Vehicle, control device, and control method

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle including a headlight for illuminating in front of the vehicle, a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the lighting state of the headlight, characterized in that: the switch includes a first operating element for a driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation for switching the headlight between low beam and high beam and to perform a flashing operation for temporarily switching the headlight from low beam to high beam; and the control unit controls the lighting state in accordance with a manual mode in which the low beam and the high beam are manually switched by the operation of the first operating element, or an automatic mode in which the lighting state of the headlight is automatically changed without the need for an operation by the driver, and the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode when the flashing operation is performed by means of the first operating element when in the automatic mode and the lighting state of the headlight is such that the high beam is lit.

Description

Vehicle, control device, and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, a control device, and a control method.

[0002] A vehicle typified by a two-wheeled vehicle generally includes a headlight including a low beam, a high beam, a positioning light, etc., and an operation unit (switch) for switching the lighting state of the headlight, that is, for switching between the low beam and the high beam.

[0003] In recent years, in order to assist in ensuring good visibility, a vehicle equipped with an automatic mode that automatically switches between a low beam and a high beam according to oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, streetlights (brightness), etc., a so-called auto high beam (AHB) function has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching from a manual mode in which the low beam and the high beam are manually switched to an automatic mode when a long operation (mode switching operation) is performed in the operation unit for switching between the low beam and the high beam in the direction of switching to the high beam.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 72332088

[0005] However, in the prior art, although techniques for switching the mode (manual mode and automatic mode) for controlling the lighting state of the headlight are disclosed, the lighting state of the headlight is not considered, and there is room for improvement as a technique that more easily reflects the driver's intention and does not increase the number of operation units.

[0006] An exemplary object of the present invention is to provide a new technique related to switching the irradiation state of the headlight during the automatic mode.

[0007] A vehicle as one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle having headlights for illuminating the front of the vehicle, a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes a first operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights, and the control unit controls the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operation of the first operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without the driver's operation, and when the illumination state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling a vehicle having headlights for illuminating the front of the vehicle, comprising: a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle; and a control unit for controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes an operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights, and the control unit controls the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without driver operation, and when the illumination state of the headlights is in the state of the high beams during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0009] A control method, as yet another aspect of the present invention, is a control method for controlling a vehicle having headlights for illuminating the front of the vehicle and a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, the method comprising the step of controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes an operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights, and the step is to control the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without the driver's operation, and if the passing operation is performed via the operator while the illumination state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the method is characterized by switching from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0010] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a new technology relating to a road traffic system for monitoring a vehicle being monitored while traveling on a road.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute a part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used to explain the principles of the present invention together with the description thereof. A diagram showing a saddle-type vehicle as one aspect of the present invention from the left side. A diagram showing a saddle-type vehicle from the front. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a headlight. A diagram showing the headlight with the lens and housing cover removed. A diagram showing a handle switch provided on the handlebars. A diagram showing a headlight switch provided on the handle switch. A diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle's control device. A diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting pattern to turn off the automatic mode until the vehicle stops starting. A diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting pattern to turn off the automatic mode until the vehicle stops starting. A diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting pattern to turn off the automatic mode until the vehicle stops starting. A diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting pattern to turn off the automatic mode at any timing. A diagram showing the switching between low beam and high beam in manual mode and automatic mode, respectively. A flowchart illustrating the first control process of the vehicle. A flowchart illustrating the second control process of the vehicle.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0014] Referring to the drawings, a saddle-type vehicle as one aspect of the present invention will be described. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate mutually orthogonal directions, the X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the Y direction indicates the width direction (left-right direction) of the saddle-type vehicle, and the Z direction indicates the up-down direction (height direction) of the saddle-type vehicle. Furthermore, below, the front or rear of the saddle-type vehicle in the front-rear direction may be simply referred to as the front or rear, and the inside or outside of the saddle-type vehicle in the width direction (left-right direction) may be simply referred to as the inside or outside.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a saddle-type vehicle 1 as one aspect of the present invention, viewed from the left side. Figure 2 shows a saddle-type vehicle 1 viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 1 is embodied as an off-road motorcycle. However, the present invention is applicable to various types of saddle-type vehicles, including other types of motorcycles. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, but is also applicable to electric vehicles powered by a motor. Hereinafter, the saddle-type vehicle 1 may simply be referred to as vehicle 1.

[0016] Vehicle 1 has a body frame consisting of a head pipe 11 located at the front of the vehicle body, a pair of left and right main frames 12, a down frame 13, a pair of left and right lower frames 14, and an extension 17. The head pipe 11 and the down frame 13 are provided as a single unit along the center of the vehicle body.

[0017] The main frame 12, the down frame 13, and the lower frame 14 are connected in a loop, and the power unit 2 is positioned inside the area enclosed by these. The power unit 2 includes, for example, an engine and a transmission. An exhaust pipe 6 is provided at the front of the power unit 2 to guide the engine's exhaust to the exhaust muffler 5.

