Lane departure prevention device

Abstract

Lane departure prevention device, with: a lane marking detection section (11) for detecting lane markings (LL, LR) on a road on which a vehicle (SV) is traveling; an electric motor (22) capable of changing a cornering angle of the vehicle (SV) by applying a steering assist force to a steering mechanism (SW, US) comprising a steering wheel (SW) of the vehicle (SV); and a control unit (10, 20, 21) which, when it is determined that a control execution condition is met, wherein the control execution condition is met when the vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from a lane defined by the detected lane markings (LL, LR), is arranged: for determining a target steering assistance torque for changing the cornering angle in such a way that the vehicle (SV) does not deviate from the lane; and for performing a lane departure prevention control for driving the electric motor (22) in such a manner that a torque corresponding to the determined target steering assist torque is applied to the steering mechanism, characterized in that the control unit (10, 20, 21) is configured: to determine whether the lane is straight or curved; to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel (SW) when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the driving lane is straight; to perform the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel (SW) when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the lane is curved, and at least in a case where the vehicle (SV) has a high possibility of deviating from the lane toward an outside of the lane; to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel (SW) for a predetermined time when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the lane is curved, and at least in the case where the vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from the lane toward the outer side of the lane; and to then perform lane departure prevention control without vibration of the steering wheel (SW).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lane departure prevention device configured to control a steering assist force in such a manner that a vehicle does not deviate from a lane on which the vehicle is traveling. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] When a vehicle is likely to deviate from a "lane (a traveling lane) in which the vehicle is traveling," a conventional lane departure prevention device applies steering assist torque to a steering mechanism to thereby change a steering angle in such a way as to prevent the vehicle from deviating from the traveling lane. Such control is referred to as "lane departure prevention control." The steering assist torque applied to the steering mechanism by the lane departure prevention control is also referred to as "steering assist torque force" or "deviation prevention torque."

[0003] An example (hereinafter referred to as a “disclosed known device”) of such a device, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication JP 2013 - 56636 A, superimposes a periodic vibration torque on the “deviation prevention torque”.

[0004] Because a steering wheel is vibrated by this periodic vibration moment, a driver can more confidently recognize that “a specific condition is occurring where the vehicle is likely to deviate from the lane.”

[0005] Meanwhile, a magnitude of the departure-prevention moment changes according to a curvature of the lane, a distance (a lateral distance) between one of the white lines defining the lane and the vehicle, an angle (a yaw angle) formed between a direction of the lane and a traveling / moving direction of the vehicle, or the like. For example, the magnitude of the departure-prevention moment generated when the vehicle deviates (or is about to deviate) from a curved lane toward an outer side of the lane is larger than the magnitude of the departure-prevention moment generated when the vehicle deviates (or is about to deviate) from a straight lane, even if the lateral distances in these two cases are equal to each other and the yaw angles in these two cases are equal to each other.This is because a steering torque corresponding to the curvature of the lane is required as the departure prevention torque to prevent the vehicle from deviating from the lane. On the other hand, during lane departure prevention control, the torque corresponding to the departure prevention torque is transmitted to the driver via the steering wheel. Therefore, when the departure prevention torque, whose magnitude is relatively large, is applied to the steering mechanism, the driver can recognize that the specific condition described above occurs.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 014 946 A1 discloses a motor vehicle in which an actuator element can be controlled via a control device in an operating mode that can be switched on and off by the driver, depending on the detected relative position of the motor vehicle to the lane marking, such that a vibration is felt at the steering wheel. Furthermore, DE 10 2004 026 590 A1 describes an assistance system for motor vehicles with a monitoring unit that monitors the exterior of the motor vehicle. In the monitored exterior space, a warning zone is defined on each side of the roadway. This zone is delimited by an earliest warning line and a latest warning line encompassing the respective lane markings or lane boundaries.An evaluation unit for the data transmitted by the monitoring unit generates a warning signal for an acoustic, visual, and / or haptic warning and / or steering intervention when the evaluation unit detects that a defined warning threshold within the warning zone has been exceeded. Further prior art is known from US 2010 / 0 191 421 A1, DE 10 2017 127 235 A1, and DE 10 2007 058 078 A1.

[0007] However, even if the magnitude of the departure prevention torque is relatively large (in other words, even if the driver can recognize that the specific condition described above occurs only by the departure prevention torque), the disclosed prior art device vibrates the steering wheel. Therefore, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to the vibration of the steering wheel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-described problem. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a lane departure prevention device capable of causing a driver to recognize that the above-described specific condition occurs while preventing unnecessary vibration of a steering wheel, so as to reduce the frequency of causing the driver to feel inconvenienced during the execution of the lane departure prevention control.

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention by a lane departure prevention device according to claim 1. Further features and advantageous developments are shown in the subclaims.

[0010] The lane departure prevention device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the device of the present invention") comprises: a lane marking detection section (11) for detecting lane markings (LL, LR) on a road on which a vehicle (SV) is traveling; an electric motor (22) capable of changing a turning angle of the vehicle by applying a steering assist force / torque to a steering mechanism (SW, US) comprising a steering wheel (SW) of the vehicle; and a control unit (10, 20, 21) which, when it is determined that a control execution condition is met, wherein the control execution condition is met when the vehicle has a high probability of deviating from or leaving a lane defined by the detected lane markings, is arranged: to determine a target steering assistance torque (TLDA) to change the cornering angle in such a way that the vehicle does not deviate from or stray from the lane; and for performing lane departure prevention control to drive the electric motor in such a manner that the torque corresponding to the determined target steering assist torque is applied to the steering mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit is configured: to determine whether the lane is straight or curved (see step 630); to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied (see a "Yes" determination in step 620, see a "No" determination in step 665) and the lane is straight (see a "No" determination in step 630); and to perform the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel (see step 660) when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied (see a "Yes" determination in step 620 and a "No" determination in step 665) and the lane is curved (see a "Yes" determination in step 630), and at least in a case where the vehicle has a high possibility of deviating from the lane toward an outside of the lane (see a "Yes" determination in step 640).

[0012] When the vehicle is about to deviate from the traveling lane (or has a high probability of deviating) during a period (a straight-road traveling period) in which the vehicle is traveling in the straight lane (including a lane that can be considered a substantially straight lane having a curvature smaller than a predetermined value), the torque or force corresponding to the target steering assist torque / force applied to the steering mechanism due to the lane departure prevention control tends to be relatively small. This is because the departure prevention torque does not need to include the "steering torque corresponding to the curvature of the traveling lane."Therefore, in a period where the vehicle is traveling on the straight lane / road, there is a high possibility that it is not possible to reliably notify the driver of the “occurrence of the condition (the specific condition described above) where the vehicle is about to deviate from or depart from the lane” based only on the departure prevention moment.

