JP2004074995A - Compound control device for vehicular cabin inner sound and frontal vision - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control engine related sound heard by a driver in a cabin of a vehicle and frontal vision of the driver in a compound manner, and thereby always give comfortable traveling feeling to the driver on any vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: When a traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed or an engine rotational frequency is equal to or lower than a first rotational frequency, a cabin inner sound control device and a frontal vision control device are controlled so that the control of the cabin inner sound control device is superior to the control of the frontal vision control device. When the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher than a second predetermined speed which is higher than the first predetermined speed or the engine rotational frequency is higher than a second predetermined rotational frequency which is higher than the first predetermined rotational frequency, the cabin inner sound control device and the frontal vision control device are controlled so that the control of the frontal vision control device is superior to the control of the control of the cabin inner sound control device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a vehicle interior sound control device that controls an engine-related sound heard by a driver in a vehicle cabin based on an output sound to the vehicle cabin, and is provided on a windshield of the vehicle, and provides a front view of the driver of the vehicle. A front view control device that has a view restriction device capable of restricting and changing the restriction level, and controlling the front view restriction level by the view restriction device, and a combination of the vehicle interior sound control device and the front view control device The present invention belongs to a technical field related to a combined control device for a vehicle indoor sound and a forward view, which includes a combined control means for performing dynamic control.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3278176 and Japanese Patent No. 3278185, a signal corresponding to the engine rotation is detected, and a reference signal is generated based on the detected signal. It is well known that a speaker cancels the noise collected by a microphone in the vehicle cabin and outputs the noise to the vehicle cabin in order to reduce the noise. If this noise reduction technology is used, the occupant can be made to feel as if there is no engine-related sound (e.g., engine sound or exhaust sound) generated particularly with the rotation of the engine. Even so, noise can be reduced.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, simply reducing the engine-related sound that can be heard by the occupants in the passenger compartment using the above noise reduction technology cannot satisfy the occupants (particularly the driver) and has room for improvement. In other words, when the engine-related sound is reduced when the engine speed is relatively low, especially when accelerating during the starting phase of the vehicle, the driver feels a running feeling with the body, but the running feeling differs from the feeling heard by the ear. They feel uncomfortable or feel unsatisfactory without feeling sporty. On the other hand, if the engine speed is quite high, reducing the engine-related sound can give the driver a sense of quietness.However, if the engine-related sound is canceled out and reduced to a very low level, the driver will hear the sound. Is too low to feel uncomfortable and unsatisfactory.
[0004]
In recent years, a hybrid vehicle using an engine and an electric motor as a drive source and a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission have been developed. In such a vehicle, the operation of the electric motor and the gear of the continuously variable transmission have been developed. With the change in the ratio, the engine output characteristics with respect to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the occupant are changed. That is, in a state where the engine output is suppressed, acceleration is performed by assisting the electric motor or changing the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission. In this case, even when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the engine is accelerated in a state where the engine output is suppressed (a state where the increase in the engine speed is suppressed). Therefore, even if the noise reduction technology is not used, the engine-related sound does not increase much. Therefore, the occupant may feel uncomfortable due to the difference between the running feeling felt by the body and the feeling heard by the ear, and may feel uncomfortable.
[0005]
Further, in recent years, even if the vehicle is not a hybrid vehicle as described above, from the viewpoint of emphasizing fuel consumption performance, the engine speed is suppressed to a low level, and traveling performance such as acceleration performance tends to be relatively low. In such a vehicle, the driver feels unsatisfactory without feeling sporty.
[0006]
Therefore, by applying the above-mentioned noise reduction technology and controlling the engine-related sound heard by the driver in the vehicle cabin by the output sound to the cabin, a sound that makes the driver feel sporty without feeling uncomfortable. It is conceivable to let them hear
[0007]
By the way, by providing a view restricting means such as a liquid crystal light shielding member on a windshield of a vehicle so as to limit the forward view of the driver, the driver has a stronger and more responsive response than when the forward view is not limited. It has been confirmed by an actual driving evaluation experiment that the driver feels that the driver has good torque and power, and it is considered that the driver can be given a sporty feeling even by restricting the driver's front view.
