Tilting vehicle equipped with adaptive headlight

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tilting vehicle (10) equipped with an adaptive headlight (30) which can suppress glare for the driver of a vehicle located in front or behind. Said headlight (30) is configured to illuminate a plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34) which comprise at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34). The at least one upper zone is partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line (HL) when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position, and comprises an undetectable lateral zone (331, 341).A control device (40) of the tilting vehicle (10) controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone such that, when a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or a vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle (10) is or are present in the undetectable side zone, the light is switched off or reduced in at least the upper zone including the undetectable side zone (331, 341) corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle(s). Figure for abstract: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight

[0001] Technical Domain This teaching relates to a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight

[0002] Prior Art Tilting vehicles equipped with an adaptive headlight have been known in recent years. Such a tilting vehicle is described, for example, in international publication WO 2018 / 168 249. Such a tilting vehicle, for example, changes lighting in a plurality of zones in front of the tilting vehicle depending on whether an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle in front is present in a forward detection zone in front of the tilting vehicle.

[0003] Summary of the invention Technical Problem An objective of this teaching is to provide a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight which, when passing a vehicle in front or when being passed by a vehicle behind, can suppress glare for the driver of the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind.

[0004] Solution to the problem The present inventors have conducted studies on situations in which a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight (which will hereinafter also be referred to simply as a tilting vehicle) as described above overtakes a vehicle in front or is overtaken by a vehicle behind. As a result, the inventors have discovered that when the tilting vehicle overtakes a vehicle in front or is overtaken by a vehicle behind, the tilting vehicle may dazzle the driver of the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind by brightness. When the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind is low, the time during which the tilting vehicle runs side by side with the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind to overtake the vehicle in front or to be overtaken by the vehicle behind is long.This may increase the likelihood that the tilting vehicle will dazzle the driver of the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind. Then, the present inventors conducted studies on the causes of such a situation. As a result, the present inventors recently discovered that such a situation can be created by a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight that is configured to have an undetectable side zone within at least one upper zone. The upper zone. upper is such that it is illuminated by the headlight and is located entirely or partially above a horizontal reference line when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position. The undetectable lateral zone is included in the upper zone, but is located outside a forward detection zone relative to the left-right direction of the tilting vehicle. The present teaching was obtained based on the above results. The present teaching can solve the problem specific to a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight that is configured to have an undetectable lateral zone within at least one upper zone.

[0005] Tilting vehicles equipped with an adaptive headlight according to certain aspects of the present teaching obtained on the basis of the above findings are configured in the following manner. A tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight according to a first embodiment of the present teaching is a tilting vehicle which, when turning left or right, tilts in a direction in which the tilting vehicle turns, and the tilting vehicle comprises: a forward detection device configured to detect a vehicle present in a forward detection zone located in front of the tilting vehicle; a headlight configured to illuminate a plurality of areas in front of the tilting vehicle, the plurality of areas including at least one upper area, the at least one upper zone being partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position and including an undetectable lateral zone located outside the front detection zone relative to a left-right direction of the tilting vehicle; and a control device configured to control the lighting in the plurality of zones, the control device controlling the lighting in the at least one upper zone such that, when a vehicle present in the forward detection zone is detected by the forward detection device, the light, in at least one upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and corresponds to a position of the other vehicle, is turned off or reduced; in which the control device controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone such that, when a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or a vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is or are present in the undetectable side zone, the light, in at least one upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and includes the undetectable side zone corresponding to one or more positions of the other vehicle or vehicles, is switched off or reduced.

[0006] When a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment and / or a vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment lization is or are present in the undetectable side area, the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment turns off or reduces the light in at least the upper area including the undetectable side area corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle(s), and thus, the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment can suppress glare for the driver(s) of the vehicle(s). Even when the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle or the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is low and, accordingly, when the time during which the tilting vehicle drives side by side with the vehicle is long, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the other vehicle(s).

[0007] According to one aspect of the present teaching, the tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight can be configured in the following manner. According to a second embodiment, in the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment, the control device controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone such that, from a time when the tilting vehicle overtakes the other vehicle, and the vehicle being overtaken is no longer in the forward detection zone, instead of being in the undetectable side zone until a time when a return condition is satisfied, the light, in at least the upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and includes the undetectable side zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle, is turned off or reduced, and such that when the return condition is satisfied, the upper zone becomes brighter than the brightness that existed before the return condition was satisfied.

[0008] With the tilting vehicle of the second embodiment, when the return condition is satisfied, the upper area, in which the light has been turned off or reduced, becomes brighter than the brightness that existed before the return condition was satisfied, and thus, when the tilting vehicle passes a vehicle in front, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the other vehicle and brighten the upper area, in which the light has been turned off or reduced, at an appropriate time.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present teaching, the tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight can be configured in the following manner. According to a third embodiment, the tilting vehicle of the first embodiment further comprises a rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle present in a rear detection zone located behind the tilting vehicle, and the control device controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone using information obtained by detecting the vehicle exceeding the vehicle tiltable from the rear detection device so that the light, in at least the upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and includes the undetectable lateral zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle, is switched off or reduced.

