JP2009184454A - Traveling control device of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress giving incompatible feeling that traveling speed is not kept at target speed to an occupant immediately after switching on a set switch, in a cruise control device. <P>SOLUTION: The traveling control device of a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor 6 detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle; a target speed setting portion 15a setting the traveling speed at switching-on operation detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 as the target speed of the vehicle when the set switch 3d is switched on during traveling of the vehicle; and an acceleration/deceleration controlling portion 15b accelerating/decelerating the vehicle so as to keep the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 at the target speed. The traveling control device of the vehicle is also provided with a speed meter 11 indicating the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a speed display controlling portion 17a controlling the speed meter 11. Until predetermined time includes passed since the set switch 3d is switched on, the target speed is indicated as the traveling speed of the vehicle in the speed meter 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle travel control apparatus that controls a vehicle travel speed to be maintained at a target speed.

  Conventionally, a travel control device (cruise control device) that maintains a travel speed of a vehicle at a set target speed is known. In this type of device, a set switch that is usually operated by a vehicle occupant is provided, and when the occupant turns on the set switch, the vehicle traveling speed at the time of the on operation is set to a target speed. The throttle valve opening and the like are controlled (acceleration / deceleration control) so that the actual traveling speed of the vehicle is maintained at the target speed.

Various types of such travel control devices have been proposed for the purpose of improving the convenience of passengers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the set target speed is a restriction on the travel path on which the vehicle is traveling. A travel control device is disclosed that transmits excess speed information to an occupant when the vehicle speed is exceeded.
JP 2006-321354 A

  As described above, in the cruise control device, the traveling speed of the vehicle when the set switch is turned on is set to the target speed, and the constant speed traveling control is performed so as to maintain the traveling speed of the vehicle at the target speed. There is a slight time lag from the on operation by the occupant until the vehicle traveling speed is maintained at the target speed by the constant speed traveling control, so depending on the road surface condition on which the vehicle is traveling, The traveling speed of the vehicle may be faster than the target speed or slower than the target speed. In particular, on an uphill road or a downhill road, the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle immediately after the ON operation of the set switch is likely to occur. In other words, the traveling speed will decrease if there is no accelerator operation by the occupant on the uphill road, and the vehicle will tend to decelerate immediately after the set switch is turned on. As a result, the vehicle is likely to accelerate immediately after the ON operation.

  Thus, if the actual running speed of the vehicle fluctuates immediately after the set switch is turned on, the speed displayed on the speedometer provided on the instrument panel or the like fluctuates. There is a possibility that it may give a sense of incongruity that the running speed is not maintained at the target speed despite being started.

  In order to solve this problem, the time lag from when the set switch is turned on until the travel speed of the vehicle is maintained at the target speed is eliminated, and at the same time when the on-operation is performed, the travel speed of the vehicle is maintained so as not to fluctuate. Although it is conceivable to carry out such control, it is difficult to perform such control corresponding to various road surface conditions.

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object of the present invention is immediately after a set switch is turned on in a vehicle travel control device that controls the vehicle travel speed to be maintained at a target speed. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a travel speed detecting means for detecting a travel speed of a vehicle, a switch means operated by a vehicle occupant, and detected by the travel speed detecting means when the switch means is turned on when the vehicle is traveling. Target speed setting means for setting the travel speed at the time of the ON operation as the target speed of the vehicle, and acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle so as to maintain the travel speed detected by the travel speed detection means at the target speed. A vehicle travel control device comprising acceleration / deceleration control means, the speed display means for displaying the travel speed of the vehicle, and the target speed for the vehicle until a predetermined time elapses after the on operation. And a speed display control means for controlling the speed display means so as to display it as a traveling speed of the vehicle.

  In this way, when the switch means is turned on during vehicle travel, the vehicle travel speed at the time of the on operation is set as the target speed, and this target speed is maintained until the predetermined time elapses after the on operation. Since the speed is displayed by the speed display means, even if the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated immediately after the switch means is turned on, the traveling speed of the vehicle displayed by the speed display means does not vary until a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, when the switch means is turned on, it is possible to suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the vehicle further includes an inclination state detection unit that detects an inclination state of a traveling road on which the vehicle is traveling, and the speed display control unit is The speed display means is controlled only when an inclination state of the travel path is detected.

