Vehicle control device

Abstract

To solve a problem that in a conventional vehicle control device, a volume of a notification sound leaking into a vehicle cabin is large, making it difficult to ensure quietness inside the vehicle cabin.SOLUTION: In a vehicle control device 10 of the present invention, a first speaker 12 and a second speaker 13 that output notification sound are disposed in a front part of a vehicle 11. The first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 have an integral structure and are disposed opposite each other in a vehicle width direction. With this structure, the notification sounds output from the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 to an inside of the vehicle cancel each other out, thereby reducing the notification sounds that enter a vehicle cabin, and achieving quietness inside the vehicle cabin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that controls an alarm sound for notifying people in the vicinity of an approaching vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there are vehicles that can run without using engines, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Since these vehicles do not emit engine noise, it is difficult for pedestrians to recognize the approach of a vehicle by the engine sound of the vehicle.

[0003] Meanwhile, currently, in many countries, legislation is being enacted to require vehicles that can run without using engines, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to emit a warning sound to alert pedestrians and others of the approach of the vehicle.The warning sound emitted by such vehicles that can run without using engines is now required to have a sound pressure level equal to or higher than a specified value.

[0004] For example, under Japanese regulations, vehicles that can run without using the engine are required to output sound pressure levels above a specified value in two frequency bands out of the 16 frequency bands that divide the 160 Hz to 5 kHz range into 16 1 / 3 octave bands from start to speed of 20 km / h.

[0005] A conventional vehicle presence notification device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The vehicle presence notification device includes a first notification sound generating means for outputting a notification sound using a high-frequency sound toward the front of the vehicle, and a second notification sound generating means for outputting a notification sound using a low-frequency sound toward the bottom of the vehicle.

[0006] The high-pitched notification sound from the first notification sound generating means has high directionality and is output toward the front of the vehicle. The high-pitched notification sound is output within a predetermined range on the front side of the vehicle, and is actively delivered to pedestrians in front of the vehicle.

[0007] On the other hand, the low-pitched notification sound from the second notification sound generating means has low directionality and is output toward the bottom of the vehicle. The low-pitched notification sound is then reflected off the road surface and output over a wide area around the vehicle, so that it is actively delivered to pedestrians on the sides and rear of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-15187 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the above-mentioned vehicle presence notification device, the first notification sound generating means is intended for pedestrians in front of the vehicle, and the second notification sound generating means is intended for pedestrians on the sides and rear of the vehicle. Due to this structure, the directions from which the notification sounds are output are different, and in order to satisfy the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations, the volume of the notification sounds output from the first notification sound generating means and the second notification sound generating means must be large. As a result, the volume of the notification sound leaking into the vehicle cabin also becomes large, making it difficult to ensure quietness in the cabin.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that achieves quietness inside the vehicle cabin by having the notification sounds output from the first speaker and the second speaker cancel each other out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle control device, which is equipped with a first speaker and a second speaker that output an alert sound to alert those in the vicinity of an approaching vehicle, wherein the first speaker is disposed in the front of the vehicle toward the right side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and the second speaker is disposed in the front of the vehicle toward the left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, the first speaker and the second speaker are formed as an integral structure and are disposed opposite each other in the vehicle width direction, and the first speaker and the second speaker receive the same audio signal associated with the alert sound simultaneously from an amplifier unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle control device includes a first speaker and a second speaker that output a warning sound, and the first speaker and the second speaker are disposed in the front of the vehicle. The first speaker and the second speaker are integrally constructed and disposed opposite each other in the vehicle width direction. With this structure, the warning sounds output from the first speaker and the second speaker to the inside of the vehicle cancel each other out, thereby reducing the warning sounds that enter the vehicle cabin, and achieving quietness in the vehicle cabin. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view illustrating a vehicle in which a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a speaker structure of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 2 is a graph illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a sound pressure measurement test of the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a speaker structure of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A vehicle control device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. In addition, the front-rear direction of the paper indicates the overall length of the vehicle 11, the left-right direction of the paper indicates the width direction of the vehicle 11, and the up-down direction of the paper indicates the height direction of the vehicle 11.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a vehicle 11 in which a vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment is disposed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating the state of the notification sound output from the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a sound pressure measurement test of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the structure of the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 11 may be, for example, an electric vehicle such as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

[0017] For example, Japanese regulations require that a vehicle 11 that can run without using an engine must output a sound pressure equal to or higher than a specified value within two of the frequency bands obtained by dividing 160 Hz to 5 kHz into 16 frequency bands each consisting of 1 / 3 octave bands from start to 20 km / h. In addition, the sound pressure measurement test according to the above Japanese regulations specifies the requirements described with reference to FIG. 4, which will be described in detail later.

