JP2006160099A - Vehicular sound generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular sound generator capable of connecting a sound unit to generate sound information as necessary. <P>SOLUTION: A golf cart 10 has a detector consisting of a speed sensor 31a, a sound generation stop switch 38 or the like, and a main controller 20 to control each device based on the detected value of the detector, and a connection unit 27 is provided on the main controller 20. A personal computer 50 to diagnose each device and a sound unit 40 to generate sound information are selectively connected to the connection unit 27. In addition, a mode setting unit 28 is provided to change the control mode executed by the main controller 20 to the diagnosis mode or the sound generation mode. Further, the sound generation stop switch 38 to stop generation of sound information is provided. The sound unit 40 comprises a sound memory unit 44, a speaker 45, and a processing device 43. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound generator for a vehicle in which a sound unit that generates sound can be attached and detached.

Conventionally, for example, in golf courses, golf carts that travel while generating guide information as sound from a speaker have been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In a golf course where this golf cart is used, a sensor is installed at a predetermined portion on the shoulder of the cart road, and the golf cart has a receiving means that can receive position information transmitted from this sensor and a position corresponding to the position information. A voice generation device for generating voice information is provided. Accordingly, the golf cart can be smoothly advanced without installing a bulletin board or the like for guiding the route.
JP 11-325939 A

  In vehicles such as golf carts, there are cases in which an optional specification vehicle with a small volume production equipped with a sound generation device and a standard specification vehicle with a large volume production not equipped with a sound generation device may be produced. In addition, a vehicle manufactured and sold with a standard specification that does not include a sound generator may be changed to an option specification that includes a sound generator according to a purchaser's request. However, in the conventional golf cart described above, when such a change is made, the configuration of various parts needs to be changed, and the specification cannot be easily changed.

  The present invention has been made in order to address the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle sound generation device to which a sound unit for generating sound information can be connected as necessary. is there.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the structural features of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention include a detection device that detects the state of the vehicle, and each device that the vehicle includes based on a detection value that the detection device detects. A control unit for controlling, a connection unit for detachably connecting a diagnostic device for diagnosing whether or not a detection value signal detected by the detection unit is normally input to the control unit, and a connection unit A diagnostic unit that can be selectively connected to a diagnostic device and generates voice information based on a signal of a detection value detected by the detection device and a control mode executed by the control device are connected to the control device via the connection unit. Diagnostic mode for diagnosing whether or not the signal of the detected value detected by the connected detection device is normally input to the control device, and the detection unit detects that the audio unit is connected to the control device via the connection unit Detected value In further comprising a mode setting unit for switching on the sound generating mode when pronouncing voice information on the basis of the signal.

  The vehicle sound generator configured as described above is detachably connected to the control device for a diagnosis device for diagnosing whether or not the detection value signal detected by the detection device is normally input to the control device. A connection is provided. A voice unit that generates voice information based on the detection value of the detection device can be selectively connected to the diagnosis device at the connection unit. Therefore, since the audio unit can be connected using the connection part for connecting the diagnostic device, the change between the optional specification vehicle equipped with the audio unit and the standard specification vehicle not equipped with the audio unit is significant. It can be easily performed without changing the design.

  In this case, the detection device includes a sensor such as a speed sensor for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a switch such as a changeover switch for switching the vehicle traveling and steering operation between automatic and manual. The diagnostic device is a device for performing maintenance inspections and the like that are periodically performed on the vehicle, and a personal computer or the like is used. Moreover, as a vehicle used in this case, it is preferable that the vehicle is originally provided with a connection portion for connecting a diagnostic device. This eliminates the need to newly provide a connection portion.

  In addition, another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that power for operating the sound unit is supplied to the sound unit from a power supply device provided in the vehicle via the control device. It is to have done. According to this, since it is not necessary to provide a power supply device in the audio unit, the audio unit can be reduced in size. That is, the control device is provided in the vehicle body together with the power supply device, and power is originally supplied from the power supply device to the control device. For this reason, by supplying a part of the electric power to the audio unit, it is not necessary to provide a power supply device in the audio unit.

  Still another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that the detection device includes a notification stop switch, and the control device receives the signal transmitted by the notification stop switch when the control device receives the signal. It is to stop sound information by the sound unit from being controlled by the device. According to this, unnecessary voice information need not be generated unnecessarily. In particular, when the vehicle needs to run quietly, the sound information can be stopped by a simple operation.

  Still another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that the sound unit includes a sound memory unit storing sound information and a speaker that generates sound information. According to this, since the audio unit has a main part for generating audio information, the change between the optional vehicle with the audio unit and the standard vehicle without the audio unit is It becomes only necessary to attach and detach, and it becomes easier.

  Still another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that the sound information stored in the sound memory unit includes the same sound information having a different volume. As the audio information in this case, for example, in addition to the audio information of the normal volume, three types of audio information of the same content with different volumes, that is, the audio information with a high volume and the audio information with a low volume are prepared. According to this, the volume of the voice information can be changed with an inexpensive and simple configuration. In such a case, the audio information can be changed with the electronic volume. However, according to this, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of the same audio information with different volumes in order to be expensive.

  Further, another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that sound is generated from sound information stored in the sound memory unit based on a command signal from the control device to which the detection signal is input. The processing unit for selecting sound information to be played and causing the speaker to generate sound is provided in the sound unit. According to this, since the processing unit for selecting the sound information to be generated from the sound information stored in the sound memory unit and causing the speaker to generate sound is provided in the sound unit instead of the control device, the sound unit is integrated. It can be a complete device. This makes it easier to change between an optional vehicle equipped with an audio unit and a standard vehicle not equipped with an audio unit by simply attaching and detaching the audio unit.

