JP2007112359A - Travelling controller of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for two types of target speed changing aspects, based on whether a period continuing an operation of a target speed changing switch exceeds a prescribed time period, and display in an aspect easy to understand without bringing discomfort to a driver when the target speed is displayed on a display means, in a travelling controller of a vehicle having a travelling control means for controlling an actual travelling speed regulation means so as to coincide an actual travelling speed of a vehicle with the target speed. <P>SOLUTION: When starting the operation of the changing switch, the controller starts controlling the regulation means so as to up or down the actual travelling speed at a constant acceleration or deceleration, does not change the display speed to be displayed on the display means until the period continuing the operation exceeds the prescribed time period, and changes the display speed so as to cope with the change in the actual travelling speed after the display speed exceeds the prescribed time period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field relating to a vehicle travel control device including travel control means for controlling actual travel speed adjusting means so that the actual travel speed of a vehicle matches a target speed.

  Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a travel control device (cruise control device) that automatically controls a travel speed of a vehicle to a set value is known. In such a device, a set switch that is normally operated by a vehicle occupant is provided, and when the occupant operates this set switch, the actual traveling speed of the vehicle at the time of the operation is set to the target speed, The opening degree of the throttle valve and the like are controlled so that the actual traveling speed of the vehicle matches the target speed.

  The travel control device is provided with a target speed change switch for changing and setting the set target speed, and the target speed is set to a constant speed (for example, 5 km / mm) every time the occupant operates the target speed change switch. h) It is possible to up or down only.

  Regarding the operation of the target speed change switch, there is a case where an operation in which the duration of the operation is within a predetermined time is distinguished from an operation exceeding the predetermined time (so-called long press operation), and the operation within the predetermined time is performed. The target speed is increased or decreased by a certain speed as described above. When an operation exceeding a predetermined time is performed, the target speed is increased at a certain rate (for example, 2 km / h per second until the operation is completed). The ratio).

In this way, when two types of target speed changing modes are enabled by the duration of operation of the target speed changing switch, as shown in Patent Document 2, for example, the target speed is set at the start of the above operation. The throttle valve opening degree and the like are controlled so as to coincide with the target speed that is increased or decreased by a certain speed. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation, it is determined that the operation is a long press operation, the target speed is changed to a speed close to the actual traveling speed at the time of the determination, and thereafter, until the end of the operation, The speed is increased or decreased from the speed at a constant rate, and the opening of the throttle valve or the like is controlled in accordance with the change in the target speed.
Japanese Patent No. 3407273 JP 2000-142165 A

  By the way, it is preferable to display the target speed on a display unit such as a display device provided on an instrument panel or the like from the viewpoint of improving the convenience of the passenger. Displaying the target speed in this way is convenient because the occupant can grasp how much the target speed has been changed, particularly when the target speed is changed by the target speed change switch.

  When the target speed is changed as shown in Patent Document 2, if the target speed is displayed, as shown in FIG. 9, when the operation starts (when the target speed change switch changes from OFF to ON), as shown in FIG. ), The target speed, that is, the display speed displayed on the display means is increased or decreased by a certain speed (up in FIG. 9), and the target speed (display speed) is reached when a predetermined time has passed after the operation is continued. Changes abruptly to a speed close to the actual traveling speed (down in FIG. 9), and thereafter, the target speed (display speed) increases or decreases at a constant rate (up in FIG. 9).

  However, in the above display mode, when the target speed change switch is pressed and held, the display speed changes rapidly up and down, so that it is very difficult for the occupant to feel uncomfortable. For this reason, the case where a crew member sets a target speed accidentally may arise.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not the duration of operation of the target speed change switch exceeds or exceeds a predetermined time in the travel control device as described above. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-understand display mode without giving a sense of incongruity to a passenger when two types of target speed change modes are enabled and the target speed is displayed on the display means.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, at the start of operation of the target speed change switch, the control of the actual traveling speed adjusting means is started so that the actual traveling speed is increased or decreased at a constant acceleration or deceleration, A configuration in which the display speed displayed on the display unit is not changed as long as the duration of the operation does not exceed the predetermined time, and the display speed is changed so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed after the predetermined time is exceeded. It was.

