JP2010175394A - Drive mode control apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive mode control apparatus for vehicles for speedily returning from dedicated drive mode when vehicle functions are measured through the use of a chassis dynamometer to normal drive mode. <P>SOLUTION: The drive mode control apparatus for vehicles includes both a drive operation detection means for detecting a driver's drive operations and a control means for automatically selecting a drive mode for measurements which is for measuring vehicle functions through the use of a chassis dynamometer when a prescribed drive operation is detected by the drive operation detection means and in which an idling stop function is forcefully activated. The drive mode control apparatus for vehicles includes a vehicle state detection means for detecting the state of a vehicle. The control means determines whether the vehicle is traveling normally or not on the basis of the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detection means when the drive mode for measurements is selected and cancels the drive mode for measurements when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle operation mode control device that selects a measurement operation mode for performing vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer when a driver performs a predetermined operation.

  Conventionally, vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer has been performed. The chassis dynamometer is a device having a movable roller on which a driving wheel of a vehicle is mounted, a measuring unit to which a rotating shaft of the movable roller is connected, a non-moving unit on which a non-driving wheel of the vehicle is mounted. Then, when a driving device of the vehicle (engine, driving motor, etc.) mounted on the chassis dynamometer is driven and the driving wheel rotates, the movable roller rotates together with the driving wheel, and the power of the vehicle is measured. Is transmitted to. In this way, the power performance of the vehicle can be measured by the measuring unit.

  By the way, when performing the vehicle function measurement, it is preferable to switch to a dedicated operation mode. In the dedicated operation mode, it is assumed that the idling stop function is forcibly activated in order to measure the acceleration performance from the idling stop state.

  Various techniques have been disclosed for the idling stop function. For example, in Patent Document 1, the idling stop function is canceled when it is determined that there is a need for an immediate start based on the operating state of the blinker, the steering angle, the inclination angle of the slope, and the route guidance of the right / left turn by navigation. The technology is described.

  Patent Document 2 describes a technique for prohibiting the idling stop function when the battery charge amount is lower than a determination value.

  Patent Document 3 describes a technique for prohibiting the idling stop function when the integrated value of the running load of the engine exceeds a determination value.

JP-A-8-61110 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-47105 JP 2003-27984 A

  Here, when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is mistakenly switched to the dedicated operation mode, or after the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is finished, the dedicated operation mode is exited. Consider a case where no operation has been performed. In this case, if the idling stop function is forcibly activated in the dedicated operation mode, the idling stop function is forcibly activated regardless of the driver's intention. Therefore, when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is not performed (normal driving scene), it is desirable that the dedicated operation mode is automatically canceled. However, even if the techniques described in the above-mentioned patent documents are applied, there may be a case where an idling stop contrary to the driver's intention cannot be eliminated.

  The present invention is to solve such a problem, and a vehicle capable of quickly returning to a normal operation mode from a dedicated operation mode when vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer is performed. The main purpose is to provide an operation mode control device for a vehicle.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides:
Driving operation detection means for detecting the driving operation of the driver;
A measurement driving mode for performing vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer when a predetermined driving operation is detected by the driving operation detecting means, and forcibly starting an idling stop function Control means for automatically selecting the mode;
A vehicle operation mode control device comprising:
Vehicle state detection means for detecting the vehicle state,
The control means determines whether or not the vehicle is normally running based on the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state means when the measurement operation mode is selected, and the vehicle performs the normal running. When it is determined that the measurement operation mode is canceled,
It is a driving mode control device for vehicles.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the measurement operation mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state means, and the vehicle Since the measurement operation mode is canceled when it is determined that the vehicle is performing normal travel, the normal operation mode can be quickly restored.