  Still another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that the control memory unit stores a control program for controlling each device included in the vehicle based on the detection signal of the detection device. And an operation program for operating the processing unit of the audio unit is stored in the control memory unit. According to this, the audio memory unit of the audio unit can be configured with an inexpensive, small and small capacity. Since the control device is originally provided with a large-capacity control memory unit, the surplus capacity can be effectively utilized for an operation program for operating the processing unit of the audio unit. It can be configured at low cost.

  Further, another structural feature of the vehicle sound generator according to the present invention is that a plurality of short sound information is stored in the sound memory unit, and the sound information generated by the sound unit is included in the short sound information. It is that it is comprised from what was suitably selected from and combined. According to this, the amount of voice information can be reduced by combining the voice information with high usage frequency and the voice information with low usage frequency or by combining voice information with high usage frequency. As a result, the storage amount of the voice memory unit for storing the voice information can be reduced, and the voice memory unit can be configured with a small capacity.

  Further, another structural feature of the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is that when the priority is set for the sound information and the sound unit is generating predetermined sound information, the detection device When other signals corresponding to high-priority audio information are transmitted, the sound of the predetermined audio information is interrupted by the control of the control device, and the audio information based on the new transmission signal is generated is there. In this case, if the priority of the sound information based on the new detection signal is lower than or equal to the priority of the predetermined sound information, the sound generation of the predetermined sound information is performed preferentially. It is preferable. According to this, voice information with high priority, in other words, urgent voice can be pronounced as quickly as possible.

  Still another structural feature of the vehicle sound generator according to the present invention is that the vehicle is a golf cart. Such a sound generator can be provided in various vehicles, but is particularly suitable for a vehicle such as a golf cart that travels on a certain cart path in a golf course by automatic driving or manual driving. Moreover, generally, since the connection part for connecting the diagnostic apparatus for an inspection to a control apparatus is provided in the golf cart, it is possible to connect an audio | voice unit to a control apparatus using the connection part. it can.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a state in which a golf cart 10 as a vehicle equipped with a sound generator according to the present invention is running on a cart road CR of a golf course. An electromagnetic induction line L is provided along the traveling direction at the center in the width direction of the vicinity of the road surface in the basement of the cart road CR, and fixed starting points are provided at both sides of the electromagnetic induction line L at predetermined intervals. A member PS and an end fixed point member PE are provided. The starting fixed point member PS and the ending fixed point member PE are composed of permanent magnets having magnetic poles at the upper end and the lower end, respectively. Although not shown, the cart path CR is also provided with a fixed point member for transmitting a predetermined signal.

  The golf cart 10 can travel in two types of travel modes: an automatic steering mode that automatically travels on the cart road CR along the electromagnetic induction line L, and a manual steering mode that travels by manual steering of the occupant. ing. The golf cart 10 includes left and right front wheels FL and FR, left and right rear wheels RL and RR, and a steering handle 11, as shown in FIG. When driving the golf cart 10 in the manual steering mode, the occupant rotates the steering handle 11 to change the left and right front wheels FL and FR to the left and right, and the golf cart 10 turns left or right. Drive while changing the direction of travel while turning.

  The steering handle 11 is fixed to the upper end of a steering shaft 12 that is rotatably installed around the axis, and the lower end of the steering shaft 12 meshes with a rack bar (not shown) that is installed in the horizontal direction. . The rack bar is configured to move left and right (in the rack bar axial direction) by the rotation of the steering shaft 12, and the direction of the left and right front wheels FL and FR is changed by the movement of the rack bar. The steering shaft 12 includes a lower side portion and an upper side portion, and a steering clutch 13 for connecting and disconnecting the lower side portion and the upper side portion is provided therebetween.

  When the steering clutch 13 connects the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft 12, the left and right front wheels FL and FR are steered according to the operation of the steering handle 11. When the steering clutch 13 separates the upper part of the steering shaft 12 from the lower part, the steering handle 11 is fixed and stops at a fixed position. In this case, the operation of the steering motor 14 provided on the lower portion of the steering shaft 12 rotates the lower portion of the steering shaft 12, and the left and right front wheels FL, FR change directions to the left and right according to the rotation. .

  The steering clutch 13 is switched by a handle changeover switch 13a, and the handle changeover switch 13a is ON / OFF controlled by the operation of the clutch motor relay 13b. In this case, when the steering wheel changeover switch 13a is in the on state, the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft 12 are connected by the steering clutch 13, and when the steering wheel changeover switch 13a is in the off state, the steering shaft 12 It is assumed that the upper part and the lower part are separated.

  In addition, an accelerator pedal 15 and a brake pedal 16 are provided below the steering handle 11 in the golf cart 10, and the rotational force of the drive motor 17 and the drive motor 17 is applied to the left and right rear wheels on the rear side of the golf cart 10. A transmission 18 for transmitting to RL and RR is provided. The accelerator pedal 15 and the brake pedal 16 are operated by the occupant when the golf cart 10 runs in the manual steering mode. That is, when the occupant steps on the accelerator pedal 15, the position (depression amount) of the accelerator pedal 15 is detected by the accelerator potentiometer 15a, and it is detected by the accelerator switch 15b that the accelerator pedal 15 is operated.

  And the detected value which the accelerator potentiometer 15a detected is transmitted to CPU21 with which the main controller 20 as a control apparatus of this invention is provided as an accelerator position signal. Based on the accelerator position signal from the accelerator potentiometer 15a, the CPU 21 drives the drive motor 17 via the drive control circuit 22 to rotate the left and right rear wheels RL, RR. Thereby, the golf cart 10 travels while accelerating. In this case, the acceleration of the golf cart 10 increases as the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 15 increases, and the acceleration of the golf cart 10 decreases as the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 15 decreases. Further, if the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 15 is kept constant, the golf cart 10 travels at a constant speed.

