tail turn signal

Abstract

A tail turn signal (100) is constituted in a manner that a first lamp unit (200) provided to a fixed portion of a vehicle body and a second lamp unit (300) provided to a movable portion are divided. A controller (220) is provided in the first lamp unit (200). A first lighting circuit (230) causes a plurality of first light sources (210) to light up. A second lighting circuit (330) causes a plurality of second light sources (310) to light up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle lighting fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] Among the vehicle lights (called combination lights or simply taillights) located at the rear of a car, there are lights that span across movable parts such as the trunk lid or rear compartment and the vehicle body side. Such taillights are formed by dividing the housing into a housing on the movable part side and a housing on the vehicle body side.

[0003] The taillights include turn signals (turn signal lights). In recent years, some vehicles have begun to be equipped with turn signals that illuminate sequentially in a flow along the direction of travel (hereinafter referred to as sequential turn signals).

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 104282 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention was made under the above circumstances, and one of the exemplary objects of one aspect of it is to provide a segmented tail turn signal that enhances the value of a product.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a taillight turn signal configured in a manner divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion of a vehicle body. The taillight turn signal is divided into: a first lamp unit mounted on the fixed portion; and a second lamp unit mounted on the movable portion. The first lamp unit includes a controller, one or more first light sources, and a first illumination circuit for illuminating the one or more first light sources. The second lamp unit includes a plurality of second light sources and a second illumination circuit for illuminating the plurality of second light sources.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or the result of interchanging the constituent elements or expressions of the present invention among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., is also an effective solution of the present invention.

[0012] [Invention Effects]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the value of goods can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 (a) is an exterior view of the car including the taillights. Figure 1(b) is a diagram showing the left-side taillight.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the tail turn signal.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the tail turn signal operation.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram of the tail turn signals.

[0018] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram for the tail turn signal. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0020] One embodiment disclosed in this specification relates to a taillight turn signal. The taillight turn signal is configured as a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit, the first lamp unit being disposed in a fixed portion of the vehicle body, and the second lamp unit being disposed in a movable portion. The first lamp unit includes a controller, one or more first light sources, and a first illumination circuit for illuminating the one or more first light sources. The second lamp unit includes a plurality of second light sources and a second illumination circuit for illuminating the plurality of second light sources.

[0021] According to this embodiment, by embedding the controller in the taillight, at least one of multiple lighting controls corresponding to anomaly detection and vehicle condition can be provided, thereby increasing the product value.

[0022] It is generally assumed that turn signals illuminate sequentially from the inside out. Therefore, it seems natural to mount the controller on the side of the second lamp unit, which houses the first light source, making the second lamp unit the primary and the first lamp unit secondary. However, when the movable parts of the vehicle, such as the trunk or tailgate, are frequently opened and closed, placing the controller on the movable part side would subject it to stress, raising concerns about reduced reliability. Furthermore, it would easily load the wiring harness connecting the vehicle and the controller, raising concerns about wire breakage. In contrast, by placing the controller on the fixed part side, reliability degradation can be suppressed. Additionally, since it is difficult to load the wiring harness connecting the vehicle and the controller, concerns about wire breakage can be eliminated. Moreover, while integrating the controller into both the first and second lamp units increases cost, placing it solely on the first lamp unit side can also mitigate this cost increase.

[0023] Alternatively, the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit may be connected via a first wiring. Alternatively, the controller may respond to a conduction instruction from the vehicle by sending a first start signal to the second lighting circuit via the first wiring. Alternatively, in the first lighting mode, the second lighting circuit may respond to the receipt of the first start signal and illuminate multiple second light sources in a predetermined sequence. Alternatively, in the first lighting mode, the first lighting circuit may illuminate one or more first light sources after the second lighting circuit has completed illuminating multiple second light sources.

[0024] Alternatively, the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit can be connected by a second wiring, and the second lighting circuit can send a second start signal through the second wiring when multiple second light sources are lit.

[0025] Alternatively, the first lighting circuit responds to the receipt of the second start signal, causing the multiple first light sources to light up in a predetermined order or simultaneously. By using the second start signal as a marker indicating the completion of lighting up the multiple second light sources, the second lighting circuit can start lighting up without a controller.

