Device and method for generating vehicle sound and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for generating vehicle sound and a computer-readable storage medium, the apparatus including: an electric motor configured to generate a torque of a rotational component and a torque of a vibration component based on a target driving current; a controller configured to generate a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating the torque of the rotational component and a second signal for generating the torque of the vibration component, and to determine a target driving current for driving the electric motor based on the target current; and a sound output device for generating a target sound due to the torque of the vibration component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0119377, filed on September 16, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating sounds for a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Since electric vehicles using electricity do not generate engine sounds while traveling, for the safety of pedestrians, electric vehicles need to have a virtual engine sound system that generates virtual engine sounds so that pedestrians can recognize that the vehicle is approaching them while the vehicle is traveling.

[0005] However, since the system may have an independent speaker or electric vibrator (vibration inducing device) that generates sound, the weight of the vehicle may increase and the cost may increase. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology that generates various sounds without increasing the cost and weight of the vehicle.

[0006] The information included in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not to be taken as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an apparatus and method for generating sounds of a vehicle configured to generate various virtual engine sounds by using an electric motor substantially provided in the vehicle without increasing the weight and cost of the vehicle.

[0008] The technical problems solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain can clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein from the following description.

[0009] According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus for generating sound for a vehicle may include: an electric motor configured to generate a torque of a rotational component and a torque of a vibration component based on a target driving current; a controller configured to generate a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating the torque of the rotational component and a second signal for generating the torque of the vibration component, and determining a target driving current for driving the electric motor based on the target current; and a sound output device that generates a target sound due to the torque of the vibration component.

[0010] The controller may include: a target signal processor that outputs a target current; a proportional integral (PI) controller that performs a PI control operation on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current received from the motor from the target current; a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller that changes the pulse width of the current subjected to the PI control operation; and a motor driver that determines a target drive current for driving the motor based on the current with the changed pulse width, and outputs the determined target drive current to the motor.

[0011] The target signal processor may determine a target signal for controlling the operation of the wiper based on the wiper operation information, and may generate the first signal by extracting a direct current (DC) component from the target signal.

[0012] The target signal processor may determine a target signal for controlling the operation of the cooling fan based on the cooling fan operation information, and may generate the first signal by extracting a direct current (DC) component from the target signal.

[0013] The target signal processor may generate a variable sound signal for controlling the motor based on the driving information, and generate the second signal by extracting an alternating current (AC) component from the variable sound signal.

[0014] The target signal processor may include: a basic sound signal forming device, configured to set a driving variable related to the frequency of the target sound of the driving information, set the number of timbre of the target sound to "n", and set the basic frequency and basic size of each timbre; and a sound forming device related to the driving variable, configured to: set the frequency conversion ratio of the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable, form "n" target sound signals of "n" timbres based on one of the frequency conversion ratio, the volume weighting function depending on the driving variable, the volume weighting function depending on the torque change, and the volume weighting function depending on the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal, and generate a variable sound signal by synthesizing the "n" target sound signals.

[0015] The driving variable may include one of vehicle speed, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), and motor RPM.

[0016] The electric motor may operate windshield wipers or a cooling fan due to the torque of the rotational component.

[0017] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method for generating the sound of a vehicle may include: generating a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating a torque of a rotational component and a second signal for generating a torque of a vibration component; determining a target driving current for driving a motor based on the target current; and generating a target sound due to the torque of the vibration component among the torque of the rotational component and the torque of the vibration component, the motor generating the torque of the rotational component and the torque of the vibration component based on the target driving current.

[0018] Generating the target current may include determining a target signal for controlling the operation of the wiper based on the wiper operation information, and generating the first signal by extracting a DC component from the target signal.

[0019] Generating the target current may include determining a target signal for controlling the operation of the cooling fan based on the cooling fan operation information, and generating the first signal by extracting a DC component from the target signal.

[0020] Generating the target current may include generating a variable sound signal for controlling the motor based on the driving information, and generating the second signal by extracting an AC component from the variable sound signal.

