JPH1178606A - Cruise control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a running feeling involving no sense of incompatibility by hindering shifting-up when the acceleration control is conducted in the shifted-down condition during cruising. SOLUTION: A cruise control device is equipped with a shift-down request signal generating means 12, which generates a shift-down request signal and gives it to a shift-down request signal generating means 12, and a judgement prohibit time controlling means 13 which continues the generation of shift-down request signal from the signal generating means 12 in case a speed increment command signal is emitted from an acceleration switch 4 when the deviation of the car speed signal given by a car speed sensor 2 from the stored car speed signal in a car speed memory means 8 exceeds the predetermined value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cruise control device used for automatically controlling a traveling speed of a vehicle to a predetermined value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a cruise control device for automatically controlling the running speed of a vehicle to a certain set value, a set switch is turned on after the set switch is turned on, so that the vehicle speed at the time of the off operation is built in the controller. The stored vehicle speed is stored as a stored vehicle speed, and a command signal is given to the actuator in accordance with the deviation between the stored vehicle speed and the actual vehicle speed. When the actuator operates, the throttle valve is driven, and the actual vehicle speed is stored in the stored vehicle speed. Is controlled to match. As a result, the vehicle runs at a constant speed.

In such a cruise control device, the actual vehicle speed decreases with respect to the stored vehicle speed when climbing a hill or the like.
When the deviation exceeds a predetermined value, a downshift request signal is sent from the controller to the transmission controller. Therefore, the transmission controller to which the downshift request signal has been given recognizes the vehicle speed, the select lever position, the opening of the throttle valve and the like at that time, and then automatically shifts down the automatic transmission.

[0004]

However, in the above cruise control device, the actual vehicle speed starts to increase when the transmission controller shifts down the automatic transmission and cruises by the shift down request signal from the controller. Sometimes, when the accelerator switch is turned on, the controller suspends the output determination of the downshift request signal for a certain period of time in synchronization with the turning on of the accelerator switch. Therefore, the shift-down request signal is stopped for a certain period of time,
There has been a problem that the automatic transmission may be automatically shifted up, which may give a feeling of discomfort to the occupants.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cruise control device according to the present invention provides a cruise control system that performs a cruise control when an accelerator control is performed while the transmission is downshifted.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a driving feeling that does not cause discomfort by preventing an upshift from being performed.

[0006]

Configuration of the Invention

[0007]

In a cruise control device according to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle speed sensor for generating a vehicle speed signal proportional to an actual vehicle speed of a vehicle, and a throttle valve of the vehicle is moved to a speed increasing side or a speed decreasing side. A drive actuator, a set switch that generates a cruise command signal when operated, an accelerator switch that generates an acceleration command signal when operated, and a vehicle speed sensor when a cruise command signal is generated by operating the set switch A vehicle speed storage means for storing a vehicle speed signal generated from the vehicle speed signal as a storage vehicle speed signal; and a calculation means for comparing the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor with the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means, and calculating an actuator drive signal corresponding to a deviation between the two. Drive the actuator to the speed increase side of the throttle valve by the actuator drive signal. Speed increasing control means, a deceleration control means for driving an actuator to a deceleration side of a throttle valve by an actuator driving signal, and a deviation between a vehicle speed signal of a vehicle speed sensor and a stored vehicle speed signal of a vehicle speed storing means exceeding a predetermined value. A shift-down request signal generating means for generating a shift-down request signal for transmission to the transmission controller, and a deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means exceeds a predetermined value. Occasionally, when a speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch, a determination prohibition time control means for continuing generation of the downshift request signal from the downshift request signal generating means is provided.

In the cruise control device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the determination prohibition time control means is provided by the shift down request signal generation means when the cruise control is started and no speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch. It is characterized in that the comparison processing of the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means is prohibited for the first determination prohibition time.

In the cruise control device according to a third aspect of the present invention, when the speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch, the determination prohibition time control means controls the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor by the shift down request signal generation means. It is characterized in that the comparison processing of the deviation from the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means is prohibited for the second determination prohibition time.

In a cruise control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second determination inhibition time of the determination inhibition time control means is shorter than the first determination inhibition time.

[0011]

In the cruise control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, during the cruise control, the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle decreases when the vehicle approaches an uphill or the like, and the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the vehicle speed stored in the vehicle speed storage means are stored. When the deviation from the signal exceeds a predetermined value, a shift-down request signal is generated by the shift-down request signal generating means and is provided to the transmission controller. Then, when a speed increase command signal is generated by operating the accelerator switch, the speed increase control means speeds up the vehicle. At this time, the determination prohibition time control means causes the shift-down request signal generating means to continuously generate the shift-down request signal, so that the vehicle is accelerated while the transmission controller is given the shift-down request signal. You. Therefore, while the speed increase control of the vehicle is performed, the transmission is held at the current position.

