JP2014098342A - Idling stop device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable both a control over a travel state at the time of traffic congestion repeating stopping and starting operations and a control over an idling stop operation recovery against a normal travel state other than the travel state at the time of traffic congestion to be attained properly without inducing any complication.SOLUTION: An idling stop operation speed for operating an idling stop under a normal travel other than a travel at the time of traffic congestion of a vehicle 100 is set to a first threshold V1 so as to control an idling stop operation recovery. In addition, at the time of travel of traffic congestion in which the vehicle 100 enters a traffic congestion and repeating stopping and starting at a speed slower than the first threshold V1 is carried out, the idling stop operation speed for performing the idling stop operation is changed over from the first threshold V1 to a second threshold V2 slower than the first threshold value V1 so as to control the idling stop operation recovery.

Description

  The present invention relates to an idling stop device that can appropriately control the idling stop operation return at the time of traffic jam and the idling stop operation return at the time of normal driving other than during the traffic jam.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles that have an idling stop function that stops an engine while the vehicle is stopped for CO2 reduction and fuel efficiency improvement have attracted attention. This idling stop function is adopted not only for private cars but also for buses.
In a vehicle equipped with such an idling stop function, the idling stop operating return speed is set so that the idling stop does not operate frequently during low-speed traveling in a situation where the vehicle is involved in a traffic jam. Accordingly, the idling stop is difficult to operate when the vehicle is repeatedly driven and stopped at a speed lower than the operation return speed. If the idling stop operation return speed is set to a low speed, the idling stop may be activated when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed when passing the intersection, and the vehicle may not be smoothly operated. For such situations, an idling stop control device has been proposed that can accurately determine whether or not an idling stop can be performed based on traffic conditions around the host vehicle. Is used as a determination element to determine whether or not a predetermined first condition relating to the convenience of the host vehicle for enabling idling stop is satisfied. On the other hand, whether or not a predetermined second condition relating to convenience by the surrounding vehicle for enabling the idling stop is established using the state of the surrounding vehicle indicated by the surrounding vehicle information acquired by the surrounding vehicle information acquiring unit as a determination factor. Determine whether. Then, an idling stop is instructed to the engine control means of the host vehicle on condition that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-57597 A

  Therefore, in the conventional idling stop device, it is necessary to use the state of the surrounding vehicle indicated by the surrounding vehicle information as a determination factor, and there is a problem that the system is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and controls idling stop operation return for driving conditions during traffic jams that repeatedly stop and start, and idling stop operation return for driving conditions other than driving conditions during traffic jams. It is an object of the present invention to provide an idling stop device that can perform control appropriately in a compatible manner without complicating the control.

  In the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle speed is the idling stop operating speed and the stop operating means is operated, or the vehicle speed is lower than the idling stop operating speed and the stop operating means is operated, and the idling stop operating condition is satisfied. Then, the engine is stopped, and when the start operation means is operated in a state where the engine is stopped and the idling stop release condition is satisfied, the idling stop device includes control means for restarting the engine, the vehicle When it is determined that the vehicle is not congested by the traffic determining unit that determines whether the vehicle is congested based on the speed, and the idling stop operating speed of the control unit is determined The first speed is set, and the traffic determination unit determines that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam. Once a constant, characterized in that it comprises a switching means for switching to a different second speed and the idling stop operation speed first speed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam based on the vehicle speed. If it is determined that the vehicle is not in a traffic jam, the idling stop operating speed is set to the first speed. When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam, the idling stop operating speed is switched to a second speed different from the first speed. There is an effect that the control and the control for returning to the idling stop operation with respect to the traveling at the time of traffic jam that repeats stopping and starting can be made compatible without being complicated.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the brake pedal is configured to be the stop operation means and the start operation means, the idling stop operation return to the normal traveling of the automatch car that performs the stop operation and the start operation by the brake pedal is performed. There is an effect that the control and the control for returning to the idling stop operation with respect to the traveling at the time of traffic congestion can be made compatible and appropriately controlled.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the second speed is configured to be smaller than the first speed, the second speed is stopped by the brake pedal based on the second speed smaller than the first speed. Control of idling stop operation return for normal driving other than congested driving of auto-matching vehicles that perform operation and start operation, and control of idling stop operation return for congested driving that repeatedly stops and starts without complicating The effect is that it can be controlled appropriately.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle repeats stopping and starting at a low speed not exceeding the first speed, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam. The control of the idling stop operation return to the vehicle and the control of the idling stop operation return to the running at the time of traffic congestion that repeats stopping and starting at a low speed not exceeding the first speed without complicating can be effectively controlled. is there.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the clutch pedal is configured to be the stop operation means and the start operation means, the idling stop operation return control for the normal traveling of the manual vehicle in which the stop operation and the start operation are performed by the clutch pedal. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to control both the idling stop operation return control and the idling stop operation return control in a traffic jam without complicating and appropriately controlling.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the first speed is a stop speed indicating a state in which the vehicle is stopped, and the second speed is a speed higher than the first speed. Control of idling stop operation return for normal travel of a manual vehicle that performs stop operation and start operation by a clutch pedal based on the second speed greater than the stop speed, and control of idling stop operation return for travel in a traffic jam There is an effect that both can be controlled appropriately without being complicated.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle speed exceeds the first speed while being switched to the second speed, the idling stop operating speed is switched from the second speed to the first speed. Since it is configured as described above, the idling stop operation return control for the normal traveling of the auto-matching vehicle in which the stop operation and the starting operation are performed by the brake pedal based on the first speed is performed, and the normal traveling and the traveling in the traffic jam are controlled. There is an effect that the idling stop operation return control can be appropriately controlled without complicating the control.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the vehicle speed exceeds the idling stop operation return condition switching speed larger than the second speed in the state where the second speed is being switched, the vehicle speed of the idling stop operating condition is reached. Is configured to switch from the second speed to the stop speed, so that the idling stop operation return control for the normal traveling of the manual vehicle that performs the stop operation and the start operation by the clutch pedal based on the stop speed is performed, There is an effect that the normal traveling and the idling stop operation return control for traveling in a traffic jam can be controlled appropriately without being complicated.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle repeats stopping and starting at a low speed that does not exceed the idling stop operation return condition switching speed, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam. There is an effect that the control for returning to the idling stop operation for traveling and the control for returning to the idling stop operation for traveling in a traffic jam can be performed appropriately without being complicated.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam. There is an effect that the control and the control for returning to the idling stop operation with respect to the traveling in the traffic jam can be performed appropriately without being complicated by manual switching.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the vehicle speed under the idling stop operating condition is selectively switched to the first speed or the second speed by the manual switching means, and the first speed is selectively switched. Alternatively, the second speed is prioritized over the second speed switched by the switching means or the first speed set by the switching means, and the control means stops the engine when the idling stop operating condition is satisfied. The idling stop operating speed of the automatic vehicle is controlled based on the selectively switched idling stop operating speed, and the idling stop operation is performed for driving in a traffic jam. Can be controlled properly without complicating There is a result.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the vehicle speed in the idling stop operating condition is selectively switched between the stop speed by the manual switching means and the second speed larger than the stop speed, and is selected by the manual switching means. The stop speed or the second speed switched automatically is prioritized over the stop speed set by the second speed or the switching means switched by the switching means, and the control means sets the idling stop operating condition to Since it is configured to be the idling stop operating speed when the engine is stopped when it is established, based on the selectively switched idling stop operating speed, control of the idling stop operation for normal traveling of the manual vehicle, Manual switching of idling stop operation control for driving in traffic jams Is appropriately controlled can effect is both without complicating the.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the idling stop apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the threshold value switching process of the idling stop apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the idling stop operation | movement return process of the idling stop apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the vehicle speed change accompanying time passage when drive | working with the normal driving | running | working form in the idling stop apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the vehicle speed change accompanying time passage when drive | working with the driving | running | working mode at the time of traffic congestion in the idling stop apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the idling stop apparatus which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the threshold value switching process of the idling stop apparatus which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the idling stop operation | movement return process of the idling stop apparatus which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the vehicle speed change accompanying progress of time when drive | working by the normal driving | running | working form in the idling stop apparatus which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the vehicle speed change accompanying time passage when drive | working with the driving | running | working mode at the time of traffic congestion in the idling stop apparatus which is the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an idling stop device according to this embodiment. This idling stop device is mounted on the vehicle 100 and takes in vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 and brake pedal operation information output from the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 that determines the operation status of the brake pedal. Part 3 is provided.

