JP2011162073A - Electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric vehicle capable of allowing a pedestrian to effectively and surely confirm the approach alarm sound of the electric vehicle, and also allowing the approach alarm sound of the electric vehicle to effectively carry to a pedestrian or the like in a traveling direction such as right and left turns of the vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: In the electric vehicle traveling by using an electric motor as a driving source or one of driving sources, ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c are provided on a vehicle front part side, ultrasonic of a kind according to vehicle speed is radiated from the ultrasonic parametric speakers by the output of a vehicle speed detecting part 6a, and ultrasonic is radiated toward the direction of steering wheel operation by the output of a steering wheel operating direction detecting part 6b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle that travels using an electric motor as a driving source, an engine (internal combustion engine), and a hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor that contributes to traveling when the engine is stopped. The electric vehicle may be a vehicle that uses an electric motor as a drive source or one of the drive sources, and further illustrates plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid railway vehicles, forklifts, electric wheelchairs, electric assist bicycles, electric scooters, and the like. Can do.

  In recent years, as a global environmental conservation measure, electric motors are driven by battery power, and electric vehicles that do not emit harmful gases or a combination of engines and electric motors are used to reduce harmful gas emissions. Electric vehicles such as hybrid vehicles have been developed and put into practical use.

  In such an electric vehicle, the vehicle traveling sound when traveling using the electric motor as a drive source is a motor driving sound, which is extremely small compared to the engine driving sound. For this reason, for a pedestrian walking in front of an electric vehicle that is running with an electric motor, the timing when the electric vehicle is approached from the rear is usually delayed, and the electric drive performed by the vehicle running sound is performed. There is a problem that the possibility of causing a traffic accident is also pointed out, for example, the estimation of the separation distance from the vehicle is wrong.

  In view of such problems, by generating a sound that simulates the engine sound as a running sound or by generating a warning sound that warns of the approach of an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle is provided to a pedestrian or the like. Various techniques have been proposed so far to notify the approach of (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-27810

  However, the engine sound simulated traveling sound and the vehicle approach warning sound for notifying the approach of the electric vehicle (hereinafter these sounds are referred to as vehicle approach notifying sounds) are the pedestrians traveling in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. It extends not only to the existing area but also to the surrounding area. For this reason, if a loud notification sound that can be surely recognized by a pedestrian in the traveling direction is output, it will be heard as excessive and unpleasant noise by surrounding pedestrians outside the pedestrian existing area in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. There is a problem that it ends up.

  Therefore, the inventors of the present invention in Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-196612 reliably transmit a vehicle approach notification sound only to a region where there is a pedestrian or the like in the vehicle traveling direction and transmit the vehicle approach notification sound reliably outside the region. An electric vehicle capable of generating a vehicle approach notification sound is provided so as not to affect the vehicle.

  This electric vehicle is equipped with an ultrasonic parametric speaker, amplitude-modulates an ultrasonic signal with a signal corresponding to the vehicle approach notification sound, drives the ultrasonic parametric speaker with the amplitude-modulated signal, and the ultrasonic parametric speaker. The ultrasonic wave is radiated from the vehicle, and the ultrasonic wave is self-demodulated into a vehicle approach notification sound audible at the position of the pedestrian. And the ultrasonic parametric speaker has a super narrow directivity and can output a loud notification sound that can be surely recognized by a pedestrian in the traveling direction, while a pedestrian exists in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. The pedestrians outside the area cannot hear the notification sound or suppress it to a small extent.

  The present invention further allows the pedestrian to further change the kind of vehicle approach notification sound according to the vehicle speed or to emit ultrasonic waves in the steering operation direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric vehicle capable of effectively and reliably confirming a vehicle approach notification sound and effectively reaching the vehicle traveling direction.

  An electric vehicle according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic parametric speaker on the front side of the vehicle and a drive control circuit that controls the driving of the ultrasonic parametric speaker, and the drive control circuit responds to the vehicle speed from the ultrasonic parametric speaker. It is characterized in that control is performed to emit an ultrasonic wave whose amplitude is modulated in accordance with the type of sound source and / or control to emit an ultrasonic wave in the direction of the handle operation.