  Thus, the speed display control means controls the speed display means only when the inclination state detection means detects the inclination state of the traveling road, so that the speed display control means controls compared to the uphill road and downhill road. It is possible to reduce the chance of control on a flat road where the necessity of the control is low. In addition, the traveling speed of the vehicle displayed by the speed display means does not fluctuate until the predetermined time has elapsed, particularly on an uphill or downhill road where the vehicle is likely to decelerate or accelerate immediately after the switch means is turned on. On the other hand, it is possible to suppress an uncomfortable feeling that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  A third invention further includes a navigation system having road map information storage means for storing road map information including road gradient information in the second invention, wherein the inclination state detection means is the road map information storage means. Based on the road gradient information stored in the vehicle, the inclination state of the travel road is detected.

  Thereby, in a vehicle equipped with a navigation system, road map information can be used effectively.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the vehicle further includes a tilt sensor that detects the tilt state of the vehicle, and the tilt state detecting means is based on the tilt state of the vehicle detected by the tilt sensor. It is comprised so that the inclination state of the said travel path may be detected.

  In this way, by detecting the inclination state of the traveling road using the inclination sensor, it is possible to accurately detect the inclination state of the traveling road on which the vehicle is currently traveling. Therefore, immediately after the switch means is turned on, it is possible to reliably suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the second to fourth inventions, further includes a predetermined time changing unit that changes the predetermined time based on the tilt state detected by the tilt state detecting unit. It is characterized by.

  As described above, since the predetermined time is changed based on the inclination state detected by the inclination state detecting means, the predetermined time becomes longer on the road with a large inclination, and therefore, the predetermined time elapses after the ON operation. Thus, the traveling speed of the vehicle and the target speed can be easily matched. As a result, even when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating immediately after the switch means is turned on and the traveling speed is long enough to coincide with the target speed, the speed is displayed after the predetermined time has passed. The traveling speed of the vehicle displayed by the means is less likely to fluctuate. Therefore, immediately after the switch means is turned on, it is possible to further suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, further includes a predetermined time setting means for setting the predetermined time to a time until the traveling speed of the vehicle matches the target speed. It is characterized by this.

  In this way, since the predetermined time is set to the time until the vehicle traveling speed matches the target speed, the vehicle traveling speed displayed by the speed display means does not fluctuate. It is possible to more reliably suppress the occupant from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  According to the present invention, the travel speed when the switch means is turned on is set as the target speed of the vehicle, and the target speed is displayed as the travel speed of the vehicle until a predetermined time elapses after the on operation. Even if the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated immediately after the switch means is turned on, the vehicle traveling speed displayed by the display means does not fluctuate until a predetermined time elapses. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle (which is an automobile in the present embodiment) W equipped with a travel control device according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a meter unit (speed display means) provided on the instrument panel 21, and reference numeral 3 denotes a switch operation unit provided on the steering wheel 22 that is operated by an occupant (driver) of the vehicle W. It is. The switch operation unit 3 is connected to a PCM (powertrain control module) 15 (see FIG. 4), and inputs an instruction from an occupant to the PCM 15. The meter unit 1 is connected to an ACC controller 17 (see FIG. 4), and display control is performed by the ACC controller 17 that has received an instruction from the PCM 15.

  The vehicle W is provided with an inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 composed of a radar or the like that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle W and a preceding vehicle (not shown). The inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 detects the inter-vehicle distance sensor 5. The preceding vehicle information (such as the inter-vehicle distance, the relative speed and angular position of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle W) is input to the ACC controller 17.

  The vehicle W has a vehicle speed sensor (travel speed detecting means) 6 that detects the actual travel speed of the vehicle W, an accelerator sensor 7 that detects that the accelerator pedal has been depressed, and a brake pedal that has been depressed. A brake sensor 8 or the like for detecting the above is provided, and detection information from these sensors is input to the PCM 15.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 9 denotes an autoactuator composed of a throttle, a brake and the like. The operation of the autoactuator 9 is controlled by an acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b (see FIG. 4) in the PCM15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the meter unit 1 has an analog speedometer 11 as a speed display means for displaying the traveling speed of the vehicle W, a tachometer 12 indicating the engine speed, and a state of control by the travel control device. A display unit 13 or the like for displaying is provided.

