JP2010114999A - Voltage controller of vehicle generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a voltage controller of a vehicle generator which can improve fuel efficiency without making a crew recognize flickering of a headlight. <P>SOLUTION: The supply voltage from a generator 5 to a battery 4 is controlled to a first voltage V1 during deceleration, and controlled to a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 during non-deceleration. When a decision is made that discrimination is in bad state, the supply voltage is regulated to the second voltage V2 lower than the supply voltage (the third voltage V3) when a decision is made that discrimination is in good state, and thereby the fuel efficiency can be improved without making a crew recognize flickering. Furthermore, the state where the crew does not recognize flickering can be determined accurately because discrimination state is detected using the illuminance, presence of the vehicle ahead, the steering angle and the degree of forward tilt of the vehicle as parameters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a voltage control device for a vehicle generator that supplies power to a vehicle electrical load and charges a battery, and belongs to the technical field of power generation voltage control for a vehicle generator.

  Generally, when a vehicle such as an automobile is decelerating, the output voltage of the generator driven by the engine is increased to charge the battery, thereby recovering deceleration energy and improving fuel efficiency. It is known to reduce the engine load and increase the acceleration performance by lowering the voltage (Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, when the output voltage is switched as described above, there is a problem of so-called flickering that the power supply voltage to the lamp such as a headlamp connected to the generator fluctuates and the lamp suddenly becomes brighter or darker. . Patent Document 2 controls the power generation voltage of the generator so that the battery voltage becomes the adjustment voltage. When the adjustment voltage is switched to the target voltage, the battery voltage before switching gradually approaches the target voltage. Proposed.

  In Patent Document 2, since the power generation voltage of the generator gradually approaches the target voltage from the battery voltage before switching, the battery voltage does not change suddenly and the illuminance of the headlamp suddenly becomes brighter or darker. It is possible to prevent the influence on the electric load.

JP-A-5-137275 JP-A-5-103433

  However, when switching the generator's power generation voltage to the target voltage, the control of always gradually approaching the target voltage from the battery voltage before switching sufficiently achieves the original purpose of recovering deceleration energy and improving fuel efficiency. Can not do it.

  On the other hand, the problem of flicker cannot be solved simply by reducing the voltage difference between the battery voltage before switching and the target voltage. In other words, the problem of flickering of the headlamp is not the occurrence of flickering itself, but whether the occupant who is operating identifies the light / dark change of the headlamp, or the so-called occupant's perception of flickering is a problem. . That is, even if the same flickering occurs, there is a case where the occupant does not identify the change in brightness of the headlamp depending on the environmental conditions such as the weather and ambient brightness, and the case where the occupant does not identify the flickering is switched. Gradually approaching the target voltage from the previous battery voltage or reducing the voltage difference causes unnecessary fuel consumption deterioration.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a voltage control device for a vehicular generator that can improve fuel consumption without recognizing flickering of a headlamp by an occupant.

  A voltage generator for a vehicle generator according to the present invention includes a battery that supplies electric power to an electric load for a vehicle including a headlamp, a generator that is rotated by an engine and supplies electric power to the electric load and the battery, Voltage control means for controlling the supply voltage from the generator to the battery during deceleration to the first voltage, and for controlling the supply voltage from the generator to the battery during non-deceleration to a second voltage lower than the first voltage; Have

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the headlamp, a first parameter value detection means for detecting a first parameter value related to light / dark discrimination of the headlamp, and the first parameter value. Based on the lightness / darkness distinguishability determination means for determining the distinctness good state in which the occupant can identify the light / dark change of the headlamp and the distinguishability reject state in which the light / dark change cannot be identified, In this case, the second voltage control means for lowering the second voltage is provided as compared with the case where it is determined that the discrimination state is good.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the first parameter value detecting means and the light / dark distinction determining means are provided, the distinctiveness by which the occupant can identify the light / dark change of the headlamp without being involved in the voltage change supplied from the generator to the battery. It is possible to determine the good state and the distinctive / non-identifiable state in which a change in light and darkness cannot be identified, and it is possible to perform supply voltage reduction control based on the occupant identification state.