[0018] The main frame 12 is attached to the upper part of the head pipe 11. The main frame 12 has left and right sections and extends diagonally downward and rearward above the power unit 2, curving to the left and right. The down frame 13 is attached to the lower part of the head pipe 11. The down frame 13 extends diagonally downward in a straight line from the center of the vehicle body in front of the power unit 2, and its lower end is connected to the front ends of a pair of left and right lower frames 14. Each of the left and right lower frames 14 curves downward from the front lower part of the power unit 2 and extends almost straight rearward below the power unit 2, and its rear end is connected to the respective lower ends of the left and right main frame 12.

[0019] Above the power unit 2 is a fuel tank 3 supported by the main frame 12. Behind the fuel tank 3 is a seat 4 on which the rider sits. The seat 4 is supported by a pair of seat frames 15. The front ends of each of the seat frames 15 are attached to a pair of main frames 12 and extend to the rear. A pair of rear frames 16 are connected to the seat frames 15 and the main frames 12.

[0020] The steering stem 20 rotatably supports the head pipe 11. The top bridge 21 is attached to the upper end of the steering stem 20. The bottom bridge 23 is provided at the lower end of the steering stem 20.

[0021] The left and right front forks 22 are supported by fork insertion holes (not shown) at the left and right ends of the top bridge 21. The left and right front forks 22 are also supported by the bottom bridge 23. The front wheel FW is rotatably supported by the lower ends of the left and right front forks 22 and is steered by a handlebar 24 attached to the top bridge 21. In other words, the handlebar 24 functions as a handle for steering the vehicle 1.

[0022] The front end of the rear swingarm 19 is pivotably supported on the main frame 12 via a pivot shaft 121. The rear wheel RW is supported by the rear end of the rear swingarm 19. The rear wheel RW is rotationally driven by a chain (not shown) that is wrapped around the drive sprocket (not shown) of the power unit 2 and the driven sprocket (not shown) of the rear wheel RW.

[0023] The extension portion 17 extends forward from the head pipe 11 and supports the meter panel MP. The meter panel MP displays various information indicating the status of the vehicle 1, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, and fuel level, as well as a setting screen for making various settings of the vehicle 1.

[0024] The front cowl 7 is provided to cover the meter panel MP and front forks 22 from the front to the sides. The bar turn signals 34 are provided on the left and right sides so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the sides of the meter panel MP.

[0025] Sensor 9 (external information acquisition unit) is installed at one or more locations on the vehicle 1 in the longitudinal and width directions, such as the front, rear, side, right, and left sides of the vehicle body. Sensor 9 includes ultrasonic sensors, millimeter-wave radar, cameras, illuminometers, etc., and detects the conditions around the vehicle 1 (acquires surrounding external information). In this embodiment, sensor 9 detects the conditions around the vehicle 1, including oncoming vehicles approaching from the front, vehicles traveling ahead, and the brightness around the vehicle 1.

[0026] Handlebars 24 are provided with handle grips 241 at each end of the handlebars 24 for the rider to grasp. Brake levers (not shown) and clutch levers (not shown) are also provided adjacent to the left and right handle grips 241 on the handlebars 24. Furthermore, a guard member 25 is provided in front of the handlebars 24 to protect the rider's hands. The guard member 25 is positioned to cover the front of the left and right handle grips 241.

[0027] The mirror unit 26 is provided on the left and right sides of the handlebar 24. The mirror unit 26 includes a mirror stay 261 connected to the handlebar 24 and a mirror housing 262. The mirror housing 262 is attached to the mirror stay 261 so as to be adjustable in position and orientation. The mirror housing 262 is made of a hollow member having an opening on the rear side, for example, and a side mirror (not shown) is attached to the mirror housing 262 so as to close this opening. The driver can see to the left and right rear using the mirror unit 26 (side mirrors).

[0028] The headlight 60 is provided at the front of the vehicle body, surrounded by a front cover 36. The headlight 60 includes, for example, a single lens 51 for both the left and right sides, and is a lighting device that illuminates the area in front of the vehicle 1, that is, the path of the vehicle 1. The headlight 60 is configured to allow switching between its illumination state, specifically, between a low beam (illuminating) which is a passing headlight and a high beam (illuminating) which is a driving headlight. The headlight 60 may also be configured to keep the daytime running light (DRL) constantly illuminated.

[0029] The configuration of the headlight 60 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the headlight 60. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the headlight 60 with the lens 51 and housing cover 63 removed. The headlight 60 includes a lens 51 and a housing 61. The housing 61 includes a housing body 62 and a housing cover 63 attached to the housing body 62.