[0021] Generating a variable sound signal may include: setting a driving variable of driving information related to the frequency of a target sound; setting the number of timbres of the target sound to "n"; setting the basic frequency and basic size of each timbre; setting a frequency conversion ratio of the minimum value and maximum value of the driving variable; forming "n" target sound signals of "n" timbres based on the frequency conversion ratio, a volume weighting function depending on the driving variable, a volume weighting function depending on the torque change, and a volume weighting function depending on the degree to which the accelerator pedal is pressed; and generating a variable sound signal by synthesizing the "n" target sound signals.

[0022] The driving variable may include one of vehicle speed, engine RPM, and motor RPM.

[0023] Determining the target drive current may include: performing a PI control operation on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current received from the motor from the target current; changing a pulse width of the current subjected to the PI control operation; and determining the target drive current for driving the motor based on the current having the changed pulse width.

[0024] The method may further include operating a wiper or a cooling fan due to the torque of the rotational component.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the method and apparatus of the present invention will become apparent or be elucidated in more detail from the following detailed description, which are incorporated herein by reference and which together serve to illustrate certain principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration and a signal flow of an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a wiper motor target signal processor and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a cooling fan motor target signal processor and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a method for generating a variable sound signal according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7A is a graph showing the frequency conversion ratio.

[0033] Figure 7B is a graph showing volume weighted according to vehicle speed.

[0034] Figure 7C Graph showing volume weighted according to torque.

[0035] Figure 7D is a diagram exemplarily showing a volume weighted according to the degree to which the accelerator pedal is depressed.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 ,as well as Figure 13are diagrams exemplarily illustrating a method of generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present somewhat simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the invention included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, are determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0040] In the drawings, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to these exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in the various drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to represent identical or equivalent components even when shown in other drawings. In addition, when describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known features or functions will not be given in order not to unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the present invention.

[0043] In addition, in the following description of components according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the terms 'first', 'second', 'A', 'B', '(a)', and '(b)' may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and the terms do not limit the nature, sequence, or order of the constituent components. In addition, 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 various exemplary embodiments of the present invention belong. The terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be deemed to have the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the technical field and should not be deemed to have an idealized or excessive form of meaning unless expressly defined as having that meaning in this application.

[0044] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the apparatus 100 for generating sound of a vehicle may include an input device 110 , a sensor 120 , a motor 130 , a sound output device 140 , and a controller 150 .

[0046] The input device 110 may generate a related operation signal according to a user's manipulation or a user's motivation. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the input device 110 may include a wiper switch configured to operate a wiper.

[0047] Sensors 120 may include a drive sensor 121 and a cooling fan sensor 122-0 for acquiring vehicle-related drive information. In this case, drive information is information acquired by the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling. Drive sensor 121 may acquire vehicle speed, torque, engine revolutions per minute (RPM), and motor RPM. Furthermore, cooling fan sensor 122-0 may acquire engine temperature and coolant temperature.

[0048] The motor 130 can generate a rotational torque and a vibrational torque based on a target drive current generated by the controller 150. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the motor 130 can include a wiper drive motor and a cooling fan drive motor. The rotational torque generated by the motor 130 can rotate the wiper by rotating a rotating link of the wiper or the blades of the cooling fan. The vibration torque generated by the motor 130 can generate a target sound for the vehicle by vibrating the sound output device 140.

[0049] The sound output device 140 can output the target sound of the vehicle through the vibration generated by the torque of the vibration component of the motor 130. The sound output device 140 may include a panel mounting device 141 and a vibration panel 142 connected to the motor 130. Compared with conventional body panels, the vibration panel 142 can be designed to have a higher radiation efficiency so that a sufficient radiation volume is generated. In addition, compared with existing body panels, the vibration panel 142 can be designed to increase the elastic modulus and have a smaller mass and a thinner thickness. In addition, the vibration panel 142 can be designed without balls or ribs that interfere with the vibration, and the area of ​​the vibration panel 142 can be at least 100 times (e.g., 200 to 500 times) its thickness.

