JP2018122637A - Turn signal lamp disconnection detector for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to switch a rated current value of a disconnection judgment standard according to a rated current value of a turn signal lamp that changes depending on the number of turn signal lamps and a combination of light sources of the turn signal lamps to be used.
The present invention includes a current detection unit, a memory, and a determination circuit. As a result, according to the present invention, the rated current value of the disconnection judgment standard can be switched in accordance with the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 that changes depending on the number of the turn signal lamps 3 and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used. I can do it.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for vehicles, particularly for large and medium trucks.

  There are the following patent documents as techniques for detecting disconnection of a turn signal lamp. That is, Patent Document 1 discloses a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through a winker, a current value determination unit that determines whether or not a current value detected by the current detection unit is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, Reference is made to a disconnection detection device having disconnection determination means for determining that a disconnection has occurred in a winker when the value determination means determines that the current value is equal to or less than a threshold value. Thereby, patent document 1 can detect the disconnection of a blinker.

  Patent Document 2 discloses four current detections for detecting a load current flowing in a corresponding left direction indicator lamp, a left rear direction indicator lamp, a right front direction indicator lamp, and a right rear direction indicator lamp, respectively. A circuit that includes a circuit and a control unit that compares a detection result of each current detection circuit with a predetermined common threshold and causes the driver to notify the driver of disconnection when any of the detection results is less than the threshold. This refers to the direction indicator lamp control device. Thereby, patent document 2 can detect the disconnection of each direction indicator lamp.

  Patent Document 3 refers to a multi-function unit for a vehicle having a lamp disconnection detection function that compares a detection voltage generated according to the state of the lamp of the vehicle with a reference voltage and detects a disconnection of the lamp of the vehicle based on the comparison result. doing. Thereby, patent document 3 can detect disconnection of the lamp | ramp of a vehicle.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-090258 International Publication No. 2010/021156 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 04-087545

  In Patent Document 1, when a winker is replaced, the range of current values that can be detected can be appropriately changed by correcting a program executed by the control device. However, in Patent Document 1, a preset threshold value cannot be switched in accordance with the rated current value of the winker every time the rated current value of the winker changes depending on the number of winkers or the combination of the winker light sources.

  In Patent Document 2, disconnection of each direction indicator lamp can be detected by four current detection circuits. However, in Patent Document 2, every time the rated current value of the direction indicating lamp changes depending on the number of direction indicating lamps or the combination of the light sources of the direction indicating lamp, a predetermined common threshold value is adjusted to the rated current value of the direction indicating lamp. I can't switch.

  In Patent Document 3, a lamp disconnection detection function can be performed by forming a reference voltage generating means in a subunit and exchanging the subunit for vehicle variations. However, in Patent Document 3, each time the rated current value of the lamp changes depending on the number of lamps and the combination of the light sources of the lamps, the subunit can be replaced in accordance with the rated current value of the lamp. (Threshold) cannot be switched in accordance with the rated current value of the lamp. Moreover, since Patent Document 3 requires a plurality of subunits for vehicle variations, that is, according to the changing rated current value of the lamp, the number of components and the types of components are increased. Unit replacement work is required.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that each time the rated current value of the turn signal lamp changes depending on the number of turn signal lamps and the combination of light sources of the turn signal lamps used, the rating of the disconnection judgment criterion stored in the memory An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device capable of switching a current value according to a rated current value of a turn signal lamp.

  The turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for a vehicle according to the present invention detects a current supplied to a turn signal lamp provided in the vehicle and outputs it as a detection current, and the number and use of the turn signal lamps provided in the vehicle. Each time the rated current value of the turn signal lamp changes depending on the combination of the light source of the turn signal lamp to be switched, the memory that can switch the rated current value of the disconnection judgment criterion stored in a switchable manner, and the detected current value is determined to be broken A determination circuit that determines that the turn signal lamp is disconnected when the current value is less than or less than a reference rated current value and switches the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp.

  According to the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device of the present invention, the memory stores the rated current value of the disconnection criterion stored in a switchable manner by operating a tool connected via the communication port, or other A memory that can be switched based on vehicle information and data stored in an ECU mounted on the vehicle is preferable.

