JP2019166877A - Water splash prevention support device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water splash prevention support device for vehicle, capable of achieving more complete water splash prevention by suppressing water splash itself in addition to travel support control.SOLUTION: The water splash prevention support device includes: a water splash prevention section 2 which is positioned around wheels 11, 12 of a vehicle 10, operates by satisfying predetermined operating conditions and suppresses splash of water splashed by the wheel outward in the vehicle width direction; an operation control section 66 for controlling an operation of the water splash prevention section; and a water pool position detection section 61 for detecting a position of water pool around a vehicle. The water splash prevention section is a blower 21 for jetting air downward of a vehicle outward of wheel in the vehicle width direction. The operation control section operates the water splash prevention section (the blower) on condition that a distance between a vehicle and a water pool 8 is within a predetermined distance by detecting the water pool in the vehicle traveling direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing water splashing of a vehicle.

  When a driver of a vehicle passes through a puddle or mud (hereinafter referred to collectively as a puddle), it causes damage to nearby pedestrians, bicycles, other vehicles, walls, etc. (hereinafter referred to as other persons). Care must be taken not to. The damage here means that mud or sewage is scattered to make the other person's appearance dirty or to lose visibility.

  In order to prevent such damage, various measures have been taken conventionally. For example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 describe a travel support device that assists in traveling of a vehicle so as to prevent the occurrence of scattering of mud or sewage (hereinafter referred to as water splash) as much as possible when the vehicle passes through a puddle. Is disclosed. According to the driving support devices disclosed in these documents, when a puddle is detected, the vehicle is decelerated or the distance is prevented from splashing with others, thereby suppressing water splash. I am trying.

JP 2010-257307 A JP 2006-264466 A

  As described above, the driving support devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 do not include a means for preventing water splashing itself, but by performing the driving support control as described above, I try to prevent splashing. That is, since water splash is not suppressed, there is a limit to preventing water splash only by such driving support control. For this reason, it is desired to more reliably prevent water splashing.

  The water splash prevention support device for a vehicle according to the present invention is located around the wheel of the vehicle and operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied, and suppresses splashing of water splashed by the wheel to the outside in the vehicle width direction. A water splash prevention part is provided. As an example, the water splash preventing unit is a blower that ejects air to the outside in the vehicle width direction of the wheels. The blower ejects air downward in the vehicle.

  Such a water splash prevention support device for a vehicle includes an operation control unit that controls the operation of the water splash prevention unit, and a puddle position detection unit that detects the position of a puddle around the vehicle. The operation control unit operates the water splash preventing unit on the condition that a puddle is detected in the traveling direction of the vehicle and the distance between the vehicle and the puddle is within a predetermined range.

  Further, the water splash prevention support device of the vehicle further includes an other person position detection unit that detects the position of the other person around the vehicle. The operation control unit operates the water splash preventing unit on the condition that another person is detected within a predetermined distance of the puddle.

  The water splash prevention support device of the vehicle further includes a vehicle information detection unit that detects vehicle information including the vehicle speed of the vehicle, and an avoidance determination unit that determines whether the vehicle can avoid the puddle. The avoidability determination unit determines whether the vehicle can avoid the puddle based on the detection results of the puddle position detection unit and the vehicle information detection unit. When the other person position detection unit detects the other person and the avoidability determination unit determines that the puddle can be avoided, the vehicle performs driving support for avoiding the puddle. When the other person's position detecting unit detects the other person and the avoidance possibility determining unit determines that the puddle cannot be avoided, it determines that the operating condition is satisfied, and the operation control unit operates the water splash preventing unit.

  The water splash prevention support device of the vehicle further includes a notification unit that notifies the other person that the vehicle may splash the water in the puddle. The notification unit operates when the avoidance determination unit determines that a puddle cannot be avoided.

