Aiming adjustment device, lamp system, aiming adjustment system, aiming adjustment method, program, and computer-readable recording medium storing same

Abstract

An aiming adjustment device 20 comprises: a signal generation unit 202 for generating a control signal Sc for controlling operation of a first actuator 14a for adjusting an emission direction in a first direction, and operation of a second actuator 14b for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction; and a switching circuit 220 connected to a power supply voltage node and provided so as to be connectable to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b. The switching circuit 220 is configured such that, when connected to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b, the actuator to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit 220 can be switched between the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b.

Description

Aiming adjustment device, lighting system, aiming adjustment system, aiming adjustment method, program, and computer-readable recording medium storing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an aiming adjustment device, a lighting system, an aiming adjustment system, an aiming adjustment method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Vehicles are equipped with vehicle lighting fixtures such as headlight lamps, and when the vehicle lighting fixtures are installed on the vehicle, it is necessary to adjust the direction in which the light is emitted.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lamp having an aiming mechanism that tilts and adjusts the optical axis of a light source unit. The aiming mechanism has a screw for tilting left and right or up and down, which rotates to adjust the optical axis of the light source unit.

[0004] JP 2023-91110 A

[0005] However, the present inventors have come to recognize the following problem: In the technology described in Patent Document 1, adjusting the optical axis of the light source unit requires an operator to rotate the screw, and the optical axis cannot be adjusted easily.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technique that enables easy adjustment of the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an aiming adjustment device for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp. The aiming adjustment device includes a signal generating unit that generates control signals for controlling the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction, and a switching circuit that is connected to a power supply voltage node and is connectable to the first actuator and the second actuator. When connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the switching circuit is configured to switch between the first actuator and the second actuator as the actuator to which power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit.

[0008] According to this aspect, the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator can be controlled by a control signal generated by a single signal generating unit, making it possible to easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp.

[0009] The switching circuit may include a first switch located between a power supply voltage node and the first actuator when connected to the first actuator and a second switch located between the power supply voltage node and the second actuator, and when the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the power supply voltage may be supplied to the first actuator when the first switch is on and the second switch is off, and the power supply voltage may be supplied to the second actuator when the first switch is off and the second switch is on.

[0010] When the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the signal generating unit may transmit a control signal to one of the first actuator and the second actuator that is supplied with power supply voltage from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit.

[0011] The aiming adjustment device may further include a controller that generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal. The signal generator may have a D / A converter. The D / A converter may generate a control signal according to the PWM signal.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a lighting system that may include the above-described aiming adjustment device, a vehicle lighting device, a first actuator connected to a switching circuit, and a second actuator connected to the switching circuit.

[0013] The first actuator may be provided to adjust the emission direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle, and the second actuator may be provided to adjust the emission direction in the horizontal direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle.

[0014] The first actuator may include a first DC (Direct Current) motor, and the second actuator may include a second DC motor.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is an aiming adjustment device for adjusting a light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle lamp emits light to form a light distribution pattern. The aiming adjustment device controls the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction, based on a result of detecting characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp.

[0016] According to this aspect, the worker can easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp without having to perform work such as adjusting an aiming screw.

[0017] The aiming adjustment device may control the operation of the first actuator and the operation of the second actuator according to a difference between a feature detected from the light distribution pattern and a feature of a reference light distribution pattern.

[0018] The aiming adjustment device may include a controller and a D / A converter. The controller may generate a PWM signal based on the result. The D / A converter may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the first actuator or the second actuator in response to the PWM signal.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a lighting system that may include the above-described aiming adjustment device, a vehicle lighting device, a first actuator, and a second actuator.

[0020] The first direction may be a vertical direction of the vehicle, and the second direction may be a horizontal direction of the vehicle.

