• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    A vehicle lamp (200) includes a light source (202), a driver (302), a CPU (402), and a progressive dimmer (304). The driver (302) provides the light source (202) with a drive current ILD, which is a function of a dimming signal (S3). The CPU (402) generates an ON / OFF command signal (S4) that requests the light source (202) to be turned on or off according to an instruction (S1) from a vehicle and information (S2) indicating a driving situation. The stepless controller (304) generates a gradation signal (S3) that gradually varies with time in response to the ignition control or extinguishing signal (S4). The vehicle lamp (200) can be switched between a first mode in which the light source (202) is momentarily extinguished and a second mode in which the light source (202) is progressively extinguished.
    公开号:FR3034950A1
    申请号:FR1653047
    申请日:2016-04-07
    公开日:2016-10-14
    发明作者:Tomoyuki Ichikawa
    申请人:Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp for use on a motor vehicle.
    [0002] BACKGROUND ART [0002] The main trend of conventional vehicle lamps has been to use halogen lamps and HID lamps (high intensity discharge). However, in recent years, vehicle lamps have been developed in which a semiconductor light source, such as an LED (light-emitting diode) or a laser diode (also called a semiconductor laser) is used. as a source of light. [0003] A vehicle lamp has been developed including an additional high beam configured to illuminate an area farther than the area to be illuminated by a normal high beam to improve the visibility of such a zone. remote. [0004] A laser diode is used as a light source for the extra high beam because a high directivity is required for the extra high beam, or a similar semiconductor light source with high luminance is used. In addition, a light source with a high luminance such as a laser diode or an LED is sometimes used for a normal high beam or dipped beam. A light source with a high luminance poses a glare problem of a previous vehicle and / or a pedestrian 30 when it provides high visibility. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention has been made in view of these situations and an objective of an aspect thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp 3034950 2 that can control a light source with a strong light. luminance as required. [0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle lamp. The vehicle lamp comprises a light source, a driving circuit configured to supply the light source with a driving current as a function of a dimming signal, a processor configured to generate an ignition control signal or extinguishing device which requests the light source to be turned on or off according to an instruction from a vehicle and information indicating a driving situation and a progressive variation controller configured to generate the dimming signal which varies with time in response to the ignition control or extinguishing signal. The vehicle lamp may be switched between a first mode in which the light source is momentarily extinguished and a second mode in which the light source is progressively extinguished. [0008] The "light source is momentarily extinguished" means that the light source is turned off for a period which is shorter than the period during which the light source is gradually extinguished. In the first mode, the driving current of the light source momentarily decreases to a near zero level, so that the amount of light can be reduced to zero for a short time. For this reason, when a situation is detected in which a light beam is not to illuminate or when a sign of occurrence of such a situation is detected, the first mode can be selected, thereby improving security. . On the other hand, in the second mode, a sensation of high quality is produced and / or a considerable variation of the brightness in front of the vehicle is suppressed by progressively decreasing the amount of light by moderately reducing the current of attack of the source. of light, so as to improve the safety and comfort of the driver. [0009] The processor may select the first mode or the second mode depending on the cause of extinction of the light source. The information indicating the driving situation may include the presence or absence of a previous vehicle and the processor may select the first mode when the light source is turned off as a result of the detection of the previous vehicle. The glare problem of a previous vehicle can be reduced. The vehicle lamp may include a switch which is provided on a power path from the battery to the driver circuit and which is controlled to be enabled or disabled by the processor. The processor may disable switch (i) when the light source is turned off in the first mode and cause the light source to gradually turn off by means of the progressive dimming controller when the ignition control or extinguishing signal to the extinction level (ii) when the light source is turned off in the second mode. The power supply to the driver circuit is cut off by disabling the switch, and no drive current is allowed to flow into the driver circuit, thereby immediately decreasing the amount of light to zero. The vehicle lamp may also be switched