[0050] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the vibration panel 142 may be connected via a panel mounting device 141 connected to a wiper gear box, and may include a cowl top cover panel. In addition, the vibration panel 142 may be connected via the panel mounting device 141 in a form radiating from one side of the cooling fan motor. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the panel mounting device 141 may be disposed at a position where vibration of the vibration panel 142 may be easily generated due to the vibration torque from the motor. For example, the panel mounting device 141 may be disposed at a position where vibration is generated primarily in the direction of the centrifugal force of the motor 130, i.e., near the center portion of the motor's housing (a casing surrounding the motor).

[0051] In more detail, reference will be made to Figure 9B The vibration panel 142 provided in the cooling fan motor will be described.

[0052] The controller 150 may be implemented by various processing devices, such as a microprocessor embedded with a semiconductor chip to operate or execute various instructions, and may control the operation of the apparatus 100 for generating vehicle sounds based on at least one algorithm stored in a memory.

[0053] The controller 150 generates a target current by synthesizing a first signal of torque generating a rotation component from the motor 130 and a second signal of torque generating a vibration component from the motor 130, and may determine a target driving current for driving the motor 130 based on the target current. Figures 2 to 6 The controller 150 is described in more detail.

[0054] Figure 2 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for generating a sound of a vehicle and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for generating a sound of a vehicle may include: a controller 150, which outputs a target current (I ref ); a wiper motor 131, which is driven when a target current is applied to the wiper motor 131; a sound output device 140, which outputs a sound when a torque of a vibration component from the wiper motor 131 is applied; and a wiper driving device 200, which drives the wiper when a torque of a rotation component from the wiper motor 131 is applied.

[0056] The controller 150 may include a wiper motor target signal processor 151 that outputs a target current (I ref ); a PI controller 152 that performs a proportional integral (PI) control operation on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current (I) received from the motor 130 (wiper motor 131) from the target current; a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller 153 that changes the pulse width of the current obtained by subtracting the feedback current from the target current to convert the amount of current used to drive the motor 130 (wiper motor 131); and a DC motor driver 154 that determines a target drive current of the motor 130 (wiper motor 131) based on the target current having the changed pulse width, and outputs the determined target drive current to the motor 130 (wiper motor 131). Reference Figure 5 The wiper motor target signal processor 151 is described in more detail.

[0057] The motor 130 including the wiper motor 131 can be driven by the target drive current output from the controller 150, and the motor 130 can generate a motor torque including a rotation component (Tr) and a vibration component (Tv). The torque of the rotation component generated by the wiper motor 131 is transmitted to the wiper gear box 230, and the torque transmitted to the wiper gear box 230 is applied to operate the rotation link 220, and the operation of the rotation link 220 operates the wiper 210. In addition, the torque of the vibration component generated by the wiper motor 131 is transmitted to the panel mounting device 141, and the torque transmitted to the panel mounting device 141 causes the vibration panel 142 to vibrate, generating a target sound.

[0058] Figure 3 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a wiper motor target signal processor and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the wiper motor target signal processor 151 can generate a first signal for generating a torque of a rotational component of the motor (wiper motor) based on wiper operation information received from the input device 110, and can generate a second signal for generating a torque of a vibration component of the motor (wiper motor) based on drive information from the drive sensor 121. In addition, the wiper motor target signal processor 151 can generate a target current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal.

[0060] More specifically, the wiper motor target signal processor 151 may include: a wiper operation information acquisition device 111 that receives a wiper operation signal from an input device 110 to acquire wiper operation information including the on / off status of the wipers and a set value for wiper operation intensity; a wiper control target signal calculation device 112 that determines a target signal for controlling the wipers to adjust the magnitude and frequency of a control signal for the motor (wiper motor) based on the wiper operation information; a current gain adjustment device 113 that adjusts the current gain to amplify the output current; and a motor DC component output device 114 that outputs a direct current (DC) component of the current and can generate a first signal using the component. In this case, when the target value does not involve noise, the motor DC component output device 114 can automatically extract the DC component. However, when the target value involves noise, a low-pass filter is added to output a current having a DC component.