[0008]
Therefore, by properly controlling the engine-related sound heard by the driver in the vehicle interior and the front view of the driver, the driver can feel sporty without feeling uncomfortable in any vehicle. It is considered possible.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to control an engine-related sound that can be heard by a driver in a vehicle cabin and a front view of the driver in a complex manner, An object of the present invention is to make a driver always feel comfortable driving feeling even in a vehicle.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle for controlling an engine-related sound, which is heard by a driver in a vehicle room and is generated with the rotation of an engine of the vehicle, by an output sound to the vehicle room. A room sound control device, and a view restriction device provided on a windshield of the vehicle, the view restriction device being capable of restricting a front view of a driver of the vehicle and changing the restriction level, and limiting the front view by the view restriction device. The present invention relates to a vehicle interior sound and front view combined control device including a front view control device that controls a level, and a combined control unit that controls the vehicle interior sound control device and the front view control device in a combined manner. A vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a running speed of the vehicle, wherein the composite control means is configured to control the forward speed when the running speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed. While controlling the two devices so that the control of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the field control device, the second predetermined speed at which the traveling speed of the vehicle is greater than the first predetermined speed When the speed is higher than the speed, the two devices are controlled so that the control of the front view control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device.
[0011]
According to the above configuration, at a low speed at which the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the control of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the front visibility control device. Control of engine-related sounds that can be heard by the driver while maintaining safety with little restrictions (specifically, for example, increasing the sound pressure in the low-frequency band of engine-related sounds to produce a stable and powerful sound) This makes the driver feel sporty even in a vehicle (especially a hybrid vehicle) in which the engine-related sound heard by the driver when the output sound is not output despite the relatively high running performance such as acceleration performance is not felt powerfully. It is possible to match the driving feeling felt by the driver with the body and the feeling heard by the ear. Further, even in a vehicle having a considerably low running performance, a sporty feeling can be given to the driver. On the other hand, at a high speed where the running speed of the vehicle is higher than the second predetermined speed, there is a limit in giving a sporty feeling by controlling the engine-related sound, and conversely there is a possibility that the vehicle may feel noisy. At times, the control of the front view control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device, so that the driver can be given a sporty feeling by limiting the front view without causing such a problem. In particular, by restricting the lower part of the front view, it is possible to suppress anxiety caused by too much visibility immediately before the vehicle. Also, in the high-speed area, since it is not an area that can be accelerated from the beginning, a feeling of incongruity due to the difference between the running feeling felt by the body and the feeling heard by the ear is unlikely to occur, and there is no problem even if the engine-related sound is hardly controlled. In addition, if the front view is restricted in accordance with the driver's natural view of the distance, there is no fear of the forward view being restricted. Then, when the running speed is higher than the first predetermined speed and lower than the second predetermined speed, the control gains of the two devices are changed so that the switching between the low speed and the high speed is smoothly performed without a sense of incongruity. What should I do? Therefore, regardless of the vehicle, the driver can always have a comfortable driving feeling through hearing and vision.
[0012]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher than the first predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed, the combined control means increases the indoor speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle increases. It is assumed that the control gain of the sound control device is reduced while the control gain of the front view control device is increased.
[0013]
Thus, switching between low speed and high speed can be smoothly performed without a sense of incongruity, and the driver can be made more comfortable by controlling both devices.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a vehicle interior sound control device that controls an engine-related sound generated by the engine rotation of the vehicle, which is heard by a driver in the vehicle interior, by an output sound to the vehicle interior, A front view control device that is provided on a windshield and has a view restriction unit that limits a front view of a driver of the vehicle and can change the restriction level, and controls a limit level of the front view by the view restriction unit; Detecting a rotational speed of an engine of the vehicle with respect to a combined control device of a vehicle interior sound and a forward visibility, which is provided with a combined control means for controlling the interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device in a combined manner. An engine speed detecting unit, wherein the composite control unit is configured to determine whether or not the engine speed detected by the engine speed detecting unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined speed. The two devices are controlled such that the control of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the visibility control device, while the engine speed is a value larger than the first predetermined speed. When the number of rotations is larger than the predetermined number of revolutions, the two devices are controlled so that the control of the front view control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device.
[0015]
According to the present invention, when the engine speed is low such that the engine speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, the engine speed is usually in the low speed range. Since it is in the region, the same operation and effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, when the engine speed is higher than the first predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed, the combined control means increases the indoor speed as the engine speed increases. It is assumed that the control gain of the sound control device is reduced while the control gain of the front view control device is increased.
[0017]
As a result, similarly to the second aspect of the present invention, switching between low rotation and high rotation can be smoothly performed without a sense of incongruity, and the driver can be made more comfortable by controlling both devices. .
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the combined control means includes a vehicle interior sound control device and a front view when the engine output characteristic with respect to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver is changed. It is assumed that the control device is configured to be controlled in a complex manner.
