JP2004212139A - Vehicular fuel meter controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the indication of a remaining amount of fuel in a fuel gauge 1 from being sharply fluctuated by a change in an oil level in a fuel tank accompanying the travel of a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A fuel meter controller has a switching means for switching the indication processing of the remaining amount of fuel by the fuel meter 1 selectively to high-speed indication processing having quick response to a change in the detection signal of a remaining-amount-of-fuel sensor 4 and a low-speed one having slow response; and a warning means for issuing a warning, based on the remaining amount of fuel indicated by the fuel meter 1 when the remaining amount of fuel becomes a specific value or less. When the warning means issues the warning of the remaining of amount of fuel, a change from the low-speed indication processing to the high-speed one cannot be easily made. When a probability in the refueling of the vehicle is high, a change to the high-speed indication processing is made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel meter control device for a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a vehicle, for example, an automobile, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of fuel is provided in a fuel tank, and display means (fuel meter) for displaying the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank based on the detection signal is provided. I have. However, since the liquid level of the fuel in the fuel tank fluctuates due to the running vibration of the vehicle, the longitudinal acceleration and the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle at the time of running, the running state of the vehicle does not change even when the fuel actually increases or decreases. Accordingly, the remaining fuel amount detected by the sensor changes.
[0003]
Therefore, conventionally, the display process of the remaining fuel amount by the remaining fuel amount display means is selectively switched between a high-speed display process having high responsiveness to a change in the detection signal of the sensor and a low-speed display process having low responsiveness. Switching means is provided to switch from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing when fueling to the fuel tank is detected. For example, it has been proposed that when the vehicle is stopped and the remaining fuel amount detected by the sensor increases by a predetermined value or more within a predetermined time, it is determined that refueling is performed and the low-speed display process is switched to the high-speed display process. (See Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 10-170321 A [0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, although the stop state of the vehicle can be detected by a vehicle speed sensor, the vehicle speed sensor has a detection limit. Generally, when the actual vehicle speed becomes 2 km / h or less, the vehicle speed is determined to be zero, that is, the vehicle is in a stopped state. You. Therefore, when the vehicle is traveling at such an extremely low vehicle speed, if there is a change in the level of the fuel tank due to a change in the level of the fuel tank due to the overcoming of the unevenness of the road surface or the shift to the hill running, There is a risk that the high-speed display processing will be performed due to an erroneous determination of refueling.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention determines whether or not the vehicle is in a state where the probability of refueling is high, and in such a state, the switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing is performed. That is the task.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to determine the switching from the low-speed display process to the high-speed display process, the present invention determines whether the low fuel level warning is issued or resets the trip meter. I tried to see if it was hot or not.
[0008]
First, the invention according to claim 1 includes a fuel remaining amount detecting unit that detects a fuel remaining amount in a fuel tank,
Fuel related display means for performing a display related to the fuel in the fuel tank,
The fuel-related display means is:
Fuel remaining amount display means for displaying the fuel remaining amount based on a detection signal from the fuel remaining amount detecting means,
Switching means for selectively switching the fuel remaining amount display processing by the fuel remaining amount display means to a high-speed display processing having a high response to the change of the detection signal and a low-speed display processing having a low response. In a vehicle fuel meter control device,
The fuel-related display unit further includes a warning unit that warns when the remaining fuel amount becomes a predetermined value or less based on the remaining fuel amount displayed by the remaining fuel amount display unit,
The warning operation of the warning means is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means.
[0009]
That is, when the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank is equal to or less than the predetermined value and a warning is issued, it is when the probability of refueling is high. Therefore, such a warning is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display process to the high-speed display process. Therefore, the switching to the high-speed display process is performed when the probability of refueling is high. When the fuel is not refueled, the fuel is erroneously determined to be refueled, the fuel display means reacts sensitively to the fuel detection means, and the remaining fuel amount is erroneously displayed. Is reduced. Further, the warning means for the remaining fuel amount is generally provided as standard equipment in the vehicle. In this case, it is not necessary to provide new switches and sensors.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
The fuel-related display means further includes remaining travelable distance calculation means for calculating a remaining travelable distance of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel amount displayed by the remaining fuel display means,
The fact that the remaining travelable distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means.
