Light control device

Abstract

A light control device according to the present disclosure comprises: a lever (1) having a rotation operation unit (12) and a switch operation unit (13); and a control device (2) for controlling the lighting state of lights (3, 4) on the basis of an input to the lever (1). The rotation operation unit (12) has an auto position which is set to enable an auto-write function. The lighting modes of the lights (3, 4) when setting the auto position include a first mode for activating the auto-write function and another mode for temporarily pausing the auto-write function. The control device (2): selects the first mode when setting the auto position; continuously selects the first mode even when the switch operation is performed once during the setting of the auto position; and selects another mode when the switch operation is repeated.

Description

Light control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a light control device for a vehicle equipped with an automatic light function.

[0002] Conventionally, there are known vehicle-mounted light control devices that have an automatic light function that automatically controls the light status according to the illuminance outside the vehicle. The automatic light function automatically turns off the lights when it is bright outside the vehicle and automatically turns them on when it is dark outside the vehicle. This function prevents the driver from forgetting to turn the lights on or off.

[0003] On the other hand, there are cases where a driver wants to manually control the lighting status of the headlights while the automatic headlight function is activated. For example, when parking or stopping in the dark, the driver may want to turn off the headlights to reduce battery consumption. To meet such needs, technologies that allow the automatic headlight function to be temporarily disabled have been studied. For example, there have been proposed controls that disable the automatic headlight function when an input operation is performed on a rotary switch, a push switch, or the like that has a built-in momentary mechanism, provided that the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-087268 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-062929 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-002370

[0005] However, conventional technology has the problem of being unable to prevent the automatic light function from being unintentionally disabled due to erroneous operation. For example, a driver resting in the car while parked at night may accidentally turn off the lights by touching the push switch with their hand or arm. Furthermore, future revisions to the safety standards for lights may require measures to prevent the automatic light function from being disabled due to erroneous operation as described above.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a light control device that can suppress erroneous operations related to disabling the automatic light function. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology.

[0007] The disclosed light control device can be realized as the following disclosed aspects (application examples) and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be selected as an additional aspect, and each of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is an aspect that can be omitted. None of the aspects from aspect 2 onwards is disclosed as an aspect or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0008] Aspect 1. The disclosed light control device is a light control device for a vehicle equipped with an automatic light function, and includes a lever having a rotation operation unit to which a rotation operation is input and a switch operation unit to which a switch operation is input, and a control device that controls the lighting state of the lights based on the input to the lever. The rotation operation unit has an auto position that is set to enable the automatic light function.

[0009] The light illumination modes when the auto position is set include a first mode that activates the auto light function and another mode that temporarily stops the auto light function. The control device selects the first mode when the auto position is set, continues to select the first mode even if the switch is operated once while the auto position is set, and selects the other mode if the switch is operated repeatedly.

[0010] Aspect 2. In the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the different modes include a second mode in which the headlights are turned off and the sidelights are turned on, and a third mode in which the headlights and the sidelights are turned off. Aspect 3. In an aspect including the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the control device periodically selects one of the lighting modes when the switch operation is repeated while the auto position is set.

[0011] Aspect 4. In aspects including the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the control device determines that the switch operation has been repeated when the interval time between the switch operations is equal to or less than a predetermined time. Aspect 5. In aspects including the above-mentioned Aspect 4, it is preferable that the control device confirms the selected lighting mode and controls the lighting state of the light when the interval time exceeds the predetermined time.

[0012] Aspect 6. In the aspect including Aspect 1 described above, it is preferable to further include a display device that displays the type of the selected lighting mode when the switch is operated while the auto position is set.

[0013] Aspect 7. In any aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the rotation operation unit is rotatably provided relative to a shaft-shaped lever main body, and that the lever main body has a first mark on the circumferential surface of the lever main body that indicates the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit corresponding to the auto position. It is also preferable that the rotation operation unit has a second mark on the circumferential surface of the rotation operation unit at a position adjacent to the first mark when the auto position is set, and a third mark corresponding to the different mode on an extension of a line connecting the first mark and the second mark when the auto position is set.

[0014] Aspect 8. In an aspect including the above aspect 1, it is preferable that the control device disables input to the switch operation unit when the auto position is not set. Aspect 9. In an aspect including the above aspect 1, it is preferable that the control device disables input to the switch operation unit when the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher.

[0015] According to the disclosed light control device, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations related to disabling the automatic light function.

[0016] 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle to which the light control device of the present invention is applied. (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a lever. (A) to (C) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lever shown in FIG. 2(A). (A) to (C) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lever shown in FIG. 2(B). A diagram illustrating an example of a display on a display device. A diagram illustrating changes in the display state of the option display section. A flowchart illustrating the flow of control by the control device. A time chart for explaining control actions, in which (A) shows switch operation, (B) shows the display content of the option display section, (C) shows the type of mode, (D) shows the display content of the status display section corresponding to (C), (E) shows the type of mode controlled by a method different from (C), and (F) shows the display content of the status display section corresponding to (E).

