JPH1111181A - Constant speed travel device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of undershoot at the start of constant-speed travel. SOLUTION: This device includes a cruise switch 26 for setting the traveling speed of a vehicle to become constant, an actuator 6 for controlling the opening of a throttle vale 4 during constant-speed travel, and a cruise control means 8 for controlling the operation of the actuator 6 by means of signals from the cruise switch 26. When the constant speed travel is set by means of the cruise switch 26, the cruise control means 8 produces a sudden operation signal whereby the actuator 6 is suddenly operated up to, e.g. an electrical fully-closed position over a particular operating range at the start of the constant speed travel, and the actuator 6 is suddenly operated by the sudden operation signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicular constant-speed traveling device for driving a vehicle at a constant traveling speed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to reduce the burden of long-distance traveling of a driver, an apparatus equipped with a constant-speed traveling device that travels a vehicle at a set constant traveling speed has been increasing.
This constant speed traveling device includes an actuator for controlling the opening of a throttle valve, cruise control means for controlling the operation of the actuator, and cruise setting means for setting constant speed traveling. The cruise signal from the cruise setting means is sent to the cruise control means. Based on the cruise signal, the cruise control means controls the operation of the actuator so as to maintain the set traveling speed. That is, when the traveling speed of the vehicle becomes slower (or faster) than the set traveling speed, the cruise control means operates the actuator so as to increase (decrease) the opening of the throttle valve, and thus controls the operation of the actuator. By doing so, the vehicle is driven at a constant traveling speed at a constant traveling speed.

[0003]

In such a vehicle constant speed traveling apparatus, a cruise adjusting mechanism for adjusting the opening degree of a throttle valve by an actuator in a constant speed traveling state and a normal traveling state (constant). A normal driving adjustment mechanism that adjusts the opening of the throttle valve by the driver operating the accelerator pedal in a driving operation state other than the high-speed driving operation, and the latter is preferentially operated. I have. Therefore, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal during the cruising operation, the throttle valve can be opened by the normal traveling adjusting mechanism without passing through the cruising adjusting mechanism. Acceleration traveling can be performed by this.

[0004] In a vehicle equipped with such a constant-speed traveling device, when constant-speed traveling is started by the cruise setting means, the throttle valve of the vehicle is in an open state to some extent. On the other hand, before the start of the cruise control, the cruise control means is not operated. Therefore, the self-opening of the actuator (the opening of the actuator corresponding to the opening of the throttle valve, The opening of the throttle valve and the self-opening of the actuator substantially correspond to each other. However, when the accelerator pedal is depressed in a constant speed running state or in a normal running state, the opening of the throttle valve and the actuator are substantially equal to each other. (Which no longer corresponds to the self-opening degree) is in the fully closed position. In such a state, when constant-speed running is started, it takes time for the self-opening of the actuator to move to the opening corresponding to the set running speed, and the running speed of the vehicle is temporarily set. A phenomenon that the driving speed is much lower than the set traveling speed, a so-called undershoot, occurs, and the driving feeling deteriorates.

[0005] Such an undershoot can be eliminated by increasing the operating speed of the actuator at the time of starting the constant speed traveling by the cruise setting means. As a method of eliminating undershoot, for example, an idle detecting means for detecting an idle position of the throttle valve (a position corresponding to a fully closed position of the throttle valve) is provided, and a detection signal from the idle detecting means is used. Conceivable. That is,
It is conceivable that the operation speed of the throttle valve by the actuator is increased by the cruise control means until the operation of the throttle valve is at the idle position (the idle detection means detects that the idle position has left the idle position). By performing such control, the time until the throttle valve is opened to the predetermined opening degree is reduced, and the occurrence of the undershoot described above is suppressed.

However, in an apparatus equipped with idle detecting means for detecting the idle position of the throttle valve, the undershoot can be eliminated by the above-described method. In an apparatus equipped with no idle detecting means, Control by the above-described method cannot be performed.

[0007] The undershoot described above also occurs when the resume setting is started by the resume setting means. The resume setting means is a setting means for once canceling the constant speed running operation and then returning to the constant speed running operation before setting again, and when the resume setting means is operated after the constant speed running operation is canceled, the cruise control means Controls the operation of the actuator to reach the previously set traveling speed.

[0008] The undershoot described above also occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed and the accelerator pedal is released during the constant speed running operation to return to the original constant speed running after the operation of the accelerator pedal is released.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular constant-speed traveling device capable of suppressing occurrence of undershoot at the start of constant-speed traveling operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a constant-speed traveling apparatus for a vehicle which can suppress occurrence of undershoot at the start of a resume traveling operation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular constant-speed traveling device capable of suppressing undershoot after acceleration traveling during constant-speed traveling operation.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a cruise setting means for setting a running speed of a vehicle constant, an actuator for controlling an opening of a throttle valve during a constant speed running operation, and In a constant-speed traveling apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: a cruise control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator in accordance with a signal from the setting unit. A constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle, wherein a rapid-operation signal is generated at the start of high-speed traveling operation to rapidly activate the actuator over a specific operation range, and the actuator is rapidly activated based on the rapid-operation signal. It is.

According to the present invention, at the start of the constant speed running operation,
Since the cruise control means operates the actuator suddenly over the specific operation range, the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed is shortened, whereby the undershoot at the start of constant speed traveling is reduced. Generation is suppressed. Further, such control can be performed without providing, for example, an idle detection unit.

The present invention also provides a cruise setting means for setting the running speed of the vehicle to a constant value, a resume setting means for setting the running speed of the vehicle to the set speed before releasing the constant speed running, A constant-speed vehicle for driving, comprising: an actuator for controlling the opening of a throttle valve during operation; and cruise control means for controlling the operation of the actuator in accordance with signals from the cruise setting means and the resume setting means. In the device, when the cruise control unit sets the constant speed traveling before the release by the resume setting unit, the cruise control unit generates a sudden operation signal for suddenly operating the actuator over a specific operation range at the start of the resume traveling operation. A constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle, wherein the actuator is suddenly actuated based on a sudden actuation signal.

