JPH0215012Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvement of a rear steering control device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for steering rear wheels, a device described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 50-64926 is known. In this conventional example, when the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds a predetermined value, the rear wheels are steered according to the mode selected by the mode selection switch. However, with this conventional system, the rear wheels are kept neutral only by an oil lock that uses hydraulic pressure for rear wheel steering, so if a failure occurs in the hydraulic system, the rear wheels will simply become unable to steer. This resulted in the inconvenience that it became impossible to even keep the rear wheels in neutral, resulting in a safety problem.

The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and includes a rear wheel steering means for steering the rear wheels, and a locking means for automatically locking the rear wheels in a neutral position when the rear wheels are in a neutral state. , an unlocking driving means for unlocking the locking means, a lock switch for detecting that the locking means is in the locked state, a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel, and an alarm means for issuing an alarm;
Upon receiving the detection outputs of the lock switch and steering angle sensor, when the steering angle of the steering wheel exceeds a set value, a drive signal is output to the unlock drive means to operate the lock means into the unlocked state, and at the same time the rear wheels are steered. output a drive signal to the rear wheel steering means to
When the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes smaller than a predetermined value smaller than the set value, a drive signal is output to the rear wheel steering means to return the rear wheels to neutral, and the locking means is activated within a predetermined time after outputting the return drive signal. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rear steering control device characterized in that it is provided with a control means for outputting a control signal for activating the above-mentioned alarm means if it is not detected that the rear steering wheel is in a locked state.

According to the present invention, by providing a locking means separately from the rear wheel steering means, it is possible to reliably hold the rear wheels in the neutral position even when the rear wheel steering means fails, and moreover, it is possible to ensure that the locking means is properly maintained. If the system is not working, a warning will be issued to alert the driver to the malfunction.

Hereinafter, a rear steering control device according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the rear steering device, FIG. 2 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing a neutral state, and FIG. 3 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing a steering state. In the figure, 1 is an engine, 2a and 2b are hydraulic pumps driven by the engine 1, 3 is a reservoir, and 4 is a link between one of the hydraulic pumps 2a and 2b, which connects one of the hydraulic pumps 2a to a front wheel steering gearbox 5.
An oil passage extending to the side, 6 is a high-pressure oil passage extending from the other hydraulic pump 2b, 12 in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a check valve provided in the same high-pressure oil passage 6, and 6' is a check valve 12 of An oil passage 11 connecting the high-pressure oil passage 6 on the upstream side and the reservoir 3, a relief valve 13 provided in the oil passage 6';
is an accumulator installed in the high pressure oil passage 6 on the downstream side of the check valve 12, and if the pressure on the downstream side of the check valve 12 including the accumulator 13 is higher than the pressure on the upstream side of the check valve 12, then , the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump 2b is circulated as indicated by the arrow l→m→n→hydraulic pump 2b in FIG. Reference numeral 14 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 is a control valve, and the control valve 14 is comprised of a first electromagnetic switching valve 15, a second electromagnetic switching valve 16, and a first inverse valve, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Stop valve 17 and second check valve 1
8, and the high pressure oil passage 6 is constituted by the first,
It is connected to the P ports of the second electromagnetic switching valves 15 and 16. Here, the electromagnetic switching valve 15 is controlled by solenoids c and d, and the electromagnetic switching valve 16 is controlled by solenoids a and b. Further, a variable throttle valve 6a is interposed in the high pressure oil passage 6 communicating with the second electromagnetic switching valve 16. Further, 10 is a low pressure oil passage extending to the reservoir 3, and the low pressure oil passage 10 is connected to the R ports of the first and second electromagnetic switching valves 15 and 16. Further, 7a and 7b are oil passages on the side of the second electromagnetic switching valve 16, and the first and second check valves 17 and 18 are interposed in the oil passages 7a and 7b.
Further, 8 and 9 are oil passages on the side of the first electromagnetic switching valve, and 24 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinders;
As shown in the figure, the cylinder 25 and piston rod 2
6, there are end plates 25a and 25d at both ends of the cylinder 25, and on the left side of the middle,
There is an annular partition wall 25b that partitions the inside of the cylinder 25 into a left part and a right part.
There is an annular protrusion 25c protruding into the cylinder 25. Also, the piston rod 26 passes through the cylinder 25 and has both ends protruding outside the cylinder 25.
On the left side of the piston rod 26 is a piston 26a that partitions the inside of the cylinder 25 on the left side of the annular partition wall 25b into two chambers f and g.On the right side of the piston rod 26 is a large diameter portion 26b; Part 26b
is provided with an annular groove 26c. 27 again
28 is a sliding ring fitted into the piston rod 26 between the partition wall 25b and the large diameter portion 26b so as to be movable in the axial direction, and 28 is the piston rod 26 between the large diameter portion 26b and the end plate 25d. 29 is a cylindrical body provided in the cylinder 25 of the annular protrusion 25c portion, and 30 is a lock piece that is slidably inserted into the cylindrical body 29. , the tip of the lock piece 30 is connected to the cylinder 2.
5 can penetrate into the cylinder 25 and retract into the cylinder 25. The lock piece 3 is attached to the bottom of the cylindrical body 29.
A lock pin switch 30a is provided which closes when 0 is pushed downward. Further, a lock switch 30b is provided on the side surface of the cylindrical body 29 and is closed when the lock piece 30 is urged upward and fitted into the annular groove 26c. A spring 31 is interposed between the lock piece 30 and the bottom of the cylindrical body 29, and the spring 31 always biases the lock piece 30 in the direction of the piston rod 26. Further, the oil passage 7a on the downstream side of the first check valve 17 is connected to the chamber f of the cylinder 25, and the oil passage 7b on the downstream side of the second check valve 18 is connected to the cylinder 25.
In the chamber g, an oil passage 8 on the downstream side of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 is connected to the cylinder 2 through a variable throttle valve 8a.
The lock piece of the cylinder body 29 is connected to the chambers h and i of No. 5 through the check valve 8b, and the chamber 30 below the lock piece 30.
connected to c. Further, 8c is an oil passage extending from the check valve 8b to the oil passage 9. The oil passage 9 on the downstream side of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 is in the cylinder body 29,
The low-pressure oil passage 10 is connected within the cylinder 25 between the sliding rings 27 and 28, respectively.
Here, 21 is an oil path extending from the oil path 7a on the upstream side of the first check valve 17 to the back of the second check valve 18, and 22 is the oil path on the upstream side of the second check valve 18. An oil passage 23 extends from the oil passage 7b to the rear of the first check valve 17, and an oil passage 23 extends from the oil passage 8 on the downstream side of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15. Furthermore, the first
In the figure, 32 and 33 are parallel links on the rear wheel side connected to the piston rod 26 of the hydraulic cylinder 24 for rear wheel steering, 34 and 35 are suspensions on the rear wheel side, 36 is a front wheel steering sensor, and 37 is a control device. . The front wheel steering sensor 36 will be described later using FIG. 4, and the control device 37 will be described later using FIG. 5.