In the cruise control device according to a second aspect of the present invention, an actuator drive signal corresponding to an initialization set is given to the actuator at the beginning when the cruise control is started by operating the set switch. While the actuator drive signals for the initialization set are being supplied to the actuator, the comparison processing of the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means is not performed during the first determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the actuator is in the transitional period during the first determination prohibition time after the set switch is operated, and during this period, the downshift request signal is generated by the downshift request signal generating means. Does not occur.

In the cruise control device according to a third aspect of the present invention, when a speed increase command signal is generated by operating an accelerator switch during cruise control, an actuator drive signal corresponding to the speed increase command by the accelerator switch is generated. While being given to the actuator, no downshift request signal is generated during the second determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the function of claim 2, since the actuator is in the transitional period during the second determination prohibition time after the operation of the accelerator switch, during the period, the downshift request signal is generated by the downshift request signal generating means. Does not occur.

In the cruise control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the drive of the actuator for the initialization set by operating the set switch is shorter than the time for driving the actuator by the actuator drive signal corresponding to the speed increase command by operating the accelerator switch. Since the time during which the actuator is driven by the signal is longer, the second determination inhibition time of the determination inhibition time control means is shorter than the first determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the operation of the third aspect, the shift-down request signal is not generated by the shift-down request signal generating means according to the drive time of the actuator during the transition period of the actuator due to the actuator drive signal.

[0015]

1 to 4 show an embodiment of a cruise control device according to the present invention.

Cruise control device 1 shown
Is mainly composed of a vehicle speed sensor 2, a set switch 3, an accelerator switch 4, a cancel switch 5, an actuator 6, and a controller 7. The microcomputer MCU of the controller 7 stores vehicle speed storage means 8,
An arithmetic unit 9, a speed-up control unit 10, a deceleration control unit 11, a downshift request signal generation unit 12, and a determination inhibition time control unit 13 are provided.

The vehicle speed sensor 2 is built in a speedometer, and generates speed data proportional to the actual vehicle speed by a pulse signal when the vehicle is running. The vehicle speed data generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 is taken into the controller 7 through the tenth terminal (10) of the controller 7, converted through an interface A provided in the controller 7, and provided to the microcomputer MCU.

The set switch 3 is an automatic reset type switch mounted on the steering wheel. The set switch 3 has one end connected to the power supply 50 through the relay coil RL1-1 of the horn relay RL1, and the other end connected to the first
Of the diode D1 is connected to the second terminal (02) of the controller 7. When the ignition switch 14 is turned on and the vehicle is running, the main switch 15 is turned on, and the set switch 3 is turned on and then turned off after the cruise control is cancelled. Occurs. The cruise command signal generated by the set switch 3 is taken into the controller 7 through the second terminal (02) of the controller 7, converted through an interface B provided in the controller 7, and given to the microcomputer MCU.

The accelerator switch 4 is an automatic reset switch mounted on the steering wheel in the same manner as the set switch 3 described above. Accelerator switch 4
Is one end of the relay coil RL1- of the horn relay RL1.
1, the other end is the cathode of the second diode D2, the first terminal (01) of the controller 7
It is connected to the. The accelerator switch 4 generates an acceleration command signal for updating the stored vehicle speed by increasing the actual vehicle speed in accordance with the on-switching time by the operation of being turned off after being turned on for a certain time or more during the cruise control. The speed increase command signal generated by the accelerator switch 4 is taken into the controller 7 through the input terminal (01) of the controller 7 and converted through the interface C provided in the controller 7 to be converted into the microcomputer MC.
Given to U. The horn relay RL1 has a first normally open contact RL1-2 connected to the power supply 50 and a second normally open contact R
L1-3 is grounded through the horn 19. Also,
The relay coil RL1-1 of the horn relay RL1 is grounded through the horn switch 20.

The cancel switch 5 is an automatic reset switch mounted on the steering wheel in the same manner as the set switch 3 and the accelerator switch 4 described above. One end of the cancel switch 5 is a horn relay RL.
1 is connected to the power supply 50 through one relay coil RL1-1, and the other end is connected to the anode of the first diode D1 and the second
Is connected to the anode of the diode D2.