[0010] The tilting vehicle of the third embodiment uses information obtained by detecting the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device to turn off or reduce the light in the upper area which includes the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle, and thus, the light in the upper area which includes the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle can be turned off or reduced at an appropriate time. As a result, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle. The rear detection area can extend laterally from the tilting vehicle.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present teaching, the tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight can be configured in the following manner. A tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight according to a fourth embodiment of the present teaching is a tilting vehicle which, when turning left or right, tilts in a direction in which the tilting vehicle turns, and the tilting vehicle comprises: a headlight configured to control illumination in a plurality of zones located in front of the tilting vehicle, the plurality of zones including at least one upper zone, the at least one upper zone being located partially or entirely above a horizontal reference line when the tilting vehicle is in a vertical position; a rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle; and a control device configured to control the brightness of the at least one upper zone using information obtained by detecting a vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear sensing device.

[0012] The tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment uses information obtained by detecting a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device to control the brightness of the at least one upper area, and thus, for example, the brightness of an upper area corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle can be adjusted (e.g., reduced) at an appropriate time. As a result, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle. Thus, with respect to glare suppression for the driver of a vehicle passing the tilting vehicle, the tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment can solve the problem that is specific to a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight that is configured to have an undetectable side area within at least one upper area. In addition, the tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment is not limited to a tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight that is configured to have an undetectable side area within at least one upper area, and the tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment can suppress glare for the driver of a vehicle passing the tilting vehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present teaching, the tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight can be configured in the following manner. According to a fifth embodiment, in the tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment, the control device controls the brightness of the at least one upper zone using information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device before the other vehicle arrives in the at least one upper zone.

[0014] The tilting vehicle of the fifth embodiment controls the brightness of the at least one upper area before the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle arrives in the at least one upper area, and thus, for example, the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle can be adjusted (e.g., reduced) at an appropriate time. As a result, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present teaching, the tilting vehicle equipped with an adaptive headlight can be configured in the following manner. According to a sixth embodiment, in the tilting vehicle of the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment, the control device controls the brightness of the at least one upper zone using information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device such that the light, in at least one upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and corresponding to a position of the other vehicle, is switched off or reduced.

[0016] Using information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device, the tilting vehicle of the sixth embodiment turns off or reduces the light in at least the upper area which is part of the at least one upper area and which corresponds to the position of the other vehicle, and therefore, the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle can be decreased at an appropriate time. As a result, the tilting vehicle can suppress glare for the driver of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle.

[0017] For example, the tilting vehicle has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. The tilting vehicle may be a straddle vehicle. The straddle vehicle is a vehicle on which a rider sits as if straddling a saddle. A motorcycle and a motorized tricycle are examples of a straddle vehicle. The motorized tricycle may be of a type having two front wheels and one rear wheel or of a type having one front wheel and two rear wheels. The tilting vehicle may be a vehicle having a seating type seat. The tilting vehicle is not a bicycle configured to ride due to the pedaling of the rider. The tilting vehicle, for example, includes a drive source that provides an impulse force to the tilting vehicle. The drive source may be a motorization, an electric motor, or a combination of a motorization and an electric motor.The powertrain may be, for example, a gasoline powertrain, a diesel powertrain, or a hydrogen powertrain. The tilting vehicle, for example, includes a vehicle body that, when the tilting vehicle turns left or right, tilts in the direction in which the tilting vehicle turns. For example, the vehicle body supports the headlight. As a result, when the tilting vehicle turns left or right, the headlight tilts in the direction in which the tilting vehicle turns.

[0018] The forward detection device only needs to be able to detect a vehicle present in front of the tilting vehicle in a non-contact manner, and the structure thereof, the manner of detecting a vehicle, etc. are not particularly limited. The forward detection device may be capable of detecting anything other than a vehicle present in front of the tilting vehicle. For example, the forward detection device may be capable of detecting surrounding brightness, the occurrence of fog, and structures such as guardrails, buildings, etc. The vehicle present in front of the tilting vehicle is, for example, a vehicle that is present in the forward detection area located in front of the tilting vehicle. The vehicle detected by the forward detection device may be, for example, an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle located in front.The vehicle in front may be a vehicle that the tilting vehicle is about to overtake or a vehicle that has overtaken the tilting vehicle. The forward detection area is an area in which the forward detection device can detect a vehicle in front of the tilting vehicle. The “forward detection area in front of the tilting vehicle” includes at least a portion of the forward detection area that is in front of the tilting vehicle. The . The forward sensing device may be, for example, a camera or radar. The camera may be a monocular camera or a stereo camera. The radar may be a type using laser beams or a type using radio waves. The wavelength of the laser beams or radio waves used is not particularly limited. The forward sensing device may be, for example, a photodetection device that detects light emitted by a vehicle in front of the tilting vehicle. The forward sensing device, for example, may communicate with the control device by wire or wirelessly.

