JP2001322489A - Direction indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the productivity and the generality. SOLUTION: This direction indicator 10 for a four-wheel car 100 is equipped with a torque sensor 103 in an interval from a steering handle 101 to a steering wheel and assists the power of the steering operation. This indicator is provided with direction indication lamps 2 and 3 displaying the left/right moving direction of the four-wheel car 100 and a controller 4 for controlling the display of the direction indication lamps 2 and 3, and the controller 4 controls to cancel the display states of the direction indication lamps 2 and 3 according to the output value of the torque sensor 103.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a direction indicating device, and more particularly to a technique for preventing a direction indicating device suitable for a four-wheeled vehicle from being forgotten to be turned off.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional direction indicating device is disclosed in
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 0-59062, a kingpin supporting a steered wheel is provided with an encoder, a steering direction and a steering angle are calculated from the output of the encoder, a flasher lamp corresponding to the steering direction is turned on, and the steering angle is calculated. A technique of turning off the light with decrease is disclosed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-175269 discloses a system for canceling a direction instruction signal based on an output of a motor position sensing means of an electric assist steering system.

[0004]

However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-59062, an encoder is indispensable for detecting a steering angle. There was an inconvenience that the cost was increased. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 269 can be applied only to a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with an electric assist steering system having a motor position sensing means, and has a disadvantage that the versatility of the device is low.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a direction indicating device with high productivity and versatility.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a four-wheeled vehicle direction indicating device which is provided with a torque sensor between a steering handle and a steering output shaft to perform power assist for steering operation. And a direction indication display for displaying the left and right movement directions of the four-wheeled vehicle, and a controller for controlling the display of the direction indication display. The controller is configured to perform control for canceling the display state of the direction indicator according to the output value of the torque sensor.

[0007] In the above-described configuration, when the four-wheeled vehicle is moved in the left-right direction by the steering operation, the output of the torque sensor is simultaneously changed by the steering operation. The end is determined from the output of the torque sensor, and the operation of the direction indicator is controlled accordingly.

[0008] In the invention of claim 2, in addition to the configuration of the invention of claim 1, the controller includes a first threshold value _TN.
+ _{T P,} a second threshold value _T N -T _P, the third threshold value _T N + T
A storage unit for storing _OFF , a fourth threshold value T _N -T _OFF , a comparison unit for comparing the output T _{O of the} torque sensor with each threshold value, and a display control unit for displaying or instructing the direction indicator to cancel the output. It has.

[0009] Then, the display control unit, as a result of the comparison unit _{compares, T O> T N + T} P, the first display release _{function T O} ≦ _T N _{+ T OFF} is an instruction to display release to be outputted in sequence And, as a result of comparison from the comparison unit, T _O < _TN −
_{T P, T O ≧ T N} -T OFF is adopted a structure that comprises a second display release function for instructing the displayed release to be outputted in sequence. Here, the symbol _TN is the output value of the torque sensor in the neutral state, _TP is the first set value ( _TP > 0), T
_OFF is the second set value (T _OFF > 0), T _P > T _O
FF .

This configuration is intended for a four-wheeled vehicle having a mechanism for returning to a straight traveling position (neutral state) when the steering wheel is in a no-load state during traveling. The output value of the torque sensor increases when the steering wheel is rotated to one side from a neutral state (a state in which steering is not performed to the left or right), and when the steering wheel is rotated to the other side, the output value increases. Shall decrease.

In the steering operation, the driver operates the steering wheel.
Apply a rotation operation according to the moving direction to the aligning handle
And then return to the steering
This will suppress the application of rotation to the handle. Follow
When steering is performed, the output of the torque sensor
Far from the neutral output value (T_O> T_N+ T_P
orT_O<T_N-T_P), Approaching the end of steering operation
As the output value approaches the output value in the neutral state
(T_O≤T_N+ T_OFForT_O≧ T_N−
T _OFF).

Therefore, when the output of the torque sensor shows such a change, it is determined that the steering operation is to be terminated, and the display of the direction indicator is released.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the controller further comprises a first threshold value _TN.
+ _{T P,} a second threshold value _T N -T _P, the third threshold value _T N + T
It includes _OFF, a storage unit for storing a fourth threshold value T _N -T _OFF, a comparison unit output T _O of the torque sensor is compared with the threshold value, and a display control unit for commanding the display released direction indicator display ing.

Then, the display control unit sends the comparison result from the comparison unit.
As a result, T_O> T_N+ T_P, T _O<T_N−
T_OFF, T_O≧ T_N-T_OFFAre output in order.
The first display release function for instructing display release and the comparison unit
As a result of the comparison, T_O<T_N-T_P, T_O> T_N+ T
_OFF, T_O≤T_N+ T_OFFDisplayed when are output in order
And a second display canceling function for instructing canceling.
It has a configuration. Here, the symbol T_NThe torque sensor of
Output value in neutral state, T_PTo the first set value (T_P> 0),
T _OFFTo a second set value (T_OFF> 0).