According to the present invention, at the start of the resume running operation, the cruise control means operates the actuator suddenly over a specific operation range, so that the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed is obtained. Is reduced, thereby suppressing occurrence of undershoot at the start of the resume running. Further, such control can be performed without providing, for example, an idle detection unit.

According to the present invention, a clutch means for drivingly connecting and disconnecting the two is interposed between the actuator and the throttle valve, and the cruise control means is provided with a self opening degree of the actuator. The throttle valve is controlled to operate based on the position of the actuator, and the actuator is provided with an electrical fully closed position further closed than the self-opening fully closed position of the actuator, wherein the actuator is fully closed; When the is moved to the electrically fully closed position, the connected state of the clutch means is released, the actuator moves to the mechanically fully closed position and stops, and the specific operation range in which the actuator is suddenly operated is It is characterized by a range from the mechanical fully closed position to the electrical fully closed position or slightly beyond this position.

According to the present invention, the specific operating range in which the actuator is suddenly operated is a range from the mechanical fully-closed position to the electrical fully-closed position or slightly beyond this position. The actuator is suddenly actuated across.

Further, the present invention provides a cruise setting means for setting a running speed of a vehicle constant, an actuator for controlling an opening of a throttle valve during a constant speed running operation,
A clutch unit interposed between the actuator and the throttle valve for driving connection and disconnection of the two; and a cruise control unit for controlling operation of the actuator by a signal from the cruise setting unit. In the constant speed traveling device for a vehicle, the cruise control means generates an override end signal when the override traveling ends during the constant speed traveling operation, and the clutch means is in the disengaged state when the override end signal is generated. A sudden operation signal for suddenly operating the actuator over a specific operation range is generated, and the actuator is suddenly actuated based on the sudden operation signal.

According to the present invention, if the clutch means is in the drive disengaged state when the cruise control means generates the override end signal, a sudden operation signal is generated. Therefore, the cruise control means suddenly operates the actuator over the specific operation range based on the sudden operation signal,
As a result, the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed is reduced, and the occurrence of undershoot at the end of the override is suppressed. In addition, since the control is performed in this manner, the control can be performed without providing, for example, an idle detection unit.

Further, according to the present invention, the cruise control means includes:
The operation of the throttle valve is controlled based on the self-opening degree of the actuator, and the actuator is fully closed further than the self-opening fully closed position of the actuator in which the opening degree of the throttle valve is fully closed. A position is provided, and when the actuator moves to the electrically closed position, the connection state of the clutch means is released.

According to the present invention, when the self-opening degree of the actuator moves to the fully closed position during the override, the connected state of the clutch means is released. Therefore, when the overriding traveling is completed, the cruise control means generates a sudden operation signal, whereby the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed is reduced, and the occurrence of undershoot is suppressed. .

Further, according to the present invention, when the actuator is moved to the electrical fully closed position and the driving connection of the clutch means is released, the actuator is moved to a mechanical fully closed position and stopped, and the actuator is stopped. The specific operating range in which is suddenly actuated is a range from the mechanical fully closed position to the electrical fully closed position or a range slightly beyond this position.

According to the present invention, the specific operating range in which the actuator is suddenly operated is a range from the mechanical fully closed position to the electrical fully closed position or slightly beyond the position. The actuator is suddenly actuated across.

Further, the present invention further comprises a power supply for operating the actuator, and voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage of the power supply.
An operation output correction unit for correcting an operation output value to the actuator, wherein the operation output correction unit corrects an operation output value for operating the actuator based on a detection signal from the voltage detection unit. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the power supply for operating the actuator is provided. The operation output correction means corrects the operation output value to the actuator based on the detection signal from the voltage detection means. When the voltage of the power supply is low, the operation amount of the actuator is small. However, by correcting the operation output value by the operation output correction means, the actuator can be surely suddenly operated over a specific operation range.

Further, according to the present invention, the actuation output correcting means includes:
The operation output value to the actuator is corrected based on a predetermined voltage, and the operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected to increase when the voltage of the power supply becomes lower than a predetermined value.

According to the present invention, the operation output correction means corrects the operation output value to the actuator when the voltage of the power supply becomes smaller than a predetermined value, so that the operation amount is reduced by the decrease in the voltage. Is prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, the operation output correcting means includes:
An operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected based on at least a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, so that the power supply voltage is higher than the first predetermined value. When the power supply voltage becomes smaller than the second predetermined value, the operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected to be further increased when the power supply voltage becomes smaller than the second predetermined value. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the operation output correction means corrects the operation output value of the actuator in at least two stages according to the power supply voltage, so that the operation output of the actuator can be corrected more accurately.

Further, according to the present invention, the operation output correction means includes a maximum operation output value at which the operation output value for operating the actuator is maximum, and a minimum operation output value at which the operation output value for operating the actuator is minimum. The operation output is corrected within the range of (1).

According to the present invention, since the operation output of the actuator is corrected within the range between the maximum operation output value and the minimum operation output value, the operation output to the actuator becomes abnormally large or small. Is prevented.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the illustrated constant-speed traveling device includes an actuator 6 for rotating a throttle valve 4 disposed in an intake pipe 2 of an internal combustion engine, and cruise control means 8 for controlling the operation of the actuator 6. It has. The actuator 6 shown is DC
A clutch means 12 is provided on the output side of the actuator 6. The rotational driving force from the DC motor 10 is applied to the throttle valve 4 via the clutch means 12 and a cruise adjusting mechanism 14 described later. Is transmitted. For example, when the DC motor 10 is rotated forward (or reverse) in the direction indicated by the arrow 16 (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 16), the throttle valve 4 is moved to the direction indicated by the arrow 18 via the clutch means 12 and the cruise adjusting mechanism 14. Opening direction indicated by (or closing direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow 18)
Is rotated. In addition, as the actuator 6, for example, a pulse motor can be used instead of the DC motor 10.