The cancel switch 5 generates a cancel command signal by an operation that is turned on during cruise control. The cancel command signal generated by the cancel switch 5 is taken into the controller 7 through the first terminal (01) and the second terminal (02) of the controller 7, and is transmitted to the microcomputer MC through the interface B and the interface C provided in the controller 7.
Given to U. The cancel command signal is generated when the brake switch 16 is operated by operating a brake pedal (not shown), and the normally closed switch 16b provided in the brake switch 16 is turned off, or
Whether the automatic transmission (not shown) is switched from the neutral range to the parking range,
When the clutch pedal of the manual transmission (not shown) is operated, the transmission switch 17
Also occurs when is switched off. When the normally open switch 16a provided in the brake switch 16 is turned on, the brake lamp 18 lights up. When the normally closed switch 16b of the brake switch 16 is turned off, the current supplied to the actuator is cut off.

The brake switch 16 includes a normally open switch 16a and a normally closed switch 16b. When the brake pedal is operated, the normally open switch 16a is turned on, and the normally closed switch 16a is turned on.
b is switched off. When the normally open switch 16a is turned on, the third terminal (0
The potential of the power supply is supplied to the microcomputer MCU through the interface D through 3). When the brake pedal is operated, the normally closed switch 1 is turned on.
When the switch 6b is switched off, the potential of the power supply supplied to the microcomputer MCU via the interface E through the sixth terminal (06) provided in the controller 7 is cut off. The transmission switch 17 is switched off when the automatic transmission (not shown) is switched from the neutral range to the parking range or the clutch pedal of the manual transmission (not shown) is operated. The ground route to the microcomputer MCU is cut off via the interface F.

The actuator 6 has a negative pressure chamber formed in a case (not shown) in a hermetically closed state and an output which is urged by a return spring, moves by the negative pressure level in the negative pressure chamber, and is connected to a throttle valve. And a vacuum valve 6a, a vent valve 6b, and a safety valve 6c, each of which is connected to one of the valves in communication with the negative pressure chamber.

When the negative pressure level of the negative pressure chamber increases, the actuator 6 moves the output member so as to reduce the volume of the negative pressure chamber, so that the throttle valve opens the throttle valve against the elastic repulsive force of the return spring. Conversely, when the negative pressure level in the negative pressure chamber decreases, the output member moves back to increase the volume of the negative pressure chamber by the elastic restoring force of the return spring, so that the throttle valve is closed. Force return to the side.

The vacuum valve 6a of the actuator 6
Is a normally closed valve, the upstream side of the valve coil is connected to the collector of the first switching transistor (pnp type) TR1 through the seventh terminal (07) of the controller, and the downstream side of the valve coil is the eleventh of the controller 7. The terminal (11) is connected to the collector of the third switching transistor (npn type) TR3. The first switching transistor TR1 has an emitter connected to the brake switch 16 through the sixth terminal (06) of the controller 7, and a base connected to the collector of the second switching transistor (npn type) TR2 through the resistor R1. Second switching transistor TR2
Is a grounded emitter, and the base is connected to the microcomputer MCU through the resistor R2. The third switching transistor TR3 has a common emitter, and has a base connected to the microcomputer MCU through the resistor R3.

Since the other end of the vacuum valve 6a is connected to the intake manifold of the engine, when the engine is running, the second switching transistor TR2 is turned on and the first switching transistor TR1 is turned on. When the third switching transistor TR3 is turned on and the valve coil is energized to open the valve, the negative pressure generated by the engine is introduced from the intake manifold into the negative pressure chamber according to the opening time of the valve. On the other hand, when the valve coil is closed by cutting off the energization path of the valve coil, it has a function of preventing negative pressure from being taken into the negative pressure chamber. At this time, if the vacuum valve 6a is replaced with a motor for generating a negative pressure, the motor for generating a negative pressure and the negative pressure chamber are connected and connected. The negative pressure is taken into the negative pressure chamber.

The vent valve 6b of the actuator 6
In the normally open valve, the upstream side of the valve coil is connected to the collector of the first switching transistor TR1 through the seventh terminal (07) of the controller, and the downstream side of the valve coil is connected to the thirteenth terminal (13) of the controller 7 through the thirteenth terminal (13). 4 switching transistor TR4. Fourth switching transistor T
R4 is a grounded emitter, and the base is connected to the microcomputer MCU through the resistor R4.

Since the other end of the vent valve 6b is open to the atmosphere, the second switching transistor TR
2 is turned on and the first switching transistor TR1
Is turned on and the valve coil is energized by turning on the fourth switching transistor TR4 to close the valve, thereby shutting off the negative pressure chamber from the atmosphere and cutting off the energizing path of the valve coil. Thus, when the valve is opened, the negative pressure chamber is opened to the atmosphere, and the output member is moved back.