  The display unit 13 includes a target speed indicator 13a and a target inter-vehicle distance indicator 13b so that the inter-vehicle distance detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 5, the target speed set by the occupant, and the target inter-vehicle distance are displayed. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the switch operation unit 3 is provided on the right spoke portion 22a of the three spoke portions 22a of the steering wheel 22 as viewed from the driver's seat, and is arranged in four directions vertically and horizontally. It consists of switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3 a is a main switch for setting an ACC function (cruise system), which will be described later, to an operating (on) state or a non-operating (off) state, and reference numeral 3 b is a cancel switch for canceling the control by the travel control device. Reference numeral 3c is a target inter-vehicle distance setting switch for setting the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle W and the preceding vehicle, and reference numeral 3d is a target speed setting switch (switch means) for setting the target speed of the vehicle W. is there.

  The target speed setting switch 3d has a lever that protrudes toward the occupant on the upper side (the side indicated as “RES / +” in FIG. 3) or the lower side (the side indicated as “SET / −” in FIG. 3). ) To be operated. Then, after the cruise system is turned on by the operation of the main switch 3a, when the occupant first performs an operation of turning down the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d (ON operation), the constant speed travel mode (auto cruise) Mode) and the actual traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 at the time of the operation is set as the target speed of the vehicle W. After this setting, if the operation of tilting the lever of the target speed setting switch 3d upward is performed once, the target speed is increased by a predetermined speed, while if the operation of tilting downward is performed once, the target speed is decreased by a predetermined speed. It is supposed to be. That is, in the present embodiment, the target speed setting switch 3d has both a set switch function (constant speed travel mode setting function and target speed setting function) and a target speed change switch function. Hereinafter, the target speed setting switch 3d when operating as a function of the set switch is referred to as a set switch 3d.

  The traveling control device according to the present embodiment sets the target traveling speed that is set to the constant traveling mode by the operation of the set switch 3d and the occupant sets the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W when there is no preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle W. On the other hand, when there is a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle W, the following travel mode is set to follow the preceding vehicle, and the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 5 is set to the target inter-vehicle distance. The distance setting switch 3c has an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) function that matches the target inter-vehicle distance set by the occupant.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the traveling control device includes a PCM 15 that is an engine controller and an ACC controller 17 that performs control in the follow-up traveling mode. The PCM 15 and the ACC controller 17 input and output information to and from each other. Thus, the operation information of the operation switches 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d in the operation unit 3 is output from the PCM 15 to the ACC controller 17, and the deceleration or acceleration instruction in the follow-up travel mode is output from the ACC controller 17 to the PCM 15. Information is output. It is also possible to give the PCM 15 the function of the ACC controller 17 so that the PCM 15 performs control in the follow-up running mode. Hereinafter, control in the constant speed traveling mode in which no preceding vehicle exists in front of the vehicle W will be described.

  When the main switch 3a is turned on by an occupant of the vehicle W while the vehicle is running, the on-operation information is input to the PCM 15 and the cruise system is activated. If the set switch 3d is turned on by the occupant while the cruise system is operating (falling down), the constant speed running mode is set and this on operation information is stored in the target in the PCM 15. Input to the speed setting unit 15a. Further, the vehicle speed sensor 6 detects the actual traveling speed (for example, 80 km / h) of the vehicle W at the time of the on operation, and the traveling speed is input to the target speed setting unit 15a.

  The target speed setting unit (target speed setting means) 15a receives the ON operation information of the set switch 3d (at the time of ON operation), and the traveling speed (80 km / h) at the time of the ON operation detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 Is set as the target speed of the vehicle W. The target speed is input to the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b in the PCM 15 and input to the ACC controller 17.

