POSITION LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) configured to emit at least one road irradiation beam from a vehicle (29) onto a road, enabling another moving object (30) positioned behind or to the side of the vehicle (29) to detect the presence of the vehicle (29), wherein the position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) comprises: a lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) configured to emit the at least one road irradiation beam onto at least one section of areas on the road behind and to the side of the vehicle (29); a distance detection unit (3, 21, 92) configured to detect a distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30); a lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) configured to control the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) based on the distance detected by the distance sensing unit (4, 25, 59) between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30), thereby changing a state of at least one road illumination beam; and a brightness / darkness detection unit (26) configured to output a detection signal according to a light intensity of the perimeter of the vehicle (29), characterized by the fact that the distance sensing unit (3, 21, 92) is configured to detect a variety of types of a variety of detection waves emitted by the other moving object (30), and based on one type of at least one of the detection waves detected by the distance sensing unit (3, 21, 92), the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) changes the state of the at least one street irradiation beam, and The lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) supplies or interrupts electrical energy to the distance detection unit (3, 21, 92) and the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) based on the detection signal issued by the brightness / darkness detection unit (26).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a position lighting device configured to emit a beam from a vehicle on the road in such a way that the other moving object can detect the presence of the vehicle. Background of the invention

[0002] Generally, vehicles such as motorcycles and cars have taillights. When two vehicles are driving in the dark, the vehicle in front can emit beams from its taillights in such a way that the driver of the following vehicle can detect its presence. However, in poor visibility due to rain, fog, or similar conditions, even if the vehicle in front is emitting beams from its taillights, the driver of the following vehicle may miss these beams and detect the vehicle in front too late.

[0003] With regard to this problem, a technology exists for emitting rays from a vehicle's lighting device onto an area of ​​the road behind or to the side of the vehicle. According to this technology, the vehicle ahead emits the rays from its lighting device onto the area of ​​the road behind or to the side of the vehicle in such a way that the emitted rays are reflected from the road. If the driver of the following vehicle sees these reflected rays, the driver can perceive the presence of the vehicle ahead more clearly than if they were seeing rays emitted from the rear lights. Hereinafter, rays emitted onto an area of ​​the road around a vehicle are referred to as "road illumination rays."

[0004] Patent specification 1 discloses a vehicle that can be used as a device for emitting road irradiation rays.

[0005] Patent specification 2 discloses a device for adaptively operating a rear fog light for vehicles, comprising: a control unit and a distance sensor connected to the control unit, which is arranged to detect the distance to a following vehicle, wherein the control unit is configured to regulate the brightness of the rear fog light depending on the detected distance to the following vehicle.

[0006] Patent specification 3 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising at least one detection unit for detecting a distance between the vehicle and another vehicle, at least one lighting unit, and at least one control unit for adjusting the lighting characteristic of the lighting unit depending on the detected distance. The detection unit is arranged and oriented such that its detection range is located in an area behind the vehicle, and the lighting unit is a rear light or a warning light.

[0007] Patent specification 4 discloses an optical collision warning device for motor vehicles, consisting of a signal-emitting transmitter and a receiver that receives the reflected signal, arranged directly next to each other. In order to provide a collision warning device that signals to both the driver of the vehicle equipped with the device and the driver of a following vehicle that the vehicle is too close to the driver, while simultaneously avoiding signal processing problems with oncoming vehicles, the patent specifies that the device is optically designed to prevent collisions with vehicles that are too close to the vehicle.To reduce the number of objects standing at the roadside, the transmitter and receiver are arranged at the rear of the vehicle, with the transmitter's signals being able to be emitted in the opposite direction of travel, and both the transmitter and receiver being connected to an electronic control unit located in the vehicle, which, depending on the distance to the following vehicle determined in this way and the speed of the vehicle in front, controls a warning device visible to the driver in the following vehicle.

[0008] Patent specification 5 discloses that a camera is mounted on the rear of the motorcycle to image the back of the motorcycle. A tilt angle sensor for detecting the motorcycle's tilt angle is also mounted on the motorcycle. For example, a display area in the recorded video is shifted to the left, and the recorded video is rotated to the left based on the tilt angle of the motorcycle detected by the tilt angle sensor during a phase in which the motorcycle is turning left. The video in the display area is shown on a display device located near the motorcycle's handlebars. This allows a following vehicle traveling in the same lane as the motorcycle to be displayed on the display device, similar to when traveling straight ahead, even when the motorcycle is turning. Patent Document 1: JP S63-213203 A Patent specification 2: DE 101 37 818 C1 Patent specification 3: DE 10 2014 005 423 A1 Patent specification 4: DE 44 06 339 A1 Patent specification 5: JP 2013 - 60 128 A

[0009] However, in cases where a vehicle ahead always emits a constant road irradiation beam, it can sometimes be difficult for the driver of the following vehicle to detect the presence of the vehicle ahead based on the road irradiation beams, depending on the distance between the vehicle ahead and the following vehicle.

[0010] For example, if the following vehicle comes very close to the vehicle in front, or even if light emitted onto an area of ​​the road behind the vehicle in front is reflected off the road, the reflected light rays will deviate significantly downwards from the center of the following driver's field of vision. Consequently, it can be difficult for the following driver to detect the road radiation and the presence of the vehicle in front based on that road radiation.

[0011] Meanwhile, if the road lighting beams are emitted from a position on the road directly behind the vehicle in front, and the following vehicle is positioned far from the vehicle in front, the road lighting beams reflected from the road will be attenuated before reaching the eyes of the driver of the following vehicle. Consequently, it may be difficult for the driver of the following vehicle to detect the presence of the vehicle in front based on the road lighting beams. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a position lighting device that can emit a road irradiation beam from a vehicle based on the distances between the vehicle and the other moving object in such a way that the other moving object can recognize the presence of the vehicle on the basis of the road irradiation beam in a suitable manner.

[0013] According to the present invention, a position lighting device is provided according to independent claim 1. Advantageous modifications are found in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, the road irradiation beam can be emitted by the vehicle based on the distances between the vehicle and the other moving object in such a way that the other moving object can detect the presence of the vehicle in a suitable manner. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a position lighting device according to embodiments of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is an explanatory view showing a motorcycle equipped with a position lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing the irradiation positions of road irradiation beams which can be emitted by the position lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the distance between the motorcycle equipped with the position lighting device according to the first embodiment and the other moving object; Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the position lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is an explanatory view that represents detection waves which can be emitted by the other moving object; Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the position lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a position lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory view showing the number, irradiation positions, etc. of the road irradiation beams that can be emitted by the position lighting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing the shapes of the road illumination beams which can be emitted by a position lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory view showing a swiveling of the road illumination beam which can be emitted by a position lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a position lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention (an example in which the present invention is applied to a two-wheeler (or bicycle)); and Fig. Figure 13 is an explanatory view that presents a seventh embodiment of the present invention (an example in which the present invention is applied to an electric vehicle for care purposes). Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 shows a position lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a position lighting device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured to emit a road irradiation beam from a vehicle onto the road in such a way that the other moving object, which is positioned behind the vehicle or to the side of the vehicle, can recognize the presence of the corresponding vehicle.

