JP2011046239A - Turn signal lighting control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically turn off turn signals by more proper timing when changing a lane, in a turn signal lighting control device. <P>SOLUTION: The first to third thresholds Ka to Kc of a distance according to vehicle speed V(t) for every prescribed time interval are determined with lighting of the turn signals 2 and 3 when changing the lane as a turning point. Even when the vehicle accelerates/decelerates after the lighting of the turn signals 2 and 3 when changing the lane, the first to third thresholds Ka to Kc according to the vehicle speed V(t) each time therefore are redetermined. Thus, the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off by proper timing when changing the lane without being affected by the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle. Generally, a moving locus distance X(t) to be a traveling distance required for changing the lane according to the vehicle speed V(t) is changed. By setting the first to the third thresholds Ka to Kc according to the vehicle speed V(t), the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off by more proper timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to turn signal lighting control of a vehicle, and more particularly to a turn signal lighting control device that automatically turns off a turn signal that is lit.

  The vehicle is provided with a turn signal indicating the direction of turning left or right or changing the course. The turn signal lighting control device controls turning on and off of the turn signal according to the operation of a turn lever provided near the steering wheel of the driver's seat. The turn signal lighting control device performs control to turn off the turn signal when the vehicle turns right or left or the lane change is completed. For example, the turn signal lighting control device described in Patent Document 1 determines that the lane change has been completed when the time threshold has elapsed since the turn signal was turned on, and turns off the turn signal. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, when the turn lever according to the lane change is operated, the traveling vehicle exists at the position P101. At this time, the turn signal lighting control device determines the threshold based on the vehicle speed at the position P101. Here, if the vehicle speed is high, it takes less time to complete the lane change. That is, since the time required to complete the lane change is inversely proportional to the vehicle speed, if the vehicle speed at the position P101 is high, the threshold value is set shorter. In this way, by appropriately setting the threshold value according to the vehicle speed at the position P101, the vehicle is moved to the position P102 where the lane change is completed when the threshold value has elapsed after the turn signal is turned on. Reaches the turn signal. Thereby, since the driver automatically turns off the turn signal without performing the operation of returning the turn lever after changing the lane, the convenience is high.

JP 2008-105675 A

  In the turn signal lighting control device described in Patent Document 1, the threshold value is set based on the vehicle speed at the position P101 so that the turn signal is turned off at a suitable timing to reach the position P102 where the lane change is completed. The However, the turn signal lighting control device described in Patent Document 1 is premised on traveling at a constant speed from the position P101. For this reason, when the vehicle changes lanes while accelerating / decelerating from the position P101, the turn signal is turned off at a position different from the position P102, that is, at an unsuitable timing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when the vehicle accelerates from the position P101, the turn signal is turned off at the timing when the vehicle reaches the position P103 past the position P102. When the vehicle decelerates from the position P101, the turn signal is turned off at the timing when the vehicle reaches the position P104 that does not reach the position P102. Thus, the turn signal may be turned off at an unsuitable timing.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a turn signal lighting control device capable of automatically turning off a turn signal at a more appropriate timing when a lane is changed.

Hereinafter, means for achieving the above-described object and its operation and effects will be described.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operating means provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat is operated, the turn signal is switched from the previously extinguished state to the lit state, and the turn signal is obtained through the operation of the operating means related to lane change. In the turn signal lighting control device that automatically turns off the turn signal when it is determined that the lane change is completed, the turn signal is turned on based on the vehicle speed acquired through a vehicle speed sensor provided in the vehicle. A movement trajectory distance calculating means for calculating the distance of the movement trajectory of the vehicle from the signal lighting and the turn threshold lighting at the time of lane change are used as an opportunity to determine a distance threshold corresponding to the vehicle speed at predetermined time intervals. The lane change is completed on the assumption that the first condition is satisfied when the threshold determination means and the movement trajectory distance are equal to or greater than the threshold. And the off determination executing means for switching the turn signal on the on state and the determined that the off state, further comprising a as its gist.