In the first aspect of the present invention,
The vehicle state detection means includes means capable of detecting the wheel speed of each wheel,
The control means may be means for determining whether or not the vehicle is traveling normally based on at least the wheel speeds of the non-driven wheels among the wheel speeds detected by the vehicle state detection means.

in this case,
When the difference between the wheel speed of the drive wheel and the wheel speed of the non-drive wheel among the wheel speeds detected by the vehicle state detection means is less than a predetermined value, the control means It is good also as what determines, and it is good also as what determines that the vehicle is carrying out normal driving | running | working, when the wheel speed of a non-driving wheel is more than predetermined vehicle speed among the wheel speeds detected by the said vehicle state detection means. .

The second aspect of the present invention is:
Driving operation detection means for detecting the driving operation of the driver;
A measurement driving mode for performing vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer when a predetermined driving operation is detected by the driving operation detecting means, and forcibly starting an idling stop function Control means for automatically selecting the mode;
A vehicle operation mode control device comprising:
The control means determines whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on the driving operation detected by the driving operation detecting means when the measurement driving mode is selected, and the vehicle is running normally. The measurement operation mode is canceled when it is determined that the measurement is being performed,
It is a driving mode control device for vehicles.

  According to this second aspect of the present invention, when the measurement driving mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on the driving operation detected by the driving operation detecting means, When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally, the measurement operation mode is canceled, so that it is possible to quickly return to the normal operation mode.

In a second aspect of the invention,
The driving operation detection means includes means capable of detecting steering torque,
The control means may determine that the vehicle is traveling normally when the steering torque detected by the driving operation detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  According to the present invention, when a dedicated operation mode when vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer is performed is erroneously selected, the vehicle operation mode can be quickly returned to the normal operation mode. A control device can be provided.

1 is a system configuration example of a vehicle operation mode control device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a chassis dynamometer 70. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the characteristic process which engine ECU40 which concerns on 1st Example of this invention performs. It is a system configuration example of the vehicle operation mode control device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the characteristic process which engine ECU40 which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention performs.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, the vehicle operation mode control apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration example of a vehicle operation mode control apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle operation mode control apparatus 1 includes, as main components, an accelerator opening sensor 10, wheel speed sensors 20, 22, 24, 26, a skid control computer 28, a mode selection switch 30, an engine ECU (Electronic ECU). Control Unit) 40.

  The accelerator opening sensor 10 is attached to an accelerator pedal, and takes out the gradient of the magnetic field according to the accelerator opening (operation amount) linearly as an output voltage using a Hall element. The accelerator opening sensor 10 outputs a signal indicating the accelerator opening (operation amount) thus detected to the engine ECU 40 and other control devices.

  Wheel speed sensors 20, 22, 24, and 26 are attached to each wheel, and a magnetic rotor in which positive and negative electrodes are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and an active sensor that detects a change in magnetic field due to rotation of the magnetic rotor. The wheel speed pulse signal corresponding to the wheel speed is output to the skid control computer 28.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the vehicle on which this apparatus is mounted is a front wheel drive vehicle. The wheel speed sensor 20 is a right front wheel that is a driving wheel, the wheel speed sensor 22 is a left front wheel that is a driving wheel, the wheel speed sensor 24 is a right rear wheel that is a non-driving wheel, and the wheel speed sensor 26 is a non-driving wheel. Each is attached to a certain left rear wheel.

  The skid control computer 28 calculates the vehicle speed by performing processing such as obtaining an average of the wheel speed pulse signals output from each wheel speed sensor (excludes abnormal values caused by wheel slip or the like). Then, the vehicle speed rectangular wave pulse signal (vehicle speed signal) indicating the vehicle speed and the wheel speed input from each wheel speed sensor are output to the engine ECU 40 and other control devices. Note that the vehicle speed calculation method is not limited to this, and the rotation speed of the transmission may be measured.

  As the mode selection switch 30, for example, various switches provided in the vehicle are shared. Specifically, a shift position switch and the accelerator opening sensor 10 may be included.