between the first mode and the second mode by varying the gradient of the dimming signal by means of the dimming controller. However, in comparison with this possible configuration, the configuration of the present invention is advantageous in that the switch can be controlled without involving any additional circuitry or control. The light source may be a laser diode for an additional high beam. It can be stated that it is preferable to momentarily extinguish the laser diode when a previous vehicle or pedestrian is detected to avoid the risk of dazzling them. Accordingly, it is preferable to use the light source for the vehicle lamp that can be switched between the first mode and the second mode. [0013] The light source may include a plurality of semiconductor light sources for an Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) 3034 950 4. ADB indicates a light beam system configured to illuminate a selected portion of a high beam (and / or a low beam range) and is a type of headlamp capable of checking the light distribution pattern of the light beam. beam. The processor may extinguish a semiconductor light source corresponding to an area that is not to be illuminated while driving in a turn in the second mode. The light distribution pattern varies moderately by controlling the ADB while driving in a turn. When this occurs, the driver may experience a physical disturbance in the event that illumination of a certain area of the illumination range is abruptly interrupted. However, the light source corresponding to the relevant area in the illumination range is moderately extinguished in the second mode, thus allowing the driver to feel a certain comfort. According to the vehicle lamp comprising at least one of the features described above, it is possible to control the light source when a high luminance is required.
    [0003] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be well understood and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows. The description refers to the following drawings, which are given by way of example. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a lamp system including a vehicle lamp according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an operating waveform diagram of the vehicle lamp in a second mode. Fig. 3 is an operating waveform diagram of the vehicle lamp in a first mode. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a constant current converter which is a driver.
    [0004] Fig. 5 is a waveform diagram showing the control of a semiconductor switch.
    [0005] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp according to a modified fourth example. Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp according to a modified fifth example.
    [0006] Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the light distribution patterns of vehicle lamps according to the fourth and fifth forms of modified examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. Identical reference numbers will be given to identical or similar constituent elements and operations shown in the drawings, and repetition of identical or similar descriptions will be omitted as necessary. The embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention but to illustrate the present invention. All features and combinations thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the present invention. In this description, a "state where an element A is connected to an element B" includes not only the case where the element A and the element B are directly connected together physically, but also the case where the element A and the element B are indirectly connected together via another element which has substantially no influence on the electrical connection between the elements or which does not substantially degrade the functions and effects which are realized by the connections. Similarly, a "state where an element C is provided between element A and element B" includes not only the case where element A and element C or element B and element C are connected together directly, but also the case where the element A and the element C or the element B and the element C are connected together indirectly via another element which has substantially no influence on the electrical connection between the elements or substantially degrades the functions or effects that are made by the connection. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a lamp system 100 including a vehicle lamp 200 according to one embodiment. The lamp system 100 includes a battery 102, a vehicle ECU 104 and left and right vehicle lamps 200R, 200L. The vehicle ECU (electronic control unit) 104 is individually connected to the vehicle lamps 200R and 200L via a control line such as a CAN bus 106 so as to control the parking lamps. 