  According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, the radiated ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic parametric speaker is self-demodulated into the vehicle approach notification sound that can be audible to the pedestrian, so that the pedestrian can hear the vehicle approach from the rear by the vehicle approach notification sound. You can let them know you ’re approaching. In the present invention, when an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the vehicle speed is radiated from the ultrasonic parametric speaker by the drive control circuit, the pedestrian moves along with the approach of the vehicle by the type of the vehicle approach notification sound obtained by self-demodulating the ultrasonic wave. Since the vehicle speed can be recognized, the required response can be performed quickly, and when the drive control circuit controls the ultrasonic wave to radiate in the direction corresponding to the handle operation direction, the handle operation direction The pedestrian can recognize the approach of the vehicle at an early stage.

  In addition, it is preferable to control the ultrasonic reach distance by the ultrasonic parametric speaker according to the vehicle speed. The control of the ultrasonic reach distance can be performed, for example, by switching and selecting the ultrasonic frequency according to the vehicle speed. When controlling the ultrasonic reach according to the vehicle speed, the vehicle approach notification sound converted to ultrasonic is lengthened during high speed traveling, while the vehicle approach converted to ultrasonic is used during low speed traveling. The reaching distance of the notification sound can be shortened, and the approach of the vehicle can be notified to a necessary area according to the vehicle speed.

  In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of sound sources are provided, and when the drive control circuit performs control to emit a kind of ultrasonic waves corresponding to the vehicle speed from the ultrasonic parametric speaker, a sound source corresponding to the vehicle speed is selected from the plurality of sound sources. Selecting and emitting ultrasonic waves based on the selected sound source.

  In another preferred embodiment, when performing control to emit ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker in the direction of handle operation by the drive control circuit, the ultrasonic parametric speaker is rotated in the handle operation direction, Alternatively, a plurality of the above-mentioned ultrasonic parametric speakers are provided, and each of the plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers is individually arranged in each of a plurality of handle operation directions, and these ultrasonic parametric speakers are driven corresponding to the handle operation directions. It is.

  In this case, when each of the plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers is individually arranged in each of the plurality of handle operating directions, the drive ratio of each ultrasonic parametric speaker is controlled or individually controlled in the handle operating direction. Is preferred.

  In another preferred aspect, the drive control circuit controls the ultrasonic parametric speaker to emit ultrasonic waves in a direction opposite to the vehicle traveling direction, while reflecting the reflected ultrasonic waves toward the vehicle traveling direction. It is to provide a plate.

  According to another preferred embodiment, another ultrasonic parametric speaker is provided on the rear side of the vehicle separately from the ultrasonic parametric speaker, and the other ultrasonic parametric speaker is controlled to be radiated toward the rear of the vehicle by the drive control circuit. That is. In this case, the other ultrasonic parametric speaker may emit ultrasonic waves according to the reverse lever operation.

  According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, since the ultrasonic parametric speaker using ultrasonic waves is provided, the ultrasonic wave modulated by the vehicle approach notification sound using the ultrasonic parametric speaker is transmitted in the traveling direction of the vehicle. By radiating toward a limited specific area, a pedestrian or the like can be surely recognized that the vehicle is approaching.

  In the case of the electric vehicle of the present invention, when the ultrasonic wave is an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the vehicle speed, the pedestrian recognizes the vehicle speed along with the approach of the vehicle by the type of the vehicle approach notification sound obtained by self-demodulating the ultrasonic wave. As a result, the required response can be performed quickly, and if the ultrasonic waves are emitted in a direction corresponding to the steering direction, the vehicle can approach the pedestrian in the steering direction at an early stage. You will be able to recognize.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of ultrasonic parametric speakers in the front portion of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of the ultrasonic parametric speaker. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generator configured to include the ultrasonic parametric speaker. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the vehicle approach notification sound generator mounted on the electric vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a view when the electric vehicle is traveling straight, and FIG. 4B is a left curve of the electric vehicle. Therefore, FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the steering wheel operation is started, and FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the steering wheel operation is deeper and the left curve switching operation is performed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generating device in an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vehicle approach notification sound generator in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generating device in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the ultrasonic parametric speaker and the reflection plate of the vehicle approach notification sound generating device of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another arrangement example of the ultrasonic parametric speaker and the reflector of the vehicle approach notification sound generating device of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generator in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generator in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generator in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generating device in an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
An electric vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 shows an example of arrangement of an electric vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and a plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers on the front side of the electric vehicle, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic appearance of the ultrasonic parametric speaker. FIG. 3 shows a configuration, and FIG. 3 shows a block configuration of a vehicle approach notification sound generator provided with an ultrasonic parametric speaker.

  The electric vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is a vehicle that uses an electric motor such as a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle as a propulsive force. The electric motor, a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to a traveling system, The wheel has a known structure such as a wheel, a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake, and a start key.

