Control device for vehicle

Abstract

To solve the problem that a speaker which is disposed at a front part of a vehicle is easily damaged when the vehicle collides in a conventional control device for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A speaker 12 which outputs notification sound for notifying the surroundings of approach of a vehicle 11 is provided in a control device 10 for a vehicle. The speaker 12 is held to a first bracket 31. A vehicle control unit 21 evacuates the speaker 12 which is held to the first bracket 31 to vehicle inside of the vehicle 11 via a second bracket 32 when a vehicle collision detection device 24 detects collision against the vehicle 11. By this configuration, the speaker 12 is prevented from damaging by collision against the vehicle 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that controls the position of a speaker that notifies people around the vehicle 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] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional vehicle audio device. The vehicle audio device includes a speaker that is attached to the vehicle and a drive unit that rotates the speaker. The speaker is disposed in a recess in a storage section of the bumper beam. The drive unit switches the speaker in the recess between a transmission state in which the speaker faces the opening on the front side of the vehicle, and a standby state in which the speaker faces the side wall of the storage section.

[0005] In addition, in the vehicle audio device, the speaker may be disposed in the recess via a bracket attached to the bottom surface of the recess. In this case, when the bracket receives an impact due to a vehicle collision, the weak part of the bracket deforms, moving the speaker toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the speaker is prevented from coming into contact with a colliding object such as another vehicle, and damage to the speaker is prevented. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-166980 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the above-mentioned vehicle audio device, the speaker is attached in the recess of the storage unit via the bracket, so that the speaker can move to the rear of the vehicle in the recess during a vehicle collision. However, depending on the collision situation such as the collision direction of the vehicle, the deformation shape of the bracket may not be stable, and the speaker may not move to the rear of the vehicle insufficiently, resulting in damage to the speaker. In addition, if only one side of the bracket in the vehicle width direction is deformed, the speaker may collide with the side wall in the recess and be damaged.

[0008] In addition, in the above-mentioned transmitting state, the speaker cannot be moved forward beyond the recess of the storage part of the bumper beam. Due to this structure, in order to deliver the warning sound above the specified value to pedestrians around the vehicle, it is necessary to increase the volume of the warning sound output from the speaker. As a result, the volume of the warning sound entering the vehicle cabin also increases, making it difficult to achieve a quiet interior.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that has a second bracket that moves a first bracket that holds a speaker, and moves the speaker toward the rear of the vehicle in the event of a vehicle collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle control device that includes a speaker that outputs an alarm sound to alert those in the vicinity of an approaching vehicle, a first bracket that holds the speaker, a second bracket that movably supports the first bracket and is fixed to the vehicle, a locking mechanism that detachably locks the first bracket and the second bracket together, a vehicle collision detection device that detects a collision of the vehicle, and a vehicle control unit that moves the locking mechanism based on a detection signal from the vehicle collision detection device, and is characterized in that when the detection signal is input from the vehicle collision detection device to the vehicle control unit, the vehicle control unit moves the locking mechanism to release the locked state between the first bracket and the second bracket and move the first bracket toward the interior of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0011] A vehicle control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a speaker that outputs an alarm sound to alert surrounding people of an approaching vehicle, the speaker being held by a first bracket. When a vehicle collision detection device detects a collision with the vehicle, a vehicle control unit moves the speaker held by the first bracket to the inside of the vehicle via a second bracket. This structure makes the speaker less susceptible to damage in a collision with the vehicle, and while the vehicle is traveling, the speaker is held near the front bumper or front grille via the first bracket, making it easier to deliver the alarm sound to pedestrians and the like around the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [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 side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3B] 1 is a side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3C] 1 is a plan view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5A] 1 is a side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5B] 1 is a side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5C] 1 is a side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6A] 1 is a side view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6B] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 side view illustrating a holding structure of a speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3B is a side view illustrating a holding structure of a speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3C is a plan view illustrating a locking mechanism 25 of the vehicle control device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0015] 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).