  The turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a blinking device for blinking the turn signal lamp, and when the determination circuit determines that the turn signal lamp is broken, the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp is determined via the blinking device. It is preferable to switch.

  According to the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device of the present invention, the turn signal lamp includes at least a left front turn signal lamp provided at the left front portion of the vehicle and a right front provided at the right front portion of the vehicle. Part turn signal lamp, left rear turn signal lamp provided on the left rear part of the vehicle, and right rear turn signal lamp provided on the rear part of the right side of the vehicle. And a turn signal lamp switch for separately blinking the turn signal lamp.

  Each time the rated current value of the turn signal lamp changes depending on the number of turn signal lamps and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps used, the rated current value of the disconnection judgment criterion stored in the memory is changed to the turn signal lamp. It is possible to provide a vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device that can be switched in accordance with the rated current value.

It is a block diagram which shows the turn signal lamp disconnection detection apparatus for vehicles which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the vehicle provided with the turn signal lamp. It is explanatory drawing which shows an effect | action, Comprising: (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the case of slope control, (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the case of threshold value control.

  Hereinafter, one example of an embodiment (example) of a vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Description of Configuration of Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detection apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

(Description of BCM1)
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a BCM (body control module) installed in the vehicle 2. The BCM 1 has a function of blinking the turn signal lamp 3, that is, a function of detecting a turn signal lamp blinking device (hereinafter simply referred to as “flashing device”) and a disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3, ie, in this embodiment. Such vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detection devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “disconnection detection devices”) are provided.

(Description of vehicle 2)
As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 2 is a large truck in this example. The vehicle 2 includes a front driver's cab (cab) 20 and an upper object body 21 provided on a chassis (not shown) connected to the rear part of the driver's cab 20. The chassis has various lengths. Moreover, although the upper article body 21 is a box type in this example, there are things other than this box type. Further, the vehicle 2 may be, for example, a medium-sized truck, a tractor that connects and trails a trailer, in addition to the large truck of this example. Various specifications can be obtained for the vehicle 2 depending on, for example, the length of the chassis, the type of the upper body mount 21, the trailer to be connected and pulled.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 2 is provided with a power source 22 such as a battery, a turn signal lamp switch 23, a hazard lamp switch 24, and a turn signal lamp 3. The power supply 22, the turn signal lamp switch 23, the hazard lamp switch 24 and the turn signal lamp 3 are detachably and mechanically connected to the BCM 1 via connection terminals 41, 42, 43 and 44.

  The power source 22 supplies a current to the turn signal lamp 3 via the BCM 1. The turn signal lamp switch 23 includes a movable contact 230, a first fixed contact 231, and a second fixed contact 232. The turn signal lamp switch 23 uses the turn signal lamp 3 as a turn signal lamp (blinker), that is, the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) blinks and the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS). ) Blinking separately. The hazard lamp switch 24 has a movable contact 240 and a fixed contact 241. The hazard lamp switch 24 uses the turn signal lamp 3 as a hazard lamp (hazard), that is, the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) blinks and the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS). And blink simultaneously.

(Description of turn signal lamp 3)
The turn signal lamp 3 includes one left front turn signal lamp 3LF provided at the front of the left side of the vehicle 2 (left side in FIG. 2) and the right side of the vehicle 2 (right side in FIG. 2). One right front turn signal lamp 3RF provided at the front, one left rear turn signal lamp 3LB provided at the left rear of the vehicle 2, and 1 provided at the right rear of the vehicle 2 Right rear turn signal lamps 3RB, one left side turn signal lamp 3LS provided on the left side of the vehicle 2, and one right side provided on the right side of the vehicle 2 A turn signal lamp 3RS.

  As described above, the turn signal lamps 3 in this example are provided in a total of six, three on the left side of the vehicle 2 and three on the right side of the vehicle 2. Note that the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 varies in various ways, such as four or eight or more, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 2 or the user's preference. Moreover, when the vehicle 2 is a connected vehicle, a turn signal lamp of a trailer to be connected is added. On the other hand, as the light source of the turn signal lamp 3, a 21 W incandescent bulb or a 10 W incandescent bulb is mainly used, and in recent years, an LED whose power consumption is smaller than that of the incandescent bulb is used. The light source of the turn signal lamp 3 is used in various combinations in accordance with the specifications of the vehicle 2 and the user's preference.

