Device and method for controlling vehicle suspension

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for controlling a vehicle suspension. A device for controlling a vehicle suspension includes: an electronically controlled suspension disposed between a wheel and a vehicle body and configured to increase or decrease contact force between the vehicle's tires and a road surface; and a controller that adjusts the vehicle's height according to road type during rainy conditions and adjusts the suspension's operating time based on the vehicle's lateral acceleration.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0053891 filed on May 6, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a technology for increasing the contact force between a tire of a vehicle and a road surface when it rains. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a vehicle suspension absorbs shock from a road surface to improve ride comfort, driving stability, and cornering characteristics. Large vehicles (eg, buses) or luxury vehicles are equipped with air suspensions.

[0005] Air suspension uses air springs that utilize the elasticity of compressed air. This flexible spring action absorbs micro-vibrations while providing excellent ride comfort. Furthermore, since the pressure of the compressed air injected into the air springs can be adjusted, the air suspension maintains a consistent vehicle height (hereinafter referred to as ride height) regardless of load, contributing to the vehicle's high quality. In recent years, air suspension has been increasingly used in various applications, such as recreational vehicles.

[0006] The air suspension has a structure where the shock absorber is located inside and the air-injected tubular air spring is located outside.

[0007] Air suspension functions not only as a hydraulic shock absorber but also as an air spring. When operating as a hydraulic shock absorber, fluid compressed by an external impact creates fluid resistance as it flows through a thin tube. This resistance and the valves formed along the flow path interfere with the fluid flow, primarily absorbing the impact. When operating as an air spring, the air pressure injected into the elastic tube absorbs a portion of the impact applied to the shock absorber. Consequently, air suspension provides enhanced ride comfort and driving stability.

[0008] That is, the air spring absorbs most of the main impact and direct impact, and the hydraulic shock absorber can offset or compensate for the sudden action of micro vibration or damping force, which is the disadvantage of the air spring.

[0009] When it rains, hydroplaning occurs, which reduces the contact force between a vehicle's tires and the road surface. This can lead to vehicle accidents by reducing the vehicle's braking and steering performance.

[0010] To address the hydroplaning phenomenon, the driver must inject air directly into the tires. However, the driver cannot inject air into the tires of the vehicle while driving. Therefore, a different method is needed to address the hydroplaning phenomenon.

[0011] The above information disclosed in the background technology section is only intended to deepen the understanding of the background technology of the present invention. Therefore, it may contain information that neither constitutes any part of the prior art nor may suggest the prior art to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while completely retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle suspension control device and method that adjusts the height of a vehicle (ride height) according to the road type when it rains, operates the suspension in a soft mode when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead, operates the suspension in a hard mode when the vehicle is turning, and adjusts the operating time of the suspension based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, thereby increasing the contact force between the vehicle's tires and the road surface when it rains.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling a vehicle suspension includes: an electronically controlled suspension arranged between wheels and a vehicle body and configured to increase or decrease contact force between the vehicle's tires and a road surface; and a controller configured to adjust the height of the vehicle according to the type of road when it rains and to adjust an operating time of the suspension based on the vehicle's lateral acceleration.

[0016] When the vehicle is traveling on a highway in the rain, the controller can adjust the height of the vehicle by sending a first adjustment value to the suspension. When the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in the rain, the controller can adjust the height of the vehicle by sending a second adjustment value (the second adjustment value is less than the first adjustment value) to the suspension.

[0017] When the vehicle is traveling on a curve in rainy conditions, the controller may adjust the operation time of the hard mode of the suspension based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

[0018] When the vehicle is traveling on a curve in rainy conditions, the controller may set the reference value to be lower than usual and may operate the suspension in a hard mode earlier than usual.

[0019] The apparatus may further include a rain sensor that outputs a rain signal when water droplets are detected on a windshield of the vehicle, and the controller may determine whether it is raining based on the rain signal from the rain sensor.

[0020] The device may further include: a rain sensor and a multi-function switch, the rain sensor outputting a rain signal when water droplets are detected on the windshield of the vehicle; the multi-function switch outputting a wiper operation signal, and the controller may determine whether it is raining based on the rain signal from the rain sensor and the wiper operation signal from the multi-function switch.

