Vehicle speed limiting device, vehicle speed limiting method, and vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of vehicle speed limiting device (100), wherein, at least based on accelerator opening degree (Acc) control electronic control device (10 ~ 30) generated by engine (32) driving force executes speed limiting control (S10 ~ S70), the speed limiting control controls the driving force (Fd) of vehicle in such a way that vehicle speed (Vv) becomes below limit vehicle speed (Vvlim) to limit vehicle speed, during the limitation of vehicle speed by speed limiting control, within the time (Delta tc) from the time when the limitation of vehicle speed is released, after accelerator opening degree reduces to below reduction reference value (Accd) and becomes the value greater than increase reference value (Acci) above when (S170, S220), electronic control device allows vehicle speed to be above limit vehicle speed, and controls driving force based on accelerator opening degree (S40, S60, S70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to speed limiting devices, speed limiting methods, and vehicles for automobiles and other vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] When the vehicle speed is about to exceed the speed limit, the speed limiting device performs speed limit control by reducing the vehicle's driving force without requiring the driver to reduce the driving force. Therefore, the speed limiting device can prevent the vehicle speed from exceeding the speed limit.

[0003] In vehicles equipped with speed limiting devices, for example, when overtaking a vehicle traveling at a lower speed, there may be situations where the driver wishes to accelerate the vehicle by exceeding the speed limit. To achieve this driver's wish, it is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, that in a speed limit system, if the driver further depresses the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed is allowed to exceed the speed limit and increase.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-037152 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0006] According to the existing speed limiting device described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the vehicle speed can be increased to above the speed limit by the driver further pressing the accelerator pedal when the vehicle is about to overtake the vehicle in front.

[0007] However, in existing speed limiting devices, figuring out how to further depress the accelerator pedal and to what extent it needs to be depressed to allow the vehicle speed to exceed the limit is a difficult problem for drivers.

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to provide an improved speed limiting device that can perform an accelerator operation to increase the vehicle speed in order to exceed the speed limit, in a manner that is distinct from an accelerator operation that prevents the vehicle speed from exceeding the speed limit.

[0009] [The methods used to solve the problem and the effects of the invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a vehicle speed limiting device (100) is provided, which has a drive device (engine 32) that generates driving force and a control device (electronic control device 10-30) that controls the driving force generated by the drive device based at least on the accelerator opening (Acc). The control device is configured to perform speed limiting control (S10-S70) in such a way that the vehicle speed (Vv) is below a limit vehicle speed (Vvlim) to limit the vehicle speed.

[0011] The control device is configured such that, within a specified time (Δtc) from the moment the speed limit is lifted during the speed limit period controlled by speed limit, when the accelerator opening decreases to below the reduction reference value (Accd) and then becomes above the increase reference value (Acci) greater than the reduction reference value (S170, S220), the vehicle speed is allowed to become above the speed limit, and the driving force generated by the drive device is controlled based on the accelerator opening (S40, S60, S70).

[0012] In addition, according to the present invention, a vehicle speed limiting method is provided, which is a vehicle speed limiting method that performs speed limiting control (S10 to S70) in a vehicle (50) that controls the driving force generated by the drive unit (engine 32) at least based on the accelerator opening (Acc), wherein the speed limiting control controls the driving force generated by the drive unit to limit the vehicle speed in such a way that the vehicle speed (Vv) becomes below the limit vehicle speed (Vvlim).

[0013] The speed limiting method includes: a step of starting to limit the vehicle speed through speed limit control after the vehicle speed increases to a limited speed (S30, S50); and a step of allowing the vehicle speed to become a limited speed within a predetermined time (Δtc) from the moment the speed limit is lifted during the speed limit period, when the accelerator opening (Acc) decreases to a value greater than or equal to the reduction reference value (Accd) and then becomes a value greater than or equal to the reduction reference value (Acci), and controlling the driving force generated by the drive device based on the accelerator opening (S40, S60, S70).

[0014] According to the speed limiting device and speed limiting method described above, within a specified time from the moment the speed limit is lifted, when the accelerator opening decreases to below the reduction reference value and then becomes above the increase reference value, the vehicle speed is allowed to exceed the speed limit, and the driving force generated by the drive device is controlled based on the accelerator opening.

[0015] Therefore, by having the driver operate the accelerator within a specified time from the moment the speed limit is lifted, the accelerator opening can be reduced to below a reduction reference value and then to above an increase reference value, thereby increasing the vehicle speed to above the speed limit. Thus, the driver can perform an accelerator operation that allows the vehicle speed to exceed the speed limit, distinguishing it from accelerator operations that prevent the vehicle speed from exceeding the speed limit.

[0016] [Method of Invention]

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the reduction reference value (Accd) is a value less than half of the maximum accelerator opening (100%).

[0018] Based on the above method, the reduction benchmark value is less than half of the maximum accelerator opening. Therefore, by reducing the accelerator opening to less than half of the maximum accelerator opening, the driver can reduce the accelerator opening to below the reduction benchmark value.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the reduction reference value (Accd) is a value that is a smaller amount (ΔAcc) compared to the value of the accelerator opening when the accelerator opening begins to decrease.