Next, the operation will be briefly explained. A case where solenoids d and b are excited will be explained.
In this case, the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 operates from the neutral position in FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrow x in FIG. 3. As a result, the hydraulic pump 2b or the accumulator 1
3 is sent into the cylindrical body 29 through the high pressure oil passage 6 → the P port of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 → the D port → the oil passage 9, and the lock piece 30 retreats against the spring 31.
The tip of the lock piece 30 comes out of the annular groove 26c of the piston rod 26 of the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25, and the piston rod 26 becomes free. The second electromagnetic switching valve 16 also operates from the neutral position in FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrow x in FIG.
Pressure oil passes through the high-pressure oil passage 6 → variable throttle valve 6a → P port of the second electromagnetic switching valve 16 → oil passage 7b → second check valve 18 → oil passage 7b, and then goes to the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25. Sent to room g. On the other hand, a part of the pressure oil flowing through the oil passage 7b on the upstream side of the check valve 18 is sent to the first check valve 17 via the oil passage 22, and
The downstream oil passage 7a and the upstream oil passage 7a of 7 communicate with each other, and the oil passages 7a, 7a communicate with the reservoir 3 via the R port of the second electromagnetic switching valve 16 and then the low pressure oil passage 10. . Therefore, while the oil in the chamber f is returned to the reservoir 3, the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25
The piston rod 26 moves in the direction of the arrow y, the rear wheels are steered via the parallel links 32 and 33 on the rear wheel side, and when the piston rod 26 reaches the stroke end, the rear wheels are held at a predetermined steering angle. . Therefore, when solenoids d and b are energized, the piston rod 26 moves to the left (arrow y).

On the other hand, a case where solenoids d and a are excited will be explained. In this case, the first solenoid valve operates in the direction of arrow x in FIG. 3 from the neutral position in FIG. As a result, as described above, the lock piece 30 moves backward against the spring 31, and the tip of the lock piece 30 touches the piston rod 26 of the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25.
The piston rod 26 comes out of the annular groove 26c and becomes free. On the other hand, the second electromagnetic switching valve 1
6 operates in the direction of arrow y in FIG. 3 from the neutral position in FIG.
The oil is sent to the chamber f of the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25 via the variable throttle valve 6a → the P port of the second electromagnetic switching valve 16 → the oil passage 7a → the first check valve 17 → the oil passage 7a. On the other hand, a part of the pressure oil flowing through the oil passage 7a on the upstream side of the check valve 17 passes through the oil passage 21 and reaches the second check valve 18.
and the oil passage 7 on the downstream side of the second check valve 18.
b and the upstream oil passage 7b are in communication, and the oil passages 7b, 7b are connected to the R port of the second electromagnetic switching valve 16→
It communicates with the reservoir 3 via a low pressure oil passage 10. Therefore, while the oil in the chamber g is returned to the reservoir 3, the piston rod 2 of the rear wheel steering hydraulic cylinder 25 is
6 moves in the direction of the arrow x, and the parallel link 3 on the rear wheel side
2 and 33, and when the piston rod 26 reaches the end of its stroke, the rear wheels are held at a predetermined steering angle. Therefore, when solenoids d and a are energized, the piston rod 26
moves in the right (arrow x) direction.