[0016] Here, for example, under Japanese regulations, 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 speed of 20 km / h.

[0017] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a speaker 12 (see FIG. 2) as a means for issuing a notification sound to those around the vehicle 11. As shown in an area surrounded by a dotted line 13, the speaker 12 is disposed, for example, in the front of the vehicle 11, in a chamber between a front grill 14 and a radiator (not shown). A dashed-dotted line 15 indicates a center line CL of the vehicle 11 in the vehicle width direction, and the speaker 12 is disposed on the center line CL of the vehicle 11 and faces the front side of the vehicle 11.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle control device 10 mainly includes a vehicle control unit 21, a vehicle condition detection unit 22, an approach notification device 23, a speaker 12, a vehicle collision detection device 24, a first bracket 31 (see FIG. 3A) that holds the speaker 12, a second bracket 32 ​​(see FIG. 3A) that movably supports the first bracket 31, and a locking mechanism 25.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The 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 the vehicle control unit 21 and one or more programs executable by the one or more processors.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The approach notification device 23 is composed of an amplifier and the like. When a control signal for outputting a notification sound is input from the vehicle control unit 21, the approach notification device 23 converts the audio data of the notification sound into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 12. The speaker 12 is, for example, a dynamic speaker. As described above, the speaker 12 outputs a notification sound to the outside of the vehicle based on the audio signal input from the approach notification device 23. The storage unit (not shown) of the approach notification device 23 stores audio data of the notification sound that satisfies the requirements of the above regulations.

[0023] The vehicle collision detection device 24 is formed, for example, between the bumper face and bumper beam of the vehicle 11 along the vehicle width direction, and includes an impact absorbing portion and a collision detection portion. Although not shown, the impact absorbing portion is formed from a foamed resin material such as foamed polypropylene or a resin material such as polypropylene, and is formed continuously from the left end side to the right end side of the vehicle 11.

[0024] The collision detection unit is disposed inside the front side of the impact absorbing unit and is generally tubular. The collision detection unit is deformed so as to be crushed when a pedestrian collision, a vehicle collision, or the like occurs, and detection devices disposed on both ends of the collision detection unit sense the amount of deformation of the collision detection unit to detect the above-mentioned collision of the vehicle 11. The vehicle collision detection device 24 then inputs a detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21.

[0025] The locking mechanism 25 includes, for example, a locking pin 33 movable by a solenoid device (not shown), and a locking receiving hole 34 formed in the second bracket 32. The locking mechanism 25 is controlled by the vehicle control unit 21, which releases the locked state of the locking mechanism 25 based on a detection signal input from the vehicle collision detection device 24.

[0026] Although details will be described later, the locking mechanism 25 fixes the first bracket 31, which holds the speaker 12, in an locked state relative to the second bracket 32. On the other hand, the locking mechanism 25 releases the locked state between the first bracket 31 and the second bracket 32 ​​when the vehicle 11 collides. As a result, the first bracket 31 is guided by the second bracket 32 ​​and moves toward the rear side of the vehicle 11, preventing damage to the speaker 12 in the event of a vehicle collision. The structures of the first bracket 31, the second bracket 32, and the locking mechanism 25 will be described later with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

[0027] 3A and 3B, the first bracket 31 has a main body 31A and a pair of wheel portions 31B arranged in the vehicle width direction of the main body 31A. The speaker 12 is fixed to the front surface of the main body 31A of the first bracket 31.

[0028] The second bracket 32 ​​has a pair of rail portions 32A, a base portion 32B supporting the pair of rail portions 32A, and a stopper portion 32C arranged to bridge the pair of rail portions 32A. The second bracket 32 ​​is fixed to the upper surface of the body frame 11A by fastening the base portion 32B with bolts. The rail portion 32A is formed in a generally U-shaped cross section in the extending direction. The wheel portion 31B of the first bracket 31 is arranged inside the rail portion 32A.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32 ​​is formed to extend upward relative to the body frame 11A and diagonally forward of the vehicle 11. As indicated by arrow 35, the wheel portion 31B of the first bracket 31 slides along the inside of the rail portion 32A using its own weight, thereby becoming movable toward the rear side of the vehicle 11. When the wheel portion 31B reaches the stopper portion 32C, its movement is stopped, and the main body portion 31A is prevented from colliding with the body frame 11A.