[0020] According to the above method, by having the driver reduce the accelerator opening by a specified amount from the value of the accelerator opening when it begins to decrease, the accelerator opening can be reduced to below the reduction reference value.

[0021] Furthermore, in another aspect of the invention, the added reference value (Acci) is a value that is greater than half of the maximum accelerator opening (100%) and less than the maximum accelerator opening.

[0022] According to the above method, by having the driver increase the accelerator opening to a value greater than half of the maximum accelerator opening but less than the maximum accelerator opening, the accelerator opening can be increased to a value above the increase reference value.

[0023] Furthermore, in another aspect of the invention, the vehicle is equipped with a kick-down switch (36) that is activated when the accelerator opening (Acc) is greater than or equal to a switch reference value, the switch reference value being greater than an increase reference value (Acci).

[0024] According to the above method, by having the driver operate the accelerator to a setting where the accelerator opening is above or equal to the switch reference value, the downshift acceleration switch can be activated, causing the vehicle speed to increase to above the speed limit. Furthermore, since the switch reference value is greater than the increase reference value, by having the driver operate the accelerator to change the accelerator opening as described above, the vehicle speed can be increased to above the speed limit without activating the downshift acceleration switch.

[0025] Furthermore, in another aspect of the invention, the vehicle speed limiting device is configured to include a speed limiting setting device (electronic control device 20, operator 22), through which the speed limiting setting device can variably set the speed limit (Vvlim).

[0026] According to the above method, since it includes a speed limit setting device, the speed limit can be variably set by the speed limit setting device.

[0027] Furthermore, this invention provides a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned speed limiting device. According to this vehicle, the same effects as the speed limiting device and speed limiting method described above can be achieved.

[0028] In the foregoing description, to aid in understanding the invention, the names and / or reference numerals used in the embodiments described below are enclosed in parentheses to indicate the components of the invention as described in those embodiments. However, the constituent elements of the invention are not limited to the constituent elements of the embodiments corresponding to the names and / or reference numerals enclosed in parentheses. Other objects, features, and accompanying advantages of the invention can be understood by referring to the appendix below. Figure 1 The invention will be readily understood through the description of embodiments thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the speed limiting device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the speed limit control routine in the implementation.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for over-control determination in the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for over-control determination in the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for over-control determination in the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating a specific example of the operation of the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, the vehicle speed limiting device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] [First Implementation Method]

[0037] <Composition>

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle speed limiting device 100 according to the first embodiment is configured as an Adjustable Speed ​​Limiter (ASL) and applied to a vehicle 50. The speed limiting device 100 performs the following speed limiting control: setting an upper limit of the vehicle speed Vv of the vehicle 50, i.e., limiting the vehicle speed Vvlim, and controlling the driving force of the vehicle in a manner that the vehicle speed does not exceed the limited vehicle speed. The speed limiting device 100 of the embodiment includes a speed limiting acquisition ECU 10, a speed limiting setting ECU 20, a drive control ECU 30, and an instrument ECU 40.

[0039] ECUs 10-40 are electronic control units (ECUs) with microcomputers as their main components, connected to each other via CAN (Controller Area Network) 52 for sending and receiving information. Each microcomputer includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, and interfaces. The CPU performs various functions by executing instructions (programs, routines) stored in the ROM. Some or all of these ECUs can be integrated into a single ECU.

[0040] The speed limit acquisition ECU 10 is an electronic control device used to acquire the speed limit Vlim of the road in which the vehicle 50 is currently traveling. The ECU 10 is connected to a camera sensor 12 and a navigation device 14. The camera sensor 12 takes a picture of the front of the vehicle 50 and sends the image information to the speed limit acquisition ECU 10. The speed limit acquisition ECU 10 has an image analysis function, which identifies road signs (including road surface markings) from the image information sent by the camera sensor 12 and acquires the speed limit (legal speed limit) Vlim indicated by the road signs.

[0041] The navigation device 14 includes a GPS receiver for detecting the position of the vehicle 50, a storage device for storing map information and road information, and a communication device for acquiring the latest map information and road information from external sources. The road information includes speed limit information Vlim. Based on the vehicle's position and road information on the map, the navigation device 14 extracts the speed limit information Vlim, representing the speed limit on the road the vehicle is currently traveling on, and outputs the extracted speed limit information to the speed limit acquisition ECU 10.

[0042] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, a camera sensor 12 and a navigation device 14 are provided as devices for obtaining the speed limit, but one of these devices may be omitted. Furthermore, the navigation device 14 may not have a storage device for storing map and road information, but rather be a wireless communication terminal device that sequentially receives the latest map and road information from an external information providing device.

[0043] After acquiring the speed limit Vlim as described above, the speed limit acquisition ECU 10 outputs the acquired speed limit to the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20. Furthermore, if the speed limit acquired from the image captured by the camera sensor 12 and the speed limit acquired from the navigation device 14 are inconsistent, the speed limit acquisition ECU can be configured to use the speed limit acquired from the device with the higher pre-set priority (camera sensor 12 or navigation device 14), or it can be configured to use the lower or higher of the two speed limits.