[0021] The first actuator may include a first DC motor, and the second actuator may include a second DC motor.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is an aiming adjustment system. This aiming adjustment system may include the above-mentioned lamp system and a detection device that detects characteristics of a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp and transmits information to an aiming adjustment device for adjusting the emission direction in accordance with the detection results. The aiming adjustment device may control the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator based on the information.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is an aiming adjustment method in which a computer adjusts a light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle. The aiming adjustment method includes the vehicle lamp emitting light to form a light distribution pattern. The aiming adjustment method includes the computer controlling, based on a result of detection of characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp, the operation of a first actuator to adjust the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator to adjust the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0024] According to this aspect, the worker can easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp without having to perform work such as adjusting an aiming screw.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute an aiming adjustment method for adjusting a light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle, the aiming adjustment method including controlling the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction, based on a result of detecting characteristics of a light distribution pattern formed by emitting light from the vehicle lamp.

[0026] According to this aspect, the worker can easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp without having to perform work such as adjusting an aiming screw.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that may store the above-described program.

[0028] Any combination of the above components, and any transformation of the present invention into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that allows the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp to be easily adjusted.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an aiming adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle lamp and a first actuator according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a detection device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations in the aiming adjustment system according to the embodiment, from when the vehicle lamp forms a light distribution pattern to when the aiming adjustment device stores information for adjusting the emission direction of light from the vehicle lamp. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations for adjusting the emission direction of light from the vehicle lamp in the lighting system according to the embodiment.

[0031] (Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in the description of the drawings, identical elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Note that in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used for each of the multiple components. For example, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b, they will simply be referred to as "actuator 14." Furthermore, the configurations described below are examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0032] In this specification, the phrase "component A is connected to component B" includes not only a case where component A and component B are directly physically connected to each other, but also a case where component A and component B are indirectly connected to each other via other components that do not substantially affect the electrical connection state between them or that do not impair the function or effect achieved by their combination.

[0033] Similarly, "part C is provided (located) between part A and part B" includes not only cases where parts A and C, or parts B and C, are directly connected to each other, but also cases where they are indirectly connected to each other via other parts that do not substantially affect the electrical connection state between them or that do not impair the function or effect achieved by their combination.

[0034] 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an aiming adjustment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The aiming adjustment system 1 according to this embodiment includes a lighting device 10, an aiming adjustment device 20 (computer), and a detection device 30. The aiming adjustment system 1 is configured to be able to adjust the emission direction of light L from a vehicle lamp based on the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp of the lighting device 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the lighting device 10 and the aiming adjustment device 20 constitute a lighting system 3, which is mounted on a vehicle 2. The aiming adjustment device 20 and the detection device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit and receive various types of information to and from each other. The aiming adjustment device 20 and the detection device 30 may be connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0036] 2 is a block diagram of the lighting system 3 according to this embodiment. In the following description, the lighting system 3 will be described as being mounted on a vehicle 2.

[0037] The lighting device 10 includes various components, specifically a vehicle lamp 12, a first actuator 14a, and a second actuator 14b. The lighting device 10 is provided on each of the right and left sides of the vehicle 2, but both can be configured in the same way.

[0038] The vehicular lamp 12 emits light L to form a light distribution pattern. The vehicular lamp 12 according to this embodiment constitutes a headlight lamp. The vehicular lamp 12 may form, for example, a high beam light distribution pattern or a low beam light distribution pattern. The emission direction of the light L from the vehicular lamp 12 is adjusted by a first actuator 14a and a second actuator 14b.

[0039] The first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b are each connected to the vehicle lamp 12 so as to be able to adjust the emission direction of the light L from the vehicle lamp 12. The first actuator 14a is capable of adjusting the emission direction of the light L from the vehicle lamp 12 in a first direction. The second actuator 14b is capable of adjusting the emission direction of the light L from the vehicle lamp 12 in a second direction different from the first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle 2, and the second direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle 2. The first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b are each static leveling actuators, and are configured to maintain the emission direction after adjusting the emission direction.

[0040] The first actuator 14 a and the second actuator 14 b according to this embodiment each include a DC motor (first DC motor and second DC motor), which allows the first actuator 14 a and the second actuator 14 b to be configured at lower cost than when using, for example, a brushless motor.

[0041] The DC motor of the actuator 14 is provided with a shaft that is movable in the longitudinal direction in response to the drive of the DC motor. The vehicle lamp 12 is configured so that the emission direction of the light L from the vehicle lamp 12 is adjusted in response to the amount of movement of the shaft. Therefore, the emission direction of the light L from the vehicle lamp 12 can be adjusted by controlling the operation of each of the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b.