[0021] The device may further include: a rain sensor and a multi-function switch, the rain sensor outputting a rain signal when water droplets are detected on the windshield of the vehicle; the multi-function switch outputting a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid injection signal, and the controller may determine whether it is raining based on the rain signal from the rain sensor and the wiper operation signal and washer fluid injection signal from the multi-function switch.

[0022] The controller may collect information about a road on which the vehicle is traveling from a navigation device.

[0023] The controller may calculate the lateral acceleration using the speed, steering angle, and angular velocity of the vehicle obtained through the vehicle network.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a suspension of a vehicle includes determining whether it is raining; adjusting a height of the vehicle according to a road type when it is raining; and adjusting an operating time of the suspension based on a lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

[0025] Adjusting the height of the vehicle may include: when the vehicle is traveling on a highway in rainy conditions, adjusting the height of the vehicle by sending a first adjustment value to the suspension; when the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in rainy conditions, adjusting the height of the vehicle by sending a second adjustment value to the suspension.

[0026] Adjusting the operation time of the suspension may include adjusting the operation time of the hard mode of the suspension based on a lateral acceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling on a curve in rainy conditions.

[0027] Adjusting the operation timing of the suspension may include setting a reference value lower than a usual reference value and operating the suspension in a hard mode earlier than usual when the vehicle is traveling on a curve in rainy conditions.

[0028] Determining whether it is raining may include determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor.

[0029] Determining whether it is raining may include determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal from a multi-function switch.

[0030] Determining whether it is raining may include determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid spray signal from a multi-function switch.

[0031] Adjusting the height of the vehicle may include collecting information about the road the vehicle is traveling on from a navigation device.

[0032] Adjusting the operating time of the suspension may include calculating the lateral acceleration using the speed, steering angle, and angular velocity of the vehicle obtained through an on-board network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle suspension control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electronically controlled suspension used in the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle suspension control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system for executing a vehicle suspension control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that even if the same or equivalent components are shown in other drawings, they are designated by the same reference numerals. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded in order not to unnecessarily obscure the main purpose of the present invention.

[0039] When describing components according to embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and should not be understood to have an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined as such in this application.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle suspension control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle suspension control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a storage device 10, a rain sensor 20, a multi-function switch 30, a navigation device 40, a connection device 50, and a controller 60. Depending on the manner in which the vehicle suspension control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is implemented, these components may be combined together to form one entity, or some components may be omitted.

[0042] The storage device 10 can store various types of logic, algorithms, and programs required in the process of adjusting the height of the vehicle (vehicle height) according to the road type when it rains, operating the suspension 200 in a soft mode when the vehicle is traveling straight forward, operating the suspension 200 in a hard mode when the vehicle is turning, and adjusting the operating time of the suspension 200 based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

[0043] The storage device 10 may store a vehicle height adjustment value (e.g., -30 mm) for use when the vehicle is traveling on a highway in rainy conditions, and a vehicle height adjustment value (e.g., -15 mm) for use when the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in rainy conditions. Here, a highway refers to a road with a speed limit exceeding a reference value (e.g., 80 kph), and a low-speed road refers to a road with a speed limit less than the reference value. Furthermore, a negative (-) value in the vehicle height adjustment value indicates a decrease in vehicle height.

[0044] The storage device 10 may store a reference value for determining when to operate the suspension 200 in the hard mode when the vehicle is turning. The reference value may be, for example, a lateral acceleration value of the vehicle, and the lateral acceleration value of the vehicle may include a reference value (e.g., 3G) applied when it rains and a reference value (e.g., 5G) applied in normal times.

[0045] The storage device 10 may include at least one storage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a micro and card type (e.g., a secure digital (SD) card or an eXtream digital (XD) card) memory or a random access memory (RAM) type, a static RAM (SRAM) type, a read-only memory (ROM) type, a programmable ROM (PROM) type, an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) type, a magnetic RAM (MRAM) type, a magnetic disk type, or an optical disk type memory.