  Specifically, in the first aspect of the present invention, the actual traveling speed detecting means for detecting the actual traveling speed of the vehicle, the target speed storing means for storing the target speed of the vehicle, and the actual traveling speed of the vehicle are adjusted. The actual travel speed adjusting means, a set switch operated by the vehicle occupant, and the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detecting means during the operation by the operation of the set switch by the occupant is obtained as the target speed. In the target speed storage means and the actual travel speed adjusting means so that the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detection means matches the target speed stored in the target speed storage means. The present invention is directed to a vehicle travel control device including a travel control means for controlling.

  Then, after the set switch is operated by the occupant, the target speed change switch for changing and setting the target speed stored in the target speed storage means, and according to the operation of the target speed change switch by the occupant A target speed update means for updating the target speed stored in the target speed storage means by up or down; a display control means for displaying the target speed stored in the target speed storage means on the display means; The target speed update means increases or decreases the target speed by a predetermined speed when the continuation of the operation of the target speed change switch by the occupant is completed without exceeding a predetermined time. And the travel control means detects the actual travel speed when the occupant starts operating the target speed change switch. The control of the actual traveling speed adjusting means is started so that the actual traveling speed detected by the stage increases or decreases at a constant acceleration or deceleration, and the operation duration time does not exceed the predetermined time. Is completed, the actual running speed is controlled by the actual running speed adjusting means so that the actual running speed is increased or lowered by the predetermined speed to coincide with the updated target speed, while the duration of the operation is the predetermined time. When the vehicle speed exceeds the actual travel speed, the actual travel speed adjusting means is configured to continue the control so that the actual travel speed increases or decreases at the constant acceleration or deceleration. When the predetermined time is exceeded, the display speed displayed on the display means is the target speed stored in the target speed storage means until the operation is completed. The target speed update means is configured to change so as to correspond to the change in the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detection means, and the target speed update means exceeds the predetermined time for the operation. When finished, the target speed stored in the target speed storage means is updated to the display speed displayed on the display means when the operation is finished, and the travel control means further comprises: After the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time and the operation is completed, the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means is matched with the target speed updated to the display speed. It is assumed that the traveling speed adjusting means is configured to be controlled.

  In the invention of claim 2, the display control means displays the display speed to be displayed on the display means until the operation ends when the duration of the operation of the target speed change switch exceeds the predetermined time. The target speed stored in the target speed storage means is assumed to be changed at a constant rate so as to correspond to the change in the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detection means.

  In the invention of claim 3, the display control means stores in the target speed storage means a display speed to be displayed on the display means when the duration of operation of the target speed change switch exceeds the predetermined time. From the target speed being changed to the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means, and then changing along the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means until the operation is completed. It is assumed to be configured.

  According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, when the occupant starts operating the target speed change switch in an attempt to change the target speed stored in the target speed storage means, the travel control means uses the actual travel speed detection means. Control of the actual traveling speed adjusting means is started so that the detected actual traveling speed is increased or decreased at a constant acceleration or deceleration. When the duration of the operation of the target speed change switch is completed without exceeding a predetermined time, the target speed is updated by increasing or decreasing the target speed by the target speed update means at the end of the operation. At the same time, the actual traveling speed adjusting means is controlled by the traveling control means so that the actual traveling speed matches the updated target speed by increasing or decreasing the predetermined speed. Further, the target speed updated by the above-mentioned predetermined speed up or down by the display control means is displayed on the display means.

  On the other hand, when the duration of the operation of the target speed change switch exceeds a predetermined time, the actual travel speed adjusting means is controlled by the travel control means so that the actual travel speed is increased or decreased at the constant acceleration or deceleration. And the display speed displayed on the display means is detected by the actual traveling speed detection means from the target speed stored in the target speed storage means until the operation is completed by the display control means. It changes so as to correspond to a change in travel speed (the display speed may not match the actual travel speed). When the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time and the operation is finished, the target speed stored in the target speed storage means is the display speed displayed on the display means when the operation is finished. After the above operation is completed, the actual traveling speed adjusting means is adjusted by the traveling control means so that the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means coincides with the target speed updated to the display speed. Is controlled.

  Therefore, the display speed displayed on the display means is changed when a predetermined time is exceeded from the start of operation of the target speed change switch regardless of whether the operation is a long press operation or not. Therefore, unlike the conventional display mode in which the target speed (display speed) is increased or decreased by a predetermined speed at the start of the operation, the display speed does not change suddenly up and down during the long press operation. It becomes an easy-to-understand display mode that does not give a sense of discomfort to the passenger.

