METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING THE SPEED OF A MOTORCYCLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically adjusting the speed of a motorcycle, as well as to a corresponding control device. State of the art

[0002] EP 2 241 498 B1 discloses a speed control device for a motorcycle that allows the motorcycle to automatically maintain a preset speed. Such speed control devices are also known as cruise control.

[0003] Adaptive cruise control systems are also known from the automotive sector. These systems are additionally equipped with a radar-based distance detection system that detects the distance between the vehicle and a vehicle traveling ahead. The actual vehicle speed is adjusted adaptively depending on the set target speed and the detected distance to the vehicle traveling ahead.

[0004] From US 8,473,144 B1 it is known to define a trajectory for a motorcycle approaching a vehicle in front, along which the motorcycle moves during an overtaking maneuver, whereby the lateral distance between the overtaking vehicle and an overtaken other vehicle is determined as a function of speed.

[0005] DE 11 2015 003 610 T5 discloses a speed control system for a two-wheeler in which the longitudinal distance between the two-wheeler and a vehicle in front is determined depending on the width of the vehicle. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The method according to the invention relates to the automatic adjustment of the driving speed of a motorcycle taking into account the longitudinal distance and the lateral distance between the motorcycle and a vehicle traveling ahead in the same lane according to claim 1, and to a control device according to claim 7.

[0007] Similar to adaptive cruise control systems in motor vehicles, the distance between the motorcycle and another vehicle is continuously determined, with the actual motorcycle speed depending on the current longitudinal and lateral distance between the motorcycle and the other vehicle. This ensures a speed-dependent safety distance between the motorcycle and the other vehicle.

[0008] In the method according to the invention, the minimum lateral distance to be maintained between the motorcycle and the other vehicle is determined depending on the type of the other vehicle. In particular, a distinction can be made between wider and narrower other vehicles, in particular between motor vehicles and two-wheelers such as motorcycles, which are also considered other vehicles within the meaning of the invention.

[0009] The vehicle-type-dependent minimum lateral distance makes it possible to implement an adaptive cruise control function for a motorcycle that is adapted to the type of vehicle ahead. In particular, it is possible to differentiate between motorcycles or two-wheelers on the one hand and motor vehicles such as passenger cars or trucks on the other.

[0010] This approach allows, for example, the implementation of an adaptive cruise control system for motorcycles traveling in groups without running the risk of the motorcycle approaching a motorcycle in front in a dangerous manner and possibly even overtaking without changing lanes. Such dangerous driving situations can be prevented by the vehicle-type-dependent

[0011] Minimum lateral distance between the motorcycle and the other vehicle must be avoided.

[0012] It is possible to implement an adaptive cruise control system on a motorcycle that, as an environmental sensor, only has a distance detection system for detecting the longitudinal and lateral distance of the motorcycle from a vehicle traveling ahead and / or traveling to the side, but not a lane keeping system. Accordingly, relatively simple adaptive motorcycle cruise control systems can be implemented without compromising safety.

[0013] The minimum lateral distance is greater for narrower other vehicles and smaller for wider other vehicles. If the other vehicle in front is a motorcycle with a correspondingly narrow width, a greater minimum lateral distance is prescribed, which must be maintained when overtaking. If the set motorcycle speed is greater than the speed of the other motorcycle in front, the motorcycle will approach, but overtaking is only possible if the minimum lateral distance between the motorcycle and the other motorcycle is maintained. This minimum lateral distance usually requires the approaching motorcycle, which is equipped with the motorcycle distance control system, to change lanes. This prevents the other motorcycle in front from being overtaken by the approaching motorcycle within the same lane.If the approaching motorcycle does not change lanes, the motorcycle speed is automatically reduced to such an extent that the speed-dependent, prescribed minimum longitudinal distance between the motorcycle and the other motorcycle in front is maintained.

[0014] However, if the other vehicle in front is a motor vehicle such as a passenger car or a truck with a larger width, the minimum lateral distance can be set to a smaller value, since overtaking the other vehicle is only possible by changing lanes anyway. By selecting a smaller minimum lateral distance compared to a motorcycle, the overtaking maneuver of the other vehicle is smoother and can be completed in a shorter time.