Next, a case where solenoid c is excited will be explained. In this case, the inside of the cylinder 29 communicates with the reservoir 3 via the oil passage 9 → the D port → R port of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 → the low pressure oil passage 10, and the lock piece 3
0 is pushed by the spring 31 and the oil in the cylinder body 29 is returned to the reservoir 3 while the lock piece 30 projects into the cylinder 25. For example, piston rod 2
6 is moving in the direction of the arrow y, the tip of the lock piece 30 touches the large diameter portion 26 of the piston rod 26.
b. Then, the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump 2b is sent to the chambers h and i of the cylinder 25 via the high-pressure oil passage 6 → the variable throttle valve 6a → the P port of the first electromagnetic switching valve 15 → the C port → the oil passage 8. Then, the sliding ring 27 moves to the right and the sliding ring 28 moves to the left. Moreover, a part of the pressure oil of the hydraulic pump 2b is gradually sent into the chamber 30c in the cylinder body 29 via the check valve 8b. Since the large diameter portion 26b of the piston rod 26 is still on the left side with respect to the annular protrusion 25c, one sliding ring 28 is attached to the annular protrusion 25.
It comes into contact with c and stops. However, the other sliding ring 27 comes into contact with the large diameter portion 26b of the piston rod 26, moves to the right together with the piston rod 26, and stops when it comes into contact with the annular projection 25c. In this state, the piston 26a of the piston rod 26 moves between the end plate 25a and the annular partition wall 25b.
It returns to the neutral position in the middle of , and stops there. On the other hand, while the piston rod 26 returns to the above direction, the lock piece 30, which had been sliding against the large diameter portion 26b of the piston rod 26,
6 (large diameter portion 26b) returns to the neutral position as described above, it is further pushed by the spring 31 to protrude, engages with the annular groove 26c of the large diameter portion 26b, and locks the piston rod 26. Here, the cylinder body 29
Since pressure oil is fed into the inner chamber 30c,
The lock piece 30 is strongly engaged with the annular groove 26c by the spring 31 and the pressure oil in the chamber 30c. In this way, when the solenoid c is energized, the rear wheel steering is returned to the neutral position.

In other words, when solenoids d and a are energized,
The piston rod 26 moves to the right (arrow x) when the solenoids d and b are energized.
6 in the left (arrow y) direction, and when the solenoid c is energized, the piston rod 26 is returned to the neutral position.

Next, the front wheel steering sensor 36 will be explained using FIG. 4. In FIG. 4A, 41 is a steering shaft. This steering shaft 41 rotates as the handle 38 rotates. A rotating plate 42 that rotates together with the steering shaft 41 is attached to the steering shaft 41. This rotating plate 42 is provided with a plurality of light passage holes 421, 422, . . . on the same circumference. Further, sensors 431 and 432 are provided close to each other from the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary plate 42, and incorporate a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detect the rotation of the handle.
It will be extended until... Here, A- of the sensor 431 is
A sectional view taken along line A is shown in FIG. 4B. Here, D1 is a light emitting element and D2 is a light receiving element.
Further, if the signal obtained from the sensor 431 is a1, and the signal obtained from the sensor 432 is a2, as the steering shaft 41 rotates in the direction of arrow j (right), signals a1 and a2 as shown in FIG. 4c are obtained. It will be done. In other words, when the steering shaft 41 rotates in the direction of arrow j, the signal a1 obtained from the sensor 431 is output by the sensor 432 a little later than the signal a1 obtained from the sensor 431.
A signal a2 is obtained from . On the other hand, when the steering shaft 41 rotates in the direction of arrow k (left), the relationship between the signal a1 and the signal a2 is reversed.
Further, the steering shaft 41 is provided with a neutral sensor (not shown) consisting of a combination of a light emitting element and a light receiving element for detecting that the steering wheel 38 is in a neutral position.
is provided. Then, the signals a1 and a2 obtained from the sensors 431 and 432 are detected to detect whether the handle 38 is turned to the right or to the left, or the pulses obtained from the signals a1 and a2 are counted. As a result, the rotation angle of the handle 38 (steering angle of the front wheels) can be determined.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a detailed configuration of the control device 37 that selectively drives the solenoids a to d shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to steer the rear wheels will be explained. . In Figure 5A, 431 and 432
433 is a sensor that detects the rotation of the handle, and 433 is a sensor that detects the neutral position of the handle. Here, 44 is a connector. The signal a1 obtained from the sensor 431 is passed through an amplifier 441 to D-type flip-flops 451, 453, 45L and 45.
The signals are input to the R and C terminals, respectively. Furthermore, the signal a1 is inputted via an inverter 46 to D-type flip-flops 452 and 454, respectively. Also, the signal a obtained from the sensor 432
2 is inputted via the amplifier 442 to the D terminals of the flip-flops 451 to 455 and 45L. Further, the signal a2 is inputted via the inverter 47 to the D terminal of the flip-flop 45R. Here, the flip-flop 45L is used to detect when the steering wheel is turned to the left, and the flip-flop 45R is used to detect when the steering wheel is turned to the right. Flip-flop 4 above
The Q output of flip-flop 51 and the Q output of flip-flop 452 are input to NAND circuit 48, respectively. Furthermore, the Q output of the flip-flop 453 and the Q output of the flip-flop 454 are input to a NAND circuit 49, respectively. Here, the NAND circuit 48 is used to generate up count pulses, and the NAND circuit 49 is used to generate down count pulses. The outputs of the NAND circuits 48 and 49 are passed through an OR circuit 50 to output an amplifier count or down count pulse. Furthermore, the Q outputs of the flip-flops 451 and 454 are input to a NAND circuit 51, respectively. Further, the Q outputs of the flip-flops 452 and 453 are input to the NAND circuit 52, respectively. Furthermore, the outputs of the NAND circuits 51 and 52 are output as counter reset signals via NOR circuits 53, respectively. Furthermore, the outputs of the OR circuits 50 and 53 are inputted to the S terminals of the flip-flops 451 and 454, respectively, via the OR circuits 54 and 55, and are also input to the reset terminals R of the flip-flops 452 and 453, respectively. Thus, the signal a3 output from the neutral sensor 433 is input to the OR circuit 55 via the amplifier 443 and the OR circuit 56. Further, the output of the OR circuit 56 is passed through an OR circuit 57 to the R terminal of the flip-flop 45R, and via an OR circuit 58 to the R terminal of the flip-flop 45L.
input to the terminal. The output of the S terminal of the flip-flop 45R is inputted to the R terminal of the flip-flop 45L via the OR circuit 58. Further, the S output of the flip-flop 45L is inputted to the R terminal of the flip-flop 45R via an OR circuit 57.

