United States Patent [191
`Shibata et al.
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`4,733,333
`Mar. 22, 1988
`
`[54] CORNERING LAMP SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE
`[75] Inventors: Hiroki Shibata; Atsushi Toda; Keiichi
`Tajima; Masahiro Kusagaya, all of
`Shizuoka, Japan
`[73] Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.,
`Tokyo, Japan
`[21] Appl. No.: 913,129
`[22] Filed:
`Sep. 29, 1986
`[30]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Sep. 30, 1985 [JP]
`Sep. 30, 1985 [JP]
`Feb. 6, 1986 [JP]
`Apr. 15, 1986 [JP]
`
`Japan .............................. .. 60-216912
`..
`
`[51] 16601.4 ............................................. .. B60Q 1/06
`[52] US. (:1. ................................. .. 362/40; 362/346
`[58] Field of Search ................... .. 362/37, 40, 43, 304,
`362/305, 346, 39, 45, 49, 54, 53; 307/10 LS;
`318/671, 672, 673, 467
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[56]
`
`3,023,344 2/1962 Owings ............................... .. 362/37
`4,276,581 6/1981 Oriiet al. ............................ .. 362/43
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`57-37037 3/ 1982 Japan .
`
`Primary Examiner—-—Samuel Scott
`Assistant Examiner-Noah Kamen
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor &
`Zafman
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A cornering lamp system for a vehicle which changes
`direction of the headlamps in conjunction with the op
`eration of the vehicle’s steering mechanism. The head
`lamps are moved in discrete steps by use of a stepper
`motor.
`The headlamps move in the direction which the vehicle
`is turning, and the headlamp closest to the center of
`rotation moves prior to the headlamp further from the
`center of rotation. A delay circuit causes the headlamps
`to move a predetermined period of time after the direc
`tion of the steering wheel is changed.
`
`1,305,498 6/1919 Schroeder ......................... .. 362/304
`
`15 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures
`
`Page 1 of 24
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`Sheet 1 0f 13
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`Sheet 2 of 13
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`4,733,333
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`Sheet 4 of 13
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`U.S. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`U.S. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`Sheet 12 of 13
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`US. Patent Mar. 22, 1988
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`Sheet 13 0f 13
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`

`
`1
`
`CORNERING LAMP SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE
`
`4,733,333
`2
`the steering wheel and the movement of the front lamp,
`and a function to make a difference between the steering
`angle and the center of the irradiation direction of the
`front lamp, thereby making it possible to provide suffi
`cient visibility.
`A cornering lamp system for a vehicle according to
`the present invention comprises lighting means for use
`in a vehicle, and means for changing the direction of a
`light irradiated from the lighting means stepwise in
`accordance with the steering operation of the steering
`wheel.
`~
`
`5
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIGS. 1, 1a and 1b are a circuit diagram illustrating,
`in a block form, an embodiment of a cornering lamp
`system according to the present invention,
`FIG. 2 is a view showing waveforms for explaining
`the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 1,
`FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining the opera
`tion of the circuit shown in FIG. 1,
`FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views diagramatically
`illustrating the con?guration of a front lamp employed
`in the present invention,
`FIGS. 6, 6a, 6b, and 6c are is a circuit diagram illus
`trating, in a block form, another emobodiment of a
`cornering lamp system according to the present inven
`tion.
