿勢を算出してこれに応じて
灯具の照射方向を制御することができ、そのために車輌
の前輪及び後輪のそれぞれの車軸部に車高検出手段を設
ける必要がない。Therefore, according to the present invention, by defining the correlation between the running attitude of the vehicle and the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means based on the stopping attitude of the vehicle, the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means can be obtained. It is possible to calculate the running posture of the vehicle and control the irradiation direction of the lamp in accordance with the calculated posture. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a vehicle height detecting means at each axle of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the vehicle.
【００１０】[0010]
【発明の実施の形態】図１は、本発明に係る車輌用灯具
の照射方向制御装置の基本構成を示すものである。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a lighting direction control apparatus for a vehicle lamp according to the present invention.
【００１１】照射方向制御装置１は、車高検出手段２、
車輌姿勢算出手段３、照射制御手段４、駆動手段５を備
えている。そして、照射制御手段４によって駆動手段５
を介して照射方向が制御される灯具６には、例えば、自
動車用灯具の場合、ヘッドランプ、フォッグランプ、コ
ーナリングランプ等が挙げられる。The irradiation direction control device 1 comprises a vehicle height detecting means 2,
The vehicle includes a vehicle attitude calculation unit 3, an irradiation control unit 4, and a driving unit 5. The driving means 5 is controlled by the irradiation control means 4.
As the lamp 6 whose irradiation direction is controlled via the LED, for example, in the case of an automobile lamp, a head lamp, a fog lamp, a cornering lamp, and the like are exemplified.
【００１２】車高検出手段２は、車輌の前輪又は後輪の
車軸部の高さ変化を検出するために設けられており、そ
の検出信号は車輌の停止姿勢や走行姿勢を求めるための
基礎情報とされる。The vehicle height detecting means 2 is provided for detecting a change in the height of the axle portion of the front wheel or the rear wheel of the vehicle. The detection signal is used as basic information for obtaining the stopping posture and the running posture of the vehicle. It is said.
【００１３】例えば、図２に示すように、車高検出手段
２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、前輪又は後輪の車軸部の
上下変動を検出するための車高検出手段２として車高セ
ンサーを設け、これによってサスペンションＳの伸縮量
ｘを検出する方法を挙げることができる。For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a method of measuring the distance L between the vehicle height detecting means 2 and the road surface G by using a detection wave such as an ultrasonic wave or a laser beam, an axle of a front wheel or a rear wheel. A vehicle height sensor is provided as the vehicle height detecting means 2 for detecting vertical movement of the section, and a method of detecting the amount of expansion / contraction x of the suspension S by using the vehicle height sensor can be exemplified.
【００１４】尚、この車高検出手段２については車輌の
重心から遠い方の車軸部に付設することが好ましい。そ
の理由は、例えば、車輌の重心が前部寄りに位置する場
合には、後輪の車軸部の方が前輪の車軸部に比して車輌
における乗員の変化や荷積量の変化に伴う荷重変化の影
響を受け易いので当該変化が検出し易いからである。It is preferable that the vehicle height detecting means 2 is attached to an axle portion far from the center of gravity of the vehicle. The reason is, for example, when the center of gravity of the vehicle is located near the front part, the load accompanying the change in the occupant and the change in the load on the vehicle is greater in the rear wheel axle part than in the front wheel axle part. This is because the change is easily detected and the change is easily detected.
【００１５】車輌姿勢算出手段３は、車高検出手段２の
検出信号に基づいて車輌の停車姿勢を算出するととも
に、該停車姿勢に基づいて車輌の走行姿勢と車高検出手
段２の検出信号との間の相関関係を規定し、かつ車高検
出手段２の検出信号から車輌の走行姿勢を算出する。The vehicle attitude calculating means 3 calculates the stopping attitude of the vehicle based on the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2, and calculates the running attitude of the vehicle and the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 based on the stopping attitude. And the running attitude of the vehicle is calculated from the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2.
【００１６】即ち、車輌の停車姿勢や走行姿勢は、本来
車輌の前後における車軸部の高さ変化からピッチング角
を算出することによって得られるが、図１の構成では車
輌の前輪又は後輪の一方の車軸部に対してしか車高検出
手段２が設けられていないため、このままでは車高検出
手段２の検出信号から車輌の姿勢を知ることはできな
い。That is, the stopping posture and the running posture of the vehicle can be originally obtained by calculating the pitching angle from the change in the height of the axle portion before and after the vehicle. In the configuration of FIG. 1, one of the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle is used. Since the vehicle height detecting means 2 is provided only for the axle portion of the vehicle, the attitude of the vehicle cannot be known from the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 as it is.
【００１７】しかしながら、車高検出手段２の検出信号
と車輌の姿勢との間の相関関係を予め規定することがで
きれば、車高検出手段２の検出信号から車輌の停止姿勢
や走行姿勢を算定することができる。However, if the correlation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 and the attitude of the vehicle can be defined in advance, the stopping attitude and the running attitude of the vehicle are calculated from the detection signals of the vehicle height detecting means 2. be able to.
【００１８】以下では、車輌姿勢の算出を下記に示す２
つの場合に分けて説明する。In the following, the calculation of the vehicle attitude is described as follows.
The description is divided into two cases.
【００１９】（ｉ）停車姿勢の算定 （ｉｉ）走行姿勢の算定。(I) Calculation of stopping posture (ii) Calculation of running posture
【００２０】先ず、（ｉ）の停車姿勢については、車輌
における乗員の人数や配置、積荷の積載場所、積載量等
の荷重条件によって変化するため、各種の荷重条件にお
ける車高検出手段２の検出信号と車輌の停車姿勢を示す
状態量（例えば、ピッチング角）との間の静的な相関関
係を予め決定しておく。尚、この「静的」とは車輌が停
車中であることを意味する。First, the stopping posture of (i) changes depending on the load conditions such as the number and arrangement of occupants in the vehicle, the loading location of the load, the load amount, and the like. A static correlation between the signal and a state quantity (for example, a pitching angle) indicating the stopping posture of the vehicle is determined in advance. In addition, this "static" means that the vehicle is stopped.
【００２１】図３は車高検出手段２によって検出される
車軸部（例えば、後輪の車軸部）の高さ変化量（これを
「Δｈ」と記す。）を横軸にとり、車輌の停車姿勢を示
すピッチング角（これを「ｐ」と記す。）を縦軸にとっ
て、ある荷重条件における両者の相関関係の一例を示し
たものである。FIG. 3 shows the amount of change in the height of the axle portion (for example, the axle portion of the rear wheel) detected by the vehicle height detection means 2 (this is referred to as "Δh") on the horizontal axis, and the stopping posture of the vehicle. The vertical axis represents the pitching angle (which is referred to as “p”), which indicates an example of the correlation between the two under a certain load condition.