  According to the water splash prevention support device for a vehicle of the present invention, water splash can be prevented more reliably by suppressing the water splash itself in addition to the driving support control.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the water splash prevention part (blower apparatus) and alerting | reporting part (monitor and speaker) in the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the left front of a vehicle. The perspective view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the water splash prevention part (blower apparatus) and alerting | reporting part (a monitor and a speaker) in the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the left back. The schematic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the water splash prevention part (air blower) in the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the left side of a vehicle. The schematic diagram which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the water splash prevention part (air blower) in the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the front of a vehicle. The figure which shows the image example of the splash displayed on the alerting | reporting part (monitor) of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the image example of the umbrella displayed on the alerting | reporting part (monitor) of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the image example of the face of thanks displayed on the alerting | reporting part (monitor) of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of an image of the apology face displayed on the alerting | reporting part (monitor) of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the condition which can avoid a puddle in control of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the condition which cannot avoid a puddle in control of the water splash prevention assistance apparatus of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The control flow figure of the water splash prevention assistance device of the vehicles concerning the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a water splash prevention support device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a water splash prevention support device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. The water splash prevention support device according to the present embodiment can avoid a puddle when a vehicle operated by a predetermined driver (hereinafter referred to as the host vehicle) can avoid a puddle existing on the traveling road ahead in the traveling direction. Provide driving assistance that avoids entry. On the other hand, when the approach to the puddle cannot be avoided, the water splash prevention support device aims to prevent the water splash to the other person when the puddle passes. In the present embodiment, these travel support (puddle avoidance) and water splash prevention are defined as water splash prevention support.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, others and a puddle are prescribed | regulated as follows. Others are people or objects that may be damaged by water splashes when the vehicle passes through a puddle. For example, pedestrians, bicycles, other vehicles, walls, etc. near a puddle where the host vehicle passes correspond to others. A puddle is a region (sludge) where rainwater or the like accumulates in a depression on the road surface due to rain or snow. In short, any area that may cause water splashing to others in the vicinity when the host vehicle passes is included in the puddle regardless of size. Water splash damage is, for example, polluting the appearance of others or depriving the field of view by scattering mud or sewage collected in a puddle.

  The vehicle on which the water splash prevention support device of the present embodiment is mounted may be either a private passenger car or a business automobile such as a truck or a bus, and the use and the vehicle type are not particularly limited. The driving source of the host vehicle may be an internal combustion engine (engine), an electric motor, or both of them. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow D1 in FIGS. 2 to 5 is forward, the direction indicated by the arrow D2 is upward, the direction indicated by the arrow D3 is left, and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrows D1, D2, and D3 is backward. , Bottom and right respectively. The direction along the arrow D3 corresponds to the vehicle width direction.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a water splash prevention support device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the water splash prevention support device 1 includes a water splash prevention unit 2, a detection unit 3, a notification unit 4, a notification unit 5, and a control unit 6.

  The water splash prevention unit 2 is located around the wheel and operates when a predetermined condition (operating condition) such as the presence of a puddle in the traveling direction of the host vehicle is satisfied. Prevents splashed water from splashing outward in the vehicle width direction. For example, the water splashed from the puddle is repelled toward the road surface. This prevents water splashing to others when the vehicle passes through the puddle. If such a function can be achieved, the configuration of the water splash preventing unit 2 is not limited. In this embodiment, as an example, the water splash preventing unit 2 is a blower 21 that ejects air at a predetermined pressure. In this case, the water splash preventing unit 2 (blower 21) blows air into the water splashed by the wheels and blows it off with air.

  The blower device 21 includes a pump that sends out air, a nozzle that blows out the air sent from the pump in a predetermined direction, and the like (both not shown). For example, the air blower 21 is arrange | positioned inside a fender with the air outlet of a nozzle facing a wheel. 2 and 3 show an example of the arrangement of the blower device 21 in the present embodiment. 2 and 3 show only the left side aspect of the host vehicle 10 and omit the right side aspect, the right side aspect is the same as the left side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air blower 21 is disposed in pairs on the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12 on both the left side and the right side of the host vehicle 10. 4 and 5 schematically show examples of the arrangement of the blower devices 21 on the left front wheel 11 (or rear wheel 12) as an example. As shown in FIG. 4, the two air blowers 21 which make a pair are arrange | positioned 1 each at the front side and the rear side of each wheel (front wheel 11 and rear wheel 12). As shown in FIG. 5, each blower 21 is provided on the vehicle body (inside the fender) 13 along the outer circumference of each wheel 11, 12, and the nozzle air outlet 21 a is directed obliquely downward. That is, the air outlet 21a of the nozzle is directed downward while being inclined toward the wheel side in the vehicle front-rear direction and toward the vehicle outer side in the vehicle width direction. The air outlet 21a of the nozzle is configured to be able to eject air at a wide angle. Thereby, the air ejected from the air jet outlet 21a of the nozzle is blown outward in the vehicle width direction and downward in the vehicle width direction outside of the wheels 11 and 12. In this way, by causing the air to be ejected in the downward direction of the vehicle, it is possible to reliably suppress scattering of water splashed from the puddle of the wheels 11 and 12 of the host vehicle 10. Note that the air blower 21 may be provided with a plurality of air outlets 21a for one pump, and air may be blown in a plurality of directions as described above. Moreover, the air blower 21 and the air jet nozzle 21a may be one, and may be three or more. Furthermore, the air blower 21 may be provided with a mechanism that changes the air ejection direction according to the situation.

