JP3670037B2 - Slope start assist device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention is used as an automobile driving assistance device. In the present invention, when a braking pressure higher than a predetermined value is applied and the vehicle speed reaches zero, if the clutch is depressed, the braking pressure is temporarily maintained even when the brake pedal is released, and the clutch is released. And a slope start assist device that automatically releases the temporarily maintained braking pressure at a set value. The present invention is used in an automobile equipped with a clutch and a manual shift transmission, and is not applied to an automatic car without a clutch pedal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The driving operation of the hill start that starts the car stopped in the middle of the hill in the uphill direction, depresses the clutch pedal with the brake pedal depressed, shifts the transmission to the start gear (or reverse gear), and then the clutch pedal. When the clutch is in a half-clutch state, the brake pedal is released and the pedal is switched to the accelerator pedal. The slope start assist device is a driving assist device that automatically executes this. In other words, the slope start assist device depresses the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerates and the vehicle speed reaches zero or almost zero. If the clutch pedal is depressed beyond a predetermined value at this time, the brake is released even if the brake pedal is released. It is controlled to automatically maintain the pressure. Further, when the clutch pedal, which has been shifted to the starting position (or the reverse position) and depressed, is released to a preset release point, the brake pressure holding state is automatically released.
[0003]
This device takes in the information on the vehicle speed, the information on the braking pressure, and the information on the stroke of the clutch pedal, and electrically controls the solenoid valve by holding the braking pressure according to the control even when the brake pedal is released. This is realized by a program control circuit. In a car equipped with this device, the driver can hold the vehicle in a stopped state even if the brake pedal is released without applying the side brake. It can be carried out. Furthermore, when driving on a traffic jam road, it is not necessary to keep stepping on the brake pedal for a long time or repeatedly operating the side brake, so that the driver's fatigue can be reduced.
[0004]
Such a slope start assisting device is disclosed in JP-A No. 64-78956 and others. This device has come to be widely applied to trucks whose operating conditions change according to the load weight.
[0005]
In the above-mentioned slope start assist device, as described above, when starting a vehicle stopped on a slope, the clutch pedal is slowly pulled out and held when the stroke of the clutch pedal reaches a preset release point. The applied braking pressure is automatically released.
[0006]
An acceleration sensor or a gradient sensor has been used for such a device. In a vehicle equipped with a sensor for detecting the acceleration in the traveling direction of the automobile, the output information of the acceleration sensor can be used for taking control in the control device of the slope start assisting device.
[0007]
The traveling direction acceleration sensor can be used as a gradient sensor when the vehicle speed is zero. That is, when the vehicle stops on a downhill, the acceleration sensor displays acceleration in the forward direction. When the vehicle stops on an uphill, the acceleration sensor displays acceleration in the backward direction.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The inventor of the present application repeatedly tested the above-described slope start assist device, and encountered the following problems. That is, when the vehicle is stopped by stepping on the brake, if the vehicle stops in the middle of a downhill and then the vehicle is started in a forward state, an assist operation by the slope start assisting device is unnecessary. Further, when the vehicle is stopped by stepping on the brake, the assist operation by the slope start assisting device is not required even when the vehicle stops on the uphill and then starts the vehicle in the reverse state.
[0009]
Since it can be detected by the gradient sensor that the vehicle has stopped in the middle of the hill as described above, the output of the gradient sensor can be taken in and control can be performed as described above. Furthermore, when the vehicle is stopped in the middle of a slope, it can be determined whether the transmission is advanced or retreated next, depending on whether the transmission is operated to the forward position or shifted to the reverse position. However, if the operation of the slope start assisting device is immediately prohibited by the shift operation of the transmission, the vehicle may inadvertently start down the slope in an unexpected state by the driver.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in such a background, and it is intended to provide a slope start assist device capable of automatically prohibiting an operation when an assist operation by the slope start assist device is unnecessary. Objective. Furthermore, the present invention automatically prohibits the auxiliary operation when the auxiliary operation is unnecessary, and prohibits the operation so that the vehicle does not start going down the hill before the driver is conscious. An object is to provide an apparatus.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention automatically cancels the holding state of the braking pressure when the vehicle stops on the uphill and the transmission is set to reverse, or stops on the downhill and the transmission is shifted forward, and assists in starting the hill. The operation is stopped.