[0011]
That is, when the remaining travelable distance by the remaining fuel in the fuel tank is short, the probability of refueling is high. Therefore, in the present invention, the condition that the remaining travelable distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value is also set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display process to the high-speed display process.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect,
Furthermore, a trip meter that displays the mileage of the vehicle is provided,
The reset of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means.
[0013]
That is, in a vehicle equipped with a trip meter, when refueling, the trip meter may be reset in order to know how much the vehicle can travel with the refueled fuel. Therefore, in the present invention, resetting of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 4 is a fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting a fuel remaining amount in the fuel tank,
Fuel related display means for performing a display related to the fuel in the fuel tank,
The fuel-related display means is:
Fuel remaining amount display means for displaying the fuel remaining amount based on a detection signal from the fuel remaining amount detecting means,
Switching means for selectively switching the fuel remaining amount display processing by the fuel remaining amount display means to a high-speed display processing having a high response to the change of the detection signal and a low-speed display processing having a low response. In a vehicle fuel meter control device,
A trip meter that displays the mileage of the vehicle,
The reset of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means.
[0015]
Therefore, when the trip meter is reset and the probability of refueling is high, switching to the high-speed display process is performed, and when fuel is not supplied, it is erroneously determined that refueling is performed, and the fuel display means reacts sensitively to the fuel detection means. False indication of the remaining fuel amount is reduced.
[0016]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the warning operation by the fuel remaining amount warning unit is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display process to the high-speed display process. Switching to high-speed display processing is performed when the probability is high, and it is unlikely that fuel is erroneously determined to be refueled when fuel is not refueled, the fuel display means reacts excessively to the fuel detection means, and the fuel remaining amount is erroneously displayed. In addition, the fuel remaining amount warning means is generally provided as standard equipment in the vehicle. In this case, there is no need to provide new switches and sensors, which is advantageous in cost.
[0017]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, there is provided a remaining travelable distance calculating means for calculating a remaining travelable distance of the vehicle based on the remaining amount of fuel, wherein the remaining travelable distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Since a certain condition is set as a condition for determining the switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing, the switching to the high-speed display processing is performed when the probability of refueling is higher.
[0018]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the reset of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining the switching from the low-speed display process to the high-speed display process, the probability of refueling is reduced. Switching to the high-speed display processing is performed at a higher speed.
[0019]
According to the invention according to claim 4, since resetting of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing, high-speed display is performed when the probability of refueling is high. Switching to processing is performed.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a fuel meter control device of a vehicle (automobile). In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fuel meter for displaying a remaining fuel amount in a fuel tank (not shown), which is provided on an instrument panel of the vehicle. The fuel meter control circuit 2 for controlling the fuel meter 1 includes an ignition switch 3, a fuel remaining amount sensor 4 for detecting the remaining fuel amount (fuel remaining amount) of the fuel tank, and a reset switch 5 for a trip meter (not shown). Are connected, and an ignition signal, a fuel remaining amount detection signal, and a trip meter reset signal are input.
[0022]
The fuel meter control circuit 2 is connected to a body control unit 6, a trip computer unit 7, and an airbag unit 8 by a multiplex bus line 9. The body control unit 6 is connected to a wiper switch 11 for detecting operation of a wiper (not shown) of the vehicle and a headlamp switch 12 for detecting lighting of a headlamp (not shown). A seat belt switch 13 for detecting the wearing of a seat belt (not shown) is connected.
[0023]
Thereby, the operation signal of the wiper and the lighting signal of the headlamp are input to the fuel meter control circuit 2 through the body control unit 6 and the multiplex bus line 9, and the seat belt wearing signal of the driver is transmitted to the airbag unit 8 and the multiplex bus signal. The input is made via a bus line 9.
[0024]
Then, the fuel meter control circuit 2 controls the driving of the fuel meter 1 based on the signals from the above-mentioned switches and sensors, and activates the fuel remaining amount warning light 14. The fuel remaining amount warning light 14 is provided on an instrument panel of the vehicle.