[0013] In contrast, when the vehicle is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward the outer (peripheral) side of the curved lane / road (comprising a traveling lane regarded as a substantially curved lane having a curvature greater than a predetermined value) in a period (a traveling period of a curved lane / road in which the vehicle is traveling on the curved lane / road), the departure-preventing torque tends to be relatively large. This is because it is necessary for the departure-preventing torque to include the “steering torque corresponding to the curvature of the traveling lane.” Therefore, when the vehicle is about to deviate from the curved lane / road toward the outer side of the traveling lane during the traveling period of the curved road,When the vehicle is about to deviate from the lane, the relatively large departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism. Therefore, there is a high probability that the driver will be able to detect the occurrence of the condition (the specific condition described above) where the vehicle is about to deviate from or depart from the lane based solely on the departure prevention torque.

[0014] In view of the above, when the lane departure prevention control is performed in the straight lane / road travel period, the control unit vibrates the steering wheel and performs the lane departure prevention control. Furthermore, at least in a case where the vehicle has a high probability of deviating / running away from the curved lane / road toward the outside of the lane / road, the control unit performs the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel.

[0015] As a result, the device of the present invention can reduce the frequency of occurrence of a state in which the steering wheel is unnecessarily vibrated, and can notify the driver of the occurrence of the above-described specific condition (i.e., the intervention in the steering control by the lane departure prevention control). Therefore, the device of the present invention can reduce the vibration of the steering that causes the driver to feel uncomfortable.

[0016] According to the device of the present invention, the control unit is configured: to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel for a predetermined time (see a “No” determination in step 820 of Fig. 8, step 635 of Fig. 8), if it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the lane is curved (see a “Yes” determination in step 635 of Fig. 8), and at least in the case where the vehicle has a high probability of departing / leaving the lane towards the outside of the lane (see a “Yes” determination in step 635 of Fig. 8); and to subsequently perform the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel (see a “Yes” determination in step 820 of Fig. 8, step 660 of Fig. 8).

[0017] As described later, in a period (a "specific initial period") immediately after a time point at which the vehicle has a high probability of deviating from the curved travel route toward the outer (peripheral) side of the lane, the magnitude of the departure-avoidance torque is often not large enough to allow the driver to reliably notice that a situation occurs in which the vehicle is about to deviate from the lane. In view of the above, when the vehicle is about to deviate from the curved travel route toward the outer side of the lane, the control unit performs the lane departure-avoidance control and vibrates the steering wheel for the predetermined time. Therefore, the above aspect can control the steering wheel in the specific initial period.Initial period vibrate in order to be able to more reliably notify the driver that the vehicle is about to deviate / run out of the lane.

[0018] One of aspects of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a vibration actuator (33) installed in the steering wheel and configured to vibrate the steering wheel, wherein the control unit is configured to vibrate the steering wheel using the vibration actuator.

[0019] According to the above aspect, the vibration of the steering wheel during the lane departure prevention control can be easily provided with the vibration actuator in the steering wheel.

[0020] In one of aspects of the apparatus of the present invention, the control unit is configured to vibrate the steering wheel using the electric motor.

[0021] According to the above aspect, it is possible to vibrate the steering wheel without additionally providing a member such as the vibration actuator to the steering wheel.

[0022] In one aspect of the apparatus of the present invention the control unit is configured to determine the steering assist force (see step 627) as a force comprising: a feedforward amount required to cause the vehicle to travel along the lane and determined based on a value corresponding to a curvature of the lane; and a feedback amount determined based on a distance in a lane width direction between a reference point on the vehicle and one of the lane markings.

[0023] According to the above aspect, the target steering assist torque / force is determined according to the curvature of the lane and the distance in the lane width direction between the vehicle and one of the lane markings. Therefore, the lane departure prevention control can apply a torque / force capable of preventing the vehicle from deviating from the lane and causing the vehicle to travel along the lane to the steering mechanism. As a result, the steering load imposed on the driver can be effectively reduced.

[0024] In the above description, reference numerals in parentheses have been added to the elements of the present invention used in the following descriptions regarding embodiments to facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, these reference numerals should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a lane departure prevention device (a device of the first embodiment) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2A is a plan view showing left and right white lines LL and LR, a lane center line Ld, and a curve radius R. Fig. 2B is a plan view showing a positional relationship between a lane and a vehicle. Fig. 3A is a plan view showing lane information (a lateral distance Ds and a yaw angle θy) used in lane departure prevention control. Fig. 3B is a graph showing a relationship between a deviation indicator distance Ds' and the lateral distance Ds. Fig. 4 is a timing chart for explaining an overview of an operation of the device of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the outline of an operation of the device of the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a CPU of a Fig. 1 shown driving support ECU. Fig. 7 is a timing chart for explaining an overview of an operation of a lane departure prevention device (the device of the second embodiment) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a routine executed by a CPU of a driving support ECU included in the device of the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a CPU of a lane departure prevention device according to a modified example of the device of the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a route executed by a CPU of a lane departure prevention device according to a modified example of the device of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0025] A lane departure prevention device according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that like reference numerals are assigned to like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. <<Erstes Ausführungsbeispiel> > <aufbau>

[0026] The lane departure prevention device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "device of the first embodiment" in some cases) is applied to a vehicle (not shown).

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device of the first embodiment includes a driving support ECU 10, an electric power steering ECU 20, an alarm ECU 30, and a navigation ECU 40. Hereinafter, the electric power steering ECU 20 will be referred to as an "EPS ECU 20." Note that hereinafter, the driving support ECU 10 will be simply referred to as "DSECU."

[0028] Each of these ECUs is an electrical control unit that includes a microcomputer as its main component. The ECUs are connected to each other via a CAN (Control Unit Network), which is not illustrated, enabling them to send and receive information from each other.

[0029] In this specification, the microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, an I / F interface, and the like. The CPU is configured to realize various functions by executing instructions (programs, routines) stored in the ROM. Some or all of these ECUs may be integrated into a single ECU.

[0030] The device of the first embodiment comprises a camera sensor 11, vehicle state sensors 12, an actuation switch 13, a steering angle sensor 14 and a steering torque sensor 15. The vehicle SV is equipped with these (see Fig. 2). The DSECU is electrically connected to these sensors and the switch. The DSECU is configured to receive detection signals or output signals from these sensors and the switch. Note that these sensors and the switch may be electrically connected to an ECU other than the DSECU. In this case, the DSECU receives the detection signals or output signals from the sensors from the ECU that is electrically connected to the sensors or the switch via the CAN.

[0031] The camera sensor 11 includes a stereo camera and an image processing part (not shown). The stereo camera photographs (captures an image of) views / landscapes of the left side area and the right side area in front (ahead) of the vehicle SV to acquire left front image data and right front image data.

[0032] As in Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the image processing part of the camera sensor 11 detects (detects) lane division lines (lane markings or dividing lines) based on the left-front image data and the right-front image data. Because typical examples of lane division lines are "a left white line LL and a right white line LR" on a road, the lane division lines are hereinafter referred to simply as "white lines."

[0033] The image processing part calculates "a shape (a curve radius R or a curvature Cv) of a lane (i.e., a traveling lane) on which the vehicle SV travels" and a positional relationship between the traveling lane and the vehicle SV every time a predetermined time elapses. Then, the image processing part sends calculated results to the DSECU every time the predetermined time elapses.