The safety valve 6c of the actuator 6
Is a normally open valve, the upstream side of the valve coil is connected to the collector of the first switching transistor TR1 through the seventh terminal (07) of the controller 7, and the downstream side of the valve coil is grounded.

Since the other of the safety valve 6c is open to the atmosphere, the second switching transistor TR2 is turned on and the first switching transistor T2 is turned on.
When the valve coil is energized by turning on R1 and the valve is closed, the negative pressure chamber is shut off from the atmosphere. On the other hand, when the valve coil is opened by cutting off the energization path of the valve coil, the negative pressure chamber is opened. The pressure chamber is opened to the atmosphere, and the output member is returned to the initial state where cruise control is not performed and moved.

When the valve coil of the vent valve 6b and the valve coil of the safety valve 6c are turned on and the valve coil of the vacuum valve 6a is turned on, the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber rises. By driving the throttle valve to the opening side, the valve coil of the safety valve 6c is turned off, or the valve coil of the vacuum valve 6a is turned off while the valve coil of the vent valve 6b is turned off. When the negative pressure level in the negative pressure chamber drops, the throttle valve is driven to close the throttle valve via the output member.

On the other hand, the controller 7 includes a constant voltage circuit 21 and a reset circuit 22 in addition to the interfaces A, B, C, D, E, and F described above.

The constant voltage circuit 21 has one end connected to the controller 7.
Is connected to the main switch 15 through the ninth terminal (09), and the other end is connected to the microcomputer MCU. When the main switch 15 is turned on by the occupant, the constant voltage circuit 21 applies a predetermined potential to the microcomputer MCU.

The reset circuit 22 has one end connected to the main switch 15 through the ninth terminal (09) of the controller 7, and the other end connected to the microcomputer MCU. The reset circuit 22 returns the microcomputer MCU to the initial state when the main switch 15 is turned on.

The microcomputer M of the controller 7
The CU includes a vehicle speed storage means 8, a calculation means 9, a speed increase control means 10, a deceleration control means 11, a shift request signal generation means 1
2. A determination prohibition time control means 13 is provided.

When the ignition switch 14 is turned on and the vehicle is running, the main switch 15 is turned on and the occupant switches the set switch 3 on from the cruise cancel state and then switches off the cruise cancel state. When the cruise command signal is generated by performing the above, the vehicle speed storage means 8 stores the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 as a stored vehicle speed signal in a predetermined memory area.

The calculating means 9 compares the stored vehicle speed signal stored by the vehicle speed storing means 8 when the cruise command signal is generated with the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2,
An arithmetic process is performed based on a predetermined arithmetic expression between the calculated difference between the two and the acceleration obtained from the rate of change of the vehicle speed signal within a certain time.

When the calculation result obtained by the calculation means 9 becomes a negative value, the microcomputer MCU determines that the vehicle speed has decreased, and operates the speed increase control means 10 for a time corresponding to the calculation result. On the other hand, when the calculation result becomes a positive value, the microcomputer MCU determines that the vehicle speed has increased, and activates the deceleration control means 11 for a time corresponding to the calculation result.

The speed increasing control means 10 operates when the result of the calculation by the calculating means 9 becomes a negative value, and generates a vent valve close output signal, a safety valve close output signal, and a vacuum valve open output signal. At this time, when the cruise control is started, the second switching transistor T
Since the first switching transistor TR1 is turned on by applying the base current to R2, the safety valve 6c is closed, and the vent valve 6b is closed by applying the base current to the fourth switching transistor TR4. Then, the base current is supplied to the third switching transistor TR3, so that the vacuum valve 6a is opened. As a result, the negative pressure level in the negative pressure chamber of the actuator 7 increases, the throttle valve is driven to the open side, and the cruise control is performed so that the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 matches the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8. Control is performed.

The deceleration control means 11 is activated when the calculation result by the calculation means 9 becomes a positive value, and generates a vent valve open output signal, a safety valve close output signal, and a vacuum valve close output signal. At this time, as described above, the second and first switching transistors TR2,
Since TR1 is turned on, the safety valve 6c is closed, and the fourth switching transistor T
When the base current is supplied to R4, the vent valve 6b is opened, and the third switching transistor T
When the base current is not supplied to R3, the vacuum valve 6a is closed. As a result, the negative pressure level in the negative pressure chamber of the actuator 7 decreases, the throttle valve is driven to the closing side, and the cruise control is performed so that the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 matches the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8. Control is performed.