[0046] The rain sensor 20 may be a sensor that senses the amount of rain falling on the windshield of the vehicle. The rain sensor 20 may include a light emitting portion (not shown) that emits light and a light receiving portion (not shown) that receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion.

[0047] The rain sensor 20 may include an infrared (IR) light-emitting diode (LED) as a light-emitting element, which irradiates infrared light onto the surface of the windshield. The rain sensor 20 may include a photodiode (PD) as a light-receiving element, which detects infrared light emitted from the LED and reflected from the surface of the windshield. The rain sensor 20 may include a lens mounted between the LED and the windshield, and another lens mounted between the PD and the windshield. The PD outputs an electrical signal based on the amount of detected reflected light (i.e., the amount of infrared light (reflected light) emitted from the LED and reflected from the surface of the windshield). When water droplets (raindrops) are present on the surface of the windshield, the reflectivity of the infrared light changes due to the water droplets, or the infrared light is refracted and directed in different directions. Therefore, the amount of light detected by the PD differs from the amount of light normally detected when no water droplets are present on the windshield. Therefore, the presence of water droplets, the amount of attached water droplets, and the rainfall level can be determined based on the difference between the amount of detected light and the amount of light normally detected when no water droplets are present on the windshield.

[0048] The multi-function switch 30 may operate wipers for removing water droplets formed on the windshield of the vehicle, may spray washer fluid onto the windshield of the vehicle, or may adjust the speed of the wipers.

[0049] The multi-function switch 30 is a component fixed on the steering column below the steering wheel of the vehicle, which may include a main body, a left joystick and a right joystick, wherein the main body is equipped with a cancellation cam and a horn; the left joystick performs the switching function of the turn signal and the headlight; the right joystick includes the wiper and washer fluid spray switch function and the intermittent wiping switch function.

[0050] The navigation device 40 may provide information about a road on which the vehicle is traveling (eg, a highway, a low-speed road, a straight road, or a curved road).

[0051] The navigation device 40 may include a GPS module, a dead-reckoning (DR) sensor, a storage device (or memory), a map matching device, a communication device, a controller, a display, and a sound output device; the GPS module receives a global positioning system (GPS) signal from a satellite and generates first vehicle position data of the navigation device 40 based on the received GPS signal; the dead-reckoning (DR) sensor generates second vehicle position data based on the vehicle's driving direction and the vehicle's speed; the storage device (or memory) stores map data and various information; the map matching device generates an estimated vehicle position based on the first vehicle position data and the second vehicle position data, and converts the estimated vehicle position into the vehicle's estimated position. The device matches the road section in the map data (map matching road section or map matching road) and outputs the matched map information (map matching result); the communication device performs telephone communication through the wireless communication network; the controller generates road guidance information based on the matched map information (map matching result), generates and sends information about the status of surrounding vehicles (for example, a dangerous state or a fault state), or receives information about the status of the own vehicle from surrounding vehicles; the display displays a road guidance map (which includes information about places of interest) included in the road guidance information or displays information about the status of the own vehicle; the sound output device outputs the road guidance voice information (road guidance voice message) included in the road guidance information.

[0052] The connection device 50 is a module that provides an interface with the vehicle's in-vehicle network. The connection device 50 enables the controller 60 to obtain various information or data from the in-vehicle network. For example, the controller 60 can obtain the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and angular velocity via the in-vehicle network. In-vehicle networks can include controller area networks (CAN), local interconnect networks (LIN), FlexRay, media-oriented systems transport (MOST), Ethernet, and the like.

[0053] The controller 60 performs overall control so that each component can normally perform its function. The controller 60 can be implemented in the form of hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. The controller 60 can be implemented as a microprocessor, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The controller 60 can perform various controls in the following processes: adjusting the height of the vehicle (vehicle height) according to the road type when it rains, operating the suspension 200 in soft mode when the vehicle is moving straight forward, operating the suspension 200 in hard mode when the vehicle is turning, and adjusting the operating time of the suspension 200 based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

[0055] The controller 60 can determine whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal (a signal for notifying of rain conditions) obtained from the rain sensor 20 and a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid injection signal obtained from the multi-function switch 30. Specifically, when a rainfall signal is input from the rain sensor 20 and a wiper operation signal is input from the multi-function switch 30, the controller 60 can determine that it is raining. When a rainfall signal is input from the rain sensor 20 and a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid injection signal are input from the multi-function switch 30, the controller 60 can determine that it is not raining.