[0030] The housing cover 63 has a lens opening 63a, and the lens 52 is attached to the housing cover 63 so as to close the lens opening 63a. The lens opening 63a includes a left light opening 63b, a right light opening 63c, and a central opening 63d that connects the left light opening 63b and the right light opening 63c. The housing body 62 is provided with left and right main light bodies 65 and auxiliary light bodies 66 arranged around the left and right main light bodies 65.

[0031] The main light unit 65 includes a low-beam light source 67 and a high-beam light source 68, which include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the like, and a reflector 69 that reflects the light from the low-beam light source 67 and the high-beam light source 68 forward of the vehicle 1. The high-beam light source 68 is positioned diagonally above and to the outside of the low-beam light source 67. The reflector 69 includes a low-beam reflector 69a that reflects the light from the low-beam light source 67 and a high-beam reflector 69b that reflects the light from the high-beam light source 68. The high-beam reflector 69b is positioned diagonally above and to the outside of the low-beam reflector 69a.

[0032] The auxiliary light unit 66 includes a light-emitting, left and right integrated light guide member 71. A portion of the light guide member 71 is covered from the front of the vehicle body by a cover-like extension 72. The extension 72 is attached to the auxiliary light unit support member 78. The extension 72 includes a pair of left and right main light unit openings 72a and a plurality of slits 72b, 72c, and 72d. The main light unit opening 72a is an opening for exposing the left and right main light units 65 to the front. Each of the slits 72b, 72c, and 72d is formed along the lower end of the main light unit opening 72a to expose the light guide member 71. Between each of the slits 72b, 72c, and 72d, a plurality of bridge portions 72e are formed, spanning the two opposing lower ends of the slits 72b, 72c, and 72d.

[0033] The auxiliary light unit 66 further includes a pair of left and right light source groups (not shown) positioned on the upper part of the housing body 62. These light source groups consist of multiple LED light sources attached to a pair of left and right substrates 82, and the light from these sources causes the light guide member 71 to emit light. Plate-shaped end mounting portions 84 are integrally formed at each end of the light guide member 71. In this embodiment, since the auxiliary light unit 66 is used as a daytime running light, the power consumption of the light source group tends to be high, and the amount of heat generated tends to be large. Therefore, it is preferable to attach the substrate 82 to a heat sink 91 to promote heat dissipation from the auxiliary light unit 66 (light source group) and suppress the temperature rise. A box 96 is also positioned between the left and right heat sinks 91 to house a control board (not shown) that controls the low beam light source 67 and high beam light source 68 of the main light unit 65 and the auxiliary light unit 66.

[0034] The above-described configuration of the headlight 60 is merely an example, and the configuration of the headlight 60 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4. Any configuration known in the industry can be applied to the headlight 60.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the handlebar 24 has a handle switch 30 inside the handle grip 241 located at the left end of the handlebar 24 for the driver to perform various operations. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the handle switch 30 provided on the handlebar 24.

[0036] The handlebar switch 30 is provided with a plurality of operation switches 31 on its driver-side first surface FP (front) for operation by the driver. The operation switches 31 include, for example, a turn signal switch for operating the bar turn signals 34 and a horn switch for operating the horn. Operation to operate the bar turn signals 34 includes, for example, operating the left or right bar turn signal 34 to flash, or operating the left and right bar turn signals 34 to flash simultaneously (hazard lights).

[0037] Furthermore, the handle switch 30 is provided with a headlight switch 32 on its upper second surface SP (upper surface) for the driver to operate the headlights 60. In this embodiment, the operation of the headlights 60 includes a lighting switching operation to switch the lighting state of the headlights 60, specifically a switching operation to switch between low beam and high beam, and a passing operation to flash the headlights. Flashing the headlights means temporarily switching the low beam of the headlights 60 to high beam according to the driver's will. Flashing the headlights is an operation performed by the driver to temporarily switch the low beam of the headlights 60 to high beam.

[0038] The headlight switch 32 is composed of a dimmer switch that includes an operating lever 322 (first operating element) for switching the headlight 60 on and off and flashing the headlights, as shown in Figure 6, for example. In other words, the driver can switch the headlight 60 on and off and flash the headlights via the operating lever 322. Figure 6 shows the headlight switch 32 provided on the steering wheel switch 30.

[0039] The operating lever 322 is configured to be movable or rotatable (transitionable) in the vertical direction relative to the second surface SP, as indicated by the arrow AR. In this embodiment, the operating lever 322 reversibly transitions along the arrow AR in the order of first position P1, second position P2, and third position P3, enabling the switching operation of the headlights 60 and the passing operation. Alternatively, the operating lever 322 may be configured to have the second position P2 as the neutral position, and to return the operating lever 322 to the second position P2 when the driver stops operating it, so-called auto-return type operating element.

