Control device, vehicle lamp system, and control program for an alignment unit

Abstract

A control device (50) of an alignment unit (A) mounted on a vehicle lamp (1) is configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from the outside, is configured to write an alignment initial value and vehicle identification information to a memory (51), the alignment initial value indicating an irradiation direction of light for which alignment adjustment has been completed at the time of alignment adjustment, the vehicle identification information being obtained from a vehicle (100) at the time of alignment adjustment, and is configured to output a signal indicating a write state of the memory (51) at either or both of before and after performing the write to the memory (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control devices, vehicle lighting systems, and control procedures for alignment units. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an alignment device that shifts the direction of light illumination of a light source unit of a vehicle lamp.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2009 / 147799 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Previously, alignment devices were known that adjusted the orientation of the light source unit by adjusting screws, thereby shifting the direction of light illumination. In these alignment devices, alignment adjustments were performed manually by an operator. However, in recent years, there has been a desire to develop an alignment device that automatically controls the orientation of the alignment source unit using an electric actuator.

[0008] Vehicle lights, when mounted on a vehicle, are aligned and adjusted to suit that vehicle. In other words, even if a vehicle light has been aligned and adjusted before being mounted on a vehicle, it must be aligned and adjusted again when mounted on another vehicle. Therefore, it is highly convenient if the alignment and adjustment status of vehicle lights can be easily monitored.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a control device, a vehicle lighting system, and a control program for an alignment unit that can easily monitor the alignment and adjustment status of vehicle lights.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] The control device disclosed herein is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp that adjusts the direction of light illumination. It is configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source, and to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory. The initial alignment value represents the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment, which is determined during alignment adjustment. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during alignment adjustment. Before and after writing to the memory, a signal indicating the write status of the memory is output.

[0012] Additionally, a vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a light source unit mounted on a vehicle lighting fixture; an alignment unit that performs alignment adjustment on the light source unit by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source; a memory; and a control device that controls the alignment unit. The control device is configured to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into the memory. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment, determined during alignment adjustment. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during alignment adjustment. The control device outputs a signal indicating the write status of the memory before and after performing a write operation on the memory.

[0013] Furthermore, the control program of this disclosure is used in a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp for adjusting the direction of light illumination, comprising: a standby step that waits for the reception of alignment adjustment information; an alignment step that performs alignment adjustment by receiving the alignment adjustment information from an external source; a writing step that writes an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory, the initial alignment value representing the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment determined during the alignment adjustment, the vehicle identification information being obtained from a vehicle during the alignment adjustment; and a signal output step that outputs a signal indicating the write status of the memory before and after writing to the memory, either or both.

[0014] The present disclosure discloses a control device that is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp that adjusts the illumination direction of light emitted by a light source unit. The alignment unit is capable of receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester and operating accordingly. After receiving a start command signal output when a first manual operation is performed on the input unit, the control device causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

[0015] In addition, a vehicle lighting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a light source unit; an alignment unit that receives an alignment correction signal output from a tester and adjusts the illumination direction of the light from the light source unit; an input unit that outputs a start command signal upon a first manual operation; and a control device that controls the alignment unit, wherein the control device, upon receiving the start command signal sent from the input unit, causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

[0016] Furthermore, one aspect of the control program disclosed herein is a control program for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp that adjusts the direction of light illumination upon receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester. This unit includes: a standby step, waiting to receive a start command signal output when a first manual operation is performed on the input unit; an alignment step, performing alignment adjustment via the alignment unit after receiving the start command signal; and an end step, ending the alignment step upon receiving an end command signal output when a second manual operation is performed on the input unit.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the control device, vehicle lighting system, and alignment unit control program disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a control device, vehicle lighting system, and control program that can easily monitor the alignment and adjustment status of vehicle lighting. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle headlight (vehicle lamp) according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlights according to this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the alignment and inspection system.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination position of the vehicle headlight of this embodiment as shown on the screen.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing the write state of the memory of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 It means to Figure 5 The diagram shows the state of the memory after information has been written to it.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a block diagram representing another write state of the memory of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a block diagram representing another example of the memory disclosed herein.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the control program used in the control device of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlights according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the alignment and inspection system.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the alignment inspection system for vehicle headlights according to this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the display unit during alignment adjustment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination position of the vehicle headlight of this embodiment as shown on the screen. Detailed Implementation

[0033] [Structure of vehicle lighting fixtures]

[0034] Hereinafter, specific examples of vehicle lamps according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and as indicated by the claims, it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0035] In the following description, when referring to front-back, up-down, and left-right directions, these directions are defined as those observed from the perspective of the occupants of a vehicle equipped with vehicle lights.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle headlight (vehicle lamp) 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle headlight 1 has a housing 2 that opens forward and an outer lens 3 made of a light-transmitting material that forms a lamp housing together with the housing 2. The vehicle headlight 1 has a light source unit 10, a rotating unit 20, a leveling unit 30 and a decorative cover Sa inside the lamp housing.

[0037] The light source unit 10 illuminates the high beam and low beam patterns. The light source unit 10 includes a light source 17 composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), an optical component such as a reflector 15 that illuminates the light emitted from the light source 17 forward, a lens 16, a heat sink (not shown), and a lamp bracket (not shown) for mounting these components.

[0038] It should be noted that the example shown in the illustration depicts a single lens, but multiple lenses or multiple reflectors can also be used. Furthermore, a single light source 17 or multiple light sources 17 can be provided.

[0039] The decorative cover Sa is disposed between the outer lens 3 and the light source unit 10. The decorative cover Sa is a component that prevents the components inside the lamp housing and the inner surface of the housing 2 from being seen from the outside through the outer lens 3, thereby improving the aesthetics of the vehicle headlight 1.

[0040] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, a single light source unit 10 is mounted displaceably relative to the housing 2 via a rotating unit 20 and a leveling unit 30.

[0041] The rotating unit 20 causes the light source unit 10 and the leveling unit 30 to rotate relative to the housing 2 about a rotation axis L1. The rotation axis L1 extends vertically. The rotating unit 20 includes a rotating shaft component 21 extending along the rotation axis L1 and a rotating motor 22 that applies a rotational force to the rotating shaft component 21. When the rotating motor 22 is activated, it applies a rotational force about the rotation axis L1 to the rotating shaft component 21. Since the rotating shaft component 21 is fixed to the lower surface of the housing 2, when the rotating motor 22 applies a rotational force to the rotating shaft component 21, the rotating motor 22, together with the light source unit 10 and the leveling unit 30, rotates relative to the housing 2 about the rotation axis L1.

[0042] The rotating unit 20 maintains an arbitrary predetermined posture when powered on. That is, if the rotating unit 20 is input with a command value indicating a rotation angle of +4.2 degrees, it will maintain a posture with a rotation angle of +4.2 degrees when powered on, as long as no other command value is input. Conversely, if the rotating unit 20 is input with a command value indicating a rotation angle of -1.2 degrees, it will maintain a posture with a rotation angle of -1.2 degrees when powered on, as long as no other command value is input. Alternatively, the rotating unit 20 may be designed such that if power to it is stopped, it cannot maintain its previously maintained posture.