[0012]
That is, an electromagnetic valve that retains braking pressure according to control even when the brake pedal is released, and a control circuit that takes in vehicle speed information, braking pressure information, and clutch pedal stroke information and controls the electromagnetic valve. The control circuit maintains braking pressure on the solenoid valve when the vehicle is stationary and the stroke of the clutch pedal is greater than a first predetermined value in the clutch depression direction or when the transmission is in the neutral position. Control means for releasing the braking pressure holding state of the solenoid valve when the transmission is shifted to the forward position or the reverse position and the stroke of the clutch pedal becomes smaller than the release point set in the clutch depression release direction. The slope start assist device includes a gradient sensor, and an output of the gradient sensor is introduced into the control circuit, and the control is performed. Circuit, the vehicle is in a stopped state, a condition indicating that the transmission is in a stopped state uphill slope exceeding the vehicle from the output of the shifted and the gradient sensor in the retracted position is a first predetermined gradient is established In addition, when the stroke in the depression direction of the clutch pedal reaches a second predetermined value larger than the first predetermined value, the holding state of the braking pressure is released regardless of the position of the stroke in the release direction of the clutch pedal. And a condition indicating that the vehicle is in a stopped state, the transmission is operated and set to a forward position, and the vehicle is in a stopped state on a downhill with a gradient exceeding a second predetermined gradient from the output of the gradient sensor. When the stroke in the depression direction of the clutch pedal reaches a second predetermined value that is larger than the first predetermined value, the stroke in the release direction of the clutch pedal is established. Characterized by comprising a means for releasing the holding state of the brake pressure regardless of the position of the over click.
[0013]
[Action]
When the vehicle stops in the middle of the downhill and starts moving forward, and when the vehicle stops in the middle of the uphill and starts to move backward, the assistance for starting the slope is not necessary. Whether or not the vehicle has stopped on the slope is detected by a gradient sensor when the vehicle speed is zero. The first predetermined slope value for the uphill and the second predetermined slope value for the downhill are set in advance, and it is detected that the gradient sensor has stopped on the uphill that exceeds the first predetermined slope. When the machine is shifted to the backward start position, or when it is detected that the vehicle has stopped on the downhill exceeding the second predetermined gradient and the transmission is shifted to the forward start position, the slope start assistance is not required. The brake pressure holding state is automatically released and the operation is stopped on condition that the stroke of the clutch pedal has reached a second predetermined value deeper than the first predetermined value for holding the braking pressure. .
[0014]
Thus, when the operation of the operation of the stop to retract starting uphill gradient exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined value to stop the downward slope forward starting gradient exceeding is made, OPERATION's intention of starting Since the brake state is released on condition that the clutch pedal is depressed beyond the second predetermined value shown, the vehicle can be prevented from inadvertently going down the slope in an unexpected state.
[0015]
【Example】
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle state in which a slope start assisting operation is continued or stopped (braking pressure release is released) by a slope start assisting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the slope start assist operation by the slope start assist apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes forward start and reverse start from a stationary state on a flat road, forward start on an uphill, and downhill. It is executed in case of reverse start.
[0017]
The operation is performed by taking in the vehicle speed information, the braking pressure information, and the clutch petal stroke information, and controlling an electromagnetic valve that holds and releases the braking pressure. That is, when the vehicle speed becomes zero at a braking pressure of a predetermined value or more and the stroke of the clutch pedal is larger than a predetermined first predetermined value, or when the transmission is in the neutral position, the braking pressure is held in the solenoid valve. Let Further, when the gear of the transmission is shifted to the forward start or reverse start position and the stroke of the clutch pedal becomes smaller than the set brake pressure hold release point, the electromagnetic valve is released from the brake pressure hold state.