[0040] The first position P1, second position P2, and third position P3 are each pre-set to enable switching the illumination of the headlights 60 and flashing them. In this embodiment, the first position P1 is set as the position to move the operation lever 322 to illuminate the high beam of the headlights 60. The second position P2 is set as the position to move the operation lever 322 to illuminate the low beam of the headlights 60. The third position P3 is set as the position to move the operation lever 322 to flash the headlights 60. In this embodiment, the operation lever 322 is in the third position P3 only while the driver applies force to the operation lever 322 and moves it, and returns to the second position P2 when the driver's force is removed, making it an auto-return type. In other words, as long as the driver's force is applied to the control lever 322 and the control lever 322 is in the third position P3, the illumination state of the headlight 60 remains high beam (passing state).

[0041] The control device 100 of the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has a control device 100 (ECU) that comprehensively controls each part of the vehicle 1 to operate the vehicle 1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the control device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102 including RAM and ROM, and an interface unit 103 that relays communication between an external device and the control unit 101. The control unit 101 is a processor, such as a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 102. In addition to the programs executed by the control unit 101, various types of data are also stored in the storage unit 102. The interface unit 103 includes a communication interface.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 controls the illumination state of the headlights 60 based on information input from the sensor 9 and the handle switch 30, particularly the headlight switch 32, according to various modes related to the control of the headlights 60.

[0044] Here, various modes related to the control of the headlight 60 will be described. The various modes related to the control of the headlight 60 are modes set in the vehicle 1 by default or by the driver's operation, and include, for example, a manual mode and an automatic mode. The manual mode is a mode in which the driver manually switches between the low beam and the high beam of the headlight 60 via the operation lever 322 of the headlight switch 32. The automatic mode is a mode in which the irradiation state of the headlight 60 is automatically switched according to the situation around the vehicle 1, that is, the oncoming vehicle, the preceding vehicle, the brightness around the vehicle 1, etc. detected by the sensor 9, without the driver's operation. Note that the automatic mode includes an adaptive driving beam (ADB) that can automatically control (partially shield) the irradiation range of the high beam to form a range irradiated by the high beam partially, in addition to the auto high beam (AHB) that simply switches between the low beam and the high beam. In the first embodiment of the present embodiment, only the AHB is provided as the automatic mode, but in the second embodiment, only the ADB is provided as the automatic mode.

[0045] In the headlight of a vehicle equipped with the function of the ADB, a plurality of light sources that can be lit as the high beam are provided, and the irradiation range of the high beam is automatically controlled and adjusted by changing the lighting states of the plurality of high beam light sources. Also, if even one of the plurality of light sources that can be lit as the high beam is irradiated as the high beam, the lighting state of the headlight is treated as high beam irradiation, and when all of the plurality of light sources that can be lit as the high beam are turned off, the lighting state of the headlight is treated as low beam irradiation.

[0046] When the vehicle 1 is in the automatic mode, the operation of the operation lever 322 of the headlight switch 32 is not required, so it is possible to support ensuring good visibility while reducing the driver's burden. On the other hand, in the automatic mode, since the irradiation state of the headlight 60 automatically switches, there is a possibility that it switches from the low beam to the high beam, or from the high beam to the low beam, or the irradiation range of the high beam becomes an unintended range against the driver's intention. In particular, when switching from the low beam to the high beam, or when the irradiation range of the high beam is against the driver's intention, it is considered that an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle exists around the vehicle 1. In such a case, it is preferable to be able to quickly switch from the automatic mode to the manual mode and switch (return) to the low beam state.

[0047] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a new technology regarding the switching of the irradiation state of the headlight 60 during the automatic mode, a technology is provided that enables the mode regarding the control of the headlight 60 to be quickly and easily switched from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0048] Hereinafter, a new technology regarding the switching of the irradiation state of the headlight 60 during the automatic mode will be specifically described. First, consider a state where the control unit 101 controls the lighting state of the headlight 60 according to the automatic mode and the high beam of the headlight 60 is lit based on the situation around the vehicle 1 detected by the sensor 9. In such a state, when the lighting state of the headlight 60 is against the driver's intention, generally, it is considered that the driver performs an operation to switch the mode regarding the control of the headlight 60 from the automatic mode to the manual mode. This is because by switching from the automatic mode to the manual mode, it becomes possible to manually switch the high beam in the headlight 60 to the low beam.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, an operation is provided to switch from automatic mode to manual mode when the high beams are illuminated according to automatic mode. Specifically, when the high beams are illuminated according to automatic mode, the operation of flashing the headlights 60, i.e., the flashing operation, is assigned as the operation to switch from automatic mode to manual mode. Accordingly, when the high beams are illuminated according to automatic mode, the control unit 101 turns off automatic mode and activates manual mode when the driver performs a flashing operation via the headlight switch 32 (operating lever 322).