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the combined control means operates the auxiliary engine, changes the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission, or activates the electric motor acting as a drive source together with the engine. Thus, when the engine output characteristic is changed, the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device are controlled in a combined manner.
[0020]
That is, when the engine output characteristics with respect to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal are changed in accordance with the operation of the engine accessories, the change in the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission, or the operation of the electric motor (for example, the operation of the electric motor in a hybrid vehicle is changed). In the case where the engine output is suppressed, the running feeling felt by the body is different from the feeling heard by the ear, which makes it easy to feel uncomfortable or unsatisfactory. In such a case, the engine-related sound and the forward field of view are combined and controlled, so that the functions and effects of the first to fourth aspects of the invention can be effectively exhibited.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a combined control apparatus for a vehicle interior sound and a front view according to an embodiment of the present invention. The combined control apparatus is an engine generated by the engine rotation of the vehicle, which can be heard by a driver inside the vehicle. A vehicle interior sound control device for controlling related sounds (engine sound, exhaust sound, etc.) based on output sound to the vehicle interior; and a visibility restriction capable of restricting a forward visibility of a driver of the vehicle and changing the restriction level. It has a liquid crystal light shielding member 41 as a means, a front view control device for controlling the restriction level of the front view by the liquid crystal light shielding member 41, and a controller 10 as control means for controlling these two devices in a combined manner. ing.
[0022]
In the controller 10, the output sound is changed from the speakers 11 (see FIG. 2) disposed at the front, side, and rear of the vehicle compartment into the vehicle compartment so as to change the engine-related sound, as described later. A speaker drive signal generation unit 10b to be output is provided, and a light-blocking member drive signal generation unit 10c that controls the level of restriction of the front view by the liquid crystal light-blocking member 1 is provided.
[0023]
The vehicle interior sound control device has a microphone 12 (see FIG. 2) embedded in the headrest 2 of each seat in the vehicle interior, and the sound collected by the microphone 12 is amplified by an amplifier 13 and an A / D converter. The speaker drive signal generator 10b is input as a digital electric signal through the device 14. The microphone 12 is arranged in the headrest 2 of each seat at a position substantially coincident with the binaural position of each occupant including the driver, whereby the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b responds to the engine-related sound heard by the driver. An electric signal will be input.
[0024]
The controller 10 is connected with an IG pulse detector 21 for detecting a signal synchronized with the engine rotation. The IG pulse detector 21 obtains signals from the IG pulse detector, for example, by detecting rotation of a crankshaft or detecting ignition timing from an igniter. The output signal is output as an IG pulse signal, and the IG pulse signal is input to a reference signal generation unit 10 a described later provided in the controller 10.
[0025]
The controller 10 is connected with an engine speed sensor 22 as an engine speed detecting means for detecting the engine speed and a vehicle speed sensor 23 as a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the running speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle. The output signals of these sensors 22 and 23 are input to the controller 10. The acceleration is calculated from the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 23, and the vehicle speed sensor 23 also constitutes an acceleration detecting means for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle.
[0026]
The controller 10 includes a reference signal generator 10a that generates a reference signal synchronized with the IG pulse signal from the input IG pulse signal. The reference signal generated by the reference signal generator 10a includes: An electric signal from the microphone 12, an output signal from each of the sensors 22 and 23, and a gain signal from a gain setting unit 10d described later are input to the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b. Then, the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b generates a speaker drive signal based on the input signal, and the generated speaker drive signal is transmitted to the speaker 11 via the D / A converter 31 and the amplifier 32. The output sound is output from the speaker 11 to the vehicle interior according to the speaker drive signal.
[0027]
The process of generating a speaker drive signal for causing the speaker 11 to output an output sound based on the reference signal in the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b is performed by the noise reduction technique described in the section of the related art (Japanese Patent No. 3278176). In the present embodiment, an output sound that cancels a sound collected by the microphone 12 (an engine-related sound that can be heard by the driver) is based on the reference signal. Instead of generating a speaker drive signal for outputting from the speaker 11, a speaker drive signal for causing the speaker 11 to output an output sound that changes the sound pressure of a part of the frequency band in the engine-related sound heard by the driver is output. The difference is that they are generated. According to the engine speed, the vehicle speed, and the acceleration detected by the engine speed sensor 22 and the vehicle speed sensor 23, a part of a frequency band (a low frequency band described later, An output sound for changing the sound pressure in either the middle frequency band or the high frequency band is output from the speaker 11 to the vehicle interior. Note that it is not always necessary to input an electric signal from the microphone (perform feedback control), and it is also possible to perform open control.