  When the occupant steps on the brake pedal 16, the brake switch 16a detects that the brake pedal 16 has been operated. The depression amount (depression force) of the brake pedal 16 is transmitted from the coupling mechanism 16b to the drum brakes 19 provided on the left and right front wheels FL and FR and the left and right rear wheels RL and RR via the wires. As a result, the rotational driving of the left and right front wheels FL, FR and the left and right rear wheels RL, RR is braked. In this case, the braking force applied to the left and right front wheels FL, FR and the left and right rear wheels RL, RR is proportional to the depression amount of the brake pedal 16.

  Further, when the golf cart 10 is driven in the automatic steering mode, the steering motor 14 is operated by the control of the steering driver 23 provided in the main controller 20 and the steering shaft 12 is rotated. As a result, the left and right front wheels FL and FR are changed in direction to the left and right. In addition, an induction sensor 11a including three sensors capable of detecting the electromagnetic induction line L is provided at the front portion of the bottom surface of the golf cart 10, and steering is performed so that the induction sensor 11a follows the electromagnetic induction line L. The motor 14 rotates the steering shaft 12.

  In this case, the golf cart 10 is caused to travel such that the electromagnetic induction wire L is positioned inside the induction sensors 11a on both sides of the three induction sensors 11a. Further, based on a command signal from the CPU 21, the drive control circuit 22 drives the drive motor 17 to rotate the left and right rear wheels RL and RR. Thereby, the golf cart 10 travels along the electromagnetic induction line L at a preset speed.

  A brake motor 16d is connected to the coupling mechanism 16b via a gear 16c. When the brake motor 16d is driven by the control of the brake motor driver 24 provided in the main controller 20, the drum brake 19 is operated to brake the golf cart 10 as in the manual steering mode. The transmission 18 is provided with an electromagnetic brake 16e for braking the rotation of the left and right rear wheels RL and RR. The electromagnetic brake 16e is operated under the control of the CPU 21 to stop the rotation of the left and right rear wheels RL and RR when the traveling speed of the golf cart 10 is equal to or lower than a preset speed.

  Further, the golf cart 10 includes the sound generating device 30 shown in FIG. The voice generating device 30 includes a main controller 20, sensors and switches such as speed sensors 31a and 31b as detection devices of the present invention, a voice unit 40, and a personal computer 50 as a diagnostic device of the present invention. The CPU 21 of the main controller 20 includes a travel processing unit 21a, a control memory unit 21b, and a communication processing unit 21c.

  The control memory unit 21b stores a control program for controlling each device included in the golf cart 10, various data, and the like, and the travel processing unit 21a is based on signals from each device constituting the detection device. The control program stored in the control memory unit 21b is executed. Thereby, the golf cart 10 is controlled in steering, speed, and the like during traveling. The communication processing unit 21c executes processing for inputting and outputting various signals between the travel processing unit 21a and the voice unit 40 or the personal computer 50.

  Further, the detection device includes a start / stop switch 32, a forward switch 33a, a reverse switch 33b, fixed point sensors 34a and 34b, an obstacle sensor 35a, in addition to the handle changeover switch 13a, the accelerator potentiometer 15a and the speed sensors 31a and 31b. 35b, a manual changeover switch 36, a charge switch 37, a notification stop switch 38, and the like.

  The speed sensors 31a and 31b are each composed of an encoder, and are provided in the transmission 18 to detect the traveling speed of the golf cart 10. The travel speed values detected by the speed sensors 31a and 31b are transmitted as signals to the travel processing section 21a via the speed sensor input section 31c. By providing the two speed sensors 31a and 31b in this manner, the phase of the output waveform is shifted so that it can be determined whether the golf cart 10 is moving forward or backward. In addition, when the golf cart 10 is in the automatic steering mode, the CPU 21 drives the drive motor 17 and the brake motor 16d so that the traveling speed becomes a set value based on the detection values of the speed sensors 31a and 31b. To control.

  The start / stop switch 32 is provided on the operation panel 53 together with the main switch 52 and the manual changeover switch 36. The main switch 52 is rotated between an on position and an off position by inserting and rotating a key (not shown). By rotating to the on position, the power supply circuit is closed and the golf cart 10 is It will be ready to run. Further, when the main switch 52 is rotated to the off position, the power supply circuit is opened and the golf cart 10 cannot run.

  The start / stop switch 32 is used only in the automatic steering mode, and is a switch for starting or stopping the golf cart 10, and the operation state thereof is via the start / stop switch input unit 32c. Is transmitted as a signal to the travel processing unit 21a. When the start / stop switch 32 is pressed while the main switch 52 is in the on position, the golf cart 10 automatically starts and travels according to the set travel speed, and the start / stop switch 32 is turned on again. By pressing, the golf cart 10 automatically stops.

  The manual changeover switch 36 is a switch for switching the travel mode of the golf cart 10 from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode. When the manual changeover switch 36 is turned on, the manual steering mode is set, and the start / stop switch 32 is turned on. Switch to automatic steering mode by operation. The operation state of the manual changeover switch 36 is transmitted as a signal to the travel processing part 21a via the manual changeover switch input part 36c. When the manual changeover switch 36 is turned on, the clutch motor relay 13b is activated to turn on the handle changeover switch 13a.

  Further, the drive control circuit 22 is in a state of driving the drive motor 17 in accordance with the operation of the accelerator pedal 15. For this reason, the golf cart 10 travels by operating the steering handle 11, the accelerator pedal 15, and the brake pedal 16 by the occupant. That is, the golf cart 10 travels at a speed corresponding to the operation of the accelerator pedal 15 while decelerating at a speed corresponding to the operation of the brake pedal 16 while changing the direction in the direction corresponding to the operation of the steering handle 11. To do.