This configuration is intended for a four-wheeled vehicle that does not have a mechanism for returning to a straight traveling position (neutral state) when the steering wheel is in a no-load state during traveling. Further, the torque sensor may be configured as follows.
It is assumed that the same characteristic is shown.

In the steering operation, the driver applies a rotation operation according to the moving direction to the steering handle, and then applies a rotation operation in the reverse direction to the steering handle to return to the straight traveling state. Therefore, when steering is performed, the output of the torque sensor first increases from the output value in the neutral state ( _TO > _TN + _TP ). Next, the output value decreases from the neutral output value (T _O <T
_N -T _OFF), and finally approaches a neutral state _{(T O} ≧
_TN - _TOFF ). In the case of the reverse direction of the steering operation, the output of the torque sensor is first reduced from the output value of the neutral state _{(T O <T N -T P} ). The next, increasing the output value of the neutral state _{(T O> T N + T} O FF), and finally approaches a neutral state _{(T O ≦ T N + T} OFF).

Therefore, when the output of the torque sensor indicates such a change, it is determined that the steering operation has been completed, and the display of the direction indicator is released.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configurations, the comparison unit has a standby function of delaying the output timing of the display command by each display release function.

According to the second or third aspect of the present invention, T _OFF
Since> 0, the display of the direction indicator is canceled before the end of the steering operation before the output of the torque sensor strictly returns to the neutral state ( _TO = _TN ). Accordingly, in order to solve this, the display release is delayed later than the timing described in claim 2 or 3.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or third or fourth aspect, the controller sets the second set value (T _OFF ) to the second value when the traveling speed of the four-wheeled vehicle increases. And a setting value updating unit that updates the setting value (T _OFF ) at any time by a calculation as a function of the traveling speed at which the setting value (T _OFF ) decreases.

In such a configuration, for example, a detection signal of a speed sensor used in a power assist system mounted on a four-wheeled vehicle is also output to a set value updating unit at any time, and, for example, a negative coefficient is added to the detected speed. Based on a function of the detection speed multiplied by the multiplication or a function inversely proportional to the detection speed, a second
Is calculated. Then, the second set value in the storage unit is updated to the newly calculated numerical value, and based on this, the display release control of each of the above components is performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second, third or fourth or fifth aspect, the display control section instructs the display of the direction indicator by an external signal. I have. That is, in such a configuration, an external signal for measuring the display start timing of the direction indicator is input to the display control unit. Thus, the display of the direction indicator is started. Other operations are performed in the same manner as the above-described configurations.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the external signal is a traveling direction guidance signal of a car navigation system. In such a configuration, the four-wheeled vehicle includes a car navigation system, and detects a traveling direction guidance signal, which is one of its functions, and upon receiving this signal, the display control unit starts displaying the direction indicator. Other operations are performed in the same manner as the above-described configurations.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the external signal is a traveling direction guidance signal received by the receiving device of the vehicle traffic information providing system. I have. In such a configuration, the four-wheeled vehicle includes the receiving device of the vehicle traffic information providing system, detects the received driving direction guidance signal, and upon receiving the signal, the display control unit starts displaying the direction indication display. . Other operations are performed in the same manner as the above-described configurations.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided input means for manually inputting the display and release of the direction indicator, and only the input means is used. A mode for displaying and canceling the direction indicator, a mode for displaying and canceling the direction indicator by both the input means and the controller, and a mode for displaying the direction indicator by the input means only. Has a selection means for selecting a mode to be performed by both the input means and the controller for release of
The configuration is adopted.

In the above configuration, when the mode according to only the input means is selected, the operation of the direction indicator is performed according to the input from the input means. In the mode in which the input means and the control of the display controller are used together for display and release, the direction indicator is displayed by an input from the input means or an external signal, and the direction indicator is displayed in accordance with the input from the input means or the torque sensor output. The display is released. In the mode in which the input means and the control of the display control unit are used together only for the release, the direction indicator is displayed by the input from the input means, and the display of the direction indicator is released according to the input from the input means or the torque sensor output. Will be

The present invention seeks to achieve the above-described objects by the above-described configurations.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment relates to the invention of the direction indicating device 10 provided in the four-wheeled vehicle 100. FIG. 1 is a control block diagram partially including an electric power assist system for steering operation of the four-wheeled vehicle 100.