  The invention of claim 2 has the illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle according to the invention of claim 1, and the light / dark discrimination determination means determines whether the discrimination is good or not when the illuminance is a predetermined value or more. It is characterized by determining the state.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a front vehicle detecting means for detecting another vehicle located in front of the vehicle, wherein the light / dark discrimination determining means has the illuminance less than a predetermined value and When there is another vehicle in front of the vehicle, it is determined that the state is in a discriminability state.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a steering angle detecting means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle, wherein the light / dark discrimination determining means has the illuminance less than a predetermined value and the steering angle. When the angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, it is determined that the state is a discriminability state.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the second parameter value detecting means for detecting the second parameter value related to the forward leaning posture of the vehicle, and the front of the vehicle based on the second parameter value. A forward tilt posture determination unit that determines a tilt degree, and the light / dark discrimination determination unit determines that the discriminability is negative when the illuminance is less than a predetermined value and the forward tilt level is a predetermined value or less. It is characterized by.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the vehicle has a deceleration detecting means for detecting a deceleration of the vehicle, and the forward leaning posture determining means has a smaller forward leaning degree as the deceleration is smaller. It is characterized by determining.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the third parameter value detecting means for detecting a third parameter value related to the number of occupants boarding the vehicle and the vehicle based on the third parameter value. The number of occupants to be boarded is determined, and the forward leaning posture determining means determines that the forward leaning degree is smaller as the number of occupants is larger.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising road surface gradient detecting means for detecting a road surface gradient on which the vehicle travels, and the forward leaning posture determining means is configured to increase the degree of forward inclination as the upward gradient increases. Is determined to be small.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the headlamp, first parameter value detection means for detecting a first parameter value related to light / dark discrimination of the headlamp, and the first parameter value. Based on the lightness / darkness distinguishability determination means for determining the distinctness good state in which the occupant can identify the light / dark change of the headlamp and the distinguishability reject state in which the light / dark change cannot be identified, In this case, it is characterized by having a voltage drop control means for increasing the voltage drop rate from the first voltage to the second voltage as compared with the case where it is determined that the discrimination state is good.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, since the first parameter value detecting means and the light / dark distinction determining means are provided, the occupant is not involved in the voltage change supplied from the generator to the battery, similarly to the first aspect of the invention. It is possible to determine a good discrimination state in which the light / dark change of the headlamp can be identified, and a discriminability reject state in which the light / dark change cannot be discriminated, and it is possible to perform supply voltage reduction control based on the occupant identification state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the lightness / darkness distinguishability determining unit determines that the state is indistinguishable, the second voltage is reduced compared to the case in which it is determined that the state has good distinguishability. Fuel consumption can be improved without recognizing flickering of headlights.

  That is, in order to control the supply voltage from the generator to the battery during deceleration to the first voltage, and to control the supply voltage from the generator to the battery during non-deceleration to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, Voltage control with an emphasis on fuel consumption can be achieved. In addition, when it is determined that the state of discrimination is not good, the second voltage is decreased compared to the case where it is determined that the state of good discrimination is high. , Fuel economy can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle has the illuminance detection means. It is possible to accurately determine a state in which no recognition is made. That is, the illuminance is accurately detected as a parameter for a state in which the surroundings of the vehicle are bright and the occupant does not recognize the change in brightness even when the change in brightness is caused.

  According to invention of Claim 3, it has a front vehicle detection means which detects the other vehicle located ahead of a vehicle, and the said brightness / darkness discrimination | determination determination means has the other vehicle in front of a vehicle with the said illumination intensity being less than predetermined value. In this case, since it is determined as the discriminability state, it is possible to accurately determine the state in which the occupant does not recognize the flicker even when the surroundings of the vehicle are dark. That is, when there is a forward vehicle, the occupant pays attention to the forward vehicle, so that the presence of the vehicle ahead is accurately detected as a parameter in a state where the occupant does not recognize the change in brightness.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering angle detecting means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle, wherein the light / dark discrimination determining means has the illuminance less than a predetermined value and the steering angle is not less than a predetermined angle. Since it is determined as the discriminability state, it is possible to accurately determine a state in which the occupant does not recognize flicker even when the surroundings of the vehicle are dark. In other words, when the vehicle is turning, the occupant gazes in the direction of travel ahead of the turn, so the state in which the occupant does not identify the change in brightness is accurately detected using the steering angle as a parameter.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the second parameter value detecting means for detecting the second parameter value related to the forward leaning posture of the vehicle, and the forward lean for determining the forward leaning degree of the vehicle based on the second parameter value. Posture discrimination means, and the light / dark discrimination ability judgment means judges that the state is discriminability when the illuminance is less than a predetermined value and the forward tilt degree is not more than a predetermined value. The state in which the occupant does not recognize the flicker can be accurately determined. That is, when the vehicle is in a forward leaning posture, attention is paid to the irradiation area of the road surface, so that the degree of forward leaning is accurately detected as a parameter for a state in which the occupant does not identify a change in light and darkness.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle has the deceleration detection means for detecting the deceleration of the vehicle, and the forward lean posture determination means determines that the forward lean degree is smaller as the deceleration is smaller. The degree of deceleration can be determined as a parameter, and the state in which the occupant does not recognize flicker can be determined with high accuracy.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the third parameter value detecting means for detecting the third parameter value related to the number of passengers on the vehicle, and the number of passengers on the vehicle are determined based on the third parameter value. Since the forward leaning posture determination means determines that the forward leaning degree is smaller as the number of passengers increases, the forward leaning degree can be determined using the number of passengers as a parameter, and the occupant flickers. An unrecognized state can be accurately determined.