[0043] The leveling unit 30 supports the light source unit 10 so that it can rotate relative to the rotating unit 20 about the leveling axis L2. The leveling axis L2 extends in the left-right direction. The leveling unit 30 includes a leveling shaft component 31 extending along the leveling axis L2 and a leveling motor 32 that applies rotational force to the leveling shaft component 31.

[0044] The leveling shaft component 31 is fixed to the rotary motor 22 via a bracket or the like. Since the leveling shaft component 31 is fixed to the rotary motor 22, when the leveling motor 32 applies a rotational force to the leveling shaft component 31, the leveling motor 32 and the light source unit 10 rotate together relative to the housing 2 around the leveling axis L2.

[0045] The leveling unit 30 maintains an arbitrary, predetermined posture when powered on. That is, if the leveling unit 30 is input with a command indicating a rotation angle of +3.8 degrees, it will maintain this +3.8-degree rotation angle posture when powered on, as long as no other command value is input. Conversely, if a command indicating a rotation angle of -0.3 degrees is input to the leveling unit 30, it will maintain this -0.3-degree rotation angle posture when powered on, as long as no other command value is input. Alternatively, the leveling unit 30 may be unable to maintain its held posture if power to it is stopped.

[0046] Both the aforementioned rotating unit 20 and leveling unit 30 can be driven by electric control, and their rotation state can be controlled by the control device 50 described later.

[0047] The rotation unit 20 is used to shift the direction of light emitted by the light source unit 10 to the left or right according to driving conditions when the vehicle is in motion, such as with an AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System). The leveling unit 30 is used to shift the direction of light emitted by the light source unit 10 to the up or down according to the vehicle's forward or backward tilt, road surface tilt, etc., such as with an automatic leveling function. In addition to performing these functions, the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 of this embodiment are also used as components for alignment adjustment. However, the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 may also be configured not to perform AFS or automatic leveling functions.

[0048] However, rotation and leveling actions are performed by displacing the optical axis from a reference state where the optical axis extends in a specified direction by a desired angle in the desired direction. Alignment adjustment can also be performed by adjusting the extension direction of the optical axis in this reference state. Alignment adjustment is performed at a different time than the aforementioned rotation and leveling actions. Alignment adjustment is mainly performed at times other than when the vehicle 100 is in motion, such as when the vehicle leaves the factory or during vehicle inspection. In contrast, rotation and leveling actions are performed while the vehicle 100 is in motion to change the direction of light illumination based on the vehicle 100's driving state and external conditions.

[0049] In the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment, the adjustment (alignment adjustment) of the illumination direction of the light emitted by the light source unit 10 is performed by the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30. That is, in this embodiment, the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30, which are normally used for operations such as when the vehicle is in motion, are used for alignment adjustment. In the following description, the rotation unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 will be collectively referred to as alignment unit A. In addition, in the following description, the illumination direction of the light emitted by the light source unit 10 will sometimes be referred to as the "optical axis".

[0050] Alignment Inspection System

[0051] Next, use Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 The alignment adjustment of the alignment inspection system S for the vehicle headlight 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlight 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the alignment and inspection system S. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination position of the vehicle headlight of this embodiment as shown on the screen.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the alignment inspection system S of this embodiment consists of a vehicle 100 equipped with a vehicle headlight 1 and a tester 200. The tester 200 determines whether the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 is within a specified range. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 1 undergoes alignment adjustment based on the determination result received from the tester 200, as described later. Alignment adjustment is sometimes performed, for example, during vehicle production inspection processes, inspections based on vehicle inspection and registration systems (so-called vehicle inspections), and when the vehicle headlight 1 is replaced.

[0053] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, vehicle 100 has vehicle ECU 101 and vehicle headlight 1.

[0054] The vehicle ECU 101 controls various actions of the vehicle 100, such as driving. The vehicle ECU 101 includes a processor such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit). Additionally, although not shown, the vehicle 100 includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various vehicle control programs and RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing various vehicle control data. The processor of the vehicle ECU 101 retrieves data specified by the various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM from the RAM and controls various actions of the vehicle 100 in cooperation with the RAM.

[0055] The vehicle ECU 101 is configured to communicate with the tester 200 and the control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0056] Vehicle headlights 1 Figure 1In addition to the light source unit 10 and the alignment unit A shown, a control device 50 is also provided. The control device 50 includes, for example, a processor such as an ASIC, FPGA, or general-purpose CPU. The control device 50 is capable of controlling the rotation state of the alignment unit A and has a memory 51 capable of recording the driving information of the alignment unit A. The vehicle ECU 101 and the vehicle headlight 1 are able to communicate in accordance with protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0057] The control device 50 controls the alignment unit A based on signals obtained from the vehicle ECU 101. It should be noted that the control device 50 can also control the lighting, extinguishing, and brightness of the light source unit 10 based on signals obtained from the vehicle ECU 101.

[0058] The tester 200 includes a screen 201 and an optical axis determination unit 202. The screen 201 is positioned in front of the vehicle 100 and is illuminated by the light from the vehicle headlight 1. During alignment adjustment, the vehicle 100 is positioned relative to the screen 201 in a predetermined position and posture. Figure 4 As shown, a low beam pattern of the vehicle illuminated by the headlight 1 during alignment adjustment is projected onto screen 201.

[0059] The optical axis determination unit 202 consists of a camera that captures a light distribution pattern projected onto the screen 201, and an information processing device that processes the image output from the camera. It should be noted that this information processing device also consists of a processor such as an ASIC, FPGA, or general-purpose CPU, and memory.

[0060] The optical axis determination unit 202 determines the direction of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 based on the image obtained from the camera. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the image obtained by capturing the image on the screen 201 includes a low beam pattern with a cutoff line CL. The optical axis determination unit 202 determines the optical axis direction of the vehicle headlight 1 based on the inflection point EL of the cutoff line CL. In this embodiment, the inflection point EL is defined as the point on the extension line of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 that intersects with the screen 201.

[0061] The optical axis determination unit 202 determines whether the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 is within the specified range CA as stipulated by regulations. Figure 4In the figure, CA is used to indicate the range specified by regulations. The optical axis determination unit 202 determines whether the actual inflection point EL of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 mounted on the vehicle 100 under inspection is within the specified range CL. In addition, the optical axis determination unit 202 outputs offset information indicating the offset of the actual inflection point EL relative to the ideal inflection point ELi, which is the center point of the specified range CL.

[0062] In this embodiment, the process begins with aligning and adjusting the light illuminating the screen 201 of the tester 200 through the vehicle's headlight 1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle uses its headlights 1 to illuminate a low beam pattern, including the cutoff line CL, on a screen 201. The optical axis determination unit 202 compares the inflection point EL of the cutoff line CL formed on the screen 201 with a specified range CA as defined by regulations. Figure 4 In the example shown, if the inflection point EL is determined to be outside the specified range CA, the optical axis determination unit 202 will send the alignment adjustment failure information and offset information to the vehicle ECU 101 of the vehicle 100.