By the way, the above flip-flops 451 to 45
The Q or Q output of 4 is input to an up/down switching signal generating section 59, respectively. When the signal output from the up-down switching signal generating section 59 is "1", it means a count up, and when it is "0", it means a count down. The output of the up-down switching signal generating section 59 is input to the U/D terminals of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61. In other words, the above U/D terminal has “1”
When a signal is input, it operates as an up counter, and when a "0" signal is input to the U/D terminal, it operates as a down counter. Thus, the count signal output from the OR circuit 50 is input to the C terminals of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61. The count values of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61 are calculated by the first comparator 6.
2 is input. This first comparator 62 compares the operating angle (=setting value) given by an operating angle setting circuit 63 that sets the operating angle at which rear wheel steering is started, and the first and second up-down counters 60, 61.
When the counts of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61 exceed the operating angle, the OR circuit 64 outputs a signal D. Further, the counts of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61 are input to a second comparator 65. This second comparator 65 compares the return angle given by the return angle (=predetermined value<set value) setting circuit 66 which sets the return angle at which the rear wheel steering is returned to the neutral position, and the first and second upright angles. It compares the count values of the down counters 60 and 61, and when the count values of the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61 become equal to or less than the return angle, the rear wheel steering is performed via OR circuits 67 to 69. A reset signal R for returning to the neutral position is output. Here, the operating angle (set value) is set larger than the return angle (predetermined value). This provides hysteresis for the activation and return of rear wheel steering.

Next, the output of the Q terminal of the flip-flop 45R is sent via an inverter 70 to a signal indicating a right-hand turn.
Output as RI. Flip-flop 4 above
The Q terminal of 5L is output via an inverter 71 as a signal LE indicating left turn. The outputs of the inverters 70 and 71 are respectively output to the up/down switching signal generator 59. In other words, when the handle 38 is turned to the right, the signal RI is
When the handle 38 is turned to the left, the above signal LE
becomes H level. Further, the pulse signal output from the OR circuit 50 is used as a count-up or count-down signal for the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61. Further, the output from the OR circuit is used as a count reset signal.

By the way, the signal a3 outputted from the neutral sensor 433 when the handle 38 is in the neutral state is sent to the amplifier 44.
The signal is inputted to the C terminal of a D-type flip-flop 74 via a neutral position passage detecting section 72 which detects whether the handle 38 has passed through the neutral position via the input terminal 4, and an OR circuit 73. The neutral position passage detecting section 72 sends a signal to the C of the flip-flop 74 when the handle 38 leaves the neutral position or enters the neutral position.
Output to the terminal. A signal IG8 obtained when the ignition key is turned on is input to the D terminal of the flip-flop, as will be described later. Further, an IGR signal (to be described later) which is an initial reset signal output when the ignition key is turned on, and an IGOF signal (to be described later) which is a pulse output when the ignition key is turned off are each passed through an OR circuit 75. The above flip-flop 7
It is input to the R terminal of No.4.

In addition, the signal LS, which becomes H level when the lock piece 30 is removed from the annular groove 26c, is inputted to the D terminal of the D-type flip-flop 76 by the signal from the lock pin switch 30a explained in FIG. The signal LS is input to the R terminal via the inverter 77, and the IGOF signal is input to the C terminal of the flip-flop 76. In addition, a system power supply, which will be described later, is initially set to the S terminal of the flip-flop 76.
SR signal is input. The Q outputs of the flip-flops 74 and 76 are inputted to the base of the transistor Q1 via an OR circuit 78. A relay coil 79l is supplied with power B12 from the battery to the collector side of the transistor Q1.
is connected. Further, a signal SR for initially resetting the system power supply, a power supply SB for the system, an initial set power supply IB, and another power supply AB are outputted from one end of the relay switch 79S'. In other words, when the output of the OR circuit 78 becomes H level, the relay switch 79S closes, and the signal SR and the power supply
SB, IB, AB are supplied. The signal SR is output to the OR circuit 56.

Next, in FIG. 5B, the signal from the lock pin switch 30a explained in FIG. 2 is outputted as a signal LS via the waveform shaping circuit 80. This waveform shaping circuit 80 generates a signal LS when the lock pin switch 30a is turned on (that is, when the lock piece 30 is out of the annular groove 26c).
An H level signal is output as . On the other hand, when the lock piece 30 is in the annular groove 26c, the lock pin switch 30a is off, so the signal is
LS becomes L level. This signal LS is output to the D terminal of the flip-flop 76 described in FIG. 5A.