  According to this configuration, the threshold of the distance corresponding to the vehicle speed is determined every predetermined time interval, triggered by turn signal lighting at the time of lane change. Therefore, even if the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated after the turn signal is turned on when the lane is changed, the threshold value corresponding to the vehicle speed is determined again each time. Thereby, in the lane change, the turn signal is turned off at an appropriate timing without being affected by the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle. In general, the travel distance required to change the lane varies depending on the vehicle speed. Therefore, the turn signal is turned off at a more appropriate timing by setting the threshold value according to the vehicle speed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the turn signal lighting control device according to the first aspect, a rotational angular velocity detecting means for detecting a rotational angular velocity generated in the vehicle when the vehicle changes its traveling direction, and the rotational angular velocity. Based on the detection value of the detection means, vehicle azimuth angle change amount calculating means for calculating the vehicle azimuth angle change amount as the amount of change in azimuth per unit time when changing the traveling direction, and the vehicle azimuth angle change amount calculating means Based on the calculated vehicle azimuth angle change amount, vehicle azimuth angle calculating means for calculating a vehicle azimuth angle taken when the vehicle changes its traveling direction, and the vehicle azimuth angle calculated by the vehicle azimuth angle calculating means And a lateral movement distance calculating means for calculating a lateral movement distance that is taken when the vehicle changes its traveling direction, wherein the extinction determination execution means satisfies the first condition. U When the lateral movement distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value set based on the lane distance, it is determined that the lane change is completed, and the turn signal in the lit state is switched to the unlit state. This is the gist.

  According to this configuration, the turn signal is turned off when the lateral movement distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value in addition to the movement trajectory distance. Here, the threshold value is set based on the distance between lanes. When the lateral movement distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it can be determined that the lane change of the vehicle has been completed. This prevents the turn signal from being turned off before the lane change of the vehicle is completed, and the turn signal is turned off at a more appropriate timing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the turn signal lighting control device according to the first or second aspect, the operation means is provided on the steering column and tilts from a neutral position to a predetermined angle in a vertical direction around a base end portion. When the turn lever is operable to detect that the turn lever is tilted from a neutral position to a right / left turn operation angle set in a vertical direction with respect to the same position, an operation related to a right / left turn is performed. The turn signal is turned on and the fact that the turn lever has been tilted to a lane change operation angle that is smaller than the right / left turn operation angle set in the vertical direction from the neutral position as a reference is detected. When it is done, the gist is to turn on the turn signal as an operation related to the lane change.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the operation is a lane change or a left / right turn depending on the operation angle from the neutral position of the turn lever. Thereby, by operating the same turn lever, operations related to lane change and turn signal lighting at the time of turning left and right can be performed, so that convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, in the turn signal lighting control device, the turn signal can be automatically turned off at a more appropriate timing.

The schematic diagram which shows the attachment state of the turn lever in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the specific structure of the turn signal lighting control apparatus in this embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the change of the horizontal direction movement distance at the time of the vehicle in this embodiment changing a lane. Explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the calculation method of the vehicle azimuth and lateral movement distance in this embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the change of the movement locus distance when the vehicle in this embodiment changes a lane. Explanatory drawing which shows the movement locus in each vehicle speed at the time of the vehicle in this embodiment changing a lane. The graph which shows each threshold value according to the vehicle speed in this embodiment. The flowchart performed when turning off the turn signal in this embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the redetermination of the threshold value during the lane change in this embodiment. The graph which shows the threshold value according to the vehicle speed in other embodiment. Explanatory drawing which showed the turn-off timing of the turn signal at the time of the conventional lane change.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a turn signal lighting control device embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right turn signals 2 and 3 are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle 1 as lighting fixtures that notify the surroundings of the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 (for example, right turn, left turn, lane change, etc.). Yes. These turn signals 2 and 3 are composed of, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or the like, and are provided on both the front and rear sides of the vehicle body. Of the pair of left and right turn signals 2 and 3, the right one is the right turn signal 2 and the left one is the left turn signal 3.