  The engine ECU 40 is, for example, a microcomputer in which a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like are connected to each other via a bus with a central processing unit (CPU) as the center, and an HDD (Hard Disc). Drive, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) drive, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and other storage devices, I / O ports, timers, counters, and the like. The ROM stores programs and data executed by the CPU.

  The engine ECU 40 is connected to an engine 50 to be controlled, an idling stop switch 52, and other devices, and centrally controls a throttle motor, an igniter, a starter motor, a transmission, and the like.

  In principle, the engine ECU 40 activates the idling stop function when the idling stop switch 52 is on. When the idling stop function is activated, “the vehicle speed signal input from the skid control computer 28 indicates a value of zero for a predetermined time or more, and the accelerator opening input from the accelerator opening sensor 10 is a value. When a predetermined condition such as “zero” is satisfied, fuel cut control of the engine 50 is performed to stop the operation of the engine 50. Then, when the accelerator opening input from the accelerator opening sensor 10 becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value (the driver depresses the accelerator pedal), the starter motor is driven to start the engine 50, and the normal operation state is obtained. return.

  The engine ECU 40 shifts to a measurement operation mode for performing vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer when the driver performs a predetermined operation on the mode selection switch 30. In the measurement operation mode, the idling stop function is forcibly activated. Note that the measurement operation mode may have different characteristics from the normal operation mode in addition to the forced start of the idling stop function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the chassis dynamometer 70. The chassis dynamometer 70 includes a movable roller 72 on which left and right front wheels that are driving wheels of a vehicle are mounted, a measuring unit 74 to which a rotating shaft of the movable roller is connected, and a non-movable portion on which left and right rear wheels that are non-driving wheels of the vehicle are mounted. 76 etc. When the vehicle is placed on the chassis dynamometer 70, the left and right front wheels that are driving wheels rotate with the movable roller 70, but the left and right rear wheels that are non-driving wheels cannot rotate.

Here, the predetermined operation for shifting to the measurement operation mode is, for example,
(1) For CVT vehicles: Depress the accelerator pedal twice in the P range (shift position is P; parking), twice in the N range (shift position is N; neutral), and twice in the P range (" “Depress” is determined, for example, when the accelerator opening has increased beyond a predetermined opening; the same applies hereinafter)
(2) For manual transmission vehicles: Depress the accelerator pedal twice in a non-N range, twice in the N range and twice in a non-N range. (3) For an automatic control type manual transmission vehicle; , Step in the D range (shift position is D; drive), twice in the N range, twice in the D range, etc.

  Thus, by using an existing in-vehicle device as the mode selection switch 30, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated switch, and space can be saved.

  However, there are cases where such an operation is accidentally performed. In addition, after the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is completed, if the inspector neglects the operation to leave the measurement operation mode, the measurement operation mode may continue as it is. Therefore, when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is not performed (normal driving scene), it is desirable to automatically cancel the measurement operation mode.

  Therefore, in the engine ECU 40 of this embodiment, when the measurement operation mode is selected, the output of each wheel speed sensor and the skid control computer 28 (a specific example of “vehicle state” in the claims). On the basis of the above, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling normally, and when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally, the measurement operation mode is canceled.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of characteristic processing executed by the engine ECU 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flow is started at the timing when the measurement operation mode is selected, that is, when the driver performs the predetermined operation.

  First, it is determined whether or not the driver has performed an operation for canceling the measurement operation mode (S100). Although an explanation of the operation for canceling the measurement operation mode is omitted, an operation similar to a predetermined operation for shifting to the measurement operation mode may be set in advance.

  When the driver performs an operation for canceling the measurement operation mode, the measurement operation mode is canceled (S102), and this flow ends.

  When the driver has not performed an operation for canceling the measurement driving mode, it is determined whether or not the value V indicated by the vehicle speed signal input from the skid control computer 28 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value V1 ( S104). Here, the predetermined value V1 is a small value near zero. Therefore, this step determines whether the vehicle is running or stopped. It should be noted that “the value indicated by the vehicle speed signal” may be replaced with “the wheel speed of the front wheel that is the driving wheel (the left-right average or the wheel speed of any of the front wheels)”.