[0016] The position lighting device 1 is installed on the vehicle. The vehicle can be a semi-trailer-type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a scooter, a motorized tricycle, or a buggy. Alternatively, the vehicle can be a two-wheeler (or bicycle). Furthermore, the vehicle can be an electric vehicle (e.g., a single-seat electric vehicle for care purposes, which constitutes a means of transport for elderly people, etc.) or a four-wheeled vehicle. Hereinafter, the vehicle equipped with the position lighting device 1 is referred to as the target vehicle. Meanwhile, the other moving objects are not limited to vehicles and can be people, such as pedestrians.

[0017] The position lighting device 1 comprises a lighting unit 2, a distance detection unit 3 and an emission control unit 4.

[0018] The lighting unit 2 emits one or more road irradiation beams onto at least one section of areas on the road behind and to the side of the target vehicle.

[0019] The distance detection unit 3 detects the distance between the target vehicle and each of the other moving objects. Determining the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object can be done, in particular by measuring the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object. Alternatively, distance detection can be performed by setting segments according to distance values, such as a very short distance segment, a short to medium distance segment, and a long distance segment, and identifying which segment the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object belongs to.

[0020] The emission control unit 4 controls the lighting unit 2 based on the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object, as detected by the distance sensing unit 3, thereby changing the state of the road illumination beam. The road illumination beam state represents the position, illumination area, size, shape, number, intensity, color, or similar characteristics of the road illumination beams on the road. Furthermore, the road illumination beam state can include whether road illumination beams are to flash and a flashing rate. Additionally, the road illumination beam state can represent whether road illumination beams are moving and a movement speed. Examples of movement include panning and rotating.

[0021] Various forms of changes to the road illumination beam state can be considered. For example, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the positions of the road illumination beams on the road can be adjusted to be far away from the target vehicle, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the positions of the road illumination beams on the road can be adjusted to be close to the target vehicle.Furthermore, in the case where the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the shapes of the road irradiation beams on the road can be adjusted to be extended in the longitudinal direction of the road, and in the case where the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the shapes of the road irradiation beams on the road can be adjusted to be extended in the transverse direction of the road.Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the road illumination beams can be positioned directly behind the target vehicle. If the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the road illumination beams can be positioned behind the right side of the target vehicle, behind the left side of the target vehicle, or immediately beside the target vehicle (left or right side). Additionally, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the number of road illumination beams on the road can be set to one, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the number of road illumination beams on the road can be set to two or more.Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the intensity of the road irradiation beams can be set high, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the number of road irradiation beams can be set low. Additionally, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the road irradiation beams can be set to flash at long intervals, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the road irradiation beams can be set to flash at short intervals.Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively large, the road irradiation beams can swivel at a low speed, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is relatively small, the road irradiation beams can swivel at a high speed.

[0022] Furthermore, the road irradiation beam state described above can be continuously changed according to the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object. Additionally, the road irradiation beam state can be changed to two states, e.g., a short-distance state and a long-distance state, or it can be changed to a plurality (three or more) of states, such as a very short-distance state, a short-distance state, a medium-distance state, and a long-distance state.

[0023] With the position lighting device 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention, the road irradiation beam can be emitted by the lighting unit 2 in a suitable manner based on the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object, such that the other moving object can recognize the presence of the target vehicle. [FIRST EXECUTION EXAMPLE]

[0024] Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. Below these figures, Fig. 2 a motorcycle 31. The motorcycle 31 is equipped with a position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an engine 32 is installed in the motorcycle 31, and a front wheel 33, a front fender 34, a headlight 35, and a guide bar 36 are installed in front of the engine 32. A fuel tank 37 and a seat 38 are also installed above the engine 32. A rear wheel 39, a rear fender 40, a seat cover 41, and a taillight 42 are also installed below the engine 32.

[0025] The position lighting device 11 is arranged at the rear of the motorcycle 31. In particular, the position lighting device 11 is attached to the upper side of the rear fender 40 of the motorcycle 31 below the taillight 42, or to a section of the seat fairing 41. However, a brightness / darkness sensing unit 26 contained in the position lighting device 11 is arranged on a section of the motorcycle 31 that is likely to be exposed to sunlight and less likely to be exposed to both a beam emitted by the headlight 35 and a beam emitted by the taillight 42. For example, the brightness / darkness sensing unit 26 is attached to the upper side of the fuel tank 37 or the like.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows the irradiation positions of road irradiation beams L, which can be emitted by the position lighting device 11, etc. In Fig. Figure 4 shows (1) the configuration of the position lighting device 11. In Fig. Figure 4 shows (2) the directions of rays emitted by lamp units 16, 17 and 18 of the position lighting device 11. Fig. Figure 4 shows (3) a modification of a lighting unit of the position lighting device of the first embodiment of the present invention. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the position lighting device 11 is configured to emit a road illumination beam L from a target vehicle 29 onto the road R such that the other moving object 30 positioned behind or to the side of the target vehicle 29 can detect the presence of the target vehicle 29. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the target vehicle 29 is the motorcycle 31 equipped with the position lighting device 11. The other moving object 30 is also a vehicle, and it is, for example, a car as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 trucks shown.

[0027] As in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the position lighting device 11 comprises a housing 12, a lighting unit 15, a distance sensing unit 21, a lighting control unit 25 and the brightness / darkness sensing unit 26.

[0028] The lighting unit 15 has a function for emitting a road illumination beam L onto an area on the road R behind the target vehicle 29. In the first embodiment, the lighting unit 15 comprises three lamp units 16, 17, and 18. Each of the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 has a light source 19 and a reflector 20. These light sources 19 are halogen lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting white beams. The lamp units 16, 17, and 18 are arranged inside the housing 12. Furthermore, openings (not shown in the drawings) are formed in a surface of the housing 12 facing the area behind the target vehicle 29, and the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 emit beams onto positions on the road behind the target vehicle 29 through these openings.

[0029] Furthermore, all three lamp units 16, 17, and 18 are configured to emit road irradiation beams L onto the area on road R behind the target vehicle 29; however, the specific irradiation positions of the road irradiation beams L differ from one another. In particular, lamp unit 16 emits a road irradiation beam L onto a position on road R at a large distance behind the target vehicle 29, as shown in (1) of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the lamp unit 17 emits a road irradiation beam L onto a position on the road R at a mean distance behind the target vehicle 29 (a position that is closer to the target vehicle 29 than the irradiation position of the road irradiation beam L from the lamp unit 16), as shown in (2) of Figure 3. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the lamp unit 18 emits a road irradiation beam L onto a position on the road R at a short distance behind the target vehicle 29 (a position closer to the target vehicle 29 than the irradiation position of the road irradiation beam L from the lamp unit 17), as shown in (3) of Figure 3. Fig. 3 is shown.

[0030] In other words, as in (2) of Fig. As shown in Figure 4, all of the optical axes of the three lamp units 16, 17, and 18 are oriented towards the center of the right-left direction of the rear of the target vehicle 29 and inclined downwards towards the road R. However, the specific inclination angles of the optical axes differ from one another. In particular, among the three lamp units 16, 17, and 18, the downward inclination angle of the optical axis of lamp unit 16 is the smallest (the optical axis is almost horizontal). Furthermore, the downward inclination angle of the optical axis of lamp unit 17 is greater than the downward inclination angle of the optical axis of lamp unit 16. Additionally, the downward inclination angle of the optical axis of lamp unit 18 is greater than the downward inclination angle of the optical axis of lamp unit 17 (the optical axis of lamp unit 18 is almost vertical).