[0026] Alternatively, the controller can detect anomalies based on the time elapsed from sending the first start signal to receiving the second start signal. Under normal conditions, the controller receives the second start signal after a predetermined time elapsed after sending the first start signal. However, if an anomaly occurs in the first wiring, the second wiring, or the second lighting circuit, the time elapsed from receiving the first start signal to receiving the second start signal will be longer than the predetermined time. In other words, an anomaly can be determined based on the anomaly determination of the two start signals, specifically whether an anomaly has occurred in the first wiring, the second wiring, or the second lighting circuit.

[0027] Alternatively, the second lighting circuit may not send a second start signal if an anomaly is detected in at least one of the multiple second light sources. Therefore, because the time required for the controller to receive the second start signal is longer than a predetermined time, the controller is able to determine the anomaly occurring in the multiple second light sources.

[0028] Alternatively, when the first lighting circuit detects an anomaly in at least one of the multiple first light sources, it notifies the controller of the anomaly. In this way, the controller can determine the anomaly occurring in the first light source.

[0029] Alternatively, the controller can monitor its communication with the vehicle and determine anomalies based on the results. In one embodiment, the controller determines an anomaly in the event of a periodic communication interruption with the vehicle. Alternatively, in one embodiment, an anomaly can be determined based on the consistency between the connectivity indication sent from the vehicle and the information contained in the periodic communication.

[0030] Alternatively, the first and second lamp units can be connected via a third wiring. Alternatively, the first and second lighting circuits can switch between a first lighting mode and a second lighting mode, with the controller selecting the lighting mode based on vehicle information received from the vehicle and sending a mode signal indicating the lighting mode to the second lighting circuit via the third wiring. Alternatively, in the second lighting mode, the second lighting circuit, in response to the receipt of the first start signal, illuminates multiple second light sources simultaneously. Alternatively, in the second lighting mode, the first lighting circuit, along with the second lighting circuit, illuminates multiple first light sources substantially simultaneously.

[0031] For example, the second lighting mode can be selected when the trunk lid or rear hatch is open or in the event of other malfunctions.

[0032] (Implementation Method)

[0033] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on preferred embodiments. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, but are merely illustrative; not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are substantive aspects of the invention.

[0034] In this specification, the term "the state of connection between component A and component B" includes not only the case where component A and component B are physically directly connected, but also the case where component A and component B are indirectly connected via other components that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the function or effect of their coupling.

[0035] Similarly, the phrase "the state in which component C is positioned between component A and component B" includes not only the case where component A and component C, or component B and component C are directly connected, but also the case where they are indirectly connected via other components that do not substantially affect their electrical connection state or impair the function or effect achieved through their coupling.

[0036] <First Embodiment>

[0037] Figure 1 (a) is an exterior view of a car 500 including tail turn signals 100. The tail turn signals 100L and 100R are respectively mounted at the rear of the car 500 on the left and right sides. The car 500 has a fixed part 502 and a movable part 504. The movable part 504 can also be as follows: Figure 1 The trunk lid is shown in (a). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the movable portion 504 may also be a rear hatch. The tail turn signal 100 is arranged in a manner that divides it into a fixed portion 502 side and a movable portion 504 side.

[0038] Figure 1 (b) is a diagram showing the left-side tail turn signal 100L. Furthermore, the tail turn signal 100R is configured to be approximately symmetrical to the tail turn signal 100L.

[0039] The tail turn signal 100L is divided into a first lamp unit 200 and a second lamp unit 300. The first lamp unit 200 and the second lamp unit 300 have independent housings. The first lamp unit 200 is fixed to the fixed part 502 side, and the second lamp unit 300 is fixed to the movable part 504 side adjacent to the fixed part 502. Alternatively, the first lamp unit 200 can be referred to as the outer lamp unit, and the second lamp unit 300 as the inner lamp unit.

[0040] In the first lamp unit 200 and the second lamp unit 300, multiple light sources 102 are substantially arranged adjacently in the horizontal direction. The tail turn signal 100L is a so-called sequential turn signal, in which the multiple light sources 102 illuminate sequentially from the inside of the vehicle body (right side in the figure) to the outside (left side in the figure) in the direction of the arrow when turning left. The light source 102 is usually an LED (light-emitting diode), but other semiconductor light sources, such as LD (laser diode) or organic EL (electroluminescence) elements, can be used.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the tail turn signal 100. The left and right tail turn signals 100 are symmetrical in construction, but can be constructed in the same way in terms of function, so they are represented by the same block diagram.