[0063] When the vehicle ECU 101 receives non-compliance information and offset information, it sends the offset information to the control unit 50. The offset information is, for example, as follows: Figure 4 The diagram shows information representing the offset ΔL, which includes the horizontal offset (ΔX, offset along the X-axis) and the vertical offset (ΔY, offset along the Y-axis) between the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi. Based on the offset information obtained from the vehicle ECU 101, the control device 50 drives the alignment unit A in a manner that ensures the positions of the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi are aligned. Specifically, the control device 50 outputs commands to displace the optical axis of the rotation unit 20 by ΔX and the optical axis of the leveling unit 30 by ΔY.

[0064] The alignment unit A is driven in this way, and the tester 200 compares the position of the actual inflection point EL with the position of the ideal inflection point ELi. This judgment and driving of the alignment unit A are repeated. If the actual inflection point EL is within the specified range CA, the optical axis judgment unit 202 determines that the alignment adjustment is complete and sends the pass information to the vehicle ECU 101. The vehicle ECU 101 sends the pass information to the control device 50. The control device 50 ends the alignment adjustment upon receiving the pass information.

[0065] The control device 50 of this embodiment records the initial alignment value, which indicates the posture of the light source unit 10 when the alignment adjustment is completed, in the memory 51.

[0066] In this example, the initial alignment value is the amount of drive performed during alignment adjustment, starting from one end of the maximum movable range of alignment unit A. For example, if the maximum movable range of rotation unit 20 is -20 degrees to +20 degrees, and rotation unit 20 is driven by +19.58 degrees from -20 degrees during alignment adjustment, +19.58 degrees is recorded in memory 51 as the initial alignment value in the left-right direction. Similarly, if the maximum movable range of leveling unit 30 is -5 degrees to +5 degrees, and leveling unit 30 is driven by +4.97 degrees during alignment adjustment, +4.97 degrees is recorded in memory 51 as the initial alignment value in the up-down direction. Thus, the initial alignment value could also be angle information from at least one of the movable ends of the light source unit 10 (up-down or left-right). It should be noted that the figures listed here are merely examples.

[0067] In this embodiment, immediately after the vehicle headlight 1 is turned on (immediately after power-on), the rotating unit 20 starts at -20 degrees at one end of its maximum movable range, and the leveling unit 30 starts at -5 degrees at one end of its maximum movable range. Therefore, after the vehicle headlight 1 is turned on, the control device 50 reads the initial alignment value from the memory 51, drives the rotating unit 20 to change left and right by +19.58 degrees, and drives the leveling unit 30 to change the optical axis up and down by +4.97 degrees. Thus, the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1 in its reference state is determined to be the direction set during alignment adjustment. In this way, after the vehicle headlight 1 is turned on, the optical axis of the light source unit 10 is set to the aligned optical axis. It should be noted that the rotation and leveling actions performed when the vehicle 100 is in motion, based on the driving state of the vehicle 100 and the external state of the vehicle 100, are performed with reference to this aligned optical axis.

[0068] It should be noted that the initial position of the rotating unit 20 and the initial position of the leveling unit 30 after the vehicle headlight 1 is started are not limited to one end of the maximum movable range, but can also be the center point of the maximum movable range, etc. The initial alignment value can also be the offset between the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi at the initial position of the rotating unit 20 and the initial position of the leveling unit 30 after the vehicle headlight 1 is started.

[0069] Alternatively, the initial alignment position of the optical axis set according to the initial alignment value can be set separately from the reference position of the optical axis for the leveling or rotational action. The control device 50 can also be configured to move the light source unit 10 to an initial alignment position set during alignment adjustment that is different from the origin position during leveling adjustment, when the vehicle headlight 1 is started. It should be noted that the origin position during leveling adjustment is a reference position used during leveling adjustment. For example, the origin position for leveling when the center of gravity of the vehicle 100 is located at the front of the vehicle 100 is displaced upwards compared to the origin position for leveling when the center of gravity of the vehicle 100 is located at the center of the vehicle 100.

[0070] [Write methods to memory]

[0071] In this embodiment, once the alignment adjustment is complete, the control device 50 records the vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle 100 along with the initial alignment value in the memory 51. Before recording the initial alignment value and vehicle identification information in the memory 51, or after recording them in the memory 51, or both, the control device 50 sends a signal indicating the write status of the memory 51 to the vehicle ECU 101.

[0072] Vehicle identification information includes, for example, the vehicle identification number (VID) assigned to each vehicle, the configuration information of vehicle 100, and the date and time information of the alignment adjustment. In this embodiment, the control device 50 records the vehicle identification number and the date and time of the alignment adjustment as vehicle identification information in the memory 51.

[0073] use Figures 5-7 The method of writing information to the memory 51 of the control device 50 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This indicates the status of memory 51 when the new vehicle headlight 1 is installed on vehicle 100 at the time of manufacture. Figure 6 This diagram shows the situation where the alignment adjustment is completed and various information is written to memory 51. Figure 7 This diagram shows the state of memory 51 when a vehicle headlight 1, which is mounted on another vehicle, is mounted on vehicle 100.

[0074] Figure 5 This indicates that a new vehicle headlight 1 with memory 51 is installed in vehicle 100. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the memory 51 has a first region 51a capable of recording initial alignment values, a second region 51b capable of recording vehicle identification information, and a third region 51c capable of recording the date and time information of performing alignment adjustments. Since the new vehicle headlight 1 has no history of being installed on a vehicle, therefore... Figure 5As shown, the first region 51a, the second region 51b, and the third region 51c are in an unwritten state. Additionally, in Figures 5-7 In this process, a unique vehicle identification number AAA123 is assigned to vehicle 100 as vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification information is sent from vehicle ECU 101 to control unit 50.

[0075] Figure 6 Indicates from Figure 5 The illustrated situation shows the state of the memory 51 after the alignment adjustment is completed, with the vehicle headlight 1 mounted on the vehicle 100. In the example shown, if the vehicle headlight 1 is aligned, the horizontal offset (ΔX, offset in the X-axis direction) and the vertical offset (ΔY, offset in the Y-axis direction) of the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi are recorded in the first region 51a of the memory 51 as initial alignment values. Figure 6 In the example shown, in the first region 51a, 19.58 degrees is recorded as ΔX and 4.97 degrees as ΔY. Additionally, the vehicle identification number AAA123 of vehicle 100 is recorded in the second region 51b. The aligned date and time are recorded in the third region 51c. Figure 6 The example shown is February 28, 2024.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, when the control device 50 writes information to all three regions (first region 51a, second region 51b, and third region 51c), it sends a completion signal to the vehicle ECU 101 indicating that the writing is complete. Upon receiving the completion signal, the vehicle ECU 101 notifies the user that the writing to the memory 51 is complete. Notification of the completion of the writing to the memory 51 can be made, for example, by displaying a message on the screen of the car navigation system installed in the vehicle 100, or by turning off the vehicle's headlights 1.

[0077] It should be noted that when a new vehicle headlight 1 is installed in the vehicle 100, the first region 51a, the second region 51b, and the third region 51c of the memory 51 are in an unwritten state. Therefore, the control device 50 sends an incomplete signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 is incomplete to the vehicle ECU 101. Upon receiving the incomplete signal, the vehicle ECU 101 notifies the alignment operator or user that the writing state of at least one region of the memory 51 is incomplete. The notification that the writing state of the memory 51 is incomplete is made, for example, by displaying a screen on the car navigation system installed in the vehicle 100, or by illuminating the vehicle headlight 1. The output of the signal indicating the writing state of the memory 51 can be performed either before or after writing the alignment initial value or vehicle identification information to the memory 51. Alternatively, the control device 50 may be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 is abnormal if at least one of the alignment initial value and vehicle identification information has not been written to the memory 51.