[0056] When a rainfall signal is input from the rain sensor 20, the controller 60 can determine that it is raining. However, due to reduced accuracy, the controller 60 can consider the wiper operation signal to improve accuracy. In this case, the controller 60 can also consider the washer fluid injection signal to prevent erroneous decisions based on washer fluid injection.

[0057] The controller 60 can obtain information about the road the vehicle is currently traveling on from the navigation device 40. That is, the controller 60 can identify whether the road the vehicle is currently traveling on is a highway, a low-speed road, a straight road, or a curved road. In this case, the highway can be a straight road or a curved road, and the low-speed road can be a straight road or a curved road.

[0058] The controller 60 may obtain the speed, steering angle, and angular velocity of the vehicle through the vehicle network.

[0059] When the vehicle is traveling on a highway in rainy conditions, the controller 60 can increase the contact force between the tire and the road surface by lowering the height of the vehicle by 30 mm by sending a first adjustment value (e.g., -30 mm) to the suspension 200. That is, the controller 60 can control the suspension 200 to lower the height of the vehicle by 30 mm.

[0060] When the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in rainy conditions, the controller 60 can increase the contact force between the tire and the road surface by lowering the height of the vehicle by 15 mm by sending the second adjustment value (e.g., -15 mm) to the suspension 200. That is, the controller 60 can control the suspension 200 to lower the height of the vehicle by 15 mm.

[0061] When the vehicle is traveling on a straight road in rainy conditions, the controller 60 may operate the suspension 200 in a soft mode to increase the contact force between the tires and the road surface.

[0062] When the vehicle is traveling on a curve in the rain, the controller 60 may operate the suspension 200 in a hard mode to increase the contact force between the tire and the road surface. In this case, the controller 60 may adjust the operating time of the hard mode of the suspension 200 based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. For example, the controller 60 may operate the suspension 200 in the hard mode when the lateral acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a reference value (e.g., 3G).

[0063] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2 The configuration of the suspension 200 is described.

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electronically controlled suspension used in the present invention.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronically controlled suspension (ECS) used in the present invention may include a vertical acceleration sensor 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a steering angle sensor 23, a brake sensor 24, a throttle position sensor 25, an electronic control unit (ECS) ECU) 31, a mode conversion switch 32, a mode table 34, a shock absorber actuator 41, an air supply adjustment device 42 and an air spring volume adjustment device 43, the vertical acceleration sensor 21 is attached to the vehicle body above each wheel and measures the behavior of the wheel; the mode conversion switch 32 applies a mode setting key signal (for example, a hard mode or soft mode setting key signal) in response to the driver's button operation; the mode table 34 records the spring stiffness adjustment range in the hard mode; the shock absorber actuator 41 controls the damping force of the shock absorber installed between the vehicle body and each axle based on the damping force control signal of the electronic control unit 31; the air supply adjustment device 42 supplies compressed air in the air tank to the rubber tube of the air spring, or releases the air in the rubber tube, based on the air supply control signal of the electronic control unit 31; the air spring volume adjustment device 43 adjusts the pressure working volume of the air spring by opening / closing the volume control valve of the air spring based on the valve control signal of the electronic control unit 31, thereby adjusting the spring stiffness of the air spring.

[0066] The electronic control unit 31 generates a damping force control signal based on information from sensors 21 to 25. The shock absorber actuator 41 changes the shock absorber's kinematic characteristics in real time based on the generated damping force control signal, thereby improving ride comfort and control stability. Specifically, the shock absorber can be a continuously variable shock absorber with a variable valve attached to the side surface. Two damping adjustment valves can be installed in the variable valve assembly, allowing for separate control of the damping force in the tension and compression strokes.