  The acceleration / deceleration control unit (acceleration / deceleration control means) 15b accelerates / decelerates the vehicle W so that the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 is maintained at the target speed. More specifically, the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b determines the travel speed of the vehicle W and the target when the travel speed of the vehicle W becomes faster or slower than the target speed immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on. The auto actuator 9 is operated so that the deviation from the speed converges to zero.

  On the other hand, when the target speed is input to the ACC controller 17, the target speed is displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13, and the speed display control unit (speed display control means) 17a in the ACC controller 17 is set. The speedometer 11 is controlled so that the target speed is displayed as the traveling speed of the vehicle W from when the switch 3d is turned on until a predetermined time elapses. More specifically, the speed display control unit 17a outputs the pointer control instruction information to the speedometer 11, and sets the instruction value of the speedometer 11 so that the speedometer 11 displays the target speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle W. In addition to fixing the target speed, a timer (not shown) in the ACC controller 17 is operated, and when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) input in advance after the timer has operated, the indicated value of the speedometer 11 It is comprised so that fixation of may be cancelled | released. That is, when the target speed is 80 km / h, the speed display control unit 17a detects the actual vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 until a predetermined time of 5 seconds elapses from when the set switch 3d is turned on. Even if the traveling speed of the vehicle becomes 79 km / h or 81 km / h, the indicated value of the speedometer 11 is fixed so that the target speed of 80 km / h is displayed.

  Then, the speedometer 11 displays the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 when the predetermined value has elapsed and the fixing of the instruction value is released by the speed display control unit 17a. Thus, the target speed displayed on the target speed indicator 13a of the display unit 13 and the traveling speed of the vehicle W displayed on the speedometer 11 from when the set switch 3d is turned on until a predetermined time elapses. Will match. When a predetermined time elapses from the on-operation time, the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W is displayed on the speedometer 11, but the actual traveling speed and the target speed are reduced by acceleration / deceleration control of the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b. If it does, the same speed as the target speed will be displayed. Therefore, even if the traveling speed of the vehicle W fluctuates immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the traveling speed from being transmitted to the occupant via the speedometer 11.

-Processing operation of the travel control device-
Here, the processing operation of the travel control device will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step SA1, it is determined whether or not the cruise system is in an ON state. If the determination in step SA1 is NO, the operation in step SA1 is repeated. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA1 is yes, the process proceeds to step SA2.

  In the next step SA2, it is determined whether or not the set switch 3d has been turned on, that is, whether or not the constant speed running mode has been set. When the determination at step SA2 is NO, the operation at step SA2 is repeated. On the other hand, when the determination in step SA2 is YES, the process proceeds to step SA3.

  In step SA3, the target speed setting unit 15a sets the traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 at the time of the ON operation in step SA2 as the target speed of the vehicle W, and then proceeds to step SA4. move on.

  In the next step SA4, the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b starts acceleration / deceleration control for controlling the throttle opening and the like so as to maintain the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W at the target speed.

  In the next step SA5, the speed display control unit 17a fixes the indicated value of the speedometer 11 so as to display the target speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle W, and then proceeds to step SA6.

  In the next step SA6, the timer in the ACC controller 17 is activated, and then the process proceeds to step SA7. In step SA7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the ON operation (timer operation). If the determination in step SA7 is NO, the operation in step SA7 is repeated. On the other hand, when the determination in step SA7 is YES, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SA8.

  In the next step SA8, the speed display control unit 17a releases the fixation of the indicated value of the speedometer 11, and thereafter ends the processing operation. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the operations from step SA4 to step SA6 have been described in order, but these operations are executed almost simultaneously.