[0078] The new vehicle headlight 1 has not yet been installed on the vehicle and therefore has not been aligned, making it unsuitable for direct use. Consequently, the control device 50 outputs an abnormal state indicating that the write operation to the memory 51 is not performed. This prevents situations where ordinary users other than the vehicle manufacturer obtain the new vehicle headlight 1 and install it on the vehicle 100 without proper alignment, thus preventing the vehicle 100 from being driven. Furthermore, the alignment operator can verify the writing of various information to the memory 51 for the new vehicle headlight 1.

[0079] Furthermore, when the control device 50 writes information to all three regions—first region 51a, second region 51b, and third region 51c—it sends a completion signal to the vehicle ECU 101 indicating that the writing to the memory 51 is complete. Upon receiving the completion signal, the vehicle ECU 101 notifies the alignment operator that the writing to the memory 51 is complete. Thus, the operator is aware that the alignment operation is finished.

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 7 This section describes the installation of a vehicle headlight 1, which has a historical record of being installed on other vehicles, onto vehicle 100. Because the vehicle headlight 1 contains a historical record of alignment adjustments made when mounted on other vehicles, this section... Figure 7 The memory 51 shown has information already written into its first region 51a, second region 51b, and third region 51c. In particular, the second region 51b contains a vehicle-specific number BBB456 that is different from the intended vehicle 100 to be installed.

[0081] Before mounting the vehicle headlight 1 on the vehicle 100, such as Figure 7 As shown, all written information is stored in the first region 51a, the second region 51b, and the third region 51c of the memory 51. The control device 50 may also be configured to determine whether the information already written to the memory 51 is consistent with the information to be written to the memory 51 as a result of the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlight 1 mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0082] Specifically, the control device 50 obtains the vehicle's unique serial number BBB456 from the vehicle ECU 101 and compares it with the vehicle's unique serial number AAA123 recorded in the second area 51b. Since the vehicle's unique serial number BBB456 already written to the second area 51b is different from the vehicle's unique serial number AAA123 to be written to the memory 51, the control device 50 sends an error signal indicating that the writing status of the memory 51 is abnormal to the vehicle ECU 101. For example, even if alignment adjustments have been completed in another vehicle and the initial alignment value has been recorded, that initial alignment value may not be consistent with the initial alignment value of the vehicle in this operation. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to rewrite the initial alignment value. If the control device 50 outputs an error signal when the vehicle's unique serial number is different, the alignment adjustment operator can easily grasp the situation where the initial alignment value needs to be rewritten. Alternatively, in situations such as when the vehicle headlight 1 is temporarily removed from the vehicle 100 for repair and then mistakenly installed in another vehicle, the alignment adjustment operator can quickly notice this.

[0083] Conversely, if the vehicle-specific serial number obtained from the vehicle ECU 101 matches the vehicle-specific serial number recorded in the second area 51b of the memory 51, the control device 50 will output a normal signal indicating that the write state of the memory 51 is normal to the vehicle ECU 101.

[0084] Based on this structure, and according to the signal indicating the write state of the memory 51, the vehicle headlight 1 can easily grasp the alignment and adjustment status of the vehicle 100 equipped with the vehicle headlight 1.

[0085] Thus, the control device 50 of this disclosure outputs a signal indicating the writing status of the memory 51 before and after writing the initial alignment value and vehicle identification information to the memory 51. Therefore, by using the signal indicating the writing status to the memory, the alignment adjustment status of the vehicle headlight 1 can be easily determined.

[0086] Furthermore, the control device 50 according to this disclosure can also be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 is abnormal if at least one of the initial alignment value and vehicle identification information is not written to the memory 51. According to the above structure, the operator performing the alignment adjustment can easily know that the alignment adjustment of the vehicle lamp 1 mounted on the vehicle 100 has not been completed.

[0087] Alternatively, the control device 50 according to this disclosure may be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 is abnormal when the vehicle identification information already written to the memory 51 is different from the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory 51.

[0088] Alternatively, the control device 50 of this disclosure may also be configured to output normal information indicating that the writing status of the memory 51 is normal when the vehicle identification information recorded in the memory 51 is consistent with the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory 51.

[0089] Furthermore, the control device 50 of this disclosure can also be configured to output a signal indicating that the write state of the memory 51 is normal when an initial alignment value has been written to the memory 51. If an initial alignment value has been written, it can be considered normal even if it differs from the initial alignment value to be newly written, thus allowing the alignment operator to be notified of appropriate information. For example, in the case of readjusting alignment during vehicle inspection, if the vehicle headlight 1 has been properly aligned in the past, it can be determined that the vehicle headlight 1 is in normal condition even if the initial alignment value to be written differs from the written initial alignment value. Thus, during vehicle inspection, the initial alignment value and the alignment date information are updated and recorded in the memory 51.

[0090] Furthermore, as described above, the vehicle lighting system 300 of this disclosure may be configured to include: a light source unit 10 mounted on a vehicle lighting fixture 1; an alignment unit A that performs alignment adjustment on the light source unit 10 by receiving alignment adjustment information from the outside; a memory 51; and a control device 50 that controls the alignment unit A. The control device 50 is configured to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into the memory 51. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment is determined during alignment adjustment, and the vehicle identification information is information obtained from the vehicle 100 during alignment adjustment. The control device 50 outputs a signal indicating the writing status of the memory 51 before and after performing the writing to the memory 51.

[0091] Furthermore, as described above, in the vehicle lighting system 300 of this disclosure, the control device 50 may also be configured to output a signal indicating the write state of the memory 51, and control the vehicle lighting 1 or the display device mounted on the vehicle 100 to a lighting state corresponding to the signal. According to the above structure, a person performing alignment adjustments can visually perceive whether the alignment adjustment of the vehicle lighting 1 mounted on the vehicle 100 is complete or incomplete.

[0092] The above describes the writing method of the control device 50 of this disclosure to the memory 51, but the control device 50 of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the memory 151 of this disclosure. Figure 8 In the vehicle 1000, there is a right vehicle headlight 1a, a left vehicle headlight 1b, and a vehicle ECU 1001. In addition, the right vehicle headlight 1a has a right control device 150a, a right memory 151a, and a right alignment unit RA, and the left vehicle headlight 1b has a left control device 150b, a left memory 151b, and a left alignment unit LA.

[0093] Figure 8 The example shown illustrates a situation where a left vehicle headlight 1b, which is mounted on another vehicle, is installed in vehicle 1000, and the left vehicle headlight 1b has not yet been aligned in vehicle 1000. It should be noted that the right vehicle headlight 1a has been aligned in vehicle 1000. In this case, different vehicle-specific serial numbers are recorded in the right memory 151a and the left memory 151b. Therefore, the right control device 150a is configured to output a signal to the vehicle ECU 1001 corresponding to the difference between the information recorded in the right memory 151a and the information recorded in the left memory 151b, based on information written from the left control device 150b to the left memory 151b. The left control device 150b does the same. If the information recorded in the right memory 151a is inconsistent with the information recorded in the left memory 151b, either the right control device 150a or the left control device 150b outputs a signal to the ECU 1001 indicating that the memory write state is abnormal.