[0042] As described above, the tail turn signal 100 is configured in a manner that divides it into a first lamp unit 200 and a second lamp unit 300.

[0043] In the first lighting unit 200, multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M (M≥2) are provided, which are related to... Figure 1 (b) The light source corresponds to the light source on the first luminaire unit 200 side of the plurality of light sources 102. Furthermore, in the second luminaire unit 300, a plurality of second light sources 310_1 to 310_N (N≥2) are provided, which correspond to... Figure 1 (b) The light source corresponds to the second lamp unit 300 side of the multiple light sources 102. The multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M and the multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N are modularized and referred to as first light source module 204 and second light source module 304, respectively. The number M and N of each of the first light source 210 and the second light source 310 are not particularly limited and can be designed with consideration of the required function or appearance design of the tail turn signal 100.

[0044] In the first lighting unit 200, in addition to the first light source module 204, a controller 220 and a first lighting circuit 230 are also provided. The controller 220 and the first lighting circuit 230 are mounted on the same first substrate 202 and are connected by printed wiring. Multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M are not disposed on the first substrate 202, but are disposed near a heat sink (not shown). The first substrate 202 and the first light source module 204 are connected by an LED wiring harness 206.

[0045] The first lighting circuit 230 controls the lighting / extinguishing of multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M. More specifically, at the timing of the completion of the lighting of the second light sources 310_1 to 310_N on the second lighting unit 300 side, the multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M are lit continuously in a predetermined sequence. The configuration of the first lighting circuit 230 is not particularly limited, and known technology or future technologies may be used.

[0046] In the second lighting unit 300, in addition to the second light source module 304, a second lighting circuit 330 is also provided. The second lighting circuit 330 is mounted on the second substrate 302. The second substrate 302 and the second light source module 304 are connected by an LED wiring harness 306. The second lighting circuit 330 controls the lighting / extinguishing of multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N. More specifically, in response to a lighting instruction from the controller 220, multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M are lit in a predetermined sequence. The controller 220 may be a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, or a microcomputer integrating them. Alternatively, the controller 220 may be constructed using hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or it may be constructed using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) containing digital circuitry. The configuration of the second lighting circuit 330 is not particularly limited, and known technology or technology that may be utilized in the future can be used.

[0047] The above describes the basic structure of the tail turn signal 100.

[0048] According to this embodiment, by setting the controller 220 to the taillight 100, at least one of a variety of lighting controls corresponding to anomaly detection or vehicle condition as described below can be provided, thereby increasing the value of the product.

[0049] Furthermore, when the movable part 504 of the vehicle, i.e., the trunk or tailgate, is frequently opened and closed, mounting the controller 220 on the movable part 504 would subject it to impacts, raising concerns about reduced reliability. Additionally, the wiring harness connecting the vehicle and the controller 220 could easily be subjected to load, raising concerns about wire breakage. In contrast, mounting the controller 220 on the fixed part 502 side can suppress the reduction in reliability. Furthermore, since the vehicle wiring harness 150 connecting the vehicle and the controller 220 is less likely to be subjected to load, concerns about wire breakage can be eliminated.

[0050] Next, the more specific structure and features of the tail turn signal 100 will be explained.

[0051] The first lighting unit 200 and the second lighting unit 300 are connected by a first wiring 131. The first wiring 131 is bundled together with the other wirings 132-134 described later to form a cover harness 130. The controller 220 is able to send a first start signal (LID_START signal) to the second lighting circuit 330 via the first wiring 131 in response to a conduction instruction from the vehicle.

[0052] The vehicle's conduction indication is provided via the power line 151 of the vehicle wiring harness 150 as a turn synchronization (TURN_SYNC) signal. The TURN_SYNC signal is the main power supply for the taillight 100 and is a pulse signal that is "high" (i.e., battery voltage) during the illumination period (conduction) and "low" (i.e., ground voltage) during the extinguishing period (cutoff). Typically, the turn signal illuminates and extinguishes repeatedly at a cycle of 1–2 Hz (60–120 times per second). For example, at 1.5 Hz, the illumination cycle is 666 ms. The TURN_SYNC signal is "high" for the first 333 ms and "low" for the remaining 333 ms.