  The operation amount of the accelerator pedal 15 is detected by an accelerator potentiometer 15a, and the detected value is transmitted to the travel processing unit 21a as a signal via the accelerator position input unit 15c. Similarly, the operation state of the handle changeover switch 13a is transmitted as a signal to the travel processing unit 21a via the handle changeover input unit 13c.

On the other hand, when the manual changeover switch 36 is turned off (the manual changeover switch 36 is automatically turned off by pressing the start / stop switch 32), the clutch motor relay 13b is operated to operate the handle changeover switch. 13a is turned off, and the left and right front wheels FL and FR can be steered by the operation of the steering motor 14. Further , the left and right front wheels FL and FR and the left and right rear wheels RL and RR can be braked by driving the brake motor 16d. Further, the drive control circuit 22 is in a state of driving the drive motor 17 according to the set traveling speed under the control of the CPU 21.

  The forward switch 33a and the reverse switch 33b are provided on the shift lever 33 operated by the occupant. When the shift lever 33 is operated to the forward side, the forward switch 33a is turned on, and the shift lever 33 is set to the reverse side. The reverse switch 33b is set so as to be turned on when the operation is performed. The operating states of the forward switch 33a and the reverse switch 33b are transmitted as signals to the travel processing unit 21a via the forward / reverse switch input unit 33c.

  When the automatic steering mode is set by turning on the start / stop switch 32, the reverse switch 33b is invalidated so that the golf cart 10 cannot move backward even if the reverse switch 33b is on. It is configured. In the manual steering mode, when the reverse switch 33b is operated to turn on, the alarm buzzer 54 sounds. Thereby, the surrounding people can know that the golf cart 10 moves backward.

  The fixed point sensors 34a and 34b are provided on both the left and right sides (see FIG. 1) of the bottom surface of the golf cart 10, and the fixed point sensor 34a can detect the starting fixed point member PS when the golf cart 10 travels. The fixed point sensor 34b can detect the end fixed point member PE. Further, the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b can detect a predetermined fixed point member approaching. The results detected by the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b are transmitted as signals to the travel processing unit 21a via the fixed point sensor input unit 34c. The CPU 21 controls the drive motor 17, the drum brake 19, and the like based on the detection of the starting fixed point member PS, the ending fixed point member PE, and the fixed point members by the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b.

  In this case, when the fixed point sensor 34a detects the starting fixed point member PS, the traveling speed is lowered to travel along the curve of the cart road CR, and when the fixed point sensor 34b detects the ending fixed point member PE, the traveling speed is set. Raise and drive along the straight section of the cart road CR. In addition, if the distance between the starting fixed point member PS and the ending fixed point member PE in the cart path CR is in the vicinity of a specific area such as a club house, the golf cart 10 has the starting fixed point member PS and the ending fixed point member PE. The buzzer 55 is sounded while passing between. Thereby, it is possible to inform the surrounding people that the golf cart 10 has approached. Further, when the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b detect a predetermined fixed point member, the golf cart 10 travels according to a transmission signal of the fixed point member or generates voice information to be described later.

  The obstacle sensors 35a and 35b are provided on the left and right side portions of the front portion of the golf cart 10, and detect obstacles such as people and objectives. The detection results of the obstacle sensors 35a and 35b are transmitted as signals to the travel processing unit 21a via the obstacle sensor input unit 35c. Then, the CPU 21 controls the drum brake 19 and the like based on the detection results of the obstacle sensors 35a and 35b to prevent the golf cart 10 from colliding with the obstacle.

  The charging switch 37 is made of a receptacle, and is turned on when connected to a charging device (not shown). The operation state of the charging switch 37 is transmitted as a signal to the travel processing unit 21a via the charging switch input unit 37c. The drive control circuit 22 includes six drive batteries 57a for driving a drive device such as the drive motor 17 via the main relay 56, and a control battery for operating electronic devices such as the main controller 20. 57b is connected.

  A charger 58 including charging circuits 58a and 58b and a charging switch 37 are connected to the drive battery 57a and the control battery 57b. Charging circuit 58a charges drive battery 57a, and charging circuit 58b charges control battery 57b. Further, the drive battery 57a and the control battery 57b can be charged via the charger 58 by connecting the charging device to the charge switch 37, and power is sent from the drive battery 57a to the control battery 57b during traveling. It has become. As a result, even after the capacity of the drive battery 57a becomes empty, the electronic device such as the main controller 20 can operate until the capacity of the control battery 57b becomes empty.

  The alarm stop switch 38 is turned on to stop sound generation of the audio unit 40 described later. The operation state of the alarm stop switch 38 is transmitted as a signal to the travel processing unit 21a via the alarm stop switch input unit 38c. The golf cart 10 includes a rear-end collision sensor receiver 59a, a rear-end collision sensor transmitter 59b, bumper switches 61a and 61b, and a remote control receiver 62 in addition to the above-described devices.

  The rear collision prevention sensor receiver 59a and the rear collision prevention sensor transmitter 59b indicate that the golf cart 10 is traveling forward when the plurality of golf carts 10 are traveling in the automatic steering mode on the cart path CR. It is provided for informing the golf cart 10. The rear collision prevention sensor receiver 59 a is provided at the center of the front part of the golf cart 10, and the rear collision prevention sensor transmitter 59 b is provided at the center of the rear part of the golf cart 10.

  The rear-end collision sensor transmitter 59b notifies the subsequent golf cart 10 that the golf cart 10 is traveling forward by transmitting a signal toward the rear, and the rear-end collision sensor receiver 59a A signal transmitted by the rear collision prevention sensor transmitter 59b of the front golf cart 10 is received, and it is detected that the front golf cart 10 is approached. When this detection is made, the subsequent golf cart 10 is controlled by the CPU 21 to slow down or stop, and a collision with the golf cart 10 ahead is prevented.