-Effect-
According to the present embodiment, when the set switch 3d is turned on during vehicle travel, the travel speed at the time of the on operation is set as the target speed of the vehicle W, and the target speed is maintained until a predetermined time elapses after the on operation. Since the speed is displayed by the speedometer 11 as the traveling speed of the vehicle W, even if acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle W occurs immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on, the speedometer 11 displays until a predetermined time elapses. The traveling speed of the vehicle W does not fluctuate. Therefore, when the set switch 3d is turned on, it is possible to suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the navigation device 31, the tilt state detection unit 15c, and the predetermined time change unit 15d are provided, and the configuration of the speed display control unit 17a. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the travel control device includes a navigation device (navigation system) 31, and the PCM 15 includes an inclination state detection unit (inclination state detection means) in addition to the target speed setting unit 15a and the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b. ) 15c and a predetermined time changing unit (predetermined time changing means) 15d. The navigation device 31 has a GPS sensor 31a for detecting the current position of the vehicle W and a DVD-ROM (road map information storage means) 31b for storing road map information including road gradient information. These GPS sensors 31a. The DVD-ROM 31b is connected to the PCM 15 and inputs the respective information to the PCM 15. The navigation device 31 performs navigation based on the current position information of the vehicle W detected by the GPS sensor 31a and the road map information stored in the DVD-ROM 31b.

  The inclination state detection unit 15c is configured to detect the inclination state of the traveling road on which the vehicle W is traveling based on road gradient information stored in the DVD-ROM 31b. Specifically, the inclination state detection unit 15c obtains the inclination state when the inclination of the traveling road on which the vehicle W is currently traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, the gradient is 1% or more) obtained from the road gradient information. Configured to detect. When the inclination state of the traveling road is detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c, the detection result information of the inclination state is input to the predetermined time changing unit 15d.

  The predetermined time changing unit 15d is configured to change a predetermined time for fixing the indicated value of the speedometer 11 to the target speed based on the inclination state detected by the inclination state detecting unit 15c. Specifically, the predetermined time changing unit 15d increases the absolute value of the gradient of the traveling road regardless of whether the traveling road is an uphill road (uphill gradient) or a downhill road (downhill gradient). For example, when the slope of the road is 2%, the predetermined time is changed from 5 sec to 15 sec, and when the slope of the road is 1.5%, the predetermined time is set. The time is changed from 5 sec to 10 sec. The reason for changing the predetermined time based on the detected inclination state is that the fluctuation in the traveling speed increases as the inclination (gradient) increases on the uphill road or downhill road, and the changed traveling speed becomes the target speed. This is because it takes time to return, and this causes the predetermined time to be changed longer on the road with a large slope (gradient), so that the predetermined time elapses from the ON operation (within the predetermined time). It becomes easy for the traveling speed of the vehicle W and the target speed to coincide with each other.

  The predetermined time changed by the predetermined time changing unit 15d is input to the speed display control unit 17a. The speed display control unit 17a then displays the target speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle W until a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) changed from when the set switch 3d is turned on. To control.

  On the other hand, when the inclination state of the traveling road is not detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c (for example, when the gradient is less than 1%), the non-detection result information of the inclination state is input to the speed display control unit 17a. In the embodiment, the speed display control unit 17a is configured to control the speedometer 11 only when the inclination state of the traveling road is detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c. The value is not fixed to the target speed, and the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 is displayed on the speedometer 11.

-Processing operation of the travel control device-
Here, the processing operation of the travel control device will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that steps SB1 to SB4 in FIG. 7 are the same as steps SA1 to SA4 in FIG.

  In step SB5, based on the road gradient information stored in the DVD-ROM 31b, it is determined whether or not the inclination of the traveling road on which the vehicle W is currently traveling is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the determination in step SB5 is performed. When the determination is NO, that is, when the slope of the currently traveling road is less than a predetermined value, the processing operation is terminated. On the other hand, when the determination in step SB5 is YES, the process proceeds to step SB6.

  In the next step SB6, the speed display control unit 17a fixes the indicated value of the speedometer 11 to the target speed so as to display the target speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle W, and then proceeds to step SB7.

  In the next step SB7, the predetermined time changing unit 15d changes the predetermined time based on the inclination state (the absolute value of the gradient) of the traveling road detected by the inclination state detecting unit 15c, and then proceeds to step SB8. . In step SB8, the timer is activated, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SB9.

  In the next step SB9, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time changed in step SB7 has elapsed since the ON operation (timer operation). If the determination in step SB9 is NO, the predetermined time has elapsed. Step SB9 is repeated until step SB9. On the other hand, when the determination in step SB9 is YES, that is, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the on operation, the process proceeds to step SB10.