[0053] The controller 220 is connected to the vehicle-side ECU (Electronic Control Unit), CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus, and can receive vehicle information and send information to the vehicle-side ECU. To enable communication between the controller 220 and the vehicle-side ECU even when the TURN_SYNC signal is "low," a power signal PS, different from the TURN_SYNC signal, is provided to the controller 220 via wiring 153. This power signal PS may be a constant power supply such as battery voltage.

[0054] The second illumination circuit 330, in response to the receipt of the LID_START signal, illuminates multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N in a predetermined order at predetermined time intervals Δt (e.g., 16ms). The illumination order proceeds from the inside of the vehicle to the outside. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In this diagram, multiple second light sources 310 are connected in series and numbered sequentially from top to bottom as _1 to _N #, but these numbers are independent of the lighting order. For ease of understanding and simplification, it is assumed that the second light source 310_1 on the high potential side is lit sequentially.

[0055] In the first lighting mode, when the second lighting circuit 330 has completed the lighting of multiple second light sources 310, the first lighting circuit 230 lights up the multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M in a predetermined order at predetermined time intervals (16ms). The multiple first light sources 210 are also numbered # from _1 to _M sequentially from top to bottom, but this number # is independent of the lighting order. Here, for ease of understanding and simplification, it is assumed that the first light source 210_1 on the high potential side is lit sequentially.

[0056] The first lighting unit 200 and the second lighting unit 300 are also connected by a second wiring 132. The second lighting circuit 330 can send a second start signal (RC_START) via the second wiring 132 when the multiple second light sources 310 are lit. RC is the first letter of Rear Combination. In this case, the first lighting unit 200 includes not only the turn signals but also the parking lights and taillights, functioning as a rear combination light.

[0057] The RC_START signal is input to the first lighting circuit 230. In response to the receipt of the RC_START signal, the first lighting circuit 230 begins to illuminate multiple first light sources 210. That is, the controller 220 does not need to manage the timing of the lighting start in the first lighting circuit 230, thereby reducing the load on the controller 220.

[0058] Furthermore, a TURN_SYNC signal is supplied to the second lighting unit 300 via the fourth wiring 134. The TURN_SYNC signal is the power supply voltage of the second lighting unit 300. Next, the operation of the taillight 100 will be explained. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The waveform diagram of the tail turn signal 100.

[0059] The TURN_SYNC signal repeatedly goes "high" and "low" at a predetermined cycle. At time t0, the TURN_SYNC signal is activated ("high"). Controller 220 uses this as a trigger to activate the LID_START signal ("high") within a predetermined time (e.g., 30ms) and send it to the second illumination circuit 330. Responding to the activation of the LID_START signal, the second illumination circuit 330 sequentially illuminates multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N. Then, at time t1, when all second light sources 310 have finished illuminating, the RC_START signal is activated ("high") and sent to the first illumination circuit 230. The first illumination circuit 230 sequentially illuminates the first light sources 210_1 to 210_M. This describes the operation of the taillight turn signal 100.

[0060] <Anomaly Detection>

[0061] Next, the abnormal detection of the tail turn signal 100 will be explained.

[0062] 1. Abnormality of the cover wire harness 130

[0063] The RC_START signal is input not only to the first lighting circuit 230, but also to the controller 220. The controller 220 detects abnormalities based on the time elapsed from sending the LID_START signal to receiving the RC_START signal.

[0064] Assume N = 8. When the first wiring 131, the second wiring 132, and the second lighting circuit 330 are functioning normally, after Δt × N = 16ms × 8 = 128ms from when the LID_START signal is enabled, the lighting of N = 8 second light sources 310 will be completed, and the RC_START signal should be received. Therefore, if a threshold time τ longer than Δt × N is specified (e.g., 230ms), and no RC_START signal is received even after this threshold time τ, it can be determined that the cover wiring harness 130 is malfunctioning.

[0065] 2. Abnormalities in LED wiring harness 306

[0066] The second lighting circuit 330 has open-circuit detection or short-circuit detection functions for each of the multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N. When an abnormality is detected in any of the second light sources 310, the second lighting circuit 330 will not activate the LiD_START signal even after the last second light source 310_N has been activated. As a result, the controller 220 cannot receive the RC_START signal within a threshold time τ from when the LiD_START signal is activated. Therefore, the controller 220 can detect abnormalities in both the cover harness 130 and the LED harness 306 simultaneously.