[0015] In principle, it is sufficient to set exactly two different vehicle type classes and, accordingly, two different minimum lateral distances, corresponding to a motorcycle on the one hand and a motor vehicle on the other. For example, the larger minimum lateral distance, which is preferably determined in the case of a leading motorcycle, can be in a value range between 1.60 m and 2.50 m. In the case of a leading motor vehicle, however, a smaller minimum lateral distance is advantageously determined for the following motorcycle, which, for example, is in a value range between 0.80 m and 1.50 m.

[0016] However, it may also be appropriate to define more than two different vehicle type classes or minimum side clearances, for example, to differentiate between three different vehicle type classes of other vehicles, such as a motorcycle, a passenger car, and a truck, and to determine the minimum side clearances accordingly. Furthermore, it is also possible to specify a larger or smaller minimum side clearance for each vehicle type within a permissible range of values.

[0017] According to yet another practical embodiment, the type of other vehicle traveling in front of the motorcycle is set by the motorcycle rider. Based on the vehicle type, the minimum lateral distance can be automatically determined in the distance control system and used as the basis for setting the motorcycle speed. The motorcyclist thus enters the type of vehicle traveling in front into the distance control system. Alternatively, the minimum lateral distance can also be selected directly by the rider in the distance control system. Advantageously, defined distance classes are stored, allowing selection.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle type of the other vehicle driving ahead is automatically determined in the distance control system, in particular with the help of suitable environmental sensors, preferably a camera-based system that captures an image of the other vehicle driving ahead, which is then evaluated in the distance control system. This approach has the advantage that no driver action is required to determine the minimum lateral distance.

[0019] The various process steps run in a control unit that is part of the motorcycle's adaptive cruise control system. The adaptive cruise control system includes a distance detection system to determine the longitudinal and lateral distance between the motorcycle and the vehicle traveling ahead or to the side. The adaptive cruise control system generates control signals for automatically adjusting the motorcycle's speed by controlling the motorcycle engine or brakes.

[0020] If the driver enters the vehicle type or minimum lateral distance into the motorcycle adaptive cruise control system, the system has a corresponding input unit that can be operated by the driver. If the vehicle type in front is automatically detected, the adaptive cruise control system is equipped with appropriate environmental sensors, such as a camera system.

[0021] Further advantages and practical embodiments can be found in the further claims, the description of the figures, and the drawings. They show: Fig. 1a a driving situation of a motorcycle equipped with an adaptive cruise control system on a road with a third-party motorcycle driving ahead, Fig. 1b Fig. 1a corresponding illustration, but with the motorcycle in a different lateral relative position to the other motorcycle driving in front, Fig. 2a a driving situation of a motorcycle with adaptive cruise control system and a other passenger car driving in front, Fig. 2b Fig. 2a corresponding representation, but with the motorcycle during an overtaking maneuver in the other lane.

[0022] In the figures, identical components and functions are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0023] In the Fig. 1a and 1bA motorcycle 1 is shown following a vehicle 2 driving ahead on a roadway 3. The vehicle 2 is in the Fig. 1a and 1b also a motorcycle (hereinafter: third-party motorcycle). Motorcycle 1 is equipped with an adaptive cruise control system, which automatically maintains a set motorcycle speed while taking into account the distance between motorcycle 1 and third-party motorcycle 2. The cruise control system comprises a distance detection system, which is particularly radar-based and can be used to determine the distance between motorcycle 1 and third-party motorcycle 2. The distance detection system in the cruise control system allows, in particular, both the longitudinal and lateral distances between motorcycle 1 and third-party motorcycle 2 to be determined.

[0024] Based on the detected distance between the motorcycle 1 and the other motorcycle 2 and taking into account the set motorcycle speed, the distance control system in the motorcycle 1 automatically intervenes in the motorcycle engine and the motorcycle brakes in order to maintain a sufficient safety distance both in the longitudinal and transverse directions from the other motorcycle 2 traveling ahead.