The cruise control means 8 can be constituted by a cruise microprocessor, for example, and includes a set speed memory 20, an override memory 22, and an operation output correction means 24. The set speed memory 20 stores a set speed value at the time of constant speed traveling. The override memory 22 stores an override set speed value, for example, 5 km / h, which is determined to be an override operation. The cruise control means 8 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle becomes larger than the set speed value during the constant speed traveling. It determines that the vehicle is traveling in the override mode and generates an override signal. The cruise control means 8 terminates generation of the override signal and generates an override end signal when the traveling speed of the vehicle decreases to near the set speed value during generation of the override signal. The operation output correction means 24 corrects the operation output value to the DC motor 10 as described later.

In connection with the cruise control means 8, a cruise switch 26 (constituting cruise setting means), a cruise release switch 28 (constituting cruise releasing means) and a resume switch 30 (constituting resume setting means) are provided. Have been. These switches 26, 2
Reference numerals 8 and 30 are provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle body, for example, in relation to a driving handle. Cruise switch 26
Is for executing the constant speed traveling operation and setting the traveling speed when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed. When the cruise switch 26 is operated, a cruise signal is generated. The cruise release switch 28 is for releasing the cruise release operation. When the cruise release switch 28 is operated, a cruise release signal is generated. Further, the resume switch 30 is for returning to the previous constant speed traveling operation again in a state after the constant speed traveling operation is canceled,
When the resume switch 30 is operated after the constant-speed running operation is canceled, a resume signal is generated. Cruise switch 2
The cruise signal from the cruise control unit 6, the cruise release signal from the cruise release unit 28, and the resume signal from the resume switch 30 are sent to the cruise control unit 8.

In connection with the cruise control means 8,
A vehicle speed sensor 32 and a brake switch 34 are provided. The vehicle speed sensor 22 detects the running speed of the vehicle, and the detected speed detection signal is sent to the cruise control means 8. The brake switch 24 is provided in association with a brake pedal (not shown), and closes when the brake pedal is depressed to generate a brake signal. A brake signal from the brake switch 34 is also sent to the cruise control means 8, and based on the brake signal, the cruise control means 8
Generates a cruise release signal, so that the constant-speed running operation is also released when the brake pedal is depressed.

Next, the configurations of the actuator 6 and the cruise adjusting mechanism 14 will be described in detail. DC motor 10
The output shaft 36 is integrally provided with a gear 38.
The illustrated clutch means 12 is constituted by an electromagnetic clutch means that is operated and controlled by the cruise control means 8. The illustrated clutch means 12 is composed of a pair of clutch plates 40 and 42 disposed opposite to each other. One of the clutch plates 40 is provided with a gear 44 integrally therewith. Gear 38.
A rotating shaft 46 is provided which extends through the pair of clutch plates 40 and 42 and the gear 44 in the central axis direction thereof,
The rotating shaft 46 is fixed to the other clutch plate 42. The rotating shaft 46 includes the gear 44 and one of the clutch plates 4.
It is freely movable relative to 0 in the direction of the central axis. A plurality of engagement recesses are provided on an end surface of one clutch plate 40 facing the clutch plate 42, and the clutch plates 4 of the other clutch plate 42 are provided.
A plurality of engaging projections are provided on the end face facing 0.
The engaging concave portion and the engaging convex portion are connected to each other so as to be freely disengaged from each other, thereby forming the engaging portion 48 of the clutch means 12. Although not shown, the clutch means 12 is provided with an electromagnetic coil for magnetically attracting the pair of clutch plates 40 and 42 to each other, and an elastic coil for biasing the pair of clutch plates 40 and 42 apart from each other. Bias spring.

The DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 are electrically connected to a battery 51 constituting a power source of the vehicle, and are operated by a current from the battery 51. The power supply voltage from the battery 51 is
3 and the detected voltage signal of the voltage detecting means 53 is sent to the cruise control means 8.
The operation output correction means 24 corrects the operation output value for operating the DC motor 10 based on the detected voltage signal 3 as described later.

Since the clutch means 12 is constructed as described above, when the electromagnetic coil (not shown) is energized by the cruise control means 8, the clutch plate 42 is biased by the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil. (Not shown) is moved toward the clutch plate 40,
The clutch plates 40 and 42 are connected to each other, and
The rotational driving force from 0 is transmitted to the other clutch plate 42 via the engaging portion 48. On the other hand, an electromagnetic coil (not shown)
Is deenergized, the clutch plate 42 is moved in a direction away from the clutch plate 40 by the action of a biasing spring (not shown), and the clutch plate 4
The connection between the clutch plates 0 and 42 is released, and the driving force from the clutch plate 40 is not transmitted to the other clutch plate 42.

A short shaft 50 is provided at one end (right end in FIG. 1) of the rotating shaft 46. A coil spring 52 is interposed between the short shaft 50 and a part of the vehicle body. The coil spring 52 resiliently biases the rotating shaft 46 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 (the direction in which the throttle valve 4 rotates in the closing direction).