  As described above, according to the vehicle travel control apparatus of the present invention, when the target speed change switch is started, the actual travel speed adjusting means is controlled so that the actual travel speed is increased or decreased at a constant acceleration or deceleration. As long as the duration of the operation does not exceed the predetermined time, the display speed displayed on the display means is not changed, and the display speed is adapted to the change in the actual traveling speed from when the predetermined time is exceeded. With this configuration, the display speed does not suddenly change up and down during a long press operation, and an easy-to-understand display mode that does not give the passenger a sense of incongruity can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a vehicle W equipped with a travel control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a meter unit 1 is provided in a driver seat front portion of an instrument panel 21 provided at a front end portion of the vehicle W. Is provided. A steering wheel 22 is provided on the vehicle rear side (driver's seat side) of the meter unit 1, and the steering wheel 22 is provided with an operation unit 3 operated by an occupant.

  The vehicle W includes an inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 composed of a radar or the like that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle W and a preceding vehicle, and a vehicle speed as an actual travel speed detecting unit that detects the actual travel speed of the vehicle W. A sensor 6, an accelerator sensor 7 that detects that an occupant (driver) of the vehicle W has depressed the accelerator pedal, a brake sensor 8 that detects that the occupant has depressed the brake pedal, and the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W An automatic actuator 9 composed of a throttle, a brake and the like is provided as an actual travel speed adjusting means for adjusting.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the meter unit 1 is provided with instruments such as a speedometer 11 indicating the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W and a tachometer 12 indicating the engine speed, and an upper center of the meter unit 1. The unit is provided with a display unit 13 as display means for displaying the state of control by the traveling control device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 3 is provided on a spoke portion 22 a on the right side of the vehicle among the three spoke portions 22 a on the left and right sides and on the lower side of the steering wheel 22 with respect to the center portion. It consists of four operation switches that are lined up, down, left and right. That is, on the upper left side of the operation unit 3, there is provided a main switch 3a that activates or deactivates the travel control device, and on the right side of the main switch 3a, a cancel that cancels control by the travel control device. A switch 3b is provided, and a target inter-vehicle distance setting switch 3c for setting the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle W and the preceding vehicle is provided below the cancel switch 3b. A target speed setting switch 3d for setting the target speed of the vehicle W is provided on the left side and below the main switch 3a.

  The target speed setting switch 3d is operated by tilting the lever protruding toward the passenger side upward (the side described as “RES / +”) or down (the side described as “SET / −”). Is supposed to do. Then, after the travel control device is activated by the main switch 3a, when the occupant first performs an operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d downward, the constant speed travel mode (auto cruise mode) And the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 at the time of the operation is set to the target speed of the vehicle W (the actual traveling speed is set as the target speed as will be described later, as shown in FIG. 4). Remembered). After this setting, if the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d upward (operation in which the switch ON duration is within a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms)) is performed once, the target speed becomes the predetermined speed (for example, 1 km / h). The target speed is decreased by a predetermined speed when the operation of turning down (operation where the switch ON duration is within a predetermined time) is performed once while the speed is increased by a speed within the range of 5 km / h or less. It has become. After that, when the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d upward or downward (operation within a predetermined time) is performed once, the target speed is increased or decreased by the predetermined speed. That is, in the present embodiment, the target speed setting switch 3d has both the function of the set switch and the function of the target speed change switch. Note that both of these functions may be provided in separate switches.

  In addition, when the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d upward or downward is continued so as to exceed a predetermined time (when the switch ON is continued for a long time exceeding the predetermined time). As will be described later, the display speed displayed on a target speed indicator 13a described later on the display unit 13 changes from when a predetermined time is exceeded until the operation ends, and the target speed is reached when the operation ends. The display speed displayed on the indicator 13a is set to the target speed.

  Further, after the travel control device is activated by the main switch 3a, when the operation of first tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d is performed, the same operation as when performing the operation of tilting downward is performed. Although the constant speed running mode is set, at this time, the vehicle speed when the occupant previously set (that is, the vehicle speed stored in the storage unit 16 described later) is set as the target speed. That is, the target speed setting switch 3d also has a function of a resume switch.

  Hereinafter, when the target speed setting switch 3d is operated as a set switch function, it is referred to as a set switch. When it is operated as a target speed change switch function, it is referred to as a target speed change switch, and when it is operated as a resume switch function. This is called a resume switch.