  According to the invention of claim 8, the vehicle has road surface gradient detection means for detecting the road surface gradient on which the vehicle travels, and the forward lean posture determination means determines that the forward inclination degree is smaller as the upward gradient is larger. A road surface gradient can be determined as a parameter for the degree of forward tilt, and a state in which the occupant does not recognize flicker can be accurately determined.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the discriminability determination state is determined, the voltage drop rate from the first voltage to the second voltage is increased as compared with the case where the discriminability determination state is determined. Therefore, basically the same effect as that of the invention of claim 1 can be obtained. Moreover, since the voltage change rate is small in the good discrimination state, flicker recognition by the occupant can be further suppressed.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a voltage control device for a vehicular generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes an engine 2, a battery 4 that supplies electric power to a vehicle electrical load 3 such as an air conditioner, a rear brake light, a defogger, an audio unit, and a headlamp 3 h (not shown); A belt-driven electric load 3 and a generator 5 that supplies power to the battery 4 are configured. The battery 4 is a lead storage battery generally used for automobiles, and the generator 5 includes an alternator and a regulator for adjusting voltage generation.

  The vehicle 1 is provided with a control unit 6 that controls the generated voltage V of the generator 5. The control unit 6 includes an engine speed sensor 7 that detects the speed Ne of the engine 2, a vehicle speed sensor 8 that detects the traveling vehicle speed Vs of the vehicle 1, and an accelerator opening sensor 9 that detects the accelerator opening θa. The illuminance sensor 10 that is installed in the instrument panel and detects the illuminance Ilu around the outside of the vehicle 1 is connected to be able to transmit and receive a detection signal.

  Further, the vehicle 1 includes a CCD camera 11 that captures a front image Ca of the vehicle 1 that is installed in the vicinity of the rearview mirror and travels forward or detects an oncoming vehicle, and a seat weight Pa that is installed below each seat. The seat pressure sensor 12 for detecting the vehicle, the gradient sensor 13 for detecting the road surface gradient Di traveled by the vehicle 1, the steering angle sensor 14 for detecting the steering angle As of the vehicle 1 installed on the steering wheel, and the on / off state of the headlamp 3h A headlamp switch 15 for detecting Lsw is connected so that a detection signal can be transmitted and received.

  The control unit 6 includes a voltage control unit 16 (voltage control unit), a light / dark discrimination determination unit 17 (light / dark discrimination determination unit), and a forward tilt posture determination unit 18 (forward tilt posture determination unit). .

  The voltage control unit 16 controls the output voltage of the generator 5 to a first voltage V1, for example 15.0V, when the vehicle speed is reduced, when the rotation speed Ne of the engine 2 is a predetermined value, for example, 600rpm or more. When Ne is less than 600 rpm and the vehicle is decelerated, the output voltage of the generator 5 is controlled to a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1, for example, 12.5V.

  The vehicle is decelerated when the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined vehicle speed Vs and the accelerator opening θa is fully closed, so-called zero. When the vehicle is decelerated, the deceleration fuel that stops the fuel supply to the engine 2 is determined. Cutting. Note that the deceleration fuel cut is configured so that the rotational speed Ne of the engine 2 is restored when a predetermined value, for example, 600 rpm or more. That is, the voltage control unit 16 adjusts and controls the output voltage of the generator 5 to the first voltage V1 when the deceleration fuel cut is executed, and the output voltage of the generator 5 to the second voltage V2 when the fuel is restored. .

  When the headlamp 3h is in the on state, the light / dark discriminability determination unit 17 determines whether the occupant can identify the light / dark change of the headlamp 3h based on the first parameter value related to the light / dark discrimination of the headlamp 3h. It is determined whether or not the change is indistinguishable. The first parameter value includes an illuminance Ilu around the outside of the vehicle 1, a vehicle 1 front image Ca for detecting a forward vehicle, a steering angle As, and a second parameter value related to a forward leaning posture. The second parameter value includes the deceleration of the vehicle 1, the number of passengers (third parameter value), and the road surface gradient Di.

  The distinction between brightness and darkness in the first embodiment means that when the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 when the vehicle is decelerated, the occupant of the vehicle 1 moves the headlamp 3h. Is defined as the possibility of discriminating the decrease in illuminance in the irradiation area before and after the decrease. In other words, the good discrimination state is a state in which an average occupant can visually recognize a decrease in illuminance of the headlamp 3h due to a voltage drop, and can recognize flickering of the headlamp 3h. Even if a so-called flicker occurs as a phenomenon in which a typical occupant cannot discern the illuminance decrease of the headlamp 3h due to a voltage decrease, the occupant does not recognize the flicker.