Here, 81 is a power supply circuit, and for example, B12 having a voltage of 12V and B8 having a voltage of 8V are supplied to respective required locations. 82 is an ignition circuit, and when the ignition key is turned on, for example,
IG12 is a voltage of 12V, IG8 is a voltage of 8V,
This is a pulse that returns the rear wheel steering to the neutral position.
IGOF signal, initial reset signal
Outputs IGR signal. By the way, the signal RI outputted from the flip-flop 45R and indicating that the steering wheel is turned to the right is inputted to the AND circuit 83R.
Further, a signal LE output from the flip-flop 45L indicating that the steering wheel is turned to the left is input to an AND circuit 83L. Further, a signal D outputted from the OR circuit 64 for operating the rear wheel steering is inputted to the C terminal of the D-type flip-flop 84. Therefore, this flip-flop 84 is set when rear wheel steering is performed. The Q output of this flip-flop 84 is the AND circuit 83R, 8
3L respectively, and solenoid d
It is input to the C terminal of the operating flip-flop 85d.

Further, a signal R outputted from the OR circuit 69 to return the rear wheel steering to neutral is inputted to the C terminal of the D-type flip-flop 86. The flip-flop 84 is connected to the D terminal of this flip-flop 86.
The Q output of is input. This flip-flop 8
The Q output of No. 6 is inputted via an AND circuit 87 to the C terminal of a flip-flop 85c for operating solenoid c. Further, the Q output of the flip-flop 86 is inputted to the reset terminal R of the flip-flop 84 via an OR circuit 88. The signal SR for initially resetting the system power supply is sent via the OR circuit 88 to the R terminal of the flip-flop 84, via the OR circuit 89 to the R terminal of the flip-flop 86, and via the OR circuit 90 to the solenoid. An OR circuit 92 is connected to the R terminal of the flip-flop 85a for operation a, via the OR circuit 91, and to the R terminal of the flip-flop 85d.
The signal is input to the R terminal of the flip-flop 85b for operating solenoid b through the OR circuit 93, and to the R terminal of the flip-flop 85c through the OR circuit 93.

The output of the AND circuit 83R is the AND circuit 94.
The output of the AND circuit 83L is input to the AND circuit 95. Furthermore, the above signal LS
is input to the AND circuits 94 and 95, further inverted by the inverter 96, and output to the OR circuit 89.
The signal is input to the R terminal of the flip-flop 86 via the flip-flop 86. Further, the Q output of the flip-flop 86 is input to the AND circuits 94 and 95.
Further, the Q output of the flip-flop 85a is sent to the reset terminal R via a reset circuit 97 and an OR circuit 90, and the Q output of the flip-flop 85d is sent to a reset terminal R via a reset circuit 98 and an OR circuit 91. The Q output is sent to the reset terminal R via the reset circuit 99 and the OR circuit 92, and then to the flip-flop 85.
The Q output of c is the reset circuit 100 and the OR circuit 93.
are respectively input to the reset terminal R via the respective terminals.
Therefore, once the flip-flops 85a to 85d are set, the reset circuit 97 is activated after a certain period of time.
It is reset by the reset signal from ~100. In addition, the flip-flops 85a and 85
The outputs of d are input to an OR circuit 102 via an OR circuit 101, respectively. Furthermore, the output of the flip-flop 85b is input to the AND circuit 87 via the OR circuit 102 and the inverter 103. That is, the flip-flops 85a, 8
When the Q output of either 5b or 85d becomes "1", the gate of the AND circuit 87 is closed. This is to prohibit the neutral return a operation when rear wheel steering is being performed. The Q outputs of the flip-flops 85a and 85b are connected to contacts a and b in a changeover switch 104 for switching the steering direction of the rear wheels. Further, contacts c and f are each connected to the base of a transistor Qa for driving solenoid a. Furthermore, contacts d and e are each connected to the base of a transistor Qb for driving solenoid b. Further, the Q output of the flip-flop 85d is connected to the base of the transistor Qd for driving the solenoid d. Further, the Q output of the flip-flop 85c is connected to the base of the transistor Qc for driving the solenoid c. Here, the functions of the solenoids a to d have been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Thus, the Q output of the flip-flop 85c is input to the set terminal S of the flip-flop 105. The Q output of flip-flop 105 is connected to the base of transistor Q2 via delay circuit 106. A light emitting diode D is connected to the collector side of this transistor Q2.
Here, a reset signal R that becomes H level when the neutral confirmation switch 30b is turned on is input to the R terminal of the flip-flop 105. Here, 106 is a connector.

Next, in FIG. 5C, 110 is a vehicle speed sensor, and the signal output from this vehicle speed sensor 110 is sent to the vehicle speed determination circuit 111 as a vehicle speed prohibition signal V which becomes L level when the vehicle speed is greater than 20 km, for example.
are output to the AND circuits 83R and 83L, respectively. Furthermore, the vehicle speed determination circuit 111 generates a one-shot pulse when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain level.
The VON signal is connected to the other input terminal of the OR circuit 68.

Reference numeral 112 designates a handbrake switch, and when the handbrake is applied, a one-shot pulse handbrake signal HB is output from the handbrake switch 112 to the OR circuit 69.

Further, 113 is a switch that closes when the gravity applied to the car increases. This switch 113
When turned on, the signal α becomes L level, and a one shot pulse is output as the signal β. The signal α is output to the AND circuits 83R and 83L, and the signal β is output to the OR circuit 68.