【００２２】この例では、Δｈとｐとの間の関係が、負
の傾きをもった直線Ｌ、つまり、その傾き及びＰ軸の切
片をそれぞれ「ａ」、「ｂ」とするとき、１次式「ｐ＝
ａ・Δｈ＋ｂ」によって表されている。よって、例え
ば、停車時におけるΔｈの値が「Δｈｏ」であったする
と、これに対応するｐ値（これを「ｐｏ」と記す。）は
「ｐｏ＝ａ・Δｈｏ＋ｂ」として求められる。In this example, when the relationship between Δh and p is a straight line L having a negative slope, ie, the slope and the intercept of the P axis are “a” and “b”, respectively, The expression "p =
a · Δh + b ”. Therefore, for example, if the value of Δh at the time of stopping is “Δho”, the corresponding p value (this is described as “po”) is obtained as “po = a · Δho + b”.
【００２３】尚、このような相関関係式は各種の荷重条
件によって異なるので、車輌の停車姿勢を正確に知るた
めには、車輌の荷重分布に関する情報（例えば、助手席
や後部座席に着座している乗員の体重や、積荷の重量や
分布等）を得るための各種のセンサーが必要となるが、
このようなセンサーを多数付設することはコスト上昇を
もたらす原因となり、部品点数の削減という本発明の趣
旨に反することになりかねないので、車輌について想定
される荷重条件を勘案した上で極力少数の相関関係式を
用意することが望ましい。例えば、荷重条件が最大であ
る場合の相関関係式と荷重条件が最小である場合の相関
関係式との間に位置する平均的な相関関係式等を、実用
上の関係式として用いることが好ましい。Since such a correlation equation varies depending on various load conditions, in order to accurately know the stopping posture of the vehicle, information on the load distribution of the vehicle (for example, by sitting in a passenger seat or a rear seat). Weight, distribution of cargo, etc.)
Attaching a large number of such sensors may cause an increase in cost and may be contrary to the purpose of the present invention of reducing the number of parts, so that considering the load condition assumed for the vehicle, the number of sensors should be as small as possible. It is desirable to prepare a correlation equation. For example, it is preferable to use an average correlation formula or the like located between the correlation formula when the load condition is the maximum and the correlation formula when the load condition is the minimum as a practical relation formula. .
【００２４】また、図３に示した相関関係は１次式によ
る直線で表されたが、これは一般には曲線で表されるの
で、この場合には所定の範囲毎に１次近似を施すか、あ
るいは、縦軸や横軸に対して所定の関数変換（例えば、
対数変換等）を施すことによって相関関係が１次式で表
されるように還元することが姿勢算出処理の簡単化の観
点から好ましい。Although the correlation shown in FIG. 3 is represented by a straight line represented by a linear equation, it is generally represented by a curve. In this case, the linear approximation is performed for each predetermined range. , Or a predetermined function conversion with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes (for example,
It is preferable from the viewpoint of simplifying the posture calculation process that the correlation is represented by a linear expression by performing logarithmic transformation.
【００２５】図１に示す停車姿勢算出手段７は、車高検
出手段２の検出信号と車輌の停車姿勢との間の上記した
静的な相関関係式を予め規定するものであり、これによ
って、車輌の走行前に得られる車高検出手段２の検出信
号から上記相関関係式に基づいて車輌の停車姿勢を算出
することができる。The stopping posture calculating means 7 shown in FIG. 1 preliminarily defines the above-mentioned static correlation equation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 and the stopping posture of the vehicle. The stop posture of the vehicle can be calculated from the detection signal of the vehicle height detection means 2 obtained before traveling of the vehicle based on the above-mentioned correlation equation.
【００２６】尚、車輌が停車中であるか否かの判断は、
車速検出手段（後述する走行状態検出手段に含まれ
る。）の検出信号に基づいて行うことができるが、停車
中にのみ行われる運転者の操作信号（例えば、自動車に
おけるチェンジレバーのパーキング位置への操作信号
等）を利用することもできる。It should be noted that whether or not the vehicle is stopped is determined by
It can be performed based on a detection signal of a vehicle speed detecting means (included in a running state detecting means to be described later). Operation signals, etc.) can also be used.
【００２７】次に、（ｉｉ）の走行姿勢については、車
輌における乗員数や積載量によらず、主として車輌の加
速度に基づいて変化し、また、加減速時における車輌前
後の車高変化には互いに負の相関性が認められる。よっ
て、車輌の走行条件において車高検出手段２の検出信号
と車輌の走行姿勢を示す状態量（例えば、ピッチング
角）との間の動的な相関関係が求められれば、時々刻々
と変化する車輌の走行姿勢を捉えることができる。尚、
この「動的」とは車輌が走行中であることを意味する。Next, the running posture of (ii) changes mainly based on the acceleration of the vehicle irrespective of the number of occupants and the amount of load in the vehicle. Negative correlation is observed with each other. Therefore, if a dynamic correlation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 and a state quantity (for example, a pitching angle) indicating the traveling posture of the vehicle is obtained under the traveling conditions of the vehicle, the vehicle that changes every moment is obtained. It is possible to capture the running posture of the vehicle. still,
This “dynamic” means that the vehicle is running.
【００２８】図４は車高検出手段２によって検出される
車軸部の高さ変化量Δｈを横軸にとり、車輌の走行姿勢
を示すピッチング角（これを「Ｐ」と記す。）を縦軸に
とって、両者の相関関係の一例を示したものである。FIG. 4 is a graph in which the abscissa represents the height change amount Δh of the axle portion detected by the vehicle height detecting means 2 and the ordinate represents the pitching angle (this is referred to as “P”) indicating the running posture of the vehicle. 1 shows an example of the correlation between the two.
【００２９】この例では、ΔｈとＰとの関係が、負の傾
きをもった直線Ｇ、つまり、その傾き及びＰ軸の切片を
それぞれ「Ａ」、「Ｂ」とするとき、１次式「Ｐ＝Ａ・
Δｈ＋Ｂ」によって表されている。例えば、車輌の走行
時における車軸部の高さ変化量Δｈを「Δｈ１」とする
と、その時のピッチング角はＰ＝Ｐ１＝Ａ・Δｈ１＋Ｂ
である。In this example, when the relationship between Δh and P is a straight line G having a negative slope, that is, the slope and the intercept of the P axis are “A” and “B”, respectively, the linear equation “ P = A
Δh + B ”. For example, assuming that the height change amount Δh of the axle portion during traveling of the vehicle is “Δh1”, the pitching angle at that time is P = P1 = A · Δh1 + B
It is.