[0017] The disclosed light control device is applied to a vehicle shown in the following embodiment. This vehicle is equipped with an automatic light function. The automatic light function means a function that automatically controls the lighting state of the lights mounted on the vehicle in accordance with the illuminance outside the vehicle. The disclosed light control device controls the lighting state of the lights mounted on the vehicle and performs control to suppress erroneous operation related to disabling the automatic light function. Note that the type of vehicle and the type and number of lights are not important.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle to which a light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The vehicle is provided with headlights 3, sidelights 4, a display device 5, a vehicle speed sensor 6, and an illuminance sensor 7. The light control device for controlling the illumination state of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4 is also provided with a lever 1 and a control device 2.

[0019] The headlights 3 are lights (headlights, headlamps) that project light ahead of the vehicle and are arranged in pairs on the left and right at the front end of the vehicle. The headlights 3 can be switched between a low beam state (a state where they are turned on as passing headlights) that projects light onto the road surface at a relatively short distance, and a high beam state (a state where they are turned on as driving headlights) that projects light onto a relatively long distance. The sidelights 4 are lights (small lamps, positioning lamps, side lamps) that indicate the width of the vehicle to the outside and are arranged in pairs on the left and right at the front end of the vehicle, further outward in the vehicle width direction than the headlights 3.

[0020] The display device 5 displays information about the lighting status of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a head-up display (projector), etc. The display device 5 is provided on the instrument panel and is positioned in a location that is easily visible to the driver, for example, in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or on the dash panel. The vehicle speed sensor 6 is a sensor that detects the vehicle speed (vehicle traveling speed), and the illuminance sensor 7 is a sensor that detects the illuminance outside the vehicle. Information detected by these sensors is transmitted to the control device 2.

[0021] Lever 1 is a shaft-shaped member operated by the driver of the vehicle, and is an input device for inputting the driver's intention regarding the lighting status of headlights 3 and sidelights 4 to control device 2. Lever 1 is preferably located in a position where the driver can easily operate it while holding the steering wheel, and is provided, for example, in front of the steering wheel, extending from the steering column in the vehicle width direction.

[0022] Lever 1 can be used to input operations for controlling the lighting states of not only headlights 3 and sidelights 4 but also turn signals (winkers), fog lights, hazard lights, etc. In this embodiment, of the operations for controlling the lighting states of headlights 3 and sidelights 4, operations relating to the auto light function will be described in detail, and explanations of other operations will be omitted.

[0023] 2(A) and 2(B) show two examples of the configuration of the lever 1. Although the lever 1A in FIG. 2(A) has a different function from the lever 1B in FIG. 2(B), the structure is almost the same as the lever 1B. When it is not necessary to distinguish between these levers 1A and 1B for the purpose of explanation, both levers 1A and 1B will be simply referred to as lever 1.

[0024] The lever 1 is provided with a lever main body 11, a rotation operation unit 12, and a switch operation unit 13. The lever main body 11 is an axial portion located closer to the steering column than the rotation operation unit 12. The lever main body 11 is provided so as to be swingable in the front-to-rear and up-down directions, for example, around a base end portion on the steering column side. On the other hand, the lever main body 11 is provided so as not to be rotatable in the rotational direction about its central axis.

[0025] The rotary operation unit 12 is a portion where a rotary operation is input. The rotary operation unit 12 is disposed, for example, at the tip end of the lever 1 so as to be adjacent to the lever main body 11, and is provided so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the lever main body 11. The illumination state of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 is controlled by changing the rotation angle of the rotary operation unit 12 relative to the lever main body 11. The rotary operation unit 12 also has an auto position that is set to activate the auto light function. This auto position will be described later.

[0026] The auto light function of this embodiment performs control to automatically turn on the headlights 3 when the headlights 3 are off, the vehicle is not parked, and the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 7 is less than a first illuminance (e.g., 1000 [lx]). Also, when the headlights 3 are on, the auto light function performs control to automatically turn off the headlights 3 when the illuminance becomes equal to or greater than a second illuminance (e.g., 7000 [lx]). The parked state of the vehicle can be determined, for example, by the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 being less than a predetermined vehicle speed close to 0, or by the position of a shift lever (selector lever) of a transmission (not shown) being in the P range.

[0027] The switch operation unit 13 is a component through which switch operations are input. The switch operation unit 13 is disposed, for example, at the tip of the lever 1 adjacent to the rotation operation unit 12 and is configured to be capable of detecting a predetermined switch operation. The switch operation here includes, for example, a pressing operation along the central axis of the lever body 11, a pulling operation, a touch operation, and an approach operation (moving a hand or finger closer). The switch operation unit 13 also has a function of temporarily changing the illumination mode of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 when the auto position is set. Note that input to the switch operation unit 13 may be disabled when the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or above (not parked or stopped). In other words, input to the switch operation unit 13 may be enabled only when the vehicle is traveling (or parked or stopped) below a predetermined speed. This prevents erroneous operation, such as unintentionally disabling the auto light function while driving. Next, the illumination mode will be described in detail.