[0019] The adaptive headlight need only be configured to control lighting in at least one upper zone. The headlight, for example, includes a main headlight. For example, the main headlight is configured to emit at least low beams. The main headlight, for example, may be configured to emit high beams in addition to the low beams. Thus, the main headlight may be configured to illuminate the at least one upper zone. When the main headlight emits high beams, the main headlight may also emit low beams, but need not emit low beams. When a vehicle is present in front of the tilting vehicle, the high beams may be controlled to be reduced or turned off. The headlight, for example, includes a sub-headlight in addition to the main headlight. For example, the sub-headlight is configured to emit light when the tilting vehicle turns.The sub-headlight may be configured to illuminate the at least one upper zone. The sub-headlight may be configured to illuminate the at least one upper zone when the tilting vehicle is turning. The sub-headlight may be configured to illuminate the at least one upper zone not only when the tilting vehicle is turning, but also when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position. The phrase "to control illumination in at least one upper zone," for example, includes "to control the brightness of the at least one upper zone." The phrase "to control illumination in at least one upper zone," for example, includes "to cause the sub-headlight to emit light when the main headlight emits light."The "adaptive headlight that is configured to have an undetectable side zone within at least one upper zone" is an embodiment of the headlight that is configured to control illumination in at least one upper zone and configured such that an undetectable side zone is included in the at least one upper zone.

[0020] The zone is, for example, a region illuminated by light emitted from a light source provided in the headlight. The headlight is of a fixed type, meaning that it is configured to maintain its physical parameters for light distribution. The plurality of zones are established so as to have a posi relative connection with each other. The light sources, for example, are light-emitting diodes, semiconductor lasers, HID (high-intensity discharge) bulbs, halogen lamps, incandescent bulbs, or the like. The light sources may project light directly toward the location in front of the tilting vehicle, may illuminate the location in front of the tilting vehicle via light-reflecting elements, or may illuminate the location in front of the tilting vehicle via a light-guiding element. The light sources are provided individually for the plurality of areas. When electrical power is supplied to the light sources, the light sources emit light. The manner of supplying electrical power to the light sources is not particularly limited.

[0021] The at least one upper zone may be a single upper zone. The single upper zone may be an area to be illuminated by high beams. The at least one upper zone may comprise an area to be illuminated by high beams. The at least one upper zone may comprise, for example, at least one upper left zone and at least one upper right zone. The at least one upper left zone may be a plurality of upper left zones that are located at different heights from each other with respect to an up-down direction when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position. The upper left zone may be entirely located in a space to the left of center, or more than half of the upper left zone may be located in the space to the left of center. The space to the left of center is, for example, a space extending leftward from the center of the tilting vehicle with respect to the left-right direction.The at least one upper right area is a reflection of the at least one upper left area, so the description of the upper right area is omitted.

[0022] The upper zone, for example, has a larger dimension in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position.

[0023] The horizontal reference line is, for example, a line extending in a leftward and rightward direction from the boundary line extending in the left-right direction of the tilting vehicle at the upper edge of a specified area when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position. The specified area is, for example, an area to be illuminated by dipped headlights. The horizontal reference line is, for example, on the same plane as a cut-off line.

[0024] When the at least one upper zone is a single upper zone and when the single upper zone is an area to be illuminated by high beams, for example, there are undetectable side zones outside the front detection zone on the left and right of center, respectively. When the at least one upper zone upper area comprises at least one upper left area and at least one upper right area, the undetectable side area in the upper left area is located outside the front detection area on the left of center, and the undetectable side area in the upper right area is located outside the front detection area on the right of center. When the at least one upper area is a plurality of upper areas, one or some of the upper areas may not include any of the undetectable side areas. In other words, when the at least one upper area is a plurality of upper areas, the at least one upper area comprising an undetectable side area means that it is only necessary that any one of the plurality of upper areas comprises an undetectable side area.

[0025] The control device is, for example, an ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU, for example, may be realized by a combination of an IC (integrated circuit), an electronic component, a printed circuit board, etc. The control device performs control by a CPU (central processing unit) by reading a program from a non-volatile memory, executing a specified processing following the program, etc. Control of the lighting in the at least one upper zone may be a switching between turning the light on and off or a change in brightness. A change in the brightness of an upper zone is achieved by changing the brightness of the upper zone partially or entirely. For example, at least the portion of an upper zone located above the horizontal reference line may be a target for a change in the brightness of the upper zone.

[0026] The light in the upper zone including the undetectable side zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or the position of the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle may be switched off or reduced only during at least part of the time when the vehicle(s) "is or are present in the undetectable side zone". This makes it possible to eliminate glare for the driver(s) of the vehicle(s).