The bumper switches 61 a and 61 b are provided on both the left and right sides of the rear surface of the bumper 61 provided at the front portion of the golf cart 10, and detect that an obstacle has collided with the bumper 61. Thus, golf cart 10 when the automatic steering mode is controlled to stop. The remote control receiver 62 receives a signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 62a and transmits it to the CPU 21, and the CPU 21 controls each device based on the transmitted signal. Thereby, remote control of the golf cart 10 by the remote control transmitter 62a becomes possible.

  In addition to the CPU 21, the main controller 20 includes a communication data transmission / reception unit 25, a power processing unit 26, a connection unit 27, a mode setting unit 28, and a maintenance switch input unit 29. When the audio unit 40 is connected to the main controller 20, the communication data transmitting / receiving unit 25 transmits the data signal processed by the communication processing unit 21c to the audio unit 40 side and is also transmitted from the audio unit 40 side. The data signal is received and transmitted to the communication processing unit 21c. In addition, the power supply processing unit 26 performs processing for supplying power from the control battery 57b to the audio unit 40. Transmission / reception of data signals by the communication data transmission / reception unit 25 and supply of power from the power supply processing unit 26 are performed via the connection unit 27.

  The mode setting unit 28 connects the audio unit 40 to the main controller 20 to generate sound, and connects the personal computer 50 to the main controller 20 to diagnose each device included in the sound generator 30. It is provided to perform an operation for switching to either one of the diagnostic modes. The mode setting unit 28 includes a memory 28a that stores a switching ID and each item corresponding to the switching ID. When the mode setting unit 28 is set to a diagnosis mode, the device corresponding to each switching ID can be diagnosed.

  For example, if the switching ID “N” indicates the speed sensor 31a, and the switching ID is set to “N” with the personal computer 50 connected to the main controller 20, the detection result of the speed sensor 31a is normal. It can be determined whether or not it is transmitted to the CPU 21. When the personal computer 50 is connected to the main controller 20 to enter the diagnosis mode, the maintenance switch 51 is inserted into the maintenance switch input unit 29 to turn on the maintenance switch 51. As a result, diagnosis in the diagnosis mode can be executed.

  The audio unit 40 is attachable to and detachable from the main controller 20 via the connection unit 27, and includes a communication data transmission / reception unit 41, a power supply processing unit 42, a processing device 43, an audio memory unit 44, and a speaker 45. Has been. The communication data transmitting / receiving unit 41 transmits the data signal transmitted from the communication data transmitting / receiving unit 25 to the processing device 43 and transmits the data signal transmitted from the processing device 43 to the communication data transmitting / receiving unit 25 via the connection unit 27. . In addition, the power processing unit 42 receives the power supplied from the power processing unit 26 and operates each device of the audio unit 40.

  In this case, transmission / reception of the data signal between the communication data transmission / reception unit 25 and the communication data transmission / reception unit 41 performed via the connection unit 27 is performed via the communication cable 41a, and power supply processing performed via the connection unit 27. The power is supplied from the unit 26 to the power processing unit 42 through the power cable 42a. The communication cable 41a and the power cable 42a are bundled into one, and the connecting portion 27 is also composed of one member. Therefore, the audio unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the main controller 20 with one touch. Similarly, the personal computer 50 can be attached to and detached from the main controller 20 with one touch.

  Based on the data signal sent from the main controller 20 side via the communication data transmission / reception unit 41, the processing device 43 appropriately extracts and combines the audio information stored in the audio memory unit 44 and generates the audio information on the speaker 45. To control. The audio memory unit 44 stores a lot of short audio information. For example, the words of the smallest unit among words that are normally used, such as “here”, “slope”, and “is” are stored. Then, the data processing unit 43 a included in the processing device 43 extracts predetermined information from the short audio information stored in the audio memory unit 44 and transmits it to the speaker 45. The speaker 45 produces sound based on the data signal transmitted from the processing device 43.

  The voice information includes not only words but also a melody. For each voice information, voice information with a loud sound and voice information with a normal volume are prepared. As such voice information, various information such as guide information shown in FIG. 4 is set and stored in advance, and a recognition code is set so as to correspond to each voice information. When a signal corresponding to the recognition code “01” is input to the processing device 43 from the main controller 20 side, the processing device 43 extracts the voice information “stops” from the voice memory unit 44, and this voice information Is sent to the speaker 45.

Next, an operation for running the golf cart 10 configured as described above and a control performed by the main controller 20 will be described. First, the case where the golf cart 10 is run unattended in the automatic steering mode while the voice unit 40 is connected to the main controller 20 to generate voice information will be described. In this case, first, the communication cable 41a and the power cable 42a are connected to the connection unit 27, and the mode setting unit 28 is set to the audio mode. Next, the main switch 52 is turned on and the start / stop switch 32 is pushed. Thereby, the golf cart 10 starts running.

  In this case, the golf cart 10 travels on the cart road CR along the electromagnetic induction line L at a preset set speed. The set speed is stored as data in the control memory unit 21b, and the travel processing unit 21a controls the drive motor 17 and the brake motor 16d based on the detection values of the speed sensors 31a and 31b, and the golf cart 10 Maintain the travel speed at the set value. Further, according to the detection results of the obstacle sensors 35a and 35b, the rear-end collision sensor receiver 59a, and the bumper switches 61a and 61b, the travel processing unit 21a controls the brake motor 16d to slow down the travel speed of the golf cart 10. Or stop.