  In the next step SB10, the speed display control unit 17a releases the fixing of the instruction value of the speedometer 11, and thereafter ends the processing operation.

-Effect-
According to the present embodiment, the speed display control unit 17a controls the speedometer 11 only when the inclination state of the traveling road is detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c. Therefore, the speed display control unit 17a is faster than the uphill road and the downhill road. Opportunities for control on a flat traveling road where the necessity of control by the display control unit 17a is low can be reduced.

  Further, the traveling speed of the vehicle W displayed by the speedometer 11 does not vary until a predetermined time has elapsed, particularly on an uphill or downhill road where the vehicle W is likely to be decelerated or accelerated immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on. It is possible to suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  Furthermore, since the inclination state detection unit 15c is configured to detect the inclination state of the travel path based on the road gradient information stored in the road map information storage unit of the navigation device 31, the navigation device 31 is In the mounted vehicle W, road map information can be used effectively.

  In addition, since the predetermined time is changed based on the inclination state detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c, the predetermined time becomes longer on a traveling road with a large inclination. It becomes easy for the traveling speed of the vehicle W and the target speed to coincide with each other (within a predetermined time). As a result, the vehicle W is likely to be accelerated or decelerated immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on, and the uphill and downhill roads that require a long time to return to the target speed, even after a predetermined time has elapsed. The traveling speed of the vehicle W displayed by the speedometer 11 is unlikely to fluctuate. Therefore, immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on, it is possible to further suppress the occupant from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

(Embodiment 3)
The present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a tilt sensor 39 is provided instead of the navigation device 31 and a predetermined time setting unit 15e is provided instead of the predetermined time changing unit 15d. Hereinafter, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the travel control apparatus includes an inclination sensor 39, and the PCM 15 includes a predetermined time setting unit (predetermined time) in addition to the target speed setting unit 15a, the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b, and the inclination state detection unit 15c. Setting means) 15e.

  The tilt sensor (tilt sensor) 39 detects the tilt of the vehicle W and detects the tilt state of the vehicle W. The inclination state detection unit 15c is configured to detect the inclination state of the traveling road based on the inclination state of the vehicle W detected by the inclination sensor 39. When the inclination state of the traveling road is detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c, the detection result information of the inclination state is input to the speed display control unit 17a. The speed display control unit 17a controls the speedometer 11 only when the inclination state of the traveling road is detected by the inclination state detection unit 15c. Instead of the tilt sensor 39, a tilt sensor 39 having a radar or the like that directly measures the gradient of the traveling road ahead of the vehicle W may be used.

  The predetermined time setting unit 15e is configured to set a predetermined time for fixing the indicated value of the speedometer 11 to the target speed as a time until the traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed. Specifically, the predetermined time setting unit 15e determines whether or not the deviation between the target speed set by the target speed setting unit 15a and the actual traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 has converged to zero. The time until the target speed matches the actual traveling speed is set as a predetermined time. That is, in the present embodiment, unlike the above embodiments, the fixed value of the speedometer 11 is not released on the condition that a predetermined time has passed, and the actual traveling speed is determined by the acceleration / deceleration control unit 15b. On the condition that the target speeds coincide with each other, the indication value of the speedometer 11 is released from being fixed. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the timer from the time when the set switch 3d is turned on, and when the predetermined time set by the predetermined time setting unit 15e is input to the speed display control unit 17a, the indication value of the speedometer 11 is fixed. Canceled.

-Processing operation of the travel control device-
Here, the processing operation of the travel control device will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that steps SC1 to SC6 in FIG. 9 are the same as steps SB1 to SB6 in FIG.

  In step SC7, it is determined whether or not the deviation between the traveling speed of the vehicle W detected by the vehicle speed sensor 6 and the target speed has converged to 0, that is, whether or not the traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed. When the determination at step SC7 is NO, the operation at step SC7 is repeated until the traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed. On the other hand, when the determination in step SC7 is YES, that is, when the traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed, the process proceeds to step SC8.

  In the next step SC8, the speed display control unit 17a releases the fixing of the indicated value of the speedometer 11, and thereafter ends the processing operation.