[0030] 3C, the locking mechanism 25 has a housing 25A, a solenoid device (not shown) disposed inside the housing 25A, and a locking pin 33 movable by the solenoid device. The housing 25A of the locking mechanism 25 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body 31A of the first bracket 31. The rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32 ​​is formed with a locking receiving hole 34 for locking the locking pin 33.

[0031] With this structure, the first bracket 31 is fixed near the tip of the rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32. The tip of the rail portion 32A extends to the periphery of the front grill 14 (see FIG. 1) of the vehicle 11, and the speaker 12 is also disposed around the front grill 14. As a result, the alert sound output from the speaker 12 is easily heard by pedestrians and the like around the vehicle 11. The alert sound is not output from the speaker 12 at a volume higher than necessary, and the alert sound entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11 is reduced, achieving quietness within the passenger compartment.

[0032] Furthermore, when the vehicle 11 collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, or the like, the vehicle collision detection device 24 detects the collision and inputs a detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21. Based on the detection signal input from the vehicle collision detection device 24, the vehicle control unit 21 moves the locking pin 33 so that the locking pin 33 is released from the locking receiving hole 34.

[0033] As a result, the first bracket 31 is guided by the downwardly inclined structure of the rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32 ​​and moves toward the rear side of the vehicle 11 under its own weight. Then, the first bracket 31 retreats into the interior of the vehicle 11 before the front bumper or the like of the vehicle 11 enters the interior of the vehicle 11, thereby preventing the speaker 12 from colliding with the front bumper or the like and being damaged. In particular, the quality of the speakers 12 has improved in recent years, and an increase in the burden on the user due to damage to the speaker 12 is prevented.

[0034] Furthermore, the second bracket 32 ​​is formed of a material, such as a steel plate, that has higher rigidity than the first bracket 31. As a result, the second bracket 32 ​​is less likely to deform significantly even when colliding with the front bumper or the like. The speaker 12 fixed to the first bracket 31 is protected by the second bracket 32 ​​by being retracted to the inside of the rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32, and is more unlikely to be damaged.

[0035] Furthermore, the first bracket 31 only needs to slide down the downward inclined structure of the rail portion 32A of the second bracket 32, and the wheel portion 31B is not limited to a wheel structure but can have a slidable structure that is capable of sliding down the rail portion 32A.

[0036] Next, a modified example of the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6B. Although Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B have described a case where the first bracket 31 slides with respect to the second bracket 32 ​​by its own weight, the present invention is not limited to this case. As shown in Fig. 5A to Fig. 5C, the first bracket 41 of the vehicle control device 40 may be structured to move with respect to the second bracket 42 by using the drive unit 26, or as shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the first bracket 51 of the vehicle control device 50 may be structured to rotate with respect to the second bracket 52 by using the drive unit 26.

[0037] In the following description of the vehicle control devices 40, 50, the same components as those of the vehicle control device 10 described using Figs. 1 to 3C are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Fig. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the vehicle control devices 40, 50 of this embodiment. Fig. 5A is a side view for explaining the holding structure of the speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 40 of this embodiment. Fig. 5B is a side view for explaining the holding structure of the speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 40 of this embodiment. Fig. 5C is a side view for explaining the locking mechanism 25 of the vehicle control device 40 of this embodiment. Fig. 6A is a side view for explaining the holding structure of the speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 50 of this embodiment. Fig. 6B is a perspective view for explaining the holding structure of the speaker 12 of the vehicle control device 50 of this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle control device 40, 50 mainly includes a vehicle control unit 21, a vehicle condition detection unit 22, an approach notification device 23, a speaker 12, a vehicle collision detection device 24, a first bracket 41 (see FIG. 5A), 51 (see FIG. 6A) that holds the speaker 12, second brackets 42 (see FIG. 5A), 52 (see FIG. 6A) that movably support the first brackets 41, 51, a locking mechanism 25, and a drive unit 26 that drives the first brackets 41, 51.