The downshift request signal generating means 12 performs downshifting when the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 exceeds a predetermined value during the cruise control. The transmission controller 23 generates a downshift request signal for requesting
Has the function of giving to The shift-down request signal is generated as a pulse-like signal, and a signal for requesting a shift-down and a signal for not requesting a shift-down by changing a duty between a high level and a low level in one cycle. Has been switched.

The shift-down request signal generated by the shift-down request signal generating means 12 includes a base current for the sixth switching transistor (npn type) TR6 through the resistor R6 and a fifth switching transistor (pnp type) through the resistor R5. It is provided as a base current to TR5, and is provided to transmission controller 23 from terminal 14 (14) of controller 7 through resistor R8.

The transmission controller 23 to which the downshift request signal is given detects a transmission (automatic) (not shown) as one of the logics for downshifting, so that the downshift of the transmission is prompted, but the downshift is not requested. The transmission controller 23 to which the shift-down request signal has been given detects the transmission (automatic) (not shown) as one of the logics for shifting up, so that the shift-up of the transmission is prompted.

The microcomputer MCU has:
When the cruise control is started, a base current is supplied to the seventh switching transistor (npn type) TR7 through the resistor R7, so that the seventh switching transistor TR
7 is turned on, and the cruise lamp 24 is turned on through the twelfth terminal (12) of the controller 7.

The first function of the determination prohibition time control means 13 is that the shift between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 exceeds a predetermined value during the cruise control. When the accelerator switch 4 is turned on to generate a speed increase command signal while the down request signal is being output, the determination inhibition time T0 shown in FIG.
2 is to continue the generation of the downshift request signal occurring.

The second function of the determination prohibition time control means 13 is that when the cruise control is started and no speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch 4, the vehicle speed sensor 2 by the shift down request signal generation means 12 is used. The comparison processing of the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed signal and the vehicle speed signal stored in the vehicle speed storage means 8 is prohibited for the first determination prohibition time T1 shown in FIG. In this case, the first determination inhibition time T1 is set to 5 seconds.

The third function of the judgment prohibition time control means 13 is that the second judgment prohibition time shown in FIG. 2 is generated when the acceleration switch signal is turned on during the cruise control and an acceleration command signal is generated. Set T2. The second determination inhibition time T2 is selected to be 0.6 seconds, which is shorter than 5 seconds selected as the first determination inhibition time T1.

In the controller 7, when the vehicle is running, the main switch 15 is turned on, and the occupant turns on the set switch 3 from the cruise control cancel state and then turns off the set switch 3. The second switching transistor TR2 is turned on. When the set switch 3 is turned off, a cruise command signal is generated. Therefore, the speed increasing control means 12 is activated by the cruise control initialization set signal calculated by the calculating means 9, and the vent valve closing output signal and the safety valve closing output are output. The actuator 6 is provided with an actuator drive signal for speed increase consisting of a signal and a vacuum valve open output signal. As a result, the vent valve 6b and the safety valve 6c are closed.
Since the vacuum valve 6a is opened, the negative pressure level of the negative pressure chamber of the actuator 6 increases, and the throttle valve is driven to the open side via the output member in response to the initialization set signal. After the output signal is turned off and the initialization set is completed, cruise control for matching the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 with the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 is performed.

The controller 7 compares the stored vehicle speed signal stored when the cruise command signal is generated with the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2, and calculates the deviation between the two and the constant vehicle speed signal. Calculation processing is performed based on a predetermined calculation formula between the acceleration obtained by the change rate in time and the acceleration. When the calculation result becomes a negative value, the speed-up control means 10 is operated for a time corresponding to the calculation result. On the other hand, when the calculation result becomes a positive value, the deceleration control means 11 is operated for a time corresponding to the calculation result, and the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 is stored in the vehicle speed storage means 8. Cruise control is performed to match the stored vehicle speed signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 2, if the acceleration switch signal is not generated from the accelerator switch 4 at the beginning of the cruise, the determination prohibition time control means 13 generates the downshift request signal. The process of comparing the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage unit 8 by the means 12 is prohibited for the first determination prohibition time T1. This is because when cruise control was started,
The actuator 7 is in the transitional period while the actuator drive signals for the initialization set are being supplied to the actuator 6, so that the generation of the shift-down request signal from the shift-down request signal generating means 12 is prohibited during that period. .

As shown in FIG. 3, when a speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch 4 during the cruise control as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 7 sets the second determination inhibition time T2 shown in FIG. . This is accelerator switch 4
While the actuator drive signal corresponding to the speed increase command is given to the actuator 6, the actuator 6 is in a transitional period. It is.

