Lighting control device

Abstract

A lighting control device (1) for controlling a lamp unit (3) including a plurality of light-emitting elements (2) in a vehicle (10) is provided with a receiving unit and a control unit. The reception unit receives a first signal (Sa) and a second signal (Sb) having a shorter wavelength than the first signal (Sa). When the receiving unit receives the first signal (Sa), the control unit sequentially lights the plurality of light-emitting elements (2) one by one after lighting all of the plurality of light-emitting elements (2). On the other hand, when the receiving unit receives the second signal (Sb), the control unit turns on all of the plurality of light-emitting elements (2) and then flickers all of the plurality of light-emitting elements (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a lighting control device for a lamp unit including a plurality of light emitting elements. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with various lights such as brake lights that light up when braking, turn signal lights (turn indicators) used when turning left or right, and when changing routes. Generally, turn signal lights are installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, and are also used as hazard warning lights by flashing both at the same time. As turn signal lights, interlocking lights (so-called flowing turn signal lights, sequential turn signal lights) in which multiple light-emitting elements light up sequentially in a flowing manner from the inside to the outside are popular.

[0003] In addition, in recent years, the following technology has been developed: when the brake pedal is suddenly depressed or the automatic brake system is suddenly braked, the brake lights or turn signal lights (hazard warning lights) are flashed at a high frequency (high speed) so as to be used as emergency brake indicator lights (for example, see patent documents 1 and 2). According to such emergency brake indicator lights, the sudden deceleration of the vehicle can be notified to the following vehicle, thereby preventing the following vehicle from rear-end collision.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-24487

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-82942 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] A first signal for sequential lighting, which instructs the lighting of a plurality of light emitting elements one by one, is input to a lighting control device for controlling a light unit of a chain lighting type. On the other hand, a second signal for high-speed flashing, which instructs the flashing of all the plurality of light emitting elements at high speed, is input to a lighting control device for a light unit of a chain lighting type that also serves as an emergency brake indicator light.

[0010] The lighting control device to which both the first signal and the second signal are inputted controls the lamp unit according to the discrimination result based on the discrimination of the inputted signals. However, in order to improve the responsiveness to the inputted signals, it is effective to start lighting the lamp unit first regardless of which of the first signal and the second signal is received. For example, a control method can be considered in which the sequential lighting of the lamp unit is started first when a certain signal is received and the signal is discriminated during the sequential lighting. In such a control method, based on the discrimination result, the sequential lighting is maintained when the first signal is received, and the sequential lighting is switched to high-speed flashing when the second signal is received.

[0011] However, in the control method as described above, the lamp unit is suddenly switched from sequential lighting to high-speed flashing when the second signal is received. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting elements in the lamp unit are sequentially lit one by one until halfway, and then all flash at high speed at the same time, which may not fully ensure the function as an emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, the conventional control method needs to be improved in terms of making the lighting state of the lamp unit appropriate in both the case of sequentially lighting the plurality of light emitting elements one by one and the case of flashing all the plurality of light emitting elements.

[0012] The present application has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its purposes is to make the lighting state of the lamp unit appropriate both in the case of lighting up a plurality of light emitting elements one by one in sequence and in the case of flashing all of the plurality of light emitting elements.

[0013] Means for solving problems

[0014] The present application has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be implemented as the following aspects or application examples.

[0015] (1) The lighting control device of the present application example is a lighting control device for controlling a lamp unit including a plurality of light-emitting elements in a vehicle, the lighting control device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a first signal and a second signal having a wavelength shorter than that of the first signal; and a control unit for lighting the plurality of light-emitting elements one by one in sequence after all the light-emitting elements are lit when the receiving unit receives the first signal, and for flashing all the light-emitting elements after all the light-emitting elements are lit when the receiving unit receives the second signal.

[0016] According to this application example, no matter which of the first signal and the second signal is received, all the light emitting elements are first lit, thereby preventing the sequential lighting from being suddenly switched to high-speed flashing when the second signal is received. Therefore, the lighting state of the lamp unit can be appropriate in both the sequential lighting case where a plurality of light emitting elements are lit one by one and the high-speed flashing case where all the plurality of light emitting elements are flashed.

[0017] (2) In the lighting control device of the present application example, the first signal may be a signal for causing the lamp unit to operate as a turn signal lamp used when the vehicle turns left or right or a hazard warning lamp used when the vehicle is parked, and the second signal may be a signal for causing the lamp unit to operate as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle is emergency braked.

[0018] According to such a configuration, the lighting state of the lamp unit can be optimized regardless of whether it is used as a turn signal lamp, a hazard warning lamp, or an emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, the reliability of the turn signal lamp, the hazard warning lamp, or the emergency brake indicator lamp can be improved.