In the present embodiment, an operating projection 54 is provided on the other clutch plate 42 of the clutch means 12 on an end surface opposite to the end surface facing the clutch plate 40. The operation projection 54 projects in the axial direction of the clutch plate 42. Around the clutch plate 42, a full-close detection unit 56 and a full-open detection unit
8 are provided. The fully-closed detecting means 56 and the fully-opened detecting means 58 are constituted by limit switches. The fully closed detection means 56 is provided corresponding to the electrically fully closed position of the actuator 6. The electrical fully closed position of the actuator 6 corresponds to the self-opening fully closed position of the actuator 6 (the self-opening fully closed position corresponds to the fully closed position of the throttle valve 4, and the throttle valve 4 is operated by the actuator 6. In this case, when the actuator 6 moves to the self-opening fully closed position, the throttle valve 4 is positioned closer to the fully closed position. When the clutch plate 42 is rotated to the electrically fully closed position, the operation projection 54 closes (turns on) the fully closed detection means 56, thereby confirming that the actuator 6 has been rotated to the electrically fully closed position. To detect. The full-open detection means 58 is provided corresponding to the electrical full-open position of the actuator 6, and
When the motor 2 is rotated to the fully open position, the operating projection 54 closes (turns on) the fully open detecting means 58, whereby the fully open detecting means 58 detects that the throttle valve 4 has been rotated to the fully open position.

The throttle valve 4 is connected to a rotary pulley 62 via a wire 60. That is, the wire 60
Has one end fixed to the throttle valve 4 and the other end wound around a rotary pulley 62. Between the rotary pulley 62 and a part of the vehicle body, the rotary pulley 62 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1 (direction in which the throttle valve 4 is rotated in the closing direction).
A coil spring 64 elastically biased is interposed.
The cruise adjusting mechanism 14 includes a cable 66 for rotating the rotary pulley 62. One end of the cable 66 is wound around the rotary pulley 62, and the other end is fixed to the short shaft 50 fixed to the rotary shaft 46. Have been. The normal travel adjusting mechanism 68 includes a cable 70 for rotating the rotary pulley 62. One end of the cable 70 is wound around the rotary pulley 62, and the other end of the cable 70 is pivotally mounted around a shaft 74. Connected to the accelerator pedal 72.

Since the cables 66 and 70 are attached in this manner, when the DC motor 10 is rotated forward (or reversely), the rotating shaft 46 is moved via the clutch means 12 to the arrow 74.
(Or the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 74), and the rotary pulley 62 is further rotated via the short shaft 50 and the cable 66 in the direction indicated by the arrow 76 (or the arrow 76).
(In the direction opposite to the direction indicated by), and the wire 60
, The throttle valve 4 is turned in the opening direction indicated by the arrow 18 (or the closing direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 18). Further, the accelerator pedal 72 is depressed and the arrow 78 is depressed.
(Or release the accelerator pedal 72 and move the arrow 7
8), the cable 7
0, the rotary pulley 62 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 76 (or the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 76) in the same manner as described above, so that the throttle valve 4 opens (or closes) via the wire 60. Is rotated. When the current supply to the clutch unit 12 is stopped and the clutch unit 12 is in the disconnected state, the rotary pulley 62 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 76 by the action of the coil spring 52 and the biasing spring 64. 4 is rotated in the closing direction.

Next, referring to FIG.
The self-opening fully closed position, the electrically fully closed position, and the mechanical fully closed position will be described. In this embodiment, during control by the cruise control means 8, the cruise control means 8 opens the throttle valve 4 based on the amount of rotation of the DC motor 10, specifically, the amount of rotation of the clutch plate 42 of the clutch means 42. Estimate the degree. Then, the clutch plate 42 is moved so that the operation protrusion 54 is located at a position indicated by 54A in FIG.
Rotates, the cruise control means 8 controls the DC motor 10
It is determined that the throttle valve 4 is in the fully closed position (in other words, the idle position) based on the amount of rotation of. This position 4A
2 is a fully closed position in the calculation of the throttle valve 4, and FIG.
4A, and usually corresponds to the actual fully closed position of the throttle valve 4. The position of the actuator 6 corresponding to the position 4A of the throttle valve 4 is the self-opening fully closed position. The electrical fully closed position is a calculated position of the throttle valve 4, and is an angular position indicated by a two-dot chain line 4B in FIG.
It is a position located closer to the closing direction. This position 4B
Is a position at which the throttle valve 4 is at the fully closed position by the fully closed detection means 56. At this position 4B, the throttle valve 4 is held at the fully closed position (this position 4B is , The position in the operation,
The throttle valve 4 does not actually rotate to the position 4B). When the clutch plate 42 is rotated so that the operation projection 54 is located at a position indicated by 54B in FIG.
Closes the fully closed detecting means 56, and the fully closed detecting means 56 generates a fully closed signal. The position corresponding to the position 54B of the operation projection 54 is the electrically fully closed position of the actuator 6. The fully-closed signal from the fully-closed detecting means 56 is sent to the cruise control means 8, and the cruise control means 8 cuts off the supply of current to the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 based on the fully-closed signal. As a result, the DC motor 10 is deenergized, and the clutch means 12 enters the disconnected state. DC motor 10
When the supply of electric current to the clutch means 12 is stopped, the clutch plate 42 further pivots slightly in the closing direction due to inertial force or the like, and rotates until the operation projection 54 is located at a position indicated by 54C in FIG. Be moved. This position 5 of the operation projection 54
The position corresponding to 4C is the mechanical fully closed position of the actuator 6, and is a position further moved to the closed side than the electrical fully closed position. The position indicated by the two-dot chain line 4C in FIG. 2 is also a calculated position, and the rotation of the clutch plate 42 is stopped at this position. Also at this position 4C, the throttle valve 4 is held at the fully closed position (since this position 4C is also an arithmetic position, the throttle valve 4 does not actually rotate to the position 4C). The clutch plate 42 is moved so that the operation projection 54 is located at a position indicated by 54D in FIG.
Is rotated, the fully open position 4 of the throttle valve 4 is calculated.
D. In the fully open position 4D, the short axis 50 of the rotating shaft 46 closes the full open detection means 58 and the full open detection means 5
The fully open signal generated by the cruise control means 8 is sent to the cruise control means 8.