(Overall Configuration of Electric Power Assist System) As shown in FIG. 1, this four-wheeled vehicle 100 has a steering handle 101 (see FIG. 2) and a steering mechanism (not shown).
Between the steering output shaft 102 (see FIG. 2)
A torque sensor 103 for detecting a torque generated in the vehicle, a speed sensor 104 for detecting a traveling speed of the four-wheeled vehicle 100, a rotation speed sensor 105 for detecting an engine speed, and a motor 106 for outputting steering assist. Motor 1 based on detected torque, detected speed, detected rotation speed, etc.
E having a power control circuit 107 for controlling the output of
A PS controller 108. The EPS controller 108 is configured by an arithmetic unit including a CPU, a ROM, and an A / D converter, and receives a program for executing operation control of each component described later.

(Torque Sensor) FIG. 2 shows a structure around the torque sensor 103 of the electric power assist system. The electric power assist system includes a steering output shaft 102 provided with a steering handle 101 at one end and a second end connected to a support mechanism (not shown) for supporting steered wheels.
02, a torque sensor 103 provided on the steering output shaft 102 adjacent to the torque sensor 103, and an assist torque applied to the driven gear 112 via a main driving gear 113. And a motor 106.

With this configuration, when a torque is applied to the steering handle 101 for steering, the torque is transmitted to the steered wheels via the steering output shaft 102. At this time, the torque sensor 103 detects the transmission torque from the distortion of the steering output shaft 102 and converts it into a voltage signal (torque sensor signal) to convert the torque into a power control circuit 107.
Output to Then, the power control circuit 107 calculates an optimal motor assist amount based on the torque sensor signal, the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 104 described above, and the like, and outputs a control signal to the motor 106. As a result, the motor 106 applies assist torque from the main driving gear 113 to the steering output shaft 102 via the driven gear 112 to improve the operability of the driver's steering operation.

(Overall Configuration of Direction Instructing Apparatus) On the other hand, the direction indicating apparatus 10 is provided along with the above-mentioned electric power assist system in such a manner that part of the EPS controller 108 constituting the power control circuit 107 is used. That is,
The direction indicating device 10 includes a flasher lamp 2 as a direction indicating display for displaying the left moving direction of the four-wheeled vehicle 100, a flasher lamp 3 as a direction indicating display for displaying the right moving direction, and these flashers. A direction instruction control circuit 4 as a controller for controlling the display of the lamps 2 and 3 is provided. This direction indication control circuit 4
Are configured by a part of the EPS controller 108 in the same manner as the power control circuit 107.

Further, the direction indicating device 10 manually controls the direction indicating switch 5 as input means for manually inputting the display and release of each flasher lamp 2 and 3 and the display and release of each flasher lamp 2 and 3. And a selection unit 6 for selecting whether to perform the control in combination with automatic control described later.

Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

(Direction switch) First, the direction switch 5 is set to the neutral position (both flasher lamps 2).
This is a manual lever-type switch that turns left and right from the (3, off state) to turn on each of the flasher lamps 2, 3. The direction indicating switch 5 includes an actuator that rotates the lever in accordance with an operation command from a display control unit 44 described later. When the display or release of each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3 is performed according to the operation command of the display control unit 44, The direction indicating switch 5 is also configured so that the turning operation of the lever is linked in accordance with the same operation command.

(Selecting Means) Next, the selecting means 6 includes a manual mode for displaying or canceling each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3 only by manual input using the direction indicating switch 5, and a mode from the direction indicating switch 5. FULL-AUTO for displaying or canceling the flasher lamps 2 and 3 according to both the instruction and the operation instruction of the display control unit 44 irrespective of the instruction.
The flasher lamps 2 and 3 are displayed only by the mode and the manual input using the direction indicating switch 5, and the flasher is operated by both the instruction from the direction indicating switch 5 and the operation command of the display control unit 44 regardless of the instruction. A switch for selecting and inputting any of the OFF-AUTO modes for releasing the lamps 2 and 3.

(Direction indication control circuit) Next, the direction indication control circuit 4 sets a first threshold value _TN + set to control the release of the display state of each flasher lamp 2, 3.
T _P , second threshold T _N −T _P , third threshold T _N + T
_OFF, (will be described in detail later, for each threshold) fourth threshold _T N _{-T OFF} is stored and a storage unit 41, comparing unit 43 to the output signal _{T O} of the torque sensor 103 is compared with each threshold value
And a display control unit 44 for instructing each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3 to display or cancel the display. The storage unit 41 and the comparison unit 43 store the FULL-AUTO mode or O
Functions only when FF-AUTO mode is selected.

The comparing section 43 includes the torque sensor 10
3, the torque sensor signal _TO is constantly output,
In the comparison unit 43, performs comparison between the torque sensor signal T _O with reference to the threshold stored in the storage unit 41, and outputs the comparison result to the display control unit 44.