[0019] (3) In the lighting control device of the present application example, the first signal may be a signal causing the lamp unit to operate as at least one of a brake light and a high-mount brake light used when the vehicle is braked at a deceleration lower than a threshold value, and the second signal may be a signal causing the lamp unit to operate as an emergency brake indicator light used when the vehicle is emergency braked at a deceleration higher than the threshold value.

[0020] According to such a configuration, the lighting state of the lamp unit can be optimized regardless of whether it is used as at least one of the brake lamp and the high-mounted brake lamp or the emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, the reliability of at least one of the brake lamp and the high-mounted brake lamp or the emergency brake indicator lamp can be improved.

[0021] (4) In the lighting control device of this application example, the receiving unit may receive the first signal and the second signal from a common signal line.

[0022] In the case where the first signal and the second signal are received from a common signal line, it is more difficult to distinguish between the first signal and the second signal than in the case where the first signal and the second signal are received from different signal lines. In contrast, in the present application example, all the light-emitting elements are first lit as described above regardless of which of the first signal and the second signal is received, thereby avoiding the implementation of successive lighting in signal discrimination. Thus, even if it is difficult to discriminate the signal, the lighting state of the lamp unit can be optimized in both the case of successive lighting and high-speed flashing. In addition, if a common signal line is used for the first signal and the second signal, the number of signal lines can be reduced and the wiring path of the signal line can be simplified compared to the case where dedicated signal lines are provided for the first signal and the second signal respectively.

[0023] (5) In the lighting control device of this application example, the control unit can, when the receiving unit receives the first signal, sequentially light up the multiple light emitting elements one by one after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit for a first time related to the wavelength of the first signal; and can, when the receiving unit receives the second signal, flash all the multiple light emitting elements after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit for a second time related to the wavelength of the second signal and shorter than the first time.

[0024] According to such a configuration, in the case of high-speed flashing, all the light emitting elements can be lit in a shorter time than in the case of sequential lighting. Therefore, the lighting state of the high-speed flashing lamp unit can be made more appropriate.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present application, the lighting state of the lamp unit can be optimized both in the case of sequentially lighting up the plurality of light emitting elements one by one and in the case of blinking all the plurality of light emitting elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a rear view of a vehicle to which the lighting control device according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of a lighting control device.

[0029] Figure 3 is a first signal and a second signal and Figure 1 A coordinate diagram (time diagram) of the lighting state of a lamp unit controlled by a lighting control device.

[0030] Figure 4 is exemplified by Figure 1Schematic diagram of the successive lighting of the lamp units controlled by the lighting control device.

[0031] Figure 5 is exemplified by Figure 1 A schematic diagram of high-speed flashing of a lamp unit controlled by a lighting control device.

[0032] Figure 6 is exemplified by Figure 1 Flow chart of the control steps implemented by the lighting control device.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a rear view of a vehicle to which the lighting control device according to the second embodiment is applied.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a coordinate diagram (time chart) showing the first signal and the second signal and the lighting state of the lamp unit realized by the conventional control method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The embodiments (application examples) of the present application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are always merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications and technical applications not explicitly stated in the embodiments. The various components of the following embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their main purpose. In addition, selections can be made or appropriate combinations can be made as needed.

[0036] [1. First embodiment]

[0037] [1-1. Device configuration]

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the lighting control device 1 of the first embodiment is applicable to a vehicle 10 having a lamp unit 3 including a plurality of light emitting elements 2. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is exemplified as a truck (truck). In the drawings, only one of the plurality of light emitting elements 2 provided in each lamp unit 3 is denoted by a reference numeral.

[0039] The lamp unit 3 is a lighting device of a chain lighting type that sequentially lights up a plurality of light emitting elements 2. The lamp unit 3 of the present embodiment functions as a turn signal lamp (so-called flowing direction indicator lamp, sequential direction indicator lamp) used when the vehicle 10 turns left or right. The lamp unit 3 that functions as a turn signal lamp is arranged on the left and right sides of the front surface portion and the rear surface portion of the vehicle 10. In addition, the lamp unit 3 may also function as a hazard warning lamp used when the vehicle 10 is parked, in addition to (or in place of) the turn signal lamp.

[0040] The plurality of light emitting elements 2 are arranged, for example, along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) in each lamp unit 3. In the present embodiment, a lamp unit 3 is illustrated in which ten light emitting elements 2 having equal configurations are arranged along the vehicle width direction. However, the number and arrangement of the light emitting elements 2 in each lamp unit 3 are not limited to the example shown here.