  For this reason, the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 provided in the vehicle 2 varies in various ways depending on the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used.

(Explanation of blinking device and disconnection detection device)
The BCM 1 includes a control unit 10, a current detection unit 11, and a drive output unit 12. The control unit 10 includes an ECU (microcomputer), and includes a memory 13, a determination circuit 14, and a blinking circuit 15. The drive output unit 12 and the blinking circuit 15 of the control unit 10 constitute a blinking device. The current detection unit 11, the memory 13 of the control unit 10, and the determination circuit 14 constitute a disconnection detection device.

  The drive output unit 12 is a relay in this example, and includes a left-side relay and a right-side relay. The left relay of the drive output unit 12 is connected to the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) via the left connection terminal 42 of the BCM 1. The right relay of the drive output unit 12 is connected to the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) via the right connection terminal 42 of the BCM 1.

  The blinking circuit 15 is connected to the drive output unit 12 and the connection terminal 43 and the connection terminal 44 of the BCM 1, respectively. The blinking circuit 15 blinks the turn signal lamp 3 via the drive output unit 12 by operating the turn signal lamp switch 23 and the hazard lamp switch 24.

  In this example, the current detection unit 11 is a resistor, and is connected to the connection terminal 41 of the BCM 1 and the drive output unit 12. The current detector 11 detects the current supplied to the turn signal lamp 3 provided in the vehicle 2 and outputs it as a detected current (that is, the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3).

  The memory 13 stores a rated current value (hereinafter referred to as a “rated current value of a disconnection determination criterion”) that can be switched with respect to the detection current. The memory 13 is connected to the communication port 45 of the BCM1. The communication port 45 of the BCM 1 can be connected to the communication port 50 of the tool 5 or the communication port 60 of the ECU 6 mounted on another vehicle (not shown). In this example, the tool 5 is a factory tool, a service tool, a programming tool, or the like. The tool 5 or ECU 6 of another vehicle provides a turn signal lamp 3 that provides the vehicle 2 with the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in the memory 13 based on vehicle information and data by CAN communication. Are switched in accordance with the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 that changes depending on the number of light sources and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used. That is, the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in the memory 13 so as to be switchable (rewritable) is based on operation of the tool 5 or vehicle information or data stored in the ECU 6 of another vehicle. Thus, it is switched (rewritten) according to the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3.

  The determination circuit 14 is connected to the current detection unit 11, the memory 13, and the blinking circuit 15. The determination circuit 14 determines that at least one of the six turn signal lamps 3 is disconnected when the detected current value from the current detector 11 is less than or less than the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion of the memory 13. Then, the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp 3 is switched via the blinking circuit 15 to notify the driver of the disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3.

(Explanation of disconnection notification)
Hereinafter, the disconnection notification in the BCM 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the vertical axis indicates the number of blinks of the turn signal lamp 3 per minute. The horizontal axes of the graphs of FIGS. 3A and 3B indicate the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 and the rated current value of the disconnection determination standard. 3A and 3B, the turn signal lamp 3 blinks 85 times per minute when it is normal (when none is disconnected). 3A and 3B, the turn signal lamp 3 uses a 24V-21W light bulb. In this case, the value of the current flowing through one turn signal lamp 3 is about 1.0A. Further, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, N is a rated current value supplied (energized) to the turn signal lamp 3 that is mounted as standard on the vehicle 2. N is about 3A in this example.

  FIG. 3A shows the slope control. The rated current value N of the turn signal lamp 3 that is standardly mounted on the vehicle 2 is stored in the memory 13 so as to be switchable as the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion. The turn signal lamp 3 blinks about 85 times per minute under normal conditions. Here, when one turn signal lamp 3 is disconnected, the detected current value from the current detection unit 11 is about N−1, which is smaller than the rated current value N of the disconnection determination criterion of the memory 13. As a result, the determination circuit 14 determines that the circuit is disconnected, and switches the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp 3 from about 85 times to about 120 times per minute through the blinking circuit 15 in a slope shape. The driver is notified of the disconnection of the signal lamp 3.