[0044] The speed limit setting ECU 20 is connected to an ASL operator 22, which functions as a speed limit setting device. The ASL operator 22 is an operator operated by the driver to set the upper limit value of the vehicle speed Vv of the vehicle 50, i.e., the speed limit Vvlim. In addition, it determines whether to change the speed limit accordingly when the speed limit is changed.

[0045] The ASL operator 22 includes an operating lever 24. Although not shown, the bottom of the operating lever 24 is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel, and the front end extends radially outward from the steering wheel. The operating lever 24 can be operated by tilting it upward, downward, and in front of the driver from the driver's perspective. The ASL operator 22 includes a main switch 26m located at the front end of the operating lever 24, a reset / acceleration switch 28a activated by tilting the operating lever, a set / decelerate switch 28b, and a cancel switch 28c.

[0046] The main switch 26m is the main power switch, which alternately turns on and off each time the operating button 26 located at the front end of the operating lever 24 is pressed. Switches 28a to 28c are only turned on when the operating lever 24 is swung upwards, downwards, and forwards, respectively. Furthermore, if the driver's hand is removed from the operating lever 24, the lever returns to its standard position, and all switches 28a to 28c become off.

[0047] The speed limit setting ECU 20 is an electronic control device that determines the speed limit Vvlim based on the speed limit Vlim output from the speed limit acquisition ECU 10 and the switch signal output from the ASL operator 22. The speed limit setting ECU 20 performs speed limit control when the main switch 26m of the ASL operator 22 is on, and does not perform speed limit control when the main switch 26m is off. Furthermore, the control of the driving force for speed limit control is performed by the drive control ECU 30. Thus, as explained in detail later, the speed limit setting ECU 20 instructs the drive control ECU 30 to perform drive force limit control based on the target driving force Fdt of the speed limit Vvlim, thereby causing the drive control ECU 30 to perform drive force limit control.

[0048] CAN 52 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 54 that detects vehicle speed Vv. The vehicle speed sensor 54 can be connected to a speed limit setting ECU 20 or a drive control ECU 30. When the main switch 26m is on and the speed limit Vvlim is not set, if the set / decelerate switch 28b is on, the speed limit setting ECU 20 sets the actual vehicle speed (vehicle speed Vv detected by the vehicle speed sensor 54) at the time the set / decelerate switch 28b is on to the speed limit Vvlim. Alternatively, if the speed limit has already been set and the set / decelerate switch 28b is on, the speed limit setting ECU 20 reduces the speed limit by a corresponding decrease in the operation time of a single lever. Furthermore, if the speed limit has already been set and the reset / increase switch 28a is on, the speed limit setting ECU 20 increases the speed limit by a corresponding increase in the operation time of a single lever.

[0049] For details regarding the operation of the ASL operator 22, particularly the setting and adjustment of the vehicle speed limit by the reset / speed increase switch 28a, the setting / speed decrease switch 28b, and the cancellation switch 28c, please refer to the Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-1406, the applicant of this application.

[0050] In addition to setting and changing the vehicle speed limit Vvlim as described above by operating the ASL operator 22, the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20 also has the function of automatically setting the vehicle speed limit based on the vehicle speed limit Vlim obtained from the vehicle speed limit acquisition ECU 10. For example, the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20 sets the vehicle speed limit using the vehicle speed limit obtained from the vehicle speed limit acquisition ECU 10, and changes the vehicle speed limit accordingly each time a change in the vehicle speed limit is detected.

[0051] As described above, even when the vehicle speed limit is set based on a speed limit setting, the driver can adjust the speed limit by operating the ASL operator 22. The speed limit setting ECU 20 ultimately sends the adjusted speed limit to the drive control ECU 30 and the instrument cluster ECU 40. In this case, the speed limit setting ECU 20 sends the speed limit at a predetermined interval during the period when the main switch 26m of the ASL operator 22 is turned on and the speed limit has been set.

[0052] During the period when the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20 sends the vehicle speed limit Vvlim at a predetermined interval, the drive control ECU 30 controls the driving force of the engine 32 in a manner that ensures the vehicle speed Vv of the vehicle 50 does not exceed the vehicle speed limit. The drive control ECU 30 is connected to an accelerator opening sensor 34 that detects the accelerator opening Acc (0-100%) and a downshift accelerator switch 36. Based on the vehicle speed Vv detected by the vehicle speed sensor 54 and the accelerator opening Acc detected by the accelerator opening sensor 34, the drive control ECU 30 calculates the driver's requested driving force Fdd using methods known in the art.

[0053] The vehicle speed setting ECU 20 determines the vehicle speed limit Vvlim based on the vehicle speed limit Vlim and the switch signal output from the ASL operator 22. In addition, it calculates the limiting driving force Fdlim to make the vehicle speed Vv the vehicle speed limit Vvlim using techniques known in the art.