[0041] The lamp unit 3 of the present embodiment also functions as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle 10 is suddenly braked. The emergency brake indicator lamp flashes at a high frequency (high speed) when the vehicle 10 is suddenly braked to draw attention to the surroundings of the vehicle 10. The emergency brake indicator lamp is used, for example, when the vehicle 10 is suddenly braked at a deceleration greater than a threshold value Th.

[0042] When the lamp unit 3 functions as a turn signal lamp, the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are sequentially lit one by one, whereas when the lamp unit 3 functions as an emergency brake indicator lamp, the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are all flashed simultaneously at high speed. The lighting state of each lamp unit 3 is controlled by the lighting control device 1.

[0043] The vehicle 10 of this embodiment is further provided with a brake light 7 and a high-mounted brake light 8 used when the vehicle 10 is braked. The brake light 7 is arranged on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the vehicle 10. In addition, the high-mounted brake light 8 is arranged above the brake light 7 on the rear surface of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 , two stop lamps 7 are respectively arranged below the left and right lamp units 3 in the rear surface portion of the vehicle 10 , and one high mounted stop lamp 8 is arranged in the upper center portion of the rear surface portion of the vehicle 10 .

[0044] The brake light 7 and the high-mounted brake light 8 are controlled to light up in accordance with a stepping operation of a brake pedal (not shown) provided at a driver's seat of the vehicle 10. The brake light 7 and the high-mounted brake light 8 are used, for example, when the vehicle 10 is braked at a deceleration lower than a threshold value Th. The brake light 7 is also called a brake light (brake light), and the high-mounted brake light 8 is also called an auxiliary brake light.

[0045] The vehicle 10 is provided with a first sensor 4 for detecting a trigger for sequentially lighting the lamp unit 3 and a second sensor 5 for detecting a trigger for flashing the lamp unit 3 at high speed. The first sensor 4 is, for example, a sensor for detecting the position of a direction indicator lever (turn signal lever) not shown in the figure provided at the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. In addition, the second sensor 5 is, for example, a sensor for detecting sudden braking of the vehicle 10. More specifically, the second sensor 5 may be a brake sensor for detecting a sudden depression operation of the brake pedal, a front sensor for detecting the possibility of a front collision of the vehicle 10 in order to operate the automatic braking system, a deceleration sensor for detecting a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10, and the like.

[0046] The first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5 are connected to the lighting control device 1 via a common (same) signal line 6. When the first sensor 4 detects a trigger for sequential lighting (for example, an operation to a predetermined position of the direction indicator lever), the first sensor 4 sends a first signal Sa to the lighting control device 1 via the signal line 6. Similarly, when the second sensor 5 detects a trigger for high-speed flashing (for example, a quick depression of the brake pedal), the second sensor 5 sends a second signal Sb to the lighting control device 1 via the signal line 6. In this way, the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are input to the lighting control device 1 from the common (same) signal line 6.

[0047] The lighting control device 1 is an electronic control device (e.g., VCU; Vehicle Control Unit) that comprehensively controls various devices installed in the vehicle 10. The lighting control device 1 is configured as an LSI device or an embedded electronic device in which a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. are integrated, and is connected to a communication line of an in-vehicle network provided in the vehicle 10.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting control device 1 of the present embodiment is connected to the first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5 at its input side, and is connected to the lamp unit 3 at its output side. The lighting control device 1 implements the successive lighting control for lighting the lamp unit 3 successively and the high-speed flashing control for flashing the lamp unit 3 at high speed in accordance with the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb inputted from the first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5, respectively.

[0049] [1-2. Control structure]

[0050] The lighting control device 1 includes a receiving unit 11 and a control unit 12 as elements for performing sequential lighting control and high-speed blinking control. The receiving unit 11 and the control unit 12 may be provided as software or hardware, or as functions of a computer program executable by the lighting control device 1 .

[0051] The receiving unit 11 receives the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb. The receiving unit 11 of the present embodiment receives the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb from the first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5 respectively through the common signal line 6. The first signal Sa of the present embodiment is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to work as a turn signal lamp. In addition, the second signal Sb of the present embodiment is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to work as an emergency brake display lamp. The first signal Sa can also be said to be a signal for the successive lighting of the indicator lamp unit 3, and the second signal Sb can also be said to be a signal for the high-speed flashing of the indicator lamp unit 3. In addition, when the lamp unit 3 functions as a hazard warning lamp, the first signal Sa can be a signal for causing the lamp unit 3 to work as a hazard warning lamp.