[0039] The driving unit 26 is, for example, an electric motor, and is controlled by the vehicle control unit 21 to drive or stop. In the vehicle control device 40, the driving unit 26 is disposed inside the main body 41A of the first bracket 41, and is connected to the axle of the wheel unit 41B of the first bracket 41 to rotate the wheel unit 41B. On the other hand, in the vehicle control device 50, the driving unit 26 is disposed in the second bracket 52, and is connected to the rotating shaft unit 51B of the first bracket 51 to rotate the first bracket 51.

[0040] 5A and 5B, the first bracket 41 has a main body 41A, a pair of wheel portions 41B arranged in the vehicle width direction of the main body 41A, and a drive portion 26 disposed inside the main body 41A. The speaker 12 is fixed to the front surface of the main body 41A of the first bracket 41.

[0041] The second bracket 42 has a pair of rail portions 42A and a base portion 42B that supports the pair of rail portions 42A. The second bracket 42 is fixed to the upper surface of the body frame 11A by fastening the base portion 42B with bolts. The rail portions 42A are formed in a generally U-shaped cross section in the extending direction. The wheel portion 41B of the first bracket 41 is disposed inside the rail portions 42A.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the rail portion 42A of the second bracket 42 is formed to be substantially horizontal with respect to the body frame 11A and extend toward the front side of the vehicle 11. Then, as shown by arrow 45, the wheel portion 41B of the first bracket 41 is driven by the drive unit 26 to move on its own inside the rail portion 42A and can move toward the rear side of the vehicle 11. As described above, the drive unit 26 is controlled by the vehicle control unit 21 and is stopped at a desired position on the rail portion 42A, thereby preventing the main body portion 41A from colliding with the body frame 11A.

[0043] 5C, the locking mechanism 25 has a housing 25A, a solenoid device (not shown) disposed inside the housing 25A, and a locking hook 43 movable by the solenoid device. The housing 25A of the locking mechanism 25 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body 41A of the first bracket 41. A locking groove 44 for locking the locking hook 43 is formed in the rail portion 42A of the second bracket 42.

[0044] With this structure, the first bracket 41 is fixed near the tip of the rail portion 42A of the second bracket 42. The speaker 12 is also disposed around the front grill 14. As a result, the vehicle control device 40 can achieve the same effects as the vehicle control device 10.

[0045] Furthermore, when the vehicle 11 collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, or the like, the vehicle collision detection device 24 detects the collision and inputs a detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21. Based on the detection signal input from the vehicle collision detection device 24, the vehicle control unit 21 moves the locking hook 43 so that the locking hook 43 is released from the locking receiving groove 44. At the same time, the vehicle control unit 21 drives the drive unit 26, so that the first bracket 41 moves independently relative to the second bracket 42, and the speaker 12 retreats to the rear of the vehicle 11. As a result, the vehicle control device 40 also provides the same effects as the vehicle control device 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the second bracket 42 is formed of a material having high rigidity, such as a steel plate, etc. As a result, the vehicle control device 40 can obtain the same effects as the vehicle control device 10.

[0047] 6A and 6B, the first bracket 51 has a main body 51A and a rotating shaft 51B formed on the rear end side of the main body 51A. The speaker 12 is fixed to the front end side of the main body 51A of the first bracket 51. The second bracket 52 has a base 52A and a drive unit 26 disposed on the upper end side of the base 52A. The first bracket 51 becomes rotatable with respect to the second bracket 52 by connecting the rotating shaft 51B to the drive unit 26.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the locking mechanism 25 has a housing 25A, a solenoid device (not shown) disposed inside the housing 25A, and a locking pin 53 movable by the solenoid device. The housing 25A of the locking mechanism 25 is fixed to the rear end of the main body 51A of the first bracket 51. A locking receiving hole 54 for locking the locking pin 53 is formed near the upper end of the base 52A of the second bracket 52.