[0042] The actuator 14 is provided with a power supply terminal 140, a signal terminal 142, and a ground terminal 144. The actuator 14 is operable when a power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to the power supply terminal 140. A reference voltage (ground) is supplied to the ground terminal 144. The actuator 14 according to this embodiment moves the shaft by an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the voltage of a control signal Sc input to the signal terminal 142.

[0043] For example, actuator 14 may maximize the amount of shaft movement when the control signal Sc is 10% of the power supply voltage Vdd, and minimize the amount of shaft movement when the control signal Sc is 90% of the power supply voltage Vdd. Furthermore, when the control signal Sc is higher than 10% and lower than 90% of the power supply voltage Vdd, the amount of shaft movement may change linearly with changes in the power supply voltage Vdd.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle lamp 12 and the first actuator 14a according to this embodiment.

[0045] The vehicle lamp 12 has various components, specifically a light source 120, a control unit 122, a reflector 124, a fixing unit 126, and a transmission unit 128. Here, the light source 120, the reflector 124, and the transmission unit 128 are coupled to each other so as to be displaceable as a unit.

[0046] The light source 120 emits light for forming a light distribution pattern. The light source 120 may include, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The rear end of the light source 120 is connected to a reflector 124.

[0047] The control unit 122 controls the light source 120. The control unit 122 may control, for example, turning on and off the light source 120.

[0048] The reflector 124 is provided around the light source 120 so as to reflect the light emitted from the light source 120. The light reflected by the reflector 124 forms a light distribution pattern.

[0049] The fixing portion 126 is provided to fix the reflector 124 to the vehicle 2. The fixing portion 126 according to this embodiment is configured to extend in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the fixing portion 126 is connected to the reflector 124. The reflector 124 is rotatable about a connection point CP with the fixing portion 126. The rear end of the fixing portion 126 is connected to the vehicle 2, so that the reflector 124 is fixed to the vehicle 2 via the fixing portion 126.

[0050] The transmission part 128 is provided to transmit the driving force from the first actuator 14a to the reflector 124. The front end of the transmission part 128 is connected to the underside of the reflector 124.

[0051] The first actuator 14a includes various components, specifically a motor 150 and a shaft 152. The motor 150 may be any of various known motors, but the motor 150 according to this embodiment is a DC motor. The first actuator 14a is configured such that a shaft 152 extending in the longitudinal direction moves in the longitudinal direction in response to the driving of the motor 150. One end of the shaft 152 is connected to the rear end of the transmission unit 128. As a result, a driving force is transmitted to the transmission unit 128 in response to the longitudinal movement of the shaft 152. At this time, the reflector 124 and the transmission unit 128 rotate in the vertical direction around a rotation axis R that passes through the connection point CP and is parallel to the left-right direction. As a result, the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 is adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0052] The accuracy of adjusting the light emission direction is not particularly limited, but the emission direction may be adjusted, for example, so that it falls within ±0.15° of the target angle in both the up / down and left / right directions.

[0053] 3 shows an example of the first actuator 14a, but the second actuator 14b can be configured in the same manner as the first actuator 14a. In this case, a transmission unit for the second actuator 14b may be provided on either the left or right side of the reflector 124. The second actuator 14b transmits a driving force to the reflector 124 via the transmission unit, causing the reflector 124 to rotate in the left-right direction. This allows the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 to be adjusted in the left-right direction.

[0054] Returning to Fig. 2, the configuration and function of the aiming adjustment device 20 will be described. The aiming adjustment device 20 adjusts the emission direction of light L from the vehicle lamp 12, and more specifically, controls the operation of the first actuator 14a and the operation of the second actuator 14b based on the results of detecting the characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp 12. More specifically, the aiming adjustment device 20 controls the operation of the first actuator 14a and the operation of the second actuator 14b in accordance with the difference between the characteristics detected from a light distribution pattern (described later) and the characteristics of a reference light distribution pattern.