The control unit 3 is configured by a microcomputer.
The control unit 3 includes an idling stop operation return means 31 and a threshold switching means 32. The idling stop operation return means 31 and the threshold value switching means 32 are stored as software programs in the ROM of the microcomputer constituting the control unit 3 and are executed by the CPU.

The idling stop operation return means 31 determines the operation of the idling stop and the return from the idling stop based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 and the brake pedal operation information output from the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2. To do.
When the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 falls below the idling stop operation return speed at which the idling stop is operated and the brake pedal is operated, an engine stop command signal is output to the engine control unit 4 to stop the engine.
Further, based on the vehicle speed information and the brake pedal operation information, when the engine is stopped due to idling stop and the brake pedal is not operated, the engine drive command signal is controlled by the engine. It outputs to the part 4 and the engine stopped by the idling stop is restarted to return from the idling stop.
That is, the idling stop operation return means 31 stops the engine when the idling stop operating condition that the vehicle speed falls below the idling stop operating speed and the brake pedal is operated is satisfied, and the brake pedal of the brake pedal is stopped while the engine is stopped. When the idling stop cancellation condition that the operation is canceled is satisfied, the engine is restarted.

  The threshold value switching means 32 determines whether or not the traveling speed of the vehicle 100 has exceeded the idling stop operation return speed, and repeats stopping and starting even when the vehicle speed at the time of passing through the intersection is low. From the first threshold value V1, depending on whether the vehicle is traveling in a normal traveling mode and the vehicle is traveling in a congested traveling mode that repeatedly stops and starts at a low speed, such as when the vehicle is involved in a traffic jam Switch to the second threshold value V2 or from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1.

  The normal driving mode is not a driving mode in which the vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly, but is a simple driving mode in which the vehicle 100 is passing through an intersection or is temporarily stopped in front of a pedestrian crossing and restarted. . FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in this normal traveling mode.

  Further, the travel mode in a traffic jam refers to a travel mode in which the vehicle stops and starts repeatedly at a low speed travel at a speed lower than the first threshold value V1, which repeats stop-and-go when involved in the traffic jam. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in this traffic mode.

The first threshold value V1 is a threshold value for determining whether or not the traveling speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the idling stop operation return speed in a situation where the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal traveling mode.
The second threshold value V2 is determined when the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam while the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic jam when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic jam. This is a threshold value for determining whether or not the return speed has been exceeded.
The second threshold value V2 is a speed smaller than the first threshold value V1.

The threshold value switching means 32 determines whether or not the vehicle speed V exceeds the second threshold value V2 a predetermined number of times in a state where the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is lower than the first threshold value V1. In other words, a travel mode in a traffic jam, which is a situation in which the vehicle 100 is repeatedly stopped and started while traveling at a low speed while the vehicle 100 is involved in a traffic jam, is determined from the change pattern of the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100.
When the vehicle speed V exceeds the second threshold value V2 for a predetermined number of times, for example, three times, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam mode, and the first threshold value V1 set up to that time is set as the second threshold value. Switch to V2. Further, when the traveling speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1 from the state of traveling in a traffic jam mode, the second threshold value V2 that has been set up to that time is changed to the first threshold value V1 again. Switch.
Therefore, the threshold value switching unit 32 determines that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam based on the vehicle speed, and the idling stop when the vehicle traffic determination unit determines that the vehicle does not travel in a traffic jam. When the operating speed is set to the first speed (first threshold value V1), and it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at the time of traffic congestion by the traffic determination unit at the time of traffic congestion, the second idling stop operating speed is smaller than the first speed. It functions as switching means for switching to the speed (second threshold value V2).

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a threshold value for determining the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value depending on whether the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal traveling mode or the traveling mode in a traffic jam. It is a flowchart which shows the threshold value switching process which switches to the threshold value V2 or the 2nd threshold value V2 to the 1st threshold value V1. The threshold switching process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 will be described as the operation of the threshold switching unit 32 of the control unit 3.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an idling stop operation return process of the idling stop device of this embodiment. The idling stop operation return process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described as the operation of the idling stop operation return means 31 of the control unit 3.

  In this embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 3 will be described as executing the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 2 and the idling stop operation return process shown in FIG. 3 alternately and repeatedly.