  The electric vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment has an ultra-narrow directivity that can radiate a vehicle approach notification sound for notifying a pedestrian or the like of the approach of the vehicle only to a specific space region in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c are mounted. The ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a is mounted on the vehicle front left side, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b is mounted on the vehicle front center side, and the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2c is mounted on the vehicle front right side. These ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c are configured by arranging a plurality of ultrasonic elements (transducers) 4 on a planar substrate 3 in a planar parametric array as shown in FIG. In these ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a is ultrasonically transmitted to the ultrasonic radiation region 5a in front of the left side of the vehicle, and the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b is ultrasonically transmitted to the ultrasonic radiation region 5b in front of the vehicle center. The parametric speaker 2c is directed in the direction of ultrasonic radiation so that ultrasonic waves can be emitted to the ultrasonic radiation region 5c on the right front side of the vehicle. It is preferable that the radiation direction is set so that the left and right ultrasonic radiation regions 5a and 5c partially overlap the central ultrasonic radiation region 5b.

  The vehicle approach notification sound generator shown by the block circuit in FIG. 3 includes the above-described ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c, and a drive control circuit 6 that drives and controls them.

  The drive control circuit 6 includes a vehicle speed detection unit 6a, a steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b, a sound source 6c, a sound source switching unit 6d, a modulator 6e, an output control unit 6f, and a plurality of, in this example, three Drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i.

  The vehicle speed detection unit 6a detects the speed of the electric vehicle 1 and outputs a vehicle speed detection signal corresponding to the detection. Since there are various types of such vehicle speed detections and are well known, the details thereof will be omitted. The handle operation direction detection unit 6b can detect an operation angle of the handle (steering wheel) (an angle for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle, such as a straight advance operation, a left turn operation, and a right turn operation of the vehicle). A steering wheel operation direction detection signal corresponding to the detection is output. Since there are various types of the handle operation direction detection unit 6b and are well known, the details thereof are omitted.

  The sound source 6c is shown as one block in the drawing, but includes a plurality of sound sources. Examples of a plurality of sound sources are, for example, low tone, medium tone, and high tone sound sources. The kind of sound source is not limited at all. When the sound source switching unit 6d receives a detection signal that the vehicle speed is high from the vehicle speed detection unit 6a, the sound source switching unit 6d switches from the sound source 6c to a high-pitched sound source and outputs the detection signal. When the sound source 6c is switched to a medium sound source and output, and a detection signal indicating a low speed is input, the sound source 6c is switched to a low sound source and output.

  The modulator 6e amplitude-modulates and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to an ultrasonic wave with the electrical signal corresponding to the sound source output from the sound source switching unit 6d. The output control unit 6f performs drive control by applying the ultrasonic corresponding signal to the drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i in accordance with the handle operation direction detection signal from the handle operation direction detection unit 6b. The drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i are individually connected to the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c, respectively. For example, if the level of the ultrasonic corresponding signal input to each of the drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i is a: b: c, the level of the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c (ultrasonic sound pressure) ) La, Lb, and Lc are La: Lb: Lc = a: b: c, respectively.

  The ratio application will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the handle operation direction detection signal from the handle operation direction detection unit 6b is a signal indicating the handle operation direction for moving the vehicle 1 straight, of the three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i. The ultrasonic level applied to the drive amplifiers 6g and 6i corresponding to the other ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a and 2c is increased by increasing the application level Lb of the ultrasonic opposing signal applied to the drive amplifier 6h corresponding to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b. The signal application levels La and Lc are relatively reduced. As a result, of the ultrasonic radiation areas 5a, 5b, and 5c from the three ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c arranged on the left, center, and right of the front part of the vehicle, An ultrasonic wave having a maximum level Lb is radiated to the ultrasonic radiation region 5b.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the steering wheel operation is turned in the left turn direction, and the steering wheel operation direction detection signal is input from the steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b to the output control unit 6f. In this case, the output control unit 6f increases the application level La of the ultrasonic facing signal applied to the drive amplifier 6g corresponding to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a on the left side of the vehicle among the three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i. Then, output control is performed to relatively reduce the application levels Lb and Lc of the ultrasonic corresponding signals applied to the drive amplifiers 6h and 6i corresponding to the other ultrasonic parametric speakers 2b and 2c. In this case, for example, the radiation level La of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a> the radiation level Lb of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b> the radiation level Lc of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2c.