【００３０】そして、この１次式は、上記した停車姿勢
を示すピッチング角ｐｏと、その時の車高検出手段２の
検出値Δｈｏとの組みによって特定される基準点（これ
を「Ｑｏ」と記す。）を通り、かつ所定の傾き「Ａ」を
もった直線を表している。従って、直線Ｇが基準点Ｑｏ
を通ることから得られる「Ｐ−ｐｏ＝Ａ・（Δｈ−Δｈ
ｏ）」と、上式「Ｐ＝Ａ・Δｈ＋Ｂ」と比較することに
よって、切片Ｂが「Ｂ＝ｐｏ−Ａ・Δｈｏ」となること
が分かる。The linear expression is a reference point (referred to as "Qo") specified by a combination of the pitching angle po indicating the stopping posture and the detected value Δho of the vehicle height detecting means 2 at that time. .) And a straight line having a predetermined slope “A”. Therefore, the straight line G is the reference point Qo
"P-po = A · (Δh-Δh
o) ”and the above expression“ P = A · Δh + B ”, it can be seen that the intercept B is“ B = po−A · Δho ”.
【００３１】つまり、ピッチング角Ｐと車軸部の高さ変
化量Δｈとの間の動的な相関関係は、その傾きＡが車輌
の荷重条件によらずほぼ一定とされ、かつ、そのＰ軸の
切片Ｂが、車輌の走行前の停車姿勢を示す基準点Ｑｏの
位置によって規定される１次式で規定され、よって、例
えば、図４に示すように、停車時の乗車条件が変化して
走行直前の停車姿勢を示す基準点が点Ｑｏから点Ｑｏ′
（Δｈｏ′，ｐｏ′）に変化した場合には、当該点Ｑ
ｏ′を通って上記直線Ｇに対して平行な直線Ｇ′によっ
て、ＰとΔｈとの間の相関関係、即ち、走行姿勢と車高
変化との間の相関関係が規定されることになる。例え
ば、車輌の前部座席に２名の乗員があり、後部座席に１
名の乗員がある場合の相関関係を直線Ｇが示し、この状
態から後部座席にさらに１名が乗車し、かつ、後部トラ
ンクに荷物を積み込んだ場合の相関関係を直線Ｇ′が示
していると考えれば良い。That is, the dynamic correlation between the pitching angle P and the height change amount Δh of the axle portion is such that the inclination A is substantially constant irrespective of the load condition of the vehicle, and The intercept B is defined by a linear expression defined by the position of the reference point Qo indicating the stopping posture before the vehicle travels. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. The reference point indicating the immediately preceding stopping posture is from point Qo to point Qo '.
(Δho ′, po ′), the point Q
The correlation between P and Δh, that is, the correlation between the running posture and the vehicle height change, is defined by a straight line G ′ passing through o ′ and parallel to the straight line G. For example, a vehicle has two occupants in the front seat and one in the rear seat.
A straight line G indicates the correlation when there are two occupants, and a straight line G 'indicates the correlation when one more person gets on the rear seat and luggage is loaded on the rear trunk from this state. Just think.
【００３２】尚、図４に示した動的な相関関係は１次式
による直線で表されたが、これは一般には曲線で表され
るので、この場合にも所定の範囲毎に１次近似を施す
か、あるいは、縦軸や横軸に対して所定の関数変換（例
えば、対数変換等）を施すことによって相関関係が１次
式で表されるように還元することが姿勢算出処理の簡単
化の観点から好ましい。Although the dynamic correlation shown in FIG. 4 is represented by a straight line represented by a linear expression, it is generally represented by a curve. Or by performing a predetermined function conversion (for example, logarithmic conversion or the like) on the vertical axis or the horizontal axis so that the correlation is represented by a linear expression. It is preferable from the viewpoint of conversion.
【００３３】図３及び図４に示した制御方法は下記のよ
うに箇条書きにまとめることができる。The control methods shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be summarized in the following manner.
【００３４】 （１）静的な相関関係式（ｐ＝ａ・Δｈ＋ｂ）の決定 （２）停車時における車高検出（Δｈｏ） （３）停車姿勢（ｐｏ）及び基準点（Ｑｏ）の算出 （４）動的な相関関係式（Ｐ＝Ａ・Δｈ＋Ｂ）の決定 （５）走行時における車高検出（Δｈ１） （６）走行姿勢（Ｐ１）の決定。(1) Determination of Static Correlation Equation (p = a · Δh + b) (2) Detection of Vehicle Height at Stop (Δho) (3) Calculation of Stopping Posture (po) and Reference Point (Qo) ( 4) Determination of dynamic correlation equation (P = A · Δh + B) (5) Detection of vehicle height during traveling (Δh1) (6) Determination of traveling posture (P1).
【００３５】図１に示すように、車輌姿勢算出手段３は
走行姿勢算出手段８を有しており、該走行姿勢算出手段
８は、停車姿勢算出手段７によって算出される車輌の停
車姿勢に基づいて車高検出手段２の検出信号と車輌の走
行姿勢との間の上記した動的な相関関係式を規定すると
ともに、車軸部の高さ変化量に対応する車輌の走行姿勢
を上記相関関係式から算出する。As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle attitude calculating means 3 has a running attitude calculating means 8. The running attitude calculating means 8 is based on the stopping attitude of the vehicle calculated by the stopping attitude calculating means 7. The dynamic correlation equation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means 2 and the running attitude of the vehicle is defined, and the running attitude of the vehicle corresponding to the amount of change in the height of the axle is determined by the correlation equation. Is calculated from
【００３６】照射制御手段４は、車輌姿勢算出手段３か
らの信号に応じて灯具６の照射方向を補正するための信
号を駆動手段５に送出するものであり、例えば、車輌の
停車中において上記停車姿勢算出手段７からの信号に応
じて灯具６の照射光を所望の方向に向けたり、あるい
は、車輌の走行中に上記走行姿勢算出手段８からの信号
に応じて灯具６の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための制
御を行う。The irradiation control means 4 sends a signal for correcting the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 to the driving means 5 in accordance with a signal from the vehicle attitude calculation means 3. For example, when the vehicle is stopped, The irradiation light of the lamp 6 is directed in a desired direction in accordance with a signal from the stopping posture calculating means 7, or the irradiation light of the lamp 6 is desired in accordance with a signal from the traveling posture calculating means 8 during traveling of the vehicle. The control for turning to the direction is performed.
【００３７】照射方向の制御については、下記に示す２
方法を挙げることができる。Regarding the control of the irradiation direction, the following 2
Methods can be mentioned.