  If the value V indicated by the vehicle speed signal is less than the predetermined value V1, the process returns to S100.

  If the value indicated by the vehicle speed signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V1, it is determined whether or not the wheel speed difference ΔV between the front and rear wheels is less than the predetermined value V2 (S106). Here, “wheel speed difference ΔV between the front and rear wheels” means (right front wheel speed−right rear wheel speed), (left front wheel speed−left rear wheel speed), and left and right front wheel speeds. Speed average—average of wheel speeds of the left and right rear wheels). The predetermined value V2 is a small value near the value zero. Therefore, this step determines whether or not there is a speed difference between the driving wheel and the non-driving wheel.

  If the wheel speed difference ΔV between the front and rear wheels is greater than or equal to the predetermined value V2, the process returns to S100.

  On the other hand, when the wheel speed difference ΔV between the front and rear wheels is less than the predetermined value V2, it can be seen that the driving wheel and the non-driving wheel are rotating at substantially the same speed (even when the vehicle is stopped, the driving wheel is non-rotating). There will be no speed difference between the drive wheels, but this is not confirmed in S104). This state cannot occur when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is performed, and it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally. Therefore, when a positive determination is obtained in S104, the measurement operation mode is canceled (S102), and this flow is ended.

  Measurement is performed when an operation for shifting to the measurement operation mode is erroneously performed by such control, or when an operation for exiting the measurement operation mode is not performed after the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is completed. Will automatically exit from the operation mode. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where idling stop is performed against the driver's intention.

  According to the vehicle operation mode control device 1 of the present embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on the wheel speed difference between the front and rear wheels, and the vehicle is running normally. When the determination is made, the measurement operation mode is canceled, so that the normal operation mode can be quickly returned from the measurement operation mode.

  As another method for determining whether or not the vehicle is traveling normally based on the vehicle state such as the wheel speed, the wheel speed of the rear wheel, which is simply a non-driven wheel, is a predetermined vehicle speed (a vehicle speed near zero) It may be determined whether or not it is above. When the wheel speed of the rear wheel is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally, and the measurement operation mode is canceled.

  Further, when the steering angle of the vehicle changes by a predetermined angle or more, it may be determined that the vehicle is traveling normally and the measurement operation mode is canceled.

<Second embodiment>
Hereinafter, the vehicle operation mode control apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a system configuration example of the vehicle operation mode control apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle operation mode control device 2 includes a steering torque sensor 35 in addition to the components included in the vehicle operation mode control device 1 according to the first embodiment. Other components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The steering torque sensor 35 is, for example, disposed in the steering column and added to the steering wheel operated by the driver by detecting torsion of a torsion bar attached between the input shaft and the output shaft. A steering torque signal corresponding to the torque (steering torque) is output to the engine ECU 40.

  Then, when the measurement operation mode is selected, the engine ECU 40 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling normally based on the output of the steering torque sensor 35, and the vehicle travels normally. When it is determined that the measurement is being performed, the measurement operation mode is canceled.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a characteristic process flow executed by the engine ECU 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This flow is started at the timing when the measurement operation mode is selected.

  First, it is determined whether or not the driver has performed an operation for canceling the measurement operation mode (S200). Although an explanation of the operation for canceling the measurement operation mode is omitted, an operation similar to a predetermined operation for shifting to the measurement operation mode may be set in advance.

  When the driver performs an operation for canceling the measurement operation mode, the measurement operation mode is canceled (S202), and this flow ends.

  When the driver has not performed an operation for canceling the measurement driving mode, it is determined whether or not the value T indicated by the steering torque signal input from the steering torque sensor 35 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value T1. (S204).

  When the value T indicated by the steering torque signal is less than the predetermined value T1, the process returns to S200.