200R, 200L vehicle in a consolidated way. An ignition command S1 for turning the lamp on or off and information indicating a driving situation (driving information) S2 is transmitted from the ECU 104 to the vehicle lamp 200. [0020] The configuration of the lamp of Vehicle 200 will then be described. Since the left and right vehicle lamps 200 are configured in the same way, the suffixes R, L are omitted. The vehicle lamp 200 comprises a light source 202, a lighting circuit 300 and a lamp ECU 400. The vehicle lamp 200 is installed in a traffic light lamp, a passing light lamp and a clearance light. When describing the configuration of the vehicle lamp 200, only one additional traffic light of the road light lamp will be described. This additional road light lamp 25 illuminates in particular a remote area in front of a vehicle. Although the light source 202 uses a semiconductor laser, other semiconductor light sources having a high directivity may also be used for the light source 202. [0023] The lighting circuit 300 comprises a driving circuit 302 and a progressive dimming controller 304. The driving circuit 302 supplies the light source 202 with a driving current I0 as a function of a dimming signal 53. The driving circuit 302 preferably uses a constant current converter which not only delivers a supply voltage VDD to the light source 202 by increasing or decreasing the supply voltage VDD but also stabilizes the drive current ILD flowing in the light source 202 at a target current which corresponds to the gradation signal S3. Note that no specific limitation is imposed on the topology of the constant current converter. The driver 302 can use both an analog dimming that varies the amount of drive current ILD and a PWM (PWM modulation) that varies the duty cycle. ILD attack by switching it at high speeds or can use either one of them. The progressive dimming controller 304 generates the gradation signal S3 which varies progressively with time in response to an ignition control signal S4 from the lamp ECU 400. Specifically, when the start / stop command signal S4 goes to the ignition level (e.g., the high level), the stepless controller 304 causes the gradual change of the gradation signal S3 (for example, an increase ) with time in a direction in which the drive current ILD increases. In addition, when the ON / OFF command signal S4 goes to the OFF level (e.g., the low level), the progressive dimmer controller 304 causes the dimming of the gradation signal S3 (e.g. a decrease) over time in a direction in which the drive current ILD decreases. The time required for the gradation signal S3 thus to change (progressive dimming time) in a second mode to be described later is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 5 seconds. The human eye has an adaptive characteristic to the ambient brightness and thus is more sensitive to a variation in brightness in a darker environment. In the case of the moderate increase in the luminance of the lamp (progressive lighting of the lamp), if the degree of variation of the amount of light is made smaller when the amount of light of the lamp is small, the degree of variation of the amount of light is made larger when the amount of light of the lamp increases, the human eye can accept the progressive lighting of the lamp as natural. Similarly, in the case of the moderate decrease of the luminance of the lamp (progressive extinction of the lamp), it is preferable that the degree of variation of the amount of light is made larger when the amount of light of the lamp is increased. The lamp is important while the degree of variation in the amount of light is made smaller as the amount of light from the lamp decreases. [0026] No specific limitation is imposed on the configuration of the progressive dimmer controller 304. When the driver 302 receives a voltage signal as the dimming signal S3, the dimmer controller 304 may include a dimmer. capacitor and a charge and discharge circuit which charges and discharges the capacitor so that the capacitor voltage is used as the gradation signal S3. The lamp ECU 400 comprises a CPU (central processing unit or CPU) 420 and a semiconductor switch 404. The CPU 402 generates an ignition control signal S4 that requests the source. light 202 turn on or off depending on the ignition signal Si and the driving information S2 which is transmitted by the vehicle ECU 104. For example, the driving information S2 comprises the presence or absence of a previous vehicle (S2a), the vehicle speed (S2b) and the steering angle (S2c). The vehicle ECU 400 causes the ignition signal S4 to switch on at an ignition level when the ignition control S1 issues an instruction to turn on the lamp, the presence or absence of a previous vehicle, the speed of the vehicle and the steering angle satisfying specified conditions. As an example, the lamp ECU 400 passes the ignition control signal S4 at the ignition level when the ignition control signal S4 is extinguished. provides an instruction to light the lamp and that the following conditions are satisfied: (i) no previous vehicle is detected; (ii) the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a specified value (80 km / h); and (iii) the steering angle is less than or equal to a specified value (e.g., five degrees). In addition, in the case where at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) a previous vehicle is detected; (ii) the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a specified value (60 km / h); and (iii) the steering angle is greater than or equal to a specified value (for example, 10 degrees), while the ignition control signal S4 is at the ignition level, the The lamp 400 maintains the ignition control signal S4 at