  A turn lever 5 corresponding to an operating means that is operated when the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned on is provided in the vicinity of the steering wheel (handle) 4 in the vehicle. The turn lever 5 can be tilted in two steps in the left-right direction (vertical direction) with the base end of the lever shaft as a fulcrum.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in the downward direction of the neutral position of the turn lever 5, a right lane change operation angle region R2 and a right turn operation angle region R1 are set adjacently from the neutral position side. In the upward direction of the position, a left lane change operation angle region L2 and a left turn operation angle region L1 are set adjacently from the neutral position side.

  When the turn lever 5 is tilted downward to the right turn operation angle region R1 with respect to the neutral position, the right turn signal 2 is turned on. On the contrary, the turn lever 5 is turned upward with respect to the neutral position to the left turn operation angle region L1. When left down, the left turn signal 3 lights up.

  When the turn lever 5 is tilted downward from the right turn operation angle region R1 to the right lane change operation angle region R2 on the neutral position side with respect to the neutral position, the right turn signal 2 is turned on. The right turn signal 2 is automatically turned off after the lane change is completed.

  Further, when the turn lever 5 is tilted upward from the left turn operation angle region L1 to the left lane change operation angle region L2 on the neutral position side with respect to the neutral position, the left turn signal 3 is turned on. The left turn signal 3 is automatically turned off after the lane change is completed.

  The turn lever 5 is a momentary type that automatically returns to the neutral position when the hand is released from the turn lever 5 after the tilting operation until the position of the two lane changing operation angle regions R2 and L2 centering on the neutral position. Acts as a lever. Further, the turn lever 5 operates as a stationary lever that maintains its operation position in the right / left turn operation angle regions R1 and L1. Accordingly, the driver recognizes that the turn signals 2 and 3 relating to the right / left turn have been turned on when the turn lever 5 is held after the turn lever 5 is tilted up and down. The driver recognizes that the turn signals 2 and 3 relating to the lane change have been turned on when the turn lever 5 returns to the neutral position after tilting in the vertical direction. As described above, by allowing the momentary type and the stationary type to coexist as the operation method of the turn lever 5, the driver can easily recognize the operation content, and the operability of the turn lever 5 can be improved.

  The turn lever 5 passes through the lane change operation angle regions R2 and L2 before reaching the left and right turn operation angle regions R1 and L1, but in this case, the turn lever 5 turns right and left turn operation angle regions R1. , L1 priority is given to the operation for turning left and right, and the automatic turn-off function of the turn signals 2 and 3 in the lane change is not exhibited.

  As described above, when the turn lever 5 is tilted to the left turn operation angle region L1, the left turn signal 3 is turned on and the turn lever 5 is held at the operation position. In this state, when the steering wheel 4 is turned to turn left and then is turned back by a predetermined angle, the turn lever 5 is returned to the neutral position by a release mechanism (not shown) provided on the turn lever 5. As a result, the left turn signal 3 is turned off. Similarly, in the case of a right turn, the turn lever 5 is returned to the neutral position by the return operation of the steering wheel 4 and the right turn signal 2 is turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 is provided with a control circuit 7 that manages the operation of turning on and off the turn signals 2 and 3. The control circuit 7 is composed of electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, for example, and controls switching of turning on and off of the turn signals 2 and 3.

  A position detection switch 8 for detecting the operation position of the turn lever 5 is connected to the control circuit 7. The position detection switch 8 detects in which operating angle region R1, R2, L1, L2 the turn lever 5 is located, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 7.

  Connected to the control circuit 7 is a vehicle speed sensor 10 that detects the travel speed (vehicle speed V (t)) of the vehicle 1. The vehicle speed sensor 10 includes, for example, a rotary encoder that detects the rotational speed of the wheel, and sequentially outputs a vehicle speed detection signal corresponding to the vehicle speed V (t) to the control circuit 7. Therefore, the control circuit 7 can acquire the vehicle speed V (t) detected by the vehicle speed sensor 10.