[0055] The aiming adjustment device 20 according to this embodiment may include, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). More specifically, the aiming adjustment device 20 may include various components, specifically a controller 200, a D / A converter 202 (signal generating unit), a switching circuit 220, a power supply 240, a communication unit 242, and a storage unit 244. The aiming adjustment device 20 may include a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The microcomputer may implement some or all of the functions of the controller 200 and the storage unit 244.

[0056] The power supply 240 supplies a power supply voltage Vdd. The power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to, for example, a power supply voltage node VDD.

[0057] The communication unit 242 is a communication interface configured to be able to send and receive various types of information. The communication unit 242 may receive, for example, data D from the detection device 30, including information for adjusting the emission direction of the light L of the vehicular lamp 12 (hereinafter also referred to as "adjustment information"). The adjustment information may include first adjustment information for adjusting the emission direction of the light L of the vehicular lamp 12 in a first direction (up and down direction), and second adjustment information for adjusting the emission direction of the light L of the vehicular lamp 12 in a second direction (left and right direction).

[0058] The adjustment information may include information indicating a deviation (angle) from a target angle of the emission direction of the light L of the vehicular lamp 12. More specifically, the first adjustment information may include information indicating a deviation of the emission direction from the target angle in a first direction (vertical direction), and the second adjustment information may include information indicating a deviation of the emission direction from the target angle in a second direction (horizontal direction).

[0059] The storage unit 244 stores various types of information. The storage unit 244 may be configured with a device capable of storing various types of known information. The storage unit 244 may store, for example, data D received by the communication unit 242 and a program for implementing the operation of the controller 200.

[0060] The switching circuit 220 is connected to the power supply voltage node VDD and is connectable to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b. When the switching circuit 220 is connected to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b, the switching circuit 220 is configured to be able to switch between the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b as the actuator to which the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied from the power supply voltage node VDD via the switching circuit 220. In the following description, it is assumed that the switching circuit 220 is connected to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b.

[0061] The switching circuit 220 includes various components, specifically a first switch 222 and a second switch 224. The first switch 222 is located between the power supply voltage node VDD and the first actuator 14a (specifically, the power supply terminal 140a). The second switch 224 is located between the power supply voltage node VDD and the second actuator 14b (specifically, the power supply terminal 140b).

[0062] In this embodiment, the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to one of the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b by turning on one of the first switch 222 and the second switch 224 and turning off the other. For example, when the first switch 222 is on and the second switch 224 is off, the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to the first actuator 14a (more specifically, the power supply terminal 140a). Also, when the first switch 222 is off and the second switch 224 is on, the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to the second actuator 14b (more specifically, the power supply terminal 140b).

[0063] The controller 200 controls the operation of the D / A converter 202 based on the adjustment information. For example, the controller 200 generates a PWM signal Sp for reducing the deviation of the emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 from a target angle based on the adjustment information. The PWM signal Sp is transmitted to the D / A converter 202. The controller 200 may also generate a control signal Ssw for controlling the on / off of a first switch 222 and a second switch 224 included in the switching circuit 220.

[0064] The D / A converter 202 is provided between a power supply voltage node VDD, to which a power supply voltage Vdd is supplied from a power supply 240, and a ground node GND, which is at a reference voltage. The D / A converter 202 generates a control signal Sc for controlling the operation of the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b. The control signal Sc according to this embodiment is a signal corresponding to (converted from) the PWM signal Sp. The control signal Sc may be, for example, a voltage that is 10% to 90% of the power supply voltage Vdd.

[0065] The D / A converter 202 according to this embodiment transmits a control signal Sc to one of the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b, which is supplied with the power supply voltage Vdd from the power supply voltage node VDD via the switching circuit 220. As a result, the actuator supplied with the power supply voltage Vdd operates in accordance with the control signal Sc.

[0066] 2 shows one lighting device 10, the aiming adjustment device 20 may be configured to adjust the light emission direction of a plurality of lighting devices. For example, the aiming adjustment device 20 may be configured to adjust the light emission direction of both left and right vehicle lighting devices. In this case, the aiming adjustment device 20 may have a switching circuit for each of the left and right lighting devices, and transmit a control signal to each actuator via the switching circuit.