the ignition level. The semiconductor switch 404 is provided on the supply path from the battery 102 to the driver 302 and is controlled to be turned on or off based on a control signal S5 from the CPU 402. Semiconductor switch 404 is activated when light source 202 is kept on. The vehicle lamp 200 may be switched between the first mode in which the light source 202 is momentarily extinguished and the second mode in which the light source 202 is progressively extinguished. The "light source 202 is momentarily turned off" in the first mode means that the light source 202 is turned off for a period that is shorter than the period during which the light source is gradually extinguished. Specifically, the light source 202 may be extinguished for a period that is shorter than 0.2 seconds. The configuration of the lamp system 100 that has been described so far is its basic configuration. The operation of the lamp system 100 will then be described. [0034] The selection of the first mode may momentarily decrease the ILD drive current towards the light source 202 to almost zero, so that the light quantity of the light source 202 can be reduced to zero during a short time. By selecting the first mode when an object not to be illuminated with a high beam is detected, the security can be improved. On the other hand, in the second mode, the ILD drive current to the light source 202 is moderately reduced so that the amount of light from the light source 202 is progressively reduced, thereby producing a high-quality sensation and / or suppressing the sudden change in brightness in front of the vehicle, so that the safety and comfort of the driver can be improved. According to the vehicle lamp 200 of this embodiment, the light source with high luminance can be appropriately controlled. A mode switching command will be described below. The CPU 402 selects the first mode or the second mode according to the extinction cause of the light source 202. In the example described above, the light source 202 is turned off when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied, including (i) a previous vehicle is detected; (ii) the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a specified value (60 km / h); and (iii) the steering angle is greater than or equal to a specified value (for example, 10 degrees). That is, there are reasons to extinguish the light source including (i) a previous vehicle is detected; (ii) the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a specified value (60 km / h); and (iii) the steering angle is greater than or equal to a specified value (e.g., 10 degrees). In the case of the extinction of the light source 202 due to the detection of a previous vehicle, the CPU 402 selects the first mode. Then, in the case of extinction of the light source 202 due to other reasons, the CPU 402 selects the second mode. Since the driver of the preceding vehicle is greatly dazzled when the high-luminance traffic light illuminates the preceding vehicle, the driver's glare can be prevented by immediately switching off the light source. A method for producing the first mode and the second mode will then be described below. The CPU 402 deactivates the semiconductor switch 404 when the light source 202 is turned off in the first mode. The CPU 402 switches the S4 on / off control signal to the OFF level and progressively turns off the light source 302 by the progressive dimmer controller 304 when the light source 202 is turned OFF in the second. fashion. An advantage of the method according to this embodiment will be described. As with the first modified example, which will be described later, it is considered that the progressive variation controller 304 is configured to generate two gradation signals S3a, S3b, which correspond to the first mode and the second mode. When this occurs, it is necessary for the start / stop control signal S4 to cause the light source 202 to be turned on or off and the mode to be selected to be notified to the stepless controller 304 through a signal which is distinct from the ignition control or extinguishing signal S4. As a result, the configuration of the progressive dimmer controller 304 and the communication between the CPU 402 and the progressive dimmer controller 304 becomes complex. According to the method of this embodiment, the gradation signal S3 to be generated by the progressive dimming controller 304 to gradually turn off the light source 202 should not be greater than one, which corresponds to the second mode, and the ignition control signal S4 must simply request the light source 202 to be extinguished. Thus, the circuit involved in the method of this embodiment can be simplified. FIG. 2 is an operating waveform diagram of the vehicle lamp 200 in the second mode. Ignition control 3034950 12 If goes to ignition level at time tO. In response to this passage of the ignition command S1, the CPU 402 causes the control signal S5 to go high to activate the semiconductor switch 404. The semiconductor switch 404 can be activated before the ignition command If goes to ignition level. At this time, the vehicle speed indicated by the driving information S2b is less than a threshold (80 km / h), and accordingly, the ignition control signal S4 or remains at the low level. .