Next, the operation of the above-described constant speed traveling device will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3 together with FIG. 1, in order to perform the constant speed traveling operation while the vehicle is traveling, the cruise switch 26 is operated (step s).
1). Thus, the cruise signal from the cruise switch 26 is sent to the cruise control means 8 and the cruise control means 8
2 is sent to the cruise control means 8, and the running speed value when the cruise switch 26 is operated is stored in the set speed memory 20;
The constant speed running for maintaining the speed value stored in is started.

At the start of the constant-speed running operation, in step s2, it is determined whether or not the fully-closed detecting means 54 has generated a fully-closed signal, in other words, the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 1
It is determined whether or not 2 is de-energized. At the start of the constant-speed running operation, the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 are deenergized. Therefore, in this case, the cruise control means 8 generates a rapid operation signal based on the fully closed detection signal, and The process proceeds from step s2 to step s3, and based on the sudden operation signal, the rapid operation of the actuator 6 described below, in other words, the rapid rotation drive of the DC motor 10 is performed. In this step s2, the fully-closed detecting means 56
Does not generate a fully-closed signal, Step s11
Then, the normal operation control of the actuator 6, that is, the normal rotation drive control of the DC motor 10 is performed.

In step s3, it is determined whether the voltage of battery 51 is lower than a predetermined voltage V0, for example, 12V. That is, the detection voltage signal from the voltage detection unit 53 is sent to the cruise control unit 8, and the operation output correction unit 24 corrects the operation output value for operating the DC motor 10 based on the detection voltage signal. In this embodiment, the voltage detecting means 5 is set based on a predetermined voltage V0.
3 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value V0,
The operation output value is not corrected, and the operation output value to the actuator 6 is set in step s4. On the other hand, when the detected voltage value of the voltage detecting means 53 is smaller than the predetermined value V0, the process proceeds to step s4 via step s5. In step s5, the operation output correction means 24 corrects the operation output value to the DC motor 10 so as to increase. When the detected voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V0, the operation output value to the DC motor 10 is, for example, a 160% duty as the operation output value, specifically, a two-cycle signal having a control cycle of 50 ms and energization of 40 ms. Is set, and this operation output value is set in step s4. On the other hand, when the detected voltage value is smaller than the predetermined value V0, the operation output of the DC motor
4 to obtain an operation output value of, for example, 18
0% duty, specifically 45m with a control cycle of 50ms
A two-period signal, which is s energization, is set, and the corrected operation output value is set in step 4. Then
In step s6, the clutch means 12 is energized by a signal from the cruise control means 8, and the clutch means 1
2 is in the driving connection state. Then, in step s7, the DC motor 10 is driven to rotate by a predetermined amount based on the above-mentioned operation output value. In step s8, the output value of the rotation of the DC motor 10 is subtracted from the set value of the operation output value. Thereafter, in step s9, it is determined whether or not the set value of the operation output is zero (zero).
Until the DC motor 10 is rotationally driven by the operation output value set in step s4, the process returns from step s9 to step s7 to return the DC motor 1 based on the operation output value described above.
0 rotation drive is performed. When the DC motor 10 is rotationally driven, as will be easily understood from the above description, the self-opening degree (operating opening degree) of the actuator 6 is changed from the mechanical fully closed position 4C to the electrical fully closed position 4B. The clutch plate 42 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow 74 toward the self-opening fully closed position 4A.

When the DC motor 10 is rotationally driven at the operation output value set in step s4 in this manner, the rapid rotation of the DC motor 10, that is, the rapid operation of the actuator 6 is terminated (step s10), and the process proceeds to step s11. After that, the actuator 6 performs the normal operation control, and thereafter, it becomes the normal constant speed traveling operation in which the set traveling speed is kept constant.
When the angular position of the clutch plate 42 exceeds the self-opening fully closed position 4A due to the operation of the actuator 6, the rotational driving force of the clutch plate 42 is applied to the rotating shaft 46, the short shaft 50, the cable 66, the rotating pulley 62, and the wire. The throttle valve 4 is transmitted to the throttle valve 4 via 60, and the throttle valve 4 is driven to rotate in the opening direction indicated by the arrow 18.

The above-described constant speed traveling device has the following features. The cruise control means 8 generates a sudden operation signal at the start of the constant speed driving operation, and based on the sudden operation signal,
The C motor 10 is driven to rotate rapidly. Therefore, the actuator 6 is actuated suddenly, thereby
The self-opening of the throttle valve also rapidly increases, and the time until the throttle valve 4 is opened to the opening corresponding to the speed set by the cruise switch 26 is shortened, and the occurrence of undershoot is suppressed.

If the amount of rotation of the DC motor 10 set in step s4, in other words, the amount of operation of the actuator 6, is small, there is little merit of sudden operation, and therefore,
It is desirable that the self-opening degree of the actuator 6 be up to the electrically fully closed position in the specific angle range in which the sudden operation is performed. In the present embodiment, a two-cycle signal having a control cycle of 50 ms and an energization time of 40 ms is output from the clutch means 12 Corresponds to a signal that the actuator 6 is substantially rotated from the mechanical fully closed position to the electrical fully closed position after being energized. The time required for the throttle valve 4 to open to the opening corresponding to the set speed is further reduced by expanding the range of the suddenly actuated specific angle to a range slightly beyond the electrically closed position. Can be. In this case, for example,
A three-cycle signal having a control cycle of 50 m and a power-on time of 40 ms may be set as the operation amount value.