[0067] 4 is a block diagram of the detection device 30 according to this embodiment. The detection device 30 detects the characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp 12, and transmits information (adjustment information) for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 according to the detection results to the aiming adjustment device 20. The detection device 30 according to this embodiment is configured to receive the light distribution pattern formed by light L from the vehicle lamp 12, detect the characteristics of the light distribution pattern, and generate data D including the adjustment information.

[0068] The detection device 30 according to this embodiment includes a light receiving unit 32, a processing unit 34, a communication unit 36, and a storage unit 38. The detection device 30 may include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

[0069] The light receiving unit 32 is configured to receive a light distribution pattern formed by the light L emitted from the vehicle lamp 12 and generate an electrical signal Sr indicating the shape of the light distribution pattern. The light receiving unit 32 may include various known light receiving elements. The electrical signal Sr is transmitted to the processing unit 34.

[0070] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lamp 12 according to this embodiment. The light distribution pattern P includes a left-side light distribution pattern PL formed by the left-side vehicle lamp and a right-side light distribution pattern PR formed by the right-side vehicle lamp. The left-side light distribution pattern PL includes a cutoff line CL1 and an elbow point EP1, and the right-side light distribution pattern PR includes a cutoff line CL2 and an elbow point EP2. Such a light distribution pattern P is received by the light receiving unit 32.

[0071] 4, the processing unit 34 of the detection device 30 will be described. The processing unit 34 executes various processes based on the light reception results of the light receiving unit 32, and includes a detection unit 340 and a generation unit 342. The functions of the processing unit 34 may be realized by a CPU.

[0072] The detection unit 340 detects the characteristics of the light distribution pattern based on the light reception result (electrical signal Sr) of the light distribution pattern by the light receiving unit 32. For example, the detection unit 340 may detect the position of an elbow point of the light distribution pattern, the position and inclination of a cutoff line, etc. The detection result by the detection unit 340 is transmitted to the generation unit 342.

[0073] The generation unit 342 generates adjustment information based on the detection results by the detection unit 340. The generated adjustment information is transmitted to the communication unit 36 ​​and the storage unit 38. For example, the generation unit 342 may compare the detected features with features of a reference light distribution pattern and generate adjustment information according to the comparison results (e.g., a difference between the features). For example, the generation unit 342 may compare the position of the detected elbow point with the position of the elbow point of the reference light distribution pattern and generate adjustment information indicating a deviation in the emission direction of the light L of the vehicular lamp according to the difference. Note that the generation unit 342 can generate adjustment information for each of the right-side vehicular lamp and the left-side vehicular lamp.

[0074] For example, when the detected elbow point is located above (or below) a reference elbow point, the generation unit 342 may generate adjustment information that instructs the vehicular lamp 12 to direct the light emission direction downward (or upward) by an angle corresponding to the deviation of the elbow point. Similarly, when the detected elbow point is located to the right (or left) of the reference elbow point, the generation unit 342 may generate adjustment information that instructs the vehicular lamp 12 to direct the light emission direction to the left (or right) by an angle corresponding to the deviation of the elbow point. Note that the generation unit 342 may use a reference cutoff line to generate adjustment information based on the position, angle, etc. of the detected cutoff line.

[0075] The communication unit 36 ​​is a communication interface configured to be able to send and receive various types of information. For example, the communication unit 36 ​​may send data D including adjustment information to the aiming adjustment device 20.

[0076] The storage unit 38 is configured to be able to store various types of information. The storage unit 38 may store, for example, the adjustment information generated by the generation unit 342, a program for implementing the functions of the processing unit 34 (more specifically, the detection unit 340 and the generation unit 342), and information necessary for generating the adjustment information (for example, position information of the reference elbow point and the cutoff line, etc.).

[0077] 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the aiming adjustment system 1 according to this embodiment, from when the vehicle lamp 12 forms a light distribution pattern to when the aiming adjustment device 20 stores adjustment information based on the light distribution pattern. The flow of the operation of the aiming adjustment system 1 will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0078] First, the vehicle lamp 12 of the lighting device 10 emits light to form a light distribution pattern (S101). Next, the light receiving unit 32 of the detection device 30 receives the light distribution pattern formed in S101 (S103). Next, the detection unit 340 detects characteristics of the light distribution pattern based on the light receiving result in S103 (S105). For example, the detection unit 340 may detect the position of an elbow point of the light distribution pattern and the position and inclination of a cutoff line.