    [0007] When the vehicle speed indicated by the driving information S2b exceeds the threshold (80 km / h) at time t1, the ignition control signal S4 goes high. In response thereto, the progressive dimming controller 304 increases the dimming signal S3 with time. As a result, the driver 302 increases the drive current ILD with time, so that the light source 202 is turned on progressively. The speed of the vehicle is reduced to be less than 60 km / h at time t2. When this occurs, the CPU 402 selects the second mode and switches the ON / OFF control signal S4 to the OFF level by keeping the semiconductor switch 404 on. In response to the switchover of the S4 on / off control signal, the progressive dimmer controller 304 increases the dimming signal S3 with time. As a result, the driver 302 decreases the drive current ILD with time, so that the light source 202 is gradually extinguished. FIG. 3 is an operating waveform diagram of the vehicle lamp 200 in the first mode. The operations from time t0 to time t1 are similar to those of FIG. 2. The driving information S2a indicates that a previous vehicle is detected at time t3. When this occurs, the CPU 402 selects the first mode and switches the control signal S5 down. This disables the semiconductor switch 404 and the supply of the supply voltage VDD to the driver 302 is interrupted, so that the drive current ILD is reduced to zero in a short period to turn off the source. 202. Although the CPU 402 modifies the ignition control signal S4 at the extinction level at time t3, the progressive extinction of the light source 202 by the progressive variation controller 304 is canceled because supply of the supply voltage VDD to it is cut off. Another characteristic in connection with the control of the semiconductor switch 404 by the CPU 402 will be described later. Before beginning the description, a problem that it must solve will be described. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the constant current converter constituting the drive circuit 302. This constant current converter 15 is a Buck converter which comprises a switching transistor M1, a rectifying diode D1, an element induction circuit L1, and a capacitor C1. A converter controller 312 turns on and off the switching transistor M1 so that a detection signal Is of the drive current ILD coincides with a specified target value. The converter controller 312 feedbackly controls the duty cycle of the switching transistors M1 via a PWM (pulse width modulation or PWM) system or an on / off system (hysteresis control ). The topology of the converter is only one example and thus a different known configuration can be used. In the converter configured in the manner described above, it is considered the case in which the switching transistor M1 has a short-circuit failure. When this occurs, the supply of the ILD drive current to the light source 202 can not be controlled, causing fear that a large current amplitude will flow to the light source 202, so that a beam which must not radiate or that the light source 202 or the other circuit elements are adversely affected. A control of the semiconductor switch 404 which will be described below will facilitate the resolution of this problem. The CPU 402 deactivates the semiconductor switch 404 within a specified period, at the latest after the extinction of the light source 202. In the case of the light source 202 turned off by disabling the semiconductor switch 404 in the first mode, this condition is satisfied with itself. In the case of the light source 202 deactivated in the second mode, the CPU 202 switches the on / off control signal S4 to the extinction level 10 and thereafter deactivates the semiconductor switch 404 immediately after that the gradual variation time of the gradation signal S3 has elapsed. [0050] No specific limitation is imposed on the sequencing in which the semiconductor switch 404 is activated. For example, the CPU 402 may activate the semiconductor switch 404 when it is requested to turn on the normal high beam with the additional high beam. Alternatively, the CPU 402 may activate the semiconductor switch 404 at the same time or just before the CPU 402 modifies the ignition or extinction signal S4 at the ignition level. FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing the control of the semiconductor switch 404. The waveform diagram represents a command that is performed in the second mode.