[0052] Figure 3 1 is a graph (time chart) showing the waveforms of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb, and the waveforms of the lighting states of the lamp unit 3 corresponding to the signals Sa and Sb, respectively. Figure 3 As shown in the graphs (A) and (C) in FIG. 1 , the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb of the present embodiment are both switch signals. More specifically, the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are pulse waves (rectangular waves) with a duty cycle of 50% and have the same waveform. However, the wavelengths λa and λb of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are different from each other, and accordingly, the pulse widths τa and τb are also different from each other.

[0053] Figure 3 The coordinate diagram (B) in FIG. 1 shows the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 operating as a turn signal lamp in accordance with the first signal Sa. Figure 3 The coordinate diagram (D) in FIG. 1 shows the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 that operates as an emergency brake display lamp in accordance with the second signal Sb. In the coordinate diagram (B), the oblique line L1 that rises to the right shows the state in which the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are sequentially lit. In addition, in the coordinate diagrams (B) and (D), the horizontal line L2 having an amplitude A (A≠0) shows the state in which the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are all lit (all lit), and the horizontal line L3 without the amplitude A (A=0) shows the state in which the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are all extinguished (all extinguished).

[0054] Generally speaking, the turn signal light flashes at a frequency of 1 to 2 Hz. Therefore, the pulse width τa of the first signal Sa shown in the coordinate diagram (A) is usually 250 to 333 ms. Correspondingly, in each cycle of the successive lighting of the lamp unit 3 shown in the coordinate diagram (B), the lighting time Xa of at least one light-emitting element 2 is usually 250 to 333 ms.

[0055] On the other hand, the emergency brake indicator light flashes at a frequency of 3 to 5 Hz. Therefore, the pulse width τb of the second signal Sb shown in the coordinate diagram (C) is usually 100 to 167 ms. Correspondingly, in each cycle of the high-speed flashing of the lamp unit 3 shown in the coordinate diagram (D), the lighting time Xb in which all the light-emitting elements 2 are lit at the same time is usually 100 to 167 ms.

[0056] Thus, the wavelength λb and pulse width τb of the second signal Sb indicating high-speed flashing are respectively shorter than the wavelength λa and pulse width τb of the first signal Sa indicating sequential lighting (λb<λa, τb<τa). In addition, accompanying this, the lighting time Xb of each cycle of high-speed flashing is shorter than the lighting time Xa of each cycle of sequential lighting (Xb<λa, τb<τa). <Xa)。

[0057] The control unit 12 controls the plurality of light-emitting elements 2 in response to the signal received by the receiving unit 11. Specifically, when the receiving unit 11 receives a certain signal, the control unit 12 determines which of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb the signal is. And if the signal received by the receiving unit 11 is the first signal Sa, the control unit 12 performs sequential lighting control, and if the signal received by the receiving unit 11 is the second signal Sb, the control unit 12 performs high-speed flashing control.

[0058] However, although the wavelengths λa, λb and the pulse widths τa, τb of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are different from each other as described above but have the same waveform and are input to the receiving unit 11 from the common signal line 6, it is difficult to make a discrimination. That is, since the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb input from the common signal line 6 have no difference with respect to the signal line 6, discrimination cannot be made based on the signal line 6, and discrimination based on the differences in the wavelengths λa, λb and the pulse widths τa, τb is required.

[0059] However, as Figure 3 shown, the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb during the period P from the first time point t1 when the receiving unit 11 receives the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb to the second time point t2 after the time corresponding to the pulse width τb of the second signal Sb have equal waveforms to each other. Therefore, it is difficult to discriminate the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb in the control unit 12 at least during this period P.

[0060] Therefore, regardless of whether the receiving unit 11 receives the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb, the control unit 12 first turns on all the plurality of light-emitting elements 2. That is, even if the signal input to the receiving unit 11 is the first signal Sa indicating sequential lighting, the control unit 12 first turns on all the light-emitting elements 2. Thereby, the control unit 12 secures the time for discriminating the signal input to the receiving unit 11.

[0061] Then, for example, when the pulse width τ of the received signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Y (τ≥Y), the control unit 12 determines that the signal is the first signal Sa, and in other cases (τ<Y), determines that the signal is the second signal Sb. Here, the predetermined value Y is preset as a value between the pulse width τa of the first signal Sa and the pulse width τb of the second signal Sb (τb<Y<τa). In addition, instead of such discrimination based on the pulse width τ, discrimination based on the wavelength and frequency related to the pulse width τ may be performed.

[0062] When the control unit 12 receives the first signal Sa from the receiving unit 11, after all the light emitting elements 2 are turned on as described above, the control unit 12 turns on the light emitting elements 2 one by one in sequence. Figure 3 As shown in the coordinate diagram (B), when the receiving unit 11 receives the first signal Sa, the control unit 12 of this embodiment causes all the multiple light-emitting elements 2 to first light up for a first time Ta related to the wavelength λa (pulse width τa) of the first signal Sa, and then causes the multiple light-emitting elements 2 to light up one by one in sequence.