  The display unit 13 includes a target speed indicator 13a for displaying a target speed set by the occupant by the set switch and the target speed change switch, a target inter-vehicle distance set by the occupant by the target inter-vehicle distance setting switch 3c, and an inter-vehicle distance. A target inter-vehicle distance indicator 13b that displays the inter-vehicle distance detected by the sensor 5 (displayed in three stages of “far”, “medium”, and “near”) is provided.

  In the present embodiment, when there is no preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle W, it is set to the constant speed running mode by the set switch or the resume switch, and a powertrain control module (hereinafter referred to as PCM (see FIG. 4)) described later. 15 so that the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 matches the target speed set by the occupant by the set switch or the target speed change switch (target speed stored in the storage unit 16 described later). The auto actuator 9 is controlled. However, when a preceding vehicle is present in front of the vehicle W, the constant speed traveling mode cannot be set, and the following traveling mode that follows the preceding vehicle is set and detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 The auto-actuator 9 is controlled so that the inter-vehicle distance is matched with the target inter-vehicle distance set by the occupant by the target inter-vehicle distance setting switch 3c. That is, this traveling control device has an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) function.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the travel control device includes a PCM 15 as travel control means. To the PCM 15, the vehicle speed sensor 6, the accelerator sensor 7, the brake sensor 8, the main switch 3 a in the operation unit 3, Each information is input from the cancel switch 3b, the target inter-vehicle distance setting switch 3c, and the target speed setting switch 3d. In the present embodiment, an ACC controller 17 that performs control in the follow-up running mode is provided separately from the PCM 15, and the ACC controller 17 includes information from the inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 (vehicle W and Information on the preceding vehicle such as a distance from the preceding vehicle, a relative speed of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle W, a direction of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle W, and the like) are input. The PCM 15 and the ACC controller 17 exchange information with each other. From the PCM 15 to the ACC controller 17, the main switch 3a, the cancel switch 3b, the target inter-vehicle distance setting switch 3c, and the target speed setting switch 3d in the operation unit 3 are transmitted. The operation switch information is transmitted from the ACC controller 17 to the PCM 15, and information on a deceleration or acceleration instruction in the following traveling mode is transmitted. It is also possible to give the PCM 15 the function of the ACC controller 17 so that the PCM 15 performs control in the follow-up running mode.

  Based on the input information, the PCM 15 controls the autoactuator 9 by transmitting deceleration or acceleration instruction information, and transmits information on the target speed or target inter-vehicle distance to the display unit 13 for display. The display by the unit 13 is controlled. That is, the target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13a, and the target inter-vehicle distance is displayed on the target inter-vehicle distance indicator 13b. Thus, the PCM 15 constitutes display control means for displaying the target speed on the display means in addition to the travel control means.

  The PCM 15 is provided with a storage unit 16 as a target speed storage means for storing the target speed of the vehicle W. After the travel control device is activated by the main switch 3a, the occupant first When the operation of tilting the lever of the set switch downward is performed, the PCM 15 stores the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 at the time of the operation in the storage unit 16 as the target speed of the vehicle W. After the set switch is operated, when the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed change switch upward (operation within a predetermined time) is performed once, the PCM 15 updates the stored target speed to a speed increased by the predetermined speed. (The timing to update is at the end of the operation, as will be described later.) On the other hand, when the operation of tilting downward (operation within a predetermined time) is performed once, the stored target speed is reduced by a predetermined speed. Update to After this update, once the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed change switch to the upper side or the lower side (operation within a predetermined time) is performed once, the PCM 15 increases the stored target speed by a predetermined speed. In this way, each time the target speed change switch is operated by the occupant, the target speed stored in the storage unit 16 is updated by increasing or decreasing by a predetermined speed. As a result, the PCM 15 also constitutes a target speed update unit.

  When the PCM 15 is set to the auto-cruise mode, the actual travel speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 is constant acceleration (for example, 2 km / h) as shown in FIG. Or, it is up or down at a constant deceleration (for example, 1 km / h) (up by the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d upward, and down by the operation of tilting the lever down) ) Control of the auto actuator 9 is started (FIG. 5 shows a case where it is up).

  When the operation time of the set switch does not exceed the predetermined time and the operation is completed, the PCM 15 updates the target speed by increasing or decreasing the target speed by the predetermined speed at the end of the operation. The auto actuator 9 is controlled so that the speed matches the updated target speed by increasing or decreasing by the predetermined speed. The updated target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the display speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 is increased or decreased by a predetermined speed (in FIG. 5, it is increased).