[0028] [2. Lighting Mode] Specific examples of lighting modes include a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The first mode is a mode in which the auto light function is activated. Immediately after the rotary operation unit 12 is rotated to set the auto position, this first mode is selected and the auto light function begins to operate. Furthermore, even if a switch operation is performed once while the auto position is being set, the first mode continues to be selected and the auto light function is maintained. The first mode is called, for example, an auto mode, an auto light mode, an AUTO mode, etc.

[0029] The second mode is a mode in which the automatic light function is temporarily stopped, in which the headlights 3 are turned off and the sidelights 4 are turned on. The second mode is a mode that can be selected only when the vehicle is stopped, such as when waiting at a traffic light or parking. If the vehicle starts to move while the second mode is active, the lighting mode automatically returns to the first mode. The second mode is called, for example, sidelight mode, small mode (small lamp mode), position mode (positioning lamp mode), POSI mode, etc.

[0030] The third mode is a mode in which the automatic light function is temporarily stopped and the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned off. Like the second mode, the third mode can only be selected when the vehicle is stopped. If the vehicle starts to move while the third mode is active, the lighting mode automatically returns to the first mode. The third mode is also called, for example, an off mode.

[0031] Here, the second mode and the third mode are collectively referred to as "another mode." The other mode is a mode used when the auto light function is temporarily disabled (temporarily stopped) when the vehicle is stopped. The other mode is used, for example, when it is dark outside the vehicle and you want to temporarily dim (or turn off) the headlights 3. The other mode is selected when the switch is operated repeatedly while the auto position is set. In other words, if the switch is operated only once while the auto position is set, the auto light function remains unchanged, but if the switch is operated multiple times while the vehicle is stopped, the auto light function can be temporarily disabled.

[0032] The standard lighting states in each mode in this embodiment are shown below. Note that even in the first mode, the headlights 3 will not be turned on if the environment outside the vehicle is sufficiently bright. The lighting states shown below are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the specific lighting states. For example, the first mode may be set so that both the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned on.

[0033]

[0034] [3. Auto Position] The auto position of the rotary operation unit 12 will be described. The auto position refers to a position among multiple rotational positions to which the rotary operation unit 12 can be moved, at which the auto light function can be enabled. The rotary operation unit 12 shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) can be rotated relative to the lever main body 11 in three stages, and an illumination state corresponding to each rotational position is realized. One of these positions is the position for enabling the auto light function. FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C) show the three rotational positions of the lever 1A in FIG. 2(A), and FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) show the three rotational positions of the lever 1B in FIG. 2(B).

[0035] A first mark 21, a fourth mark 24, and a fifth mark 25 are provided on the circumferential surface of the lever main body 11. Similarly, a second mark 22 and a third mark 23 are provided on the circumferential surface of the rotation operation unit 12. These marks 21 to 25 are, for example, printed or engraved on the surface of the lever 1, or affixed as stickers. The first mark 21 is a mark on the circumferential surface of the lever main body 11 that indicates the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 12 corresponding to the auto position. The first mark 21 shown in Figures 2(A) and (B) is labeled "AUTO," which means the auto position.

[0036] The second mark 22 is a mark for clearly indicating the relative rotational position of the rotation operating unit 12 with respect to the lever main body 11, and is placed on the circumferential surface of the rotation operating unit 12 at a position adjacent to the first mark 21 when the auto position is set. The second mark 22 shown in Fig. 2(A) is a schematic diagram of an incandescent bulb in a lit state, and the second mark 22 shown in Fig. 2(B) is a straight line (a diagram with the arrowhead omitted) pointing to the first mark 21.

[0037] The third mark 23 is a mark consisting of letters or symbols corresponding to another mode, and is provided on the peripheral surface of the rotary operation unit 12 so as to be aligned in the axial direction with the second mark 22. This third mark 23 is located on an extension of the line connecting the first mark 21 and the second mark 22 when the auto position is set. In other words, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A), the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 where the first mark 21, the second mark 22, and the third mark 23 are aligned in a line in the extension direction of the lever main body 11 is the auto position. The third mark 23 shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B) is a combination of the word "OFF" for the third mode (off mode) and a schematic diagram of the sidelights 4 for the second mode (positive mode).