  The control circuit 7 is connected to a rotational angular velocity detection sensor 9 that detects a rotational angular velocity ω (t) generated in the vehicle 1. The rotational angular velocity ω (t) is a physical property value generated in the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 changes lanes and the traveling direction changes as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The rotational angular velocity detection sensor 9 is composed of, for example, a yaw rate sensor, and sequentially outputs a rotational angular velocity detection signal corresponding to the rotational angular velocity ω (t) generated in the vehicle 1 to the control circuit 7. Therefore, the control circuit 7 can acquire the rotational angular velocity ω (t) detected by the rotational angular velocity detection sensor 9.

  The control circuit 7 is connected to a pair of left and right turn signals 2 and 3 via an output circuit 11 that operates as a driver. Based on various signals such as a switch signal obtained from the position detection switch 8, an angular velocity detection signal from the rotational angular velocity detection sensor 9, and a vehicle speed detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 10, the control circuit 7 passes the turn signals 2 and 3 through the output circuit 11. Controls turning on and off.

  The control circuit 7 is provided with a lighting execution unit 12 that manages the lighting operation of the turn signals 2 and 3. The lighting execution unit 12 switches the turn signals 2 and 3 from the unlit state to the lit state through the output circuit 11 based on the switch signal input from the position detection switch 8.

  When the lighting execution unit 12 receives from the position detection switch 8 a switch signal indicating that the turn lever 5 has been operated to the left turn operation angle region L1 or the left lane change operation angle region L2, the left turn signal 3 is turned on. When the switch signal indicating that 5 is operated to the right turn operation angle region R1 or the right lane change operation angle region R2 is received from the position detection switch 8, the right turn signal 2 is turned on.

  The control circuit 7 is provided with various turn-off function groups that automatically turn off the turn signals 2 and 3 that are turned on when the lane is changed. The turn-off function of this example will be briefly described. When the turn lever 5 is tilted from the neutral position to the right lane change operation angle region R2 or the left lane change operation angle region L2 and the turn signals 2 and 3 are lit, the movement trajectory distance X (t) of the vehicle 1 and the side A direction moving distance Y (t) is calculated. The movement trajectory distance X (t) is the movement distance (travel distance) of the vehicle 1 from turning on and off of the turn signals 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the lateral movement distance Y (t) is a movement in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction (predicted course) taken by the vehicle 1 immediately before the turn signals 2 and 3 are switched to the lighting state. Distance. Then, when the movement trajectory distance X (t) and the lateral movement distance Y (t) take a value equal to or greater than the threshold value, the turn signals 2 and 3 are automatically turned off, assuming that the lane change is completed.

First, the method for calculating the movement trajectory distance X (t) will be described in detail with reference to various extinguishing function groups required for it.
The control circuit 7 is provided with a movement trajectory distance calculation unit 18 that calculates the movement trajectory distance X (t) and a timer 20 that measures the time from turning on the turn signals 2 and 3. The movement trajectory distance calculation unit 18 calculates the movement trajectory distance X (t) by integrating the vehicle speed V (t) acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 10 at predetermined intervals with the time t measured by the timer 20.