[0028]
Specifically, the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b determines whether the engine speed is equal to or less than a first predetermined speed n1 (for example, 3000 rpm) (low rotation range) or the vehicle speed is a first predetermined speed v1 (for example, 60 km / h) When it is below (low speed range), the output sound that increases the sound pressure in the low frequency band below a predetermined frequency (preferably 400 Hz) of the engine-related sound heard by the driver by a predetermined amount (depending on the frequency and the control gain). A speaker drive signal to be output from the speaker 11 is generated and output. At this time, when the acceleration of the vehicle (calculated from the vehicle speed v) is in an accelerated traveling larger than a predetermined value, the increase amount of the sound pressure is made larger than in the steady traveling.
[0029]
Further, the engine speed is equal to or less than a second predetermined speed n2 (for example, 5000 rpm) (e.g., 5000 rpm) which is higher than the first predetermined speed n1 and higher than the first predetermined speed n1, or the vehicle speed is lower. When the vehicle speed is equal to or less than the second predetermined speed v2 (for example, 140 km / h) (medium speed region) which is higher than the first predetermined speed v1 and higher than the first predetermined speed v1, the vicinity of 650 Hz in the engine-related sound heard by the driver ( Generates and outputs a speaker drive signal for causing the speaker 11 to output an output sound that increases the sound pressure in a frequency band of a frequency band larger than 400 Hz and smaller than 800 Hz) by a predetermined amount (depending on the frequency and the control gain). I do.
[0030]
Further, when the engine speed is higher than the second predetermined speed n2 (high speed range) or when the vehicle speed is higher than the second predetermined speed v2 (high speed range), the predetermined frequency in the engine-related sound that can be heard by the driver. A speaker drive signal for causing the speaker 11 to output an output sound that reduces the sound pressure in a high frequency band (preferably 800 Hz) or higher by a predetermined amount (depending on the frequency and the control gain) is generated and output.
[0031]
On the other hand, the light-shielding member drive signal generating unit 10c generates a light-shielding member drive signal based on the output signal from the vehicle speed sensor 23 and the gain signal from the gain setting unit 10d, and the generated light-shielding member drive signal is driven. The liquid crystal light-shielding member 41 (a lower light-shielding member 42, an upper light-shielding member 43, a left light-shielding member 44, and a right-side light-shielding member 45) is output via the circuit 51. Is controlled.
[0032]
The liquid crystal light shielding member 41 has a liquid crystal material sandwiched between two electrodes, and is provided in a frame shape on the windshield 8 in front of the driver as shown in FIG. A lower light blocking member 42, an upper light blocking member 43, a left light blocking member 44, and a right light blocking member for respectively limiting a lower portion, a left portion (opposite to the driver's seat), a right portion (driver's seat side), and an upper portion of the front view. 45. The lower and upper light shielding members 42 and 43 are provided so as to extend in the horizontal direction, and the left and right light shielding members 44 and 45 connect the left and right ends of the lower and upper light shielding members 42 and 43, respectively. Are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction. The lower light-shielding member 42 includes a first light-shielding portion 42a located on the lower side and a second light-shielding portion 42b located on the upper side, and the upper light-shielding member 43 has a first light-shielding portion located on the upper side. 43a and a second light-shielding portion 43b located on the lower side. Further, the left light shielding member 44 includes a first light shielding portion 44a located on the left side and a second light shielding portion 44b located on the right side, and the right light shielding member 45 has a first light shielding portion 45a located on the right side. , And a second light shielding portion 45b located on the left side.
[0033]
The light shielding members 42 to 45 are independently driven via the drive circuit 11 by the drive signal generated by the light shielding member drive signal generation unit 10c, and the first and second light shielding members 42 to 45 are respectively driven. The light shielding portions 42a, 42b to 45a, 45b are also driven independently of each other, and when the control gain is constant, the light shielding ratio of the first and second light shielding portions 42a, 42b to 45a, 45b changes in a plurality of steps ( Here, the light-shielding ratio changes in three stages of 0, a relatively small first value, and a considerably large second value (the light-shielding ratio may be changed continuously). Note that the second value of the light blocking ratio of the first and second light blocking portions 42a and 42b of the lower light blocking member 42 is set to a value larger than that of the other light blocking members.