[0094] Vehicle headlights are originally intended for use as a set, one on each side. If the alignment and adjustment of the headlights on one vehicle differs from that on another vehicle, this is an abnormal situation. According to... Figure 8 The structure shown allows for easy understanding of such abnormal states.

[0095] As described above, the control device 50 of this disclosure may also be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 151 is abnormal when the vehicle identification information of the left lamp written to the memory 151 is inconsistent with the vehicle identification information of the right lamp.

[0096] Alternatively, the vehicle lighting system 300a of this disclosure may also be configured to include: a right vehicle lighting fixture 1a, which has a right alignment unit RA for adjusting the direction of light illumination; a left vehicle lighting fixture 1b, which has a left alignment unit LA for adjusting the direction of light illumination; and a control device 150 that controls the right vehicle lighting fixture 1a and the left vehicle lighting fixture 1b, wherein the right vehicle lighting fixture 1a and the left vehicle lighting fixture 1b are configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source, and the control device 150 is configured to read from the memory 151 the right vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle 1000 during the alignment adjustment of the right vehicle lighting fixture 1a and the left vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle 1000 during the alignment adjustment of the left vehicle lighting fixture 1b, and output a signal indicating abnormal information as a write state of the memory 151 when the right vehicle identification information and the left vehicle identification information are different.

[0097] It should be noted that in the vehicle lighting system disclosed herein, the vehicle identification information may also include at least one of the following: the vehicle's unique serial number, the vehicle's configuration information, and the date and time of the alignment adjustment.

[0098] In addition, the vehicle lighting systems 300 and 300a disclosed herein may also be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memories 51 and 151 is abnormal when at least one of the alignment initial value and vehicle identification information is not written into the memories 51 and 151.

[0099] In addition, the vehicle lighting systems 300 and 300a disclosed herein may also be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 and 151 is abnormal when the vehicle identification information already written to the memory 51 and 151 is different from the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory 51 and 151.

[0100] In addition, the vehicle lighting systems 300 and 300a disclosed herein can also be configured to output a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory 51 and 151 is normal when the vehicle identification information already written to the memory 51 and 151 is consistent with the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory 51 and 151.

[0101] Alternatively, in the vehicle lighting systems 300 and 300a disclosed herein, the vehicle lighting system 1 may be configured as a pair of left and right lights 1 each having an alignment unit A. If the vehicle identification information of the left light and the vehicle identification information of the right light are inconsistent when written to the memory 51 and 151, a signal indicating abnormal information is output, and if they are consistent, a signal indicating normal information is output.

[0102] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the control program used by the control device 50 of this disclosure.

[0103] like Figure 9 As shown, the control program of the control device 50 disclosed herein is the control program used by the control device 50 of the alignment unit A mounted on the vehicle lamp 1 for adjusting the direction of light illumination. It can also be configured to have: a standby step (STEP1) for waiting for the reception of alignment adjustment information; an alignment step (STEP2) for performing alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from the outside; a writing step (STEP3) for writing the initial alignment value and the vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle 100 during alignment adjustment to the memory 51 and 151, wherein the initial alignment value represents the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment is determined during alignment adjustment; and a signal output step (STEP4) for outputting a signal indicating the writing status of the memory 51 and 151 before and after writing to the memory 51 and 151.

[0104] The program is executed by the memory and processor of the control device 50.

[0105] <Second Implementation>

[0106] However, alignment devices that adjust the orientation of the light source unit by adjusting screws to shift the direction of light illumination are already known. In recent years, there has been a desire to develop an alignment device that controls the orientation of the light source unit using an electric actuator.

[0107] Alignment adjustments are made at specific times, such as when the vehicle leaves the factory or during vehicle inspection, and are not performed by the vehicle's general owner.

[0108] The second embodiment of this disclosure provides a control device and system for vehicle lights that prevents the average owner of a vehicle from accidentally performing alignment operations.

[0109] Alignment Inspection System

[0110] Next, use Figure 10 , Figure 11 The alignment adjustment of the alignment inspection system SA for the vehicle headlight 1A according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The alignment inspection system SA of this embodiment is also used for the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlight 1A.

[0111] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the alignment adjustment of the vehicle headlight 1A according to this embodiment. Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the alignment and inspection system (SA). For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the alignment inspection system SA of this embodiment consists of a vehicle 100A equipped with a vehicle headlight 1A and a tester 200A. The tester 200A determines whether the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A is within a specified range. Furthermore, the vehicle headlight 1A undergoes alignment adjustment based on the determination result received from the tester 200A. Alignment adjustment is sometimes performed, for example, during vehicle production inspection processes, inspections based on vehicle inspection and registration systems (so-called vehicle inspections), and when the vehicle headlight 1A is replaced.

[0112] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the vehicle 100A includes a vehicle ECU 101A, a vehicle headlight 1A, an input unit 102A, and a display unit 103A.

[0113] The vehicle ECU 101A controls various actions of the vehicle 100A, such as driving. The vehicle ECU 101A may include processors such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), or general-purpose CPUs (Central Processing Units). Additionally, although not shown, the vehicle 100A may include ROMs (Read Only Memory) storing various vehicle control programs and RAMs (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing various vehicle control data. The processor of the vehicle ECU 101A retrieves data specified by the various vehicle control programs stored in the ROM from the RAM and controls various actions of the vehicle 100A in cooperation with the RAM.

[0114] The vehicle ECU 101A is configured to communicate with the tester 200A and the control device 50A described later.

[0115] In addition to having the same functions as vehicle headlights 1A Figure 1 In addition to the light source unit 10A and alignment unit AA, which have the same structure as those shown, a control device 50A is also included. The control device 50A may include, for example, a processor such as an ASIC, FPGA, or general-purpose CPU. The control device 50A can control the rotation state of the alignment unit AA and has a memory 51A capable of recording the driving information of the alignment unit AA. The vehicle ECU 101A and the vehicle headlight 1A are able to communicate using protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0116] The control device 50A controls the alignment unit AA based on signals obtained from the vehicle ECU 101A. It should be noted that the control device 50A can also control the lighting, extinguishing, and brightness of the light source unit 10A based on signals obtained from the vehicle ECU 101A.

[0117] The input unit 102A is manually operable and can output a start signal indicating the start of alignment adjustment to the control device 50A. In this embodiment, the input unit 102A can be a steering wheel switch on the vehicle 100A, a touch panel of a car navigation system on the vehicle 100A that can communicate with the vehicle ECU 101A, or the like. The input unit 102A outputs a start signal indicating the start of alignment adjustment to the control device 50A, for example, by pressing a specific button on the steering wheel switch or operating the touch panel. It should be noted that alignment adjustment can also be configured such that the input unit 102A is a switch located in a place difficult for the human eye to access, or that the start signal is output by moving a switch / touch panel located in a place easily accessible to the human eye with a specific action, so that the ordinary owner cannot directly operate it / finds it difficult to operate directly.