First, the case where the vehicle 100 travels in the normal travel mode will be described.
When the engine switch is turned on or the vehicle 100 is in the ACC state with the vehicle 100 stopped, the power is turned on and the CPU of the control unit 3 executes an initialization process.
In this initialization process, the first threshold value V1 is set as the initial setting value of the threshold value Vth in the idling stop operation return process of FIG. Then, the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 2 and the idling stop operation return process shown in FIG. 3 are repeated.
In the vehicle 100, the engine is started, the accelerator pedal is operated, the vehicle speed V gradually increases, and the vehicle 100 travels at a value larger than the speed corresponding to the first threshold value V1 in the normal travel mode.

The CPU of the control unit 3 executes a threshold switching process shown in FIG.
In the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 2, it is first determined whether or not the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1 based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 (step S11). In the process until the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 reaches the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S14.
When the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12 and step S13, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S13. At this time, the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth in the idling stop operation return processing.

Subsequently, the CPU of the control unit 3 executes an idling stop operation return process shown in FIG.
In the idling stop operation return processing, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds a first threshold value V1 that is an idling stop operation return speed (step S1).
In the process until the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S5, and the idling stop operation return process is skipped from step S5. When the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2. At this time, since the vehicle 100 is accelerating and the brake pedal is not operated, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S5, and the idling stop operation return process is skipped from step S5.

When the vehicle 100 approaches the crosswalk at the intersection and the signal turns red, the vehicle 100 decelerates the vehicle speed and stops in front of the crosswalk. Then, the vehicle 100 starts after waiting for the signal to turn green.
Such traveling is a normal traveling mode, and the vehicle speed change is as shown in FIG. That is, the vehicle 100 stops at a low speed in front of the pedestrian crossing, waits for the signal to turn blue, and starts to gradually accelerate the vehicle speed.

The CPU of the control unit 3 executes a threshold switching process shown in FIG.
In this threshold value switching process, when the vehicle 100 approaches the pedestrian crossing and gradually decreases in speed, and the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 falls below the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14. It is determined whether the threshold value V2 of 2 has been exceeded three times or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode.
Since the vehicle 100 is in a state where the speed is gradually decreased as shown in FIG. 4 in front of the pedestrian crossing and is in a normal travel mode, the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V3 three times or more in step S14. It is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in a traffic mode that exceeds traffic, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S14 while the first threshold value V1 is set without switching the threshold value.

Next, the CPU of the control unit 3 executes an idling stop operation return process shown in FIG.
In this idling stop operation return process, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the currently set first threshold value V1 (step S1).
The vehicle 100 is in a state where the speed is gradually reduced before the pedestrian crossing, the brake pedal is operated, and the vehicle 100 stops before the pedestrian crossing. In a state where the speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2, and it is determined whether the brake pedal is on, that is, whether the brake pedal is operated.
Since the vehicle 100 is in a state in which the brake pedal is operated, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, and when the speed of the vehicle 100 falls below the first threshold value V1, the engine stop command is issued by the idling stop operation return means 31. A signal is output to the engine control unit 4 so that the engine is stopped as shown at time ta in FIG. 4 (step S4), and then the idling stop operation return process is skipped.

  In the next threshold value switching process, when the vehicle 100 is stopped, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S14 while the first threshold value V1 is set without switching the threshold value. .

In the next idling stop operation return processing, the driver moves his / her foot from the brake pedal after waiting for the signal to turn blue. In this idling stop operation return processing, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S5, and in step S5, since the idling stop state is set, the process proceeds to step S6.
In step S6, it is determined whether the driver has released his or her foot from the brake pedal while the engine is stopped due to idling stop, that is, the brake pedal is turned off from on, and the brake pedal is turned off in FIG. At the time indicated by time tb, the idling stop operation return means 31 outputs an engine drive command signal to the engine control unit 4 to restart the engine and return from the idling stop. Then, the idling stop operation return process is skipped.

In the next threshold value switching process, the vehicle 100 starts from a stopped state and gradually accelerates in the normal travel mode. However, when the vehicle speed V is lower than the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14. The threshold value switching process is skipped from step S14 while the first threshold value V1 is set without switching the threshold value.
Further, when the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12 and step S13, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S13 while the first threshold value V1 is set.
That is, in the normal running mode, the state in which the first threshold value V1 is set is maintained, and the idling stop is performed together with the first threshold value V1, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100, and pedal operation information indicating whether or not the brake pedal is operated. The operation and return of the are controlled.

Next, a case where the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam mode will be described.
When the vehicle 100 is involved in a traffic jam, the speed is reduced and the vehicle travels in a traffic jam mode. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in such a traffic jam mode.
When the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam mode, the vehicle 100 is repeatedly stopped and started at a low speed.
The CPU of the control unit 3 executes a threshold switching process shown in FIG.
In this threshold value switching process, the first threshold value V1 is set as a threshold value corresponding to the idling stop operation return speed, and the driver operates the brake pedal to decrease the speed of the vehicle 100. At this time, in a situation where the vehicle speed exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds to step S11, step S12, and step S13, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S13.

  In the next idling stop operation return process, if the brake pedal is operated with the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeding the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds to step S1, step S2, and step S3, and the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is increased. Is lower than the first threshold value V1, the idling stop operation return means 31 operates the idling stop in step S4 and outputs an engine stop command signal to the engine control unit 4 in the same manner as in the normal driving mode. Is stopped, and the idling stop operation return process is skipped from step S4.

In the next threshold value switching process, if the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is lower than the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S14, and whether or not the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 three times or more. Determine whether. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode. When the vehicle 100 approaches the congested vehicle train, the vehicle 100 travels in a congested travel mode in which the speed is reduced as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is determined by the threshold value switching means 32 that the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 at least three times in step S14, and the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 as shown in FIG. At a time tc that exceeds the number of times, the first threshold value V1 that has been set as the threshold value for the idling stop operation return process is switched to the second threshold value V2 (step S15), and the threshold value switching process is skipped.
When the first threshold value V1 is switched to the second threshold value V2, until the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 falls below the first threshold value V1 until time tc, the idling stop operation return processing is performed. Even if the brake pedal is turned on while the vehicle speed V does not exceed the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S5, and the idling stop operation return process is skipped from step S5, so that the idling stop is activated. The engine will not stop.

Step S14 corresponds to the travel determination unit in traffic jam of claim 1, and step S15 corresponds to the switching unit of claim 1.