[0034]
When the light-shielding rates of the first and second light-shielding portions 42a, 42b to 45a, and 45b of all the light-shielding members 42 to 45 are 0, the vehicle is in a normal transmission state, and the front view of the driver is not limited. When the value is 1 or the second value, the driver is in a light-shielded state and the front view of the driver is restricted, and the restriction level is higher at the second value than at the first value. . When both the first and second light-shielding portions 42a, 42b to 45a, and 45b in each of the light-shielding members 42 to 45 are in the light-shielding state, compared to when only the first light-shielding portions 42a to 45a are in the light-shielding state. Since the amount of narrowing the forward view is large, the restriction level is high. Further, when the light blocking ratio of the first and second light blocking portions 42a, 42b to 45a, 45b of all the light blocking members 42 to 45 is the second value, the lower, upper and left and right sides of the front field of view are substantially the same amount. However, since the light blocking ratio of the first and second light blocking portions 42a and 42b of the lower light blocking member 42 is larger than that of the other light blocking members, the lower limit level of the front view is higher than the upper and side portions. become.
[0035]
The light-shielding member drive signal generation unit 10c generates and outputs a light-shielding member drive signal so as to increase the front view restriction level as the vehicle speed increases.
[0036]
Specifically, assuming that the control gain is constant, when the vehicle is stopped, the light blocking ratio of the first and second light blocking portions 42a, 42b to 45a, and 45b of all the light blocking members 42 to 45 is 0. Thus, the driver's front view is not restricted. When the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined speed (which is considerably lower than the first predetermined speed v1) after the vehicle starts running, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first light shielding portion 42a of the lower light shielding member 42 The light blocking ratio is set to a first value (the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion remains 0), and when the vehicle speed further increases, the first light blocking portion 42a of the lower light blocking member 42 as shown in FIG. Is set to a second value, the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 2b of the lower light blocking member 2 is set to the first value, and when the vehicle speed further increases, as shown in FIG. The light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 42b of the side light blocking member 42 is also set to the second value. At this stage, the lower limit level of the forward field of view is at its maximum.
[0037]
When the vehicle speed further increases (when the vehicle speed becomes about the first predetermined speed v1), as shown in FIG. 4D, the light blocking ratio of the first and second light blocking portions 42a and 42b of the lower light blocking member 42 is reduced to the second speed. With the value of 2, the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 44a of the left light blocking member 44 is set to the first value, and when the vehicle speed further increases, as shown in FIG. When the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 44a is set to the second value and the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 44b of the left light blocking member 44 is set to the first value, and when the vehicle speed further increases, as shown in FIG. In addition, the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 44b of the left light blocking member 44 is also set to the second value, and the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 45a of the right light blocking member 45 is set to the first value. When the vehicle speed further increases, as shown in FIG. 4 (g), the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 45a of the right light blocking member 45 is set to the second value, and the second light blocking portion 45b of the right light blocking member 45 is set. When the vehicle speed further increases, the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 45b of the right light blocking member 45 is also set to the second value, as shown in FIG. 4H. At this stage, the restriction level at the side of the front view is maximum with the lower part, but the restriction level at the side is lower than at the lower part.
[0038]
When the vehicle speed further increases (when the vehicle speed becomes about the second predetermined speed v2), as shown in FIG. 4 (i), the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 43a of the upper light blocking member 43 is set to a first value, and When the vehicle speed increases, as shown in FIG. 4 (j), the light blocking ratio of the first light blocking portion 43a of the upper light blocking member 43 is set to the second value, and the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 43b of the upper light blocking member 43 is increased. Is set to the first value, and when the vehicle speed further increases, the light blocking ratio of the second light blocking portion 43b of the upper light blocking member 43 is also set to the second value, as shown in FIG. At this stage, the restriction level of the entire front view is the maximum (however, the restriction level of the lower part of the front view is higher than that of the side part and the upper part).
[0039]
Next, when the vehicle speed decreases, the restriction is released in a manner opposite to the case where the vehicle speed increases. In addition, when the vehicle speed decreases, in order to release the restriction early, the change characteristic of the restriction level of the forward visibility with respect to the vehicle speed is made different from the above-described vehicle speed increase, and the limit level at the same vehicle speed when the vehicle speed decreases is increased. You may make it below a restriction level.
[0040]
The gain setting unit 10d sets respective control gains of the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device in order to control the two devices in a combined manner, and according to the set control gains. The gain signal is output to the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b and the light shielding member drive signal generation unit 10c, respectively, and the speaker drive signal generation unit 10b and the light shield member drive signal generation unit 10c output a drive signal corresponding to the control gain. Is output to the speaker 11 and the liquid crystal light-shielding member 41, respectively, whereby the increase (decrease) in the sound pressure in the frequency band and the light-shielding ratio change depending on the control gain.