Further, 114 is a switch that detects the operation of the brake, and when the brake is operated, the signal γ goes to L level and a one shot pulse is output as the signal δ. The signal γ is supplied to the AND circuit 83.
The signal δ is outputted to the OR circuit 68 at R, 83L.

115 is a vehicle speed signal generator, and the vehicle speed pulse outputted from this vehicle speed signal generator 115 is integrated by an integrating circuit 116 to open the variable throttle valves 6a and 8a shown in FIGS. is supplied to a solenoid 117 which controls the speed inversely proportional to the vehicle speed.

Further, 118 is a steering angular velocity signal generator that generates a signal proportional to the angular velocity of front wheel steering, and the signal outputted from this steering angular velocity signal generator 118 is integrated in an integrating circuit 119 and is shown in FIGS.
It is supplied to a solenoid 120 that controls the opening degrees of the variable throttle valves 6a and 8a shown in the figure in proportion to the angular velocity of front wheel steering.

Furthermore, the signal R1 output from the flip-flop 45R, the signal LE, and the changeover switch 104
The output signal Sa of the terminal C of the switch 104 and the output signal Sb of the terminal d of the changeover switch 104 are respectively output from the liquid crystal drive circuit 1.
21. Reference numeral 122 denotes a liquid crystal display unit that displays the steering status of the front wheels and rear wheels on a liquid crystal display.
When the front wheels turn to the right, segment a; when the front wheels are in the neutral position, segment b; when the front wheels turn to the left, segment c; when the rear wheels turn to the right, segment d; The liquid crystal drive circuit 12 is configured such that the segment e is driven when the rear wheel is in the neutral position, and the segment f is driven when the rear wheel is turned to the left.
1.

Next, the operation of one embodiment of this invention constructed as described above will be explained. First of all, sensor 43
Signal a1 and signal a output from 1 and 432
2 determines whether the steering wheel is turned to the right or left, calculates the steering angle of the front wheels, and activates the solenoids a to d.
Explain the operation of operating. When the handle 38 is turned to the right, the rotating plate 42 rotates in the direction of arrow j. Therefore, the phase relationship between the signals a1 and a2 obtained from the sensors 431 and 432 is as shown in FIG. 4C. As shown in FIG. 4C, the signal a
The signal a2 is "0" at the timing _t1 when the signal a1 rises, and the signal a2 is "1" at the timing _t2 when the signal a1 falls. In this way, the rising timing t ₁ and the falling timing of the signal a1
The state of the signal a2 at _t2 is detected to determine whether the turn is to the right or left, and the front wheel is detected by counting the pulses obtained each time the sensors 431 and 432 pass through the light passage holes 421, 422,... The steering angle is being detected. Therefore, at timing _t1 , the D terminals of flip-flops 451 to 454 and 45L are "0".
is input, and "1" is input to the D terminal of the flip-flop 45R. Therefore, at timing _t1 when the signal a1 rises, the flip-flop 45
The Q output of flip-flop 452 is "0", the Q output of flip-flop 453 is "0", the Q output of flip-flop 454 is "1", the Q output of flip-flop 45L is "1",
The Q output of flip-flop 45R becomes "0". Therefore, the signal which is the output of inverter 70
RI becomes H level, and it is detected that the steering wheel is turned to the right. Next, at timing _t2 when the signal a1 falls, the signal a2 becomes "1". Therefore, at this timing _t2 , "1" is applied to the D terminals of flip-flops 451 to 454 and 45L.
is input, and "0" is input to the D terminal of the flip-flop 45R. Therefore, the Q output of the flip-flop 451 is "1", and the Q output of the flip-flop 451 is "1".
The Q output of flip-flop 452 changes from "0" to "1", and the Q output of flip-flop 453 changes from "0" to flip-flop 4.
The Q output of the flip-flop 54 changes from "1" to "0", the Q output of the flip-flop 45L changes to "1", and the Q output of the flip-flop 45R changes to "0". Therefore, the input logic of the NAND circuit 48 is established and its output is "0".
becomes. This signal is then passed through the OR circuit 50 to the first and second up/down counters 60, 6.
1 is output. Here, the signal RI and the Q or Q outputs of the flip-flops 451 to 454 are output to the up-down switching signal generator 59, and when the handle 38 is turned to the right, the first and second up-down counters 60 , 61 are counted up, the signal “1” is U/D.
Output to the terminal. By the way, the sensors 431 and 432 are connected to each light passage hole 4 from the OR circuit 53.
31, 432, . . . , a signal for resetting the counter is outputted via OR circuits 54 and 55. In this way, each time the handle 38 is turned to the right (in the j direction) and the sensors 431 and 432 pass through the light passage holes 431, 432, . . . , the first and second up/down counters 60, 61 are turned up. will be counted.

Note that when the handle 38 is turned to the left (k direction), the phases of the signals a1 and a2 obtained from the sensors 431 and 432 are reversed. Therefore, the output from the up/down switching signal generating section 59 becomes "0". As a result, the first and second up-down counters 60 and 61 are counted down. Further, the signal LE becomes H level, and the signal RI becomes L level.