[0027] The light in the upper zone including the undetectable side zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle and / or the position of the vehicle being passed by the tilting vehicle may be turned off or reduced for some, most, or all of the time the vehicle(s) "is or are present in the undetectable side zone." By increasing the time the light is turned off or reduced while the vehicle(s) "is or are present in the undetectable side zone," it becomes possible to more effectively suppress glare for the driver(s) of the vehicle(s).

[0028] The vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle is, for example, a vehicle that is positioned behind the tilting vehicle itself and that targets the tilting vehicle for overtaking. The vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is, for example, a vehicle that is positioned in front of the tilting vehicle itself and that is targeted for overtaking by the tilting vehicle. The vehicle behind overtaking the tilting vehicle and the tilting vehicle overtaking the vehicle in front, for example, may involve a lane change, but does not necessarily involve a lane change.

[0029] Whether or not a vehicle is present in the front detection area is determined, for example, on the basis of information obtained by detecting a vehicle in the front detection area from the front detection device. The upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is determined, for example, on the basis of information obtained by detecting the vehicle in the front detection area from the front detection device.

[0030] Whether or not a vehicle that is overtaken by the tilting vehicle is present in the undetectable lateral area is determined, for example, on the basis of information obtained by detecting a vehicle in the front detection area from the front detection device. For example, the information from the front detection device includes information on the relative position between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle. The relative position information is, for example, the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, the distance between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, etc.A determination of the upper area including the undetectable side area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is performed, for example, by determining the undetectable side area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle based on information obtained by detecting the other vehicle in the front detection area from the front detection device and determining the upper area including the undetectable side area.

[0031] Whether or not a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle in the undetectable side area is present is determined, for example, based on information obtained from a detection device configured to have a detection area outside the front detection area and to detect a vehicle in the detection area. The detection device may be capable of detecting things other than vehicles. For example, the detection device may be capable of detecting surrounding brightness, the occurrence of fog, and structures such as guardrails, buildings, etc. The information obtained from the detection device includes, for example, information on the relative position between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle. The information on the relative position is, for example, the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, the distance between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, etc. A determination of the upper area including the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is performed, for example, by determining the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle based on information obtained by detecting the other vehicle in the detection area from the detection device and determining the upper area including the undetectable lateral area. The detection device may be, for example, a rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle in a rear detection area located behind the tilting vehicle. The rear detection area may extend laterally from the tilting vehicle. The detection device may comprise, for example, two detection devices.The two detection devices are, for example, a left rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle in a left rear detection area located behind the tilting vehicle to the left of center, and a right rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle in a right rear detection area located behind the tilting vehicle to the right of center. The left rear detection area may extend to the left from the tilting vehicle. The right rear detection area may extend to the right from the tilting vehicle.

[0032] The upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is, for example, an upper area having a positional relationship with the vehicle such that the vehicle is illuminated by light from the upper area. The upper area including the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is, for example, an upper area having a positional relationship with the vehicle such that the vehicle is illuminated by light from the upper area including the undetectable lateral area.

[0033] When the light in the upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is turned off or reduced or when the light in the upper area including the undetectable side area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle is turned off or reduced, for example, the lights in other upper areas adjacent to or surrounding the upper area may also be turned off or reduced.

[0034] The upper area in which the light is turned off or reduced before and after the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle moves into the front detection area from the outside may be the same or different. The upper area in which the light is turned off or reduced before and after the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle moves out of the front detection area from the inside may be the same or different.

[0035] The darkness (or brightness) of the upper zone including the undetectable lateral zone corresponding to the position(s) of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or of the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle when the vehicle(s) is(are) present in the undetectable lateral zone may be the same as or different from the darkness (or brightness) of the upper zone corresponding to the position(s) of the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or of the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle when the vehicle(s) is(are) present in the forward detection zone.

[0036] When the vehicle that is overtaken by the tilting vehicle is no longer detected by the front detection device, for example, taking into account a certain time that has elapsed since the other vehicle was not detected by the front detection device, the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle may be increased from the brightness existing before the other vehicle was not detected by the front detection device. The time required to change the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle, the rate of change of the brightness (the amount of change in brightness per unit time), and so on, may be the same as or different from those when turning off or reducing the light in the upper area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle.

[0037] When the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle is no longer detected by the forward detection device, for example, the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the previous position of the other vehicle before the other vehicle was not detected by the forward detection device may be increased from the brightness existing before the vehicle was not detected by the forward detection device.The time required to change the brightness of the upper area corresponding to the previous position of the other vehicle before the other vehicle is undetected by the forward detection device, the brightness change rate (the amount of brightness change per unit time), and so on, may be the same as or different from those when turning off or reducing the light in the upper area corresponding to the previous position of the other vehicle before the other vehicle is undetected by the forward detection device.