【００３８】 （Ａ）照射光を全体的に所定の方向に向ける方法 （Ｂ）照射光の一部分を所定の方向に向ける方法。(A) A method of directing irradiation light in a predetermined direction as a whole. (B) A method of directing a part of irradiation light in a predetermined direction.
【００３９】上記（Ａ）のうち最も簡単な方法は、灯具
全体をその回動軸の回りに回動させることによって、灯
具の照射軸を所定の方向に向ける方法であるが、この他
に、灯具の構成部材（例えば、反射鏡やレンズ、光源、
遮光部材等）の姿勢を制御することによって光学系の光
軸を全体として所定の方向に向ける方法を挙げることが
できる。The simplest method of the above (A) is a method of turning the illumination axis of the lamp in a predetermined direction by rotating the entire lamp around its rotation axis. The components of the lamp (for example, reflecting mirrors, lenses, light sources,
A method of controlling the attitude of the light-shielding member or the like to direct the optical axis of the optical system as a whole in a predetermined direction can be mentioned.
【００４０】また、方法（Ｂ）については、照射光の方
向を部分的に変更するために、複数の灯具から成る装置
において特定の灯具の照射軸だけを変化させる方法（例
えば、自動車においてヘッドランプ、フォッグランプ、
コーナーランプが設けられている場合に、３者中のうち
の一つ又は二つのランプの照射軸だけを変化させる。）
や、灯具の構成部材のうちの一つ又は複数の部材の姿勢
を制御する方法（例えば、反射鏡を固定反射鏡と可動反
射鏡とから構成して、可動反射鏡の光軸を所望の方向に
向ける等。）を挙げることができる。In the method (B), in order to partially change the direction of irradiation light, a method of changing only the irradiation axis of a specific lamp in a device including a plurality of lamps (for example, a headlamp in an automobile) , Fog lights,
When a corner lamp is provided, only the irradiation axis of one or two of the three lamps is changed. )
Or a method of controlling the attitude of one or more of the constituent members of the lamp (for example, by forming the reflecting mirror from a fixed reflecting mirror and a movable reflecting mirror and moving the optical axis of the movable reflecting mirror in a desired direction) Etc.).
【００４１】上記した照射方向の制御については、車輌
の姿勢のみに基づいて制御を行うものとしたが、これに
限らず、図１に示すように、車輌の走行速度又は加速度
を含む走行状態を検出する走行状態検出手段９を設け、
車輌の走行状態に応じて照射制御手段４による灯具６の
照射方向制御の仕方に変更を加えることも可能である。The above-described control of the irradiation direction is performed based on only the attitude of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. Running state detecting means 9 for detecting
It is also possible to change the way of controlling the irradiation direction of the lamp 6 by the irradiation control means 4 according to the running state of the vehicle.
【００４２】例えば、上記したように車軸部の高さ変化
量とピッチング角との間の動的な相関については、主と
して車輌の加速度の如何に関係するので、車輌の加速度
の絶対値が所定範囲を越えた場合に、走行姿勢の変化に
応じた灯具の照射方向制御を行い、車輌の加速度の絶対
値が所定範囲内である場合には、車輌がほぼ定速走行中
であると判断して、走行姿勢の変化に応じた灯具の照射
方向制御を行わないか又は制御範囲を狭めたり、あるい
は、制御の応答速度を遅くするといった制御が可能であ
る。また、動的な相関関係式が１次式で表現される場合
に、１次式の係数値（傾きや切片の値）を車輌の走行速
度や加速度に応じて変化させても良い。For example, as described above, since the dynamic correlation between the height change amount of the axle portion and the pitching angle mainly relates to the acceleration of the vehicle, the absolute value of the acceleration of the vehicle falls within a predetermined range. In the case where the absolute value of the vehicle acceleration is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at a substantially constant speed when the absolute value of the acceleration of the vehicle is within a predetermined range. In addition, it is possible to perform control such that the illumination direction control of the lamp is not performed or the control range is narrowed according to the change in the running posture, or the response speed of the control is reduced. When the dynamic correlation expression is expressed by a linear expression, the coefficient value (the value of the slope or intercept) of the linear expression may be changed according to the traveling speed or acceleration of the vehicle.
【００４３】この他、車輌が凹凸の多い悪路を走行して
いることを車高検出手段の検出信号に基づいて判断する
とともに、悪路走行時には走行姿勢の変化に応じた灯具
の照射方向制御を行わないか又は制御範囲を狭めたり、
あるいは、制御の応答速度を遅くすることによって、照
射方向の制御に過剰な補正がかからないようにする等、
各種の実施の形態が可能である。In addition, it is determined on the basis of a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means that the vehicle is traveling on a rough road having a large amount of unevenness. Do not perform or reduce the control range,
Alternatively, by slowing down the response speed of the control to prevent excessive correction from being applied to the control of the irradiation direction,
Various embodiments are possible.
【００４４】[0044]
【実施例】図５乃至図９は本発明を自動車用灯具の照射
方向制御装置（オートレベリング装置）に適用した実施
例を示すものである。5 to 9 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an irradiation direction control device (auto leveling device) for a vehicle lamp.
【００４５】図５は照射方向制御装置１０の構成を示す
ものであり、マイクロコンピュータを内蔵するＥＣＵ
（電子制御ユニット）１１には、ヘッドランプスイッチ
１２からの点灯／消灯の指示信号、エンジンの始動信号
であるイグニッション信号、自動車の後輪の車軸部に付
設された車高センサー１３の検出信号、車速センサー１
４の検出信号が入力される。FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the irradiation direction control device 10, and an ECU incorporating a microcomputer is shown in FIG.
(Electronic control unit) 11 includes an on / off instruction signal from a headlamp switch 12, an ignition signal as an engine start signal, a detection signal from a vehicle height sensor 13 attached to an axle portion of a rear wheel of the vehicle, Vehicle speed sensor 1
4 are input.
【００４６】尚、上記した車高検出手段２に相当する車
高センサー１３（図６参照。）には、後輪の電子制御エ
アサスペンション用に設けられたセンサーを用いてお
り、また、車速センサー１４には、ＡＢＳ（Ａｎｔｉ−
ｓｋｉｄ Ｂｒａｋｅ Ｓｙｓｔｅｍ）用に後輪に設け
られたセンサーを用いている。The vehicle height sensor 13 (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the vehicle height detecting means 2 uses a sensor provided for an electronically controlled air suspension of the rear wheels. 14, ABS (Anti-
A sensor provided on the rear wheel is used for a skid brake system.