On the other hand, the display control unit 44
As a result of comparing_O> T_N+ T _P, T_O<T_N-T
_OFF, T_O≧ T_N-T_OFFAre output in order.
First display release commanding command to release display of shear lamp 3
Function and, as a result of comparison, T _O<T_N-T_P, T_O> T
_N+ T_OFF, T_O≤T_N+ T_OFFAre output in order
Table for instructing display of flasher and flasher lamp 2
Display cancellation function. With this configuration,
The direction indication control circuit 4 detects the torque by the torque sensor 103.
Display solution of each flasher lamp 2, 3 based on torque
Elimination control can be performed.

(Explanation of Principle of Direction Control Circuit) The principle of the above control will be described.

The direction indication control circuit 4 pays attention to the fact that a specific torque output generated when each of the left and right steering operations is performed is obtained. The display of 3 is cancelled.

FIG. 3 shows the torque sensor 103 when the steering wheel 101 of the torque sensor 103 is operated from left steering operation to right steering operation.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating output characteristics of a torque sensor signal output by the controller. According to FIG. 3, in the straight running state (neutral state) of the four-wheeled vehicle 100 in which neither the left nor right steering operation is performed, the torque sensor 103 outputs a torque sensor signal of 2.5 [V], and The potential increases during right steering, and decreases during left steering.

FIG. 4A shows a change in the torque sensor signal detected by the steering operation when making a right turn.
4B shows an operation command signal of the direction indicating switch 5 corresponding to FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C shows an operation command signal of the flasher lamp 3 corresponding to FIG. 4A. In each of the figures, the horizontal axis indicates time displacement, the vertical axis in FIG. 4A indicates the signal potential, and the vertical axes in FIGS. 4B and 4C indicate the on-state when rising.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when making a right turn, the driver first actively urges the steering handle 101 to turn right to turn the four-wheeled vehicle 100 rightward, and then returns to the straight traveling state. The steering wheel 101 is positively biased to the left. Therefore, the torque sensor signal is 2.5
After the voltage temporarily increases from [V] (neutral potential), the voltage returns to the neutral potential, then changes from the neutral potential temporarily, and then returns to the neutral potential again.

[0045] Thus, in the processing in the display control unit 44 first displays release function, firstly, in order to detect the right rotational state of the steering wheel 101, a torque sensor signal _{T O} to the first threshold value _T N + _{T P} comparison I do. Where T
_N is the neutral potential 2.5 shows the [V], _{T P} denotes the first set value _(T P> 0). The first set value T _P is the steering wheel 101 is set somewhat smaller than the increase amount of the torque sensor signal detected when the right rotation at the time of right turn (for example, about 0.5 to 0.9-fold) . This allows
When T _O > T _N + T _P is observed, it means that the right turn for the right turn has been activated.

Next, in the display control section 44, in the processing of the first display canceling function, the torque sensor signal _{TO is changed} to the fourth threshold value _TN in order to detect the left rotation state of the steering handle 101 for returning to straight _traveling. Compare with -T _OFF . Here, T _OFF indicates the second set value (T _OFF
> 0). The second set value T _OFF is set to a value slightly smaller than the amount of decrease in the torque sensor signal detected when the steering handle 101 is rotated left and returned (for example, about 0.3 to 0.8 times). Thereby, T _O < _TN −
When T _OFF and T _O ≧ T _N −T _OFF are observed in order, it means that the left-hand rotation has been energized.

Therefore, it is recognized that a right turn has been performed by a series of these detections, and it is preferable that the turn-off switch 5 and the display of the flasher lamp 3 be canceled at the observed timing. The release is performed (solid lines in FIGS. 4B and 4C). Where T
_OFF> 0 _since, at the time _{T O} ≧ _T N _{-T OFF} is observed, not yet a state where the steering wheel 101 is completely returned to the straight state. Therefore, in order to continue the display of the right flasher lamp 3 until the stricter right turn operation is completed, the display control unit 44 requires the display controller 44 to set T _O ≧ T _N −T.
After observation to _OFF, it is desirable to add a wait function to delay only display cancellation minute waiting time T _I (FIG. 4
(B), (C) broken line). In this case, _{T I} = 0.1~2.0 [se
c].

Although the above description is for a right turn, the same can be said for a left turn. At the time of turning left, the steering handle 101 is turned to the left, and then returned to the original position by turning right. Therefore, a change is observed in which the torque sensor signal temporarily increases from 2.5 [V] (neutral potential), temporarily decreases from the neutral potential, and then returns to the neutral potential again.

[0049] Thus, in the processing in the display control unit a second display release function in 44, first, in order to detect the left rotational state of the steering wheel 101, a torque sensor signal _{T O} and the second threshold value _T N -T _P Compare. This first
The set value T _P, the steering wheel 101 is set somewhat smaller than the reduction amount of the torque sensor signal detected when the left turn at the time of left turn (e.g., 0.5
(Approximately 0.9 times), but here, the same value as the value at the time of the right turn described above is adopted. Thereby, T _O <T _N
Left rotation for left turn and -T _P is observed is that is biased.