[0063] Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the first signal Sa is input, first, all the light emitting elements 2 are simultaneously lit for the first time Ta, then all the light emitting elements 2 are turned off, and then each light emitting element 2 is sequentially lit. In general, in sequential lighting, the light emitting elements 2 are gradually lit from all being turned off to all being lit. In contrast, as described above, in sequential lighting of the present embodiment, the light emitting elements 2 are gradually lit from all being turned on after all being turned off. In addition, Figure 4 and the following Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the light-emitting element 2 that is lit is shown with a dot pattern. Figure 4 An example of sequential lighting in which the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are sequentially lit in a flow from the right side (inner side) toward the left side (outer side) when the vehicle 10 turns left is shown.

[0064] On the other hand, when the second signal Sb is received by the receiving unit 11, the control unit 12 turns on all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2 as described above, and then flashes all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2. Figure 3 As shown in the graph (D) in FIG. 1 , when the receiving unit 11 receives the second signal Sb, the control unit 12 of this embodiment first lights up all the plurality of light emitting elements 2 for the second time Tb related to the wavelength λb (pulse width τb) of the second signal Sb, and then flashes all the plurality of light emitting elements 2. That is, when the second signal Sb is input, the control unit 12 first lights up all the light emitting elements 2 for the second time Tb which is shorter than the first time Ta.

[0065] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, when the second signal Sb is input, all the light emitting elements 2 are first lit at the same time as when the first signal Sa is input. However, when the second signal Sb is input, all are lit for a shorter time (second time Tb) than when the first signal Sa is input, and then all the light emitting elements 2 flash at the same time (all are turned off and all are lit repeatedly).

[0066] The control unit 12 of this embodiment terminates the sequential lighting and high-speed flashing of the lamp unit 3 when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied. The termination condition may be, for example, that the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are no longer received by the receiving unit 11. Alternatively, the termination condition for terminating the sequential lighting may be that the direction indicator lever returns to a normal position. In addition, the termination condition for terminating the high-speed flashing may be that the high-speed flashing control has been implemented for more than a predetermined time.

[0067] [1-3. Flowchart]

[0068] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart illustrating the control steps performed by the lighting control device 1. When the vehicle 10 is in a state where it can travel (the engine is turned on or the power is turned on), the flow is performed in the lighting control device 1. In addition, at the start time of the flow, it is assumed that any light emitting element 2 of the lamp unit 3 is turned off.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, first, it is determined whether the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb is received by the receiving unit 11 (step S1). In the case where neither the first signal Sa nor the second signal Sb is received (the "No" route of step S1), the process is returned. On the other hand, in the case where the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb is received (the "Yes" route of step S1), the control unit 12 controls so that all the light emitting elements 2 are lit (step S2). That is, regardless of whether the signal received by the receiving unit 11 is the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb, the control unit 12 lights all the light emitting elements 2 of the lamp unit 3.

[0070] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether the signal received by the receiving unit 11 is the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb (step S3). Here, when it is determined that the received signal is the first signal Sa (the "yes" route of step S3), the control unit 12 implements the sequential lighting control (step S4). That is, in this case, the lamp unit 3 works as a turn signal lamp. Then, after the predetermined end condition is met (the "yes" route of step S5), the sequential lighting control is ended (step S6), and the process returns.

[0071] On the other hand, when it is determined that the received signal is the second signal Sb (the "No" route of step S3), the control unit 12 performs high-speed flashing control (step S7). That is, in this case, the lamp unit 3 operates as an emergency brake indicator lamp. Then, after the predetermined end condition is satisfied (the "Yes" route of step S8), the high-speed flashing control is ended (step S9), and the process returns.

[0072] [1-4. Action and effect]

[0073] Figure 8 It is a coordinate diagram (time chart) illustrating waveforms of a conventional control method. Figure 8 The coordinate diagrams (A′) and (C′) respectively represent the waveforms of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb, respectively. Figure 3 The coordinate diagrams (A) and (C) are the same. In addition, Figure 8 The coordinate diagram (B′) shows the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 operating as a turn signal lamp by the conventional control method. Figure 8 The coordinate diagram (D′) shows the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 operating as an emergency brake indicator lamp by the conventional control method. Figure 8 In, with Figure 3 The same or corresponding elements are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, in the conventional control method, no matter which of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb is input, the sequential lighting of the lamp unit 3 is first started, and the signal is judged in the sequential lighting. That is, in the past, no matter which of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb is input, the sequential lighting is started at the first time point t1 mentioned above. And, if the signal continues to be received after the second time point t2 mentioned above, it is judged that the input signal is the first signal Sa and the sequential lighting is maintained. If the signal is interrupted after the second time point t2 mentioned above, it is judged that the input signal is the second signal Sb and the sequential lighting is switched to high-speed flashing.