[0031] Furthermore, as in (1) of Fig. Figure 4 shows the three lamp units 16, 17, and 18 arranged in a line in the vertical direction. However, the arrangement of the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 is not limited to this. For example, the inclination angles of the optical axes of the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 with respect to the right-left direction and the vertical direction can be adjusted appropriately, and the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 can be arranged in a line in the right-left direction.

[0032] Meanwhile, the distance detection unit 21 has a function for detecting the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. In particular, the distance detection unit 21 has a function for performing a detection with respect to a variety of types of detection waves emitted by the other moving object 30. The detection waves are waves that can be used to detect objects, and they are, for example, an ultrasonic wave, a laser beam, a millimeter wave, etc.

[0033] In particular, as stated in (1) of Fig. Figure 4 shows the distance detection unit 21, an ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, a laser beam detection unit 23, and a millimeter wave detection unit 24. The ultrasonic wave detection unit 22 detects the ultrasonic wave emitted by the other moving object 30. The laser beam detection unit 23 detects the laser beam emitted by the other moving object 30. The millimeter wave detection unit 24 detects the millimeter wave emitted by the other moving object 30. Furthermore, the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 are, for example, mounted on the surface of the housing 12 facing the area behind the target vehicle 29.

[0034] The distance detection unit can determine the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 based on the types of detection waves emitted by the other moving object 30. Specifically, if the distance detection unit detects the ultrasonic wave emitted by the other moving object 30, it can determine that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is in the very short range. Furthermore, if the distance detection unit detects the laser beam emitted by the other moving object 30, it can determine that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is in the short to medium range.Furthermore, if the distance detection unit detects the millimeter wave emitted by the other moving object 30, it can recognize that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 lies within a long-distance range. For example, a very short distance range is equal to or greater than 0 m and less than 5 m, a short to medium distance range is equal to or greater than 5 m and less than 20 m, and long distance ranges are equal to or greater than 20 m and less than 150 m.

[0035] The following describes a system capable of detecting the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30, based on the types of detection waves detected by the other moving object 30. Fig. Figure 5 shows the variety of detection waves that can be emitted by the other moving object 30, in particular an ultrasonic wave U, a laser beam B and a millimeter wave M. Furthermore, Figure 5 shows Fig. 5 a state of the truck which is an example of the other moving object 30 when viewed from above.

[0036] The other moving object 30 has a system for performing driver assistance or automated driving. This system also includes an ultrasonic sensor, a laser radar, a millimeter-wave radar, etc., for detecting objects located in front of or to the side of the other moving object 30. The detection range of general ultrasonic sensors is approximately 5 m. The term "detection range" refers to the maximum distance within which a sensor or radar can detect objects. The ultrasonic sensor can detect an object located very close to the other moving object 30 by emitting the ultrasonic wave U and detecting the wave reflected by the object. Furthermore, the detection range of general laser radars is approximately 20 m.The laser radar can detect an object located at a short or medium distance in front of another moving object 30 by emitting a laser beam B and detecting the wave of the laser beam B reflected by the object. Furthermore, the detection range of general millimeter-wave radars is approximately 150 m. The millimeter-wave radar can detect an object located at a large distance in front of another moving object 30 by emitting a millimeter wave M and detecting the wave of the millimeter wave M reflected by the object.

[0037] If the other moving object 30 is located at a great distance behind the target vehicle 29, the millimeter wave M emitted by the other moving object 30 reaches the target vehicle 29. Furthermore, if the other moving object 30 is located at a short or medium distance behind the target vehicle 29, the millimeter wave M and the laser beam B emitted by the other moving object 30 reach the target vehicle 29 at the same time. Additionally, if the other moving object 30 is located at a very short distance behind the target vehicle 29, the millimeter wave M, the laser beam B, and the ultrasonic wave U emitted by the other moving object 30 reach the target vehicle 29 at the same time.Therefore, if the target vehicle 29 detects only the millimeter wave M, it can be determined, based on the fact that only the millimeter wave M of the detection waves has been detected, that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is of a long distance. Furthermore, if the target vehicle 29 detects the millimeter wave M and the laser beam B at the same time, it can be determined, based on the fact that the laser beam B is one of the detection waves detected at the same time and has the shortest detectable distance, that the target vehicle 29 detects the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 as either a short or a medium distance.Furthermore, in the event that the target vehicle 29 detects the millimeter wave M, the laser beam B and the ultrasound wave U at the same time, based on the fact that the ultrasound wave U is the detection wave with the shortest detectable distance among the detection waves detected at the same time, the target vehicle 29 can recognize that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a very short distance.

[0038] Meanwhile, the lighting control unit 25 has a function for changing the irradiation positions of the road irradiation beams L on the road R by controlling the lighting unit 15 based on the types of detection waves detected by the distance detection unit 21, as in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lighting control unit 25 can be configured by an arithmetic processing device, such as a microcomputer. Specifically, the lighting control unit 25 is installed inside the housing 12. The lighting control unit 25 is connected to the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24. The lighting control unit 25 is also connected to the lamp units 16, 17, and 18. If the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22 detects the ultrasonic wave, it outputs a detection signal to the lighting control unit 25; if the laser beam detection unit 23 detects the laser beam, it outputs a detection signal to the lighting control unit; and if the millimeter wave detection unit 24 detects the millimeter wave, it outputs a detection signal to the lighting control unit.Therefore, based on received detection signals, the lighting control unit 25 outputs control signals to the lamp units 16, 17 and 18 in such a way that the three lamp units 16, 17 and 18 are switched independently between an ON state and an OFF state, thereby changing the irradiation positions of the road irradiation beams.

[0039] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 25 has a function for switching the distance detection unit 21 and the lighting unit 15 between an ON state and an OFF state based on the brightness of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29. In particular, the lighting control unit 25 is connected to the brightness / darkness detection unit 26. The brightness / darkness detection unit 26 has a function for detecting brightness and includes, for example, a photoconductive element. The brightness / darkness detection unit 26 outputs a detection signal according to the brightness (light intensity) of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29. The brightness / darkness detection unit 26 can detect whether it is day or night and whether the target vehicle 29 is in a location with low sunlight, such as the inside of a tunnel during the day.Based on the detection signal output by the brightness / darkness detection unit 26, the lighting control unit 25 supplies or interrupts electrical energy to the distance detection unit 21 and the lighting unit 15. Furthermore, the lighting control unit 25 is a specific example of an emission control unit and a lamp control unit.

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a process of the lighting control unit 25 of the lighting unit 15. If the power of the target vehicle 29 is switched on, electrical energy is supplied to the lighting control unit 25 and the brightness / darkness sensing unit 26 of the position lighting device 11, causing the lighting control unit 25 and the brightness / darkness sensing unit 26 to begin operation. Since no electrical energy is supplied to the ultrasonic wave sensing unit 22 at this time, the laser beam sensing unit 23, the millimeter wave sensing unit 24, and the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 are in a stop state.

[0041] If the lighting control unit 25 starts operating, it first determines in step S1 whether the light intensity of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 is lower than a reference intensity, based on a detection signal output by the brightness / darkness detection unit 26. If the target vehicle 29 is located in a location exposed to sunlight during the day, the light intensity of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 will be equal to or greater than the reference intensity. Conversely, if the target vehicle 29 is located in a location with little sunlight during the day, or if it is night, the light intensity of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 will be lower than the reference intensity.