  In the next idling stop operation return processing, the state in which the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and the operation state of the brake pedal are determined (step S1, step S2), and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is set to the second threshold value. The operation proceeds to step S4 at time td when the brake pedal is operated and the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 is turned on and shifts to the deceleration state, and the idling stop operation return means 31 sends an engine stop command signal. It outputs to the engine control part 4, an idling stop is operated, an engine is stopped, and an idling stop operation return process is skipped from step S3.

  In the next threshold value switching process, the vehicle 100 is involved in a congested vehicle train and travels in a travel mode when there is a traffic jam. Therefore, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 does not exceed the first threshold value V1, and steps S11 to S14 are performed. It is determined whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic mode when it is congested. If the traffic mode is continued, a second threshold value for idling stop operation return processing is set in step S15. This threshold value switching process is skipped by continuing the state in which the threshold value V2 is set.

  In the next idling stop operation return processing, in a state where the traffic mode is continued in the traffic jam, the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 determined based on the second threshold value V2 and the pedal operation information of the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 are determined. The operation and return of the idling stop are controlled and repeated according to the determination result of the operation state of the brake pedal based on the above. That is, in a situation where the traffic mode is continued in a traffic jam, the idling stop is in a state where the vehicle speed is lower than the state where the second threshold value V2 is exceeded, the brake pedal is operated, and the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 is turned on. The engine is stopped and the engine is stopped (step S1, step S2, step S3, step S4). Further, when the idling stop is activated and the engine is stopped, when the driver's foot is released from the brake pedal and the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S1, step S5, and step S6, and the determination is made in step S6. At the time te when the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal and the brake pedal operation detection sensor 2 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S7, and the idling stop operation return means 31 restarts the engine that has been stopped by the idling stop until then. To return from the idling stop state.

When the vehicle 100 exits the traffic jam, the traveling of the vehicle 100 changes to the normal traveling form. In the process of shifting from this traffic mode to the normal mode, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, the vehicle 100 smoothly accelerates the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and the first threshold value V1. .
If the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and further the first threshold value V1 while the second threshold value V2 is set as the threshold value for the idling stop operation return process, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12 in the threshold value switching process. The threshold value switching means 32 proceeds from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1 at time tf in FIG. 5 when the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1. Switch. And this threshold value switching process is skipped from step S13.

  In the next idling stop operation return processing, when the brake pedal is operated in a state where the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is reduced to a state below the first threshold value V1, From step S1 to step S2 and further to step S3, the idling stop operation return means 31 outputs an engine stop command signal to the engine control unit 4, operates the idling stop, stops the engine, and starts the idling stop operation from step S4. Skip the recovery process.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the threshold value that defines the idling stop operating speed is set to the second threshold value for a traffic situation when the vehicle 100 is involved in a traffic jam and repeatedly stops and starts at a low speed. The vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is determined by switching to V2, and the idling stop operation return is controlled. Further, for a normal driving situation other than a traffic situation during a traffic jam, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is determined by switching the threshold value that defines the idling stop operating speed for operating the idling stop to the first threshold value V1, and the idling stop operation is performed. It was configured to control the return. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately apply and control the idling stop operation return to both the traffic situation during a traffic jam that is repeatedly involved in a traffic jam and repeatedly stops and starts, and the normal running situation other than the traffic situation during a traffic jam.

(Second Embodiment)
In the embodiment described above, the second threshold value V2 is set a predetermined number of times at a speed at which the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is lower than the first threshold value V1 in a state where the idling stop operating speed is switched to the first threshold value V1. If it exceeds, it is determined by the threshold switching means 31 that the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode, and the idling stop operation return is controlled by switching from the first threshold V1 to the second threshold V2. Further, in a situation where the vehicle 100 is not traveling in the traffic mode when there is a traffic jam, the idling stop operation return is controlled by switching to the first threshold value V1. Then, both the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic mode and the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal driving mode that is not congested are both compatible and appropriate. Although it is configured to control, the idling stop operation return control using the first threshold value V1 and the idling stop operation return control using the second threshold value V2 are manually performed by a changeover switch (manual switching means). You may comprise so that it may switch selectively.

Also in this embodiment, the vehicle is based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle and the pedal operation information output from the brake pedal operation detection sensor that detects the operation state of the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is operated, the engine of the vehicle is stopped and the operation of the brake pedal is released when the engine is stopped. And restarting the stopped engine.
In this embodiment, a changeover switch is provided, and the idling stop operating speed is changed by the changeover switch from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 in accordance with traveling in a traffic jam in which the vehicle repeatedly stops and starts. Switch manually. Alternatively, the idling stop operating speed is manually switched from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1.
When the idling stop operating speed is switched from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 by the changeover switch, the vehicle speed is set to the second threshold value based on the vehicle speed and the pedal operation information. When the brake pedal is operated, the vehicle engine is stopped when the brake pedal is operated below the threshold value V2, and when the operation of the brake pedal is released while the engine is stopped, the stopped engine is restarted. Start.
In addition, when the idling stop operating speed is switched from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1 by the changeover switch, the speed of the vehicle is changed to the first threshold value based on the speed of the vehicle and the pedal operation information. When the brake pedal is operated, the engine of the vehicle is stopped when the brake pedal is operated, and when the operation of the brake pedal is released while the engine is stopped, the stopped engine Is restarted.
In this case, the driver determines the timing of switching from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 or from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1 by the changeover switch. Become.
That is, in this embodiment, the vehicle speed under the idling stop operating condition is selectively switched to the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2 by the changeover switch. Then, the first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2 selectively switched by the selector switch is set by the second threshold value V2 or the threshold value switching unit 32 switched by the threshold value switching unit 32. The first threshold value V1 is prioritized, and the idling stop operation return means 31 is provided with a priority so as to obtain an idling stop operating speed when the engine is stopped when the idling stop operation condition is satisfied. Like that. As a result, it is possible to appropriately control the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam and when the vehicle 100 travels normally such as when passing through an intersection based on the judgment of the driver with a simpler configuration. .

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, there is provided a manual adjustment switch (changing means) for manually adjusting the second threshold value V2 switched by the changeover switch. This manual adjustment switch increases or decreases the value of the second threshold value V2 stepwise.
In this embodiment, the idling stop operating speed that is manually switched from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 according to traveling in a traffic jam can be adjusted according to the preference of the driver.

(Fourth embodiment)
In this embodiment, an idling stop device when applying and releasing idling stop to a manual vehicle will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the idling stop device of this embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the same or corresponding parts as in FIG.
The idling stop device according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 100, and includes a clutch pedal operation output from a clutch pedal operation detection sensor 5 that determines vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 and an operation state of the clutch pedal. A control unit 6 for capturing information is provided.