    [0008] When the normal high beam is turned on at time t0, the CPU 402 switches the control signal S5 high and activates the semiconductor switch 404. The manual ignition of the normal high beam by the driver can be requested. it is possible to adopt an automatic high beam control in which the vehicle automatically controls the switching on or off of the lamp. The lighting conditions of the supplemental traffic light source 202 are not satisfied at time t0. When the lighting conditions of the light source 202 are satisfied at time t1, the on / off signal 54 goes to the firing level. This causes the gradation signal S3 to increase over time, so that the drive current ILD increases moderately, causing the light source 202 to turn on gradually. [0053] When the vehicle speed is reduced to time t2, the lighting conditions of the additional high beam are not satisfied. The CPU 402 then passes the on / off control signal S4 to the OFF level and selects the second mode. The stepless controller 304 moderately decreases the gradation signal S3 and the light source 202 is progressively extinguished. The control signal S5 then goes low just after the variation time T has elapsed and the semiconductor switch 404 is turned off. [0054] As a comparable technique, assume that a command is performed in which the semiconductor switch 404 is normally activated regardless of whether the light source 202 is on or off. In the event that the semiconductor switch 404 fails due to a short circuit, the light source 202 is then turned on, although the ignition command S1 or the ignition command S4 at the extinction level. Even if the comparable technique installs a protection function in which, when the failure of the semiconductor switch 404 is detected, the ignition control signal S4 switches to the extinction level and the source of The light 202 is controlled to be turned off, the semiconductor switch 404 remaining faulty due to a short circuit, the light source 202 is turned on. There may furthermore be a case in which the light source 202 is configured by a combination of a blue semiconductor laser and a luminescent material which is excited by the semiconductor laser. In the case where a positional error or deterioration (anomaly of the luminescent material) occurs in the luminescent material, the light emitted by the semiconductor laser is emitted directly without being diffused by the luminescent material, which poses a problem. problem. Even though the comparable technique installs the projection function to turn off the light source 202 when the anomaly of the luminescent material is detected, the semiconductor switch 404 remains faulty due to a short circuit, the light source 202 is power on. On the other hand, according to the command illustrated in FIG. 5, the semiconductor switch 404 is energized only for a minimum necessary period and the semiconductor switch 404 is turned off after asking the light source 202 to turn on. to be extinguished, so that the light source 202 is no longer powered in a guaranteed manner. As a result, the inherent problem of the comparable technique can be solved. The above-described embodiment only illustrates the principle and application of the present invention and thus a large number of modified examples or variants in connection with this arrangement can be admitted without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims below. [0059] (First modified embodiment) Mode switching control is not limited to that described in this embodiment. In a first modified embodiment, the dimmer controller 304 is configured to generate two gradation signals S3a, S3b, which correspond respectively to the first mode and the second mode. The gradation signal S3a which corresponds to the first mode must be the signal which switches immediately on or off when the control signal S4 goes to extinction level. The CPU 402 then provides an instruction to turn on or turn off the light source 202 through the on / off control signal S4 and inform the progressive dimmer controller 304 of the selected mode via a signal distinct from the ignition control signal S4. With this modified embodiment, the light source 202 can be switched between the plurality of modes. [0060] (Second modified embodiment) In this embodiment, the light source 202 is switched between the first mode and the second mode. However, the light source 202 may be switched between a number of modes greater than two. In other words, the processor can vary the time of gradual variation in the second mode depending on the cause of extinction of the light source. When for example a previous vehicle is detected, the first mode is selected. When the light source 202 is turned off based on a decrease in vehicle speed, a second mode with a short progressive dimming time is then selected and when the light source 202 is turned off based on the angle a second mode with a long progressive variation time is selected. By adopting this configuration, the mode switching control may be more suitably executed depending on the vehicle situation. [0061] (Third modified embodiment) In this embodiment, the driving information S2 which is inputted into the CPU 402 is described as including the speed of the vehicle, the presence or absence of a vehicle. previous and the steering angle. However, in addition to these, the presence or absence of a pedestrian, information of an automobile navigation system, information (pitch, roll, yaw) of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor and whether a door is open or closed can be considered as driving information S2. Any one or any combination of this information can then be used as S2 driving information. The cause of extinction of the light source 202 in the first mode is not limited to the detection of a previous vehicle. [0062] (Fourth modified embodiment) In this embodiment, the light source 202 is described as being applied to the additional high beam light source. However, the light source 202 may also be applied to a high beam which is controlled by an ADB adaptive control beam. A block diagram of a vehicle lamp 200 according to this modified embodiment is similar to the block diagram shown in Fig. 1. [0063] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 200a according to the fourth modified embodiment. A light source 202 includes a plurality of ADB semiconductor light sources (e.g., LEDs) 204 that can be turned on and off individually. A lighting circuit 300a may include constant current converters 306 which are individually provided for the corresponding LEDs 204. In addition, progressively variable controllers 304 are provided individually for the corresponding constant current converters 306. In the ADB, the vehicle ECU 104 generates a traffic light distribution pattern intended to be formed in front of the vehicle based on the image from a camera and transmits A pattern control which indicates to a CPU 404 the generated light distribution pattern. The CPU 402 individually controls the plurality of LEDs 240 to be turned on or off based on the pattern control.