[0054] For reference Figure 3 As detailed below, the speed limit setting ECU 20 determines whether the driver has performed an over-controlled accelerator operation that causes the vehicle speed to exceed the speed limit. When the requested driving force Fdd is less than the limited driving force Fdlim, or when the requested driving force Fdd is greater than or equal to the limited driving force Fdlim and an over-controlled accelerator operation is performed, the speed limit setting ECU 20 sets the target driving force Fdt of the vehicle 50 to the requested driving force Fdd. Conversely, when the requested driving force Fdd is greater than or equal to the limited driving force Fdlim and an over-controlled accelerator operation is not performed, the speed limit setting ECU 20 sets the target driving force Fdt of the vehicle 50 to the limited driving force Fdlim.

[0055] The speed limit setting ECU 20 outputs a signal indicating the target driving force Fdt to the drive control ECU 30, which controls the engine 32 in a manner that changes the driving force Fd of the vehicle 50 to the target driving force Fdt. In this case, when reducing the vehicle's driving force Fd, the drive control ECU 30 reduces the opening of the throttle valve that adjusts the intake air volume of the engine 32, or reduces it to the amount of fuel injected into the engine 32. Furthermore, the drive control ECU 30 controls the gear shifting of the transmission 38 as needed. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal opening (Acc) becomes 100% and the downshift acceleration switch 36 is engaged, the drive control ECU 30 controls the transmission 38 to downshift.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive unit that generates the driving force Fd of the vehicle 50 is the engine 32 and the transmission 38. However, the drive unit can also be any drive unit known in the art, such as a combination of an engine and an electric motor, a so-called hybrid system, a so-called plug-in hybrid system, a combination of a fuel cell and an electric motor, or an electric motor.

[0057] The instrument cluster ECU 40 is connected to a display 42 located in a position that can be observed and confirmed from the driver's seat. When speed limit control is activated, the instrument cluster ECU 40 displays the speed limit Vvlim sent from the speed limit setting ECU 20 on the display 42. Thus, the driver can recognize that speed limit control is in effect and identify the speed limit Vvlim. Furthermore, if the speed limit setting ECU 20 determines that the driver is performing an over-controlled accelerator operation, this information can also be displayed on the display 42.

[0058] As will be explained in detail below, the ROM storage of the speed limit setting ECU 20 contains different... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The flowchart shown corresponds to the vehicle speed limit control and overspeed determination procedures. The CPU of the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20 executes the vehicle speed limit control and overspeed determination according to these procedures.

[0059] <Speed ​​Limit Control Routine>

[0060] Below, refer to Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates the vehicle speed limit control routine in the first embodiment and the second and third embodiments described below. Figure 2 The speed limit control involved in the flowchart shown is within Figure 1 When the main switch 26m of the ASL operator 22 shown is turned on, it is repeatedly executed by the CPU of the vehicle speed setting ECU 20 and the CPU of the drive control ECU 30 in a prescribed control cycle.

[0061] First, in step S10, the CPU of the drive control ECU 30 calculates the driver's requested drive force Fdd based on the vehicle speed Vv detected by the vehicle speed sensor 54 and the accelerator opening Acc detected by the accelerator opening sensor 34.

[0062] Steps S20 to S60 are executed by the CPU of the speed limit setting ECU 20. In step S20, the CPU determines the speed limit Vvlim based on the speed limit Vlim output from the speed limit ECU 10 and the switching signal output from the ASL operator 22. Then, the CPU calculates the driving force Fdlim that makes the speed Vv the speed limit Vvlim.

[0063] In step S30, the CPU determines whether the driver's requested driving force Fdd is above the limiting driving force Fdlim. If the CPU makes a negative determination, it advances the vehicle speed limit control to step S60; if it makes a positive determination, it advances the vehicle speed limit control to step S40.

[0064] In step S40, the CPU determines whether the driver has performed an over-the-top accelerator operation that causes the vehicle speed to exceed the speed limit by checking whether the flag For is 1. If the CPU makes a positive determination, it proceeds to step S60 for speed limit control; if it makes a negative determination, it proceeds to step S50. Furthermore, the flag For is initialized to 0 at the start of speed limit control, and then proceeds according to the following... Figure 3 The flowchart shown is set to 0 or 1.

[0065] In step S50, the CPU sets the target driving force Fdt of vehicle 50 to the limiting driving force Fdlim. In step S60, the CPU sets the target driving force Fdt of vehicle 50 to the driver's requested driving force Fdd.

[0066] In step S70, the CPU of the speed limit setting ECU 20 outputs a signal indicating the target driving force Fdt to the drive control ECU 30. Thus, the CPU of the drive control ECU 30 controls the output of the engine 32, or the output of the engine 32 and the gear shift of the transmission 38, in a manner that makes the driving force Fd of the vehicle 50 the target driving force Fdt.

[0067] <Control Routine for Over-Control Decision>

[0068] Below, refer to Figure 3 The flowchart shown illustrates the control routine for over-control determination in the first embodiment. Figure 3The overrun determination control involved in the flowchart shown is repeatedly executed by the CPU of the vehicle speed limit setting ECU 20 at a predetermined control cycle when the main switch 26m of the ASL operator 22 is turned on. Furthermore, in the following description, the overrun determination control will be simply referred to as "this control".