[0034] "The positional relationship between the lane and the vehicle SV" calculated / obtained by the image processing part is determined, for example, by the following parameters (see Fig. 2B) represents. - A distance Dc: the distance Dc is a distance in a lane width direction between "a line (a lane center line Ld) connecting the center positions (points) located in the center of the lane width direction of the driving lane" and "the reference point P on the vehicle SV".

[0035] It should be noted that in this example, the reference point P on the vehicle SV is the center position between the left and right front wheels on the axis of the left and right front wheels of the vehicle SV. - An angle (that is, a yaw angle θy): the yaw angle θy is an angle formed between a direction of the lane center line Ld and a center axis in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle SV (that is, the center axis is a direction Dd in which the vehicle SV is moving).

[0036] Again referring to Fig. 1, the vehicle state sensors 12 include various sensors such as a vehicle speed sensor 12a, a yaw rate sensor 12b, a lateral acceleration sensor 12c, and the like.

[0037] The vehicle speed sensor 12a is configured to detect a traveling speed (a vehicle speed) of the vehicle SV to output a signal indicating the detected vehicle speed Vs (the vehicle speed). The vehicle speed Vs is a speed (a longitudinal speed) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle SV.

[0038] A yaw rate sensor 12b is configured to detect a yaw rate of the vehicle SV to output a signal representing the detected yaw rate YRt (an actual yaw rate YRt). Note that the actual yaw rate YRt is a positive value when the vehicle SV is turning left during forward travel, and a negative value when the vehicle SV is turning right during forward travel.

[0039] The lateral acceleration sensor 12c is configured to detect acceleration in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle SV to output the detected lateral acceleration Gy. Note that the lateral acceleration Gy is a positive value (i.e., a positive value with respect to the acceleration in the right direction of the vehicle SV) when the vehicle SV is turning left while traveling forward, and is a negative value (i.e., a negative value with respect to the acceleration in the left direction of the vehicle SV) when the vehicle SV is turning right while traveling forward.

[0040] The operation switch 13 is a switch for selecting whether or not a driver of the vehicle SV permits the execution of the lane departure prevention control. The lane departure prevention control is a "steering control of the vehicle SV" for applying a steering assist torque (this torque is a steering assist force, and is also referred to as a "departure prevention torque") to a steering mechanism in such a manner that a position of the vehicle SV does not deviate from the lane toward the outside of the lane, to change a steering angle. That is, the lane departure prevention control is a control for assisting a driver's steering operation in such a manner that the vehicle SV does not deviate from the lane toward the outside of the lane.

[0041] The DSECU detects that a state of the operating switch 13 is an on state when the operating switch 13 is in the on position, and detects that the state of the operating switch 13 is an off state when the operating switch 13 is in the off position.

[0042] The steering angle sensor 14 is configured to detect the steering angle of the vehicle SV to output a signal indicating the detected steering angle θ. The steering torque sensor 15 is provided on a steering shaft US. The steering torque sensor 15 is configured to detect a steering torque applied to the steering shaft US by the operation of a steering wheel SW (a steering handle SW) to output a signal indicating the detected steering torque Tra.

[0043] The EPS ECU 20 is a control unit of a known electric power steering system. The EPC ECU 20 is connected to a motor driver 21.

[0044] The motor driver 21 is connected to a steering motor 22. The steering motor 22 is incorporated into the "steering mechanism comprising the steering wheel SW, the steering shaft US, a gear mechanism for steering (not shown), and the like." The steering motor 22 is an electric motor (an electric actuator). The steering motor 22 generates torque (force) by electric power supplied from the motor driver 21. This torque is used as the steering assist torque (steering assist force). The steering motor 22 can steer the left and right steered wheels via this torque. That is, the steering motor 22 can change the steering angle (also referred to as a "turning angle") of the vehicle SV.

[0045] The EPS-ECU 20 obtains the steering torque Tra detected by the torque sensor 15 as a steering torque (hereinafter also referred to as a "driver torque TqDr") applied to the steering wheel SW by the driver when the lane departure prevention control is not performed.

[0046] Further, the EPS-ECU 20 drives the steering motor 22 based on its driver torque TqDr to apply the steering assist torque to the steering mechanism, thereby assisting the driver to operate the steering wheel SW.

[0047] Furthermore, when the EPS-ECU 20 receives a steering instruction transmitted from the DSECU while the lane departure prevention control is being performed, the EPS-ECU 20 drives the steering motor 22 via the motor driver 21 based on the target torque specified according to the steering instruction, thereby generating the steering assist torque equal to the target torque. This steering assist torque is different from the steering assist torque for assisting (facilitating) the driver's operation of the steering wheel SW. This steering assist torque is a torque applied to the steering mechanism based on the steering instruction transmitted from the DSECU.

[0048] The alarm ECU 30 is connected to a buzzer 31, a display device 32, and a vibration actuator 33. The alarm ECU can cause the buzzer 31 to generate sounds to alert the driver in response to an instruction transmitted from the DSECU. Additionally, the alarm ECU 30 can cause the display device 32 to illuminate an attention / alarm marker, such as a warning light, and / or display an attention / alarm image, an attention / alarm message, and an operating status of the lane departure prevention control.

[0049] Note that the display device 32 is a display device for displaying an image in response to a command transmitted from the DSECU. Specifically, the display device 32 is a head-up display. The display device 32 may be another type of display, such as a multifunction display.

[0050] The vibration actuator 33 is provided in the steering wheel SW, and is a known actuator (for example, the known actuator is a vibration actuator provided in a mobile phone) having a function of outputting / applying vibration to the steering wheel SW. The alarm ECU 30 sends an instruction to the vibration actuator 33 in response to the instruction sent from the DSECU to cause the vibration actuator 33 to vibrate the steering wheel SW, thereby enabling the driver to be alerted.

[0051] The navigation ECU 40 is connected to a GPS receiver 41 that receives a GPS detection signal for detecting a current position of the vehicle SV, a map database 42 that stores map information and the like, a touch-type display 43 that is a human-machine interface, and the like.

[0052] The navigation ECU 40 identifies / specifies the current position of the vehicle SV based on the GPS detection signal. When the vehicle SV is traveling on a multi-lane road, the current position includes information specifying which lane of the road the vehicle SV is traveling in. The navigation ECU 40 performs various calculations based on the current position of the vehicle SV and the map information stored in the map database 42, and the like, and performs route guidance using the touch-sensitive display 43.

[0053] The map information stored in the map database 42 includes road information. The road information includes the curvature radius R of the road, the curvature Cv of the road, and / or the like. The curvature radius R of the road and / or the curvature Cv indicate a degree of curvature of the road. Therefore, the navigation ECU 40 can obtain the curvature radius R or the curvature Cv of the lane in which the vehicle SV is traveling based on the current position of the vehicle SV and the road information at the current time. < <fahrspurabweichungsverhinderungssteuerung>>

[0054] The following describes an overview of the lane departure prevention control performed by the DSECU. When lane departure prevention control is performed, the DSECU calculates a target torque for preventing the vehicle from deviating from the lane every time a predetermined time elapses. Hereinafter, the target torque is referred to as a "target LDA torque TLDA" or a "target steering assist torque force."