    [0009] In this modified embodiment also, when the LEDs 204 are turned off, the LEDs 204 may be switched between a first mode and a second mode. In this embodiment, the semiconductor switch 404 is disabled in the first mode. However, in this modified embodiment, in the event that a semiconductor switch 404 is turned off, all of the LEDs 204 are momentarily extinguished. Accordingly, in this modified embodiment, as in the first modified embodiment, the progressive dimming controllers 304 can each generate a gradation signal S3a which corresponds to the first mode and which is abruptly modified and a gradation signal S3b which corresponds to the second mode and is moderately modified. The CPU 402 informs the controllers 3034950 19 progressive variation 304 of the selected mode when the LEDs 204 are turned off. For example, in the case where a preceding vehicle is detected in an area that corresponds to a certain LED 204 204, the CPU 402 turns off the LED 204 concerned in the first mode. In the case where the CPU 402 turns off the LED 204 concerned due to a different cause, the CPU 402 turns off the LED 204 concerned in the second mode. As a preferred embodiment, in the case where an area which is not to be illuminated moves while driving in a turn or a new area which is not to be illuminated appears, the LED 204 which corresponds to the zone can be turned off in the second mode. The light distribution pattern that is controlled by ADB varies moderately while driving on a curve. When this happens, in the event that the LED 204 corresponding to a certain area is abruptly extinguished, the driver experiences a physical disorder. However, in this modified embodiment, the LED 204 is moderately off in the second mode, so that the driver can experience some comfort. [0068] 20 (Fifth Embodiment Modified) Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle lamp 200b according to a fifth modified embodiment. This vehicle lamp 200b also has an ADB function as in the case of the vehicle lamp 200a shown in FIG. 6. A plurality of LEDs 204 are connected in series. A constant current converter 306 which is a driver provides an ILED drive current to a serial connection (202) of the plurality of LEDs 204. Bypass switches 308 and progressive dimmer controllers 304 are provided in parallel. in order to correspond individually to the LEDs 204. [0069] The progressive dimming controller 304 progressively varies the PASSING resistance of the corresponding bypass switch 308 or varies the duty cycle of its switching to turn on or off. gradually turn off the corresponding LED 204. The operation of the vehicle lamp 200b is similar to that of the vehicle lamp 200a shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the light distribution patterns which are formed by the lamps of FIG. vehicle according to the fourth modified embodiment and the fifth modified embodiment. A light distribution pattern PH4 is divided into a plurality (here, 8) of partial switching areas PHa to PHh, and the partial switching areas are individually associated with the plurality of LEDs 204. In the case where the information corresponding to a forward situation taken by the camera indicates that a curved path (a curve) is present in front of the vehicle, the vehicle ECU 104 controls the vehicle lamps 200L, 200R to switch the pattern the light distribution pattern they form from the normal road light distribution pattern used up to now to the curved path light distribution pattern PH4. The vehicle ECU 104 then controls the LEDs 204 which correspond to the plurality of partial switching areas (PHa, PHb, PHc, PHg, PHh) constituting the curved path light distribution pattern PH4 as follows. The vehicle ECU 104 controls the LEDs 204 which illuminate first partial switch regions PHg, PHh which correspond to the left side area of the curved path light distribution pattern PH4 in the direction in which the curved path is turning. (here, a curve to the left) so as to increase the brightness of the first partial switching zones PHg, PHh. The vehicle ECU 104 controls the LEDs 204 which illuminate second partial switch regions PHa, PHb, PHc which correspond to a right side area of the curved path light distribution pattern PH4 which is on the opposite side of the zone which lies in the direction in which the curved path, PHh, rotates, so as to decrease the brightness of the second partial switching zone PHa, PHb, PHc. The CPU 402 turns off the LEDs 204 which correspond to the zones (PHa, PHb, PHc) which must not be illuminated while driving in the second mode. The light distribution pattern that is controlled by ADB varies moderately while driving in a turn. When this occurs, in the event that the LED 204 corresponding to a certain area is abruptly extinguished, the driver experiences a physical disorder. However, in these modified embodiments, the LEDs 204 are moderately extinguished in the second mode, so that the comfort and safety of the driver can be improved. [0074] (Sixth modified embodiment) In this embodiment, the CPU 402 is described as selecting the modes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle ECU 104 can thus select the modes. [0075] (Seventh embodiment modified) In this embodiment, the light source 202 is described as being used for the extra high beam. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The light source 202 may be used for a light source for normal high beam which illuminates the range of a high beam. The light source 202 may also be used for a light source to illuminate at least part of the driving range of the high beam. Alternatively, the light source 202 may also be used for a light source for a dipped beam. The embodiments described above illustrate only the principles and the application of the present invention and thus a large number of modified embodiments or variants in connection with the arrangement may be admitted without depart from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims below. 30
    权利要求:
    Claims (6)
    [0001]
    REVENDICATIONS1. A vehicle lamp (200) comprising: a light source (202); a driving circuit (302) configured to output a driving current to the light source (202) as a function of a dimming signal; a processor (402) that is congested to generate an ignition control signal that requests the light source (202) to be turned on or off based on an instruction from a vehicle and information indicating a driving situation; and a progressive dimming controller (304) congested to generate the dimming signal that varies with time in response to the ignition control or extinguishing signal, wherein the vehicle lamp (200) is switchable between a first In which mode the light source (202) is momentarily extinguished and a second mode in which the light source (202) is progressively extinguished.
    [0002]
    The vehicle lamp (200) of claim 1, wherein the processor (402) selects the first mode or the second mode depending on the cause of extinction of the light source (202).
    [0003]
    The vehicle lamp (200) of claim 2, wherein the driving situation information includes the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle, and wherein the processor (402) selects the first mode (202). when the light source is extinguished as a result of the detection of the preceding vehicle.
    [0004]
    The vehicle lamp (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a switch provided on a supply path from the battery (102) to the driver (302) and controlled for enabled or disabled by the processor (402), wherein the processor (402) disables the switch (i) when the light source (202) is turned off in the first mode and causes the light source to be extinguished ( 202) by means of the progressive dimming controller (304) when the ignition control signal or extinction signal goes to the extinction level (ii) when the light source (202) is turned off in the second fashion.
    [0005]
    The vehicle lamp (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source (202) is a laser diode for an additional high beam.
    [0006]
    The vehicle lamp (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source (202) comprises a plurality of semiconductor light sources for an adaptively controlled beam, and wherein the processor (402) turns off a semiconductor light source (204) corresponding to an area that is not to be illuminated while driving in a turn in the second mode.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CN106060997A|2016-10-26|
    DE102016205796A1|2016-10-13|
    US9840186B2|2017-12-12|
    FR3034950B1|2018-09-07|
    JP6688008B2|2020-04-28|
    CN106060997B|2018-02-09|
    JP2016199083A|2016-12-01|
    US20160297351A1|2016-10-13|
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    法律状态:
    2017-02-27| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2018-02-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    2018-03-02| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20180302 |
    2020-03-12| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 5 |
    2021-03-09| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 6 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    JP2015-078686|2015-04-07|
    JP2015078686A|JP6688008B2|2015-04-07|2015-04-07|Vehicle lighting|
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