When the voltage of the battery 51 is low, the rotational drive amount of the DC motor 10, that is, the operation output of the actuator 6 is corrected so as to increase. In general, the amount of rotation of the DC motor 10 decreases according to the degree of the decrease when the drive voltage decreases. Therefore,
When the voltage of the battery 51 decreases, the rotation amount of the DC motor 10 decreases. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, when the voltage of the battery 51 becomes smaller than the predetermined value V0, the operation output correction means 24 corrects the rotation amount of the DC motor 10 so as to increase the rotation amount. The insufficient rotation amount is compensated by this, and the actuator 6 is surely rotated to the specific operation range.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the above-described constant-speed traveling device during the resume traveling operation. FIG.
4, the resume switch 30 is operated after the constant-speed running operation is canceled (step s2).
1). As a result, the resume signal from the resume switch 30 is sent to the cruise control means 8 and the speed value stored in the set speed memory 20 of the cruise control means 8 (the running speed stored at the time of the previous constant speed running setting). value)
Is resumed.

At the start of the resume running operation, it is determined in step s22 whether or not the fully-closed detecting means 54 has generated a fully-closed signal, in other words, whether or not the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 are deenergized. You. Before the start of the resume running operation, the constant speed running operation is released, and therefore, the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 are deenergized. Therefore, in this case, the cruise control means 8 generates a rapid operation signal based on the fully closed detection signal, and proceeds from step s22 to step s23. The sudden operation of the actuator 6 which is substantially the same, in other words, DC
The rapid rotation drive of the motor 10 is performed. If it is determined in step s22 that the fully-closed detecting means 56 has not generated a fully-closed signal, the flow advances to step s31 to perform normal operation control of the actuator 6, in other words, normal rotation drive control of the DC motor 10. The operations in steps s23 to s31 are substantially the same as those in steps s3 to s11, as can be easily understood by comparing FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. .

In the above-described constant-speed traveling device, the cruise control means 8 generates a rapid operation signal at the start of the cruise traveling operation, and the DC motor 10 is rapidly rotated based on the rapid operation signal. Therefore, the actuator 6 is actuated suddenly, whereby the self-opening of the actuator 6 is also sharply increased, and the throttle valve 4 is opened to the opening corresponding to the set speed set during the previous constant speed driving operation. And the occurrence of undershoot is suppressed. When the voltage of the battery 51 is low, the DC
Since the rotation output that drives the motor 10, in other words, the operation output value for operating the actuator 6 is corrected to be large, the actuator 6 is reliably operated to a specific operation range.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the constant speed traveling device when the override traveling is completed. Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 1, an override end signal is generated during the constant speed operation (step s41).
Then, the cruise control means 8 continuously performs the constant speed traveling operation for maintaining the speed value stored in the set speed memory 20 based on the override end signal. When the vehicle is accelerated by depressing the accelerator pedal 72 in the constant-speed running state, the running speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 32 becomes equal to the set speed value stored in the set speed memory 20 and the override speed stored in the override speed memory 22. It becomes larger than the sum of the speed setting values. When the traveling speed becomes larger than the set speed value by the override set speed value in this way, the cruise control means 8 generates an override signal. Thereafter, when the traveling speed decreases to near the set speed value due to the deceleration of the vehicle, generation of the override signal ends, and an override end signal is generated. In this embodiment, in a state where the override signal is generated, when the accelerator pedal 72 is depressed and the traveling speed of the vehicle decreases to near the set speed value, the generation of the override signal is terminated, and the override end signal is generated. Is done. During the generation of the override signal, since the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal 72, the throttle valve 4
Is open, but the cruise control means 8 controls the operation of the actuator 6 in the direction to close the throttle valve 4 because the running speed is higher than the set speed. Therefore, when the period during which the override signal is generated becomes longer, the amount of rotation of the DC motor 10 in the closing direction (the direction opposite to the direction shown by the arrow 16) becomes larger, and the clutch plate 4
Reference numeral 2 denotes an electric fully closed position 4 which passes through the self-opening fully closed position 4A.
B, the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 1
2 will be de-energized.

At the end of the override in which the override end signal is generated, in step s42, whether or not the fully-closed detecting means 54 has generated the fully-closed signal, in other words, whether or not the DC motor 10 and the clutch means 12 are deenergized. It is determined whether or not. During the override travel, the self-opening of the actuator 6 is turned to the fully closed electrical position, and
When the C motor 10 and the clutch unit 12 are deenergized, the cruise control unit 8 generates a sudden operation signal based on the full-closed detection signal, proceeds from step s42 to step s43, and receives the sudden operation signal. Based on this, the sudden operation of the actuator 6, that is, the rapid rotation of the DC motor 10, is performed substantially in the same manner as at the start of the constant speed traveling operation. On the other hand, when the period of the override traveling is short and the DC motor 10 and the clutch unit 12 are not deenergized, in other words, when the fully-closed detecting unit 56 has not generated the fully-closed signal, the process proceeds from step s42 to step s51. Proceed to the normal operation control of the actuator 6, in other words, the DC motor 1
0 normal rotation drive control is performed. The operations in steps s43 to s51 are easily understood by comparing FIG. 3 and FIG.
It is substantially the same as step s11, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the above-described constant-speed traveling device, when the self-opening of the actuator 6 exceeds the electrical fully closed position, the cruise control means 8 generates a sudden operation signal at the end of the override traveling, and the sudden operation signal is generated. , The DC motor 10 is rapidly rotated. Therefore, the actuator 6 is suddenly actuated, whereby the self-opening of the actuator 6 also sharply increases, and the time until the throttle valve 4 is opened to the opening corresponding to the set speed is shortened, and Shooting is suppressed. When the voltage of the battery 51 is low, the DC motor 10
Is corrected so as to increase the rotational drive value for rotationally driving the actuator, in other words, the operation output value for operating the actuator 6, so that the actuator 6 is reliably operated to the specific operation range.