[0069] First, in step S110, the CPU determines whether the flag For is 0. If the CPU makes a negative determination, the control proceeds to step S260; if the CPU makes a positive determination, the control proceeds to step S120.

[0070] In step S120, the CPU determines whether the accelerator opening (Acc) should be increased. If the CPU makes an affirmative determination, the control proceeds to step S200; if the CPU makes a negative determination, the control proceeds to step S130.

[0071] In step S130, the CPU determines whether the flag Fa is 1, that is, whether the speed limit is determined to be lifted in step S150 (described later). If the CPU makes an affirmative determination, the control proceeds to step S170; if the CPU makes a negative determination, the control proceeds to step S140.

[0072] In step S140, the CPU determines whether the accelerator opening (Acc) has decreased. If the CPU makes a negative determination, it temporarily terminates the current control; if the CPU makes a positive determination, it advances the current control to step S150.

[0073] In step S150, the CPU determines whether the speed limit was lifted during the speed limit period implemented by the speed limit control. If the CPU makes a negative determination, it temporarily terminates the control; if it makes a positive determination, the control proceeds to step S160. In this case, the speed limit can be determined to be lifted when the vehicle speed Vv decreases due to the reduction in accelerator opening Acc, becoming less than the speed limit Vvlim. Alternatively, the speed limit can also be determined to be lifted when the accelerator opening Acc is less than the speed limit accelerator opening Acclim determined based on the speed limit Vvlim.

[0074] In step S160, the flag Fa is set to 1, and the time when a positive determination was made in step S150, i.e. the time when the speed limit was determined to be lifted, is set as the reference time.

[0075] In step S170, the CPU determines whether the elapsed time since the reference time is within the reference elapsed time (predetermined time) Δtc, and whether the accelerator opening Acc has decreased to below the reduction reference value Accd. If the CPU makes a negative determination, the flag Fb is reset to 0 in step S180; if the CPU makes a positive determination, the flag Fb is set to 1 in step S190. A flag Fb of 1 indicates that the accelerator opening Acc has decreased to below the reduction reference value Accd within the reference elapsed time Δtc since the reference time.

[0076] Furthermore, the reference elapsed time Δtc is 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, preferably 2 seconds, and the reference value Accd is reduced to less than half of 100% of the maximum value of the accelerator opening Acc, for example, 5 to 30%, preferably 10%.

[0077] In step S200, the CPU determines whether the accelerator opening Acc is at or above the increase reference value Acci and whether the increase rate of the accelerator opening Acc is at or above 100% / second of the reference value. If the CPU makes an affirmative determination, the control proceeds to step S230; if the CPU makes a negative determination, the control proceeds to step S210. Furthermore, the increase reference value Acci is a value greater than half and less than 100% of the maximum value of the accelerator opening Acc, for example, 60% to 90%, preferably 90%.

[0078] In step S210, the CPU determines whether the flag Fb is 1. If the CPU makes a negative determination, it temporarily terminates the current control; if the CPU makes a positive determination, it advances the current control to step S220.

[0079] In step S220, the CPU determines whether the elapsed time since the reference time is within the reference elapsed time Δtc and whether the accelerator opening Acc is above the increased reference value Acci. When the CPU makes a positive determination, it can determine that the driver has performed an over-controlled accelerator operation. Therefore, in step S230, the flag For is set to 1. When the CPU makes a negative determination, the control proceeds to step S240.

[0080] In step S240, the CPU determines whether the elapsed time since the reference time is greater than or equal to the reference elapsed time Δtc. When the CPU makes a negative determination, it temporarily terminates the over-control determination. When the CPU makes a positive determination, it resets the flag Fb to 0 in step S250.

[0081] In step S260, the CPU determines whether the accelerator opening Acc is less than the reference value Acce for over-control termination and whether the vehicle speed Vv is less than the speed limit Vvlim. If the CPU makes a negative determination, it temporarily terminates the over-control determination process. If the CPU makes a positive determination, it resets the flags Fa and For to 0 in step S270. Furthermore, the reference value Acce for over-control termination is, for example, 40% to 60%, preferably 60%.

[0082] As explained above, in vehicle speed limit control, in step S10, the driver's requested driving force Fdd is calculated based on the vehicle speed Vv and the accelerator opening Acc. In step S20, based on the limit speed Vlim output from the ECU 10 obtained from the limit speed and the switch signal output from the ASL operator 22, the limit speed Vvlim is determined, and the limiting driving force Fdlim used to make the vehicle speed Vv the limit speed Vvlim is calculated.

[0083] When the driver's requested driving force Fdd is less than the limiting driving force Fdlim, a negative determination is made in step S30. In step S60, the target driving force Fdt of vehicle 50 is set to the driver's requested driving force Fdd.

[0084] In contrast, when the driver's requested driving force Fdd is greater than or equal to the limiting driving force Fdlim, a positive determination is made in step S30. When no over-control accelerator operation is performed and the flag For is 0, a negative determination is made in step S40, and in step S50, the target driving force Fdt of vehicle 50 is set to the limiting driving force Fdlim.

