JP2510533Y2 - Constant speed traveling device - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Overview A drive means such as a motor is controlled by a control amount corresponding to a difference between a target vehicle speed and a traveling vehicle speed, and a drive output of the drive means is transmitted to a throttle valve via an electromagnetic clutch. When the constant-speed traveling is performed so as to maintain the target vehicle speed and the constant-speed traveling control is released by depressing the brake pedal or the like, the connection state of the electromagnetic clutch is released and the throttle valve is operated by a spring or the like. In the constant speed traveling device in which the return means is used to return to the closing direction, the throttle valve is driven in the closing direction after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the electromagnetic clutch was released.

Further, a detecting means is provided in association with the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch, and the amount of change per unit time of the throttle valve opening detected by the detecting means within the predetermined time, that is, the acceleration is predetermined. When it is less than the value, it is determined that the electromagnetic clutch cannot be released due to seizure, and the alarm means is activated to notify the driver of the abnormality.

This ensures a fail-safe function when the electromagnetic clutch cannot be released, detects an abnormality in the electromagnetic clutch, and improves safety.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a constant-speed traveling device for automatically controlling the opening degree of the throttle valve so that the traveling vehicle speed of a vehicle becomes a target vehicle speed desired by a driver without operating the accelerator pedal. More specifically, the present invention relates to a constant speed traveling device using a motor type actuator.

2. Description of the Related Art A constant-speed traveling device is a device that automatically controls the throttle valve opening so that an automobile travels at a target vehicle speed preset by the driver. As a drive means for controlling the opening degree of the throttle valve, an intake negative pressure type actuator including a diaphragm and a solenoid valve, and a motor type actuator including a motor and a reduction gear are used. ing.

In the intake negative pressure type actuator, when the constant-speed traveling control is released by, for example, depressing the brake pedal, the throttle chamber is released to the atmosphere by releasing the diaphragm chamber to the atmosphere. It is configured to return in the closing direction.

On the other hand, in the motor type actuator,
The output of the reduction gear is transmitted to the throttle valve via the electromagnetic clutch.When the constant speed traveling control is released, the electromagnetic clutch is cut off so that the throttle valve is closed by the resetting means. It is configured to return.

Therefore, in the case of a motor type actuator, if the electromagnetic clutch cannot be released due to burning of the electromagnetic clutch, the throttle valve cannot be returned. Therefore, in a typical conventional technique, when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the constant speed traveling control is released,
It is configured to drive the motor in the direction in which the throttle valve returns. As a result, a fail-safe operation is achieved when the electromagnetic clutch is baked.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, whether or not the electromagnetic clutch is abnormal is not detected, and regardless of whether or not the electromagnetic clutch is abnormal, the throttle valve is released when the constant speed traveling control is released. The motor is driven in the direction to return the. For this reason, the driver often does not notice the abnormality of the actuator and continues traveling without repairing it.When an abnormality occurs in the motor in such a state, it becomes difficult to return the throttle valve to safety. Is significantly reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a constant-speed traveling device capable of improving safety by expanding a fail-safe function in the event of a failure of a driving means by detecting an abnormality of an electromagnetic clutch and notifying the driver of the abnormality. It is to be.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention calculates a control amount of a throttle valve according to a difference between a target vehicle speed and a traveling vehicle speed and derives a drive signal, and a drive output in response to the drive signal. An electromagnetic clutch that is generated and connects the drive means for opening and closing the throttle valve, and the drive means and the throttle valve, and releases the connection state between the drive means and the slot valve in response to a release signal from the control means. A detection means provided in relation to the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch, for detecting the amount of rotation of the output shaft, and a return means for returning the throttle valve in the closing direction when the electromagnetic clutch is released; An alarm means for notifying a person of an abnormality, and the control means outputs the drive signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the output of the release signal to drive the throttle valve in a direction to be closed. When the change amount of the throttle valve opening per unit time within the time is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the electromagnetic clutch is not released, and the alarm means is activated. It is a characteristic constant-speed traveling device.

Operation According to the present invention, the control means calculates the control amount of the throttle valve corresponding to the difference between the target vehicle speed and the traveling vehicle speed, and outputs a drive signal corresponding to this control amount to the drive means. The drive means realized by a motor or the like generates a drive output in response to the drive signal, and this drive output is transmitted to the throttle valve via the electromagnetic clutch, and thus constant speed traveling control is realized.

Further, when the constant-speed traveling control is released by, for example, depressing the brake pedal, the control means outputs a release signal to the electromagnetic clutch, and the electromagnetic clutch responds to the release signal in response to the drive signal and the throttle valve. Release the connection state with. As a result, the throttle valve is driven to return in the direction of closing the throttle valve by the return means such as a spring.

Further, the control means outputs the drive signal to drive the throttle valve in the closing direction after the predetermined time elapses after the release signal is output, and thereby the abnormality such as the seizure of the electromagnetic clutch is caused. Also, the throttle valve can be returned in the closing direction.