[0067] 3. Abnormalities in LED harness 206

[0068] The first lighting circuit 230 has open-circuit detection or short-circuit detection functions for each of the multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M. When an abnormality is detected in any of the first light sources 210, the first lighting circuit 230 sends an abnormality detection signal ABN1 to the controller 220. As a result, the controller 220 is able to detect the abnormality of the LED harness 206.

[0069] 4. Notification of anomalies

[0070] The controller 220 connects to the vehicle ECU via a bus 152 such as CAN or LIN and is able to communicate with it. When the controller 220 detects certain anomalies, it notifies the vehicle ECU of the occurrence of the anomaly. At this time, it can notify the vehicle ECU whether any of the anomalies mentioned in 1 to 3 above has occurred.

[0071] Alternatively, if the first lighting unit 200 has a built-in non-volatile memory, the controller 220 may retain a log of detected anomalies in the non-volatile memory.

[0072] <Mode Control>

[0073] Alternatively, in addition to the sequential lighting mode (first lighting mode) mentioned above, the tail turn signal 100 also supports a second lighting mode (normal lighting mode), and the two modes can be switched.

[0074] The controller 220 selects the illumination mode based on vehicle information received from the vehicle ECU via the CAN (or LIN) bus 152. From the moment the TURN_SYNC signal is enabled (conducted), the vehicle ECU sends vehicle information containing the following data C1 to C3 within a predetermined time (e.g., 20ms). This vehicle information includes (i) data C1 indicating the illumination status, (ii) data C2 indicating whether there is a front turn malfunction, and (iii) data C3 indicating the opening / closing status of the movable part 504 (trunk lid).

[0075] As the illumination status, data C1 specifies any one of the following: turn, hazard, or emergency stop signal (ESS). When a turn or hazard is indicated, the controller 220 selects the sequential illumination mode (first illumination mode), and when the ESS is indicated, it selects the normal illumination mode (second illumination mode).

[0076] Furthermore, when data C2 indicates an abnormality during forward turning or when data C3 indicates that the movable part 504 is open, controller 220 will force the selection of the normal illumination mode (second illumination mode) regardless of the state of data C1. In addition, when ESS is selected, the vehicle ECU will make the frequency of the TURN_SYNC signal higher than during turning or dangerous situations.

[0077] Next, details of the typical lighting mode will be explained.

[0078] When the controller 220 selects the illumination mode based on vehicle information, it sends a STATUS signal indicating the illumination mode to the second illumination circuit 330 via the third wiring 133. When the second illumination circuit 330 is indicated to be in the normal illumination mode, it immediately illuminates the multiple second light sources 310 substantially simultaneously upon receiving the LID_START signal.

[0079] The controller 220 also supplies a STATUS signal to the first lighting circuit 230. In normal lighting mode, the first lighting circuit 230 illuminates the multiple first light sources 210 simultaneously with the second lighting circuit 330 illuminating the multiple second light sources 310.

[0080] Preferably, in normal lighting mode, when the second lighting circuit 330 receives the LID_START signal, it immediately activates the RC_START signal and sends it to the first lighting circuit 230. This allows the timing of the lighting operations of the first lighting circuit 230 and the second lighting circuit 330 to be substantially simultaneous.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram of the tail turn signal 100. The TURN_SYNC signal is turned on (ON) and input to the controller 220, the first illumination circuit 230, and the second illumination circuit 330 (S100). Next, vehicle information is sent from the vehicle ECU to the controller 220 (S102). The controller 220 selects the illumination mode based on the vehicle information (S104).

[0082] The controller 220 sends a STATUS signal indicating the mode to the first lighting circuit 230 and the second lighting circuit 330 (S106). Then, the controller 220 sends a LID_START signal to the second lighting circuit 330 (S108). Upon receiving the LID_START signal, the second lighting circuit 330 illuminates multiple second light sources 310 according to the selected lighting mode (S110). In the sequential lighting mode, after lighting is complete, an RC_START signal is sent (S112A). In the normal lighting mode, the RC_START signal is sent immediately after receiving the LID_START signal (S112B). Upon receiving the LID_START signal, the first lighting circuit 230 illuminates multiple first light sources 210 according to the selected lighting mode (S114). The controller 220 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the elapsed time from sending the LID_START signal to receiving the RC_START signal (S116). Then, when the TURN_SYNC signal becomes off (S118), the power supply to the first lighting circuit 230 and the second lighting circuit 330 is cut off, so that the multiple first light sources 210 and the multiple second light sources 310 are turned off.