In the above embodiment, the actuator 6
Closing detection means 5 for detecting the electrical fully closed position 4B of the vehicle
6 is provided to control whether or not to perform the abrupt operation according to whether or not the fully-closed detecting means 56 generates the fully-closed signal. Alternatively, the following configuration may be adopted. That is, the mechanical fully closed position 4C of the actuator 6
Is provided, and when the mechanical fully closed position 4C is reached, the operating projection 54 of the clutch plate 42 closes (turns on) the fully closed detection means, and It is also possible to determine whether or not to perform the sudden operation by using the fully closed signal of the closed detecting means.

In the above embodiment, the battery 5
When the voltage of No. 1 is smaller than the predetermined value V0, the operation output value to the actuator 6 is corrected, but the correction of the operation output value to the actuator 6 is corrected to two or three or more steps. The correction can be performed in a number of steps, and the actuator 6 can be quickly and accurately operated over a specific operation range, substantially irrespective of the voltage drop of the battery 51.

When the operation output value for operating the actuator 6 is corrected in two stages, for example, it can be set as shown in FIG. In this case, the first predetermined value V1 and the second predetermined value V1 smaller than the first predetermined value V1 are set.
The operation output value for operating the actuator 6 is corrected based on the predetermined value V2. Referring to FIG. 6, the detected voltage value of voltage detecting means 53 is a first predetermined value, for example, 12 V
In the case described above, the operation output value for operating the DC motor 10 is, for example, a 160% duty as the operation output value α1, specifically, a two-period signal in which the control cycle is 50 ms and the energization is 40 ms. Further, the voltage detecting means 5
3 is smaller than the first predetermined value V1 and equal to or larger than the second predetermined value V2, the operation output value for operating the DC motor 10 is supplied to the actuator 6 by the operation output correction means 24. The operation output value is corrected so as to increase, and as the operation output value α2, for example, a 180% duty, specifically, a two-cycle signal having a control cycle of 50 ms and energization of 45 ms is set. Further, when the detected voltage value of the voltage detecting means 53 is smaller than the second predetermined value V1, the operation output value of the DC motor 10 is further increased by the operation output correction means 24 to the actuator 6. The operation output value α3 is, for example, 240% duty, specifically, the control cycle is 5
A three-period signal that is 0 ms and 40 ms energization is set. With this configuration, the operation output of the actuator 6 can be corrected in two stages. In addition,
When correcting three or more steps, in the same manner as described above,
The reference voltage value may be set in three or more stages.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the operation output of the actuator 6 is corrected to a substantially no-stop floor. In this case, the correction coefficient β is used as the correction amount, and the operation output value for operating the actuator 6 is calculated by the following equation: operation output value of actuator = basic operation output value × correction coefficient value. It is suddenly activated with the output value. At this time, a correction coefficient memory is provided in the cruise control means 8, and the correction coefficient memory shown in FIG.
May be stored. FIG. 7 is a map showing the relationship between the voltage of the battery 51 and the correction coefficient of the operation output value to the actuator 6. When the voltage of the battery 51 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value V1, for example, 16V,
The correction coefficient is set to 1 (at this time, the operation output value to the actuator 6 becomes the reference operation output value).
By setting the lower limit of the correction coefficient in this way,
The minimum output value of the operation output value to the actuator 6 is limited, and this operation output value is prevented from becoming abnormally small. The correction coefficient β is set so that the value increases as the voltage of the battery 51 decreases, in other words, the operation output value for operating the actuator 6 increases. When the voltage of battery 51 is equal to or lower than second predetermined value V2, for example, 8 V, correction coefficient β is set to, for example, 2. By setting the upper limit of the correction coefficient β in this manner, the actuator 6
The maximum output value of the operation output value to the internal combustion engine is limited, and this operation output value becomes abnormally large, thereby preventing a rapid increase in the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine. Thus, the actuator 6
By correcting the operation output value to the substantially unspecified floor, the actuator 6 can be suddenly operated with higher accuracy over the specific operation range.

Although the embodiment of the constant-speed traveling device according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and corrections can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is.

[0062]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time of starting the constant speed driving, the cruise control means operates the actuator suddenly over a specific operation range, so that the cruise control means can correspond to the set speed. The time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the required opening degree is reduced, thereby suppressing the occurrence of undershoot at the start of constant speed traveling. Further, such control can be performed without, for example, providing an idle detection unit or the like.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at the start of the resumption driving operation, the cruise control means causes the actuator to operate suddenly over a specific operation range. The time required for the throttle valve to rotate to a certain degree is reduced, thereby suppressing the occurrence of undershoot at the start of the resume running. Further, such control can be performed without providing, for example, an idle detection unit.

According to the constant speed traveling device for a vehicle of the third aspect of the present invention, the specific operation range in which the actuator is suddenly operated is from the mechanical fully-closed position of the actuator to the electrical fully-closed position or a number of times between this position and the electrical fully-closed position. Therefore, the actuator is suddenly operated over this specific operation range.

According to the vehicle constant speed traveling apparatus of the present invention, if the clutch means is in the drive disengaged state at the time when the cruise control means generates the override end signal, a sudden operation signal is generated. You. Therefore, the cruise control means operates the actuator suddenly over the specific operation range based on the sudden operation signal, thereby shortening the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed, and thus, The occurrence of undershoot at the end of the override is suppressed. In addition, since the control is performed in this manner, the control can be performed without providing, for example, an idle detection unit.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the self-opening degree of the actuator moves to the fully closed position during the override, the connected state of the clutch means is released. Therefore, when the overriding traveling is completed, the cruise control means generates a sudden operation signal, whereby the time required for the throttle valve to rotate to the opening corresponding to the set speed is reduced, and the occurrence of undershoot is suppressed. .

According to the constant speed traveling apparatus for a vehicle according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the specific operation range in which the actuator is suddenly actuated is from the mechanical fully closed position of the actuator to the electrical fully closed position or the position between the mechanical fully closed position. Therefore, the actuator is suddenly operated over this specific operation range.