The light / dark discrimination determination based on the first parameter value will be described.
The higher the illuminance Ilu, the more difficult it is for the occupant to identify the decrease in illuminance of the headlamp 3h. When the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2, the lower limit value of the ambient ambient illuminance Ilu in which the average occupant cannot discern the illuminance decrease of the headlamp 3h is set in advance as a predetermined value. I ask for it. At the time of deceleration, this predetermined value is compared with the illuminance Ilu. When the illuminance Ilu is lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that the discrimination is good, and when the illuminance Ilu is higher than the predetermined value, it is determined that the discrimination is not possible.

  In the light / dark discrimination determination based on the preceding vehicle, if there is a vehicle following the vehicle ahead or facing the own vehicle, the occupant gazes at the preceding vehicle. When the vehicle ahead is present, it is determined that the state is indistinguishability. Whether the vehicle ahead is present is determined by the controller 6 performing image processing on the front image Ca, and the light / dark discrimination determining unit 17 collating and determining the image processing data using a predetermined template.

  As the turning radius is smaller, the occupant tends to watch the traveling direction ahead of the turning and hardly recognize the decrease in illuminance of the headlamp 3h. When the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2, a lower limit value of the steering angle As in which an average occupant cannot identify a decrease in illuminance of the headlamp 3h is obtained in advance as a predetermined angle, During deceleration, the predetermined angle is compared with the steering angle As. When the steering angle As is smaller than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the discrimination is good, and when the steering angle As is larger than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the discrimination is not possible.

  The forward lean posture determination unit 18 is configured to determine the forward lean degree with respect to the road surface of the vehicle 1 based on the second parameter value. When the vehicle 1 is largely inclined forward, the occupant tends to identify a decrease in illuminance of the headlamp 3h because the occupant watches the irradiation area on the road surface. Therefore, the upper limit value of the forward leaning posture angle of the vehicle 1 with respect to the road surface on which the average occupant cannot discern the illuminance decrease of the headlamp 3h is obtained in advance as a predetermined value.

  Since the deceleration, the number of occupants, and the road surface gradient Di of the vehicle 1 have a relational expression with the forward inclination angle of the vehicle 1 in advance, the forward inclination posture of the vehicle 1 with respect to each of the deceleration, the number of passengers, and the road surface gradient Di. An angle, that is, a so-called forward tilt degree can be estimated. As a result of comparing the estimated forward lean degree with the predetermined value, if the forward lean degree of the vehicle 1 is larger than a predetermined value that can identify a decrease in illuminance, the discrimination is good, and the forward lean degree is smaller than the predetermined value It is determined that the state is sex. It should be noted that the smaller the deceleration, the greater the number of passengers, and the greater the road surface gradient, the smaller the forward inclination degree of the vehicle 1.

  An occupant number determination unit 19 (occupant number determination means) is provided in the forward lean posture determination unit 18. The occupant number determination unit 19 detects a change in the seat pressure Pa, which is a third parameter value detected by the seat pressure sensor 12 provided under each seat, and calculates the number of occupants based on the number of seats having the change. It is configured as possible. Note that any third parameter value can be applied as long as it can calculate the number of passengers such as the suspension compression amount, the vehicle height sensor value, and the vehicle weight sensor value.

  The voltage control unit 16 controls the output voltage of the generator 5 from the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3, for example, 14.0 V, when the light / dark discriminability determination unit 18 determines that the discrimination is good. When it is determined as a negative state, the second voltage control unit 20 (second voltage control means) that controls the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 is provided.

  In other words, the second voltage control unit 20 determines that the headlamp 3h is in the on state and the discrimination is good when the output voltage is switched from the first voltage V1 to a voltage lower than the first voltage V1 during vehicle deceleration. If it is determined, adjustment control is performed to the third voltage V3, and if it is determined that the state is in a discriminability state, adjustment control is performed to the second voltage V2 that is lower than the third voltage V3.

  The processing of the voltage control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Si (i = 1, 2,...) Indicates each step.

  First, the signals of the engine speed Ne, the vehicle speed Vs, the accelerator opening θa, the illuminance Ilu, the forward image Ca of the CCD camera 11, the seat pressure Pa, the road surface gradient Di, the steering angle As, and the on / off state Lsw of the headlamp 3h are read. (S1). Next, as a result of the determination in S2, if Lsw is on, it is determined whether or not the illuminance Ilu is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S3). As a result of the determination in S3, if the illuminance Ilu is less than a predetermined value set in advance, that is, if the external environment is dark, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed Vs is zero (S4).