[0050] Thus, in this embodiment, when the automatic mode is activated and the high beams are on, the driver can turn off the automatic mode by flashing the headlights via the headlight switch 32. Therefore, in situations where the driver wants to switch from high beams to low beams, the automatic mode can be turned off and the driver can switch to manual mode, reflecting the driver's intention, without adding a new operation (such as a switch) to turn off the automatic mode. Furthermore, by assigning the operation to turn off the automatic mode to the flashing operation, the automatic mode can be easily turned off without adding a new operation to turn off the automatic mode in addition to the conventional switch operation. Moreover, even if the high beams are on and the flashing operation (flashing) is performed to turn off the automatic mode, there is no change in the illumination state (operating state) of the headlights 60, so the automatic mode can be turned off and the driver can switch to manual mode without flashing unnecessary headlights at oncoming or preceding vehicles.

[0051] The timing for turning off the automatic mode by flashing the headlights is the moment the driver flashes the headlights on the headlight switch 32, that is, immediately after moving the operating lever 322 to the third position P3. In other words, the timing for turning off the automatic mode is not the moment the operating lever 322 is released after moving it to the third position P3.

[0052] In addition, if the automatic mode is ADB, the above-mentioned switch to manual mode may be performed if at least one of the multiple light sources capable of being illuminated as high beams is illuminating as a high beam.

[0053] Furthermore, when the control unit 101 controls the illumination state of the headlights 60 according to the automatic mode, it is also possible that the low beam of the headlights 60 is illuminated. In this state, the operation of flashing the headlights 60, i.e., the flashing operation, is not assigned as an operation to switch from automatic mode to manual mode. Therefore, when the low beam is illuminated according to the automatic mode, the control unit 101 flashes the headlights 60 while maintaining the automatic mode if the driver performs a flashing operation via the headlight switch 32 (operating lever 322). In this way, when the automatic mode is activated and the low beam is illuminated, the driver can flash the headlights 60 without turning off the automatic mode by performing a flashing operation via the headlight switch 32, thus allowing for flashing that better reflects the driver's intentions, even in automatic mode.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the high beams are illuminated according to the automatic mode, and the automatic mode is turned off and the manual mode is activated by a flashing operation, an operation is also provided to switch the manual mode back to the automatic mode. Specifically, when the operation of flashing the headlights 60, that is, after the automatic mode has been switched to the manual mode by a flashing operation, the flashing operation is assigned as an operation to switch from the manual mode to the automatic mode. Therefore, if the driver performs a flashing operation via the headlight switch 32 (operating lever 322) after the automatic mode has been turned off and the manual mode has been activated by a flashing operation, the control unit 101 will turn off the manual mode and activate the automatic mode.

[0055] Furthermore, the memory unit 102 may store that the system is in a state after switching from automatic mode to manual mode by a passing operation. When the control unit 101 detects that a passing operation has been performed, it may also include a step of confirming whether or not the system is in a state after switching from automatic mode to manual mode by a passing operation.

[0056] Thus, in this embodiment, under specific conditions where the automatic mode is turned off by a passing operation, it is possible to activate the automatic mode with the next (again) passing operation. Therefore, without adding a new operating unit (such as a switch) or a new operation to activate the automatic mode, it is possible to change from manual mode to automatic mode in accordance with the driver's intention, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0057] Note that the timing for activating the automatic mode by flashing the headlights is different from the timing for turning off the automatic mode by flashing the headlights. Specifically, the timing for activating the automatic mode by flashing the headlights is the timing when the driver releases the operating lever 322 after moving it to the third position P3. Thus, the timing for activating the automatic mode by flashing the headlights is not immediately after the driver moves the operating lever 322 of the headlight switch 32 to the third position P3.

[0058] Furthermore, when the low beam is illuminated according to manual mode, and the system switches to automatic mode by flashing the headlights, depending on the surrounding conditions of vehicle 1, the low beam may switch to high beam immediately after switching to automatic mode. In such cases, in order to accurately indicate the end of the flashing operation of vehicle 1, it is preferable to maintain the illumination of the low beam for a certain period of time even after switching from manual mode to automatic mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 activates manual mode by turning off automatic mode with a flashing operation, and then maintains the illumination of the low beam until a predetermined time has elapsed after the next flashing operation to activate automatic mode is performed. This allows the driver of vehicle 1 to be informed of the completion of the flashing operation by the illumination state (operational state) of the headlights 60, and to activate automatic mode with the same operation as the operation to switch from automatic mode to manual mode (flashing operation).

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching (transition) from manual mode to automatic mode is restricted according to the state of the headlight switch 32, specifically the position of the operating lever 322. Specifically, when the operating lever 322 is in the first position P1 for turning on the high beam or the third position P3 for performing a passing operation, switching from manual mode to automatic mode is not possible. Only when the operating lever 322 is in the second position P2 for turning on the low beam is switching from manual mode to automatic mode possible. As a result, when the low beam of the headlight 60 is on, switching from manual mode to automatic mode makes it possible to immediately switch from the low beam to the high beam, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0060] Up to this point, we have described a first setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode, in which the automatic mode is turned off by flashing the headlights via the headlight switch 32 (operating lever 322) while the high beams are on. However, considering the convenience of the driver of vehicle 1, it is preferable to provide several setting patterns for turning off the automatic mode in addition to the first setting pattern. By providing multiple setting patterns for turning off the automatic mode in this way, it becomes possible to turn off the automatic mode regardless of the state of vehicle 1, that is, regardless of whether the headlights 60 are on, thereby improving the convenience of the driver.