【００４７】上記駆動手段５に相当するアクチュエータ
部１５（１５′）は、ＥＣＵ１１の出力する制御信号に
応じてステッピングモータ１６（１６′）の回転制御を
行うためのモータドライブ回路１７（１７′）を有して
いる。尚、符号に付した「′」は、自動車の前部に一対
のヘッドランプが設けられることを考慮して、ヘッドラ
ンプの照射方向制御に係る構成物がランプ毎に各別に存
在することを意味している。The actuator section 15 (15 ') corresponding to the driving means 5 has a motor drive circuit 17 (17') for controlling the rotation of the stepping motor 16 (16 ') according to the control signal output from the ECU 11. have. In addition, “′” attached to the reference sign means that the components related to the irradiation direction control of the headlamp are provided separately for each lamp in consideration of the fact that a pair of headlamps are provided at the front of the vehicle. doing.
【００４８】ステッピングモータ１６を駆動源とするア
クチュエータ１９は、例えば、図７に示すように、ヘッ
ドランプ１８のランプボディ２０の後面（ランプの照射
方向を前方とする。）に付設されており、ランプボディ
２０と前面レンズ２１との間で画成される灯具空間内の
反射鏡２２をその光軸を含む鉛直面においてアクチュエ
ータ１９によって傾動させることでヘッドランプ１８の
照射方向が所望の方向を向くように制御される。尚、反
射鏡２２はその上端寄りの部分が玉軸受２３を介してラ
ンプボディ２０に支持されるとともに、反射鏡２２の下
端寄りの部分が玉軸受２４を介してアクチュエータ１９
の摺動軸１９ａに結合されており、ステッピングモータ
１６のモータ軸の回転が摺動軸１９ａのほぼ前後方向
（矢印Ｆで示す。）における移動に変換されることによ
って、反射鏡２２及びこれに取り付けられた放電灯（メ
タルハライドランプ等）２５が矢印Ｃに示すように傾動
される。An actuator 19 driven by the stepping motor 16 is attached, for example, to the rear surface of the lamp body 20 of the headlamp 18 (the irradiation direction of the lamp is forward), as shown in FIG. By tilting the reflecting mirror 22 in the lamp space defined between the lamp body 20 and the front lens 21 in the vertical plane including the optical axis by the actuator 19, the irradiation direction of the headlamp 18 is directed to a desired direction. Is controlled as follows. The reflecting mirror 22 has a portion near the upper end supported by the lamp body 20 via a ball bearing 23, and a portion near the lower end of the reflecting mirror 22 via a ball bearing 24.
The rotation of the motor shaft of the stepping motor 16 is converted into the movement of the sliding shaft 19a substantially in the front-rear direction (indicated by an arrow F), whereby the reflection mirror 22 and the reflection mirror 22 are rotated. The attached discharge lamp (metal halide lamp or the like) 25 is tilted as shown by arrow C.
【００４９】また、図示するようにＥＣＵ１１を含むコ
ントロール部２６をランプボディ２０に付設した構成に
すると、ヘッドランプ１８及び照射方向制御装置１０の
保守・点検作業を容易に行うことができる。When the control section 26 including the ECU 11 is attached to the lamp body 20 as shown in the figure, maintenance and inspection work of the headlamp 18 and the irradiation direction control device 10 can be easily performed.
【００５０】尚、ヘッドランプ１８′の構成は上記ヘッ
ドランプ１８の構成とほぼ同様であり、よって、その説
明については図７及びこれに関する上記の説明において
各符号に「′」を付せば済むので説明及び図示を省略す
る。The structure of the headlamp 18 'is substantially the same as the structure of the headlamp 18. Therefore, the description thereof may be made by adding "" to each symbol in FIG. 7 and the above description. Therefore, description and illustration are omitted.
【００５１】図８はＥＣＵ１１における主要な処理の流
れを示すフローチャート図であり、先ず、ステップＳ１
においてヘッドランプ１８、１８′の点灯指示が出され
ているか否かを判断する。つまり、ヘッドランプスイッ
チ１２によるオン／オフ信号に基づいて放電灯２５の点
灯及びヘッドランプ１８、１８′の照射方向制御を行う
か否かを判断し、ランプ点灯の指示がある場合には次ス
テップＳ２に進むが、当該指示がない場合には処理を終
了する。FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing in the ECU 11. First, in step S1
It is determined whether or not an instruction to turn on the headlamps 18 and 18 'is issued. That is, it is determined whether to turn on the discharge lamp 25 and to control the irradiation direction of the head lamps 18 and 18 'based on the on / off signal from the head lamp switch 12. If there is an instruction to turn on the lamp, the next step is performed. The process proceeds to S2, but if there is no such instruction, the process ends.
【００５２】尚、ヘッドランプ１８、１８′の点灯にあ
たっては、ＥＣＵ１１においてイグニッション信号が参
照され、自動車のエンジン始動時に上記放電灯２５への
電力供給が一時的に停止される。また、ヘッドランプの
自動点灯装置（車輌の走行環境に応じてランプの点灯時
期を自動的に制御する装置）を搭載している場合には、
ヘッドランプスイッチ１２の指示信号を、自動点灯装置
からＥＣＵ１１に送出される制御信号又は該制御信号と
ヘッドランプスイッチ１２の指示信号との論理和信号に
置き換えることができる。When the headlamps 18 and 18 'are turned on, the ignition signal is referred to in the ECU 11, and the power supply to the discharge lamp 25 is temporarily stopped when the engine of the vehicle is started. In addition, when equipped with an automatic headlamp lighting device (a device that automatically controls the lighting timing of the lamp according to the traveling environment of the vehicle),
The instruction signal of the headlamp switch 12 can be replaced with a control signal sent from the automatic lighting device to the ECU 11 or a logical sum signal of the control signal and the instruction signal of the headlamp switch 12.
【００５３】ステップＳ２では車速センサー１４の検出
信号に基づいて自動車が停車中であるか否かを判断す
る。そして、停車中である場合にはステップＳ３に進
み、走行中である場合にはステップＳ７に進む。In step S2, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped based on the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 14. When the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds to step S3, and when the vehicle is running, the process proceeds to step S7.
【００５４】ステップＳ３において車高センサー１３に
より後輪の車軸部の高さ変化を検出した後、次ステップ
Ｓ４で自動車の停車姿勢を算出する。After detecting the change in the height of the rear wheel axle by the vehicle height sensor 13 in step S3, the stopping posture of the vehicle is calculated in the next step S4.