[0038] The fourth mark 24 and the fifth mark 25 are marks indicating the rotation angle of the rotary operation unit 12 corresponding to an operation position other than the auto position. The fourth mark 24 is a mark indicating the "normal position," which is a rotation position for manually turning on the headlights 3 (e.g., to low beam). The fourth mark 24 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is a schematic diagram of the headlights 3. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the rotary operation unit 12 is rotated so that the fourth mark 24 and the second mark 22 are adjacent to each other, thereby controlling the headlights 3 to be manually turned on.

[0039] The fifth mark 25 shown in FIG. 2A is a mark indicating an "adaptive position," which is a rotational position for activating the adaptive function. The adaptive function is a function that automatically controls the orientation and illumination range of the headlight 3 in response to surrounding vehicles (leading vehicles, oncoming vehicles), the shape of road curves, and the like. The fifth mark 25 is configured by combining a schematic diagram of the headlight 3 with the letter "A," which represents the adaptive function. As shown in FIG. 3C, the adaptive function is activated by rotating the rotary operation unit 12 so that the fifth mark 25 and the second mark 22 are adjacent to each other.

[0040] The fifth mark 25 shown in Fig. 2(B) is a mark indicating an "off-position," which is a rotational position for manually turning off the headlights 3 (for example, turning off the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4, or turning on the sidelights 4 while keeping the headlights 3 off). This fifth mark 25 is substantially the same as the third mark 23. As shown in Fig. 4(C), by rotating the rotary operation unit 12 so that the fifth mark 25 and the second mark 22 are adjacent to each other, control for manually turning off the headlights 3 is performed.

[0041] The rotary operation unit 12 may or may not incorporate a momentary mechanism (self-return mechanism). The momentary mechanism is a mechanism that biases the rotary operation unit 12 so that when the rotary operation unit 12 is rotated, the rotation returns to a predetermined reference position. For example, when the rotary operation unit 12 is rotated until the fifth mark 25 and the second mark 22 are adjacent to each other, the rotary operation unit 12 may be biased until the first mark 21 and the second mark 22 are adjacent to each other, so that the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 automatically returns to the auto position.

[0042] [4. Control Device] The control device 2 is an electronic control device (computer) that controls the lighting state of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4 and the display content of the display device 5 based on input to the lever 1. The control device 2 incorporates a processor (central processing unit), memory (main memory), storage device, interface device, etc. The control content (control program) implemented by the control device 2 is stored in the memory or storage device, and the content is read into the processor and executed as appropriate.

[0043] 5 is a diagram showing the display contents of the display device 5 controlled by the control device 2. The display device 5 is provided with a status display section 31 and an option display section 32. The status display section 31 is an area where icons corresponding to the lighting states of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are displayed. Specific examples of icons displayed on the status display section 31 include an icon indicating that the auto light function is enabled, an icon indicating that the adaptive function is operating, an icon indicating that the headlights 3 are on, an icon indicating that the sidelights 4 are on, etc.

[0044] In this embodiment, the icon indicating that the auto light function is enabled is called the "auto status icon," the icon indicating that the headlights 3 are on is called the "headlight icon," and the icon indicating that the sidelights 4 are on is called the "sidelight icon." The auto status icon is formed by combining a schematic figure of the headlights 3 with the word "AUTO," which is derived from the English spelling of the auto light function. The headlight icon is a schematic figure of the headlights 3, and the sidelight icon is a schematic figure of the sidelights 4.

[0045] The option display section 32 is an area where the type of mode selected when changing the lighting mode is displayed. Icons corresponding to the first, second, and third modes are displayed in the option display section 32, and the icon corresponding to the selected mode is highlighted. For example, a symbol or arrow pointing to the icon corresponding to the selected mode may be additionally displayed, or the icon corresponding to the selected mode may be displayed brighter than the other icons.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5 , the icon corresponding to the first mode is formed, for example, as a typography of "AUTO," which is the English word for the auto light function. The icon corresponding to the second mode is formed, for example, as a combination of a diagram of two sidelights 4 and the English word for "POSI." The icon corresponding to the third mode is formed, for example, as a typography of "OFF," which is the English word for the off state. In this embodiment, the icon corresponding to the first mode is called the AUTO icon, the icon corresponding to the second mode is called the POSI icon, and the icon corresponding to the third mode is called the OFF icon.

[0047] Furthermore, the option display unit 32 is not displayed in situations where there is no possibility of changing the lighting mode. For example, the option display unit 32 is not displayed while the vehicle is moving. Furthermore, even when the vehicle is stopped, the option display unit 32 is not displayed if the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 is not set to the auto position or if no switch operation is performed. In this way, by displaying the option display unit 32 only during selection to change the lighting mode, a decrease in usability due to the provision of excessive information is suppressed.

[0048] With regard to the control of the auto light function, the control device 2 has a function of selecting the first mode and activating the auto light function when the auto position is set by rotating the rotary operation unit 12. For example, when the rotary operation unit 12 is rotated from the normal position to the auto position, the control device 2 selects the first mode. The control device 2 also displays an icon indicating that the auto light function is enabled on the status display unit 31 of the display device 5 and activates the auto light function. This starts control of the headlights 3 according to the illuminance outside the vehicle.