  On the other hand, when the duration of the operation of the set switch exceeds the predetermined time, the PCM 15 determines that the operation is a long press operation, and as shown in FIG. 6, the actual traveling speed is a constant acceleration or deceleration. The control of the auto actuator 9 is continued so as to increase or decrease. Then, the PCM 15 displays the display speed to be displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 from the target speed stored in the storage unit 16 until the above operation is completed. Change to respond to change. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the display speed is changed at a constant rate that approximates the change rate of the actual traveling speed (the constant acceleration or deceleration) on the larger side. This constant ratio value is slightly less than the predetermined reference time (the normal operation continuation time when the set switch is operated continuously minus the predetermined time) after the display speed is changed. The display speed is set to be the same as the actual traveling speed when a short time elapses. Note that the value of the constant ratio is not necessarily larger than the change rate of the actual travel speed (the constant acceleration or deceleration), and may be the same as the change rate of the actual travel speed. It may be a value that approximates on the smaller side with respect to the change rate of.

  The PCM 15 displays the target speed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 when the operation ends when the operation time of the set switch exceeds the predetermined time. Update to the displayed speed. After the target speed is updated in this way (after the operation is completed), the PCM 15 controls the auto actuator 9 so that the actual traveling speed matches the target speed updated to the display speed. The display speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 is continuously displayed as it is when the above operation is completed, and the target speed is updated to this display speed. It can be said that the updated target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13a.

  Here, the processing operation in the PCM 15 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the first step S1, it is determined whether or not the operation of the target speed setting switch 3d is detected. If the determination in step S1 is NO, the operation in step S1 is repeated, and the determination in step S1 is YES. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the constant speed running mode (auto cruise mode) is in effect. If the determination in step S2 is NO, the process proceeds to step S3, and the target speed setting switch 3d is set or Control to function as a resume switch. That is, when the constant speed travel mode is set and the actual travel speed of the vehicle W is the target speed stored in the storage unit 16 (the target speed setting switch 3d is made to function as a set switch, the target speed setting switch The auto actuator 9 is controlled so as to coincide with the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 during the operation of 3d. After step S3, the process returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S2 is YES, the process proceeds to step S4 to control the target speed setting switch 3d to function as a target speed change switch. That is, in the case of an operation in which the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d is tilted upward, acceleration control is started (the autoactuator 9 (the actual travel speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 is increased at a constant acceleration). (Throttle) control is started), and when the lever is tilted downward, deceleration control is started (automatic so that the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 decreases at a constant deceleration). Start control of actuator 9 (throttle or both throttle and brake)).

  After step S4, the process proceeds to step S5 to determine whether or not the operation is completed within a predetermined time from the detection of the operation, that is, the operation time of the target speed change switch does not exceed the predetermined time. It is determined whether or not the process has ended. When the determination in step S5 is NO, the process proceeds to step S6 to perform normal update control that is not a long press operation. That is, the target speed is updated up or down by a predetermined speed, and the auto-actuator 9 is controlled so that the actual traveling speed matches the updated target speed by up or down by the predetermined speed. The updated target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S5 is YES, the process proceeds to step S7 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the operation. When the determination in step S7 is NO, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the determination in step S7 is yes, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, when acceleration control is performed in step S4, the display speed to be displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 is increased at a constant rate so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed, When the deceleration control is performed in step S4, the display speed is decreased at a constant rate so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed.

  In the next step S9, it is determined whether or not the end of the operation is detected. If the determination in step S9 is NO, the process returns to step S8. On the other hand, if the determination in step S9 is YES, step S10 is performed. Then, the display speed is increased or decreased. Thereby, the display speed becomes a value displayed at the time when the operation is completed.

  In the next step S11, the target speed is updated to the display speed displayed when the above operation is completed, and the auto actuator 9 is controlled so that the actual traveling speed matches the target speed. This processing operation ends.

  When the vehicle W is traveling at a certain speed by the processing operation of the PCM 15 and an occupant of the vehicle W operates the target speed setting switch 3d (set switch), the speed is stored in the storage unit 16 as the target speed. The automatic actuator 9 is controlled so that the constant traveling mode is set and the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed. The target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13 a of the display unit 13.

  When the occupant operates the target speed change switch after operating the set switch, the actual traveling speed starts to increase or decrease at a constant acceleration or deceleration (see FIG. 5 or FIG. 6). At the start of this operation, the display speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a does not change.