[0049] With this structure, the first bracket 51 is fixed to the upper end of the second bracket 52 and extends forward of the vehicle 11 on the center line CL of the vehicle 11. The speaker 12 is disposed around the front grill 14. As a result, the vehicle control device 50 can achieve the same effects as the vehicle control device 10.

[0050] Furthermore, when the vehicle 11 collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, or the like, the vehicle collision detection device 24 detects the collision and inputs a detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21. Based on the detection signal input from the vehicle collision detection device 24, the vehicle control unit 21 moves the locking pin 53 so that the locking pin 53 is released from the locking receiving hole 54. At the same time, as shown by an arrow 55, the vehicle control unit 21 drives the drive unit 26, whereby the first bracket 51 rotates with respect to the second bracket 52, and the speaker 12 retreats to the rear of the vehicle 11. As a result, the vehicle control device 50 also provides the same effects as the vehicle control device 10.

[0051] In the vehicle control device 10, 40, 50 of the present embodiment, the speaker 12 is disposed at the front of the vehicle 11, and when an obstacle such as another vehicle collides with the front of the vehicle 11, the first bracket 31, 41, 51 moves to the rear side of the vehicle 11, which is the inside of the vehicle 11, to protect the speaker 12. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the speaker 12 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle 11, and when an obstacle such as another vehicle collides with the rear of the vehicle 11, the first bracket 31, 41, 51 moves to the front side of the vehicle 11, which is the inside of the vehicle 11, to protect the speaker 12. Also, when the obstacle collides with the side of the vehicle 11, the vehicle collision detection device 24 may detect the collision and input the detection signal to the vehicle control unit 21, to protect the speaker 12.

[0052] In addition, the description of the structure of the vehicle collision detection device 24 of the vehicle control device 10, 40, 50 is merely one example, and various other structures can be adopted. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10, 40, 50 Vehicle control device 11 Vehicles 12 Speaker 14 Front grill 21 Vehicle control unit 22 Vehicle condition detection unit 23 Approach notification device 24 Vehicle collision detection device 25 Locking mechanism 25A Housing 26 Drive unit 31,41,51 First bracket 31A, 41A, 51A Main body 31B,41B Wheel part 32,42,52 Second bracket 32A, 42A Rail section 32B, 42B, 52A Base part 32C Stopper part 33,53 Locking pin 34,54 Locking hole 43 Locking hook 44 Locking groove 51B Rotating shaft

Claims

1. a speaker that outputs a warning sound to notify people around the vehicle of an approaching vehicle; a first bracket for holding the speaker; a second bracket that movably supports the first bracket and is fixed to the vehicle; a locking mechanism for detachably locking the first bracket and the second bracket together; a vehicle collision detection device for detecting a collision of the vehicle; a vehicle control unit that operates the locking mechanism based on a detection signal from the vehicle collision detection device, When the detection signal is input from the vehicle collision detection device to the vehicle control unit, The vehicle control device is characterized in that the vehicle control unit moves the locking mechanism to release the locking state between the first bracket and the second bracket and move the first bracket toward the interior side of the vehicle.

2. the second bracket has a rail portion for moving the first bracket, The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , wherein the rail portion has a structure inclined downward toward the inside of the vehicle.

3. the second bracket has a rail portion for moving the first bracket, The first bracket has a wheel portion that runs on the rail portion and a drive portion that drives the wheel portion, The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control unit drives the wheel unit via the drive unit in response to the detection signal being input.

4. the second bracket has a drive portion that rotates the first bracket, The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle control unit rotates the first bracket via the drive unit when the detection signal is input.

Images