Therefore, if the handle 38 continues to be turned to the right,
First and second up-down counters 60, 61
The count value is added in proportion to the rotation angle of the steering wheel, that is, the steering angle of the front wheels. and,
the first and second up-down counters 60;
The count value of 61 is input to the first comparator 62,
The operating angle is compared with the operating angle output from the operating angle setting circuit 63 that starts rear wheel steering. 1st and 2nd above
When the count values of the up-down counters 60 and 61 become equal to or greater than the above-mentioned operating angle, a signal D of H level is output. This signal D causes flip-flop 84
is set. Q of this flip-flop 84
The output changes from "0" to "1". Therefore, flip-flop 85d is set. Therefore, solenoid d is activated. As a result, lock piece 3
0 comes out of the annular groove 26c, and the lock pin switch 30a closes. Also, as mentioned above, the signal
Since RI is at H level, if all of the signal ν, signal α, and signal γ input to the AND circuit 83R are “1”, the output of the AND circuit 83R is “1”. Furthermore, if the signal LS and the Q output of the flip-flop 86 are "1", the AND circuit 94
The output of the flip-flop 85a becomes "1" and the flip-flop 85a is set. Here, the signal ν indicates a vehicle speed of, for example, 20
The signal α is "1" when the speed is less than Km/h, the signal α is "1" when the gravity felt by the G sensor on the car is less than a certain value, and the signal γ is "1" when the brake is not operated. Further, if the return signal R is not output from the OR circuit 69, the Q output of the flip-flop 86 becomes "1", and if the lock piece 30 has come out of the annular groove 26c, it becomes "1". Here, since the solenoid d is being driven, the lock piece 30 has come out of the annular groove 26c. In this way, when the logical conditions of the inputs of the AND circuits 38R and 94 are aligned, the output of the AND circuit 94 becomes "0" →
Changes to “1”. Therefore, flip-flop 8
5a is set. The above flip-flop 85
d and 85a are reset by reset circuits 98 and 97 after a certain period of time after being set. By the way, if the changeover switch 104 that changes the steering direction of the rear wheels is closed to the c and d sides, the solenoid a
is activated. Therefore, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the piston rod 26 is
move in the direction. Therefore, the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels, making it easier for the vehicle to turn. By the way, the changeover switch 104 is
When it is closed to the side, solenoid b is activated. Therefore, the piston rod 26 moves in the direction of the arrow y, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Therefore, the rear wheels are steered in the same direction as the front wheels. This is an effective method when parallel parking.

Also, the steering status of the front wheels and rear wheels is displayed on the LCD display section 1.
22 can be displayed. In the embodiment, the front wheels are turned to the right and the changeover switch 104 is closed to the c and d sides (turning), so the segments a and f
is controlled by the liquid crystal drive circuit 121 so that it lights up. Here, when the front wheels are turned to the right and the changeover switch 104 is closed to the e and f sides (column), the liquid crystal drive circuit 121 controls the segments a and d to light up.

On the other hand, as described regarding the input logic conditions of the AND circuits 83R and 94, when the vehicle speed is greater than 20 km, for example, or when the gravity felt by the G sensor on the vehicle exceeds a certain value, or when the brake is activated. Alternatively, if the lock piece 30 has not come out of the annular groove 26c, the flip-flop 85a will not be set even if the handle 38 is turned to the right beyond the operating angle. In other words,
Under such conditions, rear wheel steering will not be performed.

Next, a case will be described in which the handle 38 is turned to the right by more than the operating angle and then turned back to the left. In this case, the phase relationship between the signals a1 and a2 output from the sensors 431 and 432 is shown in FIG.
This is the opposite of what is shown in . Therefore, NAND circuit 4
Sensors 431 and 432 from 9 are connected to the light passage hole 42.
A down count pulse is output every time 1, 422, . . . Therefore, as described above, when the handle 38 is turned to the right, the first and second up-down counters 60, which are counted up,
61 are up/down switching signal generators 5, respectively;
It is counted down by the designation by the output "0" from 9. Then, by the second comparator 65,
the first and second up-down counters 60;
When it is detected that the count value 61 is less than the return angle given by the return angle setting circuit 66, a reset signal R is output to the C terminal of the flip-flop 86. Therefore, the flip-flop 86 is set, and the Q output of the flip-flop 86 resets the flip-flop 84. Therefore, the Q output of the flip-flop 86 sets the flip-flop 85c. Therefore, the solenoid c is activated, and the piston rod 26 is returned to the neutral position as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Therefore, the rear wheel steering is returned to the neutral position. In other words, the rear wheel steering is returned when the steering angle of the rear wheels falls below a return angle that is smaller than the operating angle. In this way, hysteresis is provided for the operation and return of rear wheel steering. Here, since the Q output of the flip-flop 85c is input to the S terminal of the flip-flop 105, the flip-flop 105 is set.
If the reset signal R' obtained from the neutral confirmation switch 30b is not input to the reset terminal R within a certain period of time determined by the delay circuit 106,
Light emitting diode D lights up. That is, if the lock piece 30 is not inserted into the annular groove 26c within a certain period of time after the neutral return is started, the light emitting diode D is turned on to notify the driver.

By the way, the reset signal R output from the OR circuit 69 is the IGOF signal, HB signal, VON signal, β
The signal and the δ signal are also output in the same way. That is, the IGOF signal is output from the ignition circuit 82 when the ignition switch is turned off.
Further, the HB signal is output by detecting the handbrake switch 112 when the handbrake is pulled. Further, the VON signal is output from the vehicle speed determination circuit 111 when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain level.
Further, the β signal is output by detecting the switch 113 which closes when the gravity applied to the vehicle increases. Further, the δ signal is a signal detected and output by the switch 114 when the brake is applied. In other words, when you turn off the ignition switch or pull the handbrake,
Alternatively, when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain level, when the force of gravity on the vehicle increases, or when the brakes are applied, the rear wheel steering returns to neutral to increase safety.