  The air blower 21 only needs to be able to eject air at a pressure that can blow off the water splashed from the puddle, and includes a blower, a blower, a compressor, and the like. The blower device 21 is controlled by the control unit 6 and ejects air if the distance between the puddle and another person is within a predetermined distance (water splash threshold described later) when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle. The operation control of the blower 21 will be described in detail in the description of the control (control flow shown in FIG. 12) executed by the water splash prevention support device 1 described later.

  In addition, the water splash prevention part 2 replaces such a blower device 21 and protrudes right and left (the vehicle width direction outer side) from the inside of a fender etc. at predetermined timing, for example, and is a bowl shape which catches the splashed water It is good also as a member (movable cover). The predetermined timing is a timing at which the host vehicle 10 passes through a puddle when the distance to another person is within a predetermined distance, for example. In short, any member that operates at a predetermined timing and can suppress scattering of water splashed by the wheels may be used. However, by making the water splash preventing part 2 the air blower 21, the appearance of the host vehicle 10 is deteriorated when the water splash preventing part 2 is actuated, and the vehicle width is increased by developing a bowl-shaped member. Etc. can be suppressed.

  The detection unit 3 detects the surrounding situation of the host vehicle 10 and vehicle information. While the water splash prevention support is being performed, the detection unit 3 always detects the surrounding situation of the host vehicle 10 and vehicle information, and gives the detection result to the control unit 6. In order to perform these specific detections, the detection unit 3 includes a surrounding state detection unit 31 and a vehicle information detection unit 32.

  The surrounding state detection unit 31 includes an imaging device, a positioning device, a distance measuring device, a communication device, and the like. The imaging device is, for example, a CCD camera or a CMOS camera that captures an image (moving image or still image) ahead of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10. These cameras capture an image of the road (traveling road) in front of the host vehicle 10 and its surroundings so that when there is another person or a puddle, these can be captured within the angle of view. The positioning device includes a GNSS receiver, an inertial sensor, map data (all not shown), and the like, and measures the current position of the host vehicle 10. The distance measuring device is, for example, a radar or sonar that transmits electromagnetic waves (infrared rays, millimeter waves), ultrasonic waves, or the like in front of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 and receives reflected waves reflected by the object. Accordingly, the radar and the sonar measure the distance between the other person in front of the own vehicle 10 and the puddle and the own vehicle 10. The communication device performs wireless data communication with a base station, a relay station, or the like installed around the host vehicle 10 and acquires, for example, weather information or road information around the current position of the host vehicle 10. That is, the surrounding state detection unit 31 serves as a puddle position detection unit 61 that detects the position of a puddle, which will be described later, and an other person position detection unit 62 that detects the position of another person.

  The vehicle information detection unit 32 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor and an acceleration sensor that detect the vehicle speed and acceleration of the host vehicle 10, an accelerator opening sensor that detects the opening (operation mode) of the accelerator pedal, and a brake sensor that detects the depression of the brake pedal. Various sensors such as a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the steering. Thereby, the vehicle information detection part 32 detects the vehicle information (running condition) including the vehicle speed of the own vehicle 10.

  The notification unit 4 is controlled by the control unit 6 to give a predetermined notification to the driver of the host vehicle 10 when water splash prevention support (avoidance of entering a puddle and prevention of water splash) is performed. Thereby, the notification unit 4 notifies the driver of the execution state of the water splash prevention support. For example, various notification devices such as an instrument panel that turns on (flashes) a notification lamp, displays a notification message, a monitor (display) of a car navigation system, a vehicle interior speaker that emits a notification sound, and the like correspond to the notification unit 4.

  The alerting | reporting part 5 is controlled by the control part 6, and alert | reports to others (a pedestrian, a bicycle, the driver of another vehicle, etc.) that the own vehicle 10 may splash the water of a puddle. Specifically, when the avoidance determination unit 64 described later determines that a puddle cannot be avoided, the notification unit 5 operates. Thereby, the alerting | reporting part 5 calls attention to the water splash by the passage of the own vehicle 10 with respect to others. In addition, the notification unit 5 informs others of the driver's intention such as appreciation and apology.

  2 and 3 show a configuration example of the notification unit 5 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the notification unit 5 includes image display devices (hereinafter referred to as monitors) 51 a and 51 b that display at least one of images (still images and moving images) and messages, and notifications that emit sound and the like. A sound output device (hereinafter referred to as a speaker) 52 is provided. In the present embodiment, as an example, monitors 51 a and 51 b are provided below the headlamp (head lamp) 14 and the tail lamp (tail lamp) 15 of the host vehicle 10. Thus, instead of separately providing the monitors 51a and 51b, the headlamp 14 and the tail lamp 15 may be configured as a monitor. Further, a monitor may be provided on the side surface of the host vehicle 10. In short, the monitor may be arranged at an arbitrary position that can be recognized by others. In the present embodiment, as an example, a speaker 52 is provided inside the front grille. The speaker 52 should just be arrange | positioned in the arbitrary positions which can distinguish an audio | voice etc. to others. However, it is necessary to arrange the monitors 51a and 51b and the speaker 52 at positions allowed by law.

  FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate images displayed on the monitors 51a and 51b in the present embodiment, respectively. FIG. 6 shows an image 53 of splashing water, and is an example of an image for calling attention to other people that water splashing may occur. FIG. 7 shows an umbrella image 54, which is an example of an image for prompting another person to hold the umbrella in case water splashes occur. FIGS. 8 and 9 show images 55 and 56 of gratitude and apology faces, and are examples of images for informing the driver of the driver's gratitude and apology. When displaying these images 53 to 56, a message may be displayed together with each of the images 53 to 56, or the message may be emitted from the speaker 52 by voice. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, a message such as “Warning splashes!”, In the case of FIG. 7, “Take an umbrella!”, In the case of FIG. 8, “Thank you!”, In the case of FIG. May be displayed or voice may be emitted.

  The control unit 6 performs control for supporting water splash prevention for others based on the surrounding situation of the host vehicle 10 and vehicle information detected by the detection unit 3. The control unit 6 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, a storage device, an input / output circuit, a timer, and the like. The control unit 6 reads various data by the input / output circuit, performs arithmetic processing by the CPU using a program read from the memory, and controls water splash prevention support based on the processing result. For example, the control unit 6 may be configured as a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and water splash prevention support may be performed as one of the controls executed by the vehicle ECU. In this embodiment, the control part 6 performs control for aiming at driving | running | working assistance (avoidance of a puddle) and prevention of water splash as water splash prevention assistance, respectively.

  Since the control unit 6 performs specific water splash prevention support control, the puddle position detection unit 61, the other person position detection unit 62, the water splash determination unit 63, the avoidability determination unit 64, and the vehicle A control unit 65 and an operation control unit 66 are provided. Each of these units is configured as a program and stored in a storage device (nonvolatile memory). And when performing water splash prevention support, it reads out suitably, is calculated by CPU, and performs the process corresponding to each part, respectively. Note that a program corresponding to each unit may be stored on the cloud, and the control unit 6 may appropriately communicate with the cloud via the communication device of the surrounding state detection unit 31 so that a desired program can be used.

  The puddle position detection unit 61 detects the position of the puddle around the host vehicle 10. In the detection, the puddle position detection unit 61 determines whether there is a puddle on the traveling road ahead of the host vehicle 10, and if there is a puddle, calculates the position by calculation. For example, the puddle position detection unit 61 determines the presence or absence of a puddle based on the road situation ahead of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 detected by the surrounding situation detection unit 31. Specifically, the traveling road ahead of the host vehicle 10 captured by the imaging device and the surrounding image are analyzed to determine whether or not a puddle is reflected in the captured image. The puddle position detection unit 61 determines whether or not there is a puddle based on the weather around the current position of the host vehicle 10 detected by the communication device in addition to the road situation detected by the surrounding situation detection unit 31. Specifically, by acquiring information such as whether rain or snow is currently falling around the current position of the host vehicle 10 or whether it has been rained or snowed within the past few hours around the current position of the host vehicle 10, Determine whether there is a puddle.

  The other person position detection unit 62 detects the position of another person around the host vehicle 10. In the detection, the other person position detection unit 62 determines whether or not there is another person in front of the host vehicle 10, and if there is another person, calculates the position by calculation. For example, the other person position detection unit 62 determines the presence or absence of another person based on the road surrounding situation ahead of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 detected by the surrounding situation detecting unit 31. Specifically, an image of the traveling road ahead of the host vehicle 10 captured by the imaging device and its surroundings is analyzed to determine whether another person is reflected in the vicinity of the puddle.

  When the other person exists, the other person position detection unit 62 calculates the position (relative position) of the other person with respect to the position of the puddle detected by the puddle position detection unit 61, in other words, the distance between the two by calculation. The separation distance is calculated as a distance between coordinate points indicating, for example, the positions of the puddle and the other person on the same plane. Then, the other person position detection unit 62 detects whether or not another person exists within a predetermined distance (water splashing threshold described later).