[0079] Next, the generation unit 342 generates adjustment information based on the detection result in S105 (S107). The adjustment information may include first adjustment information and second adjustment information. Next, the communication unit 36 ​​transmits data D including the adjustment information generated in S107 to the aiming adjustment device 20 (S109). This data D is received by the communication unit 242 of the aiming adjustment device 20. Next, the storage unit 244 of the aiming adjustment device 20 stores the data D including the adjustment information transmitted in S109 (S111). This enables the aiming adjustment device 20 to adjust the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 based on the adjustment information.

[0080] 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 in the lamp system 3 according to this embodiment. The flow of operation of the lamp system 3 will be described below with reference to the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

[0081] First, the controller 200 of the aiming adjustment device 20 turns on the first switch 222 and turns off the second switch 224 (S201). This causes the power supply voltage Vdd to be supplied to the power supply terminal 140a of the first actuator 14a. Next, the controller 200 generates a PWM signal Sp according to the first adjustment information (S203). Next, the D / A converter 202 transmits a control signal Sc according to the PWM signal Sp generated in S203 to the first actuator 14a via the switching circuit 220 (S205). Next, the first actuator 14a is driven in accordance with the control signal Sc transmitted in S205 (S207). This causes the shaft of the first actuator 14a to move, and the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 is adjusted vertically.

[0082] Next, the controller 200 turns off the first switch 222 and turns on the second switch 224 (S209). As a result, the power supply voltage Vdd is no longer supplied to the power supply terminal 140a of the first actuator 14a, and the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to the power supply terminal 140b of the second actuator 14b. When the first switch 222 is turned off in S209, the first actuator 14a stops driving (S211). As a result, the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 is maintained in a state adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0083] Next, the controller 200 generates a PWM signal Sp according to the second adjustment information (S213). Next, the D / A converter 202 transmits a control signal Sc according to the PWM signal Sp generated in S213 to the second actuator 14b via the switching circuit 220 (S215). Next, the second actuator 14b is driven in accordance with the control signal Sc transmitted in S215 (S217). This moves the shaft of the second actuator 14b, and the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 is adjusted leftward or rightward.

[0084] Next, the controller 200 turns off the second switch 224 (S219). As a result, the power supply voltage Vdd is no longer supplied to the power supply terminal 140b of the second actuator 14b. When the second switch 224 is turned off, the second actuator 14b stops driving (S221). As a result, the light emission direction of the vehicular lamp 12 is maintained in a state adjusted in the left-right direction.

[0085] The configuration and operation of the aiming adjustment system 1 according to this embodiment have been described above.

[0086] The aiming adjustment device 20 according to this embodiment includes a D / A converter 202 (signal generating unit) and a switching circuit 220. The D / A converter 202 generates a control signal Sc for controlling the operation of a first actuator 14a for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 in the up-down direction (first direction) and the operation of a second actuator 14b for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 in the left-right direction (second direction). The switching circuit 220 is connected to a power supply voltage node VDD and is connectable to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b. When the switching circuit 220 is connected to the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b, the switching circuit 220 is configured to switch between the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b as the actuator to which the power supply voltage Vdd is supplied from the power supply voltage node VDD via the switching circuit 220.

[0087] According to this configuration, the operation of the first actuator 14a and the second actuator 14b can be controlled by the control signal Sc generated by one D / A converter 202, making it possible to easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12.

[0088] Specifically, since the operation of two actuators (first actuator 14 a and second actuator 14 b) can be controlled by one D / A converter 202, there is no need to provide a D / A converter for each actuator, making it possible to adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 with a simple circuit configuration.

[0089] In addition, the aiming adjustment device 20 of this embodiment controls the operation of the first actuator 14a for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 in the up-down direction (first direction) and the operation of the second actuator 14b for adjusting the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 in the left-right direction (second direction) based on the results of detecting the characteristics of the light distribution pattern P formed by the vehicle lamp 12.