Next, in the processing of the second display canceling function, the display control section 44 changes the torque sensor signal _TO to the third threshold value _TN in order to detect the right rotation state of the steering handle 101 for returning to straight _traveling. Compare with + T _OFF . The second set value T _{OF F} is set somewhat smaller than the reduction amount of the torque sensor signal detected when returning by right rotating the steering wheel 101 (e.g., 0.3 to 0.8 times) is Although it is desirable, here, the same value as the value at the time of the right turn described above is adopted. Thereby, _TO >
_{T N + T OFF, T O} ≦ T N + T OFF is that they are energized clockwise when it is analyzed sequentially.

Therefore, it is recognized that a left turn has been performed by a series of these detections, and it is preferable that the direction indicating switch 5 is turned off and the display of the flasher lamp 2 is canceled at the observed timing. Release will be performed. However, as in the case of a right turn, T _OFF >
0 So, in order to continue the display of the left flasher lamp 2 until the more stringent of the left turn operation is completed, the display control unit 44, after the observation of _{T O ≦ T N + T OFF} , only small latency T _I display It is desirable to add a standby function to delay release.

(FULL-AUTO Mode) In the FULL-AUTO mode, the display control unit 44 receives an external signal from the car navigation system 110 provided in the four-wheeled vehicle 100 to issue a display command to each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3. Is output. This car navigation system 110
Is a GPS receiver 111 having an antenna for receiving position detection information from a GPS satellite, and a GPS controller 112 for converting the information received by the GPS receiver 111 into video information.
And a display 113 for outputting video information.

The GPS controller 112 also has a function of calculating the current position of the four-wheeled vehicle by utilizing the laser gyro mounted thereon and guiding the vehicle to a destination based on map data input from the outside. Then, the GPS controller 112 displays the guidance information as needed at the display control unit 44.
Output to

On the other hand, when receiving the left turn instruction information or the right turn instruction information of the guide information, the display control section 44 performs an operation control to output a display instruction to the corresponding flasher lamp 2 or 3 and turn it on.

FIG. 5 shows a timing chart in the FULL-AUTO mode. FIG. 5A shows a change in the torque sensor signal detected by the steering operation when turning right.
FIG. 5B shows a right turn instruction information signal from the GPS controller 112, and FIG. 5C shows an operation command signal of the flasher lamp 3. The horizontal axis in each figure represents the time displacement, and FIG.
The vertical axis of (A) indicates the signal potential, and the vertical axis of the vertical axes of FIGS. 5 (B) and 5 (C) indicates the ON state when it rises upward. As can be seen from FIG. 5C, in the FULL-AUTO mode, the display start of the right flasher lamp 3 is started by the GPS controller 1.
Right turn instruction information signals from 12 and performed simultaneously, T _O from the display cancel torque sensor signal of the right flasher lamp 3
≧ _T N _{-T OFF} is performed at the same time is detected.

(Description of Operation of Direction Instructing Apparatus) The operation of the direction indicating apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the direction indicating device 10 in the manual mode. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the direction indicating device 10 in the OFF-AUTO mode. FIG. 8 shows the FU of the direction indicating device 10.
4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in an LL-AUTO mode.

First, the mode set by the selection means 6 is confirmed. When the manual mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 6, the display input of the direction indication switch 5 is waited (steps S11 and S15). In addition, while waiting for display input, it is confirmed by the selection means 6 whether or not there is a mode setting change (step S19). If there is a change, the process proceeds to the set mode.

When the display of the right flasher lamp 3 is input, the right flasher lamp 3 is turned on (step S12). After the lighting, the display wait input of the direction indicating switch 5 is waited (step S13). And
When the display release of the right flasher lamp 3 is input, the right flasher lamp 3 is turned off (step S1).
4).

On the other hand, when the display of the left flasher lamp 2 is input, the left flasher lamp 2 is turned on (step S16). After the lighting, the display waiting input of the direction indicating switch 5 is waited (step S17). Then, when the display release of the left flasher lamp 2 is input, the left flasher lamp 2 is turned off (step S18).

After turning off any of the flasher lamps 2 and 3, the display control switch 5 waits for display input and mode change again (steps S11, S15, S15).
S19).

Next, when the OFF-AUTO mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, the display input of the direction indicating switch 5 is waited (steps S21 and S31). In addition, while waiting for display input, it is confirmed by the selection means 6 whether there is a change in the mode setting (step S27). If there is a change, the process proceeds to the set mode.