[0118] Furthermore, the display unit 103A can communicate with the input unit 102A and the vehicle ECU 101A, and can display the results of manual operations on the input unit 102A and the alignment adjustment status obtained from the tester 200A via the vehicle ECU 101A. In this embodiment, the display unit 103A is structured to also serve as the user interface for the input unit 102A, and operations on the input unit 102A are performed by touching and selecting icons displayed on the display unit 103A. It should be noted that the structure of the display unit 103A is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 103A can be a screen of a car navigation system, a HUD (head-up display), an instrument panel, etc.

[0119] The tester 200A includes a screen 201A and an optical axis determination unit 202A. During alignment adjustment, the vehicle 100A is positioned relative to the screen 201A at a predetermined position and in a predetermined posture. The low beam pattern illuminated by the vehicle's headlight 1A is projected onto the screen 201A.

[0120] The optical axis determination unit 202A consists of a camera that captures a light distribution pattern projected onto the screen 201A and an information processing device that processes the image output from the camera. This information processing device can also consist of a processor such as an ASIC, FPGA, or general-purpose CPU, and memory.

[0121] The optical axis determination unit 202A determines the direction of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A based on the image obtained from the camera. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the illumination position of the vehicle headlight 1A of this embodiment as shown on screen 201A. (As shown...) Figure 14 As shown, the image obtained by capturing the image on the screen 201A includes a low beam pattern with a cutoff line CL. The optical axis determination unit 202A determines the direction of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A based on the inflection point EL of the cutoff line CL. In this embodiment, the inflection point EL is defined as the point on the extension line of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A that intersects with the screen 201A.

[0122] The optical axis determination unit 202A determines whether the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A is within the specified range CA as stipulated by regulations. Figure 14 In the figure, CA is used to indicate the range specified by regulations. The optical axis determination unit 202 determines whether the actual inflection point EL of the optical axis of the vehicle headlight 1A mounted on the vehicle 100A under inspection is located within the specified range CA. In addition, the optical axis determination unit 202 outputs offset information indicating the offset of the actual inflection point EL relative to the ideal inflection point ELi, which is the center point of CA within the specified range.

[0123] [Processing flow of the alignment inspection system]

[0124] use Figure 12 , Figure 13 The processing flow of the alignment inspection system SA in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the alignment inspection system SA for the vehicle headlight 1A according to this embodiment. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the display unit during alignment adjustment.

[0125] In this embodiment, the alignment inspection system SA is started by a person performing the inspection manually operating the input unit 102A installed on the vehicle 100A (first manual operation). The input unit 102A sends a start signal to the control device 50A. Upon receiving the start signal (STEP 11: Yes), the control device 50A begins alignment adjustment.

[0126] In this embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, during alignment adjustment, the display unit 103A displays a message indicating that the vehicle headlight 1A is in alignment adjustment. In this embodiment, during alignment adjustment, a cancel icon 103Aa and a complete icon 103Ab are displayed on the display unit 103A. The complete icon 103Ab is selected when it is confirmed that the alignment adjustment is complete. In this embodiment, if the cancel icon 103Aa is selected during alignment adjustment, the alignment adjustment can be stopped immediately. Furthermore, if the cancel icon 103Aa is selected during alignment adjustment, a notice indicating that the alignment adjustment is not complete is displayed on the display unit 103A.

[0127] If alignment adjustment begins, the control device 50A first illuminates the vehicle's headlights 1A (STEP 12), allows the writing of alignment adjustment values ​​to memory 51A (STEP 13), and allows the alignment unit AA to be driven (STEP 14). It should be noted that the alignment adjustment values ​​in memory 51A are typically set to a non-writable state. If the control device 50A does not receive a start signal (STEP 11: No), the control device 50A waits for the start signal to be received.

[0128] like Figure 14 As shown, the vehicle uses headlight 1A to illuminate a low beam pattern including the cutoff line CL on screen 201A. The optical axis determination unit 202A compares the inflection point EL of the cutoff line CL formed on screen 201A with the specified range CA as defined by regulations (step 15). If the optical axis determination unit 202A determines that the inflection point EL is not within the specified range CA (STEP 15: No), it sends a non-compliance message prompting alignment adjustment and an offset message indicating the offset between the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi to the vehicle ECU 101A of the vehicle 100A (STEP 16).

[0129] When the vehicle ECU 101A receives non-compliance information and offset information, it sends the offset information to the control unit 50A. The offset information is, for example, as follows: Figure 14 The diagram shows information representing the offset ΔL, which includes the horizontal offset (ΔX, offset along the X-axis) and the vertical offset (ΔY, offset along the Y-axis) between the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi. Based on the offset information obtained from the vehicle ECU 101A, the control device 50A drives the alignment unit AA in a manner that ensures the positions of the actual inflection point EL and the ideal inflection point ELi are aligned.

[0130] The alignment unit AA is driven in this way, and the position of the actual inflection point EL is compared with the position of the ideal inflection point ELi using the tester 200A again. This judgment and driving of the alignment unit AA are repeated (STEP15 and STEP16). If the actual inflection point EL is within the specified range CA (STEP15: Yes), the optical axis judgment unit 202A determines that the alignment adjustment is complete and sends the pass information to the vehicle ECU 101A (STEP17). The vehicle ECU 101A sends the pass information to the control device 50A and the input unit 102A. When the input unit 102A receives the pass information, it displays that the alignment adjustment is complete on the operation screen of the navigation system, etc. After confirming that the alignment adjustment is complete, the operator can send a stop signal to the control device 50A by selecting the completion icon 103Ab displayed on the display unit 103A.

[0131] Upon receiving a pass signal and a termination signal (STEP 18: Yes), control device 50A records the initial alignment value, representing the posture of light source unit 10A during alignment adjustment, in memory 51A (STEP 19), disables writing to memory 51A (STEP 110), and disables the driving of alignment unit AA (STEP 111). Then, control device 50A turns off the vehicle headlight 1A (STEP 112), ending the alignment adjustment. It should be noted that if control device 50A does not receive a termination signal (STEP 18: No), it waits for the termination signal to be received.

[0132] In this example, the initial alignment value refers to the amount of drive performed during alignment adjustment, starting from one end of the maximum movable range of the alignment unit AA. For example, if the maximum movable range of the rotation unit 20 is -20 degrees to +20 degrees, and the rotation unit 20 is driven from -20 degrees to +19.58 degrees during alignment adjustment, +19.58 degrees is recorded in the memory 51A as the initial alignment value in the left-right direction. Similarly, if the maximum movable range of the leveling unit 30 is -5 degrees to +5 degrees, and the leveling unit 30 is driven from -5 degrees to +4.97 degrees during alignment adjustment, +4.97 degrees is recorded in the memory 51A as the initial alignment value in the up-down direction. Thus, the initial alignment value could also be, for example, angular information from at least one of the movable ends of the light source unit 10A (up-down and left-right). It should be noted that the figures listed here are merely examples.