`FIGS. 7, 7a, and 7b are is a block diagram illustrating
`a further embodiment of a cornering lamp system ac
`cording to the present invention,
`FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining the opera
`tion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
`FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are views for explaining the
`operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
`FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are views for explaining the
`operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
`FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a still further emobid
`ment according to the present invention, and
`FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the effect in the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 11.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`A cornering lamp system for a vehicle according to
`the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1
`is a circuit diagram an embodiment of the cornering
`lamp system. As shown in the ?gure, this system in
`cludes a photosensor 1 which is secured to a circular
`plate (not shown) with slits cooperative with the steer
`ing wheel and outputs a pulse train corresponding to a
`steering angle, a processing circuit 2 for processing the
`electric signal output from the photosensor 1, a lamp
`drive unit 3 responsive to a processing signal output
`from the processing circuit 2 to drive a front lamp (not
`shown), and a dc power supply 4. More particularly,
`the photosensor 1 is comprised of a ?rst photointer
`rupter .13 comprising a light emitting diode 11, a photo
`transistor 12 and resistors R1 and R2, and a second pho
`tointerrupter 16 comprising a light emitting diode 14, a
`phototransistor 15 and resistors R3 and R4. On an output
`terminal 17 of the photointerrupter 13 and an output
`terminal 18 of the photointerrupter 16, there are pro
`duced pulse-like electric signals of which waveforms
`are the same, having high level (“1”) and low level
`(“0”) by turns as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 2, in
`cooperation with the steering operation of the steering
`wheel of the automotive vehicle. In (a) and (b) of FIG.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a cornering lamp
`system for a vehicle, which is capable of changing irra
`diation direction of a head or front lamp in cooperation
`with the steering operation of a steering wheel.
`Automotive vehicles are provided with a front lamp
`for irradiating the forward direction in the night. Con
`ventionally, the front lamp ?xedly irradiate only the
`front side of the automtive vehicle. When the automo
`tive vehicle approaches a curve, it happens that the
`advancing direction of the automotive vehicle cannot
`be suf?ciently irradiated. Namely, such a conventional
`lamp system fails to suf?ciently irradiate the advancing
`direction along which the automotive vehicle actually
`moves, at the time of the cornering when turning the
`curve or the like, resulting in the possibility of occu
`rence of danger.
`To solve this problem, there have been proposed in
`the art cornering lamp systems con?gured so that the
`irradiation direction of the front lamp can be changed in
`cooperation with the steering operation of the steering
`wheel of the automotive vehicle.
`For instance, a mechanical cornering lamp system to
`move the front lamp from the steering rod through a
`link, an electric cornering lamp system to detect a rota
`tion angle of the front lamp by using a rotary encoder to
`control it by using a servomotor, and the like have been
`proposed. For the mechanical cornering lamp system, it
`is required to implement dedicated design speci?cally
`tailored to the kind of vehicle on which it is mounted.
`Accordingly, this system is not so suitable for wide use.
`In this respect, the electric cornering lamp system
`which can be widely used is more advantageous.
`As stated above, the irradiation direction of the front
`lamp is changes in cooperation with the operation of the
`steering wheel of the automotive vehicle in the conven
`tional cornering lamp systems. For this reason, the elec
`tric cornering lamp system becomes complicated in
`construction, giving rise to low reliability and high cost.
`Moreover, since it is impossible to change the irradia
`tion direction of the front lamp before the steering
`wheel is steered, pedestrians or bicycles may not be
`illuminate until after the car starts to turn.
`In addition, the conventional cornering lamp system
`is con?gured so that the of changes of the irradiation
`directions of front lamps on both left and right sides are
`synchronized to swing the irradiation direction of the
`lamps by an amount proportional to the steering angle.
`Since a swing angle is large relative to the irradiation
`range of the front lamp in such a system, there is a large
`discrepancy between the advancing direction of the
`automotive vehicle and the center of the irradiation
`range of the front lamp, giving rise to the problem that
`visibility cannot be suf?ciently maintained during cor
`nering.
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`55
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`An object of the present invention is to eliminate the
`above-mentioned drawbacks with the prior arts to pro
`vide a cornering lamp system for a vehicle which has
`simpli?ed structure, is manufactured at low cost, and
`has high reliability.
`Further, another object of the present invention is to
`provide a cornering lamp system for a vehicle having a
`function to change timings of the steering operation of
`
`65
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`2, abscissa represents a steering angle. The steering
`nals 29e and 29f to the output terminal 2c, the output
`terminals 29g, 29h and 29i to the output terminal 2d, the
`angle is 0'’ at a neutral point N of the steering wheel.
`output terminals 29j and 29k to the output terminal 2e,
`When the steering wheel is rotated clockwise with
`the output terminals 291 and 29m to the output terminal
`respect to the neutral point N, an electric signal indicat
`2f, and the output terminals 29!: and 290 to the output
`ing a positive angle is produced. In contrast, when ro
`terminal 2g.