[0038] The control device determines whether the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is or are present or will be present in the undetectable lateral zone, for example, on the basis of the detection result of the front detection device or, in the case where the tilting vehicle comprises a rear detection device in addition to the front detection device, on the basis of the detection result of the rear detection device, and controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone on the basis of the determination result such that the light, in at least the upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone and includes the undetectable lateral zone corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle(s), is switched off or reduced.

[0039] For example, when the control device determines, based on the detection result of the front detection device or, in a case in which the tilting vehicle comprises a rear detection device in addition to the front detection device, based on the detection result of the rear detection device, that the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle and / or the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is or are present in the undetectable side area, the control device controls lighting in the at least one upper area such that the light, in at least the upper area which is part of the at least one upper area and includes the undetectable side area corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle(s), is turned off or reduced.

[0040] The detection result of the front detection device is, for example, information obtained by detecting the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle from the front detection device. The detection result of the rear detection device is, for example, information obtained by detecting the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device.

[0041] For example, when the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle or the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is low, the control device controls the lighting in the at least one upper area such that the light, in the upper area including the undetectable lateral area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle, is turned off or reduced. The relative speed is calculated, for example, using information obtained by detecting a vehicle from a detection device configured to detect a vehicle present around the tilting vehicle. Such a detection device may be a front detection device configured to detect a vehicle present in front of the tilting vehicle or may be a rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle.For example, the control may be performed so that when the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle or the vehicle being overtaken by the tilting vehicle is high, the light, in the upper area including the undetectable side area corresponding to the position of the other vehicle, may not be turned off or dimmed.

[0042] For example, when the tilting vehicle is about to change lanes, if the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle is traveling in the lane to which the vehicle tilting vehicle is about to enter, the control device controls lighting in the at least one upper zone such that the light, in the upper zone including the undetectable side zone corresponding to the position of the other vehicle, is not turned off or reduced. For example, information obtained by detecting a vehicle from the rear detection device configured to detect a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle is used to determine, when the tilting vehicle is about to change lanes, whether or not the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle is traveling in the lane into which the tilting vehicle is about to enter.

[0043] The return condition may be, for example, a condition on the relative position between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle. The condition on the relative position between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle may be determined indirectly, for example, based on one or more movement parameters. As examples of the one or more movement parameters, time, speed, and distance may be given. Time as a movement parameter may be a time elapsed from a particular point in time. Speed ​​as a movement parameter may be the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle. Distance as a movement parameter may be a distance traveled from a particular point in time. A specified example of the movement parameters is a time elapsed since the other vehicle left the forward detection zone.The duration can be set fixed or can be variable depending on other parameters (e.g. vehicle speed). The fixed duration is, for example, 5 seconds. When the tilting vehicle includes the rear detection device, the return condition can be that the other vehicle is detected by the rear detection device.

[0044] The rear detection device only needs to be capable of detecting a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle, and the structure thereof, the manner of detecting the vehicle, etc. are not particularly limited. The rear detection device may be capable of detecting other things in addition to a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle. For example, the rear detection device may be capable of detecting surrounding brightness, the occurrence of fog, and structures such as guardrails, buildings, etc. The vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle is, for example, a vehicle that is present in the rear detection area located behind the tilting vehicle. The vehicle detected by the rear detection device is, for example, a vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle.The rear detection zone is an area in which the rear detection device is capable of detecting a vehicle located behind the tilting vehicle. The "rear detection zone located behind the tilting vehicle". includes at least a portion of the rear detection area that is located behind the tilting vehicle. The rear detection device may be, for example, a camera device or a radar. The camera device may be a monocular camera device or a stereo camera device. The radar may be of a type using laser beams or of a type using radio waves. The wavelength of the laser beams or radio waves used is not particularly limited. The rear detection device may be, for example, a photodetection device that detects light emitted by a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle. The rear detection device, for example, may communicate with the control device by wire or wirelessly.

[0045] The information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device, for example, includes information on the relative position between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle. This relative position information is, for example, the relative speed between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, the distance between the tilting vehicle and the other vehicle, and the like.

[0046] The time when the control device controls the at least one upper zone may be, for example, the time when the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle is detected by the rear detection device or the time when the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle, which has been detected by the rear detection device, is no longer detected by the rear detection device.

[0047] Controlling by the control device the brightness of the at least one upper zone comprises, for example, reducing the brightness of the at least one upper zone to a level below the brightness existing before the vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle is detected by the rear detection device.

[0048] The control device controls the brightness of the at least one upper area using information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection device. Here, the control performed using the information is, for example, reducing the brightness of the upper area which is part of the at least one upper area and corresponds to the position of the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle to a level lower than the brightness existing before the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle is detected by the rear detection device. The control for increasing the brightness in the upper area with reduced brightness can be performed, for example, using a detection result of another detection device.The detection result of another detection device may be, for example, that the vehicle that has passed the tilting vehicle is no longer detected by the forward detection device that is configured to detect a vehicle present in front of the tilting vehicle.