[0061] For example, one possible setting pattern for turning off automatic mode is a second setting pattern that turns off automatic mode for one cycle, from turning the ignition of vehicle 1 on to turning it off, that is, from starting vehicle 1 until stopping the startup. The second setting pattern is basically set before starting vehicle 1, via the setting screen displayed on the meter panel MP, as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0062] Referring to Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, a method for setting a second setting pattern that turns off the automatic mode until the vehicle 1 stops starting will be described. First, as shown in Figure 8A, the initial setting icon IC1 for initializing the vehicle 1 is selected on the first setting screen SW1 displayed on the meter panel MP. When the initial setting icon IC1 is selected, the second setting screen SW2, which includes various setting items, is displayed on the meter panel MP, as shown in Figure 8B. On the second setting screen SW2 displayed on the meter panel MP, the AHB setting icon IC2 related to the automatic mode setting is selected from the various setting items. When the AHB setting icon IC2 is selected, the third setting screen SW3, which includes the automatic mode on icon IC3 and the automatic mode off icon IC4, is displayed on the meter panel MP, as shown in Figure 8C. The automatic mode on icon IC3 is an icon for enabling the automatic mode, and the automatic mode off icon IC4 is an icon for turning off the automatic mode from the time the vehicle 1 is started until it stops starting. The second setting pattern can be set by selecting the AHB off icon IC4 on the third setting screen SW3 displayed on the meter panel MP. In the drawings of this specification, for convenience, the AHB is represented as on / off, but the representation is not particularly limited as long as it is in a format that allows the driver to understand whether the automatic mode is on or off, such as ADB on / off.

[0063] Another example of a setting pattern for turning off automatic mode is a third setting pattern that allows the automatic mode to be turned off at any time. The third setting pattern is basically set via the screen WD displayed on the meter panel MP, as shown in Figure 9, regardless of whether the vehicle 1 is running or not. The screen WD is a screen that shows the status of the vehicle 1, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, and fuel level, and in this embodiment, it includes an automatic mode on icon IC5 and an automatic mode off icon IC6. The automatic mode on icon IC5 is an icon that enables the automatic mode, and the automatic mode off icon IC6 is an icon that turns off the automatic mode from the time the vehicle 1 is started until it is stopped. The third setting pattern can be set by selecting the automatic mode off icon IC6 on the screen WD displayed on the meter panel MP.

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, the second and third setting patterns can be set via various screens and icons (second controls for the driver) as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 9. Therefore, the driver can turn off the automatic mode via an easy-to-use control, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0065] Figure 10 shows the switching (transition) between low beam and high beam in manual mode and automatic mode, which are modes related to the control of the headlight 60 of vehicle 1. In Figure 10, the state in which the high beam is illuminated in the headlight 60 is indicated as "high beam: on", and the state in which the high beam is not illuminated is indicated as "high beam: off". Note that the state in which the high beam is not illuminated means the state in which the low beam is illuminated. Referring to Figure 10, in this embodiment, when the automatic mode is activated and the high beam is illuminated, the automatic mode can be turned off and the manual mode activated by flashing the headlights via the headlight switch 32. Furthermore, after the automatic mode has been turned off and the manual mode activated by flashing the headlights, if flashing the headlights again via the headlight switch 32, the manual mode can be turned off and the automatic mode activated.

[0066] The following describes a control process (control method) for controlling the headlights 60 of the vehicle 1 as an example of the control process for the vehicle 1 in this embodiment. This control process is performed by the control unit 101 of the control device 100.

[0067] The first control process of the vehicle 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0068] In S1102, the control unit 101 determines whether the driver has performed a passing operation via the headlight switch 32, that is, whether the operating lever 322 has moved to the third position P3. If no passing operation has been performed, S1102 is repeated. On the other hand, if a passing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0069] In S1104, the control unit 101 determines whether the automatic mode is activated as the mode for controlling the headlights 60. If the automatic mode is activated, the process proceeds to S1106. On the other hand, if the automatic mode is not activated, the process proceeds to S1110.

[0070] In S1106, the control unit 101 determines whether the high beams of the headlights 60 are illuminated. If the high beams are illuminated, the process proceeds to S1108. On the other hand, if the high beams are not illuminated (i.e., the low beams are illuminated), the process proceeds to S1110.

[0071] In S1108, the control unit 101 turns off the automatic mode and activates the manual mode as the mode for controlling the headlights 60.

[0072] In S1110, the control unit 101 flashes the headlights 60.