[0049] Furthermore, the control device 2 has a function of continuing to select the first mode even if a single switch operation is performed on the switch operation unit 13 while the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 is set to the auto position. In this case, the control device 2 displays on the option display unit 32 of the display device 5 that the first mode has been selected, and maintains the operating state of the auto light function. This prevents the auto light function from being disabled due to an erroneous operation.

[0050] Furthermore, the control device 2 has a function of selecting another mode when the switch operation unit 13 is repeatedly operated. For example, the control device 2 periodically selects one of all lighting modes included in the first mode and the other mode depending on the number of times the switch operation is repeated. Alternatively, the control device 2 selects only one of the other modes (the second mode or the third mode) that has been set in advance when the switch operation is repeated two or more times. This makes it easy to distinguish between an erroneous switch operation and an intentional switch operation.

[0051] The determination of whether a switch operation has been repeated is preferably based on the interval between switch operations. For example, if the interval from the previous switch operation is equal to or less than a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds), it may be determined that a switch operation has been repeated. Alternatively, if the interval from the first switch operation is equal to or less than a second predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to several tens of seconds), it may be determined that a switch operation has been repeated.

[0052] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the content displayed in the option display unit 32 when a switch operation is repeated. For example, when a switch operation is performed once while the auto position is set, an icon corresponding to the first mode is highlighted, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 6. If a switch operation is performed again within a predetermined time, for example, an icon corresponding to the second mode is highlighted, as shown in the center diagram of FIG. 6. If a switch operation is performed again within the predetermined time, an icon corresponding to the third mode is highlighted, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. Thereafter, each time a switch operation is performed again within the predetermined time, the icon to be highlighted periodically changes from the first mode, to the second mode, to the third mode, to the first mode, and so on.

[0053] When selecting the lighting mode as described above, the actual lighting states of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4 may be changed when each mode is selected. In this case, the driver's selection is immediately reflected in the actual lighting states, resulting in good control response. On the other hand, the actual lighting states may be changed when the switch operation is no longer repeated. For example, when a predetermined time has passed since the last switch operation, the type of mode selected at that time may be confirmed and the actual lighting states of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4 may be changed. In this case, flashing (sudden changes in lighting states) caused by repeated switch operation is suppressed, improving control stability and suppressing light deterioration.

[0054] The control device 2 may have a function to disable input to the switch operation unit 13 when the auto position is not set. In other words, when the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 is not set to the auto position, the lighting state of the lights may not be changed (nothing may happen) even if a switch operation is performed. In this case, the display device 5 may display a message to notify the driver that switch operations are disabled when the switch operation is not in the auto position. In this way, by accepting switch operations only when the auto position is set, the role of the switch operation unit 13 becomes clear, and a user-friendly operating environment that is easy for the driver to understand and less likely to cause confusion is realized.

[0055] [5. Flowchart] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control device 2. The flow shown in Figure 7 is repeatedly executed by the control device 2 at a predetermined cycle when the vehicle is stopped (for example, when the vehicle is traveling (or parked) at a speed less than a predetermined speed, or when the selector lever is in the P range). In step A1, it is determined whether a switch operation has been performed on the switch operation unit 13. If this condition is not met, the control ends, and step A1 is executed again in the next control cycle. If the condition of step A1 is met, the process proceeds to step A2.

[0056] In step A2, it is determined whether the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 is the auto position. If this condition is not met, the process proceeds to step A3, where a message "Switch operation in a position other than the auto position is invalid" is displayed on the display device 5, and the control ends. If the condition of step A2 is met, the process proceeds to step A4. In step A4, the first mode is selected by the control device 2, and the option display section 32 is displayed on the display device 5, with the AUTO icon corresponding to the first mode being highlighted in the option display section 32. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step A5.

[0057] In step A5, it is determined whether another switch operation has been performed within a predetermined time following the switch operation detected in step A1. If this condition is not met, the process proceeds to step A6, where the control device 2 confirms the first mode and the contents of the option display unit 32 are erased and hidden. Furthermore, the status display unit 31 displays an icon indicating that the auto light function is enabled. Confirming the first mode means that the auto light function is activated again (or remains activated). For example, if it is dark outside the vehicle, the headlights 3 are turned on and the sidelights 4 are turned off. Correspondingly, the status display unit 31 displays the icon for the headlights 3 and hides the icon for the sidelights 4.

[0058] If the condition of step A5 is met, the process proceeds to step A7. Here, it is determined that the switch operation has been repeated within a predetermined time, that is, it is determined that the switch operation has been intentionally repeated rather than by mistake. In step A7, the second mode is selected by the control device 2, and the POSI icon corresponding to the second mode is highlighted in the option display section 32. Then, the process proceeds to step A8.