[0067] Air supply regulator 42 fills the rubber tube of the air spring with compressed air based on an air supply control signal generated by electronic control unit 31. As the piston rod repeatedly expands and contracts in response to the vehicle's travel, the rubber tube performs a shock-absorbing function by functioning as an air spring, moving up and down. Furthermore, when the rubber tube is compressed by a heavy vehicle load, air supply regulator 42 can restore it by injecting compressed air from an air tank into the tube.

[0068] The electronic control unit 31 may include control algorithms for executing ride comfort control logic and anti-roll control logic. The ride comfort control logic is a skyhook control logic that adjusts the damping force mode from hard to soft via a variable valve for extension during the extension stroke (where the vehicle body is raised), and from soft to hard via a variable valve for compression during the compression stroke (where the vehicle body is lowered). The ride comfort control logic controls vehicle motion to improve ride comfort. The anti-roll control logic can suppress vehicle roll motion by increasing the damping force of the shock absorbers during vehicle cornering. To detect the driver's steering input and control the transitional region of vehicle body behavior, the anti-roll control logic detects the steering angular velocity by receiving a signal from the steering angle sensor 23. It then detects changes in lateral acceleration and a roll value based on the steering angular velocity and vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 22. The anti-roll control logic then adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers based on these changes in lateral acceleration and the roll value.

[0069] In addition, when lateral movement of the vehicle is detected by the anti-roll control logic, the electronic control unit 31 outputs a valve control signal for controlling the volume control valve to prevent a roll phenomenon in which the vehicle body tilts outward relative to the turning direction due to centrifugal force.

[0070] Then, based on the valve control signal of the electronic control unit 31, the air spring volume regulating device 43 reduces the pressure working volume of the air spring by instantaneously closing the volume control valve, thereby increasing the spring stiffness of the air spring on the tilted side of the vehicle, and increases the pressure working volume of the air spring through the volume expander by instantaneously opening the volume control valve, thereby reducing the spring stiffness of the air spring on the opposite side to prevent the vehicle from excessively tilting.

[0071] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 31 outputs a valve control signal for controlling the volume control valve according to the mode setting range listed in the mode table 34 in response to the mode setting key signal of the mode changeover switch 32 to represent the vehicle suspension characteristics.

[0072] Then, the air spring volume adjusting device 43 adjusts the spring stiffness within a predetermined range by opening / closing the volume control valve according to the valve control signal of the electronic control unit 31 , thereby forcibly setting the vehicle suspension characteristics.

[0073] For example, when a hard mode setting key signal is applied from the mode changeover switch 32, the air spring volume adjustment device 43 increases the spring rate by closing the volume control valve based on the valve control signal from the electronic control unit 31, thereby setting the vehicle suspension characteristics to the hard mode. That is, the hard mode is used to set the vehicle suspension characteristics to a sporty mode that prioritizes drivability over ride comfort.

[0074] Conversely, when a soft mode setting key signal is applied from the mode changeover switch 32, the air spring volume adjustment device 43 lowers the spring rate by opening the volume control valve based on the valve control signal from the electronic control unit 31, thereby setting the vehicle suspension characteristics to the soft mode. That is, the soft mode is used to set the vehicle suspension characteristics to the normal mode, which prioritizes ride comfort over drivability.

[0075] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a vehicle suspension control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] First, the controller 60 determines whether it is raining (301).

[0077] When it is determined that there is no rain (301), the controller 60 controls the suspension by a conventional method (302).

[0078] When it is determined that it is raining ( 301 ), the controller 60 adjusts the height of the vehicle according to the road type and adjusts the operation time of the suspension based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle ( 303 ).

[0079] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system for executing a vehicle suspension control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] refer to Figure 4 The vehicle suspension control method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a computing system. The computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a storage device 1600, and a network interface 1700 connected to each other via a system bus 1200.

[0081] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a ROM (read-only memory) 1310 and a RAM (random access memory) 1320.

[0082] Therefore, the operation of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly implemented in hardware or in a software module executed by processor 1100, or implemented in its combined form. The software module can reside on a storage medium such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk, removable hard disk or CD-ROM (that is, memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600). This exemplary storage medium can be connected to processor 1100, and processor 1100 can read information from this storage medium and can record information in this storage medium. Alternatively, storage medium can be integrated with processor 1100. Processor 1100 and storage medium can reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In another case, processor 1100 and storage medium can reside in a user terminal as a separate component.