[0041]
The gain setting unit 10d sets the control gain α of the vehicle interior sound control device and the control gain β of the forward visibility control device in accordance with the control gain ratio β / α according to the vehicle speed (or the engine speed). It is set to change as shown in FIG.
[0042]
That is, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed v1, the control gain ratio β / α becomes a value close to 0 (the control gain α of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes a value close to the maximum value, and the forward visibility control is performed). (The control gain β of the device becomes a value close to 0) so that the control of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the front view control device.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is higher than the second predetermined speed v2, the control gain ratio β / α becomes a value close to the maximum value (the control gain α of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes a value close to 0, and the forward visibility control (The control gain β of the device becomes a value close to the maximum value) so that the control of the front view control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device.
[0044]
When the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher than the first predetermined speed v1 and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed v2, the control gain α of the indoor sound control device is reduced as the vehicle speed increases, while the control of the front view control device is performed. By increasing the gain β, the two control gains α and β gradually change between a low speed and a high speed (between a low rotation and a high rotation).
[0045]
When the control gain ratio β / α is changed in accordance with the engine speed, when the engine speed is the first predetermined speed n1, the vehicle interior sound control device is compared with the control of the front view control device. Control is dominant, and when the engine speed is higher than the second predetermined speed n2, the control of the front view control device is dominant as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device, When the engine speed is higher than the first predetermined speed n1 and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed n2, as the engine speed increases, the control gain α of the room sound control device decreases, while the front view control device The control gain β is increased.
[0046]
With the respective control gains set by the gain setting unit 10d, the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device operate as follows.
[0047]
That is, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed v1 (or when the engine speed is the first predetermined speed n1), the control gain α of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes a value close to the maximum value. Is set, the control gain β of the front view control device is set to a value close to 0, and the control of the vehicle interior sound control device is predominantly performed as compared with the control of the front view control device. The control of the device gives the driver a sporty feeling. In other words, an output sound that increases the sound pressure in the low frequency band of the engine-related sound that can be heard by the driver is output from the speaker 11 to the vehicle interior. Sounds stable and powerful. As a result, even in a vehicle (especially a hybrid vehicle) in which the engine-related sound heard by the driver when the output sound is not output despite the relatively high running performance such as the acceleration performance does not feel powerful, the output sound is output. Thus, a sporty feeling can be given to the driver, and the running feeling felt by the driver and the feeling heard by the ear can be matched. Further, even in a vehicle having a considerably low running performance, a sporty feeling can be given to the driver.
[0048]
On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is higher than the second predetermined speed (or when the engine speed is higher than the second predetermined speed), the control gain α of the vehicle interior sound control device is set to a value close to 0, and The control gain β of the visibility control device is set to a value close to the maximum value, and the control of the forward visibility control device is predominantly performed as compared with the control of the vehicle interior sound control device. Give the driver a sporty feeling. In other words, the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the level of restriction on the driver's forward visibility, so that the forward visibility is limited as the driver naturally looks far away, and the driver's uncertainty due to the limited forward visibility. A sporty feeling can be given while giving no feeling. In addition, particularly by limiting the lower part of the front view, it is possible to suppress anxiety caused by too much visibility immediately before the vehicle. At this time, the speaker 11 outputs an output sound that reduces the sound pressure in the high frequency band of the engine-related sound (however, since the control gain α is considerably small, the amount of reduction is small), so that the sound is close to noise. Noise is somewhat reduced.
[0049]
When the vehicle speed is higher than the first predetermined speed v1 and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed v2 (or when the engine speed is higher than the first predetermined speed n1 and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed n2). As the vehicle speed or the engine speed increases, the control gain α of the indoor sound control device is set lower while the control gain β of the front view control device is set higher, so that the switching between low speed and high speed ( Switching between low rotation and high rotation) is performed smoothly without a sense of incongruity. In addition, the sound in the frequency band near 650 Hz in the engine-related sound that can be heard by the driver is emphasized, and the driver can hear a clear and comfortable sound while giving a sporty feeling.
[0050]
FIG. 6 shows an engine output, an electric motor output, a vehicle speed, and a control gain when a driver depresses an accelerator pedal as shown in FIG. 6A in a hybrid vehicle using both an engine and an electric motor as drive sources. 5 is a time chart showing an example of how α and β change (time at which the accelerator pedal starts to be depressed is set to 0).