  FIG. 3B shows threshold control. An arbitrary value between the rated current value N of the turn signal lamp 3 mounted on the vehicle 2 as a standard and the detected current value N-1 when one turn signal lamp 3 is disconnected is stored in the memory. 13 is stored in a switchable manner as the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion, that is, the threshold value. The turn signal lamp 3 blinks about 85 times per minute under normal conditions. Here, when one turn signal lamp 3 is disconnected, the detected current value from the current detector 11 is about N−1, which is smaller than the value between the threshold values N and N−1 of the memory 13. As a result, the determination circuit 14 determines that the circuit is disconnected, and switches the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp 3 from about 85 times to about 160 times per minute step by step through the blinking circuit 15. The driver is notified of the disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3.

(Description of the operation of the embodiment)
The vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.

  First, when the turn signal lamp switch 23 is operated to connect the movable contact 230 to the first fixed contact 231, the blinking circuit 15 is connected to the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB) via the left relay of the drive output unit 12. 3LS) blinks. As a result, the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) blinks about 85 times per minute, for example, as a turn signal lamp (a turn signal) indicating the left direction.

  When the turn signal lamp switch 23 is operated to connect the movable contact 230 to the second fixed contact 232, the blinking circuit 15 is connected to the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB) via the right relay of the drive output unit 12. 3RS) blinks. As a result, the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) blinks about 85 times per minute, for example, as a blinker lamp (winker) indicating the right direction.

  Further, when the hazard lamp switch 24 is operated to connect the movable contact 240 to the fixed contact 241, the blinking circuit 15 is connected to the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF) via the left relay and the right relay of the drive output unit 12. 3LB, 3LS) and the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) are blinked simultaneously. As a result, the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) and the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) blink as a hazard lamp (hazard), for example, about 75 times per minute. .

  When at least one of the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) and the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) is blinking, the current detector 11 is turned to the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS), the current supplied to the right turn signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) is detected and output to the determination circuit 14 as a detected current. The determination circuit 14 compares the detected current value from the current detection unit 11 with the threshold value stored in the memory 13, and when the detected current value is less than or less than the threshold value, the six turn signal lamps 3 It is determined that at least one of (3LF, 3LB, 3LS, 3RF, 3RB, 3RS) is broken, and the left turn signal lamp 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS), the right turn through the blinking circuit 15 The blinking frequency of the signal lamp 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) is switched to notify the driver of the disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3. The blinking frequency switches from about 85 blinks per minute to about 120 blinks per minute (see FIG. 3A), or about 85 blinks per minute. To about 160 blinks in one minute at a stroke (see FIG. 3A). Further, the frequency of blinking when disconnected is switched according to the number of turn signal lamps 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS3RF, 3RB, 3RS) that are disconnected.

  Here, the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 and the light source used for the turn signal lamps 3 vary depending on the specifications of the vehicle 2 and user preferences. For this reason, the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 provided in the vehicle 2 varies in various ways depending on the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used. Therefore, the communication port 50 of the tool 5 or the communication port 60 of the ECU 6 of another vehicle is connected to the communication port 45 of the BCM 1, and the tool 5 or the ECU 6 is connected to the rated current value N or the threshold value (N and N−1). Switching between values). Then, the tool 5 or the ECU 6 uses the CAN communication to provide the vehicle 2 with the rated current value or threshold value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in the memory 13 based on the vehicle information and data. Are switched in accordance with the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 that changes depending on the number of light sources and the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used.

(Explanation of effect of embodiment)
The vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment is configured and operated as described above, and the effects thereof will be described below.

  The vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment includes a memory 13 each time the rated current value of the turn signal lamp 3 changes depending on the number of turn signal lamps 3 and the combination of light sources of the turn signal lamps 3 to be used. Can be switched in accordance with the rated current value N of the turn signal lamp 3. That is, the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment is used for the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 and the turn signal lamps 3 according to the specifications of the vehicle 2 and user preferences. Even if the light source and the like change variously and the rated current value N of the turn signal lamp 3 provided in the vehicle 2 changes variously, the rated current value N of the disconnection judgment criterion of the tool 5 or ECU 6 or By switching the threshold value (value between N and N-1), the rated current value or threshold value of the disconnection determination criterion can be switched based on vehicle information, data, or the like. As a result, the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment can switch the rated current value and threshold value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in the memory 13 with the same components, so the number of components and the components There is no increase in types, and no parts replacement work is required.