[0085] Furthermore, when the driver's requested driving force Fdd exceeds the limit driving force Fdlim, and an over-controlled accelerator operation is performed, with For set to 1, a positive determination is made in steps S30 and S40. In step S60, the target driving force Fdt of vehicle 50 is set to the driver's requested driving force Fdd. Thus, the vehicle speed Vv is allowed to exceed the limit vehicle speed Vvlim.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the identifier For is set to 1 in cases C1 and C2 below. Therefore, in cases C1 and C2 below, even if the driver's requested driving force Fdd is greater than or equal to the limiting driving force Fdlim, the target driving force Fdt is set to the driver's requested driving force Fdd.

[0087] <C1. The case where the accelerator opening Acc temporarily decreases to below Accd within Δtc from the reference time, and then increases to around 100%>

[0088] First, a negative determination is performed in step S120. Negative, positive, and affirmative determinations are performed in steps S130 to S150, respectively. In step S160, the flag Fa is set to 1, and the reference time is set. Then, a negative determination is performed in step S120, and an affirmative determination is performed in steps S130 and S170. In step S190, the flag Fb is set to 1.

[0089] Then, a positive determination is made in steps S110 and S120, a negative determination is made in step S200, a positive determination is made in steps S210 and S220, and in step S230, the identifier For is set to 1.

[0090] Therefore, if conditions 1 to 3 are met, it is determined that an uncontrolled accelerator operation has been performed, and the For flag is set to 1.

[0091] Condition 1: The speed limit is lifted during the speed limit period.

[0092] Condition 2: Within the time Δtc elapsed from the reference time, i.e. the time when condition 1 is met, the accelerator opening Acc decreases to below the reference value Accd.

[0093] Condition 3: After condition 2 is met and within the time Δtc elapsed from the reference time, the accelerator opening Acc increases to a value above the reference value Acci.

[0094] <C2. Situation where the accelerator opening (Acc) rapidly increases to around 100%>

[0095] In steps S110, S120, and S200, a positive determination is made. In step S230, the flag For is set to 1. Therefore, unlike in case C1, it is not necessary to temporarily reduce the accelerator opening Acc. If condition 4 is met, it is determined that an over-controlled accelerator operation has been performed, and the flag For is set to 1.

[0096] Condition 4: The accelerator opening Acc increases at a rate of 100% / second or more than the baseline value until it exceeds the baseline value Acci.

[0097] Furthermore, in either case C1 or C2, if a positive determination is made in step S260, i.e., if condition 5 below is met, the accelerator operation that was deemed to be out of control ends, and the For flag is reset to 0.

[0098] Condition 5: Accelerator opening Acc is less than the baseline value Acce at which overdrive ends and vehicle speed Vv is less than the speed limit Vvlim.

[0099] <C3. Downshift acceleration switch 36 is turned on>

[0100] Although not shown in the flowchart, if the accelerator opening (Acc) increases to 100%, the downshift acceleration switch 36 is activated, causing the drive control ECU 30 to downshift the transmission 38, thereby increasing the vehicle's driving force. It is worth noting that the downshift acceleration switch 36 can also be omitted.

[0101] Below, refer to Figure 6 This provides a specific example illustrating the situation described in C1 above. Furthermore, Figure 6 The top column shows the vehicle speed Vv, the second column shows the accelerator opening Acc, the third column shows the on / off state of the downshift acceleration switch 36, and the bottom column shows the driver's requested driving force Fdd, the limited driving force Fdlim, and the target driving force Fdt.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, at time t1, by having the driver increase the accelerator opening Acc to a value less than the increase reference value Acci, the driver's requested driving force Fdd increases, thereby the vehicle speed Vv gradually increases and reaches the vehicle speed limit Vvlim at time t2.

[0103] Additionally, at time t3, the driver begins to reduce the accelerator opening (Acc). Immediately after reaching time t3, the accelerator opening (Acc) decreases to a value less than the reduction reference value (Accd). Time t3 is the reference time. At time t4, before the reference elapsed time Δtc from time t3, the accelerator opening (Acc) increases to above the increase reference value (Acci), and remains above Accci but less than 100% until time t5. Because the accelerator opening (Acc) is above Accci but less than 100%, the downshift acceleration switch 36 is not engaged.

[0104] Furthermore, from time t5 to time t7, the accelerator opening Acc is reduced to 0%, the driver's requested driving force Fdd becomes 0, and at time t6, the vehicle speed Vv becomes below the speed limit Vvlim.

[0105] The scenario from time t3 to time t4 is the scenario described in C1 above, and the scenario at time t6 is the scenario where a positive determination was made in step S260 above. Therefore, from time t4 to time t6, it is determined that an over-controlled accelerator operation has been performed, and the flag For is set to 1. Thus, from time t4 to time t6, the vehicle speed Vv becomes above the speed limit Vvlim, reaching its maximum value at time t5. Furthermore, at time t6, the speed limit is reset.