  If the vehicle speed Vs is not zero as a result of the determination in S4, it is determined whether or not the accelerator opening θa is fully closed (S5). If the accelerator opening θa is fully closed as a result of the determination in S5, it is determined whether or not the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed (600 rpm) (S6). If the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed as a result of the determination in S6, the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the first voltage V1 (S7), and the process returns. S4 to S6 are conditions for executing the deceleration fuel cut.

  As a result of the determination of S4, when the vehicle speed Vs is zero, as a result of the determination of S5, when the accelerator opening θa is not fully closed, and as a result of the determination of S6, the engine speed Ne is less than the fuel return speed, Since the execution conditions of the deceleration fuel cut are not established, the process proceeds to S8, and it is determined whether or not there is a vehicle ahead based on the front image Ca.

  If there is no forward vehicle as a result of the determination in S8, it is determined whether or not the steering angle As is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (S9). As a result of the determination in S9, when the steering angle As is less than the predetermined angle, the degree of forward tilt with respect to the road surface of the vehicle 1 is estimated (S10). The forward lean degree in S10 is estimated based on the deceleration based on the rate of change of the vehicle speed Vs, the number of passengers based on the seat pressure Pa, and the road surface gradient Di.

  The forward tilt degree of the vehicle 1 estimated in S10 is compared with a predetermined value that is the forward tilt posture angle of the vehicle 1 with respect to the road surface on which the occupant cannot discern the illuminance reduction of the headlamp 3h (S11). As a result of the determination in S11, if the degree of forward tilt is greater than the predetermined value, the occupant can identify a decrease in illuminance, so the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the third voltage V3 (S12), and the process returns.

  If the result of determination in S11 is that the degree of forward tilt is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the occupant cannot identify the decrease in illuminance, so the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the second voltage V2 lower than the third voltage V3 (S13). And return.

  If the result of determination in S8 is that there is a vehicle ahead, and if the result of determination in S9 is that the steering angle As is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, the process proceeds to S13. Even if the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the second voltage V2, the occupant does not recognize the decrease in the illuminance of the headlamp 3h due to the voltage decrease. The crew does not recognize flicker.

  As a result of the determination in S2, if Lsw is in an off state, and if the result of determination in S3 is that the illuminance Ilu is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S14 to determine whether or not the vehicle speed Vs is zero. When Lsw is in the off state, no flicker itself occurs, and when the surroundings of the vehicle 1 are bright, even if flickering occurs as a phenomenon, the occupant does not recognize the flickering.

  If the vehicle speed Vs is not zero as a result of the determination in S14, it is determined whether or not the accelerator opening θa is fully closed (S15). If the accelerator opening θa is fully closed as a result of the determination in S15, it is determined whether the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed (S16). As a result of the determination in S16, if the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed, the process proceeds to S7. S14 to S16 are conditions for executing the deceleration fuel cut.

  As a result of the determination in S14, when the vehicle speed Vs is zero, as a result of the determination in S15, when the accelerator opening θa is not fully closed, and as a result of the determination in S16, the engine speed Ne is less than the fuel return speed, Since the execution conditions for the deceleration fuel cut are not satisfied, the process proceeds to S13.

Next, operations and effects of the voltage control apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.
In order to control the supply voltage from the generator 5 to the battery 4 to the first voltage V1 during deceleration and to control the supply voltage from the generator 5 to the battery 4 to the second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 during non-deceleration It is possible to make voltage control with an emphasis on fuel consumption.

  In addition, when it is determined that the state of discrimination is not good, flicker is recognized by the occupant because adjustment control is performed to the second voltage V2, which is lower than the supply voltage (third voltage V3) when the state of good discrimination is determined. It is possible to improve the fuel consumption without causing it.

  The state in which the occupant does not recognize the flickering of the headlamp 3h can be accurately determined by detecting the illuminance, the presence of the vehicle ahead, the steering angle, and the forward tilt degree of the vehicle 1 as parameters. .

  Further, the degree of forward tilt of the vehicle 1 is estimated using the deceleration of the vehicle 1, the number of passengers on the road, and the road surface gradient as parameters, and the occupant reduces the illuminance of the headlamp 3h based on the estimated forward tilt degree. The state that is not identified can be accurately determined.

Next, based on FIG.3 and FIG.4, 2nd Example is described.
The difference from the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the second voltage that is lower than the supply voltage (third voltage V3) in the case where it is determined that the discrimination property is not good is determined. In contrast to the adjustment control to V2, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the discriminability is not good, the rate of voltage drop to the second voltage V2 is increased compared to the case where it is determined that the discriminability is good. It is a point to do. In the description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 1 includes an engine 2, a battery 4 that supplies electric power to a vehicle electrical load 3 such as an air conditioner, a rear brake light, a defogger, an audio unit, and a headlamp 3 h (not shown); A belt-driven electric load 3 and a generator 5 that supplies power to the battery 4 are configured.