  Based on the position of the other person with respect to the puddle detected by the other person position detection unit 62, the water splash determination unit 63 determines whether or not the water splash to the other person occurs when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle. Determine. The occurrence of water splash means that when the vehicle 10 passes through a puddle, there is a possibility that the water splash may be damaged to others. In the determination, the water splash determination unit 63 compares the separation distance between the other person and the puddle with a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as a water splash threshold). In this case, the separation distance between the other person and the puddle is a distance when the own vehicle 10 is estimated to reach (enter) the puddle, and is based on the detection results of the surrounding state detection unit 31 and the vehicle information detection unit 32. It is estimated by the position detector 62. The water splash threshold is, for example, a value (map) indicating the relationship between the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 10 and the presence or absence of water splash, and is stored in a storage device (nonvolatile memory). Each threshold value set according to the vehicle speed in the map is read by the water splash determination unit 63 as a calculation parameter at the time of water splash determination. The water splash determination unit 63 determines that water splash occurs if the separation distance between the other person and the puddle is within the water splash threshold, and if the separation distance exceeds the water splash threshold, It is determined that no splash occurs.

  The avoidability determination unit 64 determines whether or not the host vehicle 10 can avoid a puddle depending on whether or not a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as an avoidable condition) is satisfied. At that time, the avoidance determination unit 64 determines whether or not an avoidable condition is satisfied based on the detection results of the puddle position detection unit 61 and the vehicle information detection unit 32. The avoidable condition is set based on the position of the other person (the distance between them) with respect to the position of the puddle calculated by the puddle position detection unit 61 and the vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection unit 32. For example, the avoidable condition is set based on the position of the other person, the presence or absence of another vehicle such as an oncoming vehicle or a parked vehicle, the road width, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 10 and the like using the position of the puddle as a key. In other words, if the avoidable condition is satisfied, it means that the puddle can be safely avoided. FIG. 10 shows an example of such a situation. In the situation shown in FIG. 10, there is a pedestrian 7 but no oncoming vehicle, the road width is a width that can safely avoid the puddle 8, and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 10 is to avoid the puddle 8 safely. Since the speed is such that the steering can be operated (or operation support), the puddle 8 can be avoided by changing the lane before the host vehicle 10 reaches the puddle 8. Therefore, in such a situation, the avoidance determination unit 64 determines that the puddle 8 can be avoided.

  On the other hand, when the avoidable condition is not satisfied, it means that avoiding a puddle may cause a problem such as contact with another vehicle. FIG. 11 shows an example of such a situation. In the situation shown in FIG. 11, there is a pedestrian 7 and an oncoming vehicle 9, and there is a possibility of contacting the oncoming vehicle 9 when the own vehicle 10 is changed in a lane in order to avoid the puddle 8. Therefore, in such a situation, the avoidance determination unit 64 determines that the puddle 8 cannot be avoided.

  The set avoidable conditions are stored in a storage device (nonvolatile memory) and read by the avoidance determination unit 64 when determining whether or not to avoid puddles. The presence / absence of another vehicle such as an oncoming vehicle or a parked vehicle, the road width, and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle 10 are detected by the surrounding state detection unit 31 and the vehicle information detection unit 32, respectively.

  The vehicle control unit 65 switches from the normal travel mode to the travel support mode when the other person position detection unit 62 detects another person around the host vehicle 10 and the avoidance determination unit 64 determines that the puddle can be avoided. To drive the host vehicle 10. The normal travel mode is a mode in which the driver performs a driving operation without the vehicle control unit 65 intervening in the travel of the host vehicle 10. The travel support mode is a mode in which the vehicle control unit 65 intervenes in the travel of the host vehicle 10 and controls the vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering angle. In the travel support mode, the host vehicle 10 performs travel support for avoiding puddles. Therefore, the vehicle control unit 65 calculates and sets the target vehicle speed, the target acceleration / deceleration, and the target rudder angle, for example. And based on the set target value, the vehicle control part 65 makes the own vehicle 10 drive | work so that a puddle may be avoided. The vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering angle are detected by the vehicle information detection unit 32, and the detected values are given to the vehicle control unit 65.

  The operation control unit 66 controls the operation of the water splash preventing unit 2. In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 66 detects that a puddle is detected in the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10, and that the distance between the host vehicle 10 and the puddle (hereinafter referred to as a distance threshold) is within a predetermined range, The water splash prevention part 2 is operated. The distance threshold is, for example, a threshold of a distance between coordinate points indicating the position of the vehicle 10 and the puddle on the same plane, stored in a storage device (nonvolatile memory), and the operation control unit 66 as a calculation parameter when determining the operation condition. Read by. In the present embodiment, in addition to the distance between the host vehicle 10 and the puddle, the operating condition includes that another person is detected within a predetermined distance of the puddle (within a water splash threshold). In the operation control unit 66, the distance between the host vehicle 10 and the puddle is within the distance threshold, the other person position detection unit 62 detects the other person within the water splash threshold, and the avoidance possibility determination unit 64 avoids the puddle. If it is determined to be impossible, it is determined that the operating condition is satisfied, and otherwise, it is determined that the operating condition is not satisfied. The operation control unit 66 operates the notification unit 4 and the notification unit 5 according to the determination result of the operation condition. As a result, the operation control unit 66 alerts the other person ahead of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 to the water splash and prevents water splash.