On the other hand, the rotation amount of the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch is detected by the detection means, and the detection result is given to the control means. The control means determines whether or not the amount of change in the throttle valve opening per unit time within a predetermined time after the release signal is output, that is, the return acceleration is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and if so, It is judged that the connection state by the electromagnetic clutch is surely released.

On the other hand, when the amount of change is less than the above value, it is determined that the electromagnetic clutch is in an irreversible state due to seizure or the like, and the control means activates the alarm means to notify the driver. To do.

Therefore, the driver can perceive an abnormality in the electromagnetic clutch, which can prevent a malfunction in which the electromagnetic clutch and the motor both become abnormal and the throttle valve becomes unrecoverable. , The fail-safe function can be expanded.

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a constant speed traveling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the constant-speed traveling device 1, which is realized by a micro computer or the like, the control device 3 as a control means reads the traveling vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 4 when the set switch 2 is operated by the driver, and reads the traveling vehicle speed. The traveling vehicle speed is set to the target vehicle speed, and thereafter, a drive signal corresponding to the difference between the target vehicle speed and the detected traveling vehicle speed is output to the line 1.

The drive signal is input to the motor type actuator 6 via the drive circuit 5. This actuator 6
Drives a drive output to a link mechanism 9 that connects the accelerator pedal 7 and the throttle valve 8, and thus the opening of the throttle valve 8 is controlled in accordance with the difference between the target vehicle speed and the traveling vehicle speed to drive at a constant speed. Control is realized.

The actuator 6 is a motor 11 which is a driving means.
A speed reducer 12, an electromagnetic clutch 13, and a potentiometer 14 which is a detecting means. Motor 11
Rotates by an amount of rotation corresponding to the drive signal from the drive circuit 5, and the rotation output is decelerated by the speed reducer 12 and given to the input shaft 13a of the electromagnetic clutch 13. Electromagnetic clutch 1
3 is controlled to be conductive / released by a release signal from the control device 3 via the line l2.

The drive output from the output shaft 13b of the electromagnetic clutch 13 is given to the throttle valve 8 via the link mechanism 9. The rotation amount of the output shaft 13b is detected by the potentiometer 14, and the detection result is input to the control device 3 via the line l3.

On the other hand, the throttle valve 8 is an intake path to the internal combustion engine 21.
The output torque of the internal combustion engine 21 changes in response to a change in the opening degree of the throttle valve 8. Internal combustion engine 21
Output of the vehicle speed sensor 4 is transmitted to the wheels 23.
Detects the traveling vehicle speed based on the rotational speed of the wheel 23 and inputs it to the control device 3 via the line l4.

In addition, the throttle valve 8 is provided with a spring 24 which is a return means.
Is attached, and this spring 24 generates an elastic force in the direction of closing the throttle valve. Therefore, the accelerator pedal 7 is not depressed and the electromagnetic clutch 13
Is released and constant speed running control is not being performed,
The throttle valve 8 is returned to the almost fully closed state by the elastic force of the spring 21.

In connection with the control device 3, a brake switch 25,
A warning light 26, which is a warning means, is provided. The brake switch 25 conducts when the brake pedal is depressed, and the control device 3 stops the constant speed traveling control when the brake switch 25 conducts. Further, the control device 3 turns on the warning light 26 when an abnormality is detected in the electromagnetic clutch 13 as described later.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining an abnormality detecting operation of the electromagnetic clutch 13. In the state where the constant speed traveling control is being performed, the control device 3 calculates the control amount of the throttle control valve 8 corresponding to the difference between the target vehicle speed and the traveling vehicle speed, and the motor 11 is indicated by (3) in FIG. Such a drive signal is output.

For example, when the brake pedal is depressed and the brake switch 25 is turned on as shown in FIG. 2 (1), the constant speed traveling control is released at the time t1 and the electromagnetic clutch from the control device 3 via the line l2. Second to 13
The release signal shown in FIG. 2B is output. Thus, when the electromagnetic clutch 13 is normal, the spring 24
Due to the resilience of the throttle valve 8, the opening degree of the throttle valve 8 becomes smaller as indicated by reference numeral 11 in FIG. 2 (4).

At this time, the control device 3 sets a predetermined period W1 from the time t1 such as a detection period of 0.5 seconds, and detects the change in the throttle valve opening by the potentiometer 14 within the detection period W1. The change amount Δθ of the throttle valve opening per predetermined time ΔT is calculated.

The control device 3 determines that the electromagnetic clutch 13 is normally released when the calculated result is equal to or larger than a predetermined value α, and when the calculated result is less than the value α, the electromagnetic clutch 13 is not abnormal such as seizure. It is judged that it has occurred,
The warning light 26 is turned on.