  The control unit 6 of the vehicle 1 includes an engine speed sensor 7, a vehicle speed sensor 8, an accelerator opening sensor 9, an illuminance sensor 10, a CCD camera 11, a seat pressure sensor 12, a gradient sensor 13, and a steering. The angle sensor 14 and the headlamp switch 15 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive detection signals.

  The control unit 6 includes a voltage control unit 16 (voltage control unit), a light / dark discrimination determination unit 17 (light / dark discrimination determination unit), and a forward tilt posture determination unit 18 (forward tilt posture determination unit). .

  The voltage control unit 16 controls the output voltage of the generator 5 to the first voltage V1 when the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the vehicle is decelerated, and the engine 2 speed Ne is less than the predetermined value and the vehicle. During deceleration, the output voltage of the generator 5 is controlled to a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1. Similarly to the first embodiment, the voltage control unit 16 sets the output voltage of the generator 5 to the first voltage V1 when the deceleration fuel cut is executed, and sets the output voltage of the generator 5 to the second voltage when the fuel returns. Adjustment control is performed to V2.

  When the headlamp 3h is in the on state, the light / dark discriminability determination unit 17 determines whether the occupant can identify the light / dark change of the headlamp 3h based on the first parameter value related to the light / dark discrimination of the headlamp 3h. The discriminability state where the change cannot be identified is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  The first parameter value includes an illuminance Ilu around the outside of the vehicle 1, a vehicle 1 front image Ca for detecting a forward vehicle, a steering angle As, and a second parameter value related to a forward leaning posture. The second parameter value includes the deceleration of the vehicle 1, the number of passengers (third parameter value), and the road surface gradient Di.

  The light / dark discrimination determination unit 17 determines the discrimination state by comparing the predetermined value obtained in advance with the illuminance Ilu, the presence / absence of a preceding vehicle, and the comparison between the predetermined angle obtained in advance and the steering angle As. The light / dark discrimination determination unit 17 determines the situation in which the occupant cannot identify the illuminance decrease of the headlamp 3h, that is, when the so-called illuminance Ilu is high, when the vehicle ahead is present, and when the steering angle As is large, using the parameter value. It is determined as a negative state.

  The forward lean posture determination unit 18 is configured to determine the forward lean degree with respect to the road surface of the vehicle 1 based on the second parameter value. The forward inclination posture angle of the vehicle 1, that is, the so-called forward inclination degree is estimated from the deceleration of the vehicle 1, the number of occupants, and the road surface gradient Di, and when the forward inclination degree is large, the distinguishability is good. It is determined as a negative state. It should be noted that the smaller the deceleration, the greater the number of passengers, and the greater the road surface gradient, the smaller the forward inclination degree of the vehicle 1.

  An occupant number determination unit 19 is provided in the forward leaning posture determination unit 18 so that the number of occupants can be calculated from the seat pressure Pa detected by the seat pressure sensor 12.

  The voltage control unit 16 reduces the output voltage of the generator 5 from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 by a predetermined voltage reduction rate coefficient K when the light / dark discrimination determination unit 18 determines that the discrimination is good. At the same time, it has a voltage drop control unit 21 (voltage drop control means) that immediately drops from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 when it is determined that the state is indistinguishability. The voltage reduction rate coefficient K is obtained in advance as a value that an average occupant cannot identify the illuminance reduction of the headlamp 3h.

  That is, when the voltage drop control unit 21 switches the output voltage from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 when the vehicle is decelerated, the headlamp 3h is in an on state and is determined to be in a good discrimination state. In order to prevent the occupant from recognizing the flicker, the voltage drop speed is adjusted and controlled slowly. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state is indistinguishability, the voltage drop rate for switching the output voltage from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 is adjusted and controlled quickly with the aim of improving fuel efficiency.

  The processing of the voltage control apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Si (i = 21, 22...) Indicates each step.

  First, the signals of the engine speed Ne, the vehicle speed Vs, the accelerator opening θa, the illuminance Ilu, the forward image Ca of the CCD camera 11, the seat pressure Pa, the road surface gradient Di, the steering angle As, and the on / off state Lsw of the headlamp 3h are read. (S21). Next, if the result of determination in S22 is that Lsw is on, it is determined whether or not the illuminance Ilu is greater than or equal to a predetermined value set in advance (S23). If the result of determination in S23 is that the illuminance Ilu is less than a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed Vs is zero (S24).