[0133] However, in conventional alignment units using adjusting screws, the operator manually rotates the adjusting screws to adjust the orientation of the light source unit. In recent years, there has been a desire to develop an alignment device that adjusts the orientation of the light source unit using an electric actuator.

[0134] On the other hand, alignment adjustment is an important adjustment for the vehicle to function properly with its headlights. Therefore, conventionally, the adjustment screws are installed in a location that is difficult for the average vehicle owner to access, so that alignment adjustments cannot be made unnoticed by the average owner.

[0135] Therefore, in alignment units that are adjusted by electric actuators, it is also required that the alignment adjustments not be accidentally made by the average owner.

[0136] According to the control device 50A of this disclosure, the alignment unit AA can receive the alignment correction signal output from the tester 200A and operate accordingly. After receiving the start command signal output when the input unit has been manually operated, the control device 50A causes the alignment unit AA to start alignment adjustment.

[0137] Therefore, the control device 50A can only control the alignment unit AA after receiving a start command signal based on human operation. Thus, even if a general owner without the tester 200A performs a human operation, the alignment unit AA will not operate as long as the tester 200A is not present, thereby suppressing alignment adjustments by general owners.

[0138] According to the control device 50A of this disclosure, it is able to communicate with the tester 200A after receiving a start command signal. Therefore, it can quickly receive an alignment correction signal from the tester 200A to activate the alignment unit AA.

[0139] Alternatively, the control device 50A of this disclosure may also be configured to include a memory 51A that records an initial alignment value, which represents the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment. Upon receiving a start signal, the control device 50A can rewrite the initial alignment value written to the memory 51A. Under normal conditions where alignment is not adjusted, the initial alignment value cannot be rewritten, suppressing rewriting by general owners, and can only be rewritten when necessary.

[0140] Furthermore, the control device 50A disclosed herein can also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light source unit 10A. The control device 50A can also be configured to light up the light source unit 10A upon receiving a start command signal. Thus, the operator can visually determine when the alignment adjustment begins.

[0141] Alternatively, the control device 50A of the present invention can also be configured to overwrite the initial alignment value recorded in the memory 51A by receiving an end command signal output when a second manual operation is performed on the input unit 102A, thus making it unupdateable. Therefore, the initial alignment value can be made unrewriteable under normal conditions without adjusting the alignment.

[0142] Furthermore, the control device 50A disclosed herein can control the lighting and extinguishing of the light from the light source unit 10A. The control device 50A can also be configured to extinguish the light source unit 10A upon receiving a termination command signal. Thus, the operator can visually determine when the alignment adjustment is complete.

[0143] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the system including a light source unit 10A, an alignment unit AA, an input unit 102A, and a control device 50A is sometimes provided as a vehicle lighting system 400A. Figure 11 In the example shown, the vehicle lighting system 400A also includes a display unit 103A.

[0144] The vehicle lighting system 400A disclosed herein may also be configured to include: a light source unit 10A; an alignment unit AA that receives an alignment correction signal output from a tester 200A and adjusts the illumination direction of the light from the light source unit 10A; an input unit 102A that outputs a start command signal upon a first manual operation; and a control device 50A that controls the alignment unit AA, which, upon receiving the start command signal from the input unit 102A, causes the alignment unit AA to begin alignment adjustment.

[0145] Furthermore, the control program used by the control device 50A of this disclosure is a control program for an alignment unit AA mounted on the vehicle lamp 1 that adjusts the direction of light illumination upon receiving an alignment correction signal output from the tester 200A. This program can be configured to include: a standby step, which is in standby mode for receiving a start command signal output when a first manual operation is performed on the input unit 102A; an alignment step, which performs alignment adjustment via the alignment unit AA after receiving the start command signal; and an end step, which ends the alignment step upon receiving an end command signal output when a second manual operation is performed on the input unit 102A.

[0146] The program is executed by the memory and processor of the control device 50A.

[0147] It should be noted that the vehicle headlight 1A and alignment unit AA using this disclosure are not limited to the structures described above. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described where the alignment unit AA was driven automatically by the control device 50A based on a signal output from the tester 200A during alignment adjustment. However, the alignment unit AA can also be driven manually by operating the input unit 102A. For example, it can be configured such that offset information is displayed on the display unit 103A based on a signal output from the tester 200A, the operator visually confirms the displayed offset information, and drives the alignment unit AA by operating the input unit 102A.

[0148] In the first and second embodiments described above, a structure for alignment adjustment using the rotating unit 20 and the leveling unit 30 was explained, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can also be applied to a structure for vehicle lighting fixtures having a rotating unit 20, a leveling unit 30, and an alignment device solely for alignment adjustment.

[0149] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted as limited by the description of these embodiments. This embodiment is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications to the embodiments can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims. The technical scope of this disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0150] Industrial availability

[0151] According to the control device, vehicle lighting system, and alignment unit control program disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a control device, vehicle lighting system, and control program that can easily monitor the alignment and adjustment status of vehicle lighting.

[0152] The structures listed below also form part of this disclosure.

[0153] Project 1: A control device is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp that adjusts the direction of light illumination. It is configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source, and to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory. The initial alignment value represents the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment, determined during the alignment adjustment. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment. Before and after writing to the memory, a signal indicating the write status of the memory is output.

[0154] Project 2: According to the control device described in Project 1, the vehicle identification information includes at least one of the following: vehicle unique number, vehicle configuration information, and date and time of performing alignment adjustment.

[0155] Project 3: According to the control device described in Project 1 or 2, if at least one of the alignment initial value and the vehicle identification information is not written to the memory, a signal indicating that the write state of the memory is abnormal is output.

[0156] Project 4: According to the control device described in Project 1 or 2, if the vehicle identification information already written to the memory is different from the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory, a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory is abnormal is output.

[0157] Project 5: According to the control device described in Project 1 or 2, when the vehicle identification information already written to the memory is consistent with the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory, a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory is normal is output.

[0158] Project 6: According to the control device described in Project 1 or 2, when the initial alignment value has been written into the memory, a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory is normal is output.

[0159] Project 7: According to the control device described in Project 1 or 2, the vehicle lamps are a pair of left and right lamps each equipped with the alignment unit. When the vehicle identification information written to the left lamp and the vehicle identification information written to the right lamp are inconsistent, a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory is abnormal is output.

[0160] Project 8: A vehicle lighting system includes: a light source unit mounted on a vehicle lighting fixture; an alignment unit that performs alignment adjustment on the light source unit by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source; a memory; and a control device that controls the alignment unit. The control device is configured to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into the memory. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment, determined during alignment adjustment. The vehicle identification information is obtained from a vehicle during alignment adjustment. The control device outputs a signal indicating the write status of the memory before and after performing a write operation on the memory.

[0161] Project 9: A vehicle lighting system includes: a right vehicle lamp having a right alignment unit for adjusting the direction of light illumination; a left vehicle lamp having a left alignment unit for adjusting the direction of light illumination; and a control device for controlling the right and left vehicle lamps, wherein the right and left vehicle lamps are configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source; the control device is configured to read from a memory right vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment of the right vehicle lamp and left vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment of the left vehicle lamp; and if the right vehicle identification information and the left vehicle identification information are different, the control device outputs a signal indicating that the write state of the memory is abnormal.