The control unit 6 is configured by a microcomputer.
The control unit 6 includes an idling stop operation return means 61 and a threshold switching means 62. The idling stop operation return means 61 and the threshold switching means 62 are stored as software programs in the ROM of the microcomputer constituting the control unit 6 and are executed by the CPU.

Based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 and the pedal operation information of the clutch output from the clutch pedal operation detection sensor 5, the idling stop operation return means 61 performs the idling stop operation and the return from the idling stop. Determine and control.
When the engine is operating, that is, when the engine is on, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is 0 Km / h, that is, when the engine is stopped, and when the clutch pedal is depressed and operated, the engine is stopped. A command signal is output to the engine control unit 4, the engine is stopped, and an idling stop operation state is entered.
Further, based on the vehicle speed information and the clutch pedal operation information, when the engine is stopped by idling stop and the clutch pedal is depressed and operated, an engine drive command signal is sent to the engine control unit 4. The engine stopped by the idling stop is restarted and returned from the idling stop.
That is, the idling stop operation return means 61 stops the engine when the engine is on, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is 0 Km / h, that is, when the clutch pedal is depressed, and the engine stops. When the idling stop cancellation condition that the clutch pedal is operated in the state is established, the engine is restarted.

  The threshold value switching means 62 does not repeat the stop and start even if the vehicle speed is low when the vehicle speed is low, such as when the vehicle speed is low. The first threshold value V1 (normally depending on whether the vehicle is traveling in the normal traveling mode or the vehicle is traveling in the congested traveling mode that repeatedly stops and starts at a low speed, such as when the vehicle is involved in a traffic jam. (The idling stop operating speed at the time) is switched to the second threshold value V2 (idling stop operating speed at the time of traffic jam), or is switched from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1.

  The normal traveling mode is not a traveling mode in which the vehicle stops and starts repeatedly, but refers to a situation in which the vehicle 100 passes through an intersection or a simple traveling mode in which the vehicle 100 stops temporarily before a pedestrian crossing and restarts. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in this normal traveling mode.

  Further, the travel mode in a traffic jam is to repeat stop and go when caught in a traffic jam, and to repeatedly stop and start at a low speed traveling at a speed lower than the first threshold value V1 (normal idling stop operating speed). Say the running mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in this traffic mode.

The first threshold value V1 changes the condition regarding the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition from the second threshold value V2 to the first threshold value V1 when the vehicle 100 travels in the normal travel mode from the travel mode in a traffic jam. This is a threshold value for switching.
The second threshold V2 is determined when the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam when the vehicle 100 is traveling, and when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic jam when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic jam. This is a threshold value for determining whether or not the idling stop operation return speed has been exceeded.
The second threshold value V2 is a speed smaller than the first threshold value V1.

The threshold value switching unit 62 determines the travel mode in a traffic jam by detecting a state in which the vehicle speed V exceeds the second threshold value V2 a predetermined number of times while the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is lower than the first threshold value V1. In other words, a travel mode during a traffic jam that is a situation where the vehicle 100 is traveling at a low speed by repeatedly stopping and starting in a state where the vehicle 100 is caught in a traffic jam is determined from a change pattern of the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100.
When the vehicle 100 repeatedly stops and starts and the vehicle speed V exceeds the second threshold value V2 a predetermined number of times, for example, three times, it is determined that the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode, and the idling stop that has been set up to that point is determined. The threshold value that defines the vehicle speed condition of the operation return condition is switched from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2. Further, when the traveling speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1 from the state of traveling in a traffic jam condition, the condition regarding the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition set so far is set to the second threshold value V2. To the first threshold value V1 again.
Therefore, the threshold value switching unit 62 determines that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam based on the vehicle speed, and the idling stop when it is determined that the vehicle does not travel in a traffic jam by the traffic running judgment unit. When the condition for the vehicle speed of the operation return condition is set to the first threshold value V1, and it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at the time of congestion by the travel determination unit at the time of traffic congestion, the condition about the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition is set to the second speed. It functions as switching means for switching to (second threshold value V2).

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a threshold value for determining the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value depending on whether the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal traveling mode or the traveling mode in a traffic jam. It is a flowchart which shows the threshold value switching process which switches to the threshold value V2 or the 2nd threshold value V2 to the 1st threshold value V1. The threshold value switching process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described as the operation of the threshold value switching means 62 of the control unit 6.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an idling stop operation return process of the idling stop device of this embodiment. The idling stop operation return process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described as the operation of the idling stop operation return means 61 of the control unit 6.

  In this embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 6 will be described as executing the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 7 and the idling stop operation return process shown in FIG. 8 alternately and repeatedly.

First, the case where the vehicle 100 travels in the normal travel mode will be described.
When the engine switch is turned on or the vehicle 100 is in the ACC state with the vehicle 100 stopped, the power is turned on and the CPU of the control unit 6 executes an initialization process.
In this initialization process, the first threshold value V1 is set as the initial setting value of the threshold value Vth in the idling stop operation return process of FIG. Then, the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 7 and the idling stop operation return process shown in FIG. 8 are repeated.
The vehicle 100 travels in the normal travel mode with the engine started, the accelerator pedal operated, and the vehicle speed V gradually increasing. Note that the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 at this time is set to a value larger than the speed corresponding to the first threshold value V1.

The CPU of the control unit 6 executes a threshold value switching process shown in FIG.
In the threshold value switching process shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1 based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor 1 (step S21). In the process until the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 reaches the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24. Since the vehicle travels in the normal travel mode, the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S24.
When the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 reaches the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22 and step S23, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S23. At this time, the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition.

Subsequently, the CPU of the control unit 6 executes an idling stop operation return process shown in FIG.
In the idling stop operation return process, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a threshold value Vth that defines a condition for the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition (step S31). At this time, since the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than the first threshold value V1.
Since the vehicle 100 is in a state where the accelerator pedal is operated and the vehicle speed is gradually increased and the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal traveling mode, the idling stop operation return processing is skipped from step S31.

When the vehicle 100 approaches the pedestrian crossing at the intersection and the signal turns red at this time, the vehicle 100 decelerates the vehicle speed and stops before the pedestrian crossing. Then, the vehicle 100 starts after waiting for the signal to turn green.
Such traveling is a normal traveling mode, and the vehicle speed change is as shown in FIG. That is, the vehicle 100 stops at a low speed in front of the pedestrian crossing, waits for the signal to turn blue, and starts to gradually accelerate the vehicle speed.