  If the vehicle speed Vs is not zero as a result of the determination in S24, it is determined whether or not the accelerator opening θa is fully closed (S25). If the accelerator opening θa is fully closed as a result of the determination in S25, it is determined whether or not the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed (S26). If the result of determination in S26 is that the engine speed Ne is greater than or equal to the fuel return speed, the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the first voltage V1 (S27), and the process returns. S24 to S26 are conditions for executing the deceleration fuel cut.

  As a result of the determination of S24, when the vehicle speed Vs is zero, as a result of the determination of S25, when the accelerator opening θa is not fully closed, and as a result of the determination of S26, the engine speed Ne is less than the fuel return speed, Since the execution conditions for the deceleration fuel cut are not satisfied, the process proceeds to S28, and it is determined whether or not there is a vehicle ahead based on the front image Ca.

  If the result of determination in S28 is that there is no preceding vehicle, it is determined whether or not the steering angle As is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle (S29). As a result of the determination in S29, when the steering angle As is less than the predetermined angle, the degree of forward tilt with respect to the road surface of the vehicle 1 is estimated (S30). Similar to the first embodiment, the forward inclination degree in S30 is estimated based on the deceleration based on the rate of change of the vehicle speed Vs, the number of passengers based on the seat pressure Pa, and the road surface gradient Di.

  The degree of forward leaning of the vehicle 1 estimated in S30 is compared with a predetermined value that is the forward leaning angle of the vehicle 1 with respect to the road surface where the occupant cannot discern the illuminance reduction of the headlamp 3h (S31). As a result of the determination in S31, when the degree of forward tilt is larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S33, where the voltage decrease rate coefficient K is set, and the output voltage of the generator 5 is set to the second voltage V2 at the predetermined voltage decrease rate. The adjustment control (S34) is performed and the process returns.

As a result of the determination in S31, if the degree of forward tilt is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the occupant cannot identify the decrease in illuminance, so the output voltage of the generator 5 is adjusted and controlled to the second voltage V2 (S32), and the process returns. In this case, the output voltage of the generator 5 is immediately reduced to the second voltage V2.
As a result of the determination in S28, if there is a vehicle ahead, and if the steering angle As is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle as a result of the determination in S29, the process proceeds to S32.

  As a result of the determination in S22, when Lsw is in an off state, and as a result of the determination in S23, if the illuminance Ilu is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to S35 to determine whether or not the vehicle speed Vs is zero. If the vehicle speed Vs is not zero as a result of the determination in S35, it is determined whether or not the accelerator opening θa is fully closed (S36). If the accelerator opening θa is fully closed as a result of the determination in S36, it is determined whether or not the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed (S37). As a result of the determination in S37, when the engine speed Ne is equal to or higher than the fuel return speed, the process proceeds to S27.

  As a result of the determination in S35, when the vehicle speed Vs is zero, as a result of the determination in S36, when the accelerator opening θa is not fully closed, and as a result of the determination in S37, the engine speed Ne is less than the fuel return speed, Since the execution conditions for the deceleration fuel cut are not satisfied, the process proceeds to S32.

Next, the operation and effect of the voltage control apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
In order to control the supply voltage from the generator 5 to the battery 4 to the first voltage V1 during deceleration and to control the supply voltage from the generator 5 to the battery 4 to the second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 during non-deceleration It is possible to make voltage control with an emphasis on fuel consumption.

  In addition, when it is determined that the discriminability is not good, the voltage is lowered faster than the voltage drop speed at which the first voltage V1 is switched to the second voltage V2 when the discriminability is judged to be good. Can be planned. In addition, when it is determined that the discrimination state is good, the voltage can be lowered without causing the occupant to recognize flicker because the voltage is gradually lowered to the second voltage V2 by the voltage drop speed coefficient K.

Next, a modification in which the above embodiment is partially changed will be described.
1] In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the headlamp ON operation is detected by the headlamp switch has been described. However, it is also possible to directly detect the headlamp energization state.

2] In the first embodiment, the example in which the first voltage V1 is switched to the third voltage V3 which is a fixed value in the case of the good discrimination state has been described. However, the third voltage V3 is variable depending on the driving state such as the vehicle speed. It is also possible.

3] In the second embodiment, the example in which the switching from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 is delayed at a predetermined voltage drop speed in the case of the good discrimination state has been described. The switching from the first voltage V1 can be switched from the first voltage V1 to the third voltage V3 instead of the second voltage V2 at a predetermined voltage drop rate.

4] In the second embodiment, the example in which the switching from the first voltage V1 to the second voltage V2 is delayed by a linear function using a predetermined voltage drop speed coefficient in the case of the good discrimination state has been described. It is also possible to decrease the voltage stepwise, and it is also possible to make the voltage decrease speed coefficient variable according to the driving state such as the vehicle speed.