【００５５】図９は車高センサー１３によって検出され
る高さ変化量ΔＨとピッチング角Ｐとの間の、静的な相
関関係を示す直線ＳＬと動的な相関関係を示す直線ＤＬ
とを併せて示したグラフ図であり、ステップＳ３での車
高センサー１３の検出値を「ΔＨａ」とすると、直線Ｓ
ＬからΔＨａに対応するピッチング角Ｐａが求められ
る。FIG. 9 shows a straight line SL indicating a static correlation and a straight line DL indicating a dynamic correlation between the height change amount ΔH detected by the vehicle height sensor 13 and the pitching angle P.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing the straight line S, where the detected value of the vehicle height sensor 13 in step S3 is “ΔHa”.
The pitching angle Pa corresponding to ΔHa is obtained from L.
【００５６】よって、自動車の停車姿勢は図９において
ΔＨａとＰａとを座標値の組みとする点Ｑａによって表
される。Therefore, the stopping posture of the vehicle is represented by a point Qa in FIG. 9 where ΔHa and Pa are pairs of coordinate values.
【００５７】次ステップＳ５では、ΔＨａ及びＰａを基
準データとしてＥＣＵ１１内の所定のメモリに格納す
る。In the next step S5, ΔHa and Pa are stored in a predetermined memory in the ECU 11 as reference data.
【００５８】そして、次ステップＳ６においてＥＣＵ１
１は算出された停車姿勢に係るピッチング角Ｐａに応じ
た補正信号をモータドライブ回路１７、１７′に送出し
てヘッドランプ１８、１８′の照射方向を制御する。即
ち、車輌が前下がり（又は前上り）の状態になっている
場合には、ヘッドランプ１８、１８′の照射方向を上向
き（又は下向き）に調整して照射方向をほぼ水平方向に
保ち、配光における明暗境界を規定するカットライン
（あるいはカットオフ）の高さが基準の高さとなるよう
に規定した後、最初のステップＳ１に戻る。Then, in the next step S6, the ECU 1
Numeral 1 sends a correction signal corresponding to the calculated pitching angle Pa relating to the stopping posture to the motor drive circuits 17, 17 'to control the irradiation direction of the headlamps 18, 18'. That is, when the vehicle is in a forward-lowering (or front-up) state, the irradiation direction of the headlamps 18 and 18 'is adjusted upward (or downward) to keep the irradiation direction substantially horizontal. After defining the height of the cut line (or cutoff) defining the light-dark boundary in light to be the reference height, the process returns to the first step S1.
【００５９】尚、ステップＳ３乃至Ｓ６の処理は、ヘッ
ドランプ１８、１８′の点灯時であってかつ自動車が停
車中である場合において常に行われ、その際のΔＨａ、
Ｐａの値が更新される。The processing in steps S3 to S6 is always performed when the headlamps 18 and 18 'are turned on and the vehicle is stopped.
The value of Pa is updated.
【００６０】ステップＳ７では自動車の走行中における
後輪の車軸部の高さ変化量を検出した後、次ステップＳ
８で自動車の走行姿勢を算出する。In step S7, after detecting the amount of change in the height of the axle portion of the rear wheel while the vehicle is running, the next step S7 is performed.
In step 8, the running posture of the car is calculated.
【００６１】上記したように動的な相関関係は図９の直
線ＤＬによって表され、該直線ＤＬは上記した点Ｑａを
通りかつ所定の傾き「Ａ」を有しているので、ステップ
Ｓ７での車高センサー１３の検出値を「ΔＨｂ」とした
とき、直線ＤＬからΔＨｂに対応するピッチング角Ｐｂ
が求められる。つまり、「ＤＨｂａ＝ΔＨｂ−ΔＨ
ａ」、「ΔＰｂａ＝Ｐｂ−Ｐａ」と記すと、「Ａ＝ΔＰ
ｂａ／ＤＨｂａ」であるから、傾きＡの値を予め規定し
ておくことにより、「ΔＰｂａ＝Ａ・ＤＨｂａ」、即
ち、「Ｐｂ＝Ｐａ＋Ａ・（ΔＨｂ−ΔＨａ）」という演
算式によって走行時のピッチング角Ｐｂを算出すること
ができる。尚、この時の自動車の走行姿勢は、図９にお
いてΔＨｂとＰｂとを座標値の組みとする点Ｔｂによっ
て表される。また、直線ＳＬやＤＬに係る傾きや切片の
値はサスペンションの物理的な特性（弾性係数や減衰係
数等）によって一般には車種毎に異なる。As described above, the dynamic correlation is represented by the straight line DL shown in FIG. 9, and since the straight line DL passes through the point Qa and has the predetermined slope "A", the straight line DL has a predetermined slope "A". Assuming that the detected value of the vehicle height sensor 13 is “ΔHb”, the pitching angle Pb corresponding to ΔHb from the straight line DL
Is required. That is, “DHba = ΔHb−ΔH
a ”and“ ΔPba = Pb−Pa ”,“ A = ΔP
ba / DHba ”, the value of the slope A is defined in advance, and pitching during traveling is performed by the arithmetic expression“ ΔPba = A · DHba ”, that is,“ Pb = Pa + A · (ΔHb−ΔHa) ”. The angle Pb can be calculated. Note that the running posture of the vehicle at this time is represented by a point Tb in FIG. 9 in which ΔHb and Pb are pairs of coordinate values. In addition, the values of the slope and intercept of the straight lines SL and DL generally differ depending on the vehicle type depending on the physical characteristics (elastic coefficient, damping coefficient, etc.) of the suspension.
【００６２】ステップＳ９では、ＥＣＵ１１が前ステッ
プで算出した走行姿勢に係るピッチング角Ｐｂに応じた
補正信号をモータドライブ回路１７、１７′に送出して
ヘッドランプ１８、１８′の照射方向を制御し、配光パ
ターンにおけるカットラインの高さが車輌の走行姿勢に
依らず、常に基準の高さとなるように制御した後、最初
のステップＳ１に戻る。In step S9, the ECU 11 sends a correction signal corresponding to the pitching angle Pb relating to the running posture calculated in the previous step to the motor drive circuits 17, 17 'to control the irradiation direction of the head lamps 18, 18'. After the control is performed such that the height of the cut line in the light distribution pattern always becomes the reference height regardless of the running posture of the vehicle, the process returns to the first step S1.