[0025] The distance control system allows a minimum lateral distance to be specified and maintained between motorcycle 1 and other motorcycle 2, taking into account the vehicle type of other vehicle 2. The minimum lateral distance of motorcycle 1 is marked with b and depends on the vehicle type of other vehicle 2. In the case of other motorcycle 2 at Fig. 1a and 1bthe minimum lateral distance b is chosen to be relatively large and lies, for example, in a value range between 1.60 m and 2.50 m. This relatively large minimum lateral distance ensures that, in the case of a motorcycle 2 traveling ahead, overtaking with the distance control system activated is only possible if the motorcycle 1 changes lanes properly. However, it is not possible for the motorcycle 1 to change lanes to the left within the same lane when the distance control system is activated ( Fig. 1a ) or right ( Fig. 1b ) passes the other motorcycle 2, since the other motorcycle 2 would still be within the minimum lateral distance b of the motorcycle 1, which is detected by the distance control system.

[0026] The speed of motorcycle 1 is reduced when approaching the other motorcycle 2 in front and reaching the minimum longitudinal distance, in particular to the same speed as the other motorcycle 2 in front, which can be seen from the equally large speed arrows in the longitudinal direction on motorcycle 1 and other motorcycle 2. Overtaking within the same lane is not possible and can only be carried out if motorcycle 1 changes from the right to the left lane.

[0027] In the Fig. 2a and 2b A driving situation is shown with a passenger car as other vehicle 2, which is followed by the motorcycle 1. The minimum lateral distance b of the motorcycle 1 is narrower than with Fig. 1a and 1bwith a leading motorcycle. This is due to the greater width of the passenger car than other vehicle 2 compared to the leading motorcycle. By selecting a smaller minimum lateral distance b for motorcycle 1, for example, within a range of values ​​between 0.80 m and 1.50 m, a swift and smooth overtaking maneuver is possible. Due to the greater width of the passenger car, overtaking other vehicle 2 is only possible if motorcycle 1 moves out into the overtaking lane.

[0028] Advantageously, the adaptive cruise control system has an input unit through which the driver of the motorcycle 1 can enter the type of vehicle ahead. In the case of Fig. 1a and 1b the driver of motorcycle 1 chooses a motorcycle as a third-party vehicle, in the case of Fig. 2a and 2bThe driver of motorcycle 1 selects a motor vehicle as the other vehicle. The motorcycle's distance control system then automatically selects minimum lateral distances b as parameters and uses them as the basis for distance control.

Claims

1. Method for automatically setting the speed of a motorcycle (1) in accordance with the longitudinal distance and the lateral distance of the motorcycle (1) from another vehicle (2) which is travelling ahead in the same lane, wherein a minimum lateral distance (b) which is to be maintained between the motorcycle (1) and the other vehicle (2) is determined in accordance with the type of vehicle of the other vehicle (2), characterized in that the minimum lateral distance (b) when the other vehicle (2) is another motorcycle is chosen such that overtaking is only possible if the motorcycle (1) changes lane.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the type of vehicle of the other vehicle (2) is set by the rider and the minimum lateral distance (b) is determined automatically on the basis of the set type of vehicle.

3. Method according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that precisely two different type classes of vehicle or minimum lateral distances (b) are determined.

4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that only the actual longitudinal distance and lateral distance of the motorcycle (1) from the other vehicle (2) are taken into account as environment information.

5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the minimum lateral distance (b) when the motor vehicle travelling ahead is not another motorcycle is in a value range between 0.80 m and 1.50 m.

6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the minimum lateral distance (b) when another motorcycle is travelling ahead is in a value range between 1.60 m and 2.50 m.

7. Control unit for carrying out the method according to one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. Adaptive motorcycle cruise control system, having a distance detection system for detecting the longitudinal distance and the lateral distance of the motorcycle (1) from another vehicle (2) which is travelling ahead and / or which is travelling to the side, and having a control unit according to Claim 7.

9. Adaptive motorcycle cruise control system according to Claim 8, characterized in that various minimum lateral distances (b), which are each assigned to a specific type of vehicle, are stored in the control unit.

10. Adaptive motorcycle cruise control system according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the adaptive motorcycle cruise control system has an input unit for inputting a specific type of vehicle.