`tated counterclockwise, an electric signal indicating a
`negative angle is produced. The electric signal pro
`The output terminals 2a to 23 of the processing cir
`cuit 2 are connected with wiper contacts 34b to 34h
`duced on the output terminal 17 leads the electric signal
`produced on the output terminal 18 by a phase angle of
`which are slidably in contact with two conductor seg
`90°. When the steering wheel is positioned at the neutral
`ments 32 and 33 of a semicircular band shaped conduc
`point N, i.e, the steering angle is 0°, an electric signal
`tive patterns formed on a slide base 31 of the lamp drive
`unit 3. A wiper contact 34a adjacent to the wiper
`having a positive angle produced on the output terminal
`18 is placed in condition for just falling from “1” to “0”,
`contact 34b is connected to the positive side of the dc
`power supply 4 through a coil 351 of a relay 35. A wiper
`whereas an electric signal having a negative angle pro
`duced thereon is placed in condition for just rising from
`contact 34i adjacent to the wiper contact 34h is con
`nected to the positive side of the dc power supply 4
`v“0” to “1”. At this time, an electric signal produced on
`the output terminal 17 represents “0”.
`through a coil 361 of a relay 36. Diodes 37 and 38 are
`The processing circuit 2 comprises NAND gates 21
`connected in parallel with the coils 351 and 361, respec
`tively. To both connection terminals 390 and 39b of a dc
`and 22, an inverter 23, R-S ?ip-?op circuits 24 and 25,
`motor 39, common terminals 3520 and 362s of the relays
`AND gates 26 and 27, an UP/DOWN counter 28, and
`35 and 36 are connected, respectively. When the relay
`a decoder/driver 29. The R-S ?ip-flop circuits 24 and
`25 are comprised of negative logic input type OR gates
`35 is electrically energized, the common terminal 352a
`241 and 242, and 251 and 252, respectively. The output
`and the contact terminal 352a are in contact with each
`other, so that the positive side of the dc power supply 4
`terminal 17 of the photosensor 1 is connected to one end
`is connected to one end of the dc motor 39. On the other
`of the NAND gates 21 and 22, and to the reset terminals
`25
`hand, when the relay 36 is electrically energized, the
`24r and 25r of the R-S ?ip-?op circuits 24 and 25. The
`output terminal 18 of the photosensor 1 is connected to
`common terminal 362:: and the contact terminal 362a
`are in contact with each other, so that the positive side
`one end of the AND gate 26, to the other end of the
`of the dc power supply 4 is connected to the other end
`NAND gate 22, and to an input terminal of the inverter
`of the dc motor 39. Usually, the common terminal 352c
`23. An output terminal of the inverter 23 is connected to
`of the relay 35 is connected to a contact terminal 3521;
`* the other end of the NAND gate 21 and to the one end
`grounded, and the common terminal 362:: of the relay
`of the AND gate 27. Moreover output terminals of the
`36 is connected to a contact terminal 362b grounded. At
`.:..; NAND gates 21 and 22 are connected to set terminals
`this time, both ends of the dc motor 39 are grounded.
`24s and 25s of the R-S flip-flop circuits 24 and 25, re
`spectively, and Q output terminals 24q and 25¢] of the
`When dc power is delivered to the dc motor 39 through
`the relay 35, the motor 39 rotates the slide base 31
`R-S ?ip-?op circuits 24 and 25 are connected to the
`clockwise through a lamp drive shaft 5 clockwise (rota
`other ends of the AND gates 26 and 27, respectively.