  The water splash prevention support device 1 (in short, the control unit 6) having such a configuration performs control (puddle avoidance control) for preventing the host vehicle 10 from entering the puddle, and entry into the puddle. When it is not possible to avoid this, control (operation control of the water splash prevention unit 2) for preventing water splash to the other person is selected and performed as follows. FIG. 12 shows a flow of control performed by the water splash prevention support apparatus 1. Hereinafter, according to the flow shown in FIG. 12, the control by the water splash prevention support apparatus 1 and its effect | action are demonstrated.

  In performing the water splash prevention support in the water splash prevention support device 1, the detection unit 3 detects the surrounding state of the host vehicle 10 and vehicle information, respectively (S101). Specifically, the surrounding situation detection unit 31 is in the forward direction of the host vehicle 10, the weather information around the current position of the host vehicle 10, and the vehicle information detection unit 32 is the vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering of the host vehicle 10. Detect the rudder angle etc.

  Based on the detection result of the detection unit 3, the control unit 6 determines whether or not there is a puddle and others in front of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 (S102). In the present embodiment, the puddle position detection unit 61 and the other person position detection unit 62 make these determinations. When it is determined that there is a puddle, the puddle position detection unit 61 calculates the position by calculation. When it is determined that another person exists, the other person position detection unit 62 calculates the position (separation distance from the puddle) by calculation.

  In S102, when there is a puddle and others and these positions are detected, the control unit 6 determines whether or not water splashes to others occur when the vehicle 10 passes through the puddle. (S103). In this embodiment, the water splash determination unit 63 performs this determination. In the determination, the water splash determination unit 63 compares the distance between the puddle calculated by the other person position detection unit 62 and the other person with a water splash threshold.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 that there is no puddle and others, or if it is determined in S103 that no water splash occurs, the control unit 6 (the vehicle control unit 65 and the operation control unit 66) enters the puddle. The control of the water splash prevention support is terminated without executing both the avoidance and the water splash prevention. That is, the host vehicle 10 continues to travel in the previous travel mode, that is, the normal travel mode. In the present embodiment, the case where it is determined that the puddle and the other person do not exist includes the case where either one of the puddle and the other person does not exist and the case where neither one exists.

  On the other hand, when it determines with water splashing in S103, the control part 6 determines whether the own vehicle 10 can avoid a puddle (S104). In this embodiment, the avoidance determination unit 64 performs such determination. The avoidability determination unit 64 determines whether or not to avoid a puddle depending on whether or not an avoidable condition is satisfied.

  When it determines with puddles being avoidable in S104, the control part 6 performs driving | running | working assistance of the own vehicle 10 in order to avoid a puddle. In the present embodiment, when starting the driving support, the operation control unit 66 controls the notification unit 4 to notify the driver that the driving support is started (S105). The notification unit 4 notifies that the host vehicle 10 is automatically decelerated and steered after a while, for example, by turning on (flashing) a notification lamp, displaying a message, and sound. These notifications may be anything as long as they accurately inform the driver of the contents.

  After the notification by the notification unit 4 is completed, the control unit 6 controls traveling of the host vehicle 10 to avoid a puddle (S106). In the present embodiment, the vehicle control unit 65 switches the host vehicle 10 to the driving support mode, and controls the vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering angle of the host vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle control unit 65 operates a braking device of the host vehicle 10 to decelerate the host vehicle 10 and steer the steering.

  In addition, when the accelerator operation is performed by the driver at the time of notification by the notification unit 4 in S105, the operation control unit 66 gives priority to the accelerator operation without continuing the notification to the notification unit 4 (continues as it is). Also good. In this case, since the water splash may occur due to the entry into the puddle, the operation control unit 66 notifies the notification unit 4 of the fact and also notifies the driver that the deceleration is promoted. When the driver does not decelerate, the vehicle control unit 65 may operate the braking device to decelerate the host vehicle 10.

  When the vehicle passes by avoiding the puddle, the control unit 6 ends the traveling support of the host vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 66 controls the notification unit 4 to notify the driver that the driving support is finished (S107). For example, the notification unit 4 notifies that the host vehicle 10 can be accelerated / decelerated and steered after a while, for example, by lighting (flashing) a notification lamp, displaying a message, and sound. After the notification by the notification unit 4 is completed, the vehicle control unit 65 switches the host vehicle 10 from the driving support mode to the normal driving mode. As a result, the host vehicle 10 continues to travel in the normal travel mode.