[0049] When the control device controls the brightness of the at least one upper zone, the zone targeted for control need only comprise, at a minimum, a portion of the at least one upper zone located above the horizontal reference line.

[0050] The expression "before the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle arrives in the at least one upper zone" means, for example, before the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle is illuminated by the light of the at least one upper zone.

[0051] Certain embodiments of the present teaching will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, and the detailed description of the embodiments will provide a clearer overview of the above-mentioned objective and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the present teaching. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any of the related items in a list and all possible combinations of the related items. The terms "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof as used herein specify the presence of established features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or equivalents thereof, and may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this teaching relates. It is to be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are to be interpreted as having meanings that are consistent with their meanings in the context of this disclosure and the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. It is to be understood that the description of this teaching discloses a number of techniques and steps. Each of these has an individual advantage, and each may also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques.Therefore, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. In the description given below, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the present teaching. It will be apparent, however, that one skilled in the art can implement the present teaching without these specific details. This disclosure is to be considered an example of the present teaching and is not intended to limit the present teaching to the specific embodiments illustrated by drawings or descriptions below. Effect of the invention

[0052] This teaching allows, when overtaking a vehicle located in front or when a vehicle is overtaken by a vehicle behind, to eliminate glare for the driver of the vehicle in front or the vehicle behind. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a diagram showing a conceptual diagram of a tilting vehicle according to an embodiment of the present teaching in combination with illustrative diagrams illustrating illumination in at least one upper zone respectively when the tilting vehicle overtakes a vehicle in front and when the tilting vehicle is overtaken by a vehicle behind.

[0054] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a diagram showing a conceptual layout of the vehicle tilting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present teaching in combination with an illustrative diagram which illustrates illumination in at least one upper zone when the tilting vehicle passes a vehicle located in front.

[0055] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a diagram showing a conceptual layout of the vehicle tilting vehicle according to a modification of the embodiment of the present teaching in combination with an illustrative diagram which illustrates illumination in at least one upper zone when the tilting vehicle is passed by a vehicle located behind. Description of embodiments

[0056] The embodiment described below is purely an example. The present teaching should not be considered as being limited to the embodiment below.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 1], a tilting vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present teaching will be described. In [Fig. 1], (A) to (C) are an illustrative diagram illustrating illumination in at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 when the tilting vehicle 10 passes a vehicle 100 in front (100B), and (D) to (F) are an illustrative diagram illustrating illumination in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 when the tilting vehicle 10 is passed by a vehicle 100 behind (100A). In [Fig. 1], a plurality of zones 31 to 34 are conceptually shown. The shape, size, position, number, etc. of the plurality of zones 31 to 34 are not limited to those shown in [Fig. 1]. The same applies to the shape, size, position, number, etc. of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34.

[0058] When the tilting vehicle 10 turns left or right, the tilting vehicle 10 tilts in the direction in which the tilting vehicle turns. The tilting vehicle 10 includes a front detection device 20, a headlight 30, and a control device 40.

[0059] The forward detection device 20 is configured to detect a vehicle located in front of the tilting vehicle 10. In the example shown in [Fig.l], the front detection device 20 is configured to detect a vehicle 100 which is present in a front detection zone 20A located in front of the tilting vehicle.

[0060] The headlight 30 is configured to illuminate the plurality of zones 31 to 34 located in front of the tilting vehicle 10. The plurality of zones 31 to 34 comprises the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34. In the example shown in [Fig.l], each of the three zones 32 to 34 is an upper zone. The three zones 32 to 34 are an upper left zone 33, an upper central zone 32, and an upper right zone 34, respectively. The zone 32 is, for example, an area intended to be illuminated by high beams. The at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 is partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line HL when the tilting vehicle 10 is in an upright position. In the example shown in [Fig.l], each of the three zones 32 to 34 is entirely located above the horizontal reference line HL when the tilting vehicle 10 is in the vertical position.The at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 comprises undetectable side zones 331 and 341. In the example shown in [Fig.l], zone 33 comprises the undetectable side zone 331, and zone 34 comprises the undetectable side zone 341. The undetectable side zones 331 and 341 are located outside the front detection zone 20A relative to the left-right direction of the tilting vehicle 10. In the example shown in [Fig.l], the undetectable side zone 331 is located outside the front detection zone 20A on the left, and the undetectable side zone 341 is located outside the front detection zone 20A on the right.

[0061] The control device 40 is configured to control the lighting in the plurality of zones 31 to 34. The control device 40 controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 such that, when the vehicle 100 in the front detection zone 20A is detected by the front detection device 20, the light, in at least the upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 and corresponds to the position of the other vehicle 100 (in the example illustrated by [Fig.l], zone 33), is switched off or reduced.

[0062] The control device 40 controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 so that, when the vehicle 100A overtaking the tilting vehicle 10 and / or the vehicle 100B which is overtaken by the tilting vehicle 10 is or are present in the undetectable lateral zone(s) 331 and / or 341, the light, in at least the upper zone(s) which is or are part of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 and includes the undetectable lateral zone(s) corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle 100A and / or the other vehicle 100B (in the example illustrated by [Fig.l], the zone 33 comprising the undetectable lateral zone 331), is switched off or reduced.