According to the vehicle constant speed traveling apparatus of the present invention, the voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of the power supply for operating the actuator is provided. The operation output correction means corrects the operation output value to the actuator based on the detection signal from the voltage detection means.
When the voltage of the power supply is low, the operation amount of the actuator is small. However, by correcting the operation output value by the operation output correction means, the actuator can be surely suddenly operated over a specific operation range.

Further, according to the constant speed traveling apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention, the operation output correction means corrects the operation output value to the actuator so that the operation output value to the actuator becomes larger when the voltage of the power supply becomes smaller than a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of operation from decreasing due to the decrease in voltage.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operation output correction means corrects the operation output of the actuator in at least two stages in accordance with the power supply voltage. The operation output value to be operated can be corrected.

Further, according to the constant speed traveling device for a vehicle of the present invention, the operation output of the actuator is corrected within a range between the maximum operation output value and the minimum operation output value. An abnormal increase or decrease in the operation output to the motor is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a constant speed traveling device for a vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a self-opening degree of an actuator in the constant speed traveling device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the constant-speed traveling device of FIG. 1 at the time of starting a constant-speed traveling operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the constant-speed traveling device of FIG. 1 at the time of starting a resume traveling operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the constant speed traveling device of FIG. 1 when the overriding traveling is completed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a voltage of a battery and an operation output of an actuator.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a voltage of a battery and a correction coefficient value of an operation output of an actuator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 throttle valve 6 actuator 8 cruise control means 10 DC motor 12 clutch means 20 set speed memory 22 override speed memory 24 operation output correction means 26 cruise switch 28 cruise release means 30 resume switch 40, 42 clutch plate 51 battery 53 voltage detection means 54 Actuating projection 56 Fully closed detection means 72 Accelerator pedal 4A Estimated fully closed position 4B Mechanical fully closed position 4C Stop fully closed position

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. Cruise setting means for setting a running speed of a vehicle constant, an actuator for controlling an opening of a throttle valve during a constant speed driving operation, and an actuator based on a signal from the cruise setting means. A cruise control device for controlling the operation of the vehicle. When the cruise setting device sets the constant speed traveling, the cruise control device sets the actuator at the start of the constant speed traveling operation. A constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle, wherein a sudden-action signal for suddenly operating over a specific operation range is generated, and the actuator is suddenly actuated based on the sudden-action signal. 2. Cruise setting means for setting the running speed of the vehicle to a constant value, resume setting means for setting the running speed of the vehicle to the set speed before releasing the constant speed running, and A vehicle constant-speed traveling device including an actuator for controlling the opening of a throttle valve, and cruise control means for controlling the operation of the actuator by a signal from the cruise setting means and the resume setting means; When cruise control before release is set by the resume setting means, the cruise control means generates a sudden operation signal for suddenly operating the actuator over a specific operation range at the start of the resume traveling operation, and A constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle, wherein the actuator is actuated abruptly on the basis of the following. 3. A clutch means for driving connection and disconnection between the actuator and the throttle valve is interposed between the actuator and the throttle valve.
The operation of the throttle valve is controlled based on the self-opening degree of the actuator, and the fully open position of the actuator is further closed than the self-opening fully closed position of the actuator in which the opening degree of the actuator is fully closed. When the actuator moves to the electrically fully closed position, the connected state of the clutch means is released, the actuator moves to the mechanically fully closed position and stops, and the actuator is suddenly operated. The specific operating range is
2. The electric motor according to claim 1, wherein the position is in a range from the mechanical fully-closed position to the electrical fully-closed position or slightly beyond this position.
Or the constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to 2. 4. A cruise setting means for setting a running speed of a vehicle constant, an actuator for controlling an opening degree of a throttle valve during a constant speed running operation, and a valve between the actuator and the throttle valve. A cruise control device for controlling the operation of the actuator in accordance with a signal from the cruise setting device; The cruise control means generates an override end signal when the override traveling is completed during the constant speed traveling operation, and when the clutch means is in the disengaged state when the override end signal is generated, the actuator is suddenly operated over a specific operation range. A sudden operation signal is generated, and the actuator is suddenly actuated based on the sudden operation signal. A constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle, characterized in that: 5. The cruise control means controls the operation of the throttle valve based on the self-opening degree of the actuator. 5. The vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising an electrically fully closed position of the actuator on a closed side, wherein when the actuator is moved to the electrically fully closed position, the connection state of the clutch means is released. For constant speed traveling equipment. 6. When the actuator is moved to the electrical fully closed position and the drive connection of the clutch means is released, the actuator is moved to a mechanical fully closed position and stopped, and the actuator is actuated suddenly. 6. The constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the specified operation range is a range from the mechanical fully-closed position to the electrical fully-closed position or a range slightly beyond this position. 7. A power supply for operating the actuator, and a voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage of the power supply, wherein the cruise control means operates to correct an operation output value to the actuator. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output correction unit, wherein the operation output correction unit corrects an operation output value for operating the actuator based on a detection signal from the voltage detection unit. The constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to any one of the claims. 8. The operation output correction means corrects an operation output value to the actuator based on a predetermined voltage,
The constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected to increase when the voltage of the power supply becomes lower than a predetermined value. 9. The operation output correction means includes at least a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value.
With reference to the predetermined value of, the operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected, and when the power supply voltage is smaller than the first predetermined value, the operation output value for operating the actuator is corrected to be large, 9. The constant-speed traveling device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein when the power supply voltage becomes lower than the second predetermined value, an operation output value for operating the actuator is further increased. 10. The operation output correction means may be configured to set a maximum operation output value at which the operation output value for operating the actuator is maximum and a minimum operation output value at which the operation output value for operating the actuator is minimum. 9. The vehicle constant-speed traveling device according to claim 7, wherein the operation output is corrected.