  On the other hand, when it determines with a puddle not being avoided in S104, the control part 6 performs control for preventing the water splash to others. That is, the control unit 6 (the operation control unit 66) has an operation condition that there is a puddle and another person in front of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10, and the distance between the puddle and the other person is within a water splash threshold. The water splash prevention unit 2 is activated. In the present embodiment, when the water splash prevention control is started, the operation control unit 66 controls the notification unit 4 to notify the driver that the water splash prevention control is started (S108). For example, the notification unit 4 indicates that the host vehicle 10 is automatically decelerated after a while, and that the notification unit 5 and the water splash prevention unit 2 are activated, the notification lamp is turned on (flashing), a message is displayed, Notify by voice. These notifications may be anything as long as they accurately inform the driver of the contents.

  After the notification by the notification unit 4 is completed, the control unit 6 decelerates the host vehicle 10 (S109). In the present embodiment, the vehicle control unit 65 switches the host vehicle 10 to the driving support mode and operates the braking device of the host vehicle 10. Note that when the driver performs an accelerator operation at the time of notification by the notification unit 4 in S108, the vehicle control unit 65 may prioritize (continue) the accelerator operation. In this case, since the water splash may occur due to the entry into the puddle, the operation control unit 66 notifies the notification unit 4 of the fact and also notifies the driver that the deceleration is promoted. When the driver does not decelerate, the vehicle control unit 65 may operate the braking device to decelerate the host vehicle 10.

  Subsequently, a predetermined notification (hereinafter referred to as pre-operation notification) is given to the other person (S110). In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 66 controls the notification unit 5 to notify before operation. The alerting | reporting part 5 emits the audio | voice which alerts the attention to the water splash by the own vehicle 10 passing a puddle from the speaker 52 as a pre-operation alert | report, or displays an image and a message on the monitor 51a. For example, when the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 matches that of the other person, the notification unit 5 first emits sound from the speaker 52. When another person reacts to the uttered voice (such as when a pedestrian or a bicycle driver looks back), the notification unit 5 displays an image or a message on the monitor 51a. For example, when the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 and the other person does not match, the notification unit 5 displays an image or a message on the monitor 51a without emitting a sound from the speaker 52 (may be emitted). In any case, the image shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be displayed on the monitor 51a.

  These are merely examples of the notification mode of the notification unit 5 and can be notified in various other modes. When performing the pre-operation notification, the operation control unit 66 displays an image or a message on a monitor (a monitor 51a as an example) disposed on the front part or the side part of the host vehicle 10 in order to allow others to view. Further, the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10 and the other person, the presence / absence of the other person's reaction (whether the pedestrian or the bicycle driver looks back), and the like are based on the detection results of the surrounding state detection unit 31 and the vehicle information detection unit 32. The operation control unit 66 calculates and calculates. In addition, the operation control unit 66 may cause the notification unit 5 to notify the pre-operation and also notify the notification unit 4 that the pre-operation notification has been made. Thereby, it is possible to reliably notify the driver that a predetermined pre-operation notification has been made to the other person.

  After the completion of the pre-operation notification by the notification unit 5, water splash is prevented when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle (S 111). In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 66 operates the water splash preventing unit 2. The operation control unit 66 operates the water splash preventing unit 2 when the distance between the puddle and the host vehicle 10 is within the distance threshold. For example, the water splash preventing unit 2 ejects air from the blower 21 and blows off the splashed water from the puddle. Thereby, when the own vehicle 10 passes through the puddle, the water splashed by the wheel is prevented from being scattered toward others.

  The operation control unit 66 continues to operate the water splash preventing unit 2 until the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle (S112). In the present embodiment, whether or not the host vehicle 10 has passed through the puddle is determined based on the position of the puddle detected by the puddle position detection unit 61 and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle information detection unit 32. Judgment. When it determines with the own vehicle 10 having passed the puddle, the operation control part 66 stops the water splash prevention part 2 (S113).

  After the water splash prevention unit 2 stops, a predetermined notification (hereinafter referred to as post-operation notification) is given to others (S114). In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 66 controls the notification unit 5 to notify after operation. The notification unit 5 emits a sound such as appreciation or apology for attention to water splash when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle from the speaker 52 or displays an image or message on the monitor 51b as post-operation notification. To do. In this case, for example, the images shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 may be displayed on the monitor 51b. When performing post-operation notification, the operation control unit 66 is a monitor (for example, a monitor) disposed on the rear part or side part of the host vehicle 10 so that other persons (such as pedestrians, bicycles, and drivers of other vehicles) can visually check. 51b) displays an image and a message. Note that the post-operation notification may be omitted.