Further, a drive signal for driving the throttle valve 8 in the closing direction is derived from the control device 3 at time t2 when the period W1 has elapsed from the time t1. As a result, the opening degree of the throttle valve 8 is indicated by the reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2 (4) even when an abnormality such as seizure occurs in the electromagnetic clutch 13 as described above. Can be changed to

In this way, even when the electromagnetic clutch 13 is abnormal, when the constant speed traveling control is finished, the throttle valve 8 is in a substantially fully closed state unless the accelerator pedal 7 is depressed.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the abnormality detection operation of the electromagnetic clutch 13 described above. At step n1, it is judged whether or not the constant speed traveling control is released from being controlled,
When that is the case, that is, at the timing of the time t1, the process moves to step n2, the controller 3 outputs the release signal to the electromagnetic clutch 13, and starts the time counting operation at step n3.

Further, in step n1, when it is not the time point when the constant speed traveling control is released, that is, before the time t1,
After time t1, the process moves to step n4, and it is judged whether or not the timekeeping operation is continuing. If not, the operation is ended, and if so, the process moves to step n5. At step n5, it is determined whether or not the time count has reached the period W1, and if so, at step n6, the motor 11
After the drive signal for closing the throttle valve 8 is output, the operation is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step n7.

At step n7, it is judged whether or not the amount of change Δθ of the throttle valve opening per unit time ΔT is equal to or more than a predetermined value α, and if so, it is determined at step n8 that the electromagnetic clutch 13 is abnormal. After the flag indicating is reset to 0, the operation is ended. If not, the flag F is set to 1 in step n9 and the operation is ended. In this way, if the flag F is set in steps n8 and n9, the fourth
The lighting operation of the warning light 26 shown in the figure is started.

That is, in step m1, it is determined whether or not the flag F is 1, and if so, the warning lamp 26 is turned on in step m2 and then the operation is terminated. If not, the warning lamp 26 is turned off in step m3. Then, the operation ends.

As described above, in the constant speed traveling device 1 according to the present invention, after the predetermined period W1 has elapsed after the constant speed traveling control is released and the release signal is output to the electromagnetic clutch 13, the motor 11 is driven to turn on the throttle valve 8. Since the drive is closed, safety can be improved.

In the period W1, the change amount Δθ of the throttle valve opening per unit time ΔT is detected, and when the change amount Δθ is less than a predetermined value α, the electromagnetic clutch 13 has an abnormality such as seizure. Since it is determined that the warning light 26 is generated and the warning lamp 26 is turned on, the driver can perceive the abnormality of the electromagnetic clutch 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the above-described abnormality of the electromagnetic clutch 13 and the failure of the motor 11 from falling into a dangerous state such that they overlap,
The fail-safe function can be expanded.

As described above, according to the present invention, the drive signal is output after a predetermined time elapses after the release signal to the electromagnetic clutch for transmitting the drive output from the drive means to the throttle valve is derived, and then the slot valve. Since the return drive is performed in the closing direction, even if an abnormality occurs in the electromagnetic clutch and the electromagnetic clutch cannot be released, the throttle valve is returned to a small opening. The safety can be improved.

Further, when the amount of change in the throttle valve opening per unit time within the predetermined time is less than a predetermined value, an abnormality such as seizure occurs in the electromagnetic clutch, and the electromagnetic clutch becomes inoperable. Since it is determined that there is an alarm and the alarm means is activated to notify the driver of the abnormality, the driver can perceive the abnormality of the electromagnetic clutch, and accordingly, if the drive means fails, It is unlikely that both the drive means and the electromagnetic clutch will break down, and thus the fail-safe function can be expanded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a constant speed traveling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining an abnormality detecting operation of an electromagnetic clutch 13, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the abnormality detection operation shown in the figure, and FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the lighting operation of the warning light 26. 1 ... Constant speed traveling device, 2 ... Set switch, 3 ... Control device, 4 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 5 ... Drive circuit, 6 ... Actuator, 7 ... Accelerator pedal, 8 ... Slot valve, 11 ... … Motor, 12 …… Reducer, 13 …… Electromagnetic clutch, 14 …… Potentiometer, 21 …… Internal combustion engine, 24…
… Spring, 25 …… Brake switch, 26 …… Warning light

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location F02D 45/00 364 F02D 45/00 364J

Claims (1)

(57) [Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A control means for calculating a control amount of a throttle valve in accordance with a difference between a target vehicle speed and a traveling vehicle speed to derive a drive signal, and a drive output in response to the drive signal for generating the drive output. A drive means for opening and closing the drive means, an electromagnetic clutch that connects the drive means and the slot valve, and releases the connection state between the drive means and the slot valve in response to a release signal from the control means; Detection means provided in relation to the output shaft, for detecting the amount of rotation of the output shaft, return means for returning the throttle valve in the closing direction when the electromagnetic clutch is released, and notifying the driver of the abnormality An alarm means, and the control means outputs the drive signal after a predetermined time has elapsed after the release signal is output to drive the throttle valve in the closing direction, and When the amount of change in the throttle valve opening per unit time within a predetermined value is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the electromagnetic clutch has not been released, and the alarm means is activated to drive at a constant speed. apparatus.