5) In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various forms with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes such modifications. is there.

It is a block diagram of the voltage control apparatus of the generator for vehicles concerning Example 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of voltage control according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram of the voltage control apparatus of the generator for vehicles concerning Example 2. 6 is a flowchart of voltage control according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 Engine 3 Electric load 3h Headlamp 4 Battery 5 Generator 6 Control unit 7 Engine speed sensor 8 Vehicle speed sensor 9 Accelerator opening sensor 10 Illuminance sensor 11 CCD camera 12 Seat pressure sensor 13 Gradient sensor 14 Steering angle sensor 15 Head Lamp switch 16 Voltage control unit 17 Light / dark discrimination determination unit 18 Forward leaning posture determination unit 19 Passenger number determination unit 20 Second voltage control unit 21 Voltage drop control unit V1 First voltage V2 Second voltage

Claims (9)

A battery for supplying electric power to a vehicle electric load including a headlamp; a generator that is rotationally driven by an engine to supply electric power to the electric load and the battery; and a supply voltage from the generator to the battery during deceleration. In the voltage control device for a vehicular generator having a voltage control means for controlling the supply voltage from the generator to the battery to a second voltage lower than the first voltage during non-deceleration while controlling to the first voltage,
Lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the headlamp;
First parameter value detection means for detecting a first parameter value related to the light / dark discrimination of the headlamp;
Based on the first parameter value, a light / dark distinguishability determining means for determining a good distinguishability state in which an occupant can identify a light / dark change in a headlamp and a distinguishability reject state in which a light / dark change cannot be identified;
In the case where the light / dark distinguishability determining means determines that the state is not good, it has second voltage control means for lowering the second voltage compared to the case where it is determined that the distinguishability is good. Voltage control device for vehicle generator. Having illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle;
The voltage control device for a vehicular generator according to claim 1, wherein the light / dark discrimination determination unit determines that the discrimination is not possible when the illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Forward vehicle detection means for detecting another vehicle located in front of the vehicle,
The voltage of the vehicular generator according to claim 2, wherein the light / dark distinction determining means determines that the state is distinctive when the illuminance is less than a predetermined value and there is another vehicle ahead of the vehicle. Control device. Steering angle detection means for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle;
The voltage of the vehicular generator according to claim 2, wherein the light / dark discrimination determination unit determines that the discrimination is not possible when the illuminance is less than a predetermined value and the steering angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle. Control device. Second parameter value detection means for detecting a second parameter value related to the forward leaning posture of the vehicle;
Forward lean posture determination means for determining the forward lean degree of the vehicle based on the second parameter value;
3. The vehicle generator according to claim 2, wherein the light / dark discrimination determination unit determines that the discrimination is not possible when the illuminance is less than a predetermined value and the forward tilt degree is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Voltage control device. A deceleration detecting means for detecting the deceleration of the vehicle;
6. The voltage control device for a vehicular generator according to claim 5, wherein the forward lean posture determination means determines that the forward lean degree is smaller as the deceleration is smaller. Third parameter value detection means for detecting a third parameter value related to the number of passengers boarding the vehicle;
Occupant number determination means for determining the number of occupants boarding the vehicle based on the third parameter value;
6. The voltage control device for a vehicular generator according to claim 5, wherein the forward lean attitude determination means determines that the forward lean degree is smaller as the number of passengers is larger. Having road surface gradient detecting means for detecting the road surface gradient on which the vehicle travels,
6. The voltage control apparatus for a vehicular generator according to claim 5, wherein the forward lean attitude determination means determines that the forward inclination degree is smaller as the upward gradient is larger. A battery for supplying electric power to a vehicle electric load including a headlamp; a generator that is rotationally driven by an engine to supply electric power to the electric load and the battery; and a supply voltage from the generator to the battery during deceleration. In the voltage control device for a vehicular generator having a voltage control means for controlling the supply voltage from the generator to the battery to a second voltage lower than the first voltage during non-deceleration while controlling to the first voltage,
Lighting detection means for detecting lighting of the headlamp;
First parameter value detection means for detecting a first parameter value related to the light / dark discrimination of the headlamp;
Based on the first parameter value, a light / dark distinguishability determining means for determining a good distinguishability state in which an occupant can identify a light / dark change in a headlamp and a distinguishability reject state in which a light / dark change cannot be identified;
When the light / dark distinguishability determining means determines that the state is in a discriminability rejected state, the voltage drop increases the voltage drop rate from the first voltage to the second voltage as compared with the case where it is determined that the distinguishability is good. A voltage control device for a vehicular generator, comprising control means.