[0073] In S1112, the control unit 101 determines whether the driver's flashing operation is complete, that is, whether the operating lever 322 has moved (returned) from the third position P3 to the second position P2. If the flashing operation is not complete, the system proceeds to S1110 and continues flashing the headlights 60. On the other hand, if the flashing operation is complete, the system proceeds to S1114.

[0074] In S1114, the control unit 101 turns on the low beam of the headlight 60.

[0075] Referring to Figure 12, the second control process of the vehicle 1 in this embodiment will be described. Note that S1202, S1204, S1206, S1208, S1210, S1212, and S1214 are the same as S1102, S1104, S1106, S1108, S1110, S1112, and S1114, respectively, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0076] In S1222, the control unit 101 determines whether the driver has performed a passing operation via the headlight switch 32. If no passing operation has been performed, S1222 is repeated. On the other hand, if a passing operation has been performed, the system proceeds to S1224.

[0077] In S1224, the control unit 101 turns off the manual mode and activates the automatic mode as the mode for controlling the headlights 60.

[0078] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology that enables quick and easy switching of the control mode of the headlight 60 from automatic mode to manual mode.

[0079] In this embodiment, the vehicle was described as a saddle-type vehicle (motorcycle), but the present invention is also applicable to motorcycles such as three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

[0080] <Summary of Embodiments> 1. The vehicle of the above-described embodiment is a vehicle (for example, 1) having: a headlight (for example, 60) for illuminating the front of the vehicle; a switch (for example, 30) provided on a steering wheel (for example, 24) for steering the vehicle; and a control unit (for example, 100, 101) for controlling the illumination state of the headlight, wherein the switch includes a first operator (for example, 32, 322) for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlight and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlight; the control unit controls the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operation of the first operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlight is automatically changed without driver operation; and when the illumination state of the headlight is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the driver can switch from automatic mode to manual mode in accordance with their intention, without adding a new operating mechanism for turning off automatic mode. Furthermore, the automatic mode can be easily turned off without adding a new operation for turning it off.

[0082] 2. In the above-described vehicle (for example, 1), the control unit (for example, 100, 101) is characterized in that, when the low beam is illuminated according to the automatic mode, if the passing operation is performed via the first operator, it will flash the headlight (for example, 60) while maintaining the operation of the automatic mode without switching to the manual mode.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the headlights can be flashed without turning off the automatic mode, so that the flashing can better reflect the driver's intentions even when the automatic mode is active.

[0084] 3. In the above-described vehicle (for example, 1), the first operator (for example, 322) includes a dimmer switch (for example, 32) that can be reversibly transitioned in the order of a first position (for example, P1) for turning on the high beam, a second position (for example, P2) for turning on the low beam, and a third position (for example, P3) for performing the passing operation, and the control unit (for example, 100, 101) enables the transition from the manual mode to the automatic mode only when the first operator is in the second position.

[0085] According to this embodiment, when the low beam of the headlights is illuminated, it is possible to instantly switch from manual mode to automatic mode, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0086] 4. In the above-described vehicle (for example, 1), the control unit (for example, 100, 101) switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode in response to the passing operation, and then switches from the manual mode to the automatic mode when the passing operation is performed via the first operator (for example, 32, 322).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the vehicle can switch to automatic mode in response to the driver's intentions without requiring a new operating unit or operation to activate automatic mode, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0088] 5. In the above-described vehicle (for example, 1), the control unit (for example, 100, 101) turns off the automatic mode and switches to the manual mode in response to the passing operation, and then maintains the illumination of the low beam until a predetermined time has elapsed since the passing operation was performed via the first operator (for example, 32, 322).

[0089] According to this embodiment, the driver of the vehicle can switch to automatic mode using the same operation (passing operation) as the operation used to switch from automatic mode to manual mode, while suppressing the degree of flickering caused by changes in the light intensity of the headlights.

[0090] 6. The above-described vehicle (for example, 1) is characterized in that the vehicle includes, as a setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode, a first setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode by the passing operation via the first operator (for example, 32, 322), a second setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode until the vehicle stops starting, and a third setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode at any timing.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the completion of flashing the headlights can be indicated to the vehicle driver by the illuminated state (operational state) of the headlights, and the automatic mode can be activated by the same operation as the operation to switch from automatic mode to manual mode (flashing the headlights).

[0092] 7. The above-mentioned vehicle (for example, 1) further has a second control (for example, SW1, SW2, SW3, WD, IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4, IC5, IC6) for the driver to operate, and in the second setting pattern and the third setting pattern, the automatic mode is turned off via the second control.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the driver can turn off the automatic mode via an easy-to-operate control, thereby improving driver convenience.

[0094] 8. The above-described vehicle (for example, 1) is characterized in that the vehicle is equipped with an external information acquisition unit (for example, 9) that acquires external information about the surrounding environment, and the automatic mode is a mode that automatically switches the lighting state of the headlights (for example, 60) based on the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the driver can easily turn the vehicle's automatic mode (AHB function) on or off via an easy-to-operate control.