  Subsequently, when the operation is completed without exceeding the predetermined time from the start of the operation, the target speed is updated by increasing or decreasing the predetermined speed so that the actual traveling speed matches the updated target speed. The auto actuator 9 is controlled. As a result, the actual traveling speed eventually coincides with the updated target speed. At the end of the operation, the display speed is increased or decreased by the predetermined speed (see FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, when the duration time of the operation exceeds a predetermined time, the display speed is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 from the target speed stored in the storage unit 16 until the operation is completed after the time is exceeded. It changes at a constant rate so as to correspond to a change in the actual traveling speed (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the value of the constant ratio is larger than the constant acceleration or deceleration, and when the reference time elapses after the display speed is changed, the display speed becomes the same as the actual traveling speed. If the above operation does not end at the time, the display speed thereafter becomes larger than the actual traveling speed when it is up, and becomes smaller than the actual traveling speed when it is down. Note that if the operation is completed before the reference time elapses after the display speed is changed, the display speed does not become the same as the actual travel speed.

  When the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time and the operation is finished, the change in display speed is stopped, and the target speed is changed to the display speed (change in the target speed indicator 13a when the operation is finished). Display speed when the vehicle is stopped), and the auto actuator 9 is controlled so that the actual traveling speed matches the updated target speed. Thereby, when the target speed (display speed when the change is stopped) is larger than the actual travel speed, the target speed is accelerated to coincide with the actual travel speed, and when the target speed is smaller than the actual travel speed, Decelerated to match the actual running speed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, at the start of operation of the target speed change switch, control of the auto actuator 9 is started so that the actual traveling speed is increased or decreased at a constant acceleration or deceleration, and the duration of the operation is a predetermined time. The display speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 is not changed as long as the speed does not exceed the predetermined speed, and the display speed is changed at a constant rate so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed. Unlike the conventional display mode in which the target speed (display speed) is increased or decreased by a predetermined speed at the start of the operation, the display speed changes rapidly up and down during a long press operation. Therefore, it becomes an easy-to-understand display mode that does not give the passenger a sense of incongruity.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 shows a time chart according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the duration of operation of the target speed change switch exceeds a predetermined time, the display speed is calculated from the target speed stored in the storage unit 16. The point is changed so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6, but it is the same as in the first embodiment, but the way of changing the display speed is different from that in the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  That is, in this embodiment, the PCM 15 detects the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 from the target speed stored in the storage unit 16 when the duration of the operation of the target speed change switch exceeds a predetermined time. After that, it is changed along the actual traveling speed until the operation is completed. As a result, when the duration of the operation exceeds a predetermined time, the display speed changes at a stroke from the target speed to the actual travel speed, and from that point until the end of the operation, the change rate of the actual travel speed (the constant speed) Change at the same constant rate). That is, after the display speed changes from the target speed to the actual travel speed, the display speed and the actual travel speed are substantially the same value until the end of the operation.

  Then, when the operation time of the set switch exceeds the predetermined time and the operation ends, the PCM 15 sets the target speed to the target speed when the operation ends, as in the first embodiment. The display speed is updated to the display speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13. After the target speed is updated (after the operation is completed), the PCM 15 controls the auto actuator 9 so that the actual traveling speed matches the target speed updated to the display speed.

  The processing operation in the PCM 15 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that steps S21 to S27 in this flowchart are the same as steps S1 to S7 in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the determination in step S27 is NO (when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the target speed setting switch 3d as the target speed change switch has been detected), the process proceeds to step S28. Match the running speed.

  In the next step S29, it is determined whether or not the end of the operation has been detected. If the determination in step S29 is NO, the process returns to step S28. If the determination in step S29 is YES, step S30 is performed. Then, the display speed is increased or decreased. Thereby, the display speed becomes a value displayed at the time when the operation is completed.

  In the next step S31, the target speed is updated to the display speed displayed when the above operation is completed, and the auto actuator 9 is controlled so that the actual traveling speed matches the target speed. This processing operation ends.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the display speed does not rapidly change up and down during a long press operation. In addition, unlike the first embodiment, since the display speed is substantially the same value as the actual traveling speed, when the occupant changes and sets the target speed by a long press operation, it is displayed at which timing the operation is finished. Even without looking at the speed, it is possible to make a judgment based on the feeling received from the actual traveling of the vehicle W. In the first embodiment, the display speed is different from the actual traveling speed, but there is not so much difference between the two and usually the difference is hardly known. Even if the target speed is changed and set, there is no big problem.

