초록 ▼

A motorcycle headlamp capable of emitting a light beam with a beam pattern calculated to provide optimum forward illumination. In order to maintain the beam pattern in a level position about the lamp axis despite the lateral tipping of the motorcycle, at least one road sensor is employed for detecti

A motorcycle headlamp capable of emitting a light beam with a beam pattern calculated to provide optimum forward illumination. In order to maintain the beam pattern in a level position about the lamp axis despite the lateral tipping of the motorcycle, at least one road sensor is employed for detecting the lateral angular position of the vehicle with respect to the road surface by transmitting radiation such as an ultrasonic wave or infrared rays toward the road surface and receiving its reflection from the road surface. Electric signals representative of lateral vehicle inclinationare fed to a central processor unit, which then causes energization of a reversible electric motor built into the headlamp unit for leveling the beam pattern by revolving the bulb and control lens of the headlamp unit relative to the lamp housing. Thus, as the lateral angular position of the vehicle is detected in reference to the road surface, instead of to the perpendicular, the beam pattern can be maintained in the level position with respect to the road surface regardless of whether the road is banked or unbanked. Several different methods of detecting lateral vehicle inclination are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

A beam pattern leveling headlamp system for use on a motorcycle or like vehicle that is subject to lateral tipping as when taking a curve, the headlamp system comprising: (a) a headlamp unit on a vehicle for throwing a light beam having a prescribed beam pattern, the headlamp unit having a lamp axis

A beam pattern leveling headlamp system for use on a motorcycle or like vehicle that is subject to lateral tipping as when taking a curve, the headlamp system comprising: (a) a headlamp unit on a vehicle for throwing a light beam having a prescribed beam pattern, the headlamp unit having a lamp axis and being capable of angularly displacing the beam pattern about the lamp axis; (b) beam pattern leveling means acting on the headlamp unit for causing the same to angularly displace the beam pattern about the lamp axis; (c) vehicle inclination detector means sensitive to a road surface on which the vehicle is traveling, for detecting the degree of lateral tipping of the vehicle with respect to the road surface; (d) control means responsive to the vehicle inclination detector means for actuating the beam pattern leveling means so as to cause the head lamp unit to angularly displace the beam pattern about the lamp axis to an extent necessary for leveling the beam pattern with respect to the road surface in the face of the lateral tipping of the vehicle thereon; (e) whereby the beam can always be maintained in the level position with respect to the road surface regardless of whether the road is banked or unbanked.