[0055] Specifically, when the camera sensor 11 has successfully detected the left white line LL and the right white line LR, the DSECU calculates a curvature Cv (= 1 / a curve radius R) of the lane center line Ld passing through midpoints between the detected left white line LL and the detected right white line LR.

[0056] In addition, the DSECU calculates "a position of the vehicle SV" within the lane defined by the left white line LL and the right white line LR" and "a direction (a traveling direction) of the vehicle SV". In particular, the DSECU calculates "a lateral distance Ds and the yaw angle θy" as defined below and in Fig. 3A shown.

[0057] The lateral distance Ds: The lateral distance Ds is a distance in the lane width direction between "the reference point P on the vehicle SV" and one of the lane markings (one of the white lines). Specifically, the lateral distance Ds is a distance in a road width direction (the lane width direction) between "a physical white line" and "the reference point P of the vehicle SV". The physical white line is either the right white line LR or the left white line LL, whichever is closer to the reference point P of the vehicle SV. In a Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3A, the objective white line is the left white line LL (because the left white line LL is closer to the reference point P of the vehicle SV than the right white line LR). The lateral distance Ds is "0" when the reference point P is on the objective white line. The lateral distance Ds is positive when the reference point P is inside the lane with respect to the objective white line (i.e., at a position in the center of the road / lane). The lateral distance Ds is negative when the reference point P is outside the lane with respect to the objective white line (i.e., at a position laterally deviating from (or outside of) the road / lane).

[0058] Yaw angle θy: Yaw angle θy is an angle (a deviation angle) formed between the direction of the lane centerline Ld and the direction Cd in which the vehicle SV is traveling, and is an acute angle of -90° to +90°. Yaw angle θy is "0" when the direction Cd coincides with (or is equal to) the direction of the lane centerline Ld. Yaw angle θy is negative when the direction Cd of the vehicle SV is inclined clockwise with respect to the direction of the lane centerline Ld. Yaw angle θy is positive when the direction Cd of the vehicle SV is inclined counterclockwise with respect to the direction of the lane centerline Ld.

[0059] It should be noted that information indicating values (Ds, θy, Cv) calculated by the DSECU is referred to as "lane information" for convenience. The DSECU calculates the LDA target torque TLDA based on the lane information (Ds, θy, Cv).

[0060] The LDA target torque TLD is defined to be / become positive when the LDA target torque TLDA is a torque for generating the yaw rate of the vehicle SV, which is generated when the vehicle SV turns left during forward travel. The LDA target torque TLDA is defined to be / become negative when the LDA target torque TLDA is a torque for generating the yaw rate of the vehicle SV, which is generated when the vehicle SV turns right during forward travel.

[0061] Once and after an LDA calculation start condition described below is satisfied, the DSECU calculates the LDA target torque TLDA according to the following excerpt (1) until an LDA calculation termination condition is satisfied, every time a predetermined time elapses. Note that the LDA calculation start condition is a start condition of (or for starting) the lane departure prevention control and is also referred to as an "LDA start condition." The LDA calculation termination condition is a termination condition of (or for terminating / cancelling) the lane departure prevention control and is also referred to as an "LDA termination condition." An LDA execution condition (a control execution condition) is continuously satisfied in a period from a time point at which the LDA start condition is satisfied to a time point at which the LDA termination condition is satisfied. - The LDA calculation start condition: The LDA calculation start condition is a condition to be satisfied when (i) the side distance Ds becomes shorter / less than or equal to a reference side distance Dsref and (ii) execution of the lane departure control is permitted according to a state of the operation switch 13 (when the state of the operation switch 13 is in the ON state). The reference side distance Dsref is a predetermined value (a positive value) that is greater than "0" and smaller / shorter than a typical lane width. - The LDA calculation termination condition: The LDA calculation termination condition is a condition that must be satisfied when both of the following conditions (a) and (b) are met. Additionally, if the following condition (c) is met, the LDA calculation termination condition is met, regardless of whether at least one of the conditions (a) or (b) is met.

[0062] Condition (a) is a condition that must be met when the side distance Ds is larger / longer than the reference side distance Dsref.

[0063] Condition (b) is a condition that must be satisfied if any of the following conditions (b1) and (b2) is satisfied.

[0064] Condition (b1) is a condition to be satisfied when the objective white line is the left white line LL, and the yaw angle θy is greater than or equal to a termination determination threshold θyrefF, which is a negative value. In other words, condition (b1) is a condition to be satisfied when the objective white line is the left white line LL, and when a magnitude (an absolute value) of the yaw angle θy is less than or equal to a magnitude (an absolute value) of the termination determination threshold θyrefF.

[0065] Condition (b2) is a condition to be satisfied when the objective white line is the right white line LR and the yaw angle θy is less than or equal to the termination determination threshold θyrefS, which is a positive value. In other words, condition (b2) is a condition to be satisfied when the objective white line is the right white line LR, and a magnitude (an absolute value) of the yaw angle θy is less than or equal to a magnitude (an absolute value) of the termination determination threshold θyrefS.

[0066] The condition (c) is a condition to be satisfied when the operation switch 13 is operated in such a manner that execution of the lane departure prevention control is not permitted (that is, when a state of the operation switch 13 is the OFF state).

[0067] Note that each of the termination determination threshold θyrefF and the termination determination threshold θyrefS is set to an angle observed when the moving / traveling direction of the vehicle SV is assumed to be substantially parallel to the lane center line Ld. TLDA=K1×(Vs2*Cv)+K2×Ds'+K3×θy

[0068] Both K1 and K2 and K3 are a control gain.

[0069] K1 is set to a positive value (= k1 (k1> 0) when the lane curves to the left, and is set to a negative value (= - k1) when the lane curves to the right.

[0070] K2 is set to a positive value (= k2 (k2> 0)) when the objective white line is the right white line LR, and is set to a negative value (= -k2) when the objective white line is the left white line LL.

[0071] K3 is set to a positive value.

[0072] Vs is the vehicle speed of the vehicle SV detected by the vehicle speed sensor 12a.

[0073] Cv is a curvature or curve profile (= 1 / curve radius R > 0) of the lane centerline Ld calculated by the DSECU.

[0074] θy is the yaw angle θy described above.

[0075] Ds' is the deviation indicator distance Ds'. The deviation indicator distance

[0076] Ds' is a value (Ds' = Dserf - Ds) obtained by subtracting the lateral distance Ds from a predetermined reference lateral distance Dsref. A graph of Fig. 3B shows a relationship between the deviation indicator distance Ds' and the lateral distance Ds.

[0077] The first term on the right side of expression (1) is a torque component (a feed-forward amount) determined according to the curvature Cv of the road (lane) and the vehicle speed Vs. That is, the first term on the right side of expression (1) is the torque component for making the vehicle SV travel according to a curvature Cv of the lane (for example, the lane center line Ld). In other words, the torque component determined by the first term on the right side of expression (1) is the feed-forward amount required to make the vehicle SV travel along the lane, and is determined based on a value corresponding to the curvature Cv of the lane.