When the display of the right flasher lamp 3 is input, the right flasher lamp 3 is turned on (step S22). After lighting, the torque sensor signal is compared with the first and fourth thresholds (step S23),
The display controller 44 determines whether the first display release function satisfies the condition for releasing the display (step S24).
If the condition is not satisfied, it is confirmed whether or not the display release of the right flasher lamp 3 has been input from the direction indicating switch 5 (step S25).

Then, the process waits until the torque sensor signal satisfies the display release condition or the display release is input from the direction instruction switch 5, and when either is satisfied, the right flasher lamp 3 is turned off (step S26).

On the other hand, when the display of the left flasher lamp 2 is inputted, the left flasher lamp 2 is turned on (step S32). After lighting, the torque sensor signal and the second and
A comparison with the third threshold value is performed (step S33), and it is determined in the display control unit 44 whether or not a condition for performing the display release by the second display release function is satisfied (step S34). If the condition is not satisfied, it is confirmed whether or not the display release of the right flasher lamp 3 has been input from the direction indicating switch 5 (step S35).

Then, the process waits until the torque sensor signal satisfies the display release condition or the display release is input from the direction indicating switch 5, and when either is satisfied, the left flasher lamp 2 is turned off (step S36).

After turning off any of the flasher lamps 2 and 3, the display input wait of the direction indicating switch 5 and the mode change wait are again performed (steps S21, S31, S31).
S27).

Next, when the FULL-AUTO mode is selected, it is confirmed as shown in FIG. 8 whether the left turn instruction information or the right turn instruction information of the guidance information has been input from the GPS controller 112 (steps S41 and S42). ). If there is no input, the same processing as in step S21 and subsequent steps in the OFF-AUTO mode is performed (see FIG. 7).

On the other hand, when the right turn instruction information is input, the same processing as in step S22 of the OFF-AUTO mode is performed, and when the left turn instruction information is input, the OFF-AUTO mode is input.
The same processing as in step S32 and subsequent steps in the TO mode is performed (see FIG. 7).

In any case, in step S27,
It is confirmed that the mode setting has been changed, and if there is no change, it is checked again whether there has been input of left turn instruction information or right turn instruction information (steps S41 and S42). If there is a change in the mode setting, the process proceeds to the set mode.

(Effects of Direction Indicating Device) Since the above-described direction instructing device 10 controls the operation of each flasher lamp 2 and 3 using the output of the torque sensor 103 of the steering power assist system, the conventional as,
By eliminating the need for a dedicated encoder, it is possible to reduce production costs and improve productivity by reducing the number of parts. Also, unlike a direction indicator that controls the operation of a direction indicator using motor position sensing means, a special electric assist steering system is not required, making it possible to support a wide variety of automobiles. It is possible to improve versatility.

Further, the condition for canceling the display is that the output of the torque sensor is increased from the neutral state to return to an increase-decrease-neutral state or from the neutral state to return to the decrease-increase-neutral state. When the steering wheel is in a no-load state, it is possible to effectively automatically cancel the display of the turn signal indicator on four-wheeled vehicles that do not have a mechanism to return to the straight running position (neutral state) It is.

The input of display or release by the above-mentioned direction indicating switch 5, the output of the torque sensor 103 and the GPS
The automatic display or release control based on the output of the controller 112 may be either an AND process or an OR process.

The direction instruction control circuit 4 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As described above, the second set value included in the third and fourth threshold values
T_OFFThe second set value when the traveling speed of the four-wheeled vehicle increases
(T _OFF) Is calculated as a function of the decreasing traveling speed.
A setting value updating unit 42 that updates the setting at any time may be provided.

The set value updating section 42 receives the output of the vehicle speed sensor 104 of the electric power assist system and receives a function T (SP) = T _OFF having a relationship shown in FIG. 10 with the vehicle speed SP.
Is calculated, and the newly obtained T _OFF is newly overwritten in the storage unit 41. The function T (SP) is, for example, T (SP) = k ₁ · SP + a (k
₁ : a coefficient (k ₁ <0), a: a constant)
As in _{(ii), T (SP)} = k 2 / SP (k 2: coefficient (k
₂ > 0)). Also, a correction value based on the first set value _{T P} added to _{T (SP), T OFF =} T (SP) + k 3
The second set value T _OFF may be calculated by an equation of T _P (k ₃ : coefficient set based on a test or a simulation).

The third and fourth threshold values are brought closer to the neutral potential by decreasing the second set value T _OFF by increasing the vehicle speed by the above-mentioned set value updating unit 42. On the other hand, as the vehicle speed increases, the output of the torque sensor 103 changes less from the neutral potential at the time of steering operation, and accordingly, the display release timing of the flasher lamps 2, 3 is set higher from the torque sensor output. It is possible to detect the flasher lamps 2 and 3 satisfactorily at all times even if the vehicle speed changes.