[0063] When the other vehicle 100A overtaking the tilting vehicle 10 and / or the other vehicle 100B which is overtaken by the tilting vehicle 10 is or are present in the undetectable lateral zone(s) 331 and / or 341, the tilting vehicle 10 turns off or reduces the light in at least the upper zone(s) comprising the undetectable lateral zone(s) corresponding to the position(s) of the other vehicle 100A and / or the other vehicle 100B (in the example illustrated by [Fig.l], the area 33 comprising the undetectable lateral area 331), and thus, while the tilting vehicle 10 overtakes the other vehicle 100B and / or is overtaken by the other vehicle 100A, even if the relative speed between the tilting vehicle 10 and the other vehicle 100A and / or the other vehicle 100B is low, thereby extending the time during which the tilting vehicle 10 drives side by side with the other vehicle 100A and / or the other vehicle 100B, the tilting vehicle 10 can suppress glare for the driver(s) of the other vehicle(s) 100A and / or 100B.

[0064] With reference to [Fig. 2], the illumination in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 when the tilting vehicle 10 overtakes a vehicle 100 (100B) located ahead will be described. In [Fig. 2], (A) to (D) are an illustrative diagram which illustrates the illumination in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 when the tilting vehicle 10 overtakes the vehicle 100 (100B) located ahead.

[0065] In the example shown in [Fig. 2], the control device 40 controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 so that, from the moment the vehicle 100 (100B) that is overtaken by the tilting vehicle 10 moves out of the front detection zone 20A into the undetectable lateral zone (in the example shown in [Fig. 2], the undetectable lateral zone 331) until the moment a return condition is satisfied, the light, in at least the upper zone that is part of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 and includes the undetectable lateral zone corresponding to the position of the other vehicle 100 (100B) (in the example shown in [Fig. 2], the upper zone 33 including the undetectable lateral zone 331), is switched off or reduced (see (B) and (C) in [Fig.2]) and so that, when the return condition is satisfied, the light in the upper zone (in the example shown in [Fig.2], the upper area 33) becomes brighter than the brightness that existed before the return condition (see (D) in [Fig.2]).

[0066] With reference to [Fig. 3], a tilting vehicle 10A according to a modification of the embodiment of the present teaching will be described. In [Fig. 3], (A) to (E) are an illustrative diagram which illustrates the illumination in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 when the tilting vehicle 10A is passed by a vehicle located behind 100 (100A).

[0067] Compared to the tilting vehicle 10, the tilting vehicle 10A further comprises two rear detection devices 50L and 50R. Each of the devices rear detection 50L and 50R is configured to detect a vehicle 100 (100A) located behind the tilting vehicle 10A. In the example shown in [Fig.3], the rear detection devices 50L and 50R are configured to detect a vehicle 100 (100A) present in a rear detection zone 50LA located behind the tilting vehicle 10A and a vehicle 100 (100A) present in a rear detection zone 50RA located behind the tilting vehicle 10A, respectively.

[0068] The control device 40 controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 using information obtained by detecting the vehicle 100 (100A) passing the tilting vehicle 10A from the rear detection device(s) 50L and / or 50R so that the light, in at least the upper zone which is part of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 and includes the undetectable lateral zone corresponding to the position of the other vehicle 100 (100A) (in the example illustrated by [Fig. 3], the upper zone 33 including the undetectable lateral zone 331), is switched off or reduced.

[0069] In the example shown in [Fig. 3], for example, the tilting vehicle 10A need not include the front detection device 20. In other words, a tilting vehicle according to another embodiment of the present teaching is a tilting vehicle which, when turning left or right, tilts in the direction in which the tilting vehicle turns, and comprises: a headlight 20 configured to control lighting in a plurality of zones 31 to 34 located in front of the tilting vehicle, the plurality of zones 31 to 34 including at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34, the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 being partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line HL when the tilting vehicle is in an upright position; and rear detection devices 50L and 50R configured to detect a vehicle 100 (100A) located behind the tilting vehicle;and a control device 40 configured to control the brightness of the at least one upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 using information obtained by detecting the vehicle 100 (100A) passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection devices 50L and 50R.;

[0070] Using information obtained by detecting the vehicle 100 (100A) passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection devices 50L and 50R, the control device 40 controls the brightness in the at least one upper area 32, 33 and / or 34 before the other vehicle 100 (100A) arrives in the at least one upper area 32, 33 and / or 34. The control device 40 controls the brightness of the at least one upper area 32, 33 and / or 34 using information obtained by detecting the vehicle 100 (100A) passing the tilting vehicle from the rear detection devices 50L and 50R such that the light, in at least the upper area which is part of the at least one upper area upper zone 32, 33 and / or 34 and corresponds to the position of the other vehicle 100 (100A) (in the example shown in [Fig. 3], the upper zone 33), is switched off or reduced. Other Embodiments