[0051]
In this example, in the low to medium speed range, the engine output characteristics with respect to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver are changed with the operation of the electric motor. That is, in the engine output characteristics when the electric motor is not operating, the engine output changes as shown by the broken line in FIG. In the output characteristic changed with the operation of (1), the output characteristic changes as shown by the solid line, and the engine output is suppressed.
[0052]
However, as shown in FIG. 6C, the reduced engine output is compensated for by the output of the electric motor, so that the vehicle speed is the same as before the engine output characteristics are changed, as shown in FIG. 6D. It rises in almost the same way. At this time, since the engine-related sound does not increase so much as the vehicle speed increases, the driver may feel uncomfortable or feel unsatisfactory due to the difference between the running feeling felt by the body and the feeling heard by the ear. However, the combined control of the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device described above prevents the driver from giving such a feeling of discomfort or dissatisfaction, and provides a sporty feeling to provide a comfortable driving feeling. You can make it.
[0053]
In such a hybrid vehicle, the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device may be combinedly controlled regardless of whether or not the engine output characteristics are changed due to the operation of the electric motor. When the engine output characteristics are changed accordingly (in the example of FIG. 6, in the case of the low-to-medium-speed region), the vehicle interior sound control device and the front visibility control device may be combinedly controlled. This makes it possible to surely prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable or unsatisfactory particularly when the driver easily feels uneasy or unsatisfactory.
[0054]
Further, even if the vehicle is not a hybrid vehicle, the engine output characteristics with respect to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver are changed in accordance with the operation of the engine accessories and the change of the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission. When a change is made (or always irrespective of the change), the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device may be controlled.
[0055]
Further, the specific control of the engine-related sound and the forward visibility described in the above embodiment is an example, and is not limited to such control.
[0056]
For example, in the control of the engine-related sound, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (a value approximately equal to the second predetermined speed v1), an even-order component (i-order component (i-th component ( i = 2, 4, 6,...)) and odd-order components (i-1 order component, i + 1 order component) and half order components (i-0.5 order component, (i + 0.5 order component), and outputs an output sound for reducing the sound pressure difference to each of the passenger compartments (the sound becomes slow and powerful). On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined speed, the odd order of the even order component is output. The output sound for increasing the sound pressure ratio for each of the component and the half-order component may be output to the vehicle interior (to produce a clear and smooth sound). Even in this case, at low to medium speeds, the occupant can be given a sporty feeling, and at the same time, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable due to the difference between the running feeling felt by the body and the feeling heard by the ear. it can.
[0057]
In the control of the front view, only the left and right sides and the lower portion may be limited, or only the lower portion may be limited. Also in this case, the sporty feeling can be sufficiently given to the driver, and the feeling of anxiety due to the fact that the area immediately before the vehicle is too visible at high speed can be suppressed. The visibility limiting means is not limited to the liquid crystal light-blocking member 41, but may be an electrochromic element or the like. Further, even if it is not possible to change the light-blocking rate, it is possible to change the amount of narrowing the forward visibility. Anything can be used. For example, a plate-shaped light blocking member that blocks the driver's front view may be provided on the windshield 8, and the amount of narrowing the front view may be changed by moving the light blocking member along the windshield 8. In this case, the light blocking ratio cannot be changed, but the limit level can be changed by changing the amount of narrowing the forward field of view.
[0058]
Here, how the driver (subject) feels when the forward view is limited and when the forward view is not limited was examined by an actual running evaluation experiment. The method of limiting the forward visibility is the same as in the above embodiment (the control gain is set to the maximum value).
[0059]
FIG. 7 shows the results of the actual running evaluation experiment. For this reason, if you did not restrict the view, you felt that it was weak, there was no response, there was no torque or power, but if you restrict the view, quietness worsens, but strong, response The driver feels that the vehicle has good torque, power, and the like, and it can be seen that even if the vehicle has a considerably low running performance, the driver can be given a sporty feeling due to the restriction of the visibility.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the combined control apparatus of the vehicle interior sound and the forward visibility according to the present invention, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed, or when the engine speed is equal to or lower than the first predetermined speed. In some cases, the two devices are controlled such that the control of the vehicle interior sound control device becomes dominant as compared with the control of the front view control device, while the traveling speed of the vehicle is a value greater than the first predetermined speed. When the engine speed is higher than the second predetermined speed, or when the engine speed is higher than a second predetermined speed that is a value higher than the first predetermined speed, the front view is smaller than the control of the vehicle interior sound control device. By controlling the two devices so that the control of the control device becomes dominant, the driver can be given a sporty feeling regardless of the vehicle, and the driver can feel the physical feeling. So as to match the feeling to hear the running sense and ear, can be made to always feel comfortable traveling feeling to the driver.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a combined control apparatus for a vehicle interior sound and a front view according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram mainly showing a state in which a vehicle interior sound control device is attached to a vehicle.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a liquid crystal light shielding member is provided on a windshield.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how the light blocking ratio of each light blocking member changes.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a change in a control gain ratio β / α with respect to a vehicle speed or an engine speed.