In the above-described display control section 44, T _{O
> T N + T P, T} O <T N -T OF F, T O ≧ T N -T
_A first display release function for instructing release of the display of the flasher lamp 3 when _OFF is detected in order, and T _O < _TN −T
_P , T _O > T _N + T _OFF , and a second display release function for instructing release of the display of the flasher lamp 2 when T _O ≤T _N + T _OFF are sequentially detected.
The above-described first display canceling function is performed by: T _O > T _N + _TP , T _O
≦ _T N _{+ T} to _OFF and those which direct display cancellation of the flasher lamp 3 when detecting the sequence, the second display release _{function, T O <T N -T P} , T O ≧ T N -T OFF the order A command to cancel the display of the flasher lamp 2 upon detection may be given.

The operation control will be described with reference to FIG. By making each display control function based on the new operation control described above, a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a mechanism that returns to the straight traveling position (neutral state) when the steering wheel is in a no-load state during traveling Thus, the display of each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3 can be effectively released.

FIG. 11A shows a torque sensor 10 during a right steering operation of a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned return mechanism.
3 shows the output. Generally, at the time of right steering, first, the operator urges the steering handle 101 to turn right and turns the steering handle 10 to return.
1 is pressed at a certain rotational angle position, and the process of returning to the neutral position by the action of the mechanism for returning the steering handle 101 to a final stop is performed. Therefore, the output of the torque sensor detected in such a process shows a change that the output is first maximized when the steering handle 101 is biased to rotate, stagnates at a constant value when the steering wheel 101 is pressed, and gradually returns to the neutral potential.

[0079] Thus, the first set value T _P is set slightly larger than the output change when the rotation urging small, the second set value T
_By setting _OFF to a value slightly smaller than the value detected when the steering handle is held down, it becomes possible to cancel the display of the flasher lamp 3 and the direction switch near the end of the steering handle operation (FIG. 11). (B), (C)). It is also possible to provide a timing or display cancel case of such configuration to the display control unit 44 waits function to delay T _I.

The same applies to a left turn. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the steering wheel is in a no-load state, the display of the direction indicator is automatically and effectively released for a four-wheeled vehicle having a mechanism for returning to the straight traveling position (neutral state). It is possible to provide a direction indicating device that performs the operation in a specific manner.

Further, in the above embodiment, the four-wheeled vehicle
Although the case where the GPS car navigation system 110 is provided has been described as an example, when a four-wheeled vehicle is provided with an automobile traffic information providing system such as ITS as an alternative or a newly added configuration, the receiving device receives the information. The driving direction guidance signal may be output to the display control unit 44, and the display control unit 44 may receive the signal and instruct the flasher lamp 2 or 3 to display.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a voice input device is newly added to the direction indicating device 10 and the display of each of the flasher lamps 2 and 3 is started using the voice signal as an external signal.

[0083]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the operation of the direction indicator is controlled using the torque sensor output of the steering power assist system, a dedicated encoder is not required as in the prior art. It is possible to reduce production cost and improve productivity by reducing the number of parts. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile direction indication device that can be applied only to a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a special electric assist steering system having a motor position sensing means as in other conventional examples. It is possible.

The second aspect of the invention has the same effect as the first aspect of the invention, and returns to the straight traveling position (neutral state) when the steering wheel is in a no-load state during traveling. It is possible to provide a direction indicating device for automatically canceling the display of the direction indicating indicator more effectively for a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a mechanism.

The third aspect of the present invention has the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, and returns to the straight traveling position (neutral state) when the steering wheel is in a no-load state during traveling. It is possible to provide a direction indicating device for automatically canceling the display of the direction indicating indicator more effectively for a four-wheeled vehicle having no mechanism.

According to the invention described in claim 4, claim 2 or 3
In addition to having the same effects as the described invention, it is possible to continue displaying the direction indication display until the steering operation is completed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention are provided, and the second set value is updated according to the traveling speed, so that the second set value is updated according to the speed change. The third and fourth threshold values can be updated in response to the changing torque sensor output, and the display of the direction indicator can be released at a more suitable timing.

According to the inventions of claims 6 to 8, the same effects as those of the inventions of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 are provided, and the display of the direction indicator is started without manual operation. Becomes possible.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the invention are provided, and it is possible to display or cancel a suitable directional indicator according to each mode. Become.