  Further, the position of the ending fixed point member PE detected by the fixed point sensor 34b is changed at the position of the starting fixed point member PS detected by the fixed point sensor 34a, while changing the traveling speed or causing the speaker 45 of the voice unit 40 to sound. The travel speed is returned to the original speed, or the sound generation of the speaker 45 is stopped. That is, the starting fixed point member PS and the ending fixed point member PE are provided at the start point and the end point of the curve or the slope on the cart road CR. It is controlled to change the speed according to

  In addition, a single fixed point member that transmits a predetermined signal is also provided at a predetermined position on the cart path CR, and when the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b detect the signal of the fixed point member, the audio unit 40 responds to the signal. Generate a pronounced pronunciation. The fixed point member signals detected by the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b correspond to the recognition codes “07” to “16” shown in FIG. 4. For example, if the recognition code is “07”, the main controller 20 causes the speaker 45 of the audio unit 40 to pronounce “slow down”.

  The voice information is generated not only by signals from the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b but also by signals from other devices constituting the detection device. For example, when the start / stop switch 32 is pressed, the recognition code “ A signal corresponding to “04” is transmitted from the start / stop switch 32 to the CPU 21 and the speaker 45 of the audio unit 40 pronounces “starts”. When the start / stop switch 32 is pressed again, a signal corresponding to the recognition code “05” is transmitted from the start / stop switch 32 to the CPU 21 and the speaker 45 of the audio unit 40 pronounces “stop”.

  In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the speed sensors 31a and 31b, one of the recognition codes “01” to “03” is selected according to the degree of the abnormality, and a corresponding signal is transmitted to the CPU 21. The speaker 45 of the sound unit 40 generates sound information corresponding to it. Further, when the reverse switch 33b is turned on, a signal of the recognition code “06” is transmitted from the reverse switch 33b to the CPU 21 and a sound of “backing” is generated from the speaker 45, etc. The sound information is appropriately sounded from the speaker 45 of the sound unit 40.

  4, the recognition codes “17” and “18” correspond to the signals from the obstacle sensors 35a and 35b, the recognition code “19” corresponds to the signal from the handle changeover switch 13a, and the recognition code “20” is charged. This corresponds to the signal of the switch 37. The recognition code “21” corresponds to the signal of the accelerator potentiometer 15a, and the recognition code “22” corresponds to the signal of the alarm stop switch 38.

  The pattern when the speaker 45 produces sound information is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The programs of these flowcharts are respectively stored in the control memory unit 21b and executed by the travel processing unit 21a. FIG. 5 shows the case of a single shot or an interrupt issued when the fixed point sensors 34a and 34b detect a fixed point member, and this program is started in step 100. Then, the CPU 21 of the main controller 20 determines in step 102 whether or not there is a notification request. This determination is made based on whether or not the signal sent from the fixed point sensor 34a or the like to the CPU 21 requests voice information. If each signal does not request the pronunciation of the voice information, "NO" is determined in step 102. The program proceeds to step 104 and ends.

  Then, the program starts again from step 100, and in step 102, it is determined whether or not there is a notification request. Until it is determined as “YES” in step 102, the processing of steps 100, 102, and 104 is repeated. When a signal for requesting the sound generation of the predetermined sound information is input from the predetermined detection device to the CPU 21, “YES” is determined in step 102, and the program proceeds to step 106. Then, in step 106, it is determined whether or not the voice information that has been previously requested is issued. Here, if the previously requested voice information has not been issued and it is determined “NO”, the program proceeds to step 108 to issue the newly requested voice information. The program then proceeds to 104 and ends.

  If it is determined in step 106 that the previous audio information is being issued and “YES”, the program proceeds to step 110, and the priorities of the previous audio information and the subsequent audio information are compared. This priority is preset for all audio information. If the priority of the previous audio information is higher than or equal to the priority of the subsequent audio information, the previous audio information The process of continuing to issue is performed.

  Here, if the priority of the previous audio information is higher than or equal to the priority of the subsequent audio information and it is determined “YES”, the program proceeds to step 112 and continues to issue the previous audio information. To do. Then, after issuing the previous audio information, the program proceeds to step 104 and the program ends. If the priority of the previous audio information is lower than the priority of the subsequent audio information, and if it is determined “NO” in step 110, the program proceeds to step 114, and the process of interrupting the notification of the previous audio information is interrupted. Then, go to Step 108. Then, in step 108, after performing the process of issuing later audio information, the program proceeds to 104 and ends.

  FIG. 6 shows the case of continuous alerting that is performed when the golf cart 10 travels between the starting fixed point member PS and the ending fixed point member PE. Is started. Then, in step 202, the CPU 21 of the main controller 20 determines whether or not the signal sent from the speed sensor 31a or the like to the CPU 21 requests audio information. Here, if each signal does not require the sound information to be sounded, “NO” is determined in step 202, and the program proceeds to step 204 and ends.

  Then, the program starts again from step 200 and proceeds to step 202. Here, when a signal for requesting the sound generation of predetermined audio information is input from the predetermined detection device to the CPU 21, “YES” is determined in step 202, and the program proceeds to step 206. Then, in step 206, it is determined whether or not voice information is currently being issued. Here, if the voice information is not issued and it is determined “NO”, the program proceeds to step 208, and a process for issuing the requested predetermined voice information is performed.

  If it is determined in step 206 that the voice information is being reported and “YES”, the program returns to step 202 and again determines whether or not there is a notification request. Here, if there is an input of a signal requesting the CPU 21 to generate sound information, the determination is “YES” and the routine proceeds to step 206. Then, the process of steps 202 and 206 is repeated while “YES” is determined in step 206 and “YES” is determined in step 202. In the meantime, if “NO” is determined in step 202, the program proceeds to step 204 and ends. If “NO” is determined in step 206, the program proceeds to step 208.

  Then, after the processing of step 208, the program proceeds to step 210, and determines whether or not the request for notification is continued. Here, if the input of the signal for requesting the sound generation of the voice information to the CPU 21 is not continued, it is determined as “NO”, and the program proceeds to step 204 and ends. If the input of the signal for requesting the sound information to be sounded continues and it is determined “YES” in step 210, the program returns to step 208, and the process of issuing the sound information is performed. This voice information issuance is repeated until “NO” is determined in step 210.

  FIG. 7 shows a case in which it is not necessary to generate audio information and the alarm stop switch 38 is turned on to stop alarming. This program is started in step 300. Then, in step 302, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a report stop request. This determination is made based on whether a signal is transmitted from the alarm stop switch 38 to the CPU 21. Here, if no signal is sent from the alarm stop switch 38 to the CPU 21, it is determined as “NO”, and the program proceeds to step 304 and ends.

  When a signal is sent from the alarm stop switch 38 to the CPU 21 and it is determined “YES” in step 302, the program proceeds to step 306 to determine whether or not an alarm is currently being performed. If no notification has been issued, “NO” is determined in step 306, and the program proceeds to step 304 and ends. In addition, if a report is issued and it is determined “YES” in step 306, the program proceeds to step 308 and performs a process of stopping the report. The program then proceeds to step 304 and ends.

  FIG. 8 shows a case of sequential alerting performed when the speech information generated from the speech unit 40 is a combination of a plurality of speech information, and this program is started at step 400. Is done. Then, in step 402, the CPU 21 of the main controller 20 determines whether or not the signal sent from the speed sensor 31a or the like to the CPU 21 requests audio information. Here, if each signal does not require the sound information to be sounded, “NO” is determined in step 402, and the program proceeds to step 404 and ends.

  Then, the program starts again from step 400, proceeds to step 402, and a determination is again made as to whether audio information is requested. Here, when a signal for requesting the sound generation of the predetermined sound information is input from the predetermined detection device to the CPU 21, “YES” is determined in Step 402, and the program proceeds to Step 406. In step 406, it is determined whether voice information is currently being issued. Here, if the voice information is not issued and it is determined as “NO”, the program proceeds to step 408, and processing for issuing the requested predetermined voice information is performed. If the audio information has been issued and it is determined “YES” in step 406, the program proceeds to step 404 and ends.

  In addition, if it is determined “NO” in step 406 and the process of issuing voice information is performed in step 408, the program proceeds to step 410 and whether there is next voice information to be reported. Judgment is made. Here, if there is the next audio information, it is determined as “YES”, and the process returns to step 408 to perform a process of issuing the next audio information. Then, the program repeats the process in step 408 while determining “YES” in 410, and proceeds to step 404 and ends if it determines “NO” in step 410.

  In this case, the process of step 408 is repeated as long as the next voice information to be issued still remains and it is determined “YES” in step 410. As a result, all audio information to be issued is issued according to the situation. As described above, the golf cart 10 travels while appropriately changing the traveling speed according to the cart path CR and the state in the vicinity thereof, and issuing guide information composed of voice. When the traveling is finished, the start / stop switch 32 is pressed to stop the golf cart 10 and the main switch 52 is turned off. The operation in this case can also be performed by operating the remote control transmitter 62a.

  When the golf cart 10 is caused to travel by the operation of the occupant, the main switch 52 is turned on and the manual changeover switch 36 is turned on. When the accelerator pedal 15 is depressed, the engine is activated and the golf cart 10 starts running. In this case, the golf cart 10 accelerates or decelerates while changing the direction according to the operation of the steering handle 11, the accelerator pedal 15, and the brake pedal 16 by the occupant. In addition, as voice information in this case, an appropriate notification is made according to the situation from among the voice information shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to the recognition codes “03”, “06”, “19”, “20”. Is done.

  Further, the golf cart 10 according to the present embodiment can travel with the audio unit 40 removed. Also in this case, the golf cart 10 travels in either the automatic steering mode or the manual steering mode, and the operation and control in this case are the same as in the above-described embodiment. Further, only the sound generated from the alarm buzzer 54 and the buzzer 55 is generated from the golf cart 10.

  Further, when diagnosing whether or not each device of the golf cart 10 is operating in an appropriate state, the personal computer 50 is connected to the connecting portion 27 of the main controller 20. Next, the maintenance switch 51 is connected to the maintenance switch input unit 29, and the mode setting unit 28 is set to the diagnosis mode. Then, by inputting necessary information such as a switching ID from the input unit of the personal computer 50, it is possible to diagnose whether a signal is transmitted from each device and whether the signal is normally input to the PU 21 or the like. it can. Further, the golf cart 10 can be actually run during this diagnosis. According to this, it is possible to more accurately diagnose whether or not the operation of each sensor or switch is normal.

  As described above, in the golf cart 10 provided with the sound generation device 30 according to the present embodiment, the personal computer 50 for diagnosing each device such as the detection device and the sound information are pronounced at the connection portion 27 of the main controller 20. The audio unit 40 can be selectively connected. Accordingly, the audio unit 40 can be easily attached and detached, and the design of the optional golf cart 10 including the audio unit 40 and the standard golf cart 10 not including the audio unit 40 is greatly changed. It can be easily done without performing etc.

  Further, in the golf cart 10 described above, power is supplied to the audio unit 40 from the control battery 57b provided on the vehicle body side via the main controller 20, and therefore it is necessary to provide a power supply device for the audio unit 40. Thus, the audio unit 40 can be downsized. Furthermore, since the golf cart 10 is provided with a notification stop switch 38, it is possible to stop the notification of voice information when it is not necessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, the audio unit 40 includes the audio memory unit 44 that stores the audio information, the speaker 45 that generates the audio information, and the audio information from the audio information of the audio memory unit 44 based on the command signal. And a processing device 43 that causes the speaker 45 to generate a sound. Therefore, the audio unit 40 is a complete device that is integrated, and the change between the optional golf cart 10 and the standard golf cart 10 is simpler because only the audio unit 40 is attached and detached.

  In the above-described embodiment, the audio information stored in the audio memory unit 44 includes two types of audio information, that is, audio information with a large volume and audio information with a normal volume. Can be changed with an inexpensive and simple device. Further, since a plurality of short voice information is stored in the voice memory unit 44 and the voice information is configured by appropriately selecting and combining the short voice information, the voice information stored in the voice memory unit 44 is stored. Therefore, the audio memory unit 44 can be configured with a small capacity.

  In addition, since the operation program for operating the processing device 43 of the audio unit 40 is stored in the control memory unit 21b, the audio memory unit 44 of the audio unit 40 can be configured with a low cost and a small capacity. it can. In addition, when priority is set for audio information and a request for notification of high-priority audio information is generated, the generation of high-priority audio information is stopped by stopping the generation of audio information in the middle of notification. Since the alarm is issued, the urgent voice information can be pronounced as quickly as possible.

  Further, the vehicle sound generation device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the vehicle is the golf cart 10, but the vehicle according to the present invention may be other than a golf cart as long as it is preferable to travel while generating audio information. Further, the sensors and switches constituting the detection device according to the present invention may be other than those described above. Further, the types of audio information other than those described above can be used. For example, it is possible to further increase audio information with different volumes and to change the sound quality. Moreover, it can change suitably also about the structure of a golf cart or the audio | voice generator 30. FIG.

It is a top view which shows the state which the golf cart provided with the audio | voice generating apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention drive | works a cart road. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a golf cart. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an audio | voice generator. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship between a recognition code and audio | voice information. It is a flowchart which shows the program of single-shot alerting | reporting and interruption alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the program of continuous alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the program of an alerting | reporting stop. It is a flowchart which shows the program of a sequential issue.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Golf cart, 11a ... Guidance sensor, 13a ... Steering wheel switch, 14 ... Steering motor, 15a ... Accelerometer, 17 ... Drive motor, 20 ... Main controller, 21 ... CPU, 21a ... Travel processing part, 21b ... Control memory , 27 ... connection part, 28 ... mode setting part, 30 ... sound generator, 31a, 31b ... speed sensor, 32 ... start / stop switch, 33a ... forward switch, 33b ... reverse switch, 34a, 34b ... fixed point sensor, 35a, 35b ... Obstacle sensor, 36 ... Manual changeover switch, 37 ... Charging switch, 38 ... Alerting stop switch, 40 ... Audio unit, 41a ... Communication cable, 42a ... Power cable, 43 ... Processing device, 44 ... Audio memory Part, 45 ... speaker, 50 ... personal computer, 57b ... control battery, 5 a ... driving battery, 59a ... collision prevention sensor receiver, 59b ... rear-end collision prevention sensor transmitter, 61a, 61b ... bumper switch.

Claims (11)

A detection device for detecting the state of the vehicle;
A control device for controlling each device included in the vehicle based on a detection value detected by the detection device;
A connection unit for detachably connecting a diagnostic device for diagnosing whether or not a signal of a detection value detected by the detection device is normally input to the control device;
A voice unit that can be selectively connected to the diagnostic device to the connection unit, and that produces voice information based on a signal of a detection value detected by the detection device;
The control mode executed by the control device is determined as to whether or not a signal of a detection value detected by the detection device connected to the control device via the connection unit is normally input to the control device. Switching between a diagnosis mode for diagnosis and a sound generation mode for generating sound information based on a signal of a detection value detected by the detection device when the sound unit is connected to the control unit via the connection unit And a mode setting unit for the vehicle.   The vehicle sound generation device according to claim 1, wherein power for operating the sound unit is supplied to the sound unit from a power supply device provided in the vehicle via the control device.   The speech detection stop switch is included in the detection device, and when the control device receives a signal transmitted by the notification stop switch, the sound unit stops generating sound information under the control of the control device. The vehicle sound generation device according to 1 or 2.   4. The vehicle sound generation device according to claim 1, wherein the sound unit includes a sound memory unit that stores the sound information and a speaker that generates the sound information. 5.   The vehicle sound generation device according to claim 4, wherein the sound information stored in the sound memory unit includes the same sound information having a different volume.   Based on a command signal from the control device to which the detection signal is input, a processing device that selects sound information to be generated from sound information stored in the sound memory unit and causes the speaker to generate sound is selected as the sound unit. The sound generator for vehicles according to claim 4 or 5 provided in.   The control device is provided with a control memory unit that stores a control program for controlling each device included in the vehicle based on a detection signal of the detection device, and an operation program for operating the processing unit of the sound unit is provided. The vehicle sound generation device according to claim 6, stored in the control memory unit.   5. A plurality of short voice information is stored in the voice memory unit, and voice information generated by the voice unit is configured by appropriately selecting and combining the short voice information. The vehicle sound generation device according to any one of 7.   When a priority is set for the voice information, and the voice unit emits predetermined voice information, the control device transmits another signal corresponding to the voice information having a higher priority. The vehicle sound according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sound of the predetermined sound information is interrupted by the control of the device and sound information based on a new transmission signal is sounded. Generator.   The sound generation of the predetermined sound information is performed preferentially when the priority of the sound information based on the new detection signal is lower than or equal to the priority of the predetermined sound information. The vehicle sound generation device according to claim 9. The vehicle sound generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vehicle is a golf cart.

Images