Next, when the front wheel steering is returned to the neutral position, turning the steering wheel to the left to steer the rear wheels will be explained as the operation is the same as when the steering wheel is turned to the right as described above. is omitted. In this case solenoids d and b are activated.

By the way, FIG. 2 or 3 shows rear wheel steering by operating solenoids a and b or return to neutral by operating solenoid c.
The pressure oil flowing through the hydraulic system shown in the figure is controlled by the vehicle speed or steering angular velocity. In other words, solenoid 11
A control voltage proportional to the vehicle speed is applied to the throttle valve 7, and the opening degrees of the variable throttle valves 6a and 8a are controlled so as to be inversely proportional to the vehicle speed. In other words, as the vehicle speed increases, the opening degrees of the variable throttle valves 6a and 8a become smaller, reducing the flow rate of the pressure oil. Therefore, as the vehicle speed increases, the rear wheel steering operation and return operation become slower.

Further, a control voltage proportional to the steering angular velocity is applied to the solenoid 120, and the opening degrees of the variable throttle valves 6a and 8a are controlled so as to be inversely proportional to the steering angular velocity. Therefore, as the steering angular velocity increases, the opening degree of the valve increases, increasing the flow rate of the pressure oil. Therefore, as the steering angular velocity increases, the rear wheel steering operation and return operation become faster.

Incidentally, even if the ignition key is turned on, the sensor 433 detects the neutral position of the handle 38, and the neutral position passage detection section 72 detects the OR circuit 7.
When a pulse is input to the C terminal of the flip-flop 74 through the flip-flop 74, the flip-flop 74 is set. Therefore, the relay coil 79l is excited. As a result, power SB is supplied to the system for the first time. In other words, even if the ignition key is turned on, unless the steering wheel 38 passes through the neutral position, power will not be supplied to the solenoids a to d that steer the rear wheels, so the rear wheels will not be steered until the steering wheel 38 passes through the neutral position. .

On the other hand, when the ignition key is turned off, the flip-flop 74 is reset to the IGOF signal. Further, the flip-flop 76 is not reset unless the signal LS obtained from the lock pin switch 30a becomes L level. That is, unless the lock piece 30 enters the annular groove 26c, the flip-flop 76 will not be reset. Since the flip-flops 74 and 76 are reset, the excitation of the relay coil 79l is turned off, and the supply of the system power supply SB is stopped, so even if the ignition key is turned off, the lock piece 30 does not fit into the annular groove 26c. System power is not turned off.

As explained in detail above, according to the present invention,
A locking means that automatically locks the rear wheels into a neutral state when the rear wheels become neutral is provided separately from the rear wheel steering means, so even if the rear wheel steering means malfunctions, the rear wheels will be reliably in the neutral position. This has the effect of improving safety compared to conventional methods.

In addition, if the locking means does not operate normally when the rear wheels return to neutral due to a malfunction in the rear wheel steering means or a malfunction in the locking means, the warning means will be activated to ensure that the driver recognizes the malfunction and avoids danger. It can be predicted, and in this respect as well, it has an excellent effect on safety.

Furthermore, the front wheel steering angle, which is the standard for returning the rear wheels to neutral, is set to a predetermined value that is smaller than the set value, which is the standard for steering the rear wheels. Once the set value is reached and the rear wheels are steered, the rear wheels are kept in the steered state until the steering angle of the steering wheel is returned to the predetermined value, which is smaller than the set value, and the rear wheels are steered and returned to neutral. Since a hysteresis characteristic is created between the two wheels, even if the driver turns the steering wheel around the set value or returns it, the rear wheel steering operation and neutral return operation are unlikely to be repeated, resulting in excellent maneuverability and safety. It is effective.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rear steering device, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear steering device;
The figure is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing the neutral state, FIG. 3 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing the steering state, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the front wheel steering sensor, and FIG. 4B is the A- in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line A, FIG. 4C is a diagram showing signals a1 and a2 obtained from the sensor, and FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing a rear steering control device showing one embodiment of this invention. 431, 432...Sensor, 451-454,
45L, 45R... flip-flop, 60...
First up-down counter, 61...Second up-down counter, 83R, 83L...AND circuit, 84, 86...Flip-flop, 85a
~85d...Flip-flop.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Rear wheel steering means for steering the rear wheels, locking means for automatically locking the rear wheels in a neutral position when the rear wheels are in a neutral state, unlocking driving means for unlocking the locking means, and a lock switch for detecting that the means is in the locked state; a steering angle sensor for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel; and an alarm means for issuing an alarm; When the angle exceeds a set value, outputting a drive signal to the unlocking drive means to operate the locking means to an unlocked state, and outputting a drive signal to the rear wheel steering means to operate the rear wheel steering operation;
When the steering angle of the steering wheel becomes smaller than a predetermined value smaller than the set value, a drive signal is output to the rear wheel steering means to return the rear wheels to neutral, and the locking means is activated within a predetermined time after outputting the return drive signal. and control means for outputting a control signal for activating the alarm means if it is not detected that the rear steering control device is in a locked state.