[0061] In addition, the wiper motor target signal processor 151 may include: a driving information receiving device 122, which receives driving information (vehicle speed, torque, or engine RPM (or motor RPM)) from the driving sensor 121; a basic sound signal forming device 123, which forms a basic sound signal based on the driving information; a sound forming device 124 related to the driving variable, which forms a variable sound signal based on the basic sound signal; a current gain adjustment device 125, which adjusts the current gain to amplify the output current; and a motor AC component output device 126, which outputs the alternating current (AC) component of the current and can generate a second signal by using the above component. In this case, when the target value does not involve noise, the motor AC component output device can automatically extract the AC component. However, when the target value involves noise, a high-pass filter is added to output a current with an AC component. This will be referred to later. Figure 6 and 7A to 7D The basic sound signal forming device 123 and the driving variable-related sound forming device 124 are described in more detail.

[0062] In addition, the wiper motor target signal processor 151 may include a target current synthesizing device 160 that generates a target current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal.

[0063] Figure 4 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for generating sound of a vehicle and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown in , according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus 100 for generating a sound of a vehicle may include: a controller 150, which determines a target current (Iref) based on cooling fan operation information obtained from a cooling fan sensor 122-0 and driving information obtained from a driving sensor 121; a cooling fan motor 132, which is driven when a target current is applied; a sound output device 140, which outputs a target sound when a torque of a vibration component of the cooling fan motor 132 is applied; and a cooling fan driving device 300, which drives the cooling fan when a torque of a rotation component of the cooling fan motor 132 is applied.

[0065] The controller 150 may include: a cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 that outputs a target current (Iref) based on the cooling fan operation information and the drive information; a PI controller 156 that performs a PI (proportional integral control) control operation on a value obtained by subtracting the feedback current (I) received from the cooling fan motor 132 from the target current; a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller 157 that changes the pulse width of the current obtained by subtracting the feedback current from the target current to convert the amount of current driving the motor (cooling motor); and a DC motor driver 158 that determines a target drive current of the motor (cooling motor) based on the target current having the changed pulse width, and outputs the determined target drive current to the motor (cooling motor). Figure 5 The cooling motor target signal processor 155 is described in more detail.

[0066] Figure 5 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a cooling fan motor target signal processor and a signal flow thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 can generate a first signal for generating a torque of a rotation component of the motor (cooling fan motor) based on the cooling fan operation information received from the cooling fan sensor 122-0, and can generate a second signal for generating a torque of a vibration component of the motor (cooling fan motor) based on the drive information obtained from the drive sensor 121. In addition, the cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 can generate a target current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal.

[0068] The cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 may include: a cooling fan operation information receiving device 122-1 that receives cooling fan operation information obtained from the cooling fan sensor 122-0; a cooling fan control target signal calculating device 122-2 that determines a target signal (e.g., engine temperature) for controlling the cooling fan to change the cooling fan's rotational speed based on the cooling fan operation information; a current gain adjusting device 122-3 that adjusts the current gain to amplify the output current; and a motor DC component output device 122-4 that outputs a direct current (DC) component of the current and can generate a first signal using the above component. In this case, when the target value does not involve noise, the motor DC component output device 122-4 can automatically extract the DC component. However, when the target value involves noise, a low-pass filter is added to output a current having a DC component.

[0069] In addition, the cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 may include: a driving information receiving device 122, which receives driving information (vehicle speed, torque, or engine RPM (or motor RPM)) from the driving sensor 121; a basic sound signal forming device 123, which forms a basic sound signal based on the driving information; a sound forming device 124 related to the driving variable, which forms a variable sound signal based on the basic sound signal; a current gain adjustment device 125, which adjusts the current gain to amplify the output current; and a motor AC component output device 126, which outputs the alternating current (AC) component of the current and can generate a second signal using the above component. In this case, when the target value does not involve noise, the motor AC component output device 126 can automatically extract the AC component. However, when the target value involves noise, a high-pass filter is added to output a current with an AC component. This will be referred to later. Figure 6 and 7A to 7D The basic sound signal forming device 123 and the driving variable-related sound forming device 124 are described in more detail.

[0070] Furthermore, the cooling fan motor target signal processor 155 may include a target current synthesizing device 160 that generates a target current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal.