  After performing the post-operation notification by the notification unit 5 for a predetermined time, the operation control unit 66 stops the notification unit 5 and ends the control of the water splash prevention support. The elapse of the predetermined time is determined by the operation control unit 66 based on the timer value by starting a timer when the notification unit 5 is notified after the operation. The notification after the operation is continued until a predetermined time elapses.

  According to the present embodiment, when there is a puddle on the traveling road ahead of the traveling direction of the host vehicle 10, if the approach can be avoided, the traveling of the host vehicle 10 can be performed by avoiding the puddle by performing traveling support. . On the other hand, when the approach to the puddle cannot be avoided, the water splash prevention unit 2 can be operated to prevent the water splash to the other person when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle. In this way, while avoiding puddles and operating the water splash prevention unit 2 (blower device 21), there is a risk of causing water splash to others when the host vehicle 10 passes through the puddle. Even in this case, it is possible to reliably prevent water splashing. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the appearance of others from getting dirty or depriving the field of view due to scattering of mud or sewage accumulated in a puddle.

  Moreover, when operating the water splash prevention part 2 (blowing device 21), the notification before operation and the notification after operation can be performed. That is, sound can be emitted from the speaker 52, images and messages can be displayed on the monitors 51a and 51b, and attention to water splashes caused by the vehicle 10 passing through the puddle can be strongly urged. . After passing the puddle, the driver's intentions such as appreciation and apology can be communicated to others.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the water splash can be more reliably prevented by suppressing the water splash itself in addition to the driving support control. For this reason, for example, it is possible to reduce the necessity for the driver to always pay attention to the puddle and prepare for deceleration (slow down), steering operation, and the like. Therefore, the driver can almost alleviate the anxiety and stress on the splashing of water to others, and can perform a comfortable driving.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this description has shown an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. Such a novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the embodiment described above, the water splash preventing unit 2 is automatically operated under the control of the operation control unit 66. In addition to this, the driver may be able to manually operate the water splash preventing unit 2 by an operation unit such as a button or a switch. This makes it possible to use the water splash prevention unit 2 for parking assistance, for example, by blowing away fallen leaves during parking so that the white line of the parking frame can be easily seen.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Water splash prevention assistance apparatus, 2 ... Water splash prevention part, 3 ... Detection part, 4 ... Notification part, 5 ... Notification part, 6 ... Control part, 7 ... Pedestrian, 8 ... Puddle, 9 ... Oncoming vehicle DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Own vehicle, 11 ... Front wheel, 12 ... Rear wheel, 13 ... Vehicle body, 14 ... Headlight, 15 ... Taillight, 21 ... Blower, 21a ... Air outlet, 31 ... Ambient condition detection part, 32 ... Vehicle Information detection unit, 51a, 51b ... monitor, 52 ... speaker, 53-56 ... image, 61 ... puddle position detection unit, 62 ... others position detection unit, 63 ... water splash determination unit, 64 ... avoidance determination unit, 65 ... Vehicle control unit, 66 ... Operation control unit.

Claims (7)

A water splash prevention unit that is located around the wheel of the vehicle, operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied, and suppresses splashing of the water splashed by the wheel to the outside in the vehicle width direction. Vehicle splash prevention support device. The water splash prevention support device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the water splash prevention unit is a blower that ejects air outward in the vehicle width direction of the wheels. The water blow prevention prevention device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the blower blows air downward in the vehicle. An operation control unit for controlling the operation of the water splash preventing unit;
A puddle position detector that detects the position of the puddle around the vehicle,
The operation control unit operates the water splash preventing unit based on the operation condition that the puddle is detected in the traveling direction of the vehicle and the distance between the vehicle and the puddle is within a predetermined range. The water splash prevention support device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising an other person position detection unit for detecting the position of the other person in the vicinity of the vehicle
The water of the vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the operation control unit operates the water splash preventing unit based on the operation condition that the other person is detected within a predetermined distance of the puddle. Ne prevention support device. A vehicle information detector for detecting vehicle information including the vehicle speed of the vehicle;
An avoidance determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle can avoid the puddle;
The avoidability determination unit determines whether the vehicle can avoid the puddle based on detection results of the puddle position detection unit and the vehicle information detection unit,
When the other person position detection unit detects the other person and the avoidability determination unit determines that the puddle can be avoided, the vehicle performs driving support for avoiding the puddle,
When the other person position detection unit detects the other person and the avoidance determination unit determines that the puddle cannot be avoided, the operation control unit determines that the operation condition is satisfied, and the operation control unit The splash preventing support device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the splash preventing unit is operated. A notification unit for notifying the other person that the vehicle may splash the water in the puddle;
The water splash prevention support device for a vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the notification unit is activated when the avoidance determination unit determines that the puddle cannot be avoided.

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