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of changes in an engine output, an electric motor output, a vehicle speed, and control gains α and β when a driver depresses an accelerator pedal in a hybrid vehicle.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the results of an actual running evaluation experiment in a case where forward visibility is limited and in a case where forward visibility is not limited.
[Explanation of symbols]
8 Windshield
10. Controller (combined control means)
11 Speaker
22 Engine speed sensor (engine speed detection means)
23 Vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detection means)
41 Liquid crystal light-shielding member (view restriction means)
42 Lower light-blocking member (visibility limiting means)
43 Upper light-shielding member (visibility limiting means)
44 Left side light blocking member (visibility limiting means)
45 Right-side light shielding member (visibility limiting means)

Claims (6)

A vehicle interior sound control device that controls an engine-related sound generated by the engine rotation of the vehicle, which is heard by a driver in the vehicle interior, by an output sound to the vehicle interior;
A front view that is provided on a windshield of the vehicle and that limits a front view of a driver of the vehicle and that can change the limit level; and controls a limit level of the front view by the view limit unit. A control device;
A combined control device for a vehicle interior sound and a front view, comprising a combined control unit for controlling the vehicle interior sound control device and the front view control device in a complex manner,
A vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a running speed of the vehicle,
When the traveling speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detection means is equal to or less than a first predetermined speed, the control of the vehicle interior sound control device is dominant as compared with the control of the front view control device. While the two devices are controlled so that the traveling speed of the vehicle is higher than a second predetermined speed which is a value larger than the first predetermined speed, the front view is smaller than the control of the vehicle interior sound control device. A combined control device for the vehicle interior sound and the forward visibility, wherein the control device is configured to control both devices so that the control of the control device becomes dominant. The combined control device for the vehicle interior sound and the forward visibility according to claim 1,
When the running speed of the vehicle is higher than the first predetermined speed and equal to or lower than the second predetermined speed, the composite control means decreases the control gain of the indoor sound control device as the running speed of the vehicle increases, while controlling the forward visibility control. A combined control system for a vehicle interior sound and a front view, wherein a control gain of the device is increased. A vehicle interior sound control device that controls an engine-related sound generated by the engine rotation of the vehicle, which is heard by a driver in the vehicle interior, by an output sound to the vehicle interior;
A front view that is provided on a windshield of the vehicle and that limits a front view of a driver of the vehicle and that can change the limit level; and controls a limit level of the front view by the view limit unit. A control device;
A combined control device for a vehicle interior sound and a front view, comprising a combined control unit for controlling the vehicle interior sound control device and the front view control device in a complex manner,
An engine speed detecting means for detecting the engine speed of the vehicle,
When the engine speed detected by the engine speed detecting means is equal to or lower than a first predetermined speed, the control of the vehicle interior sound control device is more controlled than the control of the front view control device. When the engine speed is higher than a second predetermined speed, which is a value higher than the first predetermined speed, while the two devices are controlled in a manner similar to the control of the vehicle interior sound control device. And a control unit for controlling the front view control device so that the control of the front view control device becomes dominant. The combined control apparatus for the interior sound of a vehicle and the forward visibility according to claim 3,
When the engine rotation speed is higher than the first predetermined rotation speed and equal to or lower than the second predetermined rotation speed, the composite control means decreases the control gain of the room sound control device as the engine rotation speed increases, while controlling the forward visibility control. A combined control system for a vehicle interior sound and a front view, wherein a control gain of the device is increased. A combined control device for the room sound and the forward visibility of the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The composite control means is configured to control the vehicle interior sound control device and the forward visibility control device in a combined manner when the engine output characteristic with respect to the driver's accelerator pedal depression amount is changed. A combined control system for vehicle interior sounds and forward visibility. The combined control device for the room sound and the forward visibility of the vehicle according to claim 5,
The combined control means controls the vehicle interior sound control device when the engine output characteristics are changed due to the operation of the engine accessories, the change of the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission, or the operation of the electric motor acting as a drive source together with the engine. And a combined control of a front view control device and a vehicle interior sound and a front view.

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