[0071] Figure 6 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of generating a variable sound signal according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7A is a graph showing the frequency conversion ratio, Figure 7B is a graph showing volume weighted according to vehicle speed, Figure 7C is a graph showing volume weighted according to torque, and Figure 7D1 is a diagram exemplarily showing the weighted volume according to the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal. In this case, the variable sound signal is formed based on the basic sound signal. Therefore, while focusing on the operation of the basic sound signal forming device 123 and the sound forming device 124 related to the driving variable, reference will be made to Figure 6 ,and Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C ,as well as Figure 7D A method of generating a variable sound signal is described.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the basic sound signal forming device 123 can set a driving variable (S100) related to the frequency of the target sound (the pitch of the target sound) of the driving information. In this case, the driving variable may include one of the vehicle speed, the engine RPM, and the motor RPM. In addition, the basic sound signal forming device 123 can be set by dividing the number of timbres of the target sound by "n", and can set the basic frequency and basic magnitude of each timbre.

[0073] For example, the basic sound forming device 123 can set the basic frequency and basic size of the first sound of the timbre of the target sound (S110 and S120), can set the basic frequency and basic size of the second sound (S180 and S190), and can set the basic frequency and basic size of the nth sound (S250 and S260).

[0074] The sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can set the frequency conversion ratio according to the driving variable of each of the "n" timbres (S130, S200, and S270). According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can set the frequency conversion ratio for the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable. For example, when the driving variable can be set to the vehicle speed, and when the basic frequency in the basic sound signal forming device 123 is 100HZ, the change ratio can be set to 1 at the minimum value of the vehicle speed and can be set to 1.8 at the maximum value of the vehicle speed. Therefore, as Figure 7A As shown in FIG, when the vehicle speed has a minimum value, the frequency of the target sound can be set to 100 Hz. When the vehicle speed has a maximum value, the frequency of the target sound can be set to 180 Hz. Figure 7A As shown in , the sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can set the variation ratio by linearly mapping the variation ratio to a value between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the driving variable so that the frequencies of the "n" timbres vary according to the size of the driving variable.

[0075] When setting the frequency conversion ratio of "n" tones, the sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can set a volume weighting function depending on the driving variable of each of the "n" tones, a volume weighting function depending on the torque change, and a volume weighting function depending on the degree to which the accelerator pedal is pressed (S140, S150, S160, S210, S220, S230, S280, S290, and S300).

[0076] For example, Figure 7B As shown in FIG, when the weighting function of the volume is set according to the driving variable (vehicle speed), when the vehicle speed increases (for example, above 150 kph), the sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can weight the volume up to 3 dB. Figure 7C As shown in FIG, when the weighting function of the volume is set according to the torque, when the torque increases (for example, above 25 kgf m), the sound forming device 124 associated with the driving variable can weight the volume up to 3 dB. Figure 7D As shown in , when the weighting function of the volume is set according to the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal, the driving variable-related sound forming device 124 may weight the volume up to 5 dB when the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal is above 80%.

[0077] The driving variable-related sound forming device 124 can form a target sound signal (S170, S240, and S310) for each of the "n" timbres based on one of the surrounding frequency conversion ratio, the weighting function of the volume depending on the driving variable, the weighting function of the volume depending on the torque change, or the weighting function of the volume depending on the degree to which the accelerator pedal is pressed.

[0078] The driving variable-related sound forming device 124 may generate a variable sound signal by synthesizing target sound signals of “n” timbres ( S320 ).

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating an apparatus for generating a sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] like Figure 8As shown in , when the target driving current of the wiper motor (determined by the controller 150 in the device 100 for generating the sound of a vehicle) is applied, the wiper motor 131 can generate a torque of a rotational component and a torque of a vibration component. In this case, the torque of the rotational component can be transmitted to the wiper gear box 230, and the torque transmitted to the wiper gear box 230 drives the rotating link 220 connected to the wiper gear box 230. When the rotating link 220 operates, the wiper 210 connected to the end of the rotating link 220 can operate. In addition, the torque of the vibration component can be transmitted to the panel mounting device 141, and the torque transmitted to the panel mounting device 141 causes the vibration panel 142 to vibrate to generate the target sound.