[0059] In step A8, it is determined whether another switch operation has been performed within a predetermined time after the switch operation detected in step A5. If this condition is not met, the process proceeds to step A9, where the control device 2 confirms the second mode and the contents of the option display unit 32 are erased and no longer displayed. By confirming the second mode, the headlights 3 are turned off and the sidelights 4 are turned on. Furthermore, in the status display unit 31, the icon for the headlights 3 is hidden and the icon for the sidelights 4 is displayed.

[0060] If the condition of step A8 is met, the process proceeds to step A10. Here, it is determined that the switch operation has been further repeated within the predetermined time, that is, it is determined that the intentional repetition of the switch operation is continuing. In step A10, the third mode is selected by the control device 2, and the OFF icon corresponding to the third mode is highlighted in the option display section 32. Then, the process proceeds to step A11.

[0061] In step A11, it is determined whether or not another switch operation has been performed within a predetermined time following the switch operation detected in step A8. If this condition is not met, the process proceeds to step A12, where the control device 2 confirms the third mode and the contents of the option display unit 32 are erased and no longer displayed. By confirming the third mode, the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned off. Furthermore, the icons for the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are no longer displayed in the status display unit 31.

[0062] If the condition of step A11 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step A4, where the first mode is selected again. In this way, as long as the switch operation is repeated within a predetermined time, one of the first mode, second mode, and third mode continues to be selected cyclically. When the driver stops operating the switch and a predetermined time has passed, the mode selected at that time is confirmed, and the illumination states of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are controlled to correspond to that mode, and the display content of the display device 5 is also controlled.

[0063] [6. Time Chart] Figures 8(A) to 8(F) are time charts for explaining the control operation, in which (A) shows switch operation, (B) shows the display content of the option display unit 32, (C) shows the type of mode, and (D) shows the display content of the status display unit 31 corresponding to (C). Also, Figure 8(E) shows the type of mode controlled by a method different from that of Figure 8(C), and Figure 8(F) shows the display content of the status display unit 31 corresponding to this Figure 8(E). Here, it is assumed that the vehicle is in a stopped state (e.g., the vehicle is traveling (or parked) at a speed less than a predetermined speed, or the selector lever is in the P range), and the rotary operation unit 12 is set to the auto position. The status display unit 31 of the display device 5 displays an auto state icon and a headlight icon. The option display unit 32 is not displayed initially.

[0064] Time t １ When a switch operation to the switch operation unit 13 is detected at time t (see FIG. 8A), the first mode is selected, the option display unit 32 is displayed, and the AUTO icon corresponding to the first mode is highlighted (see FIG. 8B). １A predetermined time P has elapsed since the time t ２ If no switch operation is detected during this time, the selected first mode is confirmed and the option display section 32 is again hidden. A single switch operation will maintain the first mode without changing it (see FIG. 8(C)). Therefore, the display content of the status display section 31 will also remain unchanged (see FIG. 8(D)).

[0065] Also, at time t ３ When a switch operation is detected at time t ３ Time t before a predetermined time P has elapsed from ４ When the switch operation is repeated at time t, the second mode is selected and the POSI icon corresponding to the second mode is highlighted in the option display section 32 (see FIG. 8(B)). ４ A predetermined time P has elapsed since the time t ５ If no switch operation is detected during this time, the selected second mode is confirmed (see FIG. 8(C)), the headlights 3 are turned off, and the sidelights 4 are turned on. The status display unit 31 displays the auto status icon and the sidelight icon. ５ At this point, the option display section 32 is again hidden.

[0066] Next, at time t ６ and time t ７ The same control is performed when the switch operation is repeated at time t ６ The first mode is selected at time t ７ At time t, the second mode is selected, but since these modes are not determined, the second mode is maintained. ７ Time t before a predetermined time P has elapsed from ８ When the switch operation is repeated again at time t, the third mode is selected and the OFF icon corresponding to the third mode is highlighted in the option display section 32 (see FIG. 8(B)). ８ A predetermined time P has elapsed since the time t ９If no switch operation is detected within this time, the selected third mode is confirmed (see FIG. 8(C)), and the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned off. Only the auto mode icon is displayed on the status display unit 31. ９ At this point, the option display section 32 is again hidden.

[0067] Furthermore, at time t １０ When a switch operation is detected at time t １ ~t ２ As in the case of time t, the first mode is selected and the AUTO icon corresponding to the first mode is highlighted. At this time, the first mode is merely selected and not confirmed, so the third mode is maintained. １０ A predetermined time P has elapsed since the time t １１ If no switch operation is detected during this time, the selected first mode is confirmed. １ The state is the same as before (see FIG. 8(D)).