`tion in FIG. 1). In accordance with the clockwise rota
`. Output terminals of the AND gates 26 and 27 are con
`‘
`tion the conductive patterns 32 and 33 also rotate clock
`:1- nected to an up input terminal 281: and a down input
`terminal 28d of the UP/DOWN counter 28, respec
`wise as a unit with the slide base 31. In addition, when
`tively. Every time a signal of “1” is input to the input
`dc power is delivered to the dc motor 39 through the
`relay 36, the lamp drive shaft 5 rotates counterclock
`.‘nwterminal 2811 or 28d, the UP/DOWN counter 28 counts
`wise. In accordance with the counterclockwise rota
`" up or down to output a digital signal corresponding to
`tion, the conductive patterns 32 and 33 rotate counter
`the count value to input terminals 29A to 29D of the
`decoder/driver 29 through output terminals 28A to
`clockwise as a unit with the slide base 31. The clockwise
`and counterclockwise rotations of the lamp drive shaft
`28D. The decoder/driver 29 receives the digital signal
`5 allow the irradiation direction of the front lamp to be
`to select a predetermined output terminal from output
`varied. When the lamp drive shaft 5 rotates clockwise,
`terminals 290 to 290, thus to set the level of the selected
`the irradiation direction of the front lamp rotationally
`terminal to “0”. Namely, the count value of the UP/
`shifts in the right direction when viewed from an opera
`DOWN counter 28 is set to zero at the neutral point N
`50
`in FIG. 2. At this time, the decoder/driver 29 selects
`tor’s seat. In contrast, when it rotates counterclockwise,
`the irradiation direction of the front lamp rotationally
`the output terminal 29h, thus to set only the level of the
`output terminal 29h to “0”. Every time the UP/DOWN
`shifts in the left direction.
`The operation of the cornering lamp system for a
`counter 28 counts up by one, the position of the output
`terminal which becomes “0” level is shifted ahead from
`vehicle thus con?gured will now be described. It is
`assumed that an automotive vehicle advances at the
`29h to 29g, 29]; . . . , 29a in turn. In addition, every time
`straight line and the steering wheel is positioned at the
`the UP/DOWN counter 28 counts down by one from
`neutral point (the point N in FIG. 2). At this time, the
`zero, the position of the output terminal which becomes
`count value of the UP/DOWN counter 28 is equal to
`“0” level is shifted backward from 2911 to 291', 29j . . . 290
`zero, and only the output terminal 29h of the decoder/
`in turn. In this instance, it is needless to say that even in
`driver 29 represents “0” and the remaining output ter
`the case of count down after count up or of count up
`after count down, the position of the output terminal
`minals 29a to 29g and 29i to 290 al represent “1”. Ac
`cordingly, the wiper contacts 34b to 34d and 34f to 34h
`which becomes “0” level is shifted backward or ahead
`to the adjacent output terminals in turn. The output
`which are respectively in contact with the conductive
`patterns 32 and 33 represent “1”. Thus, power is not
`terminals 29a and 29b of the decoder/driver 29 are
`connected to the output terminal 20 of the processing
`delivered to the relays 35 and 36, so that the dc motor
`circuit 2. Likewise, the output terminals 29c and 29d are
`39 does not rotate. The irradiation direction of the front
`connected to the output terminal 2b, the output termi
`lamp is ?xed with it being directed to the front side.
`
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`Thus, the dc motor 39 intermittently rotates, so that the
`When the steering wheel is caused to rotate clock
`irradiation direction of the front lamp moves clockwise
`wise from such a condition to initiate the clockwise
`step by step.
`steering operation, electric signals output from the pho
`The operation when the steering wheel is rotated
`tointerrupters 13 and 16 become “1” and “0”, respec
`conterclockwise from the neutral point will now be
`tively (point a in FIG. 2). Thus, the output of the
`described. When a negative angle is taken with respect
`NAND gate 21 shifts from “1” to “0”. As a result, the
`to the neutral point N in FIG. 2, both the output termi
`R-S ?ip-?op circuit 24 is set, so that the Q output termi
`nals 17 and 18 of the photosensor 1 become “1" (point
`nal 24g becomes “1”. When the clockwise steering op
`f in FIG. 2), so that the output of the NAND gate 22
`eration is further conducted to reach point b in FIG. 2,
`becomes “0”. Thus, the R-S flip-flop circuit 25 is set,
`the output terminals 17 and 18 of the photosensor 1 both
`with the result that the Q output terminal 25g becomes
`become “1” and therefore two inputs of the AND gate
`“1”. When the point g in FIG. 2 is reached, the output
`26 become “1”. As a result, a signal of “l” is input to the
`terminals 17 and 18 become “I” and “0”, respectively.