[0081] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram exemplarily illustrating an apparatus for generating a sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] like Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown in FIG, after passing through the cooling fan connector 340 via the cooling fan cable 350, when the target driving current of the cooling fan motor (determined by the controller 150 in the apparatus 100 for generating vehicle sound) is applied to the cooling fan motor 132, the cooling fan motor 132 can generate a torque of a rotational component and a torque of a vibration component. In this case, the torque of the rotational component rotates the motor rotor 380 and the cooling fan motor 330 connected to the cooling fan motor 132, and can rotate the cooling fan motor 330 and the cooling fan blade 310 as the motor rotor 380. In addition, the torque of the vibration component can be transmitted to the panel mounting device 141 connecting the cooling fan motor and the vibration panel 142, and the torque transmitted to the panel mounting device 141 causes the vibration panel 142 to vibrate and generate the target sound.

[0083] The cooling fan motor 132 and the cooling fan blades 310 may be disposed in a cooling fan housing 320 , and the cooling fan housing 320 may be supported on an upper side of a lower member 360 of the front end module by a cooling fan mounting rubber 370 .

[0084] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 ,as well as Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a method of generating a sound of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] like Figure 10As shown in FIG, the controller 150 may generate a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating a torque of a rotation component and a second signal for generating a torque of a vibration component (S410). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The details of S410 are described in more detail.

[0086] The controller 150 may determine a target driving current for driving the motor based on the target current (S420). Figure 13 The details of S420 are described in more detail.

[0087] The controller 150 may generate a target sound using a torque of a vibration component among torque generated from the motor based on the target driving current ( S430 ).

[0088] like Figure 11 As shown in FIG, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller 150 determines a target signal for controlling the wiper operation based on the wiper operation information so as to determine the target driving current (S510), and the controller 150 can generate a first signal (S520) by extracting a DC component from the target signal.

[0089] In addition, the controller 150 generates a variable sound signal for controlling the motor based on the driving information (S530) and can generate a second signal by extracting an AC component from the variable sound signal (S540). In addition, the controller 150 can determine a target driving current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal (S550).

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown in , according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller 150 determines a target signal for controlling the operation of the cooling fan based on the cooling fan operation information so as to determine the target driving current (S610), and the controller 150 can generate a first signal (S620) by extracting a DC component from the target signal.

[0091] In addition, the controller 150 generates a variable sound signal for controlling the motor based on the driving information (S630) and can generate a second signal by extracting an AC component from the variable sound signal (S640). In addition, the controller 150 can determine a target driving current by synthesizing the first signal and the second signal (S650).

[0092] By reference to Figure 6 and 7A to 7D The expanded description can be understood in Figure 11 S530 and Figure 12 Details of the operation of generating the variable sound signal in S630.

[0093] like Figure 13 As shown in the figure, the controller 150 can perform a PI control operation (S710) on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current received from the motor from a target current, can change a pulse width of the PI control current (S720), and can determine a target driving current for driving the motor based on the current having the changed pulse width (S730).

[0094] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in an apparatus and method for generating sounds of a vehicle, various virtual engine sounds may be generated without increasing the weight or cost of the vehicle.

[0095] For ease of description and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms "above," "below," "inside," "outside," "up," "down," "upward," "downward," "front," "back," "rear," "inside," "outside," "inwardly," "outwardly," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outside," "forwardly," and "rearwardly" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. It should be further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refers to both direct and indirect connections.