[0078] The second term on the right side of Expression (1) is a torque component acting in a feedback control manner to prevent the vehicle SV from approaching the actual white line in the road width direction, or to cause the vehicle SV to restart traveling within the lane (in a position on the lane center side) with respect to the actual white line after the vehicle SV deviates from the lane. That is, the torque component determined by the second term on the right side of Expression (1) is a feedback quantity determined based on the lateral distance Ds (a distance in the road width direction between the reference point P on the vehicle SV and the lane marking) or the deviation indicator distance Ds'.

[0079] The third term on the right side of Expression (1) is a torque component (a feedback quantity related to the yaw angle θy) that acts in a feedback control manner to reduce an amount |θy| of the yaw angle θy (i.e., to reduce a deviation in the direction of the vehicle SV with respect to the lane centerline Ld). That is, the torque component determined / calculated by the third term on the right side of Expression (1) is the feedback quantity determined based on the yaw angle θy to determine the amount of the angle (the yaw angle θy) formed between the direction of the lane (for example, the lane centerline Ld) and the direction Cd in which the vehicle SV is traveling.

[0080] It should be noted that the DSECU can obtain the LDA target torque TLDA by adding a value K4·(γ * - γ) to the right side of the expression (1) described above (ie, the LDA target torque TLDA = K1 × (Vs 2 *Cv) + K2 × Ds' + K3 × θy + K4 × (γ* - γ)).

[0081] K4 is a positive gain. γ* is the target yaw rate, and is a value to be realized (obtained) based on the sum of the first term on the right, the second term on the right, and the third term on the right of the above-described expression (1). γ is the actual yaw rate YRt of the vehicle SV detected by the yaw rate sensor 12b. Therefore, the value K4·(γ*-γ) is a torque component (a feedback quantity related to the yaw rate) that acts in a feedback control manner to reduce a deviation between the target yaw rate γ* and the actual yaw rate YRt.

[0082] Further, the DSECU may calculate the sum of the first term and the second term on the right side of the above-described expression (1) as the LDA target torque TLDA as in the following expression (1'). TLDA=K1×(Vs2×Cv)+K2×Ds'

[0083] That is, as can be seen from Expression (1) and Expression (1'), the DSECU can calculate the LDA target torque TLDA (the target steering assist force) as a force / torque including the feedforward amount determined based on a value corresponding to the curvature Cv of the lane and the feedback amount determined based on the lateral distance Ds.

[0084] Here, for example, when the vehicle SV travels at a constant speed (a constant vehicle speed Vs) along the lane center line Ld, which has a constant turning radius R and curves to the left, it is assumed that the following situation has occurred. The vehicle SV is about to deviate from the right white line LR of the lane (that is, the side clearance Ds becomes smaller / shorter than or equal to the reference side clearance Dsref) because the turning radius R is excessively small with respect to the vehicle speed Vs.

[0085] In this case, the control gain K1 is set to the positive value k1, so that the first term (K1 × (Vs 2 × Cv)) on the right side of Expression (1) becomes a positive value. Because the control gain K2 is set to the positive value k2 and the deviation indicator distance Ds' is a positive value, the second term (K2 × Ds') on the right side of Expression (1) becomes a positive value. Furthermore, because the control gain K3 has been set to a positive value and the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the right white line LR, the yaw angle θy becomes a positive value. Therefore, the third term (K3 × θy) on the right side of Expression (1) also becomes a positive value. Consequently, the LDA target torque TLDA becomes a positive value. That is, the LDA target torque TLDA becomes a torque to generate a yaw rate observed when the vehicle SV turns left while traveling forward.

[0086] The DSECU sends a steering command specifying the determined LDA target torque TLDA to the EPS-ECU 20 every predetermined time. The EPS-ECU 20 drives the steering motor 22 based on the LDA target torque TLDA specified by the steering command, thereby applying the steering assist torque (steering assist force, departure prevention torque) equal to the LDA target torque TLDA to the steering mechanism. The above description is the overview of lane departure prevention control.

[0087] Note that the control target used in the lane departure prevention control is the LDA target torque TLDA, as described above. However, the control target may be a target yaw rate instead of the LDA target torque TLDA. That is, the left side of Expression (1) may be the target yaw rate of the vehicle SV. In this case, for example, the DSECU receives the detection signal of the yaw rate sensor 12b and calculates the deviation between the target yaw rate and the actual yaw rate YRt. Then, the DSECU calculates the target torque (the steering assist torque) to be generated by the steering motor 22 by referring to a look-up table that defines the relationship between the deviation, the vehicle speed, and the target torque. <Operation Overview>

[0088] When the DSECU performs lane departure prevention control (that is, when the DSECU applies the departure prevention torque to the steering mechanism), the DSECU vibrates or does not vibrate the steering wheel SW using the vibration actuator 33 according to the curvature Cv, which at least indicates the shape of the lane (road) on which the vehicle SV is traveling. Vibration of the steering wheel SW using the vibration actuator 33 is also referred to as "steering wheel vibration for notification / alarming" or "vibration notification / alarming." Lane departure prevention control without the steering wheel vibration for notification is also referred to as "lane departure control without vibration notification / alarming" or "first control."The lane departure prevention control with steering wheel vibration for notification is also referred to as a "lane departure control with vibration notification / alarm" or a "second control".

[0089] However, if, for example, the vehicle SV is traveling within a straight section of the road (in other words, if the lane is essentially straight), the curvature Cv of the lane is relatively small. Due to this, the magnitude or absolute value of the first term (=K1 · (Vs 2 × Cv)) on the right side of Expression (1) is relatively small. Therefore, when the lane is substantially straight, the departure prevention torque applied to the steering mechanism due to the lane departure prevention control tends to be relatively small. Therefore, even when the lane is substantially straight and the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism, a case easily occurs where the driver does not notice the specific state where the vehicle SV is highly likely to deviate / deviate from the lane (that is, the driver does not notice the specific state where intervention in the steering control occurs due to the lane departure prevention control).

[0090] Therefore, when the driving lane is substantially straight, and the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism when the steering wheel SW is vibrated using the vibration actuator 33, it is possible to reliably and definitely notify the driver of the occurrence of the "specific state in which the vehicle SV is about to depart from the driving lane" based on the vibration of the steering wheel SW.

[0091] In contrast, for example, when the vehicle SV is traveling within a curved section of the road (in other words, the lane is curved), the curvature Cv of the lane is relatively large. Therefore, the magnitude of the first term on the right side of the above-described expression (1) (= K1 × (Vs 2 × Cv)) is relatively large.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the inventors' studies, the magnitude of the yaw angle θy observed when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the outer peripheral side of the lane (toward the outside of the curve) tends to be larger than the magnitude of the yaw angle θy observed when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the inner peripheral side of the lane (toward the inside of the curve). Therefore, the magnitude of the third term (= K3 × θy) on the right side of the above-described expression (1) when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the outer peripheral side of the lane tends to be larger than the magnitude.the magnitude of the third term on the right side of the expression (1) described above when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the inner peripheral side of the lane.