[0106] Furthermore, at time t7, the accelerator opening Acc increases rapidly at a rate greater than or equal to the base value until it falls below the base value Acci, thereby causing a rapid increase in the driver's requested driving force Fdd. However, since the accelerator opening Acc is less than the base value Acci, a negative determination is made in steps S200 and S210, and the flag For remains at 0. Therefore, due to the negative determination in step S40, the vehicle speed Vv is also limited by the vehicle speed limit Vvlim from time t7 onwards.

[0107] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown by the hypothetical line, if at time t7, the accelerator opening Acc increases rapidly at an increase rate of 100% / second or more to a value exceeding the increase reference value Acci (the case of C2 above), a positive determination is made in step S200. Therefore, since the flag For is set to 1 in step S230, for example, after time t8, the vehicle speed Vv becomes a speed limit Vvlim or higher.

[0108] [Second Implementation]

[0109] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for overrun determination in a second embodiment of the vehicle speed limiting device according to the present invention. It is noteworthy that... Figure 4 In China, for the sake of Figure 3 The same steps as shown are added in Figure 3 The step number added is the same as the step number added later. This situation will be discussed later. Figure 5 The same applies to China.

[0110] In the second embodiment, step S170X is performed instead of step S170. In step S170X, the CPU of the speed limiting ECU 20 determines whether the elapsed time from the reference time is within the reference elapsed time Δtc and whether the accelerator opening Acc has decreased by a predetermined amount ΔAcc or more from the value of the reference time. If the CPU makes a negative determination, the flag Fb is reset to 0 in step S180; if the CPU makes a positive determination, the flag Fb is set to 1 in step S190. The steps other than step S170X are performed in the same way as in the first embodiment. The predetermined amount ΔAcc is, for example, a constant of 40% to 60%, preferably 50%.

[0111] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, if the aforementioned conditions 1 and 3 plus the following condition 2′ are met, it is determined that an over-controlled accelerator operation has been performed, and the identifier For is set to 1.

[0112] Condition 2′: Within the time Δtc elapsed from the reference time (i.e., the time when condition 1 is met), the accelerator opening Acc has decreased by a specified amount ΔAcc or more from the value of the reference time.

[0113] [Third Implementation Method]

[0114] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for overrun determination in a third embodiment of the vehicle speed limiting device according to the present invention.

[0115] In the third embodiment, step S170Y is performed instead of step S170. In step S170Y, the CPU of the vehicle speed limiting ECU 20 determines whether the elapsed time from the reference time is within the reference elapsed time Δt and the accelerator opening Acc has decreased to a reduction reference value Accd or less, or whether the accelerator opening Acc has decreased by a predetermined amount ΔAcc or more from the value of the reference time. When the CPU makes a negative determination, the flag Fb is reset to 0 in step S180; when the CPU makes a positive determination, the flag Fb is set to 1 in step S190. The steps other than step S170Y are performed in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0116] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, if the aforementioned conditions 1 and 3 plus the aforementioned condition 2 or 2′ are met, it is determined that an over-controlled accelerator operation has been performed, and the identifier For is set to 1.

[0117] As can be seen from the above description, according to the first to third embodiments, during the vehicle speed restriction period controlled by speed limit, within a specified time from the moment the vehicle speed restriction is lifted, when the accelerator opening decreases to below the reduction reference value and then becomes above the increase reference value, which is greater than the reduction reference value, the vehicle speed is allowed to become above the restricted vehicle speed, and the driving force generated by the drive device is controlled based on the accelerator opening.

[0118] Therefore, by having the driver reduce the accelerator opening Acc to below the reduction reference value Accd and then increase it to above the increase reference value Acci within a specified time from the moment the speed limit is lifted, the vehicle speed Vv can be increased to above the speed limit Vvlim. Thus, the driver can perform an accelerator operation that allows the vehicle speed to exceed the speed limit, distinguishing it from accelerator operations that prevent the vehicle speed from exceeding the speed limit.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the first and third embodiments, the reduction reference value Accd is a value less than half of the maximum accelerator opening. Therefore, by reducing the accelerator opening to less than half of the maximum accelerator opening, the driver can reduce the accelerator opening to below the reduction reference value.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the second and third embodiments, the driver can reduce the accelerator opening to below the reduction reference value by reducing the accelerator opening by a predetermined amount ΔAcc or more from the value of the accelerator opening when it begins to decrease.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, the driver can increase the accelerator opening Acc to an increase reference value Acci or higher by increasing the accelerator opening to a value greater than half of the maximum accelerator opening and less than the maximum accelerator opening.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, the driver can increase the vehicle speed to a speed limit or higher by operating the accelerator to make the accelerator opening value higher than or equal to the switch reference value, thereby activating the downshift acceleration switch. Additionally, since the switch reference value is greater than the increase reference value, the driver can increase the vehicle speed to a speed limit or higher without activating the downshift acceleration switch by operating the accelerator to change the accelerator opening value as described above.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments, since an ASL operator 22 is provided that functions as a speed limit setting device, the speed limit can be variably set by operating the ASL operator 22.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the first to third embodiments described above, when it is determined in step S200 that the accelerator opening Acc is an increase reference value Acci or higher and the increase rate of the accelerator opening Acc is 100% / second or higher than the reference value, the flag For is set to 1 in step S230. Therefore, the driver can increase the vehicle speed to a speed limit or higher by operating the accelerator in a manner where the accelerator opening Acc becomes an increase reference value Acci or higher with an increase rate of 100% / second or higher than the reference value.