As shown in FIG. 3, during the cruise control, the controller 7 determines that the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed signal stored in the vehicle speed storage means 8 exceeds a predetermined value, and When the speed increase command signal is generated from the switch 4, the determination prohibition time T0 is set, and the shift request signal generating means 12 continues to generate the shift request signal. This is because when the vehicle under cruise control approaches an uphill or the like, the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle decreases, and the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, the shift request signal generating means 12 provides the transmission controller 23 with a shift request signal for requesting a downshift, and thereafter, when a speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch 4, the shift request signal generating means 12 This is because, by continuing to generate the generated shift request signal, the speed-up control of the vehicle is performed while the transmission is downshifted and the shift position at that time is held.

The above-mentioned auto cruise device 1 is shown in FIG.
The control operation is performed according to the time chart shown in FIG. 3 and the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 mainly describes the state during the cruise control.

When the vehicle is running at the speed desired by the occupant of the vehicle, the main switch 15 is turned on,
When the set switch 4 is turned on and then turned off from the cruise cancel state, the second switching transistor TR2 of the controller 7 is turned on, and the vehicle speed storage means 8 is turned on by turning off the set switch 4.
Stores the vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor 2 at that time, and uses the initialization set signal corresponding to the vehicle speed signal generated at any time by the vehicle speed sensor 2 to increase the speed.
The actuator 6 is actuated by an actuator drive signal including a vent valve close output signal, a safety valve close output signal, and a vacuum valve open output signal, and the throttle valve is driven to the open side.

After driving the throttle valve to the open side for a predetermined time, the deviation between the stored vehicle speed signal stored in the vehicle speed storage means 8 and the vehicle speed signal generated at any time by the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed signal within a certain time period A predetermined calculation process is performed by the calculation means 9 during the acceleration obtained from the rate of change of the velocity, and if the calculation result is a negative value, the speed increase control means 10 outputs a vent valve close output signal, a safety valve close output signal, Actuator 6 is actuated by a speed-up actuator drive signal consisting of a vacuum valve open output signal. If the calculation result is a positive value, the deceleration control means 11 outputs a vent valve open output signal, a safety valve close output signal, and a vacuum valve. The actual vehicle speed is made to follow the stored vehicle speed while operating the actuator 6 with a deceleration actuator drive signal composed of a closed output signal. Loose control is performed.

When the cruise control is started, the program shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

If the accelerator switch 4 is not turned on at the beginning of the cruise control at the time a shown in FIG. 2, the process proceeds to step 101 because “the cruise is in progress” in the determination at step 100.
01, the "Accelerator switch (ACC S
W) is not switched on, the process proceeds to "Step 102," where the first prohibition time T1 is set by the prohibition time control unit 13 and the process proceeds to Step 103. The first determination prohibition time T1 is based on the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 by the downshift request signal generating means 12 and the vehicle speed storing means 8
The first determination inhibition time T1 is initially set when the first determination inhibition time T1 is set.
Since step 1 has not been completed, the process proceeds to “step 104”. In step 104, a down request (D / R) output, which is a downshift request signal, is not output and step 100 is performed.
Return to

At the time b shown in FIG. 2 before the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle decreases after the start of the cruise control and before the first determination inhibition time T1 ends, the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed storage means 8 Even if the vehicle speed exceeds the downshift vehicle speed by the downshift request signal generating means 12 due to an increase in the deviation from the stored vehicle speed signal, the first determination inhibition time T1 has not ended since the cruise control was started.
In the determination in step 103, "since the first determination prohibition time has not ended"
The routine returning to 00 is repeatedly executed.

As described above, at the beginning of the cruise control, even if the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 becomes large, the first determination inhibition time T1 is not changed. Until the termination, the determination prohibition time control unit 13 prohibits the generation of the downshift request signal for requesting the downshift from the downshift request signal generation unit 12.

At the time c after the time b shown in FIG. 2, when the first judgment prohibition time T1 ends, the judgment at step 103 is made because "the first judgment prohibition time T1 has ended". Go to 105, Step 1
At 05, the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed storage means 8
Is compared with the stored vehicle speed signal.

If the difference between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 is small at the time c shown in FIG. At 106, a down request (D /
R) A routine that returns to step 100 without outputting an output is repeatedly executed.

The vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed storage means 8
The cruise control is performed in a state where the deviation from the stored vehicle speed signal is small and there is no down request (D / R) output which is a downshift request signal, and at time d after time c shown in FIG. When the accelerator switch 4 is turned on, the process proceeds to step 101 because "the cruise is in progress" in the determination in step 100, and in step 109 because "the accelerator switch 4 is turned on" in the determination in step 101. Then, in the determination in step 109, "since the down request flag (D / R) for the downshift request signal requesting the downshift is not set," step 110 is executed.
Move to

Step 11 shifted from step 109
At 0, the second prohibition time T2 is set by the prohibition time control means 13 and the routine goes to step 111. Second determination prohibition time T of the determination prohibition time control means 13
At the beginning when 2 is set, it is determined in step 111 that "because the second determination prohibition time T2 has not ended"
The routine proceeds to step 112, where a routine is executed to return to step 100 without outputting a down request (D / R) output as a shift down request signal in step 112. Then, when the second determination prohibition time T2 ends at time e shown in FIG. 2, a routine that returns to step 114 and step 100 according to the determination in step 111 is executed.

As described above, when the accelerator switch 4 is turned on during the cruise control, the time until the second determination inhibition time T2 shorter than the first determination inhibition time T1 ends. During this period, the generation of a downshift request signal for requesting a downshift from the downshift request signal generation unit 12 is prohibited by the determination inhibition time control unit 13.

On the other hand, if the cruise control is started at the time a shown in FIG. 3 and the accelerator switch 4 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step 101 because "the vehicle is cruising" according to the determination in step 100.
01, the "Accelerator switch (ACC S
W) is not turned on, the process proceeds to “Step 102”, and in Step 102, the determination inhibition time control unit 13
Sets the first determination prohibition time T1 and proceeds to step 103. In the determination at step 103, "Since the first determination prohibition time T1 has not ended, the process proceeds to step 104 and shifts down at step 104. The process returns to step 100 without outputting a down request (D / R) output as a request signal.

After the cruise control is started, the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle decreases and the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed storage means 8 at a time b shown in FIG. 3 before the first determination inhibition time T1 ends. Since the deviation from the stored vehicle speed signal increases to exceed the downshift vehicle speed by the downshift request signal generating means 12, since the first determination inhibition time T1 has not ended since the cruise control was started, the step The routine of returning from step 104 to step 100 is repeatedly executed because the first determination prohibition time has not ended in the determination at 103.

At a time c after the time b shown in FIG. 3, when the first judgment prohibition time T1 ends, the judgment at the step 103 indicates that “the first judgment prohibition time T1 has ended”. Go to 105, Step 1
At 05, the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the vehicle speed storage means 8
Is compared with the stored vehicle speed signal.

If the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 becomes large at time c shown in FIG. , And in step 107, a down request flag (D / D
R) is set and the routine proceeds to step 108, where a downshift request signal for requesting a downshift is generated by the downshift request signal generating means 12 in step 108.

A down request flag (D / R) for a downshift request signal for downshifting is set, and a downshift request signal for downshifting is generated, so that the downshift request signal is transmitted. Since the transmission is given to the controller 23, the transmission controller 23 processes the downshift request signal and other logic, and downshifts the transmission.

The vehicle whose transmission has been shifted down continues to run under the cruise control after time c shown in FIG. 3, and continues to run for time d after time c shown in FIG.
When the accelerator switch 4 is turned on in step, the process proceeds to step 101 because the cruise is being performed in the determination in step 100, and the process proceeds to step 109 because the accelerator switch 4 is turned on in the determination in step 101. The processing proceeds to step 113 because the down request flag (D / R) for the downshift request signal for requesting the downshift has been set in the determination in step 109. T0 is set.

When the determination prohibition time T0 is set, the prohibition time for comparing the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 by the downshift request signal generating means 12 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 is not set. Therefore, the generation of the downshift request signal for requesting the downshift generated by the downshift request signal generating means 12 is continued, and as a result, the transmission is kept downshifted and the position at that time is held. The vehicle continues cruising in the state.

Then, from step 113 to step 11
Then, the process proceeds to step 114, in which the speed increase control means 10 is operated in accordance with the time during which the accelerator switch 4 is turned on. Cruise control is performed.

As described above, during the cruise control, the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 increases, so that the transmission is shifted down. When the accelerator switch 4 is turned on, the determination prohibition time of the process of comparing the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor 2 by the downshift request signal generating means 12 and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means 8 is set to 0 (zero). The shift-down request signal generating means 12 continuously generates the shift-down request signal for requesting the shift-down, and the transmission is kept down-shifted and the position at that time is held. I do.