[0090] According to this configuration, the worker can easily adjust the light emission direction of the vehicle lamp 12 without having to perform work such as adjusting an aiming screw.

[0091] At vehicle manufacturing plants, there is a demand for automating (unmanned) vehicle assembly. The aiming adjustment device 20 according to this embodiment eliminates the need for the above-described work by a worker, and therefore can contribute to the automation of vehicle assembly.

[0092] (Modification) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the detection device 30 has the functions of the detection unit 340 and the generation unit 342, but this is not limiting, and the aiming adjustment device 20 may have these functions. In this case, the aiming adjustment device may, for example, acquire a light reception result from a device that receives a light distribution pattern, and detect features of the light distribution pattern based on the light reception result or generate adjustment information.

[0093] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the components and treatment processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] The embodiments can also be expressed as follows: [Item 1] An aiming adjustment device for adjusting a light emission direction of a vehicle lamp, comprising: a signal generating unit that generates a control signal for controlling operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction, and a switching circuit that is connected to a power supply voltage node and is provided so as to be connectable to the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the switching circuit is configured, when connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, to switch between the first actuator and the second actuator as an actuator to which power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit. [Item 2] The aiming adjustment device according to Item 1, wherein the switching circuit, when connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, includes a first switch located between the power supply voltage node and the first actuator and a second switch located between the power supply voltage node and the second actuator, and when the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the power supply voltage is supplied to the first actuator when the first switch is on and the second switch is off, and the power supply voltage is supplied to the second actuator when the first switch is off and the second switch is on. [Item 3] The aiming adjustment device according to Item 1 or 2, wherein, when the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the signal generating unit transmits the control signal to one of the first actuator and the second actuator to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit. [Item 4] The aiming adjustment device according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising a controller that generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, wherein the signal generation unit has a D / A converter, and the D / A converter generates the control signal according to the PWM signal.[Item 5] A lighting system comprising: the aiming adjustment device according to any one of items 1 to 4; the vehicle lamp; the first actuator connected to the switching circuit; and the second actuator connected to the switching circuit. [Item 6] The lighting system according to item 5, wherein the first actuator is arranged to adjust the emission direction in a vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle, and the second actuator is arranged to adjust the emission direction in a horizontal direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle. [Item 7] The lighting system according to item 5 or 6, wherein the first actuator includes a first DC motor, and the second actuator includes a second DC motor. [Item 8] An aiming adjustment device for adjusting a light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle lamp emits light to form a light distribution pattern, and the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction based on a result of detecting features of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp. [Item 9] The aiming adjustment device according to item 8, wherein the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of the first actuator and the operation of the second actuator according to a difference between features detected from the light distribution pattern and features of a reference light distribution pattern. [Item 10] The aiming adjustment device according to item 8 or 9, wherein the controller has a controller and a D / A converter, and the controller generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the result, and the D / A converter generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the first actuator or the operation of the second actuator according to the PWM signal. [Item 11] A lamp system comprising: the aiming adjustment device according to any one of items 8 to 10; the vehicle lamp; the first actuator; and the second actuator.[Item 12] The lighting system according to item 11, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction of the vehicle, and the second direction is a horizontal direction of the vehicle. [Item 13] The lighting system according to item 11 or 12, wherein the first actuator includes a first DC motor, and the second actuator includes a second DC motor. [Item 14] An aiming adjustment system comprising: the lighting system according to any one of items 11 to 13; and a detection device that detects characteristics of a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp and transmits information to the aiming adjustment device for adjusting the emission direction according to the detection result, wherein the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of the first actuator and the operation of the second actuator based on the information. [Item 15] An aiming adjustment method for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicular lamp mounted on a vehicle, comprising: the vehicular lamp emitting light to form a light distribution pattern; and a computer controlling, based on a result of detecting characteristics of the light distribution pattern, the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction. [Item 16] A program for causing a computer to execute an aiming adjustment method for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicular lamp mounted on a vehicle, the aiming adjustment method comprising controlling, based on a result of detecting characteristics of a light distribution pattern formed by emitting light from the vehicular lamp, the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction. [Item 17] A computer-readable recording medium having the program described in Item 16 stored thereon.