[0096] 9. The above-described vehicle (for example, 1) is characterized in that the vehicle is equipped with an external information acquisition unit (for example, 9) that acquires external information about the surrounding environment, and the automatic mode is a mode that automatically adjusts the illumination state of the high beam based on the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the driver can easily turn the vehicle's automatic mode (ADB function) on or off via an easy-to-operate control.

[0098] 10. The above-mentioned vehicle (for example, 1) is characterized in that the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle.

[0099] 11. The control device of the above-described embodiment is a control device (e.g., 100) for controlling a vehicle (e.g., 1) having headlights (e.g., 60) for illuminating the front of the vehicle, comprising: a switch (e.g., 30) provided on a steering wheel (e.g., 24) for steering the vehicle; and a control unit (e.g., 101) for controlling the lighting state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes an operator (e.g., 32, 322) for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights; the control unit controls the lighting state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operator, or an automatic mode in which the lighting state of the headlights is automatically changed without driver operation; and when the lighting state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is lit during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the driver can switch from automatic mode to manual mode in accordance with their intention, without adding a new operating mechanism for turning off automatic mode. Furthermore, the automatic mode can be easily turned off without adding a new operation for turning it off.

[0101] 12. The control method of the above-described embodiment is a control method for controlling a vehicle having a headlight (e.g., 60) for illuminating the front of the vehicle (e.g., 1) and a switch (e.g., 30) provided on a steering wheel (e.g., 24) for steering the vehicle, comprising the step of controlling the lighting state of the headlight, wherein the switch includes an operating element (e.g., 32, 322) for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and the high beam of the headlight and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam of the headlight to the high beam, and in the step, the lighting state is controlled according to a manual mode in which the low beam and the high beam are manually switched via the operation of the operating element, or an automatic mode in which the lighting state of the headlight is automatically changed without the driver's operation, and when the lighting state of the headlight is in a state where the high beam is lit during the automatic mode, the control method switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the driver can switch from automatic mode to manual mode in accordance with their intention, without adding a new operating mechanism for turning off automatic mode. Furthermore, the automatic mode can be easily turned off without adding a new operation for turning it off.

[0103] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public.

[0104] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-171465, filed on 30 September 2024, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: headlights for illuminating the front of the vehicle; a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle; and a control unit for controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes a first operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights; the control unit controls the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operation of the first operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without driver operation; and when the illumination state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit is illuminating the low beam in accordance with the automatic mode, and the passing operation is performed via the first operator, the control unit performs the passing of the headlights while maintaining the operation of the automatic mode without switching to the manual mode.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first operator includes a dimmer switch that is reversibly transitionable in the order of a first position for turning on the high beam, a second position for turning on the low beam, and a third position for performing the passing operation, and the control unit enables the transition from the manual mode to the automatic mode only when the first operator is in the second position.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode in response to the passing operation, and then switches from the manual mode to the automatic mode when the passing operation is performed via the first operator.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit, after turning off the automatic mode and switching to the manual mode in response to the passing operation, maintains the illumination of the low beam until a predetermined time has elapsed since the passing operation was performed via the first operator.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle includes, as a setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode, a first setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode by the passing operation via the first operator, a second setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode until the vehicle stops starting, and a third setting pattern for turning off the automatic mode at any timing.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising a second operator for the driver to operate, wherein in the second setting pattern and the third setting pattern, the automatic mode is turned off via the second operator.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is equipped with an external information acquisition unit that acquires external information about the surrounding environment, and the automatic mode is a mode that automatically switches the lighting state of the headlights based on the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is equipped with an external information acquisition unit that acquires external information about the surrounding environment, and the automatic mode is a mode that automatically adjusts the illumination state of the high beams based on the external information acquired by the external information acquisition unit.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle.

11. A control device for controlling a vehicle having headlights for illuminating the area in front of the vehicle, comprising: a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle; and a control unit for controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes an operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam to the high beam of the headlights; the control unit controls the illumination state according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via the operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without driver operation; and when the illumination state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the control unit switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

12. A control method for controlling a vehicle having headlights for illuminating the front of the vehicle and a switch provided on a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, comprising the step of controlling the illumination state of the headlights, wherein the switch includes an operator for the driver of the vehicle to perform a switching operation to switch between the low beam and high beam of the headlights and a passing operation to temporarily switch the low beam of the headlights to the high beam, and in the step, the illumination state is controlled according to a manual mode in which the low beam and high beam are manually switched via an operation of the operator, or an automatic mode in which the illumination state of the headlights is automatically changed without operation by the driver, and when the illumination state of the headlights is in a state where the high beam is illuminated during the automatic mode, the control method is characterized by switching from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

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