[0075] Therefore, as shown in the graph (D'), in the conventional control method, the lamp unit 3 is suddenly switched from sequential lighting to high-speed flashing when the second signal Sb is received. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are sequentially lit one by one until halfway, and then all flash simultaneously at high speed. Therefore, in the conventional control method, it is possible that the lamp unit 3 cannot fully ensure the function as an emergency brake indicator lamp.

[0076] In contrast, in the lighting control device 1, when the first signal Sa is received, the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are sequentially lit one by one after all of them are lit, and when the second signal Sb is received, the plurality of light emitting elements 2 are flashed after all of them are lit. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , after all the light emitting elements 2 are turned on when the first signal Sa is received, the light emitting elements 2 are turned on one by one. In other words, after all the light emitting elements 2 are turned on and all the light emitting elements 2 are turned off when the first signal Sa is received, the light emitting elements 2 are gradually turned on one by one. Figure 5 As shown, upon receiving the second signal Sb, all the light emitting elements 2 flash after all the light emitting elements 2 are turned on.

[0077] In this way, no matter which of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb is received, all the light emitting elements 2 are first lit, thereby preventing the sequential lighting from being suddenly switched to high-speed flashing when the second signal Sb is received. In addition, when the first signal Sa is received, the light emitting elements 2 are gradually lit in sequence after all are lit and all are extinguished, so that the sequential lighting can be appropriately implemented, and the light quantity can be ensured by lighting all from the start time of the sequential lighting, so the clarity can be improved. Therefore, according to the lighting control device 1, the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 can be appropriate in both the sequential lighting case of lighting a plurality of light emitting elements 2 one by one and the high-speed flashing case of flashing all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2.

[0078] If the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are signals for causing the lamp unit 3 to operate as a turn signal lamp and an emergency brake indicator lamp, respectively, the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 can be appropriately adjusted regardless of whether it is used as a turn signal lamp or an emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, the reliability of the turn signal lamp and the emergency brake indicator lamp can be improved.

[0079] Furthermore, if the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are signals for causing the lamp unit 3 to operate as a hazard warning lamp and an emergency brake indicator lamp, respectively, the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 can be appropriately adjusted regardless of whether the lamp unit 3 is used as the hazard warning lamp or the emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, the reliability of the hazard warning lamp and the emergency brake indicator lamp can be improved.

[0080] When the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are received from the common signal line 6, it is more difficult to distinguish the first signal Sa from the second signal Sb than when the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are received from different signal lines. In the conventional control method, when a certain signal is received, sequential lighting is first performed. Therefore, when the second signal Sb is received, sequential lighting is also performed in the signal discrimination, and there is a possibility that high-speed flashing corresponding to the second signal Sb cannot be properly performed.

[0081] In contrast, in the lighting control device 1, as described above, when either the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb is received, all the light emitting elements 2 are first lit, thereby avoiding the need for sequential lighting during signal determination. Figure 3It is difficult to distinguish the signal during the period P shown, and the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 can be optimized in both the case of sequential lighting and high-speed flashing. In addition, if a common signal line 6 is used for the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb, the number of signal lines can be reduced and the wiring path of the signal line can be simplified compared to the case where dedicated signal lines are used for the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb respectively.

[0082] If all the light emitting elements 2 are lit for the first time Ta when the first signal Sa is received, and all the light emitting elements 2 are lit for the second time Tb shorter than the first time Ta when the second signal Sb is received, all the light emitting elements 2 can be lit in a shorter time in the case of high-speed flashing than in the case of sequential lighting. Therefore, the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 flashing at high speed can be made more appropriate.

[0083] If the lamp unit 3 is a lighting device (such as a turn signal lamp or a hazard warning lamp) respectively provided at the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle 10, it is possible to perform sequential lighting and high-speed flashing to both the front and rear of the vehicle 10. Thus, it is possible to perform notification by sequential lighting and high-speed flashing not only to the following vehicle of the vehicle 10 but also to the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, and thus, the notification to the surroundings can be improved in the case of both sequential lighting and high-speed flashing.