`up input terminal 28a of the UP/DOWN counter 28, so
`As a result, two inputs of the AND gate 27 both become
`that the UP/DOWN counter terminal 28 counts up by
`“1”. Thus, a signal of “l” is input to the down input
`one. Thus, the decoder/driver 29 outputs the signal of
`“0”, which has been output from the output terminal
`terminal 28d of the UP/DOWN counter 28, so that the
`29h, from the output terminal 29g shifted ahead. How
`UP/DOWN counter 28 counts down by one. By this
`counter down operation, the decoder/ driver 29 outputs
`ever, since the output terminal 29g is connected to the
`the signal of “0”, which has been output from the out
`output terminal 2d of the processing circuit 2 in the
`put terminal 29h from that time, from the output termi
`same manner as the output terminal 29h, power is not
`nal 291' shifted backward. Then, when point h in FIG. 2
`delivered to the motor 39, so that the irradiation direc
`is reached, the output terminals 17 and 18 both become
`tion of the front lamp light is directed to the front and
`the front lamp continues to be stopped. When the clock
`“0”. Thus, the R-S ?ip-?op circuit 25 is reset, so that the
`Q output terminal 25g becomes “0” to stand by the next
`wise steering operation further continues to be con~
`ducted, the output terminals 17 and 18 of the photosen
`count. Thus, at the time when point i in FIG. 2 is
`reached, the UP/DOWN counter 28 further counts
`sor 1 become “0” and “1”, respectively, (point c in FIG.
`down by one. As a result, the position at which the
`2). As a result, the reset terminal 24r of the R-S ?ip-?op
`decoder/driver 29 outputs the signal of “0” is shifted
`circuit 24 becomes “0”. Thus, this ?ip-?op circuit 24 is
`backward from the output terminal 29i to the output
`reset, resulting in “0” on the Q output terminal 24q to
`terminal 29j. Thus, a current ?ows through the coil 361
`stand by the next count. Thus, when point (1 in FIG. 2
`of the relay 36 by way of the wiper contact 341‘, the
`is reached, the output of the NAND gate 21 shifts from
`conductive pattern 33, the wiper contact 34f, and the
`“1” to “0”. As a result, the R-S ?ip-?op circuit 24 is set,
`with the result that the Q output terminal 24q becomes
`output terminal 2e. As a result, the common terminal
`3620 and the contact terminal 362a of the relay 36 are in
`“1” for a second time. At the time when point e in FIG.
`2 is reached, the output of the AND gate 26 becomes
`contact with each other, so that the dc motor 39 rotates,
`thus allowing the lamp drive shaft 5 to rotate counter
`“1”, so that the UP/DOWN counter 28 further counts
`clockwise. By the counterclockwise rotation of the
`up by one. By the increment of the count value, the
`lamp drive shaft 5, the irradiation direction of the front
`decoder/driver 29 outputs the signal of “0”, which has
`lamp is shifted counterclockwise and the slide base 31
`been output from the output terminal 29g, from the
`rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the wiper contact 34f is
`output terminal 29f shifted ahead. Thus, a current flows
`40
`through the coil 351 of the relay 35 by way of the wiper
`away from the conductive pattern 33, so that the electri
`cal energization of the coil 361 of the relay 36 is re
`contact 340, the conductive pattern 32, the wiper
`contact 34d and the output terminal 20. When the coil
`leased. As a result, the common terminal 3620 and the
`351 is thus electrically energized, the common terminal
`contact terminal 362a of the relay 36 are away from
`each other, resulting in interruption of power supplied
`3520 and the contact terminal 352a of the relay 35 are in
`to the dc motor 39. Thus, the dc motor 39 rotates some
`contact with each other, so that the dc motor 39 rotates,
`what by inertia and then is stopped. By continuing the
`allowing the lamp drive shaft 5 to rotate clockwise. By
`counterclockwise steering operation in the same man
`the clockwise rotation of the lamp drive shaft 5, the
`irradiation direction of the front lamp moves clockwise
`ner as stated above, the UP/DOWN counter 28 counts
`down one by one, so that the position of the output
`and the slide base 31 rotates clockwise with wiper
`termimal of the decoder/driver 29 from which the sig
`contacts 340 to 341' sliding onto the conductive patterns
`nal of “0” is output is shifted backward in order of the
`32 and 33. Thus, when the slide contact 34d is away
`from the conductive pattern 32, the electrical energiza
`outputs terminals 29k, 291, . . . 290. Thus, the dc motor
`39 intermittently rotates, with the result that the irradia
`tion of the coil 351 of the relay 35 is released. As a
`tion direction of the front lamp is shifted counterclock
`result, the common terminal 3520 and the contact termi
`wise step by step.