  On the other hand, when the value T indicated by the steering torque signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined value T1, it can be seen that the steering wheel is operated by the driver. Since such a driving operation is not performed when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is performed, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling normally. Therefore, when a positive determination is obtained in S204, the measurement operation mode is canceled (S202), and this flow is ended.

  Measurement is performed when an operation for shifting to the measurement operation mode is erroneously performed by such control, or when an operation for exiting the measurement operation mode is not performed after the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is completed. Will automatically exit from the operation mode. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where idling stop is performed against the driver's intention.

  According to the vehicle operation mode control device 2 of the present embodiment described above, it is determined based on the steering torque signal input from the steering torque sensor 35 whether or not the vehicle is running normally, and the vehicle is running normally. When it is determined that the measurement operation mode is performed, the measurement operation mode is canceled, so that the normal operation mode can be quickly returned from the measurement operation mode.

  As another method for determining whether or not the vehicle is normally running based on the driving operation of the driver, the headlight is turned on when the blinker blinks, the air conditioner is used, or the like. If the wiper is used, if the audio device is used, if the driver's side door is opened, if the power window is operated, if the fuel filler is opened, if the side mirror is operated Even when the shift position is operated to R (reverse), it is a driving operation that is not performed when the vehicle function measurement using the chassis dynamometer is performed. You may judge.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

  The present invention can be used in the automobile manufacturing industry, the automobile parts manufacturing industry, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Driving mode control apparatus for vehicles 10 Accelerator opening degree sensor 20, 22, 24, 26 Wheel speed sensor 28 Skid control computer 30 Mode selection switch 35 Steering torque sensor 40 Engine ECU
50 Engine 52 Idling Stop Switch 70 Chassis Dynamometer 72 Movable Roller 74 Measuring Unit 76 Non-Movable Unit

Claims (6)

Driving operation detection means for detecting the driving operation of the driver;
This is a measurement operation mode for performing vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer when a predetermined driving operation is detected by the driving operation detecting means, and forcibly starts the idling stop function. Control means for automatically selecting the mode;
A vehicle operation mode control device comprising:
Vehicle state detection means for detecting the vehicle state,
The control means determines whether or not the vehicle is normally running based on the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state means when the measurement operation mode is selected, and the vehicle performs the normal running. When it is determined that the measurement operation mode is canceled,
Vehicle operation mode control device. The vehicle state detection means includes means capable of detecting the wheel speed of each wheel,
The control means is means for determining whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on at least the wheel speed of the non-driven wheel among the wheel speeds detected by the vehicle state detection means.
The vehicle operation mode control device according to claim 1.   When the difference between the wheel speed of the drive wheel and the wheel speed of the non-drive wheel among the wheel speeds detected by the vehicle state detection means is less than a predetermined value, the control means The vehicle operation mode control device according to claim 2, which is means for determining.   The control means is means for determining that the vehicle is traveling normally when the wheel speed of the non-driving wheels is equal to or higher than a predetermined vehicle speed among the wheel speeds detected by the vehicle state detection means. The vehicle operation mode control device according to claim 1. Driving operation detection means for detecting the driving operation of the driver;
This is a measurement operation mode for performing vehicle function measurement using a chassis dynamometer when a predetermined driving operation is detected by the driving operation detecting means, and forcibly starts the idling stop function. Control means for automatically selecting the mode;
A vehicle operation mode control device comprising:
The control means determines whether or not the vehicle is running normally based on the driving operation detected by the driving operation detecting means when the measurement driving mode is selected, and the vehicle is running normally. The measurement operation mode is canceled when it is determined that the measurement is being performed,
Vehicle operation mode control device. The driving operation detection means includes means capable of detecting steering torque,
The vehicle operation mode according to claim 5, wherein the control means is means for determining that the vehicle is traveling normally when the steering torque detected by the driving operation detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Control device.

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