The CPU of the control unit 6 executes a threshold value switching process shown in FIG.
In this threshold value switching process, when the vehicle 100 approaches the pedestrian crossing and the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 falls below the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24, and the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 reaches the second threshold value V2. Judge whether or not 3 times or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode.
Since the vehicle 100 is in a state where the speed is gradually decreased as shown in FIG. 9 in front of the pedestrian crossing and is in a normal traveling mode, the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 three times or more in step S24. A state in which the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that determines the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition without switching the threshold value and determining that the vehicle is not traveling in a traffic mode that exceeds traffic. In step S24, the threshold value switching process is skipped.

Next, the CPU of the control unit 6 executes an idling stop operation return process shown in FIG.
In the idling stop operation return process, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than the first threshold value V1 that is currently set (step S31).
The vehicle 100 is in a state where the speed is gradually reduced before the pedestrian crossing, the brake pedal is operated, and the vehicle 100 stops before the pedestrian crossing. At this time, when the speed of the vehicle 100 reaches the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S31 to step S32, and it is determined whether or not the engine is on, that is, the engine is operating.
If the engine is on, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 has exceeded the currently set first threshold value V1 (step S33).
If the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the idling stop operation return process is skipped.
If the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 does not exceed the first threshold value V1, whether the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is 0 Km / h through the first threshold value V1 from a state where the vehicle speed exceeds the first threshold value V1 is in a stopped state. Is determined (step S34). If the vehicle is not stopped, the idling stop operation return processing is skipped.
If the vehicle is stopped, it is determined whether or not the clutch pedal has been depressed (the clutch pedal is on) (step S35). If the clutch pedal is not depressed, the idling stop operation return processing is skipped.
If the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is stopped by the idling stop operation return means 61 to enter an idling stop state (step S36).
That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle 100 approaches the pedestrian crossing at the intersection. At this time, the signal turns red, and the vehicle 100 decelerates the vehicle speed and stops before the pedestrian crossing. Then, at the time ta, the idling stop operating condition is satisfied and the engine is stopped from the operating state.

  When the vehicle 100 is stopped, in the next threshold value switching process, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24, and the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth for the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition without switching the threshold value. In this state, the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S24.

Further, a case where the vehicle 100 starts waiting after the signal becomes blue will be described with reference to FIG.
When it proceeds from step S31 to step S32 and it is determined that the engine is off, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is 0 km / h and the vehicle is stopped (step S37).
If the vehicle is not stopped, step S37 is repeated.
If the vehicle is stopped, it is determined whether or not the clutch pedal has been depressed (the clutch pedal is on) (step S38). If the clutch pedal is not depressed, the idling stop operation return processing is skipped.
If the clutch pedal is depressed, the engine is restarted by the idling stop operation return means 61, and the engine returns from the idling stop (step S40).
In the example shown in FIG. 9, at the time indicated by time tb, the idling stop operation return means 61 outputs an engine drive command signal to the engine control unit 4 to restart the engine and return from the idling stop. Then, the idling stop operation return process is skipped.

In the next threshold value switching process, the vehicle 100 starts from a stopped state and gradually accelerates in the normal travel mode. However, when the vehicle speed V is lower than the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24. The threshold value switching process is skipped from step S24 in a state where the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition without switching the threshold value.
When the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22 and step S23, and the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the conditions for the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition. In this state, the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S23.
That is, in the normal traveling mode, the state where the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition is maintained, and this threshold value Vth, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100, and the clutch pedal are operated. The idling stop operation and return are controlled based on the pedal operation information indicating whether or not the engine is on and off.

Next, a case where the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam mode will be described.
When the vehicle 100 travels at a speed V and gets caught in a traffic jam, the speed is reduced and the vehicle travels in a traffic mode when there is a traffic jam. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in vehicle speed with the passage of time when traveling in such a traffic jam mode.
In the example shown in FIG. 10, after the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the vehicle speed is reduced to 0 Km / h via the first threshold value V1, and then the vehicle 100 starts and stops five times. The case where the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is in a state exceeding the first threshold value V1 from 0 Km / h is shown.
In this case, in the process of starting and stopping five times, the vehicle speed of the vehicle changes from 0 km / h to a speed exceeding the second threshold value V2, but the vehicle speed of the vehicle does not exceed the first threshold value V1.

When the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam mode, the vehicle 100 is repeatedly stopped and started at a low speed.
The CPU of the control unit 6 executes a threshold value switching process shown in FIG.
In this threshold value switching process, the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition, and the driver approaches the vehicle train in which the vehicle 100 is congested. The speed of the vehicle 100 is decreased by operating the brake pedal. At this time, in a situation where the vehicle speed V exceeds the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds to step S21, step S22, and step S23, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S23.

  In the next idling stop operation return process, if the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 does not fall below the first threshold value V1 that is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition, the idling is started from step S31. Skip the stop operation return process.

When the vehicle 100 is involved in a traffic jam and travels in a traffic mode at the time of traffic jam and stops and starts repeatedly at a low speed lower than the first threshold value V1, in the next threshold value switching process, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24. Advancing, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 three times or more. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode.
In the process where the vehicle 100 is involved in a traffic jam and repeatedly stops and starts as shown in FIG. 10, at the time tc when it is determined in step S24 that the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 three times or more, The threshold switching unit 62 switches the threshold Vth from the first threshold V1 to the second threshold V2 (step S25), and skips this threshold switching process. Step S24 corresponds to the traffic running determination means in claim 4 and step S25 corresponds to the switching means in claim 1.

Here, the idling stop operation return processing until the threshold value Vth is switched from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 by the change in the vehicle speed as shown in FIG. 10 will be further described.
1) The vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 reaches 0 Km / h after passing through the first threshold value V1, and when the clutch pedal is depressed, the idling stop operation return means 61 stops the engine and enters an idling stop state. That is, steps S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, and S36 of FIG. 8 are performed.
Next, when the clutch pedal is depressed while the engine is stopped, the idling stop operation return means 61 restarts the engine and returns from the idling stop. That is, steps S31, S32, S37, S38, and S40 of FIG. 8 are performed.
2) Next, when the vehicle speed V1 of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and becomes 0 km / h without exceeding the first threshold value V1, the engine is stopped even if the clutch pedal is depressed. The idling stop state does not occur. That is, after steps S31, S32, and S33 of FIG. 8 are performed, step S34 is negative and the idling stop operation return process is skipped.
3) In this state, the clutch pedal is turned on to start the vehicle 100. If the vehicle speed V1 of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and then reaches 0 Km / h without exceeding the first threshold value V1, the clutch pedal may be depressed in the same manner as 2) above. The engine is not stopped and idling is not stopped.
4) Further, in this state, the clutch pedal is turned on to start the vehicle 100. When the vehicle speed of vehicle 100 exceeds second threshold value V2 at time tc in FIG. 10, it is determined in step S24 in FIG. 7 that vehicle speed V of vehicle 100 has exceeded second threshold value V3 at least three times.