  The vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment connects the communication port 50 of the tool 5 or the communication port 60 of the ECU 6 of another vehicle to the communication port 45 of the BCM 1, and determines whether the tool 5 or the ECU 6 is disconnected. By switching the reference rated current value N and the threshold value (a value between N and N-1), the rated current value and threshold value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in the memory 13 with the same component are switched. Therefore, the switching operation of the rated current value and threshold value of the disconnection judgment standard is easy.

  In the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment, when the determination circuit 14 determines that the turn signal lamp 3 is disconnected, the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp 3 is transmitted via the blinking circuit 15 and the drive output unit 12. Therefore, the disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3 can be surely notified to the driver.

  Since the vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device 1 according to this embodiment detects the disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3 when the six turn signal lamps 3 are used as the winker lamps (winkers), The disconnection of the turn signal lamp 3 can be reliably detected.

(Description of example other than embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, three turn signal lamps 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS) are provided on the left side of the vehicle 2, and three turn signal lamps 3 (3RF, 3RB, 3RS) are provided on the right side of the vehicle 2. Six turn signal lamps 3 (3LF, 3LB, 3LS, 3RF, 3RB, 3RS) are provided. However, in the present invention, the number of turn signal lamps 3 provided in the vehicle 2 is not particularly limited. At least the left front turn signal lamp 3LF, the right front turn signal lamp 3RF, the left rear turn signal lamp 3LB, and the right rear turn signal lamp 3RB may be provided in the vehicle 2, respectively.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... BCM, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Current detection part, 12 ... Drive output part, 13 ... Memory, 14 ... Determination circuit, 15 ... Flashing circuit, 2 ... Vehicle, 20 ... Driver's cab, 21 ... Upper body mounting , 22 ... power source, 23 ... turn signal lamp switch, 230 ... movable contact, 231 ... first fixed contact, 232 ... second fixed contact, 24 ... hazard lamp switch, 240 ... movable contact, 241 ... fixed contact, 3 ... turn Signal lamp, 3LF ... Left front turn signal lamp, 3LB ... Left rear turn signal lamp, 3LS ... Left side turn signal lamp, 3RF ... Right front turn signal lamp, 3RB ... Right rear turn signal lamp, 3RS ... Right side Part turn signal lamp, 41, 42, 43, 44 ... connection terminal, 45, 50 ... communication port, 5 ... tool.

Claims (4)

A current detection unit that detects a current supplied to a turn signal lamp provided in the vehicle and outputs it as a detection current;
Each time the rated current value of the turn signal lamp changes depending on the number of the turn signal lamps provided in the vehicle or the combination of the light sources of the turn signal lamps used, the rated current value of the disconnection judgment criterion stored so as to be switchable Memory that can be switched,
When the detected current value is less than or less than the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion, it is determined that the turn signal lamp is disconnected, and a determination circuit that switches the blinking frequency of the turn signal lamp;
Comprising
A turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for a vehicle characterized by the above. The memory stores the rated current value of the disconnection determination criterion stored in a switchable manner by operating a tool connected via a communication port or in an ECU mounted on another vehicle. A memory that can be switched based on vehicle information and data
The vehicle turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device according to claim 1. A blinking device for blinking the turn signal lamp;
When the determination circuit determines that the turn signal lamp is disconnected, the blink frequency of the turn signal lamp is switched via the blinking device.
The turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2. The turn signal lamp includes at least a left front turn signal lamp provided at a left front portion of the vehicle, a right front turn signal lamp provided at a right front portion of the vehicle, and a left side of the vehicle. A left rear turn signal lamp provided at the rear, and a right rear turn signal lamp provided at the rear of the right side of the vehicle,
A turn signal lamp switch for separately performing blinking of the left turn signal lamp and blinking of the right turn signal lamp;
Comprising
The turn signal lamp disconnection detecting device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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