[0025]
The fuel meter control circuit 2 includes a warning unit for operating the fuel remaining amount warning lamp 14 and a unit for calculating a remaining travelable distance of the vehicle by the current fuel remaining in the fuel tank, and the ignition switch 3 is turned on. In this case, the display process of the remaining fuel amount by the fuel meter 1 is selectively performed between a high-speed display processing mode having a high response to a change in the detection signal of the fuel remaining amount sensor 4 and a low-speed display processing mode having a low response. Is provided.
[0026]
The warning means turns on the fuel remaining amount warning lamp 14 when the fuel remaining amount becomes a predetermined value or less based on the fuel remaining amount displayed by the fuel meter 1. The remaining travelable distance calculating means calculates the remaining travelable distance of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel amount displayed by the fuel meter 1. The remaining travelable distance is displayed on display means provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle. The switching means performs the switching based on a fuel remaining amount detection signal, a trip meter reset signal, a wiper operation signal, a headlamp lighting signal, and a driver's seat belt wearing signal.
[0027]
In this case, the fuel meter 1, the fuel meter control circuit 2, the fuel remaining amount warning lamp 14, and the remaining mileage display means constitute fuel-related display means.
[0028]
Hereinafter, the switching control between the low-speed display processing mode and the high-speed display processing mode will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0029]
The above switching is basically performed based on the increase amount of the remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel amount sensor 4 within a predetermined time, and when the increase amount is equal to or more than the refueling determination threshold Fa, the high-speed switching is performed. The display processing mode is selected, and if less than the threshold value Fa, the low-speed display processing mode is selected.
[0030]
Then, the determination threshold value Fa is determined based on whether the above-mentioned fuel remaining amount warning lamp 14 is lit, the remaining travelable distance, the presence or absence of a trip meter reset signal, the presence or absence of a seat belt, the presence or absence of headlamp lighting, or the presence of a wiper. It changes according to the presence or absence of operation. That is, these are set as conditions for determining switching between the low-speed display processing mode and the high-speed display processing mode by the switching means.
[0031]
That is, in the flow of FIG. 2, in step S1 after the start, the refueling determination threshold value Fa is set to the initial value Fo. In the following step S2, it is determined whether or not the fuel level warning lamp 14 is lit (lit), and if it is lit, the process proceeds to step S3 to subtract a constant Fd1 from the determination threshold Fa. If not, the process proceeds to step S4 without performing the subtraction. When the fuel level warning lamp 14 is lit, the probability of refueling is high, and the subtraction facilitates switching from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode.
[0032]
In step S4, it is determined whether or not the remaining mileage display of the trip meter is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 50 km). If it is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S5, in which the constant Fd2 is subtracted from the determination threshold Fa, and if it exceeds the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S6 without performing the subtraction. When the remaining travelable distance is short, the probability of refueling is high, and the subtraction facilitates switching from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode.
[0033]
In step S6, it is determined whether the trip meter has been reset. If reset, the process proceeds to step S7, in which the constant Fd3 is subtracted from the determination threshold Fa, and if not, the process proceeds to step S8 without performing the subtraction. When the trip meter is reset, the probability of refueling is high, and the subtraction facilitates switching from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode.
[0034]
In step S8, it is determined whether the driver is wearing a seat belt. If so, the process proceeds to step S9, where a constant Fu1 is added to the determination threshold Fa. If not, the process proceeds to step S10 without performing the addition. When refueling, the driver may take off the seat belt, so if the seat belt is fastened, the probability of refueling is low, and the addition makes it difficult to switch from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode. It is.
[0035]
In step S10, it is determined whether the headlamp is on. If it is lit, the process proceeds to step S11, and a constant Fu2 is added to the determination threshold Fa. If it is not lit, the process proceeds to step S12 without performing the addition. Since it is normal that the headlamp is turned off at the time of refueling, when the headlamp is lit, it is difficult to switch from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode by the addition, assuming that the probability of refueling is low. Is what you do.
[0036]
In step S12, it is determined whether the wiper is operating. If it is operating, the process proceeds to step S13, where a constant Fu3 is added to the determination threshold Fa, and if it is not operating, the process proceeds to step S14 without performing the addition. Since it is normal that the wiper is not operated during refueling, if the wiper is operating, it is assumed that the probability of refueling is low, and the addition makes it difficult to switch from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode. is there.