[0162] Project 10: According to the vehicle lighting system described in Project 8, the control device outputs a signal indicating the write state of the memory, and controls the vehicle lighting or the display device mounted on the vehicle to a lighting state corresponding to the signal.

[0163] Project 11: A control program for a control device of an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp for adjusting the direction of light illumination, comprising: a standby step for waiting for the reception of alignment adjustment information; an alignment step for performing alignment adjustment by receiving the alignment adjustment information from an external source; a writing step for writing an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory, the initial alignment value representing the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment determined during the alignment adjustment, the vehicle identification information being obtained from a vehicle during the alignment adjustment; and a signal output step for outputting a signal indicating the write status of the memory before and after writing to the memory, either or both.

[0164] Project 12: A control device is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp that adjusts the illumination direction of light emitted by a light source unit. The alignment unit is capable of receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester and operating accordingly. After receiving a start command signal output when a first manual operation is performed on the input unit, the control device causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

[0165] Project 13: According to the control device described in Item 12, the control device is able to communicate with the tester after receiving the start command signal.

[0166] Project 14: According to the control device described in Project 12, the control device has a memory that records an initial alignment value, which represents the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment. After receiving the start command signal, the control device can rewrite the initial alignment value written in the memory.

[0167] Project 15: According to the control device described in Project 12, the control device can also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light source unit, and the control device lights up the light source unit upon receiving the start command signal.

[0168] Project 16: According to the control device described in Item 14, the control device overwrites the alignment initial value recorded in the memory by receiving an end command signal output when a second human operation is performed on the input unit, making it non-updateable.

[0169] Project 17: According to the control device described in Project 16, the control device can also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light source unit, and the control device extinguishes the light source unit upon receiving the termination command signal.

[0170] Project 18: A vehicle lighting system includes: a light source unit; an alignment unit capable of receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester and adjusting the illumination direction of the light from the light source unit; an input unit that outputs a start command signal upon a first manual operation; and a control device that controls the alignment unit, wherein the control device, upon receiving the start command signal from the input unit, causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

[0171] Project 19: A control program for an alignment unit is provided, which is capable of receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester and adjusting the illumination direction of a vehicle lamp. The control program for the alignment unit includes: a standby step, waiting to receive a start command signal output when a first manual operation is performed on the input unit; an alignment step, performing alignment adjustment by the alignment unit after receiving the start command signal; and an end step, ending the alignment step when a end command signal output when a second manual operation is performed on the input unit is received during the alignment step.

[0172] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-42580, filed on March 18, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-42584, filed on March 18, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A control device, which is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp to adjust the direction of light illumination. It is configured to perform alignment adjustments by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source. The device is configured to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment, determined during the alignment adjustment process. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment process. Before and after a write operation is performed on the memory, a signal indicating the write status of the memory is output.

2. The control device according to claim 1, The vehicle identification information includes at least one of the following: the vehicle's unique serial number, the vehicle's configuration information, and the date and time of the alignment adjustment.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, If at least one of the alignment initial value and the vehicle identification information is not written to the memory, a signal indicating that the memory write state is abnormal is output.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, If the vehicle identification information already written to the memory is different from the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory, a signal indicating that the memory writing state is abnormal is output.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, If the vehicle identification information already written to the memory matches the vehicle identification information to be written to the memory, a signal indicating that the writing state of the memory is normal is output.

6. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, If the initial alignment value has been written into the memory, a signal indicating that the memory is in a normal writing state is output.

7. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle lights consist of a left and right pair of lights, each equipped with the alignment unit. If the vehicle identification information written to the left lamp is inconsistent with the vehicle identification information written to the right lamp, a signal indicating that the writing status of the memory is abnormal is output.

8. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: A light source unit, which is mounted on vehicle lighting fixtures; An alignment unit that adjusts the alignment of the light source unit by receiving alignment adjustment information from the outside; Memory; as well as A control device that controls the alignment unit. The control device is configured to write an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into the memory. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment, determined during the alignment adjustment process. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment process. The control device outputs a signal indicating the write status of the memory before and after performing a write operation on the memory.

9. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: The right-hand vehicle light fixture has a right alignment unit for adjusting the direction of the light beam. A left-hand vehicle light fixture, comprising a left alignment unit for adjusting the direction of light illumination; and A control device that controls the right vehicle lights and the left vehicle lights. The right vehicle light and the left vehicle light are configured to perform alignment adjustment by receiving alignment adjustment information from an external source. The control device is configured to read from a memory the right vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment of the right vehicle lights, and the left vehicle identification information obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment of the left vehicle lights. If the right vehicle identification information and the left vehicle identification information are different, the control device outputs a signal indicating that the write status of the memory is abnormal.

10. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 8, The control device outputs a signal indicating the write state of the memory, and controls the vehicle lights or the display device mounted on the vehicle to be lit in a state corresponding to the signal.

11. A control program for a control device of an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp for adjusting the direction of light illumination, comprising: The standby step involves waiting to receive alignment adjustment information. The alignment step performs alignment adjustment by receiving the alignment adjustment information from the outside; The writing step involves writing an initial alignment value and vehicle identification information into a memory. The initial alignment value represents the illumination direction of the light after alignment adjustment, as determined during the alignment adjustment. The vehicle identification information is obtained from the vehicle during the alignment adjustment. The signal output step outputs a signal indicating the write status of the memory either before or after a write operation is performed on the memory.

12. A control device, which is a control device for an alignment unit mounted on a vehicle lamp to adjust the illumination direction of light emitted from a light source unit. The alignment unit is capable of receiving alignment correction signals output from the tester and thus operating. After receiving a start command signal output after a first manual operation on the input unit, the control device causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

13. The control device according to claim 12, The control device is able to communicate with the tester after receiving the start command signal.

14. The control device according to claim 12, The control device has a memory that records the initial alignment value representing the direction of light illumination after alignment adjustment. Upon receiving the start command signal, the control device is able to rewrite the initial alignment value written to the memory.

15. The control device according to claim 12, The control device can also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light from the light source unit. The control device illuminates the light source unit upon receiving the start command signal.

16. The control device according to claim 14, The control device overwrites the initial alignment value recorded in the memory by receiving an end command signal output when a second human operation is performed on the input unit, making it non-updateable.

17. The control device according to claim 16, The control device can also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light from the light source unit. The control device turns off the light source unit upon receiving the termination command signal.

18. A vehicle lighting system, comprising: Light source unit; The alignment unit is capable of receiving alignment correction signals output from the tester and adjusting the illumination direction of the light from the light source unit. The input unit outputs a start command signal upon the first manual operation. as well as A control device that controls the alignment unit. After receiving the start command signal sent from the input unit, the control device causes the alignment unit to begin alignment adjustment.

19. A control program for an alignment unit, which is capable of receiving an alignment correction signal output from a tester and adjusting the illumination direction of a vehicle lamp, comprising: The standby step is to wait for the start command signal output after the first manual operation on the input unit. The alignment step involves adjusting the alignment via the alignment unit after receiving the start command signal. as well as The alignment step ends when an end command signal is received during the alignment step in response to a second manual operation performed on the input unit.

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