[0083] <Circuit Structure>

[0084] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram for the tail turn signal 100. First, the configuration of the second lamp unit 300 side will be explained. In this example, the LID_START_START signal and the RC_START signal are negative logic, and are "low" when illuminated.

[0085] The second lighting unit 300 includes a second light source module 304 and a second lighting circuit 330. The second lighting circuit 330 mainly includes a DC / DC converter 332 and a sequential circuit 333.

[0086] DC / DC converter 332 is a constant current output converter that supplies a constant drive current ILED to the second light source module 304.

[0087] The sequential circuit 333 includes multiple bypass switches SWb1 to SWbN. These bypass switches SWb1 to SWbN are P-channel MOS transistors, connected in parallel with the second light sources 310_1 to 310_N. When the i-th bypass switch SWbi is off, the drive current ILED flows to the second light source 310_i, and the second light source 310_i lights up. Conversely, when the i-th bypass switch SWbi is on, the drive current ILED flows to the bypass switch SWbi side, and the second light source 310_i turns off.

[0088] When the STATUS signal indicates sequential mode ("low"), the sequential circuit 333 triggers the activation of the LID_START signal ("low") to sequentially illuminate multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N in a predetermined order. In this example, the lights are illuminated in the order of 310_N, 310_N-1, ..., 310_2, 310_1 from the low potential side to the high potential side. Then, immediately after the last second light source 310_1 is illuminated, the RC_START signal is activated ("low").

[0089] The sequential circuit 333 also includes multiple bypass switch drive circuits 334_1 to 334_N, timer circuits 336 and 338, reset switch 340, and mode switching circuit 342.

[0090] The bypass switch drive circuits 334_1 to 334_M control the corresponding bypass switches SWb1 to SWbN based on the output of the timer circuit 336. The bypass switch drive circuits 334_# (# = 1, 2, ... N) have the functions of an inverter and a level shifter. When the control input Sig# is "low", it inputs "high" to the gate of the corresponding bypass switch SWb# to put it in the off state and lights up the second light source 310_#. Conversely, when the control input Sig# is "high", it outputs "low" to the gate of the corresponding bypass switch SWb# to put it in the on state and turns off the second light source 310_#.

[0091] When the LID_START signal is invalid (i.e., "high"), the timer circuit 336 sets all control signals Sig1 to SigN to "high". At this time, all bypass switches SWb1 to SWbN will be turned on, and all second light sources 310 will be turned off.

[0092] In sequential mode, timer circuits 336 and 338 begin timing measurement while the LID_START signal is active ("low"). When the LID_START signal is "low", it switches from "high" to "low" every predetermined time interval Δt, following the sequence of control inputs SigN, SigN-1, ..., Sig2, Sig1. As a result, the second light source 310 on the low potential side is lit sequentially.

[0093] The STATUS signal is input to the mode switching circuit 342. When the STATUS signal is "low" (sequential mode), the mode switching circuit 342 supplies the power supply voltage VCC to the timer circuits 336 and 338. When the STATUS signal is "high" (normal mode), the mode switching circuit 342 cuts off the power supply voltage VCC.

[0094] Timer circuits 336 and 338 include capacitor C1, resistor R1, multiple comparators CP0 to CPN, and resistor divider circuit 337. Resistor divider circuit 337 divides the power supply voltage (specifically VCC - Vce) supplied by mode switching circuit 342 in sequential mode to generate multiple threshold voltages Vth0 to VthN. Each comparator Cp0 to CpN compares the voltage VC1 of capacitor C1 with the corresponding threshold voltage Vth#, outputting a "low" signal Sig# when VC1 > Vth# and a "high" signal Sig# when VC1 < Vth#.

[0095] When the LID_START signal is invalid ("high"), the reset switch 340 is turned on, and the voltage VC1 drops to the ground voltage of 0V, which means VC1 < Vth0 to VthN. Therefore, Sig1 to SigN are all "high".

[0096] When the LID_START signal is active ("low"), the reset switch 340 turns off. This causes capacitor C1 to charge through resistor R1, and the capacitor voltage VC1 rises over time. As a result, the output switches to "low" in the order of the following comparators CpN, CpN-1, ..., Cp1, finally setting the output of comparator Cp0, i.e., the RC_START signal, to "low" (active). This RC_START signal is then supplied to the first luminaire unit 200.