-Effect-
According to the present embodiment, by detecting the inclination state of the traveling road using the inclination sensor 39, the inclination state of the traveling road on which the vehicle W is currently traveling can be accurately detected. Therefore, immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on, it is possible to reliably suppress the passenger from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed even though the constant speed traveling is started.

  Further, since the predetermined time is set to the time until the traveling speed of the vehicle W matches the target speed, the traveling speed of the vehicle W displayed by the speedometer 11 does not fluctuate, so immediately after the set switch 3d is turned on. It is possible to more reliably suppress the occupant from feeling uncomfortable that the traveling speed is not maintained at the target speed although the constant speed traveling is started.

(Other embodiments)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the analog display type is used as the speedometer 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a digital display type speedometer may be used.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the switch operation part 3 comprised by four operation switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d located in a line up, down, left, and right was provided in the spoke part 22a of the steering wheel 22, switch operation part 3 The shape and position of the are not limited to this.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the navigation device 31 and the predetermined time changing unit 15d are combined, and in the third embodiment, the tilt sensor 39 and the predetermined time setting unit 15e are combined, but the tilt state detecting unit 15c and the predetermined time changing unit 15d are combined. The combination of the time changing unit 15d and the predetermined time setting unit 15e is not limited to this.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  As described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for a vehicle travel control device and the like for controlling the vehicle travel speed to be maintained at a target speed.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with a travel control device according to the present invention. It is an enlarged view of the meter unit provided in the instrument panel of a vehicle. It is a lineblock diagram of the steering wheel of vehicles. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a traveling control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation in a traveling control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a traveling control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation in a traveling control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a traveling control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation in a traveling control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

3d Target speed setting switch (set switch) (switch means)
6 Vehicle speed sensor (travel speed detection means)
9 Auto actuator (acceleration / deceleration control means)
11 Speedometer (speed display means)
15a Target speed setting unit (target speed setting means)
15b Acceleration / deceleration control unit (acceleration / deceleration control means)
15c Inclination state detection unit (inclination state detection means)
15d Predetermined time changing unit (predetermined time changing means)
15e Predetermined time setting unit (predetermined time setting means)
17a Speed display control unit (speed display control means)
31 Navigation device (navigation system)
31b DVD-ROM (road map information storage means)
39 Inclination sensor W Vehicle

Claims (6)

Traveling speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle;
Switch means operated by an occupant of the vehicle;
Target speed setting means for setting, as a target speed of the vehicle, a travel speed at the time of the on operation detected by the travel speed detection means when the switch means is turned on during vehicle travel;
A vehicle travel control device comprising acceleration / deceleration control means for accelerating or decelerating the vehicle so as to maintain the travel speed detected by the travel speed detecting means at the target speed,
Speed display means for displaying the traveling speed of the vehicle;
A vehicle further comprising speed display control means for controlling the speed display means so as to display the target speed as the traveling speed of the vehicle until a predetermined time elapses after the ON operation. Travel control device. The vehicle travel control apparatus according to claim 1,
Further comprising an inclination state detecting means for detecting an inclination state of a traveling road on which the vehicle is traveling,
The speed display control means is configured to control the speed display means only when the slope state of the travel path is detected by the slope state detection means. . The vehicle travel control apparatus according to claim 2,
A navigation system having road map information storage means for storing road map information including road gradient information;
The vehicle travel control device, wherein the inclination state detection means is configured to detect an inclination state of the travel road based on road gradient information stored in the road map information storage means. The vehicle travel control apparatus according to claim 2,
A tilt sensor for detecting the tilt state of the vehicle;
The vehicle travel control device, wherein the inclination state detection means is configured to detect an inclination state of the travel path based on an inclination state of the vehicle detected by the inclination sensor. In the traveling control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A vehicle travel control apparatus, further comprising a predetermined time changing means for changing the predetermined time based on the inclination state detected by the inclination state detecting means. In the travel control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A vehicle travel control apparatus, further comprising a predetermined time setting means for setting the predetermined time to a time until the travel speed of the vehicle coincides with the target speed.

Images