`nal 3520 of the relay are away from each other, so that
`In the preferred embodiment, the stepwise swing
`the power supplied to the dc motor 39 is interrupted.
`angle of the irradiation direction of the front lamp is set
`The dc motor 39 rotates somewhat by inertia and then
`at 10°. Accordingly, it is possible, the preferred embodi
`is stopped. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the
`ment, to swing the irradiation direction of the front
`slide base 31 and the gaps 31a located between the con
`lamp in the right and left directions by an angle of 30° at
`ductive patterns 32 and 33. As seen from this ?gure, the
`the maximum. To provide such a swing angle, the wiper
`dc motor 39 is stopped with the slide contact 34d being
`positioned in the central portion of the gap 31a. By
`contacts 34b to 3411 are disposed at equal angular inter
`vals and the setting is made such that this interval is
`continuing the clockwise steering operation in a manner
`suf?cient to swing the irradiation direction of the front
`stated, the UP/DOWN counter 28 counts up in succes
`lamp by an angle of 10° at each step. It has been ex
`sion and the position of the output terminal which out
`perimentarily con?rmed that the eyesight obtained
`puts the signal of “O” of the decoder/driver 29 is shifted
`when the irradiation direction of the front lamp is var
`ahead in order of the output terminals 29a, 29d, . . . , 29a.
`
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`50
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`65
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`Page 17 of 24
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`the lamp drive shaft 5 in FIG. 1. When the automotive
`ied stepwise by using such a method is sufficient. In
`vehicle advances in a straight line, the irradiation direc
`general, the front lamp of the automotive vehicle has' a
`lighting pattern of several ten degrees. By moving the
`tions of rays of re?ected light from the main reflector 6
`and the subre?ector 7 are the same. When the automo
`front lamp at a step of about 10 to 30% with respect to
`tive vehicle turns the lamp drive shaft 5 intermittently
`the lighting pattern, the illumination necessary for prac
`rotates clockwise in cooperation with the steering oper
`tical use can be obtained without continuously moving
`ation of the steering wheel as described with reference
`the front lamp as in the prior art.
`to FIG. 1, so that only the subre?ector 7 rotationally
`The operation of the present invention when the
`steering wheel is rotated clockwise and counterclock
`moves as shown in FIG. 5. By the rotational movement
`of the subre?ector 7, a light reflected from the subre
`wise with respect to the neutral point has been de
`?ector 7 is irradiated in the right direction in this ?gure.
`scribed above. When the steering wheel is rotated coun
`Namely, the re?ected light from the subre?ector 7 irra
`terclockwise after clockwise rotation or it is rotated
`diates the advancing direction. At this time, the re
`clockwise after counterclockwise rotation, the UP/
`?ected light from the main re?ector 6 irradiates the
`DOWN counter 28 counts down or up one by one, so
`front side. By adopting the above-mentioned method,
`that the irradiation direction of the front lamp is varied
`visibility during night operation is increased resulting in
`in accordance with the count valuve.
`improved safety, as compared to the method of moving
`As stated above, the cornering lamp system accord
`the entirety of the main re?ector 6. Further, by employ
`ing to this emobidment can irradiate the advancing
`direction in cooperation with the steering operation of
`ing an arrangement such that the subre?ector 7 smaller
`than the main re?ector 6 is movable, the movable space
`the steering wheel of the automotive vehicle at the time
`20
`of cornering, thus ensuring safety during operation of
`can be secured without allowing the head light to be
`large-sized. The realization of the method employed in
`the vehicle. Further, since the irradiation direction is
`this embodiment is suf?ciently possible.