[0097] When the STATUS signal is "high" (normal mode), the mode switching circuit 342 cuts off the power supply voltage VCC. As a result, all threshold voltages Vth0 to VthN become close to the ground voltage of 0V. In this state, the LID_START signal is active ("low"). When the capacitor voltage VC1 rises slightly from 0V, VC1 > Vth1 to VthN, and Sig1 to SigN momentarily switch to "low", and the second light sources 310_1 to 310_N illuminate simultaneously. Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with this, when VC1 > Vth0, the RC_START signal is active ("low"). This is the configuration of the second lighting unit 300.

[0098] Next, the first lighting unit 200 will be described. The first lighting unit 200 includes a first light source module 204, a controller 220, and a first lighting circuit 230.

[0099] The controller 220 generates a signal MODE indicating the lighting mode. The MODE signal is "high" in sequential mode and "low" in normal mode. The inverter 222 is an open-collector circuit, which inverts the MODE signal and outputs it as a STATUS signal to the second lighting unit 300.

[0100] The first lighting circuit 230 mainly includes a DC / DC converter 232, multiple bypass switches SWb1 to SWbM, multiple bypass switch drive circuits 234_1 to 234_M, a timer circuit 236, and a mode switching circuit 242.

[0101] DC / DC converter 232 is a constant current output converter, supplying a constant drive current ILED to the first light source module 204. Multiple bypass switches SWb1 to SWbM are connected in parallel with the first light sources 210_1 to 210_M. When the i-th bypass switch SWbi is off, the drive current ILED flows to the first light source 210_i, and the first light source 210_i lights up. Conversely, when the i-th bypass switch SWbi is on, the drive current ILED flows to the bypass switch SWbi side, and the first light source 210_i turns off.

[0102] The bypass switch drive circuits 234_1 to 234_M control the corresponding bypass switches SWb1 to SWbM based on the outputs Sig1 to SigM of the timer circuit 236.

[0103] The STATUS signal is input to the mode switching circuit 242. The mode switching circuit 242 is configured to be the same as the mode switching circuit 342 on the second lighting unit 300 side and operates in the same way.

[0104] The timer circuit 236 includes a capacitor C1, a resistor R1, and a resistor divider circuit 237, and is configured identically to the timer circuit 336 on the second lamp unit 300 side. During the period when the RC_START signal is invalid (“high”), it outputs control signals Sig1 to SigM, all of which are “high”. The bypass switch drive circuit 234_# controls the bypass switch SWb# according to the corresponding control signal Sig#.

[0105] In sequential lighting mode, timer circuit 236 responds to the RC_START signal being enabled ("low") by sequentially switching multiple control signals Sig1 to SigM to "low" from the bottom, thus lighting up the light source 210_M from the bottom to the top. In normal lighting mode, timer circuit 236 responds to the RC_START signal being enabled ("low") by simultaneously switching multiple control signals Sig1 to SigM to "low".

[0106] For anomaly detection, the RC_START signal can also be input to the controller 220. The above describes the configuration of the first lighting unit 200.

[0107] <Second Embodiment>

[0108] In the first embodiment, the first lighting unit 200 illuminates multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M in a predetermined order in a sequential lighting mode, but is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, even in the sequential lighting mode, the first lighting circuit 230 illuminates multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M simultaneously, just as in the normal lighting mode. When the multiple first light sources 210_1 to 210_M are arranged substantially vertically, it is sometimes more natural to illuminate them simultaneously.

[0109] As a variation of the second embodiment, the number M of the first light source 210 in the first lighting unit 200 can also be set to 1.

[0110] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications may exist in the combination of their constituent elements or processing steps, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

[0111] (First variation)

[0112] The trigger for starting illumination in the first lighting unit 200 is set to the RC_START signal, but this is not a limitation. If the controller 220 can utilize a built-in timer, it can also generate the RC_START signal internally within the first lighting unit 200. In this case, the second wiring 132 can be omitted. Alternatively, the second wiring 132 can be retained, allowing the RC_START signal to return to the first lighting unit 200, and anomaly detection can be performed based on the time difference between the returned RC_START signal and the LID_START signal.

[0113] (Second variation)

[0114] In one implementation, multiple first light sources 210 are connected in series and switched on / off using a bypass control method, but this is not a limitation. For example, multiple first light sources 210 can be connected in parallel, and current sources can be connected in series to each first light source 210, switching the current sources on and off. The same applies to the second light source 310.

