Vehicle lighting fixtures and control methods for vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

The welcome lighting effect is clearly communicated to the user when it ends. [Solution] The vehicle lighting device comprises a light source and a control unit that supplies a pulsed current to the light source to control lighting and modulates the duty cycle of the pulsed current during lighting control. The control unit controls the lighting of the light source for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle is unlocked remotely. During this lighting control, the duty cycle is gradually increased from an initial value (a first value) to a third value that exceeds a target value (a second value) which is greater than the first value, and then reduced to a target value (a second value).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and a method for controlling a vehicle lamp.

Background Art

[0002] As vehicle lamps, a combination lamp in which a plurality of functional lamps such as a tail lamp, a stop lamp, and a turn lamp are integrated is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As another example of the functional lamps constituting the combination lamp as described above, for example, a welcome lamp that performs lighting called so-called welcome lighting, which lights for a predetermined period when the vehicle key is opened by remote operation or the like, is known. In such a welcome lamp, the period during which the welcome lighting is performed is such that the duty ratio of the light emitting part is gradually increased. In this case, it is difficult for the user to clearly recognize the end of the welcome lighting effect, and there is a possibility that the welcome feeling cannot be sufficiently conveyed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle lamp and a method for controlling a vehicle lamp capable of allowing a user to clearly recognize the end of the welcome lighting effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle lighting device according to the present invention comprises a light source and a control unit that supplies a pulsed current to the light source to perform lighting control and modulates the duty cycle of the pulsed current in the lighting control, wherein the control unit performs the lighting control of the light source for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle is unlocked by remote operation, and in the lighting control, gradually increases the duty cycle from an initial value, which is a first value, to a third value that exceeds a target value, which is a second value greater than the first value, and then decreases it to the target value, which is the second value.

[0007] The vehicle lighting device control method according to the present invention is a vehicle lighting device having a light source, wherein a pulse current is supplied to the light source to perform lighting control, the duty cycle of the pulse current can be modulated in the lighting control, and when the lighting control of the light source is performed for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle is unlocked by remote operation, the lighting control includes the steps of gradually increasing the duty cycle from an initial value, which is a first value, to a third value that exceeds a target value, which is a second value and is greater than the first value, and after the duty cycle is set to the third value, decreasing it to the target value, which is the second value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user the end of the welcome lighting effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of a vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between time and duty cycle in the control of the illumination of a welcome lamp. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for vehicle lighting according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between time and duty cycle in the control of welcome lamp illumination. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between time and duty cycle in the control of welcome lamp illumination. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between time and duty cycle in the control of welcome lamp illumination. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the vehicle lighting device and control method for the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention, based on the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing an example of a vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment. The vehicle lighting fixture 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, positioned at the front of a vehicle 30 and used as a daytime running lamp, clearance lamp, and welcome lamp. The vehicle lighting fixture 100 may also include a turn signal lamp. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting fixture 100 comprises a light source 10 and a control unit 20. The light source 10 and the control unit 20 are housed in a lamp chamber formed, for example, by a lamp housing and a lamp lens (not shown).

[0012] The light source 10 can be a light-emitting element such as an LED. One or more light sources 10 are provided. The light sources 10 are provided mounted on a substrate (not shown), for example. The light sources 10 are used in common as light sources for daytime running lamps, clearance lamps, and welcome lamps. If the vehicle lighting fixture 100 includes turn signals, a separate light source for the turn signals may be provided in addition to the light sources 10.

[0013] The control unit 20 can be arranged or formed on a substrate (not shown) on which the light source 10 is mounted, for example. The control unit 20 controls the lighting of the light source 10 by supplying a pulse current of a predetermined period to the light source 10. In controlling the lighting of the light source 10, the control unit 20 can modulate the duty cycle of the pulse current. In this embodiment, the larger the duty cycle of the pulse current, the brighter the light source 10 will be when lit. Conversely, the smaller the duty cycle of the pulse current, the dimmer the light source 10 will be when lit. The control unit 20 controls the duty cycle of the pulse current to be set differently depending on whether the light source is lit as a daytime running lamp, a clearance lamp, or a welcome lamp.

[0014] Next, the operation of the vehicle lighting device 100 configured as described above will be explained. When a driver in the vehicle 30 performs a predetermined operation to turn on the daytime running lamps, the control unit 20 receives a signal indicating that the predetermined operation to turn on the daytime running lamps has been performed. Upon receiving this signal, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle of the pulse current for controlling the illumination of the daytime running lamps and performs illumination control. Similarly, when a driver in the vehicle 30 performs a predetermined operation to turn on the clearance lamps, the control unit 20 receives a signal indicating that the predetermined operation to turn on the clearance lamps has been performed. Upon receiving this signal, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle of the pulse current for controlling the illumination of the clearance lamps and performs illumination control.