【００６３】[0063]
【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、車輌の停車姿勢に基
づいて車輌の走行姿勢と車高検出手段の検出信号との間
の相関関係を規定することによって、車輌の走行姿勢を
算出してこれに応じて灯具の照射方向を制御することが
でき、そのために車輌の前輪又は後輪の車軸部に車高検
出手段を設けるだけで済む。従って、部品点数の削減に
よってコストの低減や作業時間の短縮化を図ることがで
きる。また、仮に、車輌前後の車軸部にそれぞれ車高検
出手段が付設されている場合であっても、車高検出手段
の一方のものが故障等によって機能しなくなった場合に
残りの車高検出手段の検出信号に基づいて車輌姿勢の算
出及びこれに応じた灯具の照射方向制御を行うことがで
きるので、装置の信頼性を高めることができる。As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the correlation between the running attitude of the vehicle and the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means based on the stopped attitude of the vehicle. By defining the relationship, it is possible to calculate the running posture of the vehicle and control the irradiation direction of the lamp in accordance with this, and for that purpose, it is only necessary to provide the vehicle height detecting means on the axle portion of the front wheel or the rear wheel of the vehicle. I'm done. Therefore, the cost and the working time can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Also, even if the vehicle height detecting means is attached to each of the axle portions before and after the vehicle, if one of the vehicle height detecting means fails to function due to a failure or the like, the remaining vehicle height detecting means may be provided. It is possible to calculate the vehicle attitude based on the detection signal and control the irradiation direction of the lamp in accordance with the calculation, so that the reliability of the device can be improved.
【００６４】請求項２に係る発明によれば、車高検出手
段の検出信号と車輌の停車姿勢との間の静的な相関関係
式を予め規定しておくことにより、車輌の走行前に得ら
れる車高検出手段の検出信号から車輌の停車姿勢を容易
に算出することができる。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the static correlation equation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means and the stopping posture of the vehicle is defined in advance, so that the static correlation expression can be obtained before the vehicle travels. The stopping posture of the vehicle can be easily calculated from the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means.
【００６５】請求項３に係る発明によれば、車輌の停車
姿勢に基づいて車高検出手段の検出信号と車輌の走行姿
勢との間の動的な相関関係式を規定することによって、
車軸部の高さ変化から車輌の走行姿勢を容易に算出する
ことができる。According to the third aspect of the present invention, by defining a dynamic correlation equation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means and the running posture of the vehicle based on the stopping posture of the vehicle,
The running posture of the vehicle can be easily calculated from the change in the height of the axle.
【００６６】請求項４に係る発明によれば、車高検出手
段の検出信号と車輌姿勢との間の静的又は動的な相関関
係式を１次式に規定することによって、車輌姿勢の算出
に係る処理を簡単化することができる。According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the static or dynamic correlation between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means and the vehicle attitude is defined as a linear expression, thereby calculating the vehicle attitude. Can be simplified.
【００６７】請求項５に係る発明によれば、停車姿勢を
示す状態量とその時の車高検出手段の検出値との組みに
よって特定される基準点を通り、かつ所定の傾きをもっ
た直線によって動的な相関関係式を１次式として規定す
ることで、車輌の走行前における停車姿勢の変化に対し
て容易に動的な相関関係を決定することができる。According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a straight line passing through the reference point specified by the combination of the state quantity indicating the stopping posture and the detected value of the vehicle height detecting means at that time and having a predetermined slope is used. By defining the dynamic correlation equation as a linear equation, it is possible to easily determine a dynamic correlation with respect to a change in the stopping posture before the vehicle travels.
【００６８】請求項６に係る発明によれば、車輌の走行
状態に応じて灯具の照射方向の制御に変更を加えること
によって、車輌の走行に促した照射制御を行うことがで
きる。According to the invention of claim 6, by changing the control of the irradiation direction of the lamp in accordance with the running state of the vehicle, it is possible to perform the irradiation control prompting the running of the vehicle.
【００６９】請求項７に係る発明によれば、予め規定さ
れている相関関係式から車輌の停車姿勢を簡易に算出し
てこれに応じて灯具の照射方向を制御することができ
る。According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily calculate the stopping posture of the vehicle from a predetermined correlation equation and control the irradiation direction of the lamp according to the calculated posture.
【図１】本発明に係る車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置の
基本構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic 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の説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle height detecting means.
【図３】車軸部の高さ変化量とピッチング角との間の静
的な相関関係について説明するためのグラフ図である。FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining a static correlation between a height change amount of an axle portion and a pitching angle.
【図４】車軸部の高さ変化量とピッチング角との間の動
的な相関関係について説明するためのグラフ図である。FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining a dynamic correlation between a height change amount of an axle portion and a pitching angle.
【図５】図６乃至図９とともに本発明の実施例を示すも
のであり、本図は装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention together with FIGS. 6 to 9, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the apparatus.
【図６】車高センサー及び車速センサーの車輌における
配置を概略的に示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement of a vehicle height sensor and a vehicle speed sensor in a vehicle.
【図７】灯具の構成を概線的に示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a lamp.
【図８】処理手順を示すフローチャート図である。FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure.
【図９】車高センサーによる高さ変化量とピッチング角
との間の静的及び動的な相関関係式を示すグラフ図であ
る。FIG. 9 is a graph showing a static and dynamic correlation equation between a height change amount by a vehicle height sensor and a pitching angle.
１…車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置、２…車高検出手
段、３…車輌姿勢算出手段、４…照射制御手段、５…駆
動手段、６…灯具、７…停車姿勢算出手段、８…走行姿
勢算出手段、９…走行状態検出手段REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 irradiation direction control device for vehicle lamp, 2 vehicle height detection means, 3 vehicle attitude calculation means, 4 irradiation control means, 5 drive means, 6 lamps, 7 stop attitude calculation means, 8 running Attitude calculating means, 9: running state detecting means
Claims (7)
じて灯具の照射方向を変化させる車輌用灯具の照射方向
制御装置において、 車輌の前輪又は後輪の車軸部の高さ変化を検出するため
の車高検出手段と、 灯具の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための駆動手段と、 車高検出手段の検出信号に基づいて車輌の停車姿勢を算
出するとともに、該停車姿勢に基づいて車輌の走行姿勢
と車高検出手段の検出信号との間の相関関係を規定し、
かつ車高検出手段の検出信号から車輌の走行姿勢を算出
する車輌姿勢算出手段と、 車輌姿勢算出手段からの信号に応じて灯具の照射方向を
補正するための信号を駆動手段に送出する照射制御手段
とを設けたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御
装置。An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp for changing an irradiation direction of a lamp in accordance with a posture of the vehicle in a traveling direction of the vehicle, for detecting a change in height of an axle portion of a front wheel or a rear wheel of the vehicle. A vehicle height detecting means, a driving means for directing irradiation light of a lamp in a desired direction, and a stopping posture of the vehicle based on a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means. The correlation between the running posture and the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means is defined,
And a vehicle attitude calculating means for calculating a running attitude of the vehicle from a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means, and an irradiation control for sending a signal for correcting an irradiation direction of the lamp to the driving means in accordance with a signal from the vehicle attitude calculating means. Means for controlling the irradiation direction of a vehicle lamp.