[0093] Therefore, when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the outer peripheral side of the lane, the magnitude of the departure prevention torque applied to the steering mechanism due to the lane departure prevention control tends to be relatively large. Therefore, in this case, the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism with a relatively large magnitude. Accordingly, even if the steering wheel SW is not vibrated using the vibration actuator 33, the driver is very likely to recognize that the specific state where the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane is occurring (in other words, the driver can notice the specific state where intervention in the steering control occurs due to the lane departure prevention control without the vibration of the steering wheel SW).

[0094] On the other hand, as described above, when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the inner peripheral side of the lane, the magnitude of the yaw angle θy is relatively small. In addition, in this case, the first term (= K1 × (Vs 2 × Cv)) on the right side of Expression (1) and at least one of the second term (= K2 × Ds') and the third term (= K3 × θy) on the right side of Expression (1) often have opposite signs to each other. Therefore, the magnitude of the departure prevention torque applied to the steering mechanism due to the lane departure prevention control tends to be insufficiently large. Therefore, in this case, as in the case where the lane is straight, even if the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism, a case is likely to occur where the driver does not notice the specific state in which the vehicle is about to deviate from the lane (in other words, the driver may not notice the specific state where intervention in the steering control occurs due to the lane departure prevention control).

[0095] Accordingly, even when the lane is a curved lane, and the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the curved lane toward the inner peripheral side of the lane, it is desirable / preferable that the vibration actuator 33 vibrate the steering wheel SW. Vibration of the steering wheel SW using the vibration actuator 33 can reliably / definitely notify the driver of the occurrence of the specific condition where the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane.

[0096] In view of the above, when the LDA start condition is satisfied while the vehicle SV is traveling within the straight-ahead section on the road / lane, and therefore the DSECU performs the lane departure prevention control, the DSECU performs "the lane departure prevention control with the vibration notification" which is the second control (refer to the period from time t1 at which the LDA start condition is satisfied to time t2 at which the LDA termination condition is satisfied, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown).

[0097] On the other hand, when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward an outside of the curve while traveling within the curved section of the road / lane, and therefore the LDA start condition is satisfied, the DSECU performs "the lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification," which is the first control (refer to the period from time t11 when the LDA start condition is satisfied to time t12 when the LDA termination condition is satisfied, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown).

[0098] Note that the DSECU performs lane departure prevention control with vibration notification when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the inside of the curve while traveling within the curved section of the road / lane so that the LDA start condition is satisfied, as described above. Alternatively, in this case, the DSECU may perform lane departure prevention control without vibration notification.

[0099] As described above, the device of the first embodiment vibrates the steering wheel SW using the vibration actuator 33 when it is difficult for the driver to notice the intervention of the steering controller for lane departure prevention (or that the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism). Therefore, the device of the first embodiment can reliably and definitely notify the driver of "the occurrence of the situation where the vehicle SV is about to deviate from a lane."

[0100] Furthermore, the device of the first embodiment does not vibrate the steering wheel SW with the vibration actuator 33 when the driver easily notices the intervention of the steering control for lane departure prevention (that the departure prevention torque is applied to the steering mechanism). As a result, the device of the first embodiment can reduce the frequency of occurrence of the state in which the vibration of the steering wheel SW causes the driver to feel annoyed. <<Spezifische Operation> >

[0101] The CPU of the DSECU (hereinafter simply referred to as the "CPU") executes a flowchart in Fig. 1 every time a predetermined time elapses.

[0102] Therefore, when an appropriate time is reached, the CPU begins processing from the Fig. 6 to sequentially execute processes of steps 605 and 610 described below, and then proceeds to step 615.

[0103] Step 605: the CPU detects the white lines (the left white line LL and the right white line LR, that is, the lane definition lines on the left and right sides of the vehicle SV) using the camera sensor 11.

[0104] Step 610: the CPU calculates (obtains / obtains) the curvature Cv of the lane (the lane) on which the vehicle SV is traveling, based on the detected white lines.

[0105] In step 615, the CPU determines whether a value of an LDA execution flag XLDA is "0" or not.

[0106] The LDA execution flag XLDA indicates that the lane departure prevention control is being performed (that the departure prevention torque is being applied to the steering mechanism) when its value is "1." The LDA execution flag XLDA indicates that the lane departure prevention control is not being performed (the departure prevention torque is not being applied to the steering mechanism) when its value is "0." Note that the value of the LDA execution flag XLDA is set to "0" in an initialization routine executed by the CPU when an unillustrated ignition key switch (not shown) of the vehicle SV is changed from the OFF position to the ON position.

[0107] If the value of the LDA execution flag XLDA is "0," the CPU makes a "Yes" determination in step 615 and proceeds to step 620 to determine whether or not the above-described LDA start condition is satisfied. If the LDA start condition is not satisfied, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 620 and proceeds to step 695 to temporarily terminate the present routine.

[0108] In contrast, when the LDA start condition is satisfied, the CPU makes a "Yes" determination in step 620 and proceeds to step 625 to set the value of the LDA execution flag XLDA to "1." Next, the CPU proceeds to step 627 to calculate the LDA target torque TLDA using the expression "1" described above. Then, the CPU proceeds to step 630.

[0109] On the other hand, if the value of the LDA execution flag XLDA is "1" at the time the CPU executes the process of step 615, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 615 to directly proceed to step 627, and then proceeds to step 630.

[0110] In step 630, the CPU determines whether the vehicle SV is traveling within the curved section based on the curvature Cv of the lane calculated in step 610 (i.e., the CPU determines whether the lane is a curved road / lane). Specifically, the CPU determines whether the curvature Cv is greater than or equal to a threshold curvature Cvth (in other words, whether the curve radius R is less than or equal to a threshold radius Rth) in step 630.

[0111] If the curvature Cv is smaller than the threshold curvature Cvth, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is not traveling within the curved section and is traveling within the straight-ahead section (the traveling lane is straight). In this case, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 630 and proceeds to step 635 to execute the lane departure prevention control with vibration notification (the second control). That is, the CPU sends the steering instruction including the LDA target torque TLDA calculated according to Expression (1) to the EPS-ECU 20 and sends the instruction for requesting the vibration of the steering wheel SW to the alarm ECU 30 to execute the lane departure prevention control with vibration notification. Then, the CPU proceeds to step 665.

[0112] In contrast, if the curvature Cv of the lane calculated in step 610 is greater than or equal to the threshold curvature Cvth, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is traveling within the curved section (the lane is curved). In this case, the CPU makes a "yes" determination in step 630 and proceeds to step 640 to determine whether or not the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curved lane. In other words, the CPU determines whether or not the objective white line is the white line on an outer peripheral side of the curved lane.

[0113] If the white lines (the left white line LL and the right white line LR) detected by the CPU exhibit a leftward curve with respect to the vehicle's traveling direction, and the above-described objective white line is the right white line LR, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward the outside of the curved lane. Similarly, if the white lines detected by the CPU exhibit a rightward curve with respect to the vehicle's traveling direction, and the above-described objective white line is the left white line LL, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward the outside of the curved lane.