[0115] (3rd variation)

[0116] exist Figure 5 Alternatively, a digital timer (counter) can be used to construct a timer circuit 236 or a timer circuit 336.

[0117] (4th variation)

[0118] The taillight turn signal 100 can be constructed using either a negative logic system or a positive logic system. Those skilled in the art can invert the "high" and "low" signals or change the configuration of the combination circuit. For example, in... Figure 5 Alternatively, the RC_START and LID_START signals can be set to positive logic. In this case, an inverter is added to the stage before the reset switch 240 and reset switch 340. Alternatively, an inverter that inverts the output of the timer circuit 338 can be added.

[0119] (5th variation)

[0120] In the sequential lighting mode, the case of lighting up multiple second light sources 310_1 to 310_N one by one is explained, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to light up every 2 grounds or every 3 grounds.

[0121] Although specific statements have been used to describe the present invention based on the implementation methods, the implementation methods only represent the principles and applications of the present invention. Many variations or configuration changes are allowed for the implementation methods without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0122] [Industrial Availability]

[0123] This invention relates to vehicle lighting fixtures.

[0124] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0125] 100… Tail turn signal, 200… First lamp unit, 300… Second lamp unit, 202… First base plate, 204…

[0126] First light source module, 210… First light source, 220… Controller, 222… Inverter, 230… First lighting circuit,

[0127] 232…DC / DC converter, 234…bypass switch drive circuit, 236…timer circuit, 237…resistor voltage divider circuit, 240…reset switch, 242…mode switching circuit, 302…second substrate, 304…second light source module, 310…

[0128] Second light source, 330… Second lighting circuit, 332… DC / DC converter, SWb… Bypass switch, 333… Sequential circuit, 334… Bypass switch drive circuit, 336… Timer circuit, 337… Resistor voltage divider circuit, 338… Timer circuit, 340… Reset switch, 342… Mode switching circuit, 130… Cover wiring harness, 131… First wiring, 132… Second wiring, 133… Third wiring, 134… Fourth wiring, 141, 142… LED wiring harness, 150… Vehicle wiring harness, 500…

[0129] Automobile, 502...fixed part, 504...movable part.

Claims

1. A tail turn signal, which is configured in such a way as to divide a first lamp unit disposed in a fixed part of a vehicle body and a second lamp unit disposed in a movable part; The feature of this tail turn signal is that... The aforementioned first lighting unit includes a controller, one or more first light sources, and a first lighting circuit for illuminating the one or more first light sources; The aforementioned second lighting unit includes a plurality of second light sources and a second lighting circuit for illuminating the plurality of second light sources. The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit are connected by a first wiring. The controller is able to respond to a conduction instruction from the vehicle and send a first start signal to the second lighting circuit via the first wiring. In the first lighting mode, the second lighting circuit responds to the reception of the first start signal and causes the plurality of second light sources to light up in a predetermined order. In the first lighting mode, when the second lighting circuit completes the lighting of the plurality of second light sources, the first lighting circuit causes one or more of the first light sources to light up. The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit are connected by a third wiring. The first lighting circuit and the second lighting circuit described above can switch between the first lighting mode and the second lighting mode. The controller can select the lighting mode based on vehicle information received from the vehicle, and send the mode signal representing the lighting mode to the second lighting circuit via the third wiring. In the second lighting mode, the second lighting circuit responds to the reception of the first start signal and causes the plurality of second light sources to light up simultaneously. In the second lighting mode, the first lighting circuit, in conjunction with the second lighting circuit, illuminates the multiple second light sources simultaneously, causing one or more first light sources to light up together.

2. The tail turn signal as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit are connected by a second wiring. The aforementioned second lighting circuit can send a second start signal via the aforementioned second wiring when the aforementioned plurality of second light sources are lit.

3. The tail turn signal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first lighting circuit responds to the reception of the second start signal to cause the plurality of first light sources to light up in a predetermined order or all at once.

4. The tail turn signal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The controller detects anomalies based on the time elapsed from sending the first start signal to receiving the second start signal.

5. The tail turn signal as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the second lighting circuit detects an abnormality in at least one of the plurality of second light sources, it does not send the second start signal.

6. The tail turn signal as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, When the first lighting circuit detects an abnormality in at least one of the one or more first light sources, it notifies the controller of the abnormality.

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