  As a result, among the ultrasonic radiation areas 5a, 5b, and 5c from the three ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c arranged on the left, center, and right of the front portion of the vehicle, the ultrasonic parametric on the left side is obtained according to the above relationship. The ultrasonic wave having the maximum level La is radiated to the ultrasonic radiation region 5a of the speaker 2a. Further, when the handle operation direction detection signal from the handle operation direction detection unit 6b is a signal indicating the handle operation direction for turning the vehicle deeper to the left, the level La is present in the ultrasonic radiation region 5a of the left ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a. Larger ultrasound is emitted. As a result, a pedestrian in the vehicle 1 left turn direction can recognize in advance that the vehicle 1 is turning left. In addition, since it is the same as that of the case where the vehicle 1 turns right, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c are arranged on the left side, the center side, and the right side of the front part of the vehicle, respectively, and the respective ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2a, Since the type of the ultrasonic waves from 2b and 2c, for example, the radiation level is controlled, the pedestrian can recognize the vehicle speed along with the approach of the vehicle from the level of the vehicle approach notification sound obtained by self-demodulating the ultrasonic wave, and take the necessary response. You can do it quickly. Moreover, in this Embodiment 1, since the ultrasonic wave with which the radiation level was different by the ratio according to the steering wheel operation direction is emitted, it is possible to make the pedestrian in the steering wheel operation direction recognize the approach of the vehicle at an early stage. become able to.

  In this case, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic radiation level is continuously controlled by ratio control of the ultrasonic radiation levels from the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c in accordance with the traveling direction of the vehicle. Can be controlled smoothly and continuously.

(Embodiment 2)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the first embodiment, there are three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, and 6i for each of the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c. However, in the second embodiment, in the drive control circuit 6A, the drive amplifier is a code. 6j has one drive amplifier, and the switching unit 6u selectively selects one of the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c according to the output detected by the handle operation direction detection unit 6b. The output is switched to. For example, when the steering wheel operation direction is a straight traveling direction, the output of the driving amplifier 6j is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b by the switching unit 6u, and when the steering wheel operation direction is a left turn, the driving amplifier 6j The output is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a by the switching unit 6u. When the steering direction is right turn, the output of the drive amplifier 6j is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2c by the switching unit 6u.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic radiation levels La, Lb, and Lc from the respective ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c are controlled according to the vehicle speed. The pedestrian can recognize the speed of the vehicle along with the approach of the vehicle from the level of the vehicle approach notification sound obtained by self-demodulating the ultrasonic wave, and can quickly perform the required response. And in this Embodiment 2, since an ultrasonic wave is radiated | emitted in the direction according to the steering wheel operation direction similarly to Embodiment 1, the approach of a vehicle is approached at an early stage with respect to the pedestrian of the steering wheel operation direction. You will be able to recognize.

  In particular, in the second embodiment, there is one drive amplifier 6j, and the output of the drive amplifier 6j corresponds to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a corresponding to these operations in response to the straight operation, left turn operation, and right turn operation in the steering wheel operation direction. Since it is applied to 2b and 2c, the switching drive of the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c is easy.

(Embodiment 3)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, the drive control circuit 6B further includes a shift lever operation position detection unit 6m that detects the operation of the shift lever of the vehicle, and the rear center of the vehicle. And an ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d that emits ultrasonic waves to the rear of the vehicle.

  The switching unit 6u sends the output of the drive amplifier 6j to the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c in response to an input of a detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position detection unit 6m is operated in the direction of moving the vehicle forward. In response to an input of a detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position detection unit 6m has been operated in the reverse direction of the vehicle, an output of the drive amplifier 6j is output to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d. Thereby, each ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a-2d is driven. When the detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position detection unit 6m is operated in the direction of moving the vehicle forward is input, the switching unit 6u responds to the input of the detection signal of the handle operation direction detection unit 6b. As in the second embodiment, the output of the drive amplifier 6j is switched to the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c and input.

  In the third embodiment described above, even when the vehicle moves backward, it is possible to notify the pedestrian and the like behind the vehicle of the backward movement of the vehicle by emitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d.

(Embodiment 4)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In any of the first to third embodiments, a plurality of, for example, three ultrasonic parametric speakers are provided in the front part of the vehicle, but in the fourth embodiment, a single ultrasonic parametric speaker is provided in the front part of the vehicle. Is different. That is, in Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 7, in the drive control circuit 6C, the reflector control drive unit 6p that inputs the detection output of the handle operation direction detection unit 6b, and the ultrasonic wave at an angle θ with respect to the vehicle traveling direction Ld. A single ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e arranged to radiate in the reverse direction (arrow A direction), and a reflector control drive unit to reflect the ultrasonic wave radiated from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e around the vehicle traveling direction Ld And a reflector 6q that is rotationally driven to 6p.