[0037]
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the amount of increase in the remaining fuel amount within a predetermined time period is equal to or greater than the determination threshold Fa. If the increase is equal to or greater than the determination threshold Fa, the process proceeds to step S15, in which the fuel meter time constant is set for high speed, that is, the high speed display processing mode is set, and the driving of the fuel meter 1 is controlled ( Step S17). If the amount of increase is less than the determination threshold Fa, the process proceeds to step S16, in which the fuel meter time constant is set for low speed, that is, the low speed display processing mode is set, and the driving control of the fuel meter 1 is performed ( Step S17).
[0038]
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, there is a high probability of refueling, such as when the remaining fuel amount warning lamp 14 is lit, the remaining mileage display is equal to or less than a predetermined value, or the trip meter is reset. When the refueling determination threshold value Fa becomes small, and when the situation where the refueling probability is high in the above control overlaps, the above-described determination threshold value becomes smaller, the refueling determination threshold value Fa becomes smaller during the refueling. The mode is quickly switched to, and the responsiveness of the fuel meter 1 to the remaining fuel sensor 4 increases. Therefore, it is advantageous for the driver to check the refueling state.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the probability of refueling is low, such as when the driver is wearing a seat belt, the headlights are on, or the wiper is operating, the refueling determination threshold Fa increases. In addition, in the above control, when the situation where the refueling probability is low overlaps, the above-described determination threshold value is further increased. It is difficult to switch to the processing mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fuel level display of the fuel meter 1 from fluctuating and being confused.
[0040]
Note that, in the above-described embodiment, the presence / absence of the fuel remaining amount warning lamp 14 and the reset of the trip meter are both monitored for the switching, but only one of them may be monitored.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the determination threshold value Fa is changed based on the lighting of the fuel remaining amount warning light or the reset of the trip meter. However, the switching from the low-speed display processing mode to the high-speed display processing mode is performed. May be performed.
[0042]
Further, when the vehicle speed sensor detects that the vehicle is running, the switching control may not be performed in the low-speed display processing mode.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle fuel meter control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing switching control between low-speed display processing and high-speed display processing of the control device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 fuel meter (remaining fuel display means)
2 Fuel meter control circuit having warning means, remaining travelable distance calculating means and switching means 4 Fuel remaining amount sensor (fuel remaining amount detecting means)
5 Trip meter reset switch 11 Wiper switch 12 Head lamp switch 13 Seat belt switch 14 Fuel level warning light

Claims (4)

Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
Fuel related display means for performing a display related to the fuel in the fuel tank,
The fuel-related display means is:
Fuel remaining amount display means for displaying the fuel remaining amount based on a detection signal from the fuel remaining amount detecting means,
Switching means for selectively switching the fuel remaining amount display processing by the fuel remaining amount display means to a high-speed display processing having a high response to the change of the detection signal and a low-speed display processing having a low response. In a vehicle fuel meter control device,
The fuel-related display unit further includes a warning unit that warns when the remaining fuel amount becomes a predetermined value or less based on the remaining fuel amount displayed by the remaining fuel amount display unit,
A fuel meter control device for a vehicle, wherein a warning operation of the warning means is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means. In claim 1,
The fuel-related display means further includes remaining travelable distance calculation means for calculating a remaining travelable distance of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel amount displayed by the remaining fuel display means,
The fuel meter control for a vehicle, wherein the condition that the remaining travelable distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means. apparatus. In claim 1,
Furthermore, a trip meter that displays the mileage of the vehicle is provided,
A fuel meter control device for a vehicle, wherein resetting of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means. Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
Fuel related display means for performing a display related to the fuel in the fuel tank,
The fuel-related display means is:
Fuel remaining amount display means for displaying the fuel remaining amount based on a detection signal from the fuel remaining amount detecting means,
Switching means for selectively switching the fuel remaining amount display processing by the fuel remaining amount display means to a high-speed display processing having a high response to the change of the detection signal and a low-speed display processing having a low response. In a vehicle fuel meter control device,
A trip meter that displays the mileage of the vehicle,
A fuel meter control device for a vehicle, wherein resetting of the trip meter is set as a condition for determining switching from the low-speed display processing to the high-speed display processing by the switching means.

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