[0042] If the light intensity of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 is lower than the reference intensity (“YES” in step S1), the lighting control unit 25 supplies electrical energy to the distance detection unit 21 and the lighting unit 15, thereby powering them. Consequently, in step S2, the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 begin their detection operation, and one of the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 is automatically switched on.

[0043] Meanwhile, if the light intensity of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 is equal to or greater than the reference intensity (“NO” in step S1), the lighting control unit 25 maintains the distance sensing unit 21 and the lighting unit 15 in the stop state without supplying them with electrical energy. Furthermore, if electrical energy has been supplied to the distance sensing unit 21 and the lighting unit 15, thus operating them up to that point, the lighting control unit 25 interrupts the supply of electrical energy to the distance sensing unit 21 and the lighting unit 15, thereby stopping them.Consequently, in step S3, the detection operations of the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 stop, and among the lamp units 16, 17, and 18, one lamp that is currently in an ON state is automatically switched off. The process then returns to step S1.

[0044] If the light intensity around the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 is lower than the reference intensity when the distance detection unit 21 and the lighting unit 15 are operating, the lighting control unit 25 then determines in step S4 whether any detection wave has been detected. If the other moving object 30 is behind the target vehicle 29 and the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is in the very short, short- to medium-distance, or long-distance range, then at least one detection wave (at least the millimeter wave) emitted by the other moving object 30 reaches the target vehicle 29.If at least one of the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 detects a detection wave, it outputs a detection signal to the lighting control unit 25. Based on this detection signal, the lighting control unit 25 can determine that one or more detection waves have been detected.Meanwhile, if the other moving object 30 is not behind the target vehicle 29, or if the other moving object is behind the target vehicle 29 but the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is greater than a long distance, the detection waves emitted by the other moving object 30 do not reach the target vehicle 29 (or even if some detection waves do reach the target vehicle 29, they are too weak to detect clearly). Since in this case each of the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 does not output a detection signal, the illumination control unit 25 can determine that no detection wave has been detected.

[0045] If no detection wave has been detected (“NO” in step S4), the lighting control unit 25 sets an initial position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L in step S5. The initial position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L can be set to any desired position. For example, the initial position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L can be set to an irradiation position of a road irradiation beam L that is emitted when the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large. In this case, the lighting control unit 25 switches on lamp unit 16 and switches off lamp units 17 and 18 in step S5. The process then returns to step S1.

[0046] Meanwhile, if at least one detection wave has been detected (“YES” in step S4), the light emission unit 12 then determines in step S6 whether the ultrasound wave is contained within the detected at least one detection wave. This determination can be made based on a detection signal from the ultrasound wave detection unit 22. If the ultrasound wave is not contained within the detected at least one detection wave (“NO” in step S6), the illumination control unit 25 then determines in step S7 whether the laser beam is contained within the detected at least one detection wave. This determination can be made based on a detection signal from the laser beam detection unit 23.

[0047] In the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a large distance, as in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the millimeter wave emitted by the other moving object 30 reaches the target vehicle 29, but the laser beam and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the other moving object 30 do not reach the target vehicle 29 (or even if they do reach the target vehicle 29, they cannot be clearly detected because they are too weak). Consequently, a detection signal is output by the millimeter wave detection unit 24, which has detected the millimeter wave. However, no detection signal is output by the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22 or the laser beam detection unit 23.The lighting control unit 25 determines, based on whether each of the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the millimeter wave detection unit 24 has issued a detection signal indicating that neither the ultrasonic wave nor the laser beam is contained in the detected at least one detection wave ("NO" in step S6 and "NO" in step S7). If so, in step S8, the lighting control unit 25 sets the position to be illuminated with a road irradiation beam L to a position on the road R at a considerable distance behind the target vehicle 29. Specifically, the lighting control unit 25 switches on lamp unit 16 and switches off lamp units 17 and 18. The process then returns to step S1.

[0048] Meanwhile, in the event that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a short or a medium distance, as in (2) of Fig. Figure 3 shows the millimeter wave and the laser beam emitted by the other moving object 30, the target vehicle 29, but the ultrasonic wave emitted by the other moving object 30 does not reach the target vehicle 29 (or even if it does reach the target vehicle 29, it cannot be clearly detected because it is too weak). Consequently, detection signals are output by the millimeter wave detection unit 24 and the laser beam detection unit 23, which have each detected the millimeter wave and the laser beam, respectively. However, no detection signal is output by the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22. Based on these detection signal output states, the lighting control unit 25 determines that the detected at least one detection wave does not include the ultrasonic wave, but does include the laser beam ("NO" in step S6 and "YES" in step S7).In this case, in step S9, the lighting control unit 25 sets the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L to a position on the road R at a medium distance behind the target vehicle 29. Specifically, the lighting control unit 25 switches on lamp unit 17 and switches off lamp units 16 and 18. The process then returns to step S1.

[0049] Meanwhile, the millimeter wave, the laser beam, and the ultrasonic wave emitted by the other moving object 30 reach the target vehicle 29, in the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a very short distance, as in (3) of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the millimeter wave, the laser beam, and the ultrasonic wave are each detected by the millimeter wave detection unit 24, the laser beam detection unit 23, and the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, respectively, and each of these units outputs detection signals. Based on these detection signal output states, the lighting control unit 25 determines that at least one detected wave includes the ultrasonic wave (“YES” in step S6). In this case, in step S10, the lighting control unit 25 sets the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L to a position on the road R a short distance behind the target vehicle 29. Specifically, the lighting control unit 25 switches on the lamp unit 18 and switches off the lamp units 16 and 17.The process then returns to step S1. The one in . Fig. The process shown in Figure 5 is repeated while the energy of the target vehicle 29 is switched on.

[0050] According to this process of the lighting control unit 25, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L becomes the position furthest behind the target vehicle 29, in the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large. Consequently, the distance between the road illumination beam L and the other moving object 30 becomes smaller than the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. Therefore, the beam of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road R can be prevented from reaching the eyes of a driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, or it can be attenuated.Therefore, in the event that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a large distance, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly and safely recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 on the basis of the road irradiation beam L.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the process described above for the lighting control unit 25, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is short or medium, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L is set to the position at medium distance behind the target vehicle 29. In other words, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L moves closer to the target vehicle 29 as the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29. If the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L is set to the position at a great distance behind the target vehicle 29 as the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29, then the beam of the road illumination beam L, reflected from the road, moves downwards into the fields of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30.For this reason, it becomes difficult for the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 to detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 by means of the road illumination beam L. However, according to the position lighting device 11, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L approaches the target vehicle 29 as the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29. Therefore, the beam of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road reaches positions that are close to the centers of the fields of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, even if the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29.Therefore, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly and safely detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road irradiation beam L, even in the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a short or a medium distance.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the process described above for the lighting control unit 25, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L becomes the position furthest behind the target vehicle 29. In other words, the position of the road illumination beam L moves closer to the target vehicle 29 as the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29.If the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L is set at a medium or large distance behind the target vehicle 29, and the other moving object 30 is very close to the target vehicle 29, the road-reflected beam of the road irradiation beam L may deviate significantly downwards from the centers of the driver's (30A) and other viewpoints of the moving object 30. For example, the road-reflected beam of the road irradiation beam L may deviate completely from the viewpoint of the driver 30A of the other moving object 30 if the other moving object 30 is a truck or a bus, as in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the driver's seat of the other moving object 30 is in an elevated position. Furthermore, if the other moving object 30 is a truck or bus, the road illumination beam L can reach a section of the front surface of the other moving object 30's body that lies below the front glass, thus preventing it from reaching the eyes of the driver 30A of the other moving object 30. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 to detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. However, according to the position lighting device 11, the position of the road illumination beam L approaches the target vehicle 29 as the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29.Therefore, it can be prevented that the beam of the road illumination beam 11, reflected from the road, moves out of the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30. Therefore, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly, and reliably detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L, even if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short.