`varied stepwise by using the dc motor, the structure is
`simpli?ed to provide a low cost and high reliability
`In the above-mentioned embodiment, there is em
`ployed an arrangement such that the front lamp is mov
`system as compared to the conventional system using a
`able in cooperation with the steering operation of the
`servomotor. In addition, in the case where there occurs
`steering wheel. In another embodiment of the present
`a break at the terminal for use in detection of rotational
`invention, there may be employed an arrangement such
`position of the motor, or a similar failure in the conven
`that the irradiation direction of the front lamp is ?xed to
`tional system using the servomotor, it happenes that it is
`~.unable to control the rotational position. In contrast, by
`the front as in the conventional manner and an auxiliary
`adopting the system con?guration as in this embodi
`lamp is used as the moveable lighting means in coopera
`tion with the steering operation of the steering wheel.
`,. vment, the fail-safe operation that the operation is only
`The provision of such an auxiliary lamp can provide the
`-- stopped at the time of break can be obtained.
`In the preferred embodiment, the processing circuit 2
`same advantage as the above-mentioned subre?ector 7.
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another em
`is constituted with the hardware circuits. However, it
`35
`bodiment of a cornering lamp system according to the
`would be apparent to one skilled in the art that a mi
`present invention. The cornering lamp system in this
`crocomputer etc. may be used to effect program con
`embodiment includes the photosensor 1 which is the
`’; trol. Moreover, the wiper contacts are used to detect
`; the rotational position of the front lamp, but the rota
`same as that in FIG. 1, a processing circuit 2’ for pro
`cessing an electric signal output from the photosensor 1,
`tional position may be optically detected. Further, the
`a right lamp drive unit 3-1 which drives a front lamp
`‘ .q-stepwise swing angle of the irradiation direction of the
`(which will be called a “right lamp” hereinafter of
`front lamp is set at 10° and at equal intervals. Without
`which indication is omitted here) provided at the right
`limiting to such an implementation, an arrangement
`side in front of the automotive vehicle on the basis of a
`may be employed such that the intervals between re
`processing signal output from the processing circuit 2’,
`spective adjacent wiper contacts 34b to 34h are vary
`with respect to the irradiation angle, allowing the-swing
`a left lamp drive unit 3-2 which drives a front lamp
`(which will be called a “left lamp” hereinafter of which
`angle to be set at unequal intervals.
`indication is omitted here) provided at the left side in
`Although the rotational movement of the irradiation
`direction of the front lamp by the lamp drive shaft 5
`front of the automotive vehicle on the basis of a process
`ing signal output from the processing circuit 2’, the dc
`may be carried out so as to move the entirety of the
`power supply 4, a turn signal generation circuitry 60,
`front lamp, there are many instances where the neces
`sary space cannot be ensured because the space for
`and a traf?c indicator or a direction indicator 70.
`More particularly, the processing circuit 2’ comprises
`mounting the front lamp for an automotive vehicle is
`the NAND gates 21 and 22, the inverter 23, the R-S
`generally narrow. Further, even when there is em
`?ip-?op circuits 24 and 25, the AND gates 26 and 27,
`ployed an arrangement such that the entirety of the
`the UP/DOWN counter 28, the decoder/driver 29, and
`front lamp can be moved, there occurs the problem that
`it is unable to be moved because of freezing tempera
`a decoder/driver 30 similar to the decoder/driver 29,
`and they have the same construction, function and ef
`tures. For this reason, a method has been recently pro
`fect as those in FIG. 1. Input terminals 30A, 30B, 30C
`posed to move a re?ector within the front lamp. How
`ever, since the space for moving the re?ector is re
`and 30D of the decoder/driver 30 are connected to
`quired within the front lamp, the entirety of the front
`input terminals 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D of the decoder/
`lamp becomes large-sized, resulting in poor realization
`driver 29, respectively, and output terminals 30a to 300
`because of limitation of space. In view of this, the front
`thereof correspond to the output terminals 29a to 300 of
`the d