[0114] Therefore, in each of the cases described above, the CPU makes a "Yes" determination in step 640 and proceeds to step 660 to perform the lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification (the first control). That is, the CPU sends the steering instruction including the LDA target torque TLDA calculated according to Expression (1) to the EPS-ECU 20. In this case, the CPU does not send the instruction for requesting the vibration of the steering wheel SW to the alarm ECU 30. Then, the CPU proceeds to step 665.

[0115] In contrast, if the white lines detected by the CPU curve to the left with respect to the vehicle's traveling direction, and the above-described objective white line is the left white line LL, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward an inner side of the curved lane. Similarly, if the white lines detected by the CPU curve to the right with respect to the vehicle's traveling direction, and the above-described objective white line is the right white line LR, it is assumed that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward the inner side of the curved lane.

[0116] Therefore, in each of the above-described cases, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 640 and proceeds to step 635 to perform the lane departure prevention control with the vibration notification. Then, the CPU proceeds to step 665.

[0117] In step 665, the CPU determines whether the above-described LDA termination condition is met. If the LDA termination condition is not met, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 665 and proceeds directly to step 695 to temporarily terminate the current routine.

[0118] In contrast, when the LDA termination condition is satisfied, the CPU makes a "Yes" determination in step 665, and sequentially executes the processes of steps 670 and 675 described below, and then proceeds to step 695 to temporarily terminate the present routine.

[0119] Step 670: The CPU aborts / terminates the calculation of the LDA target torque TLDA using expression (1). That is, the CPU sets the LDA target torque TLDA to "0" and terminates / terminates the lane departure prevention control.

[0120] Step 675: the CPU sets the value of the LDA execution flag XLDA to "0",

[0121] As described above, according to the device of the first embodiment, the vibration of the steering wheel SW is not performed during execution of the lane departure prevention control when the vibration has a low necessity. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the frequency of causing the driver to feel inconvenienced. On the other hand, according to the device of the first embodiment, when it is difficult for the driver to notice that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane, only by the departure prevention torque applied to the steering mechanism during execution of the lane departure prevention control, the steering wheel SW is vibrated. Therefore, the device of the first embodiment can more reliably and positively notify the vehicle of the occurrence of the state in which the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane. <Zweites Ausführungsbeispiel>

[0122] Next, the lane departure prevention device according to the second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a "device of the second embodiment" in some cases) will be described.

[0123] The device of the second embodiment differs from the device of the first embodiment only in the following point. The device of the second embodiment continuously performs the "lane departure prevention control with the vibration notification" for a predetermined time (a predetermined period) from a time when it is determined that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curved lane (the outer peripheral side of the curved road / lane), and then performs the "lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification."

[0124] That is, when the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curved lane (the outer peripheral side of the curved road / lane), and therefore, when the LDA start condition is satisfied, the device of the second embodiment performs the lane departure prevention control with the vibration notification for a predetermined time t1th (a threshold time t1th) in a period from a time point when the LDA start condition is satisfied to a time point when the LDA termination condition is satisfied (a period in which the control execution condition is satisfied), and then performs the lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification.

[0125] For example, in a Fig. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle SV travels within the curved section after time t20. At time t21, the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curve, and therefore, the LDA start condition is satisfied. Subsequently, the LDA termination condition is satisfied at time t23, at which the threshold time t1th elapses from time t21. In this case, the apparatus of the second embodiment executes "the lane departure prevention control with the vibration notification" from time t21 to time t22. Further, the apparatus of the second embodiment executes "the lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification" from time t22 to time t23.

[0126] In particular, the CPU of the DSECU of the second embodiment executes the Fig. 8 instead of the routine shown in Fig. 6. The routine shown in Fig. The routine shown in Figure 8 differs from the one in Fig. 6 merely by including steps 810 and 820 between step 635 and step 660 of the routine shown in Fig. 6 shown routine are added, and the one in Fig. 6 is replaced by step 830. Therefore, in the following descriptions, the processing in these different steps will be mainly described.

[0127] If the CPU determines in step 640 that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curve, the CPU proceeds to step 810 to increment the value of the timer t1 by 1.

[0128] The value of the timer t1 indicates a time (length) in which a state in which the vehicle SV is about to depart from traveling toward the outside of the curve continuously exists after a time point at which the LDA start condition is satisfied and it is determined that the vehicle SV is about to depart from the lane toward the outside of the curve. Note that the value of the timer t1 is set to "0" by the initialization routine described above. Further, the value of the timer t1 is set to "0" (cleared) in step 830.

[0129] Next, the CPU proceeds to step 820 to determine whether the value of timer t1 is greater than or equal to the threshold time t1th. If the value of timer t1 is less than the threshold time t1th, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 820 and proceeds to step 535 to perform lane departure prevention control with vibration notification.

[0130] Subsequently, the CPU proceeds to step 665 to determine whether or not the LDA termination condition is satisfied. If the LDA termination condition is not satisfied, the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 665 and directly proceeds to step 895 to temporarily terminate the current routine. Therefore, in a period from a time point at which it is determined that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane toward the outside of the curve to a time point at which the LDA termination condition is satisfied, the process of step 810 is repeatedly performed so that the timer t1 gradually increases as long as the vehicle SV has a probability of deviating from the lane toward the outside of the curve.

[0131] When the CPU proceeds to step 820 after the value of the timer t1 becomes greater than or equal to the threshold time t1th, the CPU makes a "Yes" determination in step 820 and proceeds to step 660 to perform the lane departure prevention control without the vibration notification.

[0132] As a result of executing these processes, when the vehicle SV has a probability of deviating from the lane toward the outside of the curved lane, lane departure prevention control is performed with vibration notification for the period from the time it is determined that such a probability occurs until the threshold time t1th elapses. Subsequently, lane departure prevention control is performed without vibration notification.

[0133] Note that the CPU may set the value of timer t1 to "0" if the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 630. Further, the CPU may also set the value of timer t1 to "0" if the CPU makes a "No" determination in step 640.

[0134] In a period (hereinafter referred to as a "specific initial period") immediately after a time point at which the vehicle has a probability of deviating from the lane toward the outside of the curved lane, the magnitude of the departure-preventing torque is likely to be relatively small. This is because the magnitude of the "second right-side term and / or the third right-side term" of the expression (1) described above is likely to be relatively small in the specific initial period. Therefore, in the specific initial period, the vibration of the steering wheel SW makes it possible to more reliably and safely notify the driver that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane.

[0135] Therefore, according to the device of the second embodiment, it is possible to more reliably and definitely notify the driver of the occurrence of the specific condition / situation in which the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane. Furthermore, the device of the second embodiment vibrates the steering wheel SW when the need for vibration of the steering wheel SW is high. Therefore, the device of the second embodiment can reduce the frequency of occurrence of the condition in which the vibration of the steering wheel SW causes the driver to feel inconvenienced. <Erstes modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0136] A lane departure prevention device (hereinafter referred to as a "first modified device" in some cases) according to the first modified example differs from the device of the first embodiment only in the following point. Note that the features of the first modified device can also be applied to the device of the second embodiment. - The CPU of the first modified device determines in the Fig. 6, whether the vehicle SV is cornering or not, as follows. - The CPU determines that the vehicle SV is traveling within the curved section when the magnitude or amount of the yaw rate (an absolute value of the actual yaw rate YRt) is greater than or equal to a threshold. The CPU determines that the vehicle SV is traveling within the straight-ahead section when the magnitude or amount of the yaw rate (the absolute value of the actual yaw rate YRt) is less than the threshold. <Zweites modifiziertes Beispiel>

[0137] A lane departure prevention device (hereinafter referred to as the "second modified device" in some cases) according to the second modified example differs from the device of the first embodiment only in the following. Note that the features of the second modified device can also be applied to the device of the second embodiment. - The CPU of the second modified device determines in the Fig. 6, the CPU determines whether the vehicle SV is traveling in the curve or not as follows. That is, if an absolute value of the LDA target torque TLDA at or immediately after the LDA start condition is satisfied is greater than or equal to a threshold, the CPU determines that the vehicle SV is traveling in the curved lane. If the absolute value of the LDA target torque TLDA at or immediately after the LDA start condition is satisfied is less than the threshold, the CPU determines that the vehicle SV is traveling in the straight-ahead lane.

[0138] Although each of the embodiments and each of the modified examples of the present invention has been specifically described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the modified examples, and various modifications based on the technical idea of the present invention are possible.

[0139] For example, each of the above-described apparatuses of expression examples and the modified apparatuses may obtain the curvature Cv of the lane from the navigation ECU 40 in step 610.

[0140] For example, the one used in the routines of Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 may be omitted. In other words, the CPU of the DSECU may be configured to execute the routine of Fig. 9 instead of Fig. 6 or the routine of Fig. 10 instead of Fig. 8 to execute.

[0141] According to the routine of Fig. 9, when it is determined that the travel lane is the curved road / lane (step 630: Yes) after the above-described LDA start condition is satisfied (step 620: Yes), the lane departure prevention control is performed without the vibration notification regardless of whether the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the travel lane toward the outer peripheral side or the inner peripheral side of the curved road / lane.

[0142] As a result, when the SV vehicle is traveling in the curved lane, the notification is not performed by the vibration of the SW steering wheel, which has a low necessity. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the frequency of causing the driver to feel inconvenienced. Furthermore, when the SV vehicle is traveling in the straight lane, the notification is performed by the vibration of the SW steering wheel. Consequently, it is possible to more reliably notify the driver that the SV vehicle is about to deviate from the lane.

[0143] Furthermore, according to the Fig. 10, when it is determined that the traveling lane is the curved road / lane (step 620: Yes) after the above-described LDA start condition is satisfied (step 630: Yes), the lane departure prevention control is performed with the vibration notification for the predetermined time t1th regardless of whether the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the traveling lane toward the outer peripheral side or the inner peripheral side of the curved road / lane, and thereafter, the lane departure prevention control is performed without the vibration notification.

[0144] Therefore, when the predetermined time t1th has elapsed from the time the LDA start condition is satisfied while the vehicle SV is traveling in the curved lane, notification by vibration of the steering wheel SW, which has a low necessity, is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of causing the driver to feel inconvenienced. Further, while the vehicle SV is traveling in the straight lane, notification by vibration of the steering wheel SW is performed. Consequently, it is possible to more reliably notify the driver that the vehicle SV is about to deviate from the lane.

[0145] In addition, each of the above-described embodiments and the modified devices can vibrate the steering wheel SW by applying / superimposing the vibration steering assist torque for vibrating the steering wheel SW to the steering mechanism without using the vibration actuator 33.

[0146] Specifically, when the lane departure prevention control is performed without the vibration notification, the DSECU calculates the LDA target torque TLDA according to Expression (1) described above. Furthermore, when the lane departure prevention control is performed with the vibration notification, the DSECU calculates the LDA target torque TLDA according to Expression (2) described below. In Expression (2), the function f(t) is a function that provides a value that periodically oscillates with respect to time t. For example, the function f(t) may be a function for providing values according to a "sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, or the like," each having a predetermined amplitude and a short period. TLDA=K1×(Vs2×Cv)+K2×Ds'+K3×θy+f(t)

[0147] Furthermore, in step 660 and step 635, each of the above-described embodiments and the modified devices may send the instruction to the alarm ECU 30 to use the buzzer 31 and / or the display device 32 to notify the driver that the lane departure prevention control is being performed using the buzzer 31 and / or the display device 32.

[0148] A lane departure prevention device includes a driving assistance ECU (10) configured to perform lane departure prevention control. The driving assistance ECU (10) performs the lane departure prevention control with vibration of a steering wheel (SW) when it is determined that a control execution condition is met and a driving lane is straight. The control execution condition is met when a vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from the driving lane. The driving assistance ECU (10) performs the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel (SW) at least in a case where the vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from the driving lane toward an outside of the curved driving lane.< / fahrspurabweichungsverhinderungssteuerung> < / aufbau>

Claims

[1] Lane departure prevention device, comprising: a lane marking detection section (11) for detecting lane markings (LL, LR) on a road on which a vehicle (SV) is traveling; an electric motor (22) capable of changing a cornering angle of the vehicle (SV) by applying a steering assist force to a steering mechanism (SW, US) comprising a steering wheel (SW) of the vehicle (SV); and a control unit (10, 20, 21) which, when it is determined that a control execution condition is met, wherein the control execution condition is met when the vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from a lane defined by the detected lane markings (LL, LR), is arranged: for determining a target steering assistance torque for changing the cornering angle in such a way that the vehicle (SV) does not deviate from the lane; and for performing a lane departure prevention control for driving the electric motor (22) in such a manner that a torque corresponding to the determined target steering assist torque is applied to the steering mechanism, characterized by , that the control unit (10, 20, 21) is configured: to determine whether the lane is straight or curved; to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel (SW) when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the driving lane is straight; to perform the lane departure prevention control without vibrating the steering wheel (SW) when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the lane is curved, and at least in a case where the vehicle (SV) has a high possibility of deviating from the lane toward an outside of the lane; to perform the lane departure prevention control with vibration of the steering wheel (SW) for a predetermined time when it is determined that the control execution condition is satisfied and the lane is curved, and at least in the case where the vehicle (SV) has a high probability of deviating from the lane toward the outer side of the lane; and to then perform lane departure prevention control without vibration of the steering wheel (SW). [2] The lane departure prevention device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration actuator (33) installed in the steering wheel (SW) and configured to vibrate the steering wheel (SW), wherein the control unit (10, 20, 21) is configured to vibrate the steering wheel (SW) using the vibration actuator (33). [3] The lane departure prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (10, 20, 21) is configured to vibrate the steering wheel (SW) using the electric motor (22). [4] The lane departure prevention device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (10, 20, 21) is configured to determine the steering assist force as a force comprising: a feedforward control quantity necessary to cause the vehicle (SV) to travel along the lane and determined based on a value corresponding to a curvature of the lane; and a feedback quantity determined based on a distance in a lane width direction between a reference point on the vehicle (SV) and one of the lane markings (LL, LR).

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