Since the present invention is constructed and functions as described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an unprecedented superior direction control circuit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a structure around a torque sensor of the electric power assist system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing output characteristics of a torque sensor signal.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the direction indicating device in the OFF-AUTO mode. FIG. 4A shows a change in a torque sensor signal detected by a steering operation at the time of turning right, and FIG. 4A shows an operation command signal of the direction indicating switch corresponding to FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C shows an operation command signal of the flasher lamp corresponding to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of the direction indicating device in the FULL-AUTO mode. FIG. 5 (A) shows a change in a torque sensor signal detected by a steering operation at the time of turning right, and FIG. 5 (C) shows a flasher lamp operation command signal according to the right turn guidance signal and the torque sensor signal.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the direction indicating device in a manual mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the direction indicating device in an OFF-AUTO mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the direction indicating device in a FULL-AUTO mode.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which a set value updating unit is newly added to the direction instruction control circuit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing characteristics of a second set value with respect to a vehicle speed of a four-wheeled vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the direction indicating device in the OFF-AUTO mode of control suitable for a case where the four-wheeled vehicle has a mechanism for returning the steering handle to the neutral position.
1 (A) shows a change in the torque sensor signal detected by the steering operation when turning right, and FIG. 11 (B) shows a change in FIG.
FIG. 11A shows an operation command signal of the direction indicating switch corresponding to FIG. 11C, and FIG. 11C shows an operation command signal of the flasher lamp corresponding to FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2, 3 flasher lamp (direction indicator) 4 direction indicator control circuit (controller) 5 direction indicator switch (input means) 6 selection means 41 storage unit 42 set value update unit 43 comparison unit 44 display control unit 100 four-wheeled vehicle 101 Steering handle 103 Torque sensor 110 Car navigation system

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A direction indicator for a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a torque sensor between a steering wheel and a steered wheel to perform power assist for steering operation, and displays a left-right moving direction of the four-wheeled vehicle. A direction indicator, and a controller that performs display control of the direction indicator, wherein the controller performs control for canceling a display state of the direction indicator according to an output value of the torque sensor. Characteristic direction indicating device. 2. When the symbol _TN is an output value of the torque sensor in a neutral state, _TP is a first set value, T _OFF is a second set value, and T _P > T _OFF , the controller is: , the first threshold value _T N + _{T P,} a second threshold value _T N -T _P, the third threshold value _T N _{+ T OFF,} a storage unit for storing a fourth threshold value _T N _{-T OFF,} the output of the torque sensor A comparison unit that compares T _O with each of the thresholds; and a display control unit that instructs the direction indication display to display or cancel the display, wherein the display control unit outputs T _O as a result of comparison from the comparison unit. > _TN + _TP ,
_{T O} ≦ T N ₊ a first display release _{function T OFF} to command the display release to be outputted in order, as a result of comparison from the comparison _{unit, T O <T N -T P} ,
T _O ≧ T _N -T _OFF is direction device according to claim 1, further comprising a second display release function for commanding the display release to be outputted in sequence. 3. The symbol _TN is an output value of the torque sensor in a neutral state, _TP is a first set value ( _TP > 0), and _{TOFF is}
The when the second set value _{(T OFF>} 0), the controller, the first threshold value _T N + _{T P,} a second threshold value _T N -T _P, the third threshold value _T N _{+ T OFF,} the A storage unit that stores the threshold value T _N -T _OFF of 4, a comparison unit that compares the output T _{O of the} torque sensor with each of the threshold values, and a display control unit that instructs the direction indicator to display or cancel the display. The display control unit includes: T _O > T _N + T _P ,
_{T O} <T N _-T OFF, the first display release _{function T O} ≧ _T N _{-T OFF} to command the display release to be outputted in order, as a result of comparison from the comparison _{unit, T} O <T _N -T _{P,
T O> T N + T OFF} , T O ≦ T N + T OFF is direction device according to claim 1, further comprising a second display release function for commanding the display release to be outputted in sequence. 4. The direction indicating device according to claim 2, wherein the comparing unit has a standby function of delaying an output timing of a display command by each of the display canceling functions. Wherein said controller, said second set value (T _OFF), operation to when the running speed of the automobile is an increasing function of the running speed which the second set value (T _OFF) is reduced 5. The direction indicating device according to claim 2, further comprising a setting value updating unit that updates the setting value as needed. 6. The direction indicating device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit instructs display of the direction indicating display by an external signal. 7. The direction indicator according to claim 6, wherein the external signal is a traveling direction guidance signal of a car navigation system. 8. The direction indicating device according to claim 6, wherein the external signal is a driving direction guidance signal received by a receiving device of a vehicle traffic information providing system. 9. A mode for manually inputting display and release of the direction indicator display, a mode for displaying and releasing the direction indicator display only by the input unit, the input means and the controller A mode for displaying and canceling the direction indicator by both of the above, and the display of the direction indicator is performed only by the input means, and the cancellation of the direction indicator is performed by both the input means and the controller. 9. The direction indicating device according to claim 6, further comprising a selection unit for selecting a mode to be performed.