Next, a method of calculating the lateral movement distance Y (t) will be described in detail with reference to various extinguishing function groups required for it.
The control circuit 7 is provided with a vehicle azimuth angle variation calculation unit 13 that calculates a vehicle azimuth angle variation Δθ (t) of the vehicle 1 based on a rotation angular velocity detection signal input from the rotation angular velocity detection sensor 9. . The vehicle azimuth angle change amount Δθ (t) corresponds to a change amount in the traveling direction per unit time when the vehicle 1 changes lanes, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The control circuit 7 calculates the vehicle azimuth angle θ (t) as the traveling direction that the vehicle 1 takes when changing the lane based on the vehicle azimuth angle variation Δθ (t) from the vehicle azimuth angle variation calculation unit 13. An azimuth calculating unit 15 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle azimuth angle θ (t) is an angle formed by the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 after a predetermined time on the basis of the predicted course when the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 is changed by changing the lane. . The expected course is a course expected to be taken when the vehicle 1 goes straight.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 7 is provided with a lateral movement distance calculation unit 16 that calculates the lateral movement distance Y (t). The lateral movement distance calculation unit 16 uses the vehicle speed V (t) acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 10 and the vehicle azimuth angle θ (t) calculated by the vehicle azimuth angle calculation unit 15 to determine the lateral direction from the relationship of trigonometric functions. The movement distance Y (t) is calculated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 7 is provided with a turn-off determination execution unit 17 that manages the turn-off operation of the turn signals 2 and 3. The turn-off determination execution unit 17 compares the movement track distance X (t) calculated by the movement track distance calculation unit 18 with the threshold value K, as shown in the lower part of FIG. Further, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, the extinction determination execution unit 17 compares the lateral movement distance Y (t) calculated by the lateral movement distance calculation unit 16 with the threshold value J. The threshold value K, which will be described in detail later, is variable according to the vehicle speed V (t). The threshold value J is set based on the distance between lanes.

  The turn-off determination execution unit 17 changes the lane if the movement trajectory distance X (t) takes a value greater than or equal to the threshold value K and the lateral movement distance Y (t) takes a value greater than or equal to the threshold value J. It recognizes that the turn signals 2 and 3 that have been turned on at times should be turned off, and turns off the turn signals 2 and 3 that are turned on.

Next, a method for determining the threshold value K of the movement trajectory distance X (t) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 7 is provided with a threshold value determination unit 19 that determines the threshold value K based on the vehicle speed V (t). As shown in FIG. 6, in general, a vehicle changes lanes through different trajectories according to speed. Although the driver can generally rotate the steering wheel 4 when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the driver can increase the steering wheel 4 when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed as in the case of the low-speed traveling. It cannot be rotated. This is because if the steering wheel 4 is rotated greatly during high-speed traveling, a large lateral acceleration is applied to the vehicle and the occupant, which is dangerous. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, as the vehicle speed V (t) of the vehicle increases, the steering wheel 4 is gently rotated, and the travel distance required for changing the lane of the vehicle 1 becomes longer. The threshold value determination unit 19 determines the threshold value K in consideration of the above tendency. Here, the threshold value K is set to any one of the first to third threshold values Ka to Kc.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, three levels of threshold values Ka to Kc corresponding to the vehicle speed V (t) are set. Each of the threshold values Ka to Kc has a magnitude relationship of first threshold value Ka <second threshold value Kb <third threshold value Kc.

  The threshold value determination unit 19 determines the threshold value K as the first threshold value Ka when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired through the vehicle speed sensor 10 is 20 to 60 km / h. Therefore, it is determined that the lane change has been completed when the movement trajectory distance X (t) reaches the first threshold value Ka. At this time, the vehicle 1 is assumed to follow a route similar to the shortest movement locus (see FIG. 6).

  The threshold value determination unit 19 determines the threshold value K as the second threshold value Kb when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired through the vehicle speed sensor 10 is 60 to 100 km / h. Therefore, it is determined that the lane change has been completed when the movement trajectory distance X (t) reaches the second threshold value Kb. At this time, the vehicle 1 is assumed to follow a route similar to the intermediate movement locus (see FIG. 6).

  The threshold value determination unit 19 determines the threshold value K as the third threshold value Kc when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired through the vehicle speed sensor 10 is 100 km / h or higher. Therefore, it is determined that the lane change has been completed when the movement trajectory distance X (t) reaches the third threshold value Kc. At this time, the vehicle 1 is assumed to follow a route similar to the longest movement locus (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the procedure of automatic turn-off control executed by the control circuit 7 when changing lanes will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is executed in accordance with an automatic turn-off program stored in a memory (not shown) of the control circuit 7.