[0053] Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short, the position lighting device 11 can emit a road illumination beam L onto a position on the road R directly below the rear of the target vehicle 29. In this case, the reflected beam of the road illumination beam L reaches the rear of the target vehicle 29. Therefore, the target vehicle 29 can be brightly illuminated. Consequently, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 more easily, clearly, and safely.

[0054] As described above, according to the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the position on the road R to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L approaches the target vehicle 29 when the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29. Therefore, the other moving object 30 can detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L and the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 in a suitable manner. Therefore, the preventive safety performance of the target vehicle 29 can be improved. For example, even if the target vehicle 29 is a compact vehicle, such as a motorcycle 31, it can be prevented that the target vehicle 29 is missed by other moving objects.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 11, the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L is controlled based on the type of at least one detection wave detected by the other moving object 30. Therefore, control of the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L according to the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 can be implemented by a simple configuration. For example, it is not necessary to provide means for emitting detection waves to the position lighting device or the target vehicle 29.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 11 in the target vehicle 29, if a multitude of detection waves emitted by the other moving object 30 are detected at the same time based on one of the detection waves with the smallest detectable distance among the simultaneously detected detection waves, the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam is controlled. Therefore, control of the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L according to the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 can be carried out with high accuracy using at least one detection wave detected by the other moving object 30.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 11, each of the lamp units emitting a road illumination beam L is automatically switched on or off based on the brightness of the perimeter of the target vehicle 29 (in the present embodiment, electrical energy is supplied to or interrupted for the lighting unit 15). Therefore, the driver of the target vehicle 29 does not need to operate the position lighting device 11 manually. Thus, adding the position lighting device 11 to the motorcycle 31 prevents the driver's effort in operating the motorcycle 31 from increasing.

[0058] Furthermore, the position lighting device 11, as described in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 of the lighting unit 15 are arranged in positions below the guide rail 36 of the target vehicle 29. This prevents a beam emitted by the lamp units 16, 17, or 18 from directly reaching the upper section of the other moving object 30 located behind the target vehicle 29. This also prevents a beam emitted by the lamp units 16, 17, or 18 from directly reaching the eyes of the driver and other occupants of the other moving object.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 11, the position on the road R to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L is moved closer to the target vehicle 29 when the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29. Therefore, the driver of the target vehicle 29 can reliably detect the approach of the other moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. In other words, if the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29, the position to be illuminated by a road illumination beam L is moved closer to the rear of the target vehicle 29 on the road R, and thus the road illumination beam L is reflected in the rearview mirror. Therefore, the driver of the target vehicle 29 can reliably detect the approach of the other moving object 30.

[0060] In particular, when the position lighting device 11 is applied to a vehicle equipped with a rear-view display device, the benefit of the position lighting device 11 is increased. This device enables the driver of the target vehicle 29 to reliably detect the approach of another moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on a road illumination beam L. The rear-view display device is a device for acquiring images of an area behind the vehicle and displaying these images as images that are useful for the driver to check the area behind the vehicle during normal driving. For example, an example of the rear-view display device is disclosed in Japanese patent application number 2013-060128A.In the event that the target vehicle 29, which is equipped with the position lighting device 11, is a vehicle with a rear-view display device, the road illumination beam L is imaged when the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29, and the acquired image is displayed on a monitor. Therefore, the driver of the target vehicle 29 can reliably detect the approach of the other moving object 30 based on the road illumination beam L.

[0061] Furthermore, in the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment described above, the following configuration has been adopted as an example: in the lighting unit 15, the three lamp units 16, 17, and 18 are installed such that the downward inclination angles of their optical axes are different from one another, and each of the lamp units 16, 17, and 18 is switched between an ON state and an OFF state, thereby changing the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L. A configuration for changing a position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L can be easily implemented according to this configuration. However, instead of this configuration, as described in (3) of Fig. Figure 4 shows that in a lighting unit 27 a lamp unit 28 is provided such that the position to be illuminated by a road irradiation beam L can be changed by rotating the lamp unit 28 up and down. A motor can be used as a means for rotating the lamp unit 28. According to this configuration, the number of lamp units can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, in the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment described above, an installation of the lighting unit 15, the distance sensing unit 21, and the lighting control unit 25 in the single housing 12 has been assumed as an example. However, the lighting unit 15, the distance sensing unit 21, and the lighting control unit 25 can be arranged separately from one another at different positions on the motorcycle 31. In addition, the lighting control unit 25 can be contained in an engine control unit (ECU) of the motorcycle 31. [SECOND EXAMPLE]

[0063] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7, (1) the configuration of a position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. Figures 7 (2) and (3) show modifications of a lighting unit of the position lighting device of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows the number, irradiation positions, etc., of road irradiation beams L that can be emitted by the position lighting device 51. Furthermore, some components of the position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment, which are identical to those of the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment, are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and are not described.

[0064] The position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention changes the irradiation positions, number, and intensity of road irradiation beams L on the road R based on the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. Similar to the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment, the position lighting device 51 is installed in the target vehicle 29 (the motorcycle 31). As in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the position lighting device 51 comprises a housing 52, a lighting unit 55, a distance sensing unit 21, a lighting control unit 59, and a brightness / darkness sensing unit 26. The housing 52 has a laterally elongated shape according to the arrangement of lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L, and 58R of the lighting control unit 59. The distance sensing unit 21 comprises an ultrasonic wave sensing unit 22, a laser beam sensing unit 23, and a millimeter wave sensing unit 24.

[0065] The lighting unit 55 comprises the six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R. Each of the lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R has a light source 19 and a reflector 20. The six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R are arranged inside the housing 52 in a line running from right to left. Furthermore, openings (not shown in the figures) are formed in the surfaces of the housing 52 facing the rear and sides of the housing 52, which face the areas behind or to the sides of the target vehicle 29, and the lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R emit rays through these openings at positions on the road behind the target vehicle 29. The lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R are also specific examples of light-generating units.

[0066] Furthermore, the six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R emit the road illumination beams L over a wide area on the road R behind the target vehicle 29 in the right-left direction. In particular, as in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first lamp unit 56L and the second lamp unit 56R emit road irradiation beams L onto the position of the center point of an area behind the target vehicle 29 in the right-left direction (hereinafter referred to as the “center point position behind the target vehicle 29”). Furthermore, as shown in (2), Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the third lamp unit 57L emits a road illumination beam L to a position slightly to the left of the center position behind the target vehicle 29. Furthermore, the fourth lamp unit 57R emits a road illumination beam L to a position slightly to the right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29. Additionally, as shown in (3) of Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the fifth lamp unit 58L emits a road illumination beam L to a position that deviates significantly to the left of the center position behind the target vehicle 29 (a position to the left of the illumination position of the road illumination beam L from the third lamp unit 57L). Furthermore, the sixth lamp unit 58R emits a road illumination beam L to a position that deviates significantly to the right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29 (a position to the right of the illumination position of the road illumination beam L from the fourth lamp unit 57R). In other words, each optical axis of the six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L, and 58R is inclined downwards towards the road R behind the target vehicle 29 at a predetermined angle. However, the inclination angles of the optical axes differ from each other in the right-left direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the irradiation positions on road R of the road irradiation beams L from lamp units 56L and 56R overlap. Additionally, the irradiation positions on road R of the road irradiation beams L from lamp units 57L and 57R are symmetrical with respect to the center position behind the target vehicle 29. Similarly, the irradiation positions on road R of the road irradiation beams L from lamp units 58L and 58R are also symmetrical with respect to the center position behind the target vehicle 29.