[0018]
Such a slope start assisting operation is shown in FIG. 1, in the case where the vehicle is stopped in the middle of the uphill and started in the reverse state, and the vehicle is stopped in the middle of the downhill and started in the forward state. No auxiliary action is required for this. The slope start assisting device of the present invention is provided with a gradient sensor, which can be detected immediately when the vehicle stops in the middle of a slope, and whether the vehicle starts moving forward or backward from this stopped state is a transmission. It can be judged by the setting of
[0019]
However, when the vehicle starts moving backward on the way uphill and when moving forward on the way downhill, the braking state is released if the operation of the slope start assisting device is prohibited immediately due to the shift of the transmission. In other words, a situation may occur in which the vehicle starts to go down the slope in an unexpected state.
[0020]
In order to prevent the occurrence of such a situation, the present invention shifts the transmission to reverse start in a state where the output of the gradient sensor stops on a slope that exceeds the first predetermined gradient set corresponding to the uphill. When the transmission is shifted to forward start with the output of the gradient sensor being stopped on a slope that exceeds the second predetermined gradient set corresponding to the downhill, the stroke of the clutch pedal is reduced to the braking pressure. On the condition that a second predetermined value larger (deeper) than a first predetermined value indicating a release point for releasing is reached, the electromagnetic valve is controlled to release the brake pressure holding state.
[0021]
Before the clutch stroke reaches the second predetermined value, the clutch stroke has been depressed to the second predetermined value beyond the first predetermined value because it is an indication of the driving operation that the driver is aware of starting. If the brake pressure holding operation is not released, the vehicle can be prevented from unintentionally starting to go down the slope.
[0022]
Here, a configuration example of a main part of the slope start assisting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be shown and its operation will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of the slope start assisting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0023]
This slope start assist device includes a vehicle speed sensor 1 for detecting a vehicle speed, a clutch stroke sensor 2 for detecting a clutch stroke, a stop lamp switch 3 for detecting a braking state by a service brake, and a braking state by a parking brake. The parking brake switch 4 to detect, the gear-in switch 5 to detect the applied state of the transmission to the starting gear, the gradient sensor 6 to detect the vehicle gradient, and the control signal even if the brake pedal 11 is released. Therefore, an electromagnetic valve 9 that adjusts the brake valve 12 to maintain the brake pressure, and an alarm when the output of the gradient sensor 6 is on a downhill exceeding the predetermined value while the brake pressure is maintained, and when a failure occurs Alarm device 14 for generating a signal, and an electromagnetic valve for taking in an output from each sensor and each switch It comprises a program control circuit 10 for controlling, and an input unit 13 for performing an operation input to the program control circuit 10. The alarm device 14 is provided with an alarm buzzer 14a that generates an alarm by sound and an alarm lamp 14b that generates an alarm when turned on.
[0024]
Further, the program control circuit 10 indicates that the vehicle speed becomes zero at a braking pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the clutch pedal stroke is greater than a first predetermined value indicating release of braking pressure holding, or the transmission is in the neutral position. Control means for holding the braking pressure in the solenoid valve 9 when the transmission is in the state and releasing the braking pressure holding state of the solenoid valve 9 when the transmission is shifted and the stroke of the clutch pedal becomes smaller than the set release point. As a feature of the present invention, in the program control circuit 10, the output of the gradient sensor is introduced into the control circuit, and the control circuit stops on the uphill where the output of the gradient sensor 6 exceeds the first predetermined gradient. Conditions indicating a state in which the transmission is shifted backward, or a state where the output of the gradient sensor 6 stops on a downhill where the output exceeds the second predetermined gradient and the transmission is shifted forward. Provided means for the condition, and the stroke of the clutch pedal to release the first greater than the predetermined value (deep) holding state of the second brake pressure to release the brake on condition that reaches a predetermined value indicating the .
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of braking pressure holding prohibiting operation on a slope by the slope start assisting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
The program control circuit 10 takes in the detection outputs from the vehicle speed sensor 1 and the stop lamp switch 3 to check whether the vehicle speed is zero and the vehicle is in a braking state, and outputs the detection output from the gradient sensor 6 when in the braking state. Check whether the vehicle is on a flat, downhill or uphill. If it is on a flat ground, the electromagnetic valve 9 is kept in the braking pressure holding state.
[0027]
When the vehicle is on a downward slope, it is checked in which direction the gear position has been shifted. If the gear position has been shifted to the forward start position, no slope start assistance is required, so holding of the braking pressure is prohibited. When the gear position is shifted to the reverse start or the neutral position, since it is necessary to assist the start of the hill, the electromagnetic valve 9 maintains the braking pressure and the auxiliary operation is continued.