Next, the idling stop operation return process after the threshold value Vth is switched from the first threshold value V1 to the second threshold value V2 at time tc in FIG. 10 will be described.
That is, whether the engine is turned on / off, whether the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is lower than the second threshold value V2, exceeds the second threshold value V2, and again falls below the second threshold value V2, and whether the clutch pedal is turned on. Is determined to be off (steps S31, S32, S33, S34, S35).
Then, the engine is turned on, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is reduced from the second threshold value V2 to the second threshold value V2 and again below the second threshold value V2, and the vehicle is stopped. When stepped on, the process proceeds to S31, S32, S33, S34, and S35, and an engine stop command signal is output to the engine control unit 4 by the idling stop operation return means 61 in step S36. When the vehicle 100 is stopped, the engine is stopped and an idling stop state is set.
That is, a situation in which the vehicle 100 repeats stopping and starting at a speed that exceeds the second threshold value V2 and falls below the second threshold value V2 again from a state where the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 decelerates to become the second threshold value V2 or less and stops, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 stops, that is, 0 Km / h, and the clutch pedal is depressed. At time td, the idling stop operating condition is satisfied, the engine is stopped, and the idling stop state is entered.

  In the next threshold value switching process, since the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is in the idling stop state and the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24, and the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S24.

In the next idling stop operation return processing, since the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is in the idling stop state and the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is determined to be equal to or less than the second threshold value V2 in step S31. Since it is OFF, it progresses from step S32 which follows to step S37, and it is determined whether the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 100 is 0 Km / h. Since vehicle 100 is in a stopped state, the process proceeds from step S37 to step S38, and it is determined whether or not the clutch pedal is depressed.
When the clutch pedal is depressed at this time, an engine drive command signal is output to the engine control unit 4 by the idling stop operation return means 61 in the subsequent step S40, and the vehicle 100 is stopped at the timing when the clutch pedal is depressed. Is started to return from the idling stop state.
That is, in a situation where the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode, as shown in FIG. 10, at the time te when the clutch pedal is depressed while the idling stop is activated and the vehicle 100 is stopped, The idling stop return condition that the vehicle speed V is 0 km / h, the engine is off, and the clutch pedal operation information is on is satisfied, and the engine stopped by the idling stop is started and returned from the idling stop.
Thereafter, as long as the situation of traveling in a traffic jam continues, the idling stop is activated at time tf and th, the engine is stopped, and the idling stop return condition is satisfied at times tg and ti, as shown in FIG. Then, the engine stopped by the idling stop is started and returned from the idling stop.

When the vehicle 100 exits the traffic jam, the traveling of the vehicle 100 changes to the normal traveling form. In the process of shifting from this traffic mode to the normal mode, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, the vehicle 100 smoothly accelerates the vehicle speed, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and the first threshold value V1. .
When the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the second threshold value V2 and further the first threshold value V1 in a state where the second threshold value V2 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition, the threshold value is switched. In the process, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22, and at time tj in FIG. 10 when the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the first threshold value V1, the threshold value switching means 62 is a threshold value that defines a condition for the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition. The threshold set as Vth is switched from the second threshold V2 to the first threshold V1. Then, the threshold value switching process is skipped from step S23.
In the next idling stop operation return processing, the state returns to the state where the threshold value Vth is set to the first threshold value V1.
That is, when the brake pedal of the vehicle 100 is operated and the vehicle speed becomes equal to or lower than the first threshold value V1, the process proceeds from step S31 to steps S32 and S33, and at this time, the engine is on and it is determined whether the vehicle speed exceeds the first threshold value V1. If the vehicle speed exceeds the first threshold value V1 and falls below the first threshold value V1 again in step S34, and the vehicle is stopped and it is determined that the clutch pedal is depressed in step S35, the engine does not stop and idling. Does not stop.

That is, when the vehicle 100 travels in the normal travel mode, the first threshold value V1 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the condition regarding the vehicle speed of the idling stop operation return condition, and has been applied to the manual vehicle from the past. The idling stop is activated and restored according to the idling stop activation return condition.
When the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam mode, the second threshold value V2 is set as the threshold value Vth that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition, and the second threshold value V2 is used as a basis. Based on the conditions regarding the vehicle speed, the stopping state, the on / off state of the engine, and the pedal operation information of the clutch pedal, the vehicle is repeatedly stopped and started at a low speed lower than the second threshold value V2. On the other hand, the idling stop is activated and returned.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition is defined for a traveling situation in a traffic jam where the vehicle 100 is caught in a traffic jam and repeatedly stops and starts at a low speed. The threshold value Vth to be switched is switched to the second threshold value V2, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is determined, and the idling stop operation return is controlled. Further, for a normal driving situation other than a traffic situation during a traffic jam, the threshold Vth is switched to the first threshold value V1, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is determined, and the operation return of the idling stop is controlled. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately apply and control the idling stop operation return to both the traffic situation during a traffic jam that is repeatedly involved in a traffic jam and repeatedly stops and starts, and the normal running situation other than the traffic situation during a traffic jam.
In addition, it is difficult to control the idling stop operation and return for traffic conditions during traffic jams as in the past, or when the idling stop operation and recovery can be applied to traffic conditions during traffic congestion Sometimes, the idling stop is easy to operate, and the situation that hinders smooth driving when passing the intersection can be solved.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the embodiment described above, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 100 is lower than the first threshold value V1 in a state where the threshold value that defines the vehicle speed condition of the idling stop operation return condition is switched to the speed indicating the stop state. When the speed exceeds the second threshold value V2 a predetermined number of times, the threshold value switching means 62 determines that the vehicle 100 is traveling in a traffic jam mode and switches from the speed indicating the stop state to the second threshold value V2 to stop idling. Controls return of operation. Further, in a situation where the vehicle 100 is not traveling in a traffic mode when there is traffic, the threshold value is switched to the first threshold value V1 to control the idling stop operation return. Then, both the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the traffic mode and the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 is traveling in the normal driving mode that is not congested are both compatible and appropriate. Although it is configured to control, the control of the idling stop operation return using the speed indicating the stop state and the control of the idling stop operation return using the second threshold V2 are manually performed by a changeover switch (manual switching means). May be configured to selectively switch.