[0068] Meanwhile, the lighting control unit 59 is identical to the lighting control unit 25 according to the first embodiment, with the exception of a process for controlling the lighting unit 55 to change the irradiation positions, number, and intensity of street irradiation beams L. The process for controlling the lighting unit 55 to change the irradiation positions, number, and intensity of street irradiation beams L is described below.

[0069] In the event that the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a large distance and the detected at least one detection wave does not include the ultrasonic wave (i.e., the event that the detected at least one detection wave includes only the millimeter wave), the lighting control unit 59 sets a position to be irradiated with road irradiation beams L, and sets the position to be irradiated with road irradiation beams L to the midpoint behind the target vehicle 29, and sets the intensity of the road irradiation beams L higher than normal intensity. In particular, the lighting control unit 59 switches on lamp units 56L and 56R and switches off lamp units 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R.

[0070] As in (1) of Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the irradiation positions on road R of the road irradiation beams L from lamp units 56L and 56R overlap. Therefore, the number of road irradiation beams L formed on road R by simultaneously switching on lamp units 56L and 56R is one. Since the beams emitted by the two lamp units 56L and 56R overlap, forming a single road irradiation beam L, the intensity of this road irradiation beam L is also higher than the intensity (normal intensity) of a road irradiation beam L formed by a beam emitted from a single lamp unit.

[0071] As described above, in cases where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is considerable, the center position behind the target vehicle 29 on the road R is illuminated by a road illumination beam L. Consequently, in the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, the road illumination beam L in front of the other moving object and the target vehicle 29 (the motorcycle 31) in front of the road illumination beam are aligned. Therefore, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly, and reliably detect the presence of the target vehicle 29. Furthermore, the high intensity of the road illumination beam L amplifies the beam reflected from the road, enabling it to reach the eyes of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30.Therefore, the effect of enabling the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 to easily, clearly and safely recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 can be improved.

[0072] Meanwhile, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is short or medium, and thus the detected at least one detection wave comprises the laser beam and not an ultrasonic wave, the lighting control unit 59 sets the number of road illumination beams L to two, and sets the positions to be illuminated by road illumination beams L to positions that deviate slightly to the left and right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29, respectively, and sets the intensity of each road illumination beam L to its normal intensity. Specifically, the lighting control unit 59 switches on lamp units 57L and 57R and switches off lamp units 56L, 56R, 58L, and 58R.

[0073] Since the irradiation positions on the road R of the road irradiation beams L from the lamp units 57L and 57R are different from each other, as in (2) of Fig. As shown in Figure 8, if the lamp units 57L and 57R are switched on simultaneously, two road irradiation beams L are formed on the road R, and the intensity of each road irradiation beam L becomes the normal intensity. Since the irradiation positions of the road irradiation beams L from the lamp units 57L and 57R deviate slightly to the left and right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29, the road irradiation beams L are also formed over a wide area on the road R behind the target vehicle 29 in the right-left direction.

[0074] As described above, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is short or medium, a wide area on the road R behind the target vehicle 29 in the right-left direction is illuminated by the road illumination beams L. Therefore, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily detect the road illumination beams L, thus clearly and reliably detecting the target vehicle 29, which is in front of the road illumination beams L.

[0075] Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short, such that the detected at least one detection wave includes the ultrasonic wave, the lighting control unit 59 sets the number of road irradiation beams L to two, and sets the positions to be irradiated by road irradiation beams L to positions that deviate significantly to the left and right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29, respectively, and sets the intensity of each road irradiation beam L to its normal intensity. Specifically, the lighting control unit 59 switches on lamp units 58L and 58R and switches off lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, and 57R.

[0076] Since the irradiation positions on the road R of the road irradiation beams L from the lamp units 58L and 58R are different from each other, as in (3) of Fig. As shown in Figure 8, if the lamp units 58L and 58R are switched on simultaneously, two road irradiation beams L are formed on the road R, and the intensity of each road irradiation beam L becomes the normal intensity. Since the irradiation positions of the road irradiation beams L from the lamp units 57L and 57R deviate significantly to the left and right of the center position behind the target vehicle 29, the road irradiation beams L are also formed in positions that deviate significantly to the left and right of the vehicle width area of ​​the target vehicle 29 (the motorcycle 31). In other words, the road irradiation beams L are formed in areas that deviate significantly laterally from the area in which the target vehicle 29 is moving.

[0077] As described above, in the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short, since the areas that deviate significantly laterally from the area in which the target vehicle 29 is moving are illuminated by the road irradiation beams L, it can be ensured that the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can reliably detect the presence of the target vehicle 29.In other words, if the other moving object 30 has a driver's seat in an elevated position, such as in a truck, and is very close to the target vehicle 29, the target vehicle 29 may deviate significantly downwards from the centers of the driver's field of vision 30A and others of the other moving object 30, making it difficult for the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 to recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 (the motorcycle 31 in front of the other moving object).However, even in this case, since the road illumination beams L, which illuminate the areas that deviate laterally from the area in which the target vehicle 29 is moving, enter the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can reliably detect the presence of the target vehicle 29 on the basis of the corresponding road illumination beams L.

[0078] As described above, according to the position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention, it can even be ensured that the other moving object 30 recognizes the presence of the target vehicle 29 in a suitable manner based on road illumination beams L according to the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention, similar to the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment, it can even be ensured that the driver of the target vehicle 29 reliably recognizes the approach of the other moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on road illumination beams L.

[0079] Furthermore, in the position lighting device 51 of the second embodiment described above, the six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R of the lighting unit 55 are arranged in a line in the right-left direction, as shown in (1) of Fig. The arrangement shown in Figure 7 is assumed to be an example. However, instead of this arrangement, as in a lighting unit 62 of a position lighting device 61, as shown in (2) of Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the six lamp units 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L and 58R are arranged in two lines in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as with a lighting unit 64 of a position lighting device 63, which is shown in (3) of Fig. Figure 7 shows that two lamp units 65 and 66 are arranged side by side in the right-left direction and that the lamp units 65 and 66 are rotated in the right-left direction by motors or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, the position lighting device 51 described above in the second embodiment of the present invention can have the following configuration. In particular, the position lighting device 51 detects the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in the same lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in a lane adjacent to the left side of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, and the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in a lane adjacent to the right side of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, such that this distance is identifiable.The position lighting device then emits a road illumination beam L to a position behind the target vehicle 29 on the road R of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in the same lane becomes very short. Furthermore, the position lighting device emits a road illumination beam L to a position to the left of the target vehicle 29 or to a position to the left behind the target vehicle 29 on the road R of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in the lane adjacent to the left side of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling is very short.Furthermore, the position lighting device 51 emits a road illumination beam L to a position to the right of the target vehicle 29 or to a position to the right and behind the target vehicle 29 on the road R of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object traveling behind the target vehicle 29 in the lane adjacent to the right side of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling becomes very short. According to this configuration, it is even possible for the other moving objects traveling in lanes to the left and right of the lane in which the target vehicle 29 is traveling to easily, clearly, and reliably detect the presence of the target vehicle 29. [THIRD EXAMPLE]

[0081] Fig. Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. A position lighting device 71 of the third embodiment of the present invention changes the shape of a road illumination beam L on the road R based on the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. In particular, when the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L on the road R to be elongated in the longitudinal direction. Conversely, when the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is small, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L on the road R to be elongated in the transverse direction.For example, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a large distance, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L on the road R to be elongated in the longitudinal direction. Meanwhile, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is a short, medium, or very short distance, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L on the road R to be elongated in the transverse direction.