  The present invention relates to a vehicle travel control device having travel control means for controlling actual travel speed adjusting means so that the actual travel speed of a vehicle matches a target speed, and is classified into two types according to the duration of operation of the target speed change switch. This is useful when the target speed change mode is enabled and the target speed is displayed.

It is a block diagram of the vehicle carrying the traveling control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the meter unit provided in the instrument panel of the said vehicle. It is a block diagram of the steering wheel of the said vehicle. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the said travel control apparatus. It is a time chart which shows the relationship of this operation, a display speed, and a real travel speed when the duration of operation of a target speed setting switch is less than predetermined time. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between this operation, a display speed, and a real travel speed when the duration of operation of a target speed setting switch exceeds predetermined time. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation in a powertrain control module (PCM). 7 is a time chart corresponding to FIG. 6 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 7 in the second embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between operation of a target speed setting switch, a display speed, and an actual traveling speed when displaying a target speed with the conventional traveling control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

W Vehicle 3d Target speed setting switch (Set switch) (Target speed change switch)
6 Vehicle speed sensor (actual running speed detection means)
9 Autoactuator (actual running speed adjustment means)
13 Display section (display means)
15 Powertrain control module
(Travel control means) (target speed update means) (display control means)
16 Storage unit (target speed storage means)

Claims (3)

An actual travel speed detecting means for detecting the actual travel speed of the vehicle, a target speed storage means for storing the target speed of the vehicle, an actual travel speed adjusting means for adjusting the actual travel speed of the vehicle, and an occupant of the vehicle A set switch to be operated, and an actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detecting means at the time of the operation by the set switch by the occupant is stored as the target speed in the target speed storage means, and Travel of a vehicle provided with a travel control means for controlling the actual travel speed adjusting means so that the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detecting means matches the target speed stored in the target speed storage means A control device,
A target speed change switch which is operated after the set switch is operated by the occupant and changes and sets the target speed stored in the target speed storage means;
Target speed update means for updating the target speed stored in the target speed storage means by updating the target speed according to the operation of the target speed change switch by the occupant;
Display control means for displaying on the display means the target speed stored in the target speed storage means,
The target speed updating means updates the target speed by increasing or decreasing the target speed by a predetermined speed when the continuation time of the operation of the target speed change switch by the occupant is completed without exceeding a predetermined time. Configured,
The travel control unit is configured to increase or decrease the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detection unit at a constant acceleration or deceleration when the occupant starts operating the target speed change switch. When the control of the adjusting means is started and the operation is completed without exceeding the predetermined time, the actual travel speed is increased or decreased by the predetermined speed to the updated target speed. While controlling the actual traveling speed adjusting means to coincide with each other, when the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time, the actual traveling speed is increased or decreased at the constant acceleration or deceleration. Configured to continue control of the travel speed adjusting means,
When the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time, the display control means displays a display speed to be displayed on the display means until the operation is completed. The target speed stored in the target speed storage means From the above, it is configured to change so as to correspond to the change in the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means,
Further, the target speed update means, when the duration of the operation exceeds the predetermined time and the operation is completed, the target speed stored in the target speed storage means when the operation is completed. Configured to update to the display speed displayed on the display means,
Furthermore, the travel control means is configured to update the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detection means to the target speed updated to the display speed after the operation has exceeded the predetermined time and the operation has ended. The vehicle travel control device is configured to control the actual travel speed adjusting means so as to coincide with the vehicle. The vehicle travel control apparatus according to claim 1,
The display control means stores the display speed to be displayed on the display means in the target speed storage means until the operation is completed when the duration of the operation of the target speed change switch exceeds the predetermined time. A vehicle travel control device, wherein the vehicle travel control device is configured to change the actual travel speed at a constant rate so as to correspond to a change in the actual travel speed detected by the actual travel speed detecting means. The vehicle travel control apparatus according to claim 1,
The display control means determines a display speed to be displayed on the display means when the duration of operation of the target speed change switch exceeds the predetermined time from a target speed stored in the target speed storage means. The actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means is changed to the actual traveling speed, and then the actual traveling speed detected by the actual traveling speed detecting means is changed until the operation is completed. A vehicle travel control apparatus characterized by the above.

Images