[0074]

As described above, according to the cruise control device according to the first aspect of the present invention, during the cruise control, the vehicle approaches the uphill, the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle decreases, and the vehicle speed sensor detects the vehicle speed. When the deviation between the vehicle speed signal and the vehicle speed signal stored in the vehicle speed storage means exceeds a predetermined value, a shift-down request signal is generated by the shift-down request signal generating means and is provided to the transmission controller. Then, when a speed increase command signal is generated by operating the accelerator switch, the speed increase control means speeds up the vehicle. At this time, the determination prohibition time control means causes the shift-down request signal generating means to continuously generate the shift-down request signal, so that the vehicle is accelerated while the transmission controller is given the shift-down request signal. You. Therefore, while the speed increase control of the vehicle is performed, the transmission is held at the current position. Therefore, when the accelerator control is performed from the downshift state during the cruise, the upshift is not performed, and an excellent running feeling without discomfort can be provided.

According to the cruise control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the set switch is operated to start the cruise control, an actuator drive signal for the initialization set is given to the actuator. While the actuator drive signals for the initialization set are being supplied to the actuator, the comparison processing of the deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means is not performed during the first determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the actuator is in the transitional period during the first determination prohibition time after the set switch is operated, the downshift request signal is generated by the downshift request signal generating means during that period. It has an excellent effect that it does not occur.

According to the cruise control device of the third aspect of the present invention, when a speed increase command signal is generated by operating the accelerator switch during the cruise control, the actuator drive corresponding to the speed increase command by the accelerator switch is driven. While the signal is being supplied to the actuator, the generation of the downshift request signal is not performed during the second determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 2, since the actuator is in the transitional period during the second determination prohibition time after the operation of the accelerator switch, during the period, the downshift request signal is generated by the downshift request signal generating means. It has an excellent effect that it does not occur.

According to the cruise control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of time for the initialization set by operating the set switch is shorter than the time for driving the actuator by the actuator drive signal corresponding to the speed increase command by operating the accelerator switch. Since the time during which the actuator is driven by the actuator drive signal is longer, the second determination inhibition time of the determination inhibition time control means is shorter than the first determination inhibition time. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the third aspect, there is an excellent effect that the shift-down request signal is not generated from the shift-down request signal generating means in accordance with the drive time of the actuator during the transition period of the actuator due to the actuator drive signal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of an embodiment of a cruise control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart for explaining an operation over time in the cruise control device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining an operation over time in the cruise control device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in the cruise control device shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cruise control device 2 Vehicle speed sensor 3 Set switch 4 Accelerator switch 6 Actuator 8 Vehicle speed storage means 9 Computing means 10 Acceleration control means 11 Deceleration control means 12 Shift down request signal generation means 13 Judgment inhibition time control means 23 Transmission controller

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Akira Ito 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama Pref. Inside of Honda R & D Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Naoto Chin 1-4-1 Chuo, Wako-shi, Saitama Stock Company Honda R & D Center

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle speed sensor for generating a vehicle speed signal proportional to the actual vehicle speed of an automobile, an actuator for driving a throttle valve of the automobile to a speed increasing side or a speed decreasing side, and a set for generating a cruise command signal when operated. A switch, an accelerator switch for generating a speed increase command signal when operated, and a vehicle speed storage means for storing a vehicle speed signal generated by the vehicle speed sensor as a storage vehicle speed signal when a cruise command signal is generated by operating the set switch. Calculating means for comparing the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor with the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means, and calculating an actuator drive signal corresponding to a deviation between the two; Speed-up control means for driving to the high-speed side; Deceleration control means for driving the actuator to the deceleration side of the throttle valve, and a shift-down request signal when a deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means exceeds a predetermined value. And a shift-down request signal generating means for generating a shift down request signal to be provided to the transmission controller.When a deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means exceeds a predetermined value,
A cruise control device comprising a determination prohibition time control means for continuing to generate a downshift request signal from the downshift request signal generation means when a speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch. 2. The determination inhibition time control means stores the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor by the shift down request signal generation means and the vehicle speed storage means when the cruise control is started and no speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch. 2. The cruise control device according to claim 1, wherein comparison processing of the deviation from the vehicle speed signal is prohibited for a first determination prohibition time. 3. The determination prohibition time control means, when the speed increase command signal is generated from the accelerator switch, determines a deviation between the vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed sensor by the shift down request signal generation means and the stored vehicle speed signal of the vehicle speed storage means. The cruise control device according to claim 2, wherein the comparison process is prohibited for a second determination prohibition time. 4. The cruise control device according to claim 3, wherein the second judgment prohibition time of the judgment prohibition time control means is shorter than the first judgment prohibition time.