[0082] In cases where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large, the distance between the road illumination beam L projected onto the road R and the other moving object 30 is also large. In this case, the angles of incidence of the driver's (30A) and other members of the other moving object 30's (30) fields of vision with respect to the road illumination beam L projected onto the road R are small. Consequently, in the fields of vision of the driver 30A and other members of the other moving object 30, the shape of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road becomes a shape that is reduced in size in the vertical direction. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the driver 30A and other members of the other moving object 30 to detect the road illumination beam L if the shape of the road illumination beam L is, for example,The shape is almost circular, whereby the size of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road becomes too small in the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30. However, according to the position lighting device 71 of the third embodiment of the present invention, in the case where the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L to be elongated in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, even if the beam of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road R, which enters the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, is reduced in size in the vertical direction, the size of the reflected beam of the corresponding road illumination beam L is not significantly reduced.Therefore, the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can clearly see the road irradiation beam L.

[0083] Meanwhile, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is small, the distance between the road illumination beam L projected onto the road R and the other moving object 30 also becomes small. In this case, the beam of the road illumination beam L reflected from the road R deviates downwards from the centers of the fields of vision of the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30, and thus it is difficult for the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 to detect the road illumination beam L. However, according to the position lighting device 71 of the third embodiment of the present invention, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is small, the position lighting device adjusts the shape of the road illumination beam L to be elongated in the transverse direction.Consequently, the beam of the road illumination beam L, reflected from the road R, enters the fields of vision of the driver 30A and the other moving object 30 from both the left and the right. Therefore, the driver 30A and the other moving object 30 can easily and safely detect the road illumination beam L.

[0084] As described above, according to the position lighting device 71 of the third embodiment of the present invention, it can even be ensured that the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly, and reliably recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 71 of the third embodiment of the present invention, similar to the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment, it can even be ensured that the driver of the target vehicle 29 can clearly recognize the approach of the other moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. [FOURTH EXAMPLE]

[0085] Fig. Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A position lighting device 81 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention swivels a road illumination beam L on the road R. Furthermore, the position lighting device 81 changes the swivel speed of the road illumination beam L based on the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30. For example, the position lighting device 81 increases the swivel speed of the road illumination beam L when the other moving object 30 approaches the target vehicle 29. In particular, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is large, the position lighting device sets the swivel speed of the road illumination beam L to a first speed, which is the lowest possible speed.Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is short or medium, the position lighting device sets the swivel speed of the road illumination beam L to a second speed that is higher than the first speed. Furthermore, if the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 is very short, the position lighting device sets the swivel speed of the road illumination beam L to a third speed that is higher than the second speed.

[0086] The position lighting device 81 comprises a lighting unit, which includes, for example, a lamp unit, a motor, and an energy conversion mechanism for pivoting the lamp unit in the right-left direction using the torque of the motor. The position lighting device 11 also comprises a lighting control unit, which changes the rotational speed of the motor based on the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30.

[0087] Even according to this position lighting device 81, it can be ensured that the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly and safely recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the driver of the target vehicle 29 can clearly recognize the approach of the other moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. [FIFTH EXAMPLE]

[0088] Fig. Figure 11 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A position lighting device 91 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention detects the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 by emitting detection waves from the position lighting device 91 and performing a detection of the waves of these detection waves reflected by the other moving object 30. In particular, as shown in Fig. Figure 11 shows the position lighting device 91 comprising a distance detection unit 92, which includes an ultrasonic wave generation unit 93, a laser beam generation unit 94 and a millimeter wave generation unit 95, in addition to an ultrasonic wave detection unit 22, a laser beam detection unit 23 and a millimeter wave detection unit 24. Similar to the position lighting device 11 of the first embodiment, the position lighting device 91 is installed on the rear of the target vehicle 29 (the motorcycle 31).

[0089] The ultrasonic wave generation unit 93 emits an ultrasonic wave to the area behind the target vehicle 29. In the case where the other moving object is located at a very short distance behind the target vehicle 29, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic wave generation unit 93 reaches the corresponding other moving object 30, and the wave of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the corresponding other moving object 30 is detected by the ultrasonic wave detection unit 22.

[0090] The laser beam generation unit 94 emits a laser beam to the area behind the target vehicle 29. In the case that the other moving object 30 is located at a short or medium distance behind the target vehicle 29, the laser beam emitted by the laser beam generation unit 94 reaches the corresponding other moving object 30, and the wave of the laser beam reflected by the corresponding other moving object 30 is detected by the laser beam detection unit 23.

[0091] The millimeter wave generation unit 95 emits a millimeter wave to the area behind the target vehicle 29. In the case that the other moving object 30 is located at a large distance behind the target vehicle 29, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the millimeter wave generation unit 95 reaches the corresponding other moving object 30, and the millimeter wave reflected by the corresponding other moving object 30 is detected by the millimeter wave detection unit 24.

[0092] The other configuration and operation of the position lighting device 91 correspond to those of the position lighting device 11.

[0093] Even according to the position lighting device 91, it can be ensured that the driver 30A and others of the other moving object 30 can easily, clearly and safely recognize the presence of the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the driver of the target vehicle 29 can clearly recognize the approach of the other moving object 30 to the target vehicle 29 based on the road illumination beam L.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the position lighting device 91, since the position lighting device emits the ultrasonic wave, the laser beam and the millimeter wave, even in the case in which the other moving object 30 does not have devices for emitting an ultrasonic wave, a laser beam or a millimeter wave, the distance between the target vehicle 29 and the other moving object 30 can be detected, and the shape of the road irradiation beam L can be changed on the basis of the detected distance. [SIXTH EXAMPLE]

[0095] Fig. Figure 12 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment of the present invention is an example in which a position lighting device of the present invention is applied to a two-wheeler (or bicycle). As in Fig. Figure 12 shows a position lighting device 101 attached to the rear of a two-wheeled vehicle (or bicycle) 102, for example, on a rear mudguard 103. However, the position lighting device 101 can also be attached to a rear frame 104 of the two-wheeled vehicle (or bicycle) 102. Furthermore, the position lighting device 101 is preferably arranged such that a lighting device contained within the position lighting device is located below a steering drawbar 105.

[0096] Furthermore, the in Fig. The position lighting device 101 shown in Figure 12 is a type of position lighting device for swiveling a road illumination beam L on the road R and changing the shape of the road illumination beam L based on the distance between a target vehicle and the other moving object, similar to the position lighting device 81 of the fourth embodiment. However, instead of this type of position lighting device, any of the position lighting devices 11, 51, 71, and 91 of the first, second, third, and fifth embodiments described above can be installed on the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102. Furthermore, if the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 is equipped with an electric motor as the energy source for the position lighting device 101, a battery installed on the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 is used.Bicycle) 102 is a normal two-wheeler (or bicycle), a battery is installed as the energy source of the position light device 101.