[0084] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0085] [2-1. Structure]

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the lighting control device 1′ of the second embodiment is different from the lighting control device 1 of the first embodiment in that the lamp unit 3 as the control object functions as at least one of a brake lamp and a high-mounted brake lamp instead of a turn signal lamp, and the other aspects are common. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the elements that are the same as or corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0087] The lamp unit 3 of this embodiment is provided as the brake lamp and the high-mounted brake lamp described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the vehicle 10 of this embodiment is provided with two types of lamp units 3, namely, a lamp unit 3A functioning as a brake lamp and a lamp unit 3B functioning as a high-mounted brake lamp. Hereinafter, when these lamp units 3A and 3B are not distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as "lamp unit 3".

[0088] The lamp unit 3A functioning as a brake lamp is arranged on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the vehicle 10. In addition, the lamp unit 3B functioning as a high-mounted brake lamp is arranged above the brake lamp 7 on the rear surface of the vehicle 10. Figure 7 2 , lamp units 3A and 3B are illustrated which are provided at the same positions as the stop lamp and the high mounted stop lamp described in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0089] The lamp unit 3 is sequentially lit when functioning as at least one of a brake lamp and a high-mounted stop lamp, and is flashed at high speed when functioning as an emergency brake indicator lamp. The lighting state of each lamp unit 3 is controlled by a lighting control device 1 ′.

[0090] The vehicle 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a turn signal lamp 9 used when the vehicle 10 turns left or right. The turn signal lamp 9 is arranged on the left and right sides of the front surface portion and the rear surface portion of the vehicle 10 as described in the first embodiment. The lighting state of the turn signal lamp 9 is controlled in accordance with the operation of the direction indicator lever, for example. In addition, the turn signal lamp 9 of the present embodiment may not be a chain lighting type. In addition, the turn signal lamp 9 may also be used as a hazard warning lamp used when the vehicle 10 is parked.

[0091] The control structure of the lighting control device 1' is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. That is, in the lighting control device 1' as well, the receiving unit 11 receives the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb. In addition, when the first signal Sa is received by the receiving unit 11, the control unit 12 lights up the plurality of light emitting elements 2 one by one in sequence after lighting up all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2. On the other hand, when the second signal Sb is received by the receiving unit 11, the control unit 12 flashes all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2 after lighting up all of the plurality of light emitting elements 2.

[0092] The first signal Sa of the present embodiment is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to operate as a brake lamp and a high-mounted brake lamp used when the vehicle 10 is braked at a deceleration lower than the threshold value Th. In addition, the second signal Sb of the present embodiment is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to operate as an emergency brake display lamp used when the vehicle 10 is emergency braked at a deceleration higher than the threshold value Th. In the present embodiment as well, the first signal Sa can also be said to be a signal of successive lighting of the indicator lamp unit 3, and the second signal Sb can also be said to be a signal of high-speed flashing of the indicator lamp unit 3. In addition, the threshold value Th is pre-set as a deceleration regarded as a sudden deceleration. When the vehicle 10 is emergency braked at a deceleration higher than the threshold value Th, it is particularly important to notify the following vehicle in order to avoid a rear-end collision with the following vehicle.

[0093] [2-2. Action and effect]

[0094] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first signal Sa is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to operate as at least one of a brake lamp and a high-mounted brake lamp, and the second signal Sb is a signal that causes the lamp unit 3 to operate as an emergency brake indicator lamp. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, no matter which of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb is received, all the light-emitting elements 2 are first lit, thereby preventing the sequential lighting from being suddenly switched to high-speed flashing when the second signal Sb is received. In addition, when the first signal Sa is received, the light-emitting elements 2 are gradually lit in sequence after all are lit and all are extinguished, so that the sequential lighting can be appropriately implemented, and the light quantity can be ensured by lighting all from the start time of the sequential lighting, so that the clarity can be improved.

[0095] Therefore, the lighting control device 1' of this embodiment can also make the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 appropriate in both the case of sequential lighting and high-speed flashing. That is, no matter which one of the brake lamp and the high-mounted brake lamp and the emergency brake indicator lamp is used, the lighting state of the lamp unit 3 can be made appropriate. Therefore, the reliability of at least one of the brake lamp and the high-mounted brake lamp and the emergency brake indicator lamp can be improved.

[0096] Except for this, according to the lighting control device 1 ′ of the present embodiment, the same operation and effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained by the same configuration.

[0097] [3. Modifications]

[0098] Figure 3 The waveforms shown are all examples. The first signal Sa may be a signal indicating the successive lighting of the indicator light unit 3, and its use is not limited to the above-mentioned turn signal lights, hazard warning lights, brake lights, and high-mounted brake lights. Similarly, the second signal Sb may be a flashing signal indicating a wavelength shorter than that of the first signal Sa (high frequency, high speed), and its use is not limited to the above-mentioned emergency brake indicator lights.