[0068] 8(C) and (D) show an example in which the type of lighting mode selected at that time is confirmed when a predetermined time P has elapsed since the last switch operation. On the other hand, FIG. 8(E) and (F) show an example in which the lighting mode is selected and confirmed each time a switch operation is performed. In this case, at time t ４ and time t ７ At the time when the switch is operated for the second time, the second mode is established (see FIG. 8(E)), the headlights 3 are turned off, and the sidelights 4 are turned on. ８ When the switch is operated a third time, the third mode is established (see FIG. 8(E)), and the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned off.

[0069] This type of control improves control response because the driver's switch operation selection is immediately reflected in the actual lighting status. However, as shown in Figures 8(D) and 8(F), the lighting status of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4 changes immediately in response to the switch operation, and the display content of the status display unit 31 also changes each time. Therefore, from the viewpoints of control stability and prevention of deterioration of the headlights 3 and sidelights 4, the control shown in Figures 8(C) and 8(D) is considered to be more advantageous.

[0070] [7. Effects] (1) The light control device according to this embodiment is a light control device for a vehicle equipped with an automatic light function, and includes a lever 1 having a rotation operation unit 12 to which a rotation operation is input and a switch operation unit 13 to which a switch operation is input, and a control device 2 that controls the lighting state of the lights (headlights 3, sidelights 4) based on the input to the lever 1. The rotation operation unit 12 has an auto position that is set to activate the automatic light function.

[0071] The light illumination modes when the auto position is set include a first mode that activates the auto light function and other modes (second mode and third mode) that temporarily disable the auto light function. The control device 2 selects the first mode when the auto position is set, and continues to select the first mode even if a switch operation is performed once while the auto position is set, and selects another mode if the switch operation is further repeated.

[0072] In this way, if a switch operation is performed while the auto position is set, the first lighting mode is selected, thereby preventing erroneous operation related to switching of lighting modes. Also, since the number of switch operations required to switch from the first mode to another mode is reduced to two, the driver's operating intention can be accurately understood, improving the convenience of the light.

[0073] Furthermore, future revisions to the safety standards for lights may require that the operation for disabling the automatic light function be made more complex (for example, requiring two or more operations or a long press operation). On the other hand, with the light control device according to this embodiment, at least two or more switch operations are required to disable the automatic light function, so that control that satisfies the safety standards can be provided.

[0074] (2) The above-mentioned separate modes may include a second mode in which the headlights 3 are turned off and the sidelights 4 are turned on, and a third mode in which the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 are turned off. For example, if the driver wishes to turn off the headlights 3 while waiting at a traffic light, the driver can select the second mode, thereby making the vehicle's presence known while also providing consideration for preventing glare to oncoming vehicles. Furthermore, for example, if the driver wishes to turn off the headlights 3 while parking, the driver can select the third mode, thereby reducing battery consumption. In this way, by providing multiple separate modes and increasing the number of options, the driver can increase the convenience of the light while reducing operational errors when switching between lighting modes.

[0075] (3) When the switch operation is repeated while the control device 2 is set to the auto position, the control device 2 can periodically select one of the lighting modes. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, when the switch operation is repeated, the lighting mode selection is switched in the order of "first mode → second mode → third mode → first mode...". By periodically selecting the lighting mode in this way, the driver can reliably select the lighting mode intended by the driver, which can prevent erroneous mode switching and improve the convenience of the light.

[0076] The order in which the lighting modes are selected does not matter, and for example, the selection of the lighting modes may be switched in the order of "first mode → third mode → second mode → first mode...". Furthermore, if there is only one different mode, the selection of the lighting modes may be switched in the order of "first mode → different mode → first mode...".

[0077] (4) The control device 2 can determine that a switch operation has been repeated if the interval between switch operations is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time. This configuration makes it easy to determine whether a switch operation has been repeated based on a single switch operation on the switch operation unit 13. This makes it possible to intuitively understand the operation of switching between lighting modes, thereby reducing erroneous mode switching and improving the convenience of the light.

[0078] It should be noted that a possible method for determining whether a switch operation is repeated without depending on the interval time is to determine the end of the switch operation based on an input operation to another input device (not shown) (as long as there is no such input operation, it is determined that the switch operation is being repeated regardless of the length of the interval time).

[0079] (5) When the interval time exceeds a predetermined time, the control device 2 can confirm the selected lighting mode and control the lighting states of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4. This can prevent fluctuations in the lighting states of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 when the lighting mode has not been confirmed, as shown in Figures 8(C) and 8(D). This can improve the stability of control and prevent deterioration of the headlights 3 and the sidelights 4 due to frequent on / off switching.

[0080] (6) The above-described light control device can be provided with a display device 5 that displays the type of lighting mode selected when a switch is operated to set the auto position. The display device 5 is provided with an option display section 32, as shown in Fig. 5, for example. The option display section 32 highlights an icon (AUTO icon, POSI icon, OFF icon) corresponding to the selected lighting mode.