[0096] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and it is apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are chosen and described to illustrate the specific principles of the invention and their practical application, so as to enable those skilled in the art to use and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for generating vehicle sound, the device comprising: a motor configured to generate a torque of a rotation component and a torque of a vibration component according to a target drive current; a controller connected to the motor and configured to generate a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating the torque of the rotation component and a second signal for generating the torque of the vibration component, and determine the target drive current for driving the motor based on the target current; as well as a sound output device coupled to the motor and configured to generate a target sound by a torque of the vibration component; The sound output device includes a vibration panel connected to the motor via a panel mounting device, and the torque of the vibration component transmitted to the vibration panel vibrates the vibration panel to generate the target sound.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller includes: a target signal processor configured to output the target current; a proportional-integral controller coupled to the target signal processor and configured to perform a proportional-integral control operation on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current received from the motor from the target current generated by the target signal processor; a pulse width modulation controller coupled to the proportional-integral controller and configured to vary the pulse width of the current through the proportional-integral control operation; and A motor driver is coupled to the pulse width modulation controller and configured to determine the target drive current for driving the motor based on the current having the changed pulse width and output the determined target drive current to the motor.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The target signal processor is configured to determine a target signal for controlling an operation of the wiper according to wiper operation information, and generate the first signal by extracting a DC component from the target signal.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein The target signal processor is configured to determine a target signal for controlling an operation of a cooling fan according to cooling fan operation information, and generate the first signal by extracting a direct current component from the target signal.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein The target signal processor is configured to generate a variable sound signal for controlling the motor according to driving information, and to generate the second signal by extracting an AC component from the variable sound signal.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The target signal processor comprises: a basic sound signal forming device configured to: set a driving variable of the driving information related to the frequency of the target sound, set the number of timbre of the target sound to "n", and set a basic frequency and a basic size of each timbre; and A sound forming device associated with a driving variable is configured to: set a frequency conversion ratio of the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable, form "n" target sound signals of "n" timbres according to the frequency conversion ratio, a volume weighting function depending on the driving variable, a volume weighting function depending on the torque change, and a volume weighting function depending on the degree of pressing the accelerator pedal, and generate the variable sound signal by synthesizing "n" target sound signals.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein The driving variables include: One of vehicle speed, engine rpm, and electric motor rpm.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein When the vehicle speed is the driving variable, the conversion ratio is linearly mapped to a value between the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein The electric motor operates a wiper or a cooling fan according to the torque of the rotational component.

10. A method of generating a sound of a vehicle, the method comprising: The controller generates a target current by synthesizing a first signal for generating a torque of a rotation component and a second signal for generating a torque of a vibration component; The controller determines a target driving current for driving the motor according to the target current; and generating, by a sound output device, a target sound according to the torque of the vibration component among the torque of the rotation component and the torque of the vibration component, the motor generating the torque of the rotation component and the torque of the vibration component according to the target drive current; The sound output device includes a vibration panel connected to the motor via a panel mounting device, and the torque of the vibration component transmitted to the vibration panel vibrates the vibration panel to generate the target sound.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Generating the target current includes: determining a target signal for controlling the operation of the wiper based on the wiper operation information; and The first signal is generated by extracting a direct current component from the target signal.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Generating the target current includes: determining a target signal for controlling the operation of the cooling fan based on the cooling fan operation information; and The first signal is generated by extracting a direct current component from the target signal.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Generating the target current includes: generating a variable sound signal for controlling the electric motor according to the driving information; and The second signal is generated by extracting an AC component from the variable sound signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Generating the variable sound signal includes: setting a driving variable of the driving information related to the frequency of the target sound; Set the number of timbres of the target sound to "n"; Set the basic frequency and basic size of each timbre; Setting the frequency conversion ratio of the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable; forming "n" target sound signals of "n" said timbre according to one of said frequency conversion ratio, a volume weighting function depending on said driving variable, a volume weighting function depending on a torque change, and a volume weighting function depending on the degree of depression of an accelerator pedal; and The variable sound signal is generated by synthesizing "n" target sound signals.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The driving variables include: One of vehicle speed, engine rpm, and electric motor rpm.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein When the vehicle speed is the driving variable, the conversion ratio is linearly mapped to a value between the minimum value and the maximum value of the driving variable.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein Determining the target driving current includes: performing a proportional-integral control operation on a value obtained by subtracting a feedback current received from the motor from the target current; changing the pulse width of the current through the proportional-integral control operation; and The target drive current for driving the motor is determined based on the current having the changed pulse width.

18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The windshield wiper or the cooling fan is operated due to the torque of the rotational component.

19. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method according to claim 10.

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