[0015] For example, when the control unit 20 illuminates the light source 10 as a daytime running lamp, it can generate a control signal that sets the duty cycle of the pulse current to 100%. Furthermore, when the control unit 20 illuminates the light source 10 as a clearance lamp, it can generate a control signal that sets the duty cycle of the pulse current to 5%. Note that the above duty cycle values ​​are examples, and other values ​​may be used for control.

[0016] In addition, when the key of the vehicle 30 is unlocked by a remote operation such that the door of the vehicle 30 is unlocked by the user, the control unit 20 receives a signal indicating that the key has been unlocked from the vehicle 30 by the remote operation. When receiving the signal, the control unit 20 performs lighting control called so-called welcome lighting as a welcome lamp for a predetermined period from the time point of unlocking by the remote operation. In this case, the control unit 20 performs lighting control by setting the duty ratio of the pulse current for performing the lighting control of the welcome lamp.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between time and duty ratio in the lighting control of the welcome lamp. The vertical axis of FIG. 2 indicates the duty ratio (unit: %), and the horizontal axis indicates time (unit: msec). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the predetermined period of the lighting control of the welcome lamp is 2 seconds (2000 msec). The predetermined period is not limited to 2 seconds, and may be a period shorter or longer than 2 seconds.

[0018] In the present embodiment, in the lighting control of the welcome lamp, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio at every timing when a certain time elapses. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio at the timing when 0.2 seconds (200 msec) elapses. Therefore, when the predetermined period is 2 seconds, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio 11 times including the initial value (the value at the start point of the predetermined period). Note that the timing for setting the duty ratio is not limited to the above.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio of the pulse current supplied to the light source 10 as a first value D1 which is the initial value, and gradually increases it from the first value D1. The control unit 20 increases the duty ratio to a third value D3 that exceeds a second value D2 which is the target value. In the present embodiment, the second value D2 which is the target value can be, for example, the duty ratio (5%) when lighting the clearance lamp.

[0020] During a predetermined period, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio such that the amount of increase in the duty ratio gradually becomes larger from the first timing (at 0 seconds) when setting the duty ratio to the third value D3 until the timing (at 1800 msec) when the duty ratio becomes the third value D3. That is, the control unit 20 can set the duty ratio such that the value of ΔD, which is the difference (difference) from the duty ratio at the previous timing, gradually becomes larger with the passage of time at each timing from 200 msec to 1800 msec within the predetermined period. Alternatively, the control unit 20 can set the duty ratio such that the slope α of the straight line connecting the coordinate of the duty ratio value at a certain timing and the coordinate of the duty ratio value at the previous timing gradually becomes larger with the passage of time at each timing from 200 msec to 1800 msec within the predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 2. Note that FIG. 2 shows the difference and slope between the timing at 1400 msec and the timing at 1600 msec as representative examples of the difference ΔD and the slope α.

[0021] The control unit 20 can set the duty ratio to be equal to or less than the threshold value D4 until the timing when half of the predetermined period (1000 msec) has elapsed. In this case, the threshold value D4 can be, for example, 10% or more and 40% or less of the target value (the second value D2).

[0022] After setting the duty ratio to the third value D3, the control unit 20 decreases it to the second value D2, which is the target value. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 sets the duty ratio to the third value D3 at the second-to-last timing (at 1800 msec) when setting the duty ratio, and sets the duty ratio to the second value D2 at the last timing (at 2000 msec) when setting the duty ratio. After setting the duty ratio to the second value D2, the control unit 20 supplies a pulsed current to the light source 10 with the duty ratio being the second value D2.

[0023] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment. Figure 3 shows the lighting control of the welcome lamp described above. The control method for a vehicle lighting device according to this embodiment is a control method for a vehicle lighting device 100 having a light source 10, wherein a pulse current is supplied to the light source 10 to perform lighting control, the duty cycle of the pulse current can be modulated in the lighting control, and the control method is for performing lighting control of the light source 10 for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle 30 is unlocked by remote operation. In this lighting control, as shown in Figure 3, the method includes a step S10 in which the duty cycle is gradually increased from an initial value, a first value D1, to a third value D3 that exceeds a target value, a second value D2 which is greater than the first value D1, and a step S20 in which the duty cycle is reduced to a target value, a second value D2, after it has been set to the third value D3.

[0024] In this case, when controlling the illumination of the welcome lamps, if the duty cycle is simply increased gradually from the first value D1 to the target value D2, the lamps will remain illuminated at the second value D2 after reaching it. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the user to clearly recognize when the welcome illumination effect has ended.

[0025] In contrast, in this embodiment, in the lighting control of the welcome lamp, the duty cycle is gradually increased from the initial value, the first value D1, to the third value D3 which exceeds the target value, the second value D2, and then decreased to the target value, the second value D2, thereby clearly allowing the user to recognize the end of the welcome lighting effect.

[0026] Figures 4 to 6 are graphs showing other examples of the relationship between time and duty cycle in the control of welcome lamp illumination. In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6, similar to the example shown in Figure 2, the predetermined period for controlling the illumination of the welcome lamp is 2 seconds (2000 milliseconds), and the duty cycle is set at the timing when 0.2 seconds (200 milliseconds) have elapsed.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle to the third value D3 at a timing before the third to last timing for setting the duty cycle. In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6, the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 at the third to last timing (1600 ms), but the duty cycle may also be set to the third value D3 at a timing before the fourth to last timing (1400 ms).

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle so that the decrease in the duty cycle gradually decreases from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 (1600 ms) to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2 (2000 ms). In other words, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle so that the decrease in the duty cycle from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 (1600 ms) to the next timing (1800 ms) is smaller than the decrease in the duty cycle from the 1800 ms timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2 (2000 ms). This control allows the user to keenly recognize the timing when the welcome illumination ends.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle to the third value D3 at the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 (1600 msec) and at the timing immediately following that timing (1800 msec). This control extends the period during which the duty cycle is greater than the target value D2, allowing the user to clearly recognize when the welcome light illumination ends.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle so that the decrease in the duty cycle gradually decreases from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 (1600 msec) to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2 (2000 msec). In other words, the control unit 20 can set the duty cycle so that the decrease in the duty cycle from the 1800 msec timing to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2 (2000 msec) is greater than the decrease in the duty cycle from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 (1600 msec) to the next timing (1800 msec). This control allows the user to recognize the timing when the welcome light will end in a gradual manner.

[0031] As described above, this embodiment comprises a light source 10 and a control unit 20 that supplies a pulsed current to the light source 10 to perform lighting control and modulates the duty cycle of the pulsed current during lighting control. The control unit 20 performs lighting control of the light source 10 for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle 30 is unlocked by remote control. During this lighting control, the duty cycle is gradually increased from an initial value, a first value D1, to a third value D3 that exceeds a target value, a second value D2 which is greater than the first value D1, and then decreased to a target value, the second value D2.

[0032] Furthermore, the control method for a vehicle light fixture according to this embodiment is a control method for a vehicle light fixture 100 having a light source 10, wherein a pulse current is supplied to the light source 10 to perform lighting control, the duty cycle of the pulse current can be modulated in the lighting control, and when the lighting control of the light source 10 is performed for a predetermined period from the time the vehicle 30 is unlocked by remote operation, the lighting control includes the steps of gradually increasing the duty cycle from an initial value, a first value D1, to a third value D3 that exceeds a target value, a second value D2 which is greater than the first value D1, and after the duty cycle is set to the third value D3, decreasing it to a target value, a second value D2.

[0033] With these configurations, in controlling the illumination of the welcome lamps, the duty cycle is gradually increased from the initial value (1st value D1) to a 3rd value (D3) that exceeds the target value (2nd value D2), and then decreased back to the target value (2nd value D2), thereby clearly indicating to the user the end of the welcome illumination effect.

[0034] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle at intervals of a certain amount of time elapsed during a predetermined period.

[0035] With this configuration, by setting the duty cycle at regular intervals, the welcome light can be recognized by the user without causing any discomfort.

[0036] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle so that the amount of increase in the duty cycle gradually increases from the initial timing of setting the duty cycle to the timing of setting the duty cycle to the third value D3 over a predetermined period.

[0037] This configuration allows for a gradual increase in the duty cycle, thereby accelerating the brightness of the welcome illumination. This makes the welcome illumination effect clearly recognizable to the user.

[0038] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 is set so that the duty cycle is less than or equal to a threshold D4 until half of the predetermined period has elapsed, and the threshold D4 is 10% or more and 40% or less of the third value D3.

[0039] With this configuration, the duty cycle is kept below the threshold D4 until half of the predetermined period has elapsed, and then the brightness is accelerated to increase, making the welcome illumination clearly recognizable to the user.

[0040] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle to a third value D3 at the second to last timing for setting the duty cycle within a predetermined period, and sets the duty cycle to a second value D2 at the last timing for setting the duty cycle.

[0041] This configuration allows the user to clearly recognize the welcome light illumination by continuously increasing the duty cycle until the second to last timing.