[0081] In this way, by displaying the selected lighting mode on the display device 5, the driver can clearly understand the selected lighting mode, which can prevent erroneous mode switching and improve the convenience of the lights. Also, by displaying the lighting mode before confirmation on the option display unit 32, the driver can check the change in the selection while looking at the display without changing the actual lighting state, and it is possible to smartly prevent switching to the wrong lighting mode.

[0082] (7) In the above embodiment, the rotation operation unit 12 is rotatably provided relative to the shaft-shaped lever main body 11. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the lever main body 11 has a first mark 21 on its circumferential surface that indicates the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 12 corresponding to the auto position. The rotation operation unit 12 also has a second mark 22 and a third mark 23 on its circumferential surface. The second mark 22 is located adjacent to the first mark 21 when the auto position is set. On the other hand, the third mark 23 is a mark corresponding to another mode, and is located on an extension of the straight line connecting the first mark 21 and the second mark 22 when the auto position is set.

[0083] With this configuration, it is possible to clearly inform the driver that switching from the first mode to another mode (the second mode or the third mode) can be performed only when the first mark 21, the second mark 22, and the third mark 23 are aligned in a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to prevent mode switching due to an erroneous operation and to improve the convenience of the light.

[0084] (8) The control device 2 can disable input to the switch operation unit 13 when the auto position is not set. For example, if the rotation position of the rotary operation unit 12 is not set to the auto position, the lighting state of the lights can be prevented from changing (nothing can happen) even if a switch operation is performed. In this way, by accepting a switch operation only when the auto position is set, the role of the switch operation unit 13 becomes clear, and a user-friendly operating environment that is easy for the driver to understand and less likely to cause confusion can be realized.

[0085] (9) The control device 2 can disable input to the switch operation unit 13 when the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher. In other words, input to the switch operation unit 13 can be enabled only when the vehicle is traveling (or parked) at a speed lower than the predetermined speed. This configuration can prevent erroneous operation that would unintentionally disable the auto light function while the vehicle is traveling, and can stably maintain the active auto light function.

[0086] [8. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected or combined as needed.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a control configuration including a second mode (positive mode) and a third mode (off mode) as separate modes has been exemplified, but only one of the separate modes may be provided, or other modes different from these may be provided. For example, a fourth mode may be provided that is used when it is desired to temporarily turn on the headlights 3 when the vehicle is stopped and it is bright outside (a state in which the headlights 3 are turned off by the automatic light function). The separate mode in this case may be a mode that temporarily stops the automatic light function, and the specific control content and the type of light to be controlled may be changed as appropriate.

[0088] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of light control devices mounted on vehicles, and also applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicles mounted with light control devices.

[0089] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Lever 2 Control device 3 Headlight (light) 4 Sidelight (light) 5 Display device 6 Vehicle speed sensor 7 Illuminance sensor 11 Lever main body 12 Rotation operation unit 13 Switch operation unit 21 First mark 22 Second mark 23 Third mark 24 Fourth mark 25 Fifth mark 31 Status display unit 32 Option display unit

Claims

1. A light control device for a vehicle equipped with an auto light function, comprising: a lever having a rotation operation unit to which a rotation operation is input and a switch operation unit to which a switch operation is input; and a control device that controls the light illumination state based on the input to the lever, wherein the rotation operation unit has an auto position that is set to activate the auto light function, and the light illumination modes when the auto position is set include a first mode that activates the auto light function and another mode that temporarily stops the auto light function, and the control device selects the first mode when the auto position is set, continues to select the first mode even if the switch operation is performed once while the auto position is set, and selects the other mode when the switch operation is repeated.

2. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the different modes include a second mode in which the headlights are turned off and the width lights are turned on, and a third mode in which the headlights and the width lights are turned off.

3. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device periodically selects one of the lighting modes when the switch operation is repeated while the auto position is set.

4. The light control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device determines that the switch operation has been repeated when the interval time between the switch operations is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

5. The light control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the interval time exceeds the predetermined time, the control device confirms the selected lighting mode and controls the lighting state of the light.

6. A light control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display device which displays the type of lighting mode selected when the switch is operated while the auto position is set.

7. A light control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the rotation operating unit is rotatably provided relative to an axial lever main body, the lever main body has a first mark on the circumferential surface of the lever main body indicating a rotation angle of the rotation operating unit corresponding to the auto position, and the rotation operating unit has a second mark on the circumferential surface of the rotation operating unit at a position adjacent to the first mark when the auto position is set, and has a third mark corresponding to the different mode on an extension of a straight line connecting the first mark and the second mark when the auto position is set.

8. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device disables input to the switch operation unit when the auto position is not set.

9. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device disables input to the switch operation unit when the vehicle is traveling at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed.