JP2007133882A - Alarm apparatus and running control apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a sense of discomfort which a driver feels about an alarm generated by an alarm apparatus when a distance between a driver's own car and an objective car becomes smaller than a setting distance. <P>SOLUTION: When a distance between cars is long and a relative deceleration is large, the driver thinks that an alarm timing is early. A setting distance Dw is calculated as a sum of a first approach distance Dw1 (S53) determined based on a relative speed of the driver's own car and an object and a running speed of the driver's own car, a second approach distance Dw2 (S55) determined based on a deceleration of the driver's own car, and a third approach distance Dw3 (S56) determined based on a relative deceleration of the driver's own car and the object. The third approach distance Dw3 becomes small in proportion as the relative deceleration becomes large. When the relative deceleration is large, as the setting distance Dw becomes small, timing of generating an alarm is made to be late, thereby reducing the driver's sense of discomfort. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm device.

In the alarm device described in Patent Document 1, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle becomes equal to or less than a set distance determined based on the relative speed between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, an alarm is issued. Be generated.
However, according to the alarm device described in the above publication, an alarm may be generated at a time different from the driver's feeling, and the driver may feel uncomfortable. For example, when the host vehicle is decelerating, it may feel that the timing at which an alarm is generated is too early.
JP-A-8-192659

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a driver with a sense of discomfort in an alarm device that generates an alarm based on the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area in front of the host vehicle. It is to reduce.

Means and effects for solving the problem

The said subject is solved by making an alarm device into the structure of each following aspect. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is for the purpose of illustrating the technical features described in the present specification and combinations thereof, and the technical features described in the present specification and combinations thereof are interpreted as being limited to the following sections. Should not. In addition, when a plurality of items are described in one section, it is not always necessary to employ all items together, and it is also possible to take out only some items and employ them.
(1) An alarm device that issues an alarm when the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle is smaller than the set distance,
A set distance provisional determination unit that temporarily determines the set distance based on at least one of a traveling speed of the host vehicle and a relative speed between the host vehicle and the object;
A deceleration detection device that actually detects the deceleration of the host vehicle;
The temporary set distance temporarily determined by the set distance temporary determination unit is corrected so as to be smaller than when the actual deceleration detected by the deceleration detection device is large, and smaller than when the actual deceleration is small. An alarm device, comprising: a set distance determining unit that sets a value corrected so as to be smaller when the relative deceleration of the vehicle with respect to the object is larger than when the relative deceleration is small (Claim 1).
In the alarm device described in this section, an alarm is generated when the distance between the host vehicle and the object is equal to or smaller than the set distance determined by the set distance determining unit. The set distance is corrected based on the actual deceleration of the own vehicle detected by the deceleration detection device, and the temporary set distance determined based on at least one of the relative speed and the traveling speed of the host vehicle. When the relative deceleration with respect to the object of the own vehicle is large, the value is corrected so as to be smaller than when the relative deceleration is small. For example, the temporary set distance is corrected so that the set distance is smaller when the actual deceleration is large than when it is small, and is smaller when the relative deceleration is large than when it is small. When the actual deceleration and the relative deceleration are large, it is more difficult to generate an alarm than when it is small.
When the host vehicle is decelerating, the driver feels secure. For this reason, when the set distance is the same as when the vehicle is not decelerating, the alarm may feel useless or the alarm timing may be too early. On the other hand, if this setting distance is reduced to make it difficult to generate an alarm, the driver's uncomfortable feeling can be reduced.
In addition, when traveling on an uphill, the deceleration increases, and when traveling on a downhill, the deceleration decreases, but when the deceleration is small, this set distance is made longer than when it is large. Therefore, when traveling downhill, an alarm is generated early, which is effective.
The relative position of the object with respect to the host vehicle is detected, and the relative deceleration of the host vehicle with respect to the object is acquired based on the change in the detected relative position. The relative deceleration represents the strength of the separation tendency and the strength of the approach between the host vehicle and the object, and the relative deceleration is large when the separation tendency is strong. When the alarm timing is the same, the driver feels that the alarm timing is too early as the separation tendency increases. On the other hand, if this set distance is made smaller when the separation tendency is strong than when the approaching tendency is strong, the driver's uncomfortable feeling can be reduced.
The setting area is determined based on an area where an object can be detected by the object detection device, for example. The object detection device detects an object in a predetermined setting area in front of the host vehicle. The setting area may be an area extending in two dimensions or an area extending in three dimensions. . The object detection device can be a device that detects an object based on a reception state of a reflected wave of an electromagnetic wave irradiated forward, or can be a device that detects based on captured image information. The former device corresponds to a laser radar device or the like, and the latter device corresponds to a device including a CCD camera or the like. The setting region can be a region determined based on a common region between the electromagnetic wave irradiation region and the reflected wave receivable region, or a region determined based on a region that can be imaged by the CCD camera. The area in which these objects can be detected is determined by the function of the object detection device or the like, but may be determined by the climate or the like. When the set area is a two-dimensional area, for example, it is defined based on at least one of (a) the horizontal irradiation angle of the electromagnetic wave and (b) the shorter one of the electromagnetic wave irradiation distance and the reflected wave reception distance. can do. In the case of a three-dimensional region, for example, it should be specified based on (c) the horizontal irradiation angle of electromagnetic waves, (d) the vertical irradiation angle, and (e) the shorter of the irradiation distance and the reception distance. Can do.
Note that an object existing in the setting area is not limited to a moving object. The present invention can be applied not only when the object is in a moving state but also when the object is in a stationary state.
(2) The main set distance determining unit includes a correction value determining unit for reducing a correction value for the temporary set distance determined by the temporary set distance determining unit as compared with a case where the deceleration is large and small (1) Alarm device as described in.
The set distance can be, for example, a value obtained by adding a correction value based on deceleration to the temporary set distance, or a value obtained by multiplying the correction value. The correction value is made smaller when the deceleration is large than when it is small. As a result, this set distance can be made smaller when the deceleration is large than when it is small, and it is difficult to generate an alarm.
When a value obtained by adding a correction value to the temporarily set distance is used as this set distance, the correction value is a negative value and its absolute value is increased or a positive value. The absolute value may be reduced.
When a value obtained by multiplying the temporarily set distance by the correction value is used as the set distance, the correction value is, for example, 1 when the deceleration is the reference value, 1 or less when the deceleration is larger than the reference value, If it is smaller than the value, it can be set to 1 or more.
(3) The main set distance determining unit includes a correcting unit that reduces the temporary set distance when the deceleration of the host vehicle is larger than a reference value and increases the temporary set distance when the deceleration is smaller than the reference value. The alarm device according to (1) or (2) (Claim 2).
(4) Correction for correcting the temporary set distance so that the temporary set distance becomes larger when it is detected that the host vehicle is decelerating than when it is detected that the host vehicle is decelerating. The alarm device according to any one of items (1) to (3), including a section (claim 3).
When it is detected that the set distance is being decelerated, the temporarily set distance is corrected so as to be smaller than when it is detected that the vehicle is accelerating.
(5) The main set distance determining unit sets the first approach distance as the temporary set distance, the second approach distance determined based on the deceleration of the host vehicle, and the relative deceleration of the host vehicle with respect to the object. The alarm device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a correction unit that corrects the temporary set distance by adding a third approach distance determined based on the third approach distance.
(6) The main set distance determination unit has a negative value for the second approach distance according to the map, and the absolute value of the second approach distance is larger when the deceleration of the host vehicle is large than when the deceleration is small. The alarm device according to item (5), further including a determination unit that determines (5).
(7) The main set distance determining unit includes a determining unit that determines the third approach distance based on the relative deceleration according to a map representing a relationship between the relative deceleration and the third approach distance. The alarm device according to (5) or (6) (Claim 6).
If a map is created and stored in advance, the set distance can be determined using the map, and the set distance can be easily determined.
(8) The correction value for the temporary set distance determined by the set distance temporary determination unit is smaller when the main set distance determination unit has a strong approaching tendency when the distance between the host vehicle and the object is strong. The alarm device according to any one of items (1) to (7), including a correction value determination unit to perform.
The correction value determined based on the relative deceleration is increased as the approaching tendency increases, and the set distance is increased. The set distance may be a value obtained by adding a correction value to the temporary set distance or a value obtained by multiplying the correction value.
(9) The alarm device may include a relative deceleration acquisition device that acquires the relative deceleration based on a relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the object. The alarm device according to claim (Claim 7).
(10) At least one of the temporary set distance determination unit and the final set distance determination unit further determines the set distance in consideration of the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the object requested by the driver. The alarm device according to any one of items (1) to (9).
In the alarm device described in this section, the relative positional relationship requested by the driver when the set distance is determined is taken into consideration. For example, when the required distance as the required relative positional relationship requested by the driver is large, the set distance is made larger than when the required distance is small. As a result, the driver's uncomfortable feeling due to the warning can be reduced.
In addition to the required distance or instead of the required distance, the required relative speed. The required relative deceleration, the required approach time, etc. can be taken into account. The required relative positional relationship can be set, for example, by an operation by the driver. The driver sets the required inter-vehicle distance, inter-vehicle time, etc. by operating the operation members (switch, touch panel, etc.).
(11) An alarm device that issues an alarm when the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle is smaller than the set distance,
The set distance includes: (a) at least one of a traveling speed of the own vehicle and a relative speed between the own vehicle and the object; (b) a deceleration of the own vehicle; and (c) the own vehicle. Alarm device including a set distance determining unit that determines based on a relative deceleration between the object and the object.
The technical features described in any one of items (1) to (10) can be adopted for the alarm device described in this section.
(12) An alarm device that issues an alarm when the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle is smaller than the set distance,
The set distance includes: (a) at least one of a traveling speed of the host vehicle and a relative speed between the host vehicle and the object; and (b) a relative deceleration between the host vehicle and the object. An alarm device including a set distance determining unit for determining based on the setting distance.
The technical features described in any one of items (1) to (11) can be adopted for the alarm device described in this section.
(13) An alarm device that issues an alarm when the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle is smaller than the set distance,
The set distance includes: (a) at least one of a traveling speed of the host vehicle and a relative speed between the host vehicle and the object; (b) a deceleration of the host vehicle; and (c) the host vehicle. Alarm device including a set distance determining unit that determines based on a relative deceleration between the object and the object.
The technical features described in any one of the items (1) to (12) can be employed in the alarm device described in this section.
(14) An alarm device that issues an alarm when the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined set area ahead of the host vehicle is closer to the approaching tendency than the set relative position relationship Because
A set relative positional relationship provisional determination unit that temporarily determines the set relative positional relationship based on at least one of a traveling speed of the host vehicle and a relative speed between the host vehicle and the object;
A value obtained by correcting the temporarily set relative position relationship temporarily determined by the set relative position relationship temporary determining unit based on at least one of the deceleration of the host vehicle and the relative deceleration between the host vehicle and the object is obtained. An alarm device including a set relative position relationship determining unit configured as a set relative position relationship.
In the alarm device described in this section, the alarm is not always generated based on the distance between the host vehicle and the object. For example, when the approach speed as the relative speed is larger than the set speed, an alarm is generated when the relative deceleration is more prone to approach than the set value, etc. Based on the relative speed and the relative deceleration Can be generated.
The technical features described in any one of items (1) to (13) can be adopted for the alarm device described in this section.
(15) The alarm device according to any one of (1) to (14);
A travel control device comprising: a travel control unit that controls a travel state of the host vehicle based on a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle. (Claim 8).
The travel control unit can be a cruise control control unit that controls the travel state of the host vehicle so that the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is maintained in a relationship requested by the driver.
(16) The travel control device according to (15), wherein the travel control unit includes a deceleration control unit that decelerates the host vehicle by operating a brake that suppresses rotation of the wheels of the host vehicle.
For example, the brake can be operated when the distance between the host vehicle and the object is equal to or less than the set distance. In this case, an alarm is generated when the brake is operated.
(17) The travel control according to (15) or (16), wherein the set distance determination unit includes a correction unit that corrects the temporary set distance when the control by the travel control unit is performed. Device (claim 9).
(18) The main set distance determination unit further determines the temporary set distance when the deceleration control for decelerating the host vehicle is performed by the travel control unit when the deceleration control is not performed. The travel control device according to any one of (15) to (17), including a correction unit that corrects the value to be small.
(19) A travel control unit that controls a travel state of the host vehicle based on a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle, the host vehicle, and the host vehicle An alarm device that issues an alarm when a distance between an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of a vehicle is smaller than a set distance, and (a) a traveling speed of the host vehicle and the host vehicle And a setting distance temporary determination unit that temporarily determines the setting distance based on at least one of the relative speed between the object and the object, and (b) the temporary setting distance temporarily determined by the setting distance temporary determination unit, A set distance determination unit that sets a corrected value to be a set distance when the deceleration control for decelerating the host vehicle is performed by the travel control unit, so that the value is smaller than when the deceleration control is not performed. Including and including That the driving control unit (claim 11).
(20) The warning device includes a deceleration detection device that actually detects the deceleration of the host vehicle, and the set distance determination unit determines the temporarily set distance temporarily determined by the set distance temporary determination unit, The travel control according to (19), further including a determination unit that sets a value corrected to be smaller than when the actual deceleration detected by the deceleration detection device is larger than when the actual deceleration is small. apparatus.

An example of a travel control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The traveling control device includes an alarm device.
In FIG. 1, 12 indicates an inter-vehicle control ECU, 14 indicates an engine ECU, and 16 indicates a brake ECU. These inter-vehicle control ECU 12, engine ECU 14, and brake ECU 16 are mainly computers, and include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output unit, and the like. The inter-vehicle control ECU 12 and the brake ECU 16 are connected to the engine ECU 14, and information is communicated therebetween.

  A laser radar device 20 is connected to the inter-vehicle control ECU 12. The laser radar device 20 includes a calculation unit 22 mainly composed of a computer. In the calculation unit 22, the relative position of the detected target object with respect to the host vehicle and the amount of change in the relative position are obtained, and information representing these is transmitted to the inter-vehicle control ECU 12. In addition, a probability K (hereinafter referred to as the own lane probability) K that the detected target object is traveling on the same traveling lane as the own vehicle is obtained and transmitted to the inter-vehicle distance control ECU 12.

Since the laser radar device 20 is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-45398, detailed description thereof is omitted. The laser radar device 20 is attached to the front of the vehicle, for example, below a bumper, and irradiates the laser beam toward the front of the vehicle and receives the reflected light. In the two-dimensional scanning method, laser light is scanned in predetermined irradiation areas in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction as the polygon mirror rotates. In the present embodiment, the irradiation area irradiated with the laser light is divided into a total of 630 minute areas, 105 in the horizontal direction and 6 in the vertical direction, and is set based on the light receiving state of the light reflected in the minute area. A target object in the region is detected.
An area in which an object is detected by the laser radar device 20 can be set as a setting area. In this embodiment, the setting area is the smaller of the irradiation area, the irradiation distance of the laser light, and the reception distance of the reflected light. It is determined based on. The setting area is determined by the capability of the laser radar device 20, but may change depending on the climate.

In the laser radar device 20, regions that are estimated to be the same object based on the light reception state of the reflected light are gathered, and relative positions (represented in two dimensions) for the gathered regions (the same target object). Is required.
The relative position is a point on a two-dimensional plane coordinate defined by the predicted traveling line of the own vehicle and a line orthogonal to the predicted traveling line (a line parallel to the width direction of the own vehicle) with respect to the own vehicle. expressed. The predicted travel line is determined based on the turning radius R of the host vehicle. The detected position Z along the predicted travel direction of the target object is the distance from the host vehicle along the predicted travel line, that is, the inter-vehicle distance Z, and the position X in the width direction is the predicted travel line of the host vehicle. It is a gap in the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment, the plane coordinates determined by the predicted travel line and a line orthogonal thereto are converted into orthogonal plane coordinates obtained by converting the predicted travel line into a straight line, and the position ( X, Z) is the relative position of the target object.

  Further, the own lane probability K is obtained based on the relative position (X, Z) of the target object. The region (X, Z) represented by the orthogonal plane coordinates described above is divided into a plurality of regions, and is obtained based on which region the relative position (X, Z) of the target object belongs to. A bell-shaped region in front of the host vehicle, that is, a tapered region that narrows in the X direction as it proceeds in the Z direction is defined as a first region A1, and a portion that is further forward (a direction that proceeds in the Z direction) than the first region A1. A region including a portion extending in the X direction (vehicle width direction) from the first region is defined as a second region A2. In the following, a third area A3, a fourth area A4,... The n-th area An has a portion farther from the host vehicle than the (n-1) -th area An-1. Further, as n increases, the region has a portion that expands in the X direction as it proceeds in the Z direction. Each region An and the probability Kn are associated with each other and stored in the calculation unit 22, but the value of the probability Kn is reduced as n increases.

For example, when the center point (X, Z) of the target object belongs to the mth area Am, the probability Km corresponding to the mth area Am is set as the own lane probability K (= Km).
From the laser radar device 20 to the inter-vehicle distance control ECU 12, information indicating the relative position (X, Z) of the target object on the two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates, information indicating the change amount (ΔX, ΔZ) of the relative position, and the own lane probability K are expressed. Information is sent.
The relative position (X, Z) of the target object transmitted to the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 is the relative position of the center point of the target object, but is not limited to the center point, and the relative position of the point representatively representing the same target object. You can also

The own lane probability K can also be obtained in consideration of the relative positions of points other than the center point of the target object. For example, when at least a part of the target object (for example, a part of the outer shape) belongs to the first area A1, the own lane probability K is set to K1. Furthermore, areas to which a plurality of points representing the target object belong can be obtained, and the average value or intermediate value of the respective probability values corresponding to the plurality of areas can be set as the own lane probability K. In this case, it can be determined in consideration of weighting. For example, the weight of the region to which the central point belongs is increased, and the weight of the region to which the point defining the outer shape belongs is decreased.
The own lane probability K can be obtained based on the detection result of one target object, but can also be obtained in consideration of the own lane probability obtained last time. In this case, the specific gravity of the current own lane probability relative to the previous own lane probability can be determined based on the inter-vehicle distance Z. For example, the smaller the inter-vehicle distance Z is, the larger the specific gravity can be.
Further, the own lane probability K can be obtained by the inter-vehicle control ECU 12.
Further, the information indicating the relative position and the like transmitted from the laser radar device 20 to the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 may be for all the minute regions that are considered to be the target objects as a result of grouping.

The inter-vehicle control ECU 12 determines whether the target object is in a moving state or a stationary state based on the relative position of the target object transmitted from the laser radar device 20 and the amount of change in the relative position. It is determined based on the speed of the host vehicle. When the approach speed, which is a type of relative speed, is equal to or higher than the set speed, or when the absolute value of the difference between the relative speed and the speed of the host vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined set value (when approximately the same), It can be assumed to be stationary.
The relative position of the target object, the amount of change in the relative positions, the target deceleration .alpha.n ^* of the host vehicle based on the information transmitted from the engine ECU14, etc., ArufanB ^* etc. is required. Furthermore, engine control information, information indicating the presence / absence of a brake request, and the like are created and transmitted to the engine ECU 14. Information indicating the presence or absence of a brake request, information indicating the target deceleration rate αnB ^*, and the like are transmitted to the brake ECU 16 via the engine ECU 14.
Further, the turning radius R of the host vehicle is obtained based on the steering angle θ and the traveling speed Vn of the steering wheel, and information representing the turning radius R is transmitted to the laser radar device 20. Information representing the steering angle θ of the steering wheel is transmitted from the brake ECU 16 via the engine ECU 14, and information representing the traveling speed Vn is transmitted from the engine ECU 14.

The engine ECU 14 is connected to a cruise control switch 26, an inter-vehicle time selection switch 28, a vehicle speed sensor 30, an accelerator opening sensor 32, and the like, as well as a transmission ECU 34, a throttle control device 36 as a component of the engine device, and the like. The driving state of each component of the engine device is controlled based on the accelerator opening and the like.
The cruise control switch 26 is a switch that can be switched at least between a position for instructing cruise control and a position for not instructing. The inter-vehicle time selection switch 28 is a switch for selecting the inter-vehicle time in a state in which cruise control is instructed. . The cruise control switch 26 and the inter-vehicle time selection switch 28 are operated by the driver. The required relative positional relationship intended by the driver is set by operating the inter-vehicle time selection switch 28.

The inter-vehicle time selection switch 28 enables selection of one of three stages of short, medium and long inter-vehicle time. The short, medium, and long inter-vehicle times are, for example, times corresponding to inter-vehicle distances of about 40 m, about 45 m, and about 55 m when the host vehicle is traveling at 80 km / h. In cruise control, the driving state is controlled so that the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is maintained at the inter-vehicle distance corresponding to the above-mentioned selected inter-vehicle time, but when the preceding vehicle is not detected The vehicle is controlled to travel at a speed below the set speed. In this case, the speed is set separately by the driver.
The state of the cruise control switch 26 (information indicating cruise control instruction or non-instruction), the state of the inter-vehicle time selection switch 28 (information indicating the selected required inter-vehicle time), and the speed of the host vehicle detected by the vehicle speed sensor 30 The representing information is transmitted to the inter-vehicle control ECU 12. These pieces of information can be referred to as cruise control vehicle information. This is the vehicle information necessary for cruise control.

  Cruise control is prohibited when the accelerator pedal is operated by the driver, when the brake pedal is operated, or the like. It is also prohibited when antilock control or vehicle behavior control is performed. This is because it is desirable to give priority to the operation by the driver over the cruise control, and priority is given to anti-lock control and vehicle behavior control over the cruise control in order to improve safety. Furthermore, it is also prohibited when a system abnormality is detected. The prohibition includes at least one of suspension of control (including temporary suspension) and prohibition of start of control.

The engine ECU 14 controls the throttle control device 36 according to the information transmitted from the inter-vehicle distance ECU 12 or transmits a control command related to the gear ratio to the transmission ECU 34. The transmission ECU 34 controls the transmission 40 according to the gear ratio control command transmitted from the engine ECU 14 to control the gear ratio.
Further, the engine ECU 14 transmits brake control information and the like transmitted from the inter-vehicle distance ECU 12 to the brake ECU 16. The brake control information includes information indicating the presence / absence of a brake request, information indicating the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^*, and the like.
Instead of the control of the throttle control device 36, control of the fuel injection amount into the combustion chamber can be performed.

The brake ECU 16 is connected to a deceleration sensor 44, a steering angle sensor 46 that detects the steering angle θ of the steering wheel, a wheel speed sensor 48 that detects the rotational speed of the wheel, a temperature sensor 49, and the like, and a brake control actuator 50. And an alarm device 52 and the like are connected.
The brake control actuator 50 is controlled so that the actual deceleration rate αn detected by the deceleration sensor 44 approaches the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* transmitted from the engine ECU 14 during cruise control. Further, during vehicle stability control, the vehicle behavior is controlled based on the steering angle, the yaw rate, and the like so as to be in a stable state. The brake ECU 16 is an ECU that controls a brake control actuator, but an ECU that performs specific control such as an ABS ECU (anti-lock ECU) or a VSC ECU (vehicle behavior ECU) can also be used.
Information indicating the steering angle θ of the steering wheel is transmitted to the inter-vehicle distance control ECU 12 via the engine ECU 14 as described above.

The alarm device 52 is activated when the inter-vehicle distance Z becomes equal to or less than the approach distance Dw, or is activated when it is not desirable to activate the automatic brake even though the brake request information is transmitted. Or There are cases where it is activated in response to a command from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 and cases where it is activated due to the running state of the brake device 54 or the host vehicle. In the former case, it is generated mainly to inform that the inter-vehicle distance has become equal to or less than the approach distance Dw and to encourage the brake operation. In the latter case, the automatic brake operation is mainly prohibited. Generated to let you know that
The alarm device 52 may generate a similar alarm in the former case and the latter case, or may generate different types of alarms. Further, the alarm device 52 may generate a sound or blink a lamp. Further, the alarm device 52 outputs a warning content (vehicle state) or displays it on a display unit. It is possible to provide a function as a notification device that widely informs the driver of information.

  The deceleration sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the deceleration of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the deceleration sensor 44 represents the deceleration as a positive value. Therefore, the large deceleration means that the acceleration when the deceleration is expressed as a negative acceleration is small and the absolute value of the acceleration is large. The wheel speed sensor 48 detects the rotational speed of each wheel. In the present embodiment, the wheel speed sensor 48 is based on the rotational speed of each wheel and the estimated vehicle body speed obtained based on the wheel speed of the non-driven wheel. Thus, the slip state of each wheel is detected. The temperature sensor 49 detects the temperature of the brake control actuator 50. Since the brake control actuator 50 is operated by the supply of electric energy, there is a risk of overheating when the continuous operation time becomes long.

  A brake circuit of the brake device 54 including the brake control actuator 50 is shown in FIG. The brake device 54 can operate the brake 62 even if the driver does not operate the brake pedal 60 as a brake operation member, that is, can automatically brake.

A master cylinder 66 is connected to the brake pedal 60 via a booster 64. A brake cylinder 70 of a brake 62 that suppresses the rotation of the wheels 69 is connected to the master cylinder 66 through a liquid passage 68. The brake 62 is a hydraulic brake that is operated by the hydraulic pressure of the brake cylinder 70 and suppresses the rotation of the wheels 69.
A pressure control valve 50 as a brake control actuator is provided in the middle of the liquid passage 68. An individual hydraulic pressure control valve device 74 is provided corresponding to each brake cylinder 70. The individual hydraulic pressure control valve device 74 includes a pressure increase control valve 76 and a pressure reduction control valve 78. The pressure increase control valve 76 is provided between the pressure control valve 50 and the brake cylinder 70, and the pressure reduction control valve 78 is provided between the brake cylinder 70 and the reservoir 80.
A pump passage 82 extends from the reservoir 80 and is connected to the downstream side of the pressure control valve 50 in the liquid passage 68. A pump 84 is provided in the pump passage 82. The pump 84 is driven by a pump motor 86, and a power type hydraulic pressure source 88 is configured by the pump 84 and the pump motor 86.

  A hydraulic fluid supply passage 90 extends from the master cylinder 66 and is connected to the pump side from the check valve 92 of the pump passage 82. The check valve 92 prevents the flow of hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder 66 to the reservoir 80, and the hydraulic fluid discharged from the master cylinder 66 by the check valve 92 is directly pumped up by the pump 84. Become. In the middle of the hydraulic fluid supply passage 90, an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 94 is provided. When the electromagnetic on-off valve 94 is opened, the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow out from the master cylinder 66. The working fluid in the master reservoir 96 is supplied through the master cylinder 66.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure control valve 50 includes a seating valve 103 including a valve element 100 and a valve seat 102, and a coil 104 that generates a magnetic force for controlling the relative positions of the valve element 100 and the valve seat 102. Including.
The pressure control valve 70 is a normally open valve in which the valve element 100 is separated from the valve seat 102 by the elastic force of the spring 106 when the coil 104 is not excited (OFF state).
When the coil 104 is excited (ON state), the magnetic force F1 of the coil 104 acts in the direction in which the valve element 100 is seated on the valve seat 102. Further, a differential pressure acting force F2 based on the difference between the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure and the master cylinder hydraulic pressure and the elastic force F3 of the spring 106 act on the valve element 100 in the opposite direction to the magnetic force F1. When the brake pedal 60 is in a non-operating state, the hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder is atmospheric pressure, so the differential pressure has a magnitude corresponding to the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure.

The suction force F1 is larger than the differential pressure acting force F2 based on the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure, and the formula F2 ≤ F1-F3
In a region where is established, the valve element 100 is seated on the valve seat 102 and the outflow of hydraulic fluid from the brake cylinder 70 is prevented. The brake cylinder 70 is supplied with high-pressure hydraulic fluid from the pump 84 to increase the hydraulic pressure.
As the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure increases, the differential pressure acting force F2 increases, and the formula F2> F1-F3
When is established, the valve element 100 is separated from the valve seat 102. The hydraulic fluid in the brake cylinder 70 is returned to the master cylinder 66 and depressurized. In this equation, if the elastic force F3 is ignored, the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure is controlled to be higher than the master cylinder hydraulic pressure by a differential pressure based on the coil suction force F1.
The magnitude of the attractive force F1, which is the magnetic force of the coil 104, is designed to change linearly according to the magnitude of the exciting current I of the coil 104.

  When the power hydraulic pressure source 88 is activated, the hydraulic pressure of the brake cylinder 70 is controlled if the supply current I to the pressure control valve 50 is controlled. The supply current I can be feedback-controlled so that the brake fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor 108 approaches the target fluid pressure. Instead of feedback control, feedforward control can be performed. Even when the brake pedal 60 is not operated by the driver, the brake 62 is operated by the hydraulic fluid output from the power hydraulic pressure source 88, and the rotation of the wheels 69 is suppressed. When it is necessary to individually control the hydraulic pressure of the brake cylinder 70 of each wheel, such as anti-lock control and vehicle behavior control, the control is performed by the control of the individual hydraulic pressure control valve device 74.

The operation of the travel control device configured as described above will be described.
In this travel control device, cruise control is performed. In cruise control, as described above, the traveling state is controlled so that the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is maintained at the inter-vehicle distance corresponding to the selected inter-vehicle time, but the host vehicle is decelerated. When necessary, deceleration control is performed. In the deceleration control, the throttle control device 36 and the transmission 40 of the engine device are controlled, and the brake device 54 is controlled so that the actual deceleration αn approaches the target deceleration rate αn ^* . When the necessity for decelerating the vehicle is low, first, the throttle control device 36 and the transmission 40 are controlled. When the necessity for deceleration is high and the brake operation condition is satisfied, the brake device 54 is also controlled. The control of the throttle control device 36 and the transmission 40 is preferentially performed so that the operating frequency of the brake device 54 is lowered.

An outline of cruise control will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 determines the required inter-vehicle time T ^* selected by the driver, the actual inter-vehicle time T (the value obtained by dividing the inter-vehicle distance Z by the speed Vn of the host vehicle), and the relative speed Vr. The target deceleration rate αn ^* is determined. And that is a value obtained by subtracting the actual deceleration αn from the target deceleration αn ^* deceleration deviation Δαn is required. When the deceleration deviation Δαn is larger than 0, the actual deceleration αn is insufficient with respect to the target deceleration αn ^* , and the necessity of deceleration (necessity to increase the deceleration of the host vehicle from the present time: present It is understood that there is a case where the vehicle is already decelerating, or the vehicle is accelerating or traveling at a constant speed). It can also be seen that when the deceleration deviation Δαn is large, the necessity for deceleration is higher than when the deceleration deviation Δαn is small.

When the deceleration deviation Δα is larger than 0, the throttle opening is first throttled. In the throttle control device 36, the throttle opening is feedback-controlled so that the actual deceleration rate αn approaches the target deceleration rate αn ^* . When the deceleration deviation Δα is greater than or equal to the 0th threshold value Δαs0, the throttle opening is 0 (fully closed), and when the deceleration deviation Δα is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Δαs1, the gear ratio is shifted down to the 4th speed. . Although it is prohibited to set the gear ratio to the fifth speed (overdrive cut), if the gear ratio at that time is the fifth speed, the gear ratio is shifted down to the fourth speed.
Then, when it becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold value Δαs2, the gear is shifted down to the third speed, and when the brake operation condition is satisfied, the brake 62 is operated. When the brake operation condition is satisfied, the power hydraulic pressure source 88 is activated in the brake device 54, and current is supplied to the pressure control valve 50. Current supplied to the pressure control valve 50, the brake for the target deceleration ArufanB ^* is determined to a size obtained, the target deceleration ArufanB ^* the brake as described below, above the target deceleration .alpha.n ^* Are usually different and are determined when the brake operating conditions are met.

On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance Z becomes smaller than the approach distance Dw, the alarm device 52 is activated. The approach distance Dw is the first approach distance Dw1 determined based on the required inter-vehicle time T ^* , the speed Vn and the relative speed Vr of the host vehicle, and the second approach distance determined based on the actual deceleration αn of the host vehicle. It is determined as the sum of Dw2 and the third approach distance Dw3 determined based on the relative deceleration αr. The first approach distance Dw1 is not set as the approach distance as it is, but a value corrected by the deceleration or relative deceleration of the host vehicle is set as the approach distance.

In the inter-vehicle control ECU 12, the target deceleration determination program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed every time information is transmitted from the laser radar device 20. Information is transmitted from the laser radar device 20 at predetermined communication timings. Further, the speed Vn of the host vehicle is transmitted from the engine ECU 14, but even if it is transmitted in response to the vehicle speed request information from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12, it is transmitted regardless of the request information. You may make it memorize | store in the input-output part of ECU12. The same applies to communication between the engine ECU 14 and the brake ECU 16.
In the vehicle control ECU 12 or the like, a plurality of programs are executed in parallel in a time division manner.

  In step 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as S1. The same applies to other steps), the relative position (X, Z) of the target object, the amount of change in the relative position (ΔX, ΔZ), and the own lane probability K are read. In S2, the speed Vn of the host vehicle is read. In S3, the relative speed Vr and the relative deceleration rate αr with the target object are obtained based on the relative position change amount (ΔX, ΔZ) or the like. In S4, it is determined whether or not the target object is a preceding vehicle. When it is determined that the target object is a moving object, that is, a preceding vehicle, a preceding vehicle flag is set.

In S5, the inter-vehicle time set by the driver, that is, the required inter-vehicle time T ^* is read. In S6, the actual inter-vehicle time T (= inter-vehicle distance Z ÷ vehicle speed Vn) is obtained, and the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT. (= T ^* −T) is obtained.
In S7, the target deceleration is determined based on the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT and the relative speed Vr. When the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT is 0 or more and the actual inter-vehicle time is shorter than the required inter-vehicle time, this indicates that the actual inter-vehicle distance is insufficient with respect to the required value. Deceleration is necessary, and the necessity increases as the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT increases. Further, when the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT is smaller than 0 and the actual inter-vehicle time is longer than the required inter-vehicle time, this indicates that the inter-vehicle distance is sufficient. There is no need for deceleration or acceleration.
As shown in the map of FIG. 8, when the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT is 0 or more and its absolute value increases, the target deceleration rate αn ^* is increased, and the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT is smaller than 0 and the absolute value increases. Along with this, the target deceleration rate αn ^* is reduced to the acceleration range. Further, when the approach speed as a kind of the relative speed Vr is large, the target deceleration rate αn ^* is made larger than when the approach speed is small. This is because when the approach speed is large, the necessity for deceleration is higher than when the approach speed is small.

The target deceleration can be determined based on an inter-vehicle time deviation ratio (ΔT / T ^* ) obtained by dividing the inter-vehicle time deviation by the required inter-vehicle time instead of the inter-vehicle time deviation ΔT. Also, the inter-vehicle distance can be used instead of the inter-vehicle time. In any case, the value related to the deviation, which is the value obtained by subtracting the actual relative positional relationship from the required relative positional relationship that is the relative positional relationship with the preceding vehicle requested by the driver, in other words, the necessity of deceleration. Any value can be used as long as it represents the value, and the target deceleration can be determined based on deviation-related quantities such as these deviations and deviation ratios.

The cruise control program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed at predetermined time intervals. In S21-23, the target deceleration rate αn ^* is read, the actual deceleration rate αn of the host vehicle is read, and a deceleration deviation Δαn (= αn ^* −αn) is obtained as the difference between them.
In S24, it is determined whether or not the deceleration deviation Δαn is greater than zero. When it is greater than 0, deceleration control is performed, and when it is 0 or less, acceleration control is performed.
In S25, it is determined whether or not the brake flag is in the set state. In S26, it is determined whether or not the brake release flag is in the set state. If both are in the reset state, it is determined in S27 whether or not the brake operation condition is satisfied. If the brake operation condition is not satisfied, engine control information is created in S28, and no brake request information indicating that a brake request is unnecessary is generated. Information indicating these information and the target deceleration rate αn ^* Is transmitted to the engine ECU 14.

As described above, when the deceleration deviation Δαn is smaller than the 0th threshold value Δαs0, a throttle opening control command is created, and when it is greater than or equal to the 0th threshold value Δαs0, a throttle fully closed command is created. The Further, when it is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Δαs1, an overdrive cut command and a throttle full-close command are created, and when it is greater than or equal to the second threshold value Δαs2, a three-speed shift down command and a throttle full-close command are issued. Created. The engine control information (throttle control command, gear ratio control command), information indicating the target deceleration rate αn ^* , and no brake request information are transmitted to the engine ECU 14.

On the other hand, when the brake operation condition is satisfied, S29 and subsequent steps are executed. The brake operating conditions are: (a) the deceleration deviation Δαn is greater than the third threshold value Δαs3, (b) the target object is a preceding vehicle, (c) the own lane probability is greater than or equal to the set probability, d) There are four cases where the inter-vehicle distance is smaller than the set distance, and when all of these are satisfied, the brake operating condition is satisfied. The set distance of (d) is a value that can reliably detect the presence or absence of the target object, and is determined by the performance of the laser radar device 20. If the brake operation condition is satisfied, it can be seen that there is a high need for decelerating the host vehicle. The actual deceleration is insufficient with respect to the target deceleration, and the preceding vehicle traveling in the own lane is detected with a high probability. The conditions (b) to (d) can be summarized as preconditions for starting the brake.
As described above, since the brake 62 is operated when the necessity of operating the brake is high, it can be avoided that the brake is operated wastefully.
When a plurality of objects are detected in the laser radar device 20 and information indicating the relative position is transmitted for each of the plurality of objects, the vehicle is a preceding vehicle of the plurality of objects and closest to the own vehicle Is the target vehicle. A relative positional relationship such as the inter-vehicle distance, relative speed, and relative deceleration with respect to the target vehicle is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the own lane probability K is greater than or equal to the set probability Ks.

In S29, the brake flag is set, and in S30, the target deceleration rate αnB ^* in the brake control is determined. In S31, brake request presence information and engine control information are created and transmitted to the engine ECU 14 together with information indicating the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* . When the brake is being operated, the engine control information is usually information representing a 3-speed downshift command and a throttle fully closed command.

The brake target deceleration is determined according to the brake target deceleration determination table represented by the map of FIG. Variation Derutaarufant ^* for target deceleration .alpha.n ^* time at which the brake operation condition is satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as the target deceleration change amount) and is determined based on the relative speed Vr. When the target deceleration change amount Derutaarufant ^* is a positive value is increasing the target deceleration .alpha.n ^*, the need for deceleration it can be seen that increasing. Conversely, when the target deceleration change amount Derutaarufant ^* is a negative value is in the target deceleration .alpha.n ^* decrease the need for deceleration it can be seen that on the decline. Thus, according to the target deceleration change amount Derutaarufant ^*, and as it can be predicted the need for deceleration, based on the target deceleration change amount Derutaarufant ^*, must brake the target deceleration ArufanB ^* is decelerated It is determined based on the predicted value of sex.
As the target deceleration change amount Δαnt ^* is a positive value and the absolute value thereof is larger, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is increased. Further, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is increased as the approaching speed increases.

The brake operating conditions are not limited to the above-described conditions. Based on the above conditions, (e) the 3rd speed downshift command has been created, (f) the acceleration control is not being requested (the deceleration deviation Δαn is greater than 0), and (g) the throttle fully closed command has been created. (H) that the accelerator pedal is not operated, and (i) that anti-lock control, vehicle behavior control, or the like is not performed, can be added.
Before the brake 62 is actuated, it is usually decelerated by the control of the engine or the like. As described above, the throttle control device 36 and the transmission 40 are controlled in advance. That is a condition. The brake device 54 is also required to be in a state where the automatic brake can be operated according to the cruise control.

If the brake is being controlled, it is determined in S32 whether or not a brake release condition is satisfied. If the brake release condition is not satisfied, the brake control is continued. S31 is executed. In this case, the value of the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is the same as the previous value. Thus, in the present embodiment, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is maintained at the same value until one brake operation is completed after the brake operation condition is satisfied. However, as described above, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is determined based on the predicted value of the necessity for deceleration, so the value of the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is immediately determined between the host vehicle and the target object. It is avoided that the value is extremely inappropriate for the relative positional relationship.

The brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* can be changed during the operation of the brake 62. For example, it may be desirable to change the target deceleration rate αn ^* when it changes by a set amount or more compared to when the brake operation is started. Not only the target deceleration rate αn ^* , but may be changed when the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the target object such as the inter-vehicle time and the inter-vehicle distance changes by a set amount or more. Further, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* may be appropriately changed to a value determined according to a map created based on the target deceleration change amount Δαnt ^* and the relative speed Vr during brake operation. . If it is determined according to the map, it is not changed continuously with the continuous change of the target deceleration change amount Δαnt ^* and the relative speed Vr, but it is changed discretely. Therefore, the change frequency of the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* can be reduced as compared with the case where it is continuously changed.

The brake release conditions are: (a) the target deceleration rate αn ^* is smaller than the brake release threshold value αB, (b) that no preceding vehicle is detected, and (c) it is no longer necessary to decelerate by the brake device 54. (3rd gear downshift command not created, accelerator pedal depressed, acceleration control command created), (d) In the brake device 54, it is inappropriate to continue cruise control (The system abnormality is detected, the anti-lock control and the vehicle behavior control are started, and the continuous operation time of the brake is equal to or longer than the set time).

Before the target deceleration rate αn ^* becomes smaller than the brake release threshold value αB, the deceleration deviation Δαn may become equal to or less than the second threshold value Δαs2. When the 3rd speed downshift command is released, It can be assumed that deceleration by the brake 62 is no longer necessary. In this way, it is determined whether or not the brake release condition is satisfied based on the detection state of the preceding vehicle, the control state of the engine, the operation state of the brake device 54, and the like. If the brake release condition is satisfied, the brake flag is reset in S33, and the brake release flag is set in S34.

If the brake release flag is set, the determination in S26 is YES, and an engine control command or the like is created in S35. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, when the target deceleration rate αn ^* is smaller than the fourth threshold value αs4, information (speed ratio normal control permission command) for canceling the speed ratio restriction is created, and the brake It is transmitted to the engine ECU 14 together with information indicating no request information and target deceleration rate αn ^* . If it is smaller than the fifth threshold value αs5, information (throttle control command) for canceling the fully closed throttle is created.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the control of the throttle control device 36 and the transmission 40 is controlled differently before the brake operation and after the brake is released.
If the deceleration deviation Δαn is greater than 0, the determination in S24 is NO, and the brake release flag is reset in S36.

  The tables represented by the maps in FIGS. 8 and 9 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, not only a two-dimensional map but also a three-dimensional or more multi-dimensional map can be used. In that case, for example, the inter-vehicle distance can be considered. The map is not fixed and can be changed according to learning. For example, the threshold value or the map value itself can be changed based on the selection frequency, the set duration of one value, or the like. As a result, the map can be changed in accordance with the driver's sense of deceleration.

The alarm device control program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed at predetermined time intervals.
In S51-53, the first approach distance Dw1 is determined according to the first approach distance determination table represented by the map of FIG. 10 based on the required inter-vehicle time T ^* , the relative speed Vr, and the speed Vn of the host vehicle. In this case, the table because it is provided for each request following time T ^*, the table corresponding to the required inter-vehicle time T ^* is selected in the selected table, the relative speed Vr, the speed Vn of the vehicle To be determined. The approach distance is increased as the approach speed Vr is increased and the speed Vn of the host vehicle is increased, but is increased as the required inter-vehicle time T ^* is increased.

Next, in S54, 55, the second approach distance Dw2 is determined based on the deceleration αn of the host vehicle. The second approach distance Dw2 is determined according to the second approach distance determination table represented by the map of FIG. 11, but the smaller the vehicle deceleration αn is, the smaller the value (negative value, the absolute value is). Large value). When the deceleration αn of the host vehicle is large, the driver feels at ease. Therefore, the approach distance Dw is reduced to delay the alarm operation timing.
In S56, the third approach distance Dw3 is determined according to the third approach distance determination table represented by the map of FIG. 12 based on the relative deceleration rate αr (dVr / dt). The third approach distance Dw3 is made smaller when the separation tendency is strong than when the approach tendency is strong. When the separation tendency is strong, that is, when the relative deceleration rate αr is large, the approach distance is made smaller than when the relative deceleration rate αr is small, and the alarm activation timing is delayed.

In S57, the approach distance Dw is obtained as the sum of the first to third approach distances (Dw1 + Dw2 + Dw3). In S58, it is determined whether or not the current inter-vehicle distance Z is smaller than the approach distance Dw. If the distance is greater than the approach distance Dw, the alarm device 52 is not actuated. If the distance is less than the approach distance, information representing an operation command for the alarm device 52 is created and transmitted to the engine ECU 14 in S59.
The approach distance at which the alarm device 52 is actuated is determined to be a value corrected based on the deceleration αn and the relative deceleration αr of the host vehicle. The value is determined in consideration of the driver's feeling of deceleration and the actual approaching state, and the driver's uncomfortable feeling due to the occurrence of an alarm can be reduced.
In the present embodiment, even if the target object is stationary or moving (preceding vehicle), an alarm device activation command is generated if the inter-vehicle distance Z is equal to or less than the approach distance.

The map for determining the approach distance is not limited to that in the above embodiment. Similar to the maps of FIGS. 8 and 9, the map can be a multidimensional map or can be changed with learning. The approach distance can be increased when a system abnormality is detected. For example, the actual deceleration is increased when it is smaller than a set value with respect to the deceleration (target deceleration) that should be obtained by the cruise control control.
The approach distance Dw is obtained by multiplying the first approach distance Dw1 by the correction value for deceleration determined based on the deceleration of the host vehicle and the correction value for relative deceleration determined based on the relative deceleration. It can also be required. The deceleration correction value is decreased when the deceleration of the host vehicle is increased, and the relative deceleration correction value is decreased when the relative deceleration is increased.

In the engine ECU 14, the cruise control program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 13 is executed at predetermined time intervals. The set time can be set to a time when information is transmitted from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12. It may be executed each time information from the vehicle control ECU 12 is received.
In S72, it is detected whether or not the information transmitted from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 has been received. If received, it is determined in S73 whether or not the abnormality flag is set. The abnormality flag will be described later. If the abnormality flag is in the set state, cruise control is prohibited in S74. A predetermined cruise control prohibition process is performed.
When the abnormality flag is in the reset state, the engine and the like are controlled according to the engine control information in S75 and subsequent steps. In the present embodiment, in cruise control, the engine and the like are always controlled. Here, the control before starting the brake operation will be described, and the description of the control after releasing the brake will be omitted. After the brake is released, control according to the gear ratio normal control permission command, the throttle control command, and the like is performed.

In S75 to 77, it is determined whether or not a 3rd speed downshift command, an overdrive cut command, and a throttle fully closed command are included. If all these determinations are NO, in S78, the gear ratio is not controlled, and the throttle opening is controlled by the control in the throttle control device 36 so that the target deceleration rate αn ^* is obtained. The throttle opening at which the target deceleration rate αn ^* is obtained is determined, and a command value corresponding to the throttle opening is output to the throttle control device 36. Further, in S79, it is determined whether or not the received information includes brake request presence information. If not, in S80, the brake ECU 16 determines in advance information (brake control information) such as no brake request information. , Information used for abnormality detection described later) is transmitted.

If the throttle fully closed command is included, the throttle opening is set to 0 in S81. In this case, since it is normal that the brake request presence information is not included, the brake request absence information and the like are transmitted to the brake ECU 16 in S80. If an overdrive cut command is included, the overdrive cut command is transmitted to the transmission ECU 34 in S82, the throttle opening is set to 0 in S81, and no brake request information is transmitted in S80. The Further, if a third speed downshift command is included, the third speed downshift command is transmitted to the transmission control ECU 34 in S83, and the throttle opening is made zero in S81. When the brake request presence information is not included, in S80, predetermined information is transmitted to the brake ECU 16 as in the case described above.
On the other hand, when the brake request presence information is included, the determination in S79 is YES, and in S84, the brake ECU 16 determines in advance the brake request presence information, information indicating the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^*, and the like. Information is sent.

In the brake ECU 16, a brake operation force (hydraulic pressure) control program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 14 is executed at predetermined time intervals.
In S91, it is determined whether or not the brake request presence information has been received, and in S92, it is determined whether or not the automatic brake operation permission condition is satisfied. The automatic brake operation permission condition is satisfied when (a) the temperature of the solenoid of the pressure control valve 50 is lower than the set temperature, or (b) when the wheel slip state is more stable than the set state. When the automatic braking is activated, the running stability of the vehicle may be impaired. It is also prohibited when the brake device 54 is in a state where it is not desirable to continue the brake operation.
When the automatic brake operation permission condition is satisfied, in S93, the supply current I to the coil 104 of the pressure control valve 50 is determined so that the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is obtained, and the brake fluid pressure is The size is controlled accordingly. As described above, the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is constant during one operation.

As shown in FIG. 16, the supply current I to the pressure control valve 50 is made constant, and the brake fluid pressure is held at a value corresponding to the supply current I. When the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is constant, the supply current I is increased, held, or decreased in accordance with a predetermined pattern (for example, in a trapezoidal shape as shown in the figure). Thus, if the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* is kept constant, the brake control can be performed stably, and control hunting can be suppressed.
Further, since the change frequency of the deceleration is lower than in the conventional case, the driver's uncomfortable feeling can be reduced. Furthermore, since the change in deceleration is reduced, the running stability can be improved, and the driver's sense of security can be improved.
Further, if the target deceleration is made constant, the supply current I to the pressure control valve 50 and the brake fluid pressure are kept constant, and the brake fluid pressure should be a fluid pressure corresponding to the supply current I. Therefore, based on these circumstances, the abnormality of the brake device 54 can be easily detected.
Furthermore, when the target deceleration is changed, it is difficult to set a guard value for the control command value (current value I) to the pressure control valve 50, but the target deceleration is constant. It is easy to set the guard value.

  If the automatic brake operation permission condition is not satisfied, the alarm device 52 is activated in S94, and the supply current I to the coil 104 is set to 0 in S95. The brake fluid pressure is not controlled. The supply current is set to 0 even when no brake request information is included.

Further, the alarm device operation program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 15 is executed at predetermined time intervals. In S97, it is determined whether or not an alarm device activation command has been received. If received, the alarm device 52 is activated in S98. Since the inter-vehicle distance Z becomes equal to or less than the approach distance Dw, the alarm device 52 is activated. In this case, since the alarm device 52 is generated at a timing based on the deceleration of the host vehicle or the actual approach state with the target object, the driver's uncomfortable feeling can be reduced. The alarm device 52 is activated regardless of the operating state of the brake.
As described above, the target deceleration is fixed when the brake is activated, but an alarm is generated if the deceleration of the host vehicle is insufficient during braking and the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle is shortened. It is done. Therefore, the driver can perform operations such as stepping on the brake pedal 60. It is effective to combine the control of the alarm device 52 and the control for keeping the target deceleration constant during brake operation.
The alarm device 52 can be activated by interruption. When an alarm device operation command is received, S98 is immediately executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the laser radar device 20 constitutes a probability acquisition unit, and the speed reduction device is constituted by the inter-vehicle control ECU 16, the engine ECU 14, the transmission ECU 34, the throttle control device 36, the brake ECU 16, the brake control actuator 50, and the like. The Further, the brake operation permission prohibiting means is constituted by the part that stores S92 of the brake ECU 16 and the part that executes S92.
The part for storing S30 of the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 and the part for executing S30 constitute the target deceleration determining means, and the part for executing S93 of the brake ECU 16, the brake control actuator 50, etc. constitute the deceleration control device. In the present embodiment, the deceleration control device corresponds to a brake control device.
Further, a part for storing S51 to 53 of the inter-vehicle control ECU 12, a part to be executed, a part for storing the table represented by the map of FIG. The set distance determining unit is configured by the part to be executed, the part for storing the tables represented by the maps of FIGS.

Next, abnormality detection will be described. The abnormality in the system includes an abnormality of each element constituting the system, a communication abnormality, a control abnormality, etc. In any case, when an abnormality is detected, cruise control is prohibited. Abnormalities in the constituent elements include abnormalities in various sensors, throttle opening control actuators, brake control actuators, transmissions, and the like, which are detected at the time of initial check or the like, but description of the initial check is omitted.
In communication anomalies, (a) the information reception time interval is not a predetermined time interval, (b) the continuity is not ensured when the reception information includes continuous information, ( c) Applicable when the information is not in the inverted relationship due to the mirror check of the received information.

The control abnormality is caused by malfunction or non-operation of a computer or a control actuator, communication failure, or the like. In the present embodiment, detection is performed based on whether or not the contents of two or more pieces of information have logical consistency (logical abnormality).
At least one of the two or more pieces of information can be control information (for example, control information such as engine, information indicating presence / absence of a brake request, information indicating target deceleration, etc.). This is because both the engine ECU 14 and the brake ECU 16 are operated according to control information from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12. Further, at least one of the two or more pieces of information can be vehicle state information representing a detection value by the sensor, a state of the cruise control switch 26, and the like. The cruise control vehicle information described above is an example of vehicle state information. According to these, it is possible to acquire information representing the actual control result and reference information for creating the control information. Since control information is transmitted by communication between ECUs, it can be referred to as communication information. The vehicle state information includes information transmitted to other ECUs by communication and information not transmitted, and the transmitted information may correspond to the communication information.

A control error occurs when (d) two or more of a plurality of received communication information does not have logical consistency, (e) communication information transmitted from one ECU to another ECU, and other ECUs (F) The received communication information and the information created in its own ECU, or the detected value by the sensor connected to its own ECU, etc. It is detected when there is no logical consistency.
The communication abnormality detection program is executed in each ECU every predetermined time or every time information is transmitted.

In the inter-vehicle control ECU 12, the abnormality detection program represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is executed every time communication information is transmitted to the engine ECU 14. In S111, an echo back request is transmitted to the engine ECU 14. In S112, it is determined whether or not the information transmitted from the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 to the engine ECU 14 and the returned information have logical consistency. For example, in the case where brake request presence information is transmitted, if there is no brake request information in the echoed back information, it is considered that there is no logical consistency.
If there is logical consistency, the abnormality flag is reset in S113, and if there is no logical consistency, the abnormality flag is set in S114. In S115, information indicating the state of the abnormality flag is transmitted to the engine ECU 14.
It should be noted that it is possible to detect an abnormality in the reception state of the information returned from the engine ECU 14 and received by the inter-vehicle control ECU 12.

In the engine ECU 14, an abnormality is detected both in the communication with the inter-vehicle control ECU 12 and in the communication with the brake ECU 16.
In communication with the inter-vehicle control ECU 12, it is determined in S141 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 whether or not communication information has been received. If the information is received, it is determined in S142 whether or not the reception state is normal. In S143, it is determined whether or not there is logical consistency. For example, the received information may comprise a brake for the target deceleration ArufanB ^* is a positive value and the brake request specific information, includes third speed shift-down instruction and the target deceleration .alpha.n ^* is a positive value, In addition, when the accelerator opening detected by the engine ECU 14 is 0, the logical consistency is assumed. On the other hand, there is no logical consistency when the accelerator opening is large or when the cruise switch 26 is in the OFF position, even though the received information includes brake request presence information. If there is logical consistency, the abnormality flag is reset in S144, and if there is no logical consistency, the abnormality flag is set in S145. The abnormality detection program can be executed every time information is received. When information is received, S142 and subsequent steps are executed.

  In communication with the brake ECU 16, in S151 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, information indicating the presence / absence of a brake request is transmitted to the brake ECU 16, and then an echo back request is transmitted. In S152, it is determined whether the transmitted information and the returned information have logical consistency. For example, if the transmitted information includes brake request presence information but the returned information includes brake request absence information, it is determined that there is no logical consistency. If there is logical consistency, the abnormality flag is reset in S153, and if the alignment condition is not satisfied, the abnormality flag is set in S154.

  Not only the echo back request but also specific information created in the brake ECU 16 can be requested. For example, it can be determined whether the specific information transmitted from the brake ECU 16 and at least one of the information transmitted from the engine ECU 14 to the brake ECU 16 and the information created in the engine ECU 14 have logical consistency. . For example, in the case where the brake operation flag indicating that the brake operation is being performed, which is created in the brake ECU 16, is in a set state, when the brake request presence information is transmitted from the engine ECU 14 to the brake ECU 16, the logical consistency is increased. It is said to have. On the contrary, in the engine ECU 14, the cruise control switch 26 is in the ON state and the brake request presence information is transmitted. However, when the brake operating flag transmitted from the brake ECU 16 is in the reset state, there is logical consistency. It is said not to. In this case, at least one of the information created in the ECU and the detected information and the communication information other than the control information (control command value) transmitted from the other ECU have logical consistency. It is determined whether or not.

In the brake ECU 16 as well, the abnormality detection program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 20 is executed as described above. In S162, it is determined whether or not the reception state is normal. In S163, it is determined whether or not there is logical consistency. For example, if the received information includes brake request presence information and information indicating the brake target deceleration rate αnB ^* , which is a positive value, it is assumed that there is logical consistency. In S166, the state of the abnormality flag is transmitted to the engine ECU 14.

As described above, in the present embodiment, not only the abnormality of each component and the communication abnormality are detected as in the prior art, but also the control abnormality is detected. Therefore, it is possible to increase the chances of abnormality detection. Further, it is possible to detect a control abnormality at an early stage, to avoid erroneous execution of brake control and engine control, and to improve system reliability.
It is also effective to detect a control abnormality in the system development stage. If it is detected in the development stage that there is no logical consistency between two or more pieces of information, there is a possibility that the control program is abnormal, and the control program can be examined and corrected accordingly. In this case, it is desirable to detect the presence or absence of logical consistency between pieces of information including two or more pieces of communication information. An abnormality can be detected by comparing information created by its own ECU with information created by another ECU.
When a control abnormality is detected, only brake control may be prohibited and control of the engine or the like may be permitted. This is because the brake control has a greater influence on the running state due to the control abnormality. Further, it is possible to detect a control abnormality using communication information between the engine ECU 14 and the transmission ECU 34.

Furthermore, the aspect of cruise control is not limited to that in the above embodiment. For example, regarding the control of the engine or the like, the same control can be performed before the brake operation and after the brake is released. In either case, the control can be performed based on at least one of the deceleration deviation and the target deceleration. Further, the threshold value and the like can be set to the same size.
In addition, it is not essential that the travel control device is a system including a plurality of ECUs, and the travel control device can be a system having one ECU.
Furthermore, the structure of the brake circuit is not limited to the above embodiment. It is only necessary that the automatic brake can be operated, and it is not indispensable to enable antilock control or vehicle behavior control.
The brake 62 is not limited to a hydraulic brake, and may be an electric brake in which a friction member is pressed against a brake rotating body by an electric motor. Furthermore, the vehicle can include both an engine and an electric motor as a driving device, or can include an electric motor without including the engine. In these cases, when the necessity for deceleration is low, the operating state of the electric motor included in the drive device can be controlled. The vehicle is not limited to an engine-driven vehicle, but may be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

  In addition, the present invention can be implemented in various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the section [Problems to be Solved by the Invention, Problem Solving Means and Effects].

It is a figure showing the whole run control device which is one example of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram of a brake device including a brake control actuator included in the travel control device. It is a conceptual diagram of the said brake control actuator. It is a figure which shows an example of the control by the said travel control apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the target deceleration determination program stored in ROM of the distance control ECU of the said travel control apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the cruise control program stored in ROM of the said distance control ECU. It is a flowchart showing the alarm device control program stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a map showing the target deceleration determination table stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a map showing the target deceleration determination table for brakes stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a map showing the 1st approach distance determination table stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a map showing the 2nd approach distance determination table stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a map showing the 3rd approach distance determination table stored in ROM of the said inter-vehicle control ECU. It is a flowchart showing the cruise control program stored in ROM of the said engine ECU. It is a flowchart showing the hydraulic pressure control program stored in ROM of the said brake ECU. It is a flowchart showing the alarm device operation program stored in ROM of the said brake ECU. It is a figure which shows an example of the control by the said brake ECU. It is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection program stored in ROM of the said distance control ECU. It is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection program stored in ROM of the said engine ECU. It is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection program stored in ROM of the said engine ECU. It is a flowchart showing the abnormality detection program stored in ROM of the said brake ECU.

Explanation of symbols

  12: Inter-vehicle control ECU 14: Engine ECU 16: Brake ECU 20: Laser radar device 34: Transmission ECU 50: Brake control actuator 52: Alarm device

Claims (11)

An alarm device that issues an alarm when the distance between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle is smaller than the set distance,
A set distance provisional determination unit that temporarily determines the set distance based on at least one of the traveling speed of the host vehicle and the relative speed between the host vehicle and the object;
A deceleration detection device that actually detects the deceleration of the host vehicle;
The temporary set distance temporarily determined by the set distance temporary determination unit is corrected so as to be smaller than when the actual deceleration detected by the deceleration detection device is large, and smaller than when the actual deceleration is small. An alarm device comprising: a set distance determining unit that sets a corrected value so as to be smaller when the relative deceleration of the vehicle with respect to the object is large than when the relative deceleration is small.   The main setting distance determination unit includes a correction unit that decreases the temporary setting distance when the deceleration of the host vehicle is larger than a reference value and increases the temporary setting distance when the deceleration is smaller than the reference value. Alarm device as described in.   The main set distance determination unit includes a correction unit that corrects the temporary set distance so that the temporary set distance is larger when it is detected that the host vehicle is decelerating than when the host vehicle is being accelerated. The alarm device according to claim 1 or 2.   The set distance determining unit determines the first approach distance as the temporary set distance based on the second approach distance determined based on the deceleration of the host vehicle and the relative deceleration of the host vehicle with respect to the object. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the temporarily set distance by adding a third approach distance.   The set distance determining unit determines the second approach distance according to a map as a negative value and a value that increases an absolute value of the second approach distance when the deceleration of the host vehicle is large compared to when the deceleration is small. The alarm device according to claim 4, comprising a determination unit.   The said setting distance determination part contains the determination part which determines the said 3rd approach distance according to the map showing the relationship between the said relative deceleration and the said 3rd approach distance based on the said relative deceleration. Or the alarm device of 5.   The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm device includes a relative deceleration acquisition device that acquires the relative deceleration based on a relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the object. An alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A travel control device that includes a travel control unit that controls a travel state of the host vehicle based on a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area ahead of the host vehicle.   The travel control device according to claim 8, wherein the set distance determination unit includes a correction unit that corrects the temporarily set distance when the control by the travel control unit is performed.   The main set distance determining unit further reduces the temporary set distance when the travel control unit performs deceleration control for decelerating the host vehicle, compared to when the deceleration control is not performed. The travel control device according to claim 8, further comprising: a correction unit that corrects the error. A traveling control unit that controls the traveling state of the host vehicle based on a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and an object existing in a predetermined setting area in front of the host vehicle, the host vehicle, and the front of the host vehicle. A warning device that issues a warning when the distance between an object existing in a predetermined setting area is smaller than the set distance, and (a) the traveling speed of the host vehicle, the host vehicle and the object A setting distance provisional determination unit that temporarily determines the setting distance based on at least one of the relative speeds between and (b) the provisional setting distance temporarily determined by the setting distance provisional determination unit. And a set distance determining unit that sets a corrected value so as to be smaller than when the deceleration control for decelerating the host vehicle is smaller than when the deceleration control is not performed. Running characterized by including Line control unit.

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