[0028]
When the detection output indicating that the gear is shifted to the forward start position is input from the gear-in switch 5 while the braking pressure is maintained, the output from the clutch stroke sensor 2 is taken in, and the clutch stroke is the first. It is checked whether the second predetermined value is reached by stepping over the predetermined value. If the second predetermined value has been reached, the driver is consciously going to start moving forward with a downward slope, so the holding of the braking pressure by the electromagnetic valve 9 is canceled and the slope start assist operation is stopped .
[0029]
Similarly, when the vehicle is on an uphill slope, it is confirmed by the output of the gear-in switch 5 which gear position has been shifted. If the gear position is shifted to the reverse start position, the slope start assistance is not required, and therefore holding of the braking pressure by the electromagnetic valve 9 is prohibited.
[0030]
When the gear position is in the forward start or neutral position, the slope start assisting operation is still required, so the braking pressure is maintained in the solenoid valve 9 and the slope start assisting operation is continued. When a detection output indicating that the gear is shifted is sent from the gear-in switch 5 in a state where the braking pressure is held, it is confirmed which position the shift position is. When the gear is shifted to the reverse position, the detection output from the clutch stroke sensor 2 is taken, and it is checked whether the clutch stroke is depressed beyond the first predetermined value and reaches the second predetermined value. . If the second predetermined value is reached, it is assumed that the ascending slope is started backward at the driver's will, and the holding of the braking pressure by the electromagnetic valve 9 is released and the slope start assisting operation is stopped .
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the vehicle stops on the downhill and starts moving forward, or when the vehicle stops on the uphill and starts moving backward, the hill start assisting operation is required. can it to release the braking pressure holding when it is not. This release operation is performed when the stroke of the clutch pedal exceeds a second predetermined value that is deeper than the first predetermined value at which the braking pressure is maintained, so the driver is willing to start. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently going down the slope in an unexpected state by the driver.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle state in which a slope start assisting operation is continued or prohibited by a slope start assisting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a slope start assisting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of braking pressure holding prohibiting operation on a slope by a slope start assisting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Vehicle speed sensor 2 Clutch stroke sensor 3 Stop lamp switch 4 Parking brake switch 5 Gear-in switch 6 Gradient sensor 9 Solenoid valve 10 Program control circuit 11 Brake pedal 12 Brake valve 13 Input unit 14 Alarm device 14a Alarm buzzer 14b Alarm lamp

Claims (1)

An electromagnetic valve that retains braking pressure in accordance with control even when the brake pedal is released, and a control circuit that takes in vehicle speed information, braking pressure information, and clutch pedal stroke information to control the electromagnetic valve;
The control circuit causes the solenoid valve to maintain a braking pressure when the vehicle is stopped and the stroke of the clutch pedal is greater than a first predetermined value in the clutch depression direction or when the transmission is in the neutral position. A slope provided with control means for releasing the braking pressure holding state of the solenoid valve when the transmission is shifted to the forward position or the reverse position and the stroke of the clutch pedal becomes smaller than the release point set in the clutch depression release direction. In the starting assistance device,
Comprising a gradient sensor, the output of the gradient sensor being introduced into the control circuit;
The control circuit indicates that the vehicle is stationary, the transmission is shifted to a reverse position, and the vehicle is stationary on an uphill with a slope exceeding a first predetermined slope from the output of the slope sensor. When the stroke in the depression direction of the clutch pedal reaches a second predetermined value that is larger than the first predetermined value, the braking pressure is maintained regardless of the position of the stroke in the release direction of the clutch pedal. Means for releasing
A condition is established that indicates that the vehicle is in a stopped state, the transmission is operated and set to a forward position, and that the vehicle is in a stopped state on a downhill with a gradient exceeding a second predetermined gradient from the output of the gradient sensor, when the depression direction of the stroke of the clutch pedal reaches the first predetermined value is greater than a second predetermined value, and means for releasing the holding state of the brake pressure regardless of the position of the release direction of the stroke of the clutch pedal A slope starting assistance device characterized by comprising:

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