  When the rotational position of the reflecting plate 6q is c10, the ultrasonic wave is reflected in the broken line arrow direction c11 (vehicle turning right direction), and when the reflecting plate 6q is the rotating position c20, the ultrasonic wave is reflected in the dashed line arrow direction c21 (vehicle turning left direction). When the rotational position of the reflecting plate 6q is c30, the ultrasonic wave is reflected in the direction indicated by the solid arrow c31 (matches Ld in the vehicle straight direction). Of course, the arrangement of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e may be the angle θ = 0.

  In order to prevent the ultrasonic parametric loudspeaker 2e from directly hitting the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e when traveling in the rain or snow, the ultrasonic radiation direction of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e is directed in the direction opposite to the vehicle traveling direction Ld. A reflector 6q is disposed in front of the sound wave emission direction. The reflecting plate 6q can be rotated around the rotation axis O by the reflecting plate control driving unit 6p. The reflection plate control drive unit 6p can rotate the reflection plate 6q in response to the detection output of the handle operation direction detection unit 6b. The material of the reflecting plate 6q is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can reflect ultrasonic waves.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate 6q can be paired and arranged at the center of the front portion of the vehicle. In the fourth embodiment, with one ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e, the reflecting plate 6q can be rotated toward the traveling direction of the vehicle and its left and right directions to emit ultrasonic waves, and the configuration is simplified. The ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate 6q constitute one ultrasonic radiation set 10.

  For example, when the vehicle goes straight as shown in FIG. 8A, the reflection plate 6q is rotated around the rotation axis O by the reflection plate control drive unit 6p in accordance with the straight movement in the ultrasonic radiation set 10, The ultrasonic wave 5d from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e is reflected by the reflecting plate 6q in the vehicle traveling direction. When the vehicle turns left as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the reflector 6q is rotated around the rotation axis O by the reflector control drive unit 6p in accordance with the left turn in the ultrasonic radiation set 10. The ultrasonic wave 5d from the sonic parametric speaker 2e is reflected in the left turn direction by the reflector 6q. Further, when the vehicle turns right as shown in FIG. 8C, the reflection plate 6q is rotated around the rotation axis O by the reflection plate control driving unit 6p in accordance with the right turn in the ultrasonic radiation set 10. The ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e are reflected in the right turn direction by the reflector 6q. The reflected ultrasonic radiation area is denoted by 5d.

  In the fourth embodiment, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate 6q constitute an ultrasonic radiation set 10. A plurality of ultrasonic radiation sets 10 such as FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are used. As shown in Fig. 2, two sets 10a and 10b may be provided, and each set 10a and 10b may be provided in the side mirrors 1a and 1b or in the vicinity thereof.

  For example, when the vehicle goes straight as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are rotated in accordance with the straight travel, so that the ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are obtained. The ultrasonic waves from the parametric speaker are reflected in the vehicle traveling direction by the reflecting plates in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b. The radiation areas of the reflected ultrasonic waves are indicated by 5e1 and 5e2.

  When the vehicle turns left as shown in FIG. 9B, the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are rotated in accordance with the left turn. As a result, the ultrasonic parametrics in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are obtained. The ultrasonic waves from the speakers are reflected in the left turn direction by the reflecting plates in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b.

  When the vehicle turns to the right as shown in FIG. 9C, the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are rotated in accordance with the right turn. As a result, the ultrasonic parametric in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b is obtained. The ultrasonic waves from the speakers are reflected in the right turn direction by the reflecting plates in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b.

(Embodiment 5)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the drive control circuit 6D, a shift lever operation position detection unit 6r that detects the operation of the shift lever of the vehicle, and an ultrasonic wave that is disposed in the center of the rear part of the vehicle and radiates to the rear of the vehicle. And an ultrasonic parametric speaker 2f.

  The switching unit 6s switches to output the output of the drive amplifier 6j to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d in response to an input of a detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position detection unit 6r has been operated in the direction of moving the vehicle forward. In addition, in response to an input of a detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position detection unit 6r is operated in the direction of moving the vehicle backward, the output of the drive amplifier 6j is output to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2f. Thereby, each ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d, 2f is driven.