[0042] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle to a third value D3 at a timing prior to the third to last timing for setting the duty cycle within a predetermined period.

[0043] With this configuration, by setting the duty cycle to the third value D3 at a timing before the third to last time the duty cycle is set, the end of the welcome lighting effect can be clearly recognized by the user.

[0044] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle such that the amount of decrease in the duty cycle gradually decreases from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2.

[0045] This configuration allows users to keenly recognize when the welcome light display will end.

[0046] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle to the third value D3 at the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 and at the timing immediately following that timing.

[0047] This configuration allows for a longer period during which the duty cycle exceeds the target value D2, thus clearly indicating to the user when the welcome light display will end.

[0048] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the duty cycle such that the amount of decrease in the duty cycle gradually increases from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value D3 to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value D2.

[0049] This configuration allows users to subtly recognize when the welcome light display will end.

[0050] In the vehicle lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, the light source 10 is used as the light source 10 for daytime running lamps and clearance lamps, and the control unit 20 controls the duty cycle of the light source 10 to change when it is lit as a daytime running lamp and when it is lit as a clearance lamp, and the target value, the second value D2, is the duty cycle value when the light source 10 is lit as a clearance lamp.

[0051] With this configuration, by setting the target value, the second value D2, to the duty cycle value when the clearance lamp is lit, the circuit for setting the duty cycle of the control unit 20 can be standardized.

[0052] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the light source 10 was described as being used as a common light source for daytime running lamps, clearance lamps, and welcome lamps, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the light source 10 may be a light source dedicated to welcome lamps, or it may be provided as a common light source for other functional lamps different from daytime running lamps and clearance lamps.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example of setting the duty cycle at intervals of a certain amount of time elapsed within a predetermined period, the configuration is not limited to this. The timing at which the duty cycle is set does not have to be at the time of a certain period of time elapsed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] D1...First value, D2...Second value, D3...Third value, 10...Light source, 20...Control unit, 30...Vehicle, 100...Vehicle lighting fixture

Claims

1. Light source and A control unit is provided that supplies a pulsed current to the light source to control lighting, and modulates the duty cycle of the pulsed current during the lighting control. Equipped with, The control unit performs the illumination control of the light source during a predetermined period from the time the vehicle's lock is opened remotely, and in this illumination control, The duty cycle is gradually increased from the initial value, the first value, to a third value that exceeds the target value, the second value which is greater than the first value, and then reduced to the target value, the second value. Vehicle lighting fixtures.

2. The control unit sets the duty cycle at intervals of a certain amount of time elapsed during the predetermined period. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

3. The control unit sets the duty cycle such that the amount of increase in the duty cycle gradually increases from the initial timing for setting the duty cycle to the timing for setting the duty cycle to the third value during the predetermined period. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is set such that, during the predetermined period, the duty cycle remains below a threshold until half of the predetermined period has elapsed, and the threshold is 10% or more and 40% or less of the second value. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, during the predetermined period, At the second to last timing in which the duty cycle is set, the duty cycle is set to the third value. The duty cycle is set to the second value at the last timing when setting the duty cycle. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

6. The control unit, during the predetermined period, The duty cycle is set to the third value at the timing preceding the third to last timing when the duty cycle is set. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 2.

7. The duty cycle is set such that the decrease in the duty cycle gradually decreases from the timing in which the duty cycle is set to the third value to the timing in which the duty cycle is set to the second value. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 6.

8. The control unit sets the duty cycle to the third value at the timing in which the duty cycle is set to the third value and at the timing following that timing. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 6.

9. The control unit sets the duty cycle such that the decrease in the duty cycle gradually increases from the timing when the duty cycle is set to the third value to the timing when the duty cycle is set to the second value. The vehicle light fixture according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned light source is used as a light source for daytime running lamps and clearance lamps. The control unit controls the duty cycle of the light source to change when it is lit as a daytime running lamp and when it is lit as a clearance lamp. The target value is the duty cycle value when the light source is lit as the clearance lamp. A vehicle light fixture according to claim 1.

11. A method for controlling a vehicle lighting device having a light source, A pulsed current is supplied to the light source to control its operation, and the duty cycle of the pulsed current can be modulated during this operation. When controlling the illumination of the light source during a predetermined period from the time the vehicle is unlocked remotely, in said illumination control, The steps include gradually increasing the duty cycle from an initial value (a first value) to a third value that exceeds a target value (a second value) which is greater than the first value, The steps include: reducing the duty cycle to the third value, and then reducing it to the second value, which is the target value; A method for controlling vehicle lighting fixtures, including [specific components / features].

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