[0018] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a first speaker 12 (see FIG. 2) and a second speaker 13 (see FIG. 2) as means for announcing a notification sound to the surroundings of the vehicle 11. As indicated by a dotted line 14, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are disposed, for example, in the front of the vehicle 11, in a chamber between a front grille 15 and a radiator (not shown). A dashed-dotted line 16 indicates a center line CL in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, and the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 11. The first speaker 12 is disposed facing the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, and the second speaker 13 is disposed facing the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle control device 10 mainly includes a vehicle control unit 21, a vehicle state detection unit 22, an amplifier unit 23, a first speaker 12, and a second speaker 13.

[0020] The vehicle control unit 21 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The vehicle control unit 21 is an electronic control unit (ECU) having one or more processors for executing various calculations for controlling a drive device (not shown) of the vehicle 11 such as a motor, etc.

[0021] Vehicle control unit 21 also includes a storage unit (not shown), which is configured, for example, with a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory). The storage unit stores various data required for calculations in vehicle control unit 21 and one or more programs executable by the one or more processors. The storage unit also stores voice data of the notification sound that satisfies the requirements of the above regulations.

[0022] The vehicle state detection unit 22 is a sensor for detecting the running state of the vehicle 11. One example of the vehicle state detection unit 22 is a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle 11 and inputs the detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21. Then, based on the detection signal, the vehicle control unit 21 determines whether the running state of the vehicle 11 is in a state in which a warning sound should be output in accordance with the above regulations.

[0023] The amplifier unit 23 converts the audio data of the notification sound input from the vehicle control unit 21 into an audio signal and outputs it to the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13. Although details will be described later, the amplifier unit 23 is connected to the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13, and outputs the same audio signal to the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 at the same timing.

[0024] The first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are, for example, dynamic type speakers. As described above, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 output a warning sound to the outside of the vehicle based on the audio signal input from the amplifier unit 23.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3A, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are mounted to the vehicle body frame in a space between the front grille 15 (see Fig. 1) and the radiator (not shown). The first speaker 12 is disposed facing the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, and the second speaker 13 is disposed facing the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11. In the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13, bobbins 33 and 34 around which voice coils 31 and 32 are wound, respectively, are integrated via a yoke 35.

[0026] The voice coil 31 of this embodiment corresponds to the first voice coil of the present invention, and the voice coil 32 of this embodiment corresponds to the second voice coil of the present invention. The bobbin 33 of this embodiment corresponds to the first bobbin of the present invention, and the bobbin 34 of this embodiment corresponds to the second bobbin of the present invention.

[0027] That is, in this embodiment, the bobbins 33, 34 are formed in a linear shape, and as indicated by the dotted line 17, the axis of the bobbin 33 of the first speaker 12 and the axis of the bobbin 34 of the second speaker 13 are positioned coaxially in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11. The first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are disposed so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 indicated by the dashed dotted line 16, and are formed as an integral structure.

[0028] Here, the first speaker 12 includes a frame portion 36, a plate portion 37 fixed to the frame portion 36, a voice coil 31 disposed between the plate portion 37 and the bobbin 33, and a magnet 38 fixed to the tip portion of the yoke 35. In the first speaker 12, the yoke 35, the magnet 38, and the voice coil 31 wound around the bobbin 33 form a magnetic circuit.

[0029] Similarly, the second speaker 13 includes a frame portion 39, a plate portion 42 fixed to the frame portion 39, a voice coil 32 disposed between the plate portion 42 and the bobbin 34, and a magnet 38 fixed to the tip portion of the yoke 35. In the second speaker 13, the yoke 35, the magnet 38, and the voice coil 32 wound around the bobbin 34 form a magnetic circuit.

[0030] In this embodiment, the direction of the current flowing through the voice coil 31 of the first speaker 12 is the same as the direction of the current flowing through the voice coil 32 of the second speaker 13. The first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are connected to the same amplifier unit 23, and currents based on the same audio signal flow through the voice coils 31, 32 at the same timing.

[0031] With this structure, in accordance with Fleming's left-hand rule by the magnetic circuit, as shown by arrow 18, a force is applied to the bobbins 33, 34 to vibrate in the width direction of the vehicle 11. As described above, the bobbins 33, 34 are integrated via the yoke 35, and currents flow in the same direction through the voice coils 31, 32, so that the bobbins 33, 34 also vibrate in the same direction.

[0032] 3B, the vertical axis indicates sound pressure (db) and the horizontal axis indicates time (t). In the first speaker 12, a cone 40 is connected between the bobbin 33 and the frame portion 36. Similarly, in the second speaker 13, a cone 41 is connected between the bobbin 34 and the frame portion 39. Then, due to the operation of the bobbins 33 and 34, the cones 40 and 41 also vibrate in the same direction in the width direction of the vehicle 11.