  When the vehicle 1 is changed to the right lane, the turn lever 5 is tilted downward to the right lane change operation angle region R2. The position detection switch 8 detects that the turn lever 5 has been tilted to the right lane change operation angle region R2, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 7. Accordingly, the right turn signal 2 is turned on by the lighting execution unit 12 (S101).

  Then, the control circuit 7 acquires the vehicle speed V (t) through the vehicle speed sensor 10 (S102). Further, the threshold value determination unit 19 determines threshold values Ka to Kc corresponding to the acquired vehicle speed V (t) (S103). Next, the turn-off determination execution unit 17 compares the movement trajectory distance X (t) with the determined threshold values Ka to Kc, and determines that the movement trajectory distance X (t) is greater than or equal to the threshold values Ka to Kc. It is determined whether or not to take (S104).

  At this time, if the movement locus distance X (t) is less than the threshold values Ka to Kc, the right turn signal 2 is continuously turned on and the vehicle speed V (t) is acquired again through the vehicle speed sensor 10 (S104). NO). And the threshold value determination part 19 determines threshold value Ka-Kc according to the vehicle speed V (t) acquired again (S103). Here, when the threshold values Ka to Kc determined this time and the previous time are different, the threshold values Ka to Kc are redetermined after taking into account the distance traveled after the right turn signal 2 is turned on.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired at the first position P1 is 40 km / h, the threshold value determination unit 19 sets the threshold value K to the first value. The threshold value Ka is determined. Thereafter, when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired again at the second position P2 is 70 km / h, the threshold value determination unit 19 re-determines the threshold value K as the second threshold value Kb.

  Here, when the vehicle moves at a constant speed at the vehicle speed (40 km / h) at the first position P1, it is assumed to move along the shortest movement locus. However, it is newly assumed that by accelerating until reaching the second position P2, it moves along the intermediate movement locus instead of the shortest movement locus. Even in such a case, the threshold value K is re-determined to the second threshold value Kb corresponding to the intermediate movement trajectory based on the vehicle speed V (t) acquired again. The movement trajectory distance X (t) becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold value Kb at the position and timing. In this case, when the turn-off determination execution unit 17 takes the value of the movement trajectory distance X (t) accumulated from the distance A from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Kb. Then, it is recognized that the vehicle has moved a sufficient distance to complete the lane change (YES in S104).

  In this way, even when the vehicle accelerates after the right turn signal 2 is turned on, the threshold values Ka to Kc are re-determined. Therefore, the movement locus at an appropriate position and timing at which the lane change is assumed to be completed. The distance X (t) reaches the threshold values Ka to Kc. Similarly, when the vehicle 1 decelerates, for example, the second threshold value Kb is re-determined from the second threshold value Kb, and the vehicle 1 moves at an appropriate position and timing assumed to complete the lane change. The trajectory distance X (t) reaches the first threshold value Ka.

  Next, the extinction determination execution unit 17 compares the lateral movement distance Y (t) with the threshold value J, and determines whether or not the lateral movement distance Y (t) takes a value equal to or greater than the threshold value J. (S105). At this time, if the lateral movement distance Y (t) is greater than or equal to the threshold value J, it is recognized that the vehicle 1 has moved laterally by a distance sufficient to complete the lane change, and the right side that is lit The turn signal 2 is switched off (S106).

  On the other hand, if the lateral movement distance Y (t) is less than the threshold value J, the lighting of the right turn signal 2 is continued until the lateral movement distance Y (t) becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value J (in S105). NO). The turn-off of the left turn signal 3 is executed in the same way.

  In this way, the turn signal 2 and 3 are automatically turned off with higher accuracy by adding the lateral movement distance Y (t) to the determination element for turning off the turn signals 2 and 3 in addition to the movement trajectory distance X (t). Can be made.