  In the fifth embodiment described above, even when the vehicle moves backward, a pedestrian or the like behind the vehicle can radiate ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2f to notify the backward movement of the vehicle.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the vehicle speed detection unit is provided among the vehicle speed detection unit and the handle operation direction detection unit 6b. However, it is not always necessary to provide both of these detection units. For example, as shown in FIG. Only the speed detection unit 6a is provided and a vehicle approach notification sound corresponding to the vehicle speed is emitted, or only the handle operation direction detection unit 6b is provided as shown in FIG. 12, and a vehicle approach notification sound corresponding to the vehicle speed is emitted. You may make it do. In FIGS. 11 and 12, parts corresponding to those in FIG.

  Further, in FIG. 13, a millimeter wave radar 11 as a distance / direction sensor and a drive amplifier / reflector control unit 12 are provided, and the millimeter wave radar 11 is used to target a pedestrian or other vehicle in front of the vehicle. The control unit 12 detects the distance and direction (azimuth angle) to the object 13, and the control unit 12 responds to a signal related to the presence direction of the target 13 output from the millimeter wave radar 11 and the distance to the target 13. The output of the drive amplifier 6j and the reflection plate 6q are controlled so that the radiation direction and the radiation intensity of the ultrasonic wave can be effectively controlled on the object 13. The millimeter wave radar 11 transmits a signal having a frequency f0 to the object 13, receives a reflected wave f0 + fd from the object 13, and performs detection of the distance measurement by performing necessary signal processing from the received signal. The transmission signal of frequency f0 can scan the front of the vehicle and detect the direction of the object 13 from the scan position.

  As described above, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2001-242242 and 2002-341018 can be used for detecting the distance and direction to the target 13 using the millimeter wave radar. Yes, details are omitted. Needless to say, an ultrasonic sensor or another sensor may be used instead of the millimeter wave radar 11 as the sensor for the distance to the object 13 and the direction in which the object 13 exists.

  In addition, the object 13 is detected and the ultrasonic wave is emitted toward the object 13 as described above. As a type of the demodulated sound source, for example, the magnitude of the sound is changed from software to a yelling voice, The type can be changed from a female voice to a male voice, or the sound frequency can be changed to make the sound optimal for an object, for example, exceeding the human audible range, to be the sound most suitable for an animal. In this case, for example, a sound source with a frequency of about 10 kHz, a sound source with a frequency of about 30 kHz, and a sound source with a frequency of about 3.3 kHz can be selected. It is possible to use a sound source of 30 kHz, a sound source, for example, a deer with a sound source of 3.3 kHz.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric vehicle 2a, 2b, 2c Ultrasonic parametric speaker 3 Board | substrate 4 Ultrasonic element 6 Drive control circuit 6a Vehicle speed detection part 6b Handle operation direction detection part 6c Sound source 6d Sound source switching part 6e Modulator 6f Output control part 6g, 6h, 6i drive amplifier

Claims (6)

An ultrasonic parametric speaker on the front side of the vehicle;
A drive control circuit for driving and controlling the ultrasonic parametric speaker;
With
Control that causes the ultrasonic parametric speaker to emit amplitude-modulated ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of sound source corresponding to the vehicle speed and / or control that emits ultrasonic waves in the direction of the steering wheel operation. To do,
The electric vehicle characterized by the above-mentioned. With multiple sound sources,
When performing control to emit ultrasonic waves of a type corresponding to the vehicle speed from the ultrasonic parametric speaker by the drive control circuit, a sound source corresponding to the vehicle speed is selected from the plurality of sound sources, and based on the selected sound source The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein ultrasonic waves are radiated.   When performing control to emit ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker in the direction of the handle operation by the drive control circuit, the ultrasonic parametric speaker is rotated in the handle operation direction, or the ultrasonic parametric speaker is rotated. A plurality of parametric speakers are provided, each of the plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers is individually arranged in each of a plurality of handle operation directions, and the ultrasonic parametric speakers are driven in accordance with the handle operation directions. Item 4. The electric vehicle according to Item 1.   The ultrasonic wave parametric speaker is driven by the drive control circuit so as to emit ultrasonic waves in a direction opposite to the vehicle traveling direction, and a reflection plate is provided for reflecting the emitted ultrasonic waves toward the vehicle traveling direction. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein   2. The ultrasonic parametric speaker is provided on the rear side of the vehicle separately from the ultrasonic parametric speaker, and the drive control circuit controls the radiation of the other ultrasonic parametric speaker toward the rear of the vehicle. The electric vehicle in any one of thru | or 4.   6. A sensor for detecting a distance to an object and a direction in which the object exists, and controlling the radiation direction and intensity of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speaker according to the sensor output. The electric vehicle according to any one of the above.

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