  That is, the changeover switch that selectively switches the vehicle speed under the idling stop operating condition between the first threshold value V1 and the second threshold value V2 (second speed) that is smaller than the first threshold value V1; The first threshold value V1 or the second threshold value V2 that is selectively switched by the changeover switch is the second threshold value V2 that is switched by the threshold value switching means 62 or the first threshold value that is set by the threshold value switching means 62. Priority control means for giving priority to the control unit 6 to give priority to the idling stop operation speed when the idling stop operation return means 61 stops the engine when the idling stop operation condition is satisfied. Provide.

Also in this embodiment, the vehicle is based on the vehicle speed information output from the vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle and the pedal operation information output from the clutch pedal operation detection sensor that detects the operation status of the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is operated, the engine of the vehicle is stopped when the speed is lower than the idling stop operating speed for operating the idling stop, and when the clutch pedal is operated while the engine is stopped, The stopped engine is restarted.
In this embodiment, a change-over switch is provided, and the change-over switch changes the idling stop operating speed from the speed indicating the stop state according to whether the vehicle is running in a traffic jam or not. Manually switch to threshold V2. Alternatively, the idling stop operating speed is manually switched from the second threshold value V2 to a speed indicating the stop state.
When the idling stop operating speed is switched from the speed indicating the stop state to the second threshold value V2 by the changeover switch, the speed of the vehicle is set to the second speed based on the speed of the vehicle and the pedal operation information. The engine of the vehicle is stopped when the clutch pedal is operated while being below the threshold value V2, and the stopped engine is restarted when the clutch pedal is operated while the engine is stopped. .
In addition, when the idling stop operating speed is switched from the second threshold value V2 to a speed indicating a stop state by the changeover switch, the speed of the vehicle is set to the first speed based on the speed of the vehicle and the pedal operation information. The engine of the vehicle is stopped when the clutch pedal is operated while being below the threshold value V1, and when the clutch pedal is operated while the engine is stopped, the stopped engine is restarted. Start.
In this case, the driver determines the timing of switching from the speed indicating the stop state to the second threshold value V2 or from the second threshold value V2 to the speed indicating the stop state by the switch. However, it is possible to appropriately control the idling stop operation return when the vehicle 100 travels in a traffic jam and when the vehicle 100 travels normally such as when passing through an intersection based on the judgment of the driver with a simpler configuration. .

(Sixth embodiment)
In this embodiment, there is provided a manual adjustment switch (changing means) for manually adjusting the second threshold value V2 switched by the changeover switch. This manual adjustment switch increases or decreases the value of the second threshold value V2 stepwise.
In this embodiment, the idling stop operating speed for manually switching from the speed indicating the stop state to the second threshold value V2 according to traveling in a traffic jam can be adjusted according to the driver's preference.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 2 ... Brake pedal operation detection sensor, 3, 6 ... Control part (priority grant means), 4 ... Engine control part, 5 ... Clutch pedal operation detection sensor, 31, 61 ... Idling Stop operation return means, 32, 62... Threshold switching means (congestion travel determination means, switching means).

Claims (12)

When the vehicle speed is the idling stop operating speed and the stop operating means is operated, or when the vehicle speed falls below the idling stop operating speed and the stop operating means is operated, and the idling stop operating condition is satisfied, the engine is stopped, and the engine An idling stop device comprising control means for restarting the engine when the start operation means is operated in a stopped state and the idling stop release condition is satisfied,
A traffic jam determination unit for determining whether the vehicle is running in a traffic jam based on the vehicle speed;
When it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in a traffic jam by the travel determination unit in a traffic jam, the idling stop operating speed of the control unit is set to a first speed, and it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam by the traffic jam determination unit. Switching means for switching the idling stop operating speed to a second speed different from the first speed;
An idling stop device comprising:   2. The idling stop device according to claim 1, wherein the stop operation means and the start operation means are brake pedals.   The idling stop device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second speed is lower than the first speed.   4. The idling according to claim 3, wherein the travel determination unit in traffic jam determines that the vehicle is traveling in traffic jam when the vehicle repeatedly stops and starts at a low speed not exceeding the first speed. Stop device.   2. The idling stop device according to claim 1, wherein the stop operation means and the start operation means are clutch pedals.   6. The idling stop according to claim 1, wherein the first speed is a stop speed indicating a state in which the vehicle is stopped, and the second speed is higher than the first speed. apparatus.   The switching means changes the idling stop operating speed from the second speed to the first speed when the vehicle speed exceeds the first speed while the idling stop operating speed is switched to the second speed. The idling stop device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the idling stop device is switched to the following speed.   When the vehicle speed exceeds an idling stop operation return condition switching speed greater than the second speed in a state where the idling stop operating speed is switched to the second speed, the switching means is configured to operate the idling stop operating condition. The idling stop device according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle speed is switched from the second speed to the stop speed.   9. The traffic running determination unit determines that the vehicle is running in a traffic jam when the vehicle repeats stopping and starting at a low speed that does not exceed the idling stop operation return condition switching speed. The idling stop device described.   The idling stop device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the travel determination unit in traffic jam determines that the vehicle travels in traffic jam when the vehicle speed exceeds the second speed a predetermined number of times. Manual switching means for selectively switching the vehicle speed of the idling stop operating condition to the first speed or the second speed;
The first speed or the second speed selectively switched by the manual switching means is given priority over the second speed switched by the switching means or the first speed set by the switching means. Priority control means for setting the idling stop operating speed when the control means stops the engine when the idling stop operating condition is satisfied;
The idling stop device according to claim 1, further comprising: Manual switching means for selectively switching the vehicle speed of the idling stop operating condition between the stop speed and a second speed greater than the stop speed;
The stop speed or the second speed selectively switched by the manual switching means is prioritized over the second speed switched by the switching means or the stop speed set by the switching means, and the control Priority giving means for setting the idling stop operating speed when the engine is stopped when the idling stop operating condition is satisfied;
The idling stop device according to claim 6, further comprising:

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