[0099] The receiving unit 11 may receive the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb from different signal lines. In addition, the transmission sources of the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb may be devices other than the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 12 described above.

[0100] The number and arrangement of various devices such as lamp unit 3, brake lamp 7, high-mounted brake lamp 8, and turn signal lamp 9 provided on vehicle 10 are not limited to the above examples. In addition, vehicle 10 is not limited to a truck, and may be, for example, a bus, a passenger car, a two-wheeled vehicle, etc.

[0101] [4. Note]

[0102] The following supplementary notes are disclosed with respect to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0103] (Note 1)

[0104] A lighting control device is a lighting control device for controlling a lamp unit including a plurality of light emitting elements in a vehicle, characterized in that:

[0105] The lighting control device comprises:

[0106] a receiving unit that receives a first signal and a second signal having a wavelength shorter than that of the first signal; and

[0107] The control unit, when the first signal is received by the receiving unit, sequentially lights up the multiple light emitting elements one by one after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit, and when the second signal is received by the receiving unit, flashes all the multiple light emitting elements after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit.

[0108] (Note 2)

[0109] The lighting control device according to Supplement 1 is characterized in that:

[0110] The first signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as a turn signal lamp used when the vehicle turns left or right or a hazard warning lamp used when the vehicle is parked.

[0111] The second signal is a signal for causing the lamp unit to operate as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle is emergency braked.

[0112] (Note 3)

[0113] The lighting control device according to Supplement 1 is characterized in that:

[0114] The first signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as at least one of a brake lamp and a high mounted stop lamp used when the vehicle is braked at a deceleration lower than a threshold value.

[0115] The second signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle is emergency braked at a deceleration equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0116] (Note 4)

[0117] The lighting control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:

[0118] The receiving unit receives the first signal and the second signal from a common signal line.

[0119] (Note 5)

[0120] The lighting control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, characterized in that:

[0121] The control unit, when the receiving unit receives the first signal, sequentially lights up the multiple light emitting elements one by one after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit for a first time corresponding to the wavelength of the first signal; and when the receiving unit receives the second signal, flashes all the multiple light emitting elements after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit for a second time shorter than the first time.

[0122] Description of Reference Numerals

[0123] 1. 1′ lighting control device

[0124] 2 Light-emitting element

[0125] 3. 3A, 3B lamp units

[0126] 4First Sensor

[0127] 5 Second sensor

[0128] 6 signal lines

[0129] 7 Brake lights

[0130] 8 high-mounted brake lights

[0131] 9 Turn signal lights

[0132] 10 Vehicles

[0133] 11 Receiving Department

[0134] 12 Control Unit

[0135] A amplitude

[0136] L1 Slash

[0137] L2 Horizontal Line

[0138] L3 Level

[0139] P Period

[0140] Sa First Signal

[0141] Sb Second signal

[0142] t1 First time point

[0143] t2 Second time point

[0144] She first time

[0145] Tb Second Time

[0146] Xa Lighting Time

[0147] Xb lighting time

[0148] Y Predetermined value

[0149] λa wavelength

[0150] λb wavelength

[0151] τa Pulse width

[0152] τb Pulse width

Claims

1. A lighting control device for controlling a lamp unit including a plurality of light emitting elements in a vehicle, characterized in that: The lighting control device comprises: a receiving unit that receives a first signal and a second signal having a wavelength shorter than that of the first signal; and The control unit, when the first signal is received by the receiving unit, sequentially lights up the multiple light emitting elements one by one after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit, and when the second signal is received by the receiving unit, flashes all the multiple light emitting elements after all the multiple light emitting elements are lit.

2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as a turn signal lamp used when the vehicle turns left or right or a hazard warning lamp used when the vehicle is parked. The second signal is a signal for causing the lamp unit to operate as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle is emergency braked.

3. The lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as at least one of a brake lamp and a high mounted stop lamp used when the vehicle is braked at a deceleration lower than a threshold value. The second signal is a signal for operating the lamp unit as an emergency brake indicator lamp used when the vehicle is emergency braked at a deceleration equal to or greater than the threshold value.

4. The lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving unit receives the first signal and the second signal from a common signal line.

5. The lighting control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit, when the receiving unit receives the first signal, sequentially lights up the multiple light emitting elements one by one after a first time that is related to the wavelength of the first signal is used to light up all the multiple light emitting elements, and when the receiving unit receives the second signal, flashes all the multiple light emitting elements after a second time that is related to the wavelength of the second signal and is shorter than the first time is used to light up all the multiple light emitting elements.

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