As described above, according to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) First to third threshold values Ka to Kc of distances corresponding to the vehicle speed V (t) are determined at predetermined time intervals with the turn signals 2 and 3 being turned on when the lane is changed. Accordingly, even after the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned on at the time of lane change, the first to third threshold values Ka to Kc corresponding to the vehicle speed V (t) each time, even when the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated. Is redetermined. Thus, the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off at an appropriate timing in changing the lane without being affected by the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle. In addition, as shown in each movement trajectory in FIG. 6, the movement trajectory distance X (t), which is a travel distance required to change the lane, generally changes according to the vehicle speed V (t). Therefore, by setting the first to third threshold values Ka to Kc according to the vehicle speed V (t), the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off at a more appropriate timing.

  (2) In addition to the movement locus distance X (t), the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off when the lateral movement distance Y (t) becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value J. Here, the threshold value J is set based on the lane distance. When the lateral movement distance Y (t) is equal to or greater than the threshold value J, it can be determined that the lane change of the vehicle 1 has been completed. Become. This prevents the turn signals 2 and 3 from being turned off before the lane change of the vehicle 1 is completed, and the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off at a more appropriate timing.

  (3) According to the operation angle from the neutral position of the turn lever 5, it is possible to determine whether the operation is related to lane change or right / left turn. Thereby, by operating the same turn lever 5, operations related to lighting of the turn signals 2 and 3 at the time of lane change and right / left turn can be performed, so that convenience can be improved.

  (4) When the turn lever 5 after tilting operation is held at the tilting operation position, the driver tilts the turn lever 5 to the right / left turn operation angle regions L1, R1, and inputs the operation related to the right / left turn. Recognize that Further, when the turn lever 5 after the tilting operation returns to the neutral position, the driver recognizes that the turn lever 5 is tilted to the lane change operation angle regions L2 and R2 and an operation related to the lane change is input. To do. Thus, the driver can easily recognize the operation content from the position of the turn lever 5 after the tilting operation.

In addition, the said embodiment can be implemented with the following forms which changed this suitably.
In the above embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the movement trajectory distance X (t) is greater than or equal to the determined threshold value Ka to Kc (YES in S104), the lateral movement is performed. It has been determined whether or not the distance Y (t) is greater than or equal to the threshold value J (S105). However, when the order of steps S104 and S105 is reversed and the lateral movement distance Y (t) becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value J, the movement locus distance X (t) is determined to be the determined threshold value Ka. It may be determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to ~ Kc.

  In the above embodiment, whether or not the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned off depending on whether the lateral movement distance Y (t) takes a value equal to or greater than the threshold value J in addition to the movement trajectory distance X (t). Had decided. However, the determination on the lateral movement distance Y (t) may be omitted, and it may be determined whether only the movement trajectory distance X (t) takes a value greater than or equal to the threshold values Ka to Kc. Even in this case, the turn signals 2 and 3 that are lit before the lane change are extinguished after the lane change is completed without being affected by the acceleration / deceleration.

  In the above embodiment, the three-stage threshold values Ka to Kc corresponding to the vehicle speed V (t) are set. However, the threshold value K may be set more finely according to the vehicle speed V (t). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the threshold value K is set in proportion to the vehicle speed V (t). In this case, the threshold value determination unit 19 determines the threshold value Ks with reference to the graph of FIG. 10 when the vehicle speed V (t) acquired through the vehicle speed sensor 10 is the vehicle speed S. According to this setting, it is possible to set the threshold value K according to the magnitude of the finer vehicle speed V (t), so that the turn signals 2 and 3 can be turned off at a more suitable timing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the turn lever 5 is configured such that a momentary type and a stationery type coexist as the operation method. However, the operation system of the turn lever 5 may be configured as only a momentary system or a stationary system. When the turn lever 5 is configured as a momentary type, it is possible to determine both operations related to lane change and right / left turn based on the operation angle at the same turn lever 5. In addition, when the turn lever 5 is configured as a stationary type, the turn lever 5 is held at each position, so that it is possible to determine both operations related to lane change and right / left turn. Moreover, you may provide the new operation switch which lights the turn signals 2 and 3 which concern on a lane change in the position different from the turn lever 5, for example, a console box. Even in this case, the turn signals 2 and 3 are turned on by operating the operation switch, and the turn signals 2 and 3 are automatically turned off after the lane change.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the embodiment will be described together with the effects.
(A) In the turn signal lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and (a), the threshold value determining means sets the threshold value according to the vehicle speed to a value proportional to the vehicle speed. Turn signal lighting control device.