[0097] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ensure that other moving objects can easily, clearly, and reliably detect the presence of the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 based on the road illumination beam L, and the preventive safety performance of the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure that a rider of the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 can reliably detect the approach of other moving objects 30 to the two-wheeler (or bicycle) 102 based on the road illumination beam L. [SEVENTH EXAMPLE]

[0098] Fig. Figure 13 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The seventh embodiment of the present invention is an example in which a position lighting device of the present invention is applied to a single-seater electric vehicle for care purposes, which is a means of transport for elderly people, etc. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, an electric vehicle for care purposes 115 comprises a pair of right and left front wheels 116, a pair of right and left rear wheels 117, a handrail 118, a seat 119 with a backrest, a rear fairing 120, etc. Furthermore, an operating motor, a battery for powering the operating motor, etc., are installed inside the rear fairing 120. A position lighting device 111 is attached to the rear of the electric vehicle for care purposes 115. In particular, the position lighting device 111 has a configuration in which a lighting unit 113 is separate from a main device body 112, including a distance sensing unit and a lighting control unit. The main device body 112 and the lighting unit 113 are electrically connected to each other by cables or the like.Furthermore, the main device body 112 is attached to the rear of the rear fairing 120 of the electric vehicle for care purposes 115. Additionally, the lighting unit 113 is attached to a section of the rear surface of the seat backrest 119 below the handle 118.

[0099] Furthermore, the in Fig.The position lighting device 111 shown in Figure 13 is a type of position lighting device for swiveling a road illumination beam L on the road R and changing the swiveling speed of the road illumination beam L based on the distance between a target vehicle and the other moving object, similar to the position lighting device 81 of the fourth embodiment. However, instead of this type of position lighting device, any of the position lighting devices 11, 51, 71 and 91 described above in the first, second, third and fifth embodiments may be installed on the electric vehicle for care purposes 115.

[0100] According to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ensure that other moving objects can easily, clearly, and reliably detect the presence of the electric vehicle for care purposes 115 based on the road illumination beam L, and it is possible to improve the preventive safety performance of the electric vehicle for care purposes 115. Furthermore, it is possible to ensure that a driver of the electric vehicle for care purposes 115 can reliably detect the approach of other moving objects 30 to the electric vehicle for care purposes 115 based on the road illumination beam L.

[0101] Furthermore, the position lighting devices of the present invention can be applied to other electric vehicles, such as a golf cart and a shopping cart.

[0102] In addition to the embodiments of the position lighting devices described above, the following embodiments are also provided by the present invention. In particular, a position lighting device can cause a lighting unit for emitting a road illumination beam to blink and change its flashing rate based on the distance between a target vehicle and the other moving object. For example, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is large, the position lighting device sets the flashing rate of the road illumination beam to a low level, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is small, the position lighting device sets the flashing rate of the road illumination beam to a high level.

[0103] Furthermore, a position lighting device can change the color of a road illumination beam based on the distance between a target vehicle and the other moving object. For example, if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is large, the position lighting device sets the color of the road illumination beam to white, and if the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object is large, the position lighting device sets the color of the road illumination beam to red. Additionally, a position lighting device can change the size (illumination area) of the road illumination beam on the road based on the distance between the target vehicle and the other moving object.

[0104] Furthermore, the position lighting device can change the state of a road illumination beam, e.g., two types of detection waves, a laser beam and a millimeter wave, or can change the state of a road illumination beam based on four or more detection waves.

[0105] Furthermore, the number of lamp units used to generate road illumination beams in a position lighting device is not limited. Additionally, if a large number of positions on the road are to be illuminated by beams from a large number of lamp units, instead of providing light sources to each lamp unit individually, beams emitted from fewer light sources can be dispersed by reflectors and light guide tubes.

[0106] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in a suitable manner without deviating from the essence and idea of ​​the invention, which are evident from the claims and the entire description, and position lighting devices according to these modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

[1] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) configured to emit at least one road irradiation beam from a vehicle (29) onto a road, enabling another moving object (30) positioned behind or to the side of the vehicle (29) to detect the presence of the vehicle (29), wherein the position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) comprises: a lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) configured to emit the at least one road irradiation beam onto at least one section of areas on the road behind and to the side of the vehicle (29); a distance detection unit (3, 21, 92) configured to detect a distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30); a lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) configured to control the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) based on the distance detected by the distance sensing unit (4, 25, 59) between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30), thereby changing a state of at least one road illumination beam; and a brightness / darkness detection unit (26) configured to output a detection signal according to a light intensity of the perimeter of the vehicle (29), characterized by , that the distance sensing unit (3, 21, 92) is configured to detect a variety of types of a variety of detection waves emitted by the other moving object (30), and based on one type of at least one of the detection waves detected by the distance sensing unit (3, 21, 92), the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) changes the state of the at least one street irradiation beam, and The lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) supplies or interrupts electrical energy to the distance detection unit (3, 21, 92) and the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) based on the detection signal issued by the brightness / darkness detection unit (26). [2] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to claim 1, wherein, based on the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30), the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) changes at least one of a position, an irradiation area, a size, a shape, a number, an intensity and a color of the at least one road irradiation beam on the road. [3] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30) approach each other, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) brings the position of the at least one road illumination beam on the road closer to the vehicle (29). [4] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to claim 1, wherein in the case in which the distance detection unit (3, 21, 92) detects the plurality of detection waves emitted by the other moving object (30) at the same time, and on the basis of one of the detection waves with the smallest detectable distance among the plurality of detection waves detected at the same time, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) changes the state of the at least one road illumination beam. [5] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the case where the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30) is relatively large, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) adjusts the shape of the at least one road illumination beam on the road to be extended in a longitudinal direction of the road, and in the case where the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30) is relatively small, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) adjusts the shape of the at least one road illumination beam on the road to be extended in a transverse direction of the road. [6] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) comprises a plurality of light-generating units (16, 17, 18, 28, 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L, 58R, 65, 66) configured to emit rays, and wherein, in the case where the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30) is relatively large, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) performs a control to overlap the beams emitted by the plurality of light-generating units (16, 17, 18, 28, 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L, 58R, 65, 66), thereby forming a road illumination beam, and in the case where the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30) is relatively small, the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) performs a control to separate the beams emitted by the plurality of light-generating units (16, 17, 18, 28, 56L, 56R, 57L, 57R, 58L, 58R, 65, 66) carries out emitted radiation, thereby forming a multitude of road irradiation beams. [7] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, based on the distance between the vehicle (29) and the other moving object (30), the lighting control unit (4, 25, 59) changes a swivel speed or a flashing rate of the at least one road illumination beam. [8] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vehicle (29) is configured to acquire images of the area behind the vehicle (29) and has a rear view display for displaying the acquired images as images that can be used by a driver to check the area behind the vehicle (29) during normal driving. [9] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lighting unit (2, 15, 27, 55, 62, 64, 113) is arranged at a position of the vehicle (29) below a guide drawbar (36, 105, 118). [10] Position lighting device (1, 11, 51, 61, 63, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vehicle (29) is one of a semi-trailer type vehicle (31), an electric vehicle for care purposes (115), and a two-wheeler (or bicycle) (102).

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