[0083] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle suspension control device and method can adjust the height of the vehicle (vehicle height) according to the road type when it rains, can operate the suspension in a soft mode when the vehicle is traveling straight forward, can operate the suspension in a hard mode when the vehicle is turning, and can adjust the operating time of the suspension based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, thereby increasing the contact force between the vehicle tires and the road surface when it rains.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0085] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, so that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for controlling a vehicle suspension, the device comprising: an electronically controlled suspension disposed between the wheels and the vehicle body and configured to increase or decrease the contact force between the vehicle's tires and the road surface; as well as The controller is configured as follows: When it rains, the suspension is controlled to adjust the height of the vehicle according to the type of road. Adjusts the suspension's operating time based on the vehicle's lateral acceleration, Among them, adjusting the height of the vehicle includes: When the vehicle is traveling on a highway in rainy conditions, the controller adjusts the height of the vehicle by sending a first adjustment value to the suspension. When the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in rainy conditions, the controller adjusts the height of the vehicle by sending a second adjustment value to the suspension. The operating time for adjusting the suspension includes: When the vehicle travels on a curve in rainy conditions, the controller sets a reference value applied in rainy conditions to be smaller than a reference value applied in normal times, and operates the suspension in a hard mode when a lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than the reference value applied in rainy conditions, thereby causing the suspension to operate in the hard mode earlier than normal times in rainy conditions.

2. The device for controlling a vehicle suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a rain sensor, wherein the rain sensor is configured to output a rainfall signal when water droplets are detected on a windshield of the vehicle. in, The controller determines whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor.

3. The apparatus for controlling a vehicle suspension according to claim 1 , further comprising: a rain sensor configured to output a rainfall signal when water droplets are detected on a windshield of a vehicle; as well as a multi-function switch configured to output a wiper operation signal; The controller determines whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal from a multi-function switch.

4. The apparatus for controlling a vehicle suspension according to claim 1 , further comprising: a rain sensor configured to output a rainfall signal when water droplets are detected on a windshield of a vehicle; as well as A multi-function switch configured to output a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid spray signal, The controller determines whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid spray signal from a multi-function switch.

5. The device for controlling a vehicle suspension according to claim 1, wherein The controller collects information about a road on which the vehicle travels from a navigation device.

6. The device for controlling a vehicle suspension according to claim 1, wherein: The controller calculates the lateral acceleration using the speed, steering angle, and angular velocity of the vehicle obtained through an on-vehicle network.

7. A method for controlling a vehicle suspension, the method comprising: Determine if it is raining; When it is determined that it is raining, the vehicle's height is adjusted according to the road type by controlling the suspension; Adjusts the suspension's operating time based on the vehicle's lateral acceleration, Among them, adjusting the height of the vehicle includes: When the vehicle is traveling on a highway in rainy conditions, adjusting the height of the vehicle by sending a first adjustment value to the suspension; When the vehicle is traveling on a low-speed road in rainy conditions, the height of the vehicle is adjusted by sending the second adjustment value to the suspension. The operating time for adjusting the suspension includes: When the vehicle is traveling on a curve in rainy conditions, a reference value applied in rainy conditions is set to be smaller than a reference value applied in normal times, and when the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than the reference value applied in rainy conditions, the suspension is operated in the hard mode, thereby causing the suspension to operate in the hard mode earlier than normal times in rainy conditions.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether it is raining includes determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether it is raining includes determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal from a multi-function switch.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether it is raining includes determining whether it is raining based on a rainfall signal from a rain sensor and a wiper operation signal and a washer fluid spray signal from a multi-function switch.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Adjusting the height of the vehicle includes gathering information about the road on which the vehicle is traveling from a navigation device.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The operating time for adjusting the suspension includes: The lateral acceleration is calculated using the vehicle's speed, steering angle, and angular velocity obtained through the vehicle network.

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