[0095] The present invention can be used in an aiming adjustment device, a lighting system, an aiming adjustment system, an aiming adjustment method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

[0096] 1 Aiming adjustment system, 2 Vehicle, 3 Lighting system, 10 Lighting device, 12 Vehicle lighting device, 14a First actuator, 14b Second actuator, 20 Aiming adjustment device, 30 Detection device, 32 Light receiving unit, 34 Processing unit, 36 Communication unit, 38 Memory unit, 120 Light source, 122 Control unit, 124 Reflector, 126 Fixed unit, 128 Transmission unit, 140a, 140b Power supply terminals, 142a, 142b Signal terminals, 144a, 144b Ground terminals, 150 Motor, 152 Shaft, 200 Controller, 202 D / A converter, 220 Switching circuit, 222 First switch, 224 Second switch, 240 Power supply, 242 Communication unit, 244 Memory unit, 340 Detection unit, 342 Generation unit.

Claims

1. An aiming adjustment device for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp, comprising: a signal generating unit that generates control signals for controlling the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction; and a switching circuit that is connected to a power supply voltage node and is connectable to the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the switching circuit is configured, when connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, to switch between the first actuator and the second actuator as the actuator to which power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit.

2. The aiming adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the switching circuit, when connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, includes a first switch located between the power supply voltage node and the first actuator, and a second switch located between the power supply voltage node and the second actuator, and when the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the power supply voltage is supplied to the first actuator when the first switch is on and the second switch is off, and the power supply voltage is supplied to the second actuator when the first switch is off and the second switch is on.

3. The aiming adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, when the switching circuit is connected to the first actuator and the second actuator, the signal generating unit transmits the control signal to one of the first actuator and the second actuator that is supplied with the power supply voltage from the power supply voltage node via the switching circuit.

4. The aiming adjustment device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller that generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, wherein the signal generation unit has a D / A converter, and the D / A converter generates the control signal according to the PWM signal.

5. A lighting system comprising: an aiming adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; the vehicle lighting fixture; the first actuator connected to the switching circuit; and the second actuator connected to the switching circuit.

6. A lighting system as described in claim 5, wherein the first actuator is arranged to adjust the emission direction in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle, and the second actuator is arranged to adjust the emission direction in the horizontal direction of the vehicle when the vehicle lamp is mounted on the vehicle.

7. The lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the first actuator includes a first DC motor, and the second actuator includes a second DC motor.

8. An aiming adjustment device for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle, wherein the vehicle lamp emits light to form a light distribution pattern, and the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction based on the results of detecting characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp.

9. The aiming adjustment device according to claim 8, wherein the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of the first actuator and the operation of the second actuator according to a difference between a feature detected from the light distribution pattern and a feature of a reference light distribution pattern.

10. The aiming adjustment device according to claim 8, wherein the aiming adjustment device has a controller and a D / A converter, the controller generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the result, and the D / A converter generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the first actuator or the operation of the second actuator according to the PWM signal.

11. A lighting system comprising: the aiming adjustment device according to any one of claims 8 to 10; the vehicle lighting fixture; the first actuator; and the second actuator.

12. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction of the vehicle, and the second direction is a horizontal direction of the vehicle.

13. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein the first actuator includes a first DC motor, and the second actuator includes a second DC motor.

14. An aiming adjustment system comprising: a lighting system as defined in claim 11; and a detection device that detects the characteristics of the light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lighting device and transmits information to the aiming adjustment device for adjusting the emission direction in accordance with the detected results, wherein the aiming adjustment device controls the operation of the first actuator and the operation of the second actuator based on the information.

15. An aiming adjustment method for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle, comprising: the vehicle lamp emitting light to form a light distribution pattern; and a computer controlling, based on the results of detecting characteristics of the light distribution pattern, the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute an aiming adjustment method for adjusting the light emission direction of a vehicle lamp mounted on a vehicle, the aiming adjustment method including controlling the operation of a first actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a first direction and the operation of a second actuator for adjusting the emission direction in a second direction different from the first direction, based on the results of detecting the characteristics of a light distribution pattern formed by the vehicle lamp emitting light.

17. A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 16.

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