[0125] Furthermore, the speed limiting method of the present invention includes: a step of starting to limit the vehicle speed through speed limiting control if the vehicle speed increases to become a limited vehicle speed (S30, S50); and a step of allowing the vehicle speed to become a limited vehicle speed or higher, and controlling the driving force generated by the drive device based on the accelerator opening within a predetermined time Δtc from the moment when the speed limit is lifted during the speed limiting period of the speed limiting through speed limiting control, when the accelerator opening Acc decreases to a value greater than or equal to the decrease reference value Accd and then becomes a value greater than or equal to the increase reference value Acci.

[0126] As shown above, the determination of whether the accelerator opening Acc decreases to a value greater than or above the reduction reference value Acci within a specified time Δtc from the moment the speed limit is lifted during the speed limit period controlled by speed limit is performed in steps S70 and S220.

[0127] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention are possible.

[0128] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, a speed limit acquisition ECU 10 is provided, which acquires the speed limit Vlim and outputs the acquired speed limit to the vehicle speed setting ECU 20. However, the speed limiting device of the present invention can also be applied to vehicles that do not have a speed limit acquisition ECU 10.

[0129] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, an ASL operator 22 is provided, which is operated by the driver to set the upper limit value of the vehicle speed Vv of the vehicle 50, i.e., the speed limit Vvlim. Additionally, when the speed limit is changed, it is determined whether the speed limit should be changed accordingly. However, the speed limiting device of the present invention can also be applied to vehicles without an ASL operator 22 and with a fixed speed limit Vvlim.

[0130] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, when it is determined in step S200 that the accelerator opening Acc is greater than or equal to the reference value Acci and the rate of increase of the accelerator opening Acc is greater than or equal to the reference value of 100% / second, the flag For is set to 1 in step S230. However, step S200 may be omitted.

[0131] Explanation of the label

[0132] 10…Speed ​​limit acquisition ECU, 12…Camera sensor, 14…Navigation device, 20…Speed ​​limit setting ECU, 22…ASL operator, 24…Steering wheel, 30…Drive control ECU, 32…Engine, 34…Accelerator opening sensor, 36…Downshift acceleration switch, 40…Instrument ECU, 50…Vehicle, 54…Vehicle speed sensor, 100…Speed ​​limiter for vehicle.

Claims

1. A speed limiting device for a vehicle, configured to include: a drive device for generating a driving force; and a control device that controls the driving force generated by the drive device based at least on an accelerator opening, the control device being configured to perform speed limiting control, the speed limiting control controlling the driving force generated by the drive device to limit the vehicle speed in such a way that the vehicle speed is below a limited vehicle speed. in, The control device is configured such that, during the speed limitation period implemented by the speed limitation control, within a predetermined time from the moment when the accelerator opening decreases to below a reduction reference value and the speed limitation is lifted, if the accelerator opening decreases to below the reduction reference value and then becomes a value greater than or equal to an increase reference value greater than the reduction reference value, the vehicle speed is allowed to exceed the speed limit, and the driving force generated by the drive device is controlled based on the accelerator opening.

2. The vehicle speed limiting device according to claim 1, wherein, The reduction benchmark value is less than half of the maximum accelerator opening.

3. The vehicle speed limiting device according to claim 1, wherein, The reduction reference value is a value that is a specified amount smaller than the value of the accelerator opening when the accelerator opening begins to decrease.

4. The vehicle speed limiting device according to claim 1, wherein, The increased benchmark value is a value that is greater than half of the maximum accelerator opening and less than the maximum accelerator opening.

5. The vehicle speed limiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The vehicle is equipped with a downshift acceleration switch that is activated when the accelerator opening is above a switch reference value, wherein the switch reference value is greater than the increase reference value.

6. The vehicle speed limiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The vehicle speed limiting device is configured to include a speed limit setting device, through which the speed limit can be variably set.

7. A vehicle speed limiting method, wherein speed limiting control is performed in a vehicle in which the driving force generated by a drive device is controlled at least based on the accelerator opening, the speed limiting control controlling the driving force generated by the drive device to limit the vehicle speed in such a way that the vehicle speed is below a limited vehicle speed. The vehicle speed limiting method includes: After the vehicle speed increases to the limit speed, the step of limiting the vehicle speed through the speed limit control begins. as well as During the speed limitation period implemented by the speed limit control, if within a specified time from the moment when the speed limit is lifted after the accelerator opening decreases below the reduction reference value, and the accelerator opening decreases below the reduction reference value to a value greater than or equal to the reduction reference value, then the vehicle speed is allowed to exceed the speed limit, and the driving force generated by the drive device is controlled based on the accelerator opening.

8. A vehicle equipped with a vehicle speed limiting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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