  According to this configuration, the threshold value is set to a value proportional to the vehicle speed. Here, the travel distance tends to increase as the vehicle speed increases. In general, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the steering wheel can be largely rotated. However, when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, the steering wheel is largely rotated while realizing stable traveling. It is not possible. Therefore, the travel distance required for changing lanes during high-speed traveling is naturally increased. In consideration of such a tendency, the threshold value is set in a proportional relationship with the vehicle speed. Therefore, the threshold value is set large when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. Thereby, at an appropriate timing, the moving distance becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the turn signal is automatically turned off.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2, 3 ... Turn signal, 4 ... Steering wheel, 5 ... Turn lever (operation means), 9 ... Rotation angular velocity detection sensor (rotation angular velocity detection means), 10 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 13 ... Vehicle azimuth change amount Calculation unit (vehicle azimuth angle change amount calculation means), 15 ... vehicle azimuth angle calculation unit (vehicle azimuth angle calculation means), 16 ... lateral movement distance calculation unit (lateral movement distance calculation means), 17 ... extinction judgment execution unit (Light-off determination execution means), 18... Movement locus distance calculation section (movement locus distance calculation means), 19... Threshold value determination section (threshold value determination means), 20.

Claims (3)

When the operation means provided near the driver's seat is operated, the turn signal is switched from the previous extinguished state to the lit state, and when the turn signal is lit through the operation of the operating means related to lane change In the turn signal lighting control device that automatically turns off the turn signal when it is determined that the lane change is completed,
A movement trajectory distance calculating means for calculating a distance of the movement trajectory of the vehicle from the turn signal lighting based on a vehicle speed acquired through a vehicle speed sensor provided in the vehicle;
Triggered by the turn signal lighting at the time of lane change, threshold value determining means for determining a threshold value of distance according to the vehicle speed every predetermined time interval;
A turn-off determination execution means for determining that the lane change has been completed and switching the turn signal in the turn-on state to the turn-off state, assuming that the first condition is satisfied when the movement locus distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When,
Turn signal lighting control device equipped with. In the turn signal lighting control device according to claim 1,
A rotational angular velocity detecting means for detecting a rotational angular velocity generated in the vehicle when the vehicle changes its traveling direction;
Vehicle azimuth angle change amount calculating means for calculating the vehicle azimuth angle change amount as the amount of change in azimuth per unit time when changing the traveling direction based on the detection value of the rotational angular velocity detection means;
Vehicle azimuth angle calculating means for calculating a vehicle azimuth angle to be taken when the vehicle changes its traveling direction based on the vehicle azimuth angle variation calculated by the vehicle azimuth angle variation calculating means;
Based on the vehicle azimuth calculated by the vehicle azimuth calculation means, a lateral movement distance calculation means for calculating a movement distance in the horizontal direction when the vehicle changes its traveling direction,
The turn-off determination execution means indicates that the lane change has been completed when the first condition is satisfied and the lateral movement distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value set based on the lane distance. A turn signal lighting control device that switches the turn signal in a lighting state to a light-off state by judging. In the turn signal lighting control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The operating means is a turn lever provided on the steering column and capable of tilting up to a predetermined angle in a vertical direction from a neutral position around a base end portion,
When it is detected that the turn lever is tilted from the neutral position to the right / left turn operation angle set in the up / down direction with respect to the same position, the turn signal is turned on as the operation related to the right / left turn is performed. ,
When it is detected that the turn lever is tilted to a lane change operation angle that is smaller than the right / left turn operation angle set in the vertical direction with respect to the same position from the neutral position, an operation related to the lane change is performed. A turn signal lighting control device for lighting the turn signal as being performed.

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