[0071] Herein, the embodiments and modifications described above and / or illustrated by the drawings are intended to make the present disclosure easier to understand and not to limit the concept of the present disclosure. It is possible to adapt or modify the embodiments and modifications described above without departing from the spirit thereof. The spirit includes all equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., combinations of features of the embodiments and modifications), adaptations and modifications as appreciated by those in the art based on the embodiments and modifications disclosed herein. Such embodiments and modifications are to be understood as non-exclusive.For example, the terms "preferable" and "good" in this specification are to be understood as non-exclusive, and these terms mean "preferable but not limited to" and "good but not limited to" respectively.

[0072] For example, the area 32, which is an area to be illuminated by high beams, can be divided into a plurality of small areas, and the illumination in the plurality of small areas can be controlled. For example, the illumination in the plurality of small areas can be controlled so that the light, in a small area that is part of the plurality of small areas and corresponds to a vehicle detected by the front detection device 20, is turned off or reduced. The manner of dividing the area 32 into a plurality of small areas is not particularly limited.

[0073] List of digital references 10: tilting vehicle 20: front detection device 20A: front detection zone 30: headlight 31, 32, 33, 34: plurality of zones 32, 33, 34: upper zone 331, 341: undetectable lateral zone 40: control device 50: rear detection device 50A: rear detection zone 100: vehicle 100A: vehicle overtaking the tilting vehicle 100B: vehicle that is overtaken by the tilting vehicle HL: horizontal reference line

Claims

Claims

1. A tilting vehicle (10) equipped with an adaptive headlight, the tilting vehicle (10), when turning left or right, tilting in a direction in which the tilting vehicle (10) turns, and comprising: a forward detection device (20) configured to detect a vehicle (100) present in a forward detection zone (20A) located in front of the tilting vehicle (10); a headlight (30) configured to illuminate a plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34) located in front of the tilting vehicle (10), the plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34) comprising at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34), the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) being partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line (HL) when the tilting vehicle (10) is in an upright position and comprising an undetectable lateral zone (331, 341) located outside the front detection zone (20A) with respect to a left-right direction of the tilting vehicle (10); and a control device (40) configured to control the lighting in the plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34), the control device (40) controlling the lighting in the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) such that, when a vehicle (100) present in the front detection zone (20A) is detected by the front detection device (20), the light, in at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) which is part of the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) and corresponds to a position of the other vehicle (100), is turned off or reduced; in which the control device (40) controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) such that, when a vehicle (100A) overtaking the tilting vehicle (10) and / or a vehicle (100B) which is overtaken by the tilting vehicle (10) is or are present in the undetectable lateral zone (331, 341), the light, in at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) which is part of the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) and includes the undetectable lateral zone (331, 341) corresponding to one or more positions of the other or other vehicles, is switched off or reduced.

2. A tilting vehicle (10) equipped with an adaptive headlight according to claim 1, wherein the control device (40) controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) such that, from a time when the tilting vehicle (10) overtakes the other vehicle (100B), and the vehicle (100B) being overtaken is no longer in the front detection zone (20A), being instead in the undetectable lateral zone (331, 341) until a time when a return condition is satisfied, the light, in at least the upper zone (32, 33, 34) which is part of the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) and includes the undetectable lateral zone (331, 341) corresponding to the position of the vehicle, is switched off or reduced, and such that when the return condition is satisfied, the upper zone (32, 33, 34) becomes brighter than the brightness that existed before the return condition return is not satisfied.

3. A tilting vehicle (10) equipped with an adaptive headlight according to claim 1, further comprising a rear detection device (50) configured to detect a vehicle (100) present in a rear detection zone (50A) located behind the tilting vehicle (10), wherein the control device (40) controls the lighting in the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) using information obtained by detecting the vehicle passing the tilting vehicle (10) from the rear detection device (50) such that the light, in at least the upper zone (32, 33, 34) which is part of the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) and includes the undetectable lateral zone (331, 341) corresponding to the position of the vehicle, is turned off or reduced.

4. A tilting vehicle (10) equipped with an adaptive headlight, the tilting vehicle (10), when turning left or right, tilting in a direction in which the tilting vehicle (10) turns, and comprising: a headlight (30) configured to control illumination in a plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34) located in front of the tilting vehicle (10), the plurality of zones (31, 32, 33, 34) including at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34), the at least one upper zone (32, 33, 34) being partially or entirely located above a horizontal reference line (HL) when the tilting vehicle (10) is in an upright position; a rear detection device (50) configured to detect a vehicle present behind the tilting vehicle (10); and a control device (40) configured to control the brightness of the at least one upper area (32, 33, 34) using information obtained by detecting a vehicle passing the tilting vehicle (10) from the rear detection device (50A).

Images