制御装置において、 車高検出手段の検出信号と車輌の停車姿勢との間の静的
な相関関係式を予め規定するとともに、車輌の走行前に
得られる車高検出手段の検出信号から上記相関関係式に
基づいて車輌の停車姿勢を算出する停車姿勢算出手段を
設けたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装
置。2. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein a static correlation equation between a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means and a stopping posture of the vehicle is defined in advance, and And a stop attitude calculating means for calculating a stop attitude of the vehicle based on the correlation equation from a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means obtained before traveling of the vehicle.
制御装置において、 停車姿勢算出手段によって算出される車輌の停車姿勢に
基づいて車高検出手段の検出信号と車輌の走行姿勢との
間の動的な相関関係式を規定するとともに、車軸部の高
さに対応する車輌の走行姿勢を上記相関関係式から算出
する走行姿勢算出手段を、車輌姿勢算出手段が有してい
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 the detection signal of the vehicle height detection means and the traveling attitude of the vehicle are calculated based on the stopping attitude of the vehicle calculated by the stopping attitude calculation means. The vehicle attitude calculating means defines a dynamic correlation expression between the vehicle attitude calculating means and the running attitude calculating means for calculating the running attitude of the vehicle corresponding to the height of the axle portion from the correlation equation. Characteristic irradiation direction control device for vehicle lamp.
具の照射方向制御装置において、 停車姿勢算出手段が規定する静的な相関関係式又は走行
姿勢算出手段が規定する動的な相関関係式が１次式であ
ることを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御装置。4. The lighting direction control apparatus for a vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein a static correlation expression defined by the stopping attitude calculation means or a dynamic correlation expression defined by the traveling attitude calculation means. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein a relational expression is a linear expression.
制御装置において、 停車姿勢算出手段によって算出される停車姿勢を示す状
態量とその時の車高検出手段の検出値との組みによって
特定される基準点を通り、かつ所定の傾きをもった直線
によって走行姿勢算出手段における動的な相関関係式が
１次式として規定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。5. The irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle direction is specified by a combination of a state quantity indicating a stopping posture calculated by the stopping posture calculating unit and a detection value of the vehicle height detecting unit at that time. A dynamic correlation equation in the running posture calculation means is defined as a linear equation by a straight line passing through a reference point and having a predetermined inclination. apparatus.
用灯具の照射方向制御装置において、 車輌の走行速度又は加速度を含む走行状態を検出する走
行状態検出手段を設け、車輌の走行状態に応じて照射制
御手段による灯具の照射方向の制御に変更を加えるよう
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。6. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp according to claim 3, further comprising a traveling state detecting means for detecting a traveling state including a traveling speed or an acceleration of the vehicle, and driving the vehicle. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, wherein the control of the irradiation direction of the lamp by the irradiation control means is changed according to the state.
じて灯具の照射方向を変化させる車輌用灯具の照射方向
制御装置において、 車輌の前輪又は後輪の車軸部の高さ変化を検出するため
の車高検出手段と、 灯具の照射光を所望の方向に向けるための駆動手段と、 車高検出手段の検出信号と車輌の停車姿勢との間の静的
な相関関係式を予め規定しておき、車輌の走行前におけ
る車高検出手段の検出信号から上記相関関係式に基づい
て車輌の停車姿勢を算出する停車姿勢算出手段と、 停車姿勢算出手段からの信号に応じて灯具の照射方向を
補正するための信号を駆動手段に送出する照射制御手段
とを設けたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具の照射方向制御
装置。7. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp for changing an irradiation direction of a lamp according to a posture of the vehicle in a traveling direction of the vehicle, for detecting a change in height of an axle portion of a front wheel or a rear wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle height detecting means, the driving means for directing the illumination light of the lamp in a desired direction, and the static correlation formula between the detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means and the stopping posture of the vehicle are defined in advance. A stopping attitude calculating means for calculating a stopping attitude of the vehicle based on the above-mentioned correlation equation from a detection signal of the vehicle height detecting means before traveling of the vehicle, and an irradiation direction of the lamp according to a signal from the stopping attitude calculating means. An irradiation direction control device for a vehicle lamp, comprising: irradiation control means for sending a signal for correction to a driving means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03367197A JP3820299B2 (en) | 1997-02-18 | 1997-02-18 | Irradiation direction control device for vehicular lamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03367197A JP3820299B2 (en) | 1997-02-18 | 1997-02-18 | Irradiation direction control device for vehicular lamp |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH10226271A true JPH10226271A (en) | 1998-08-25 |
| JP3820299B2 JP3820299B2 (en) | 2006-09-13 |
Family
ID=12392928
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP03367197A Expired - Fee Related JP3820299B2 (en) | 1997-02-18 | 1997-02-18 | Irradiation direction control device for vehicular lamp |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3820299B2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001080409A (en) * | 1999-09-09 | 2001-03-27 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Auto-leveling device for headlight of automobile |
| US7033050B2 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2006-04-25 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Projecting direction control system for vehicle headlamp |
| US7053762B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Projecting direction control system for vehicle headlamp |
| US7054730B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Irradiating direction control apparatus of lighting unit for vehicle |
| US11390207B2 (en) | 2019-10-31 | 2022-07-19 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Headlight control apparatus |
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| JPH0529857U (en) * | 1991-09-30 | 1993-04-20 | 日産車体株式会社 | Vehicle headlight optical axis angle control device |
| JPH09286274A (en) * | 1996-04-22 | 1997-11-04 | Denso Corp | Automatic regulator for automobile headlight optic axial direction |
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1997
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| JPH0529857U (en) * | 1991-09-30 | 1993-04-20 | 日産車体株式会社 | Vehicle headlight optical axis angle control device |
| JPH09286274A (en) * | 1996-04-22 | 1997-11-04 | Denso Corp | Automatic regulator for automobile headlight optic axial direction |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001080409A (en) * | 1999-09-09 | 2001-03-27 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Auto-leveling device for headlight of automobile |
| DE10044512C2 (en) * | 1999-09-09 | 2002-10-24 | Koito Mfg Co Ltd | Headlamp leveling device for a vehicle headlight |
| US7033050B2 (en) | 2002-11-19 | 2006-04-25 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Projecting direction control system for vehicle headlamp |
| US7053762B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Projecting direction control system for vehicle headlamp |
| US7054730B2 (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Irradiating direction control apparatus of lighting unit for vehicle |
| US11390207B2 (en) | 2019-10-31 | 2022-07-19 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Headlight control apparatus |
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