[0033] Specifically, as the bobbins 33, 34 move to the right side of the vehicle 11, the cone 40 bulges in a direction to be pushed out relative to the frame portion 36, and outputs a warning sound toward the outside of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the cone 41 bulges in a direction to be pulled into the frame portion 39, and outputs a warning sound toward the inside of the vehicle. Conversely, as the bobbins 33, 34 move to the left side of the vehicle 11, the cone 41 bulges in a direction to be pushed out relative to the frame portion 39, and outputs a warning sound toward the outside of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the cone 40 bulges in a direction to be pulled into the frame portion 36, and outputs a warning sound toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0034] By vibrating the bobbins 33 and 34 in the same direction, the alert sound output from the first speaker 12 and the alert sound output from the second speaker 13 are in opposite phase as shown in the figure. As a result, the alert sounds output from the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 to the inside of the vehicle cancel each other out, and the alert sound entering the vehicle is significantly reduced. Thus, an alert sound that satisfies the requirements of laws and regulations is realized outside the vehicle, and quietness is ensured inside the vehicle 11. The occupants can enjoy conversation, music, etc., and comfort is realized when the vehicle 11 is traveling.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, the sound pressure measurement test according to the Japanese regulations stipulates the following requirements. When the vehicle 11 moves forward, microphones 51 are installed at a height of 1.2 m from the ground on both sides of the front end of the vehicle 11, 2 m away on both sides from the center line CL in the vehicle width direction, and a measurement is made as to whether the notification sound is at a sound pressure of 45 dB or more. On the other hand, when the vehicle 11 moves backward, microphones 51 are installed at a height of 1.2 m from the ground on both sides of the rear end of the vehicle 11, 2 m away on both sides from the center line CL in the vehicle width direction, and a measurement is made as to whether the notification sound is at a sound pressure of 45 dB or more.

[0036] In particular, in the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment, when the vehicle 11 is reversing, it is necessary to respond with an alert sound output from the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 attached to the front of the vehicle 11. Therefore, in order to satisfy the requirements of the above test, it is necessary to output the alert sound with a sound pressure of more than 45 dB.

[0037] As a result, the cones 40, 41 bulge in a direction toward the inside of the vehicle 11, and the output warning sound also becomes louder. However, the warning sounds output toward the inside of the vehicle from the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 cancel each other out, so that the warning sounds entering the vehicle are significantly reduced.

[0038] In the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment, the bobbins 33, 34 are formed in a linear shape, and the axis of the bobbin 33 of the first speaker 12 and the axis of the bobbin 34 of the second speaker 13 are formed to be positioned coaxially in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip sides of the bobbins 33A, 34A to which the cones 40, 41 are connected may be bent obliquely forward. In this case, it is easier to deliver the notification sound to pedestrians and the like located in the front of the vehicle 11. Even in this case, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line CL in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 indicated by the dashed line 16.

[0039] 3A and 5, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line CL in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 indicated by the dashed line 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in order to reduce the amount of the notification sound entering the vehicle interior for the driver of the vehicle 11, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11 in front of the steering wheel of the driver's seat. Furthermore, by arranging at least the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 opposite each other in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, the notification sounds output to the inside of the vehicle cancel each other out, thereby realizing the effect of reducing the amount of the notification sound entering the vehicle interior.

[0040] In addition, in the vehicle control device 10, the yoke 35 and the magnet 38 are shared by the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13, and the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 are integrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first speaker 12 and the second speaker 13 may be formed as separate structures and disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, indicated by the dashed line 16. In addition, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 Vehicle control device 11 Vehicles 12 First Speaker 13 Second Speaker 15 Front grill 21 Vehicle control unit 22 Vehicle condition detection unit 23 Amplifier section 31,32 Voice coil 33,34,33A,34A Bobbin 35 York 36,39 Frame section 37,42 Plate section 38 Magnet 40,41 Corn 51 Mike

Claims

1. A vehicle control device including a first speaker and a second speaker for outputting a notification sound to notify surroundings of an approaching vehicle, The first speaker is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle and toward a right side in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle, the second speaker is disposed in the front of the vehicle and toward the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, The first speaker and the second speaker are formed as an integral structure and are disposed opposite to each other in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, a first speaker and a second speaker receiving an alert sound from an amplifier unit, the first speaker and the second speaker receiving an alert sound from an amplifier unit, the first speaker and the second speaker receiving an alert sound from an amplifier unit, the second speaker and the second speaker receiving an alert sound from an amplifier unit,

2. the first speaker includes a first voice coil that passes a current associated with the audio signal, and a first bobbin around which the first voice coil is wound; the second speaker includes a second voice coil through which the current flows, and a second bobbin around which the second voice coil is wound; a direction of the current flowing through the first voice coil is the same as a direction of the current flowing through the second voice coil; 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the first bobbin and the second bobbin are integrated with each other via a yoke and vibrate together in the vehicle width direction.

3. 3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are each arranged in a direction perpendicular to the center line and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

4. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are each disposed diagonally forward of the vehicle and are disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

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