Vehicle control system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control system that can detect an amount of operation of operation means and utilize more complete information regarding traveling.SOLUTION: A vehicle control system comprises operating means (a to c) disposed in a vehicle and operable by a driver, and operation detecting means (1 to 3) for detecting operations on the operating means. The operation detecting means (1 to 3) include displacement means (1a to 3a) that are displaced according to amounts of operations of the operating means (a to c), detection means (1b to 3b) that detect amounts of displacements of the displacement means (1a to 3a) and output continuous signals according to the amounts of displacements, and control means 6 that inputs the continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b to 3b) and performs predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signals, where the displacement means (1a to 3a) are linearly displaced according to the amounts of operation of the operation means (a to c).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control system including an operating means that is arranged in a vehicle and can be operated by a driver, and an operation detection means that detects an operation on the operating means. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as motorcycles are usually provided with operating means such as brake levers, and any operation (such as braking) can be performed by operating these operating means. For example, when a driver grips and swings the brake lever, a part of the brake lever presses an operating section such as a tact switch, which electrically turns on the brake lever, and the brake lights of the vehicle can be turned on. Note that this prior art does not relate to an invention publicly known in the art, so there is no prior art document information to be mentioned. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems. There is an increasing need to know whether the driving was good or bad and the situation of an accident by storing information about the driving state of a vehicle in real time and outputting the stored information about the driving, and for example, a drive recorder has been proposed. However, although a drive recorder can store images of the driving, it cannot know whether or not the operating means such as the brake lever or the clutch lever have been operated and the amount of operation.

[0004] Recently, various methods have been studied for communicating information about driving conditions between the vehicle being driven and other vehicles to ensure smooth and safe driving. In such a situation, if the brake lever, for example, is detected only by the on / off state of a tactile switch, it is not possible to obtain information about the degree to which the brake lever is operated, and the information communicated between vehicles is insufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a vehicle control system that can detect the amount of operation of an operating means and can enhance and utilize information related to driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 provides a vehicle control system equipped with an operating means arranged in a vehicle and operable by a driver, and an operation detection means for detecting an operation of the operating means, wherein the operation detection means is configured to include a displacement means which displaces according to an amount of operation of the operating means, and a detection means which detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means and outputs a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement, and further includes a control means which inputs the continuous signal detected by the detection means and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signal, and wherein the displacement means displaces linearly according to the amount of operation of the operating means.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the vehicle control system described in claim 1, the detection means comprises a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic changes from a magnet formed in the displacement means and outputting a continuous signal corresponding to the displacement of the displacement means.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the vehicle control system described in claim 1, the operating means comprises a clutch lever for operating a clutch of the vehicle, or a brake lever or a brake pedal for operating a brake of the vehicle, and the displacement means is displaced linearly in response to a swing operation of the clutch lever, brake lever or brake pedal.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the vehicle control system described in claim 1, the control means controls electrical components equipped in the vehicle in response to a continuous signal detected by the detection means.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the vehicle control system described in claim 4, the operating means comprises a brake lever or a brake pedal for operating the vehicle brakes, and changes the lighting state of the brake lamps as the electrical component based on the continuous signals detected by the detection means.

[0011] The invention of claim 6 is the vehicle control system of claim 1, characterized in that the control means stores the continuous signal detected by the detection means in a storage means.

[0012] The invention of claim 7 is the vehicle control system of claim 1, characterized in that the control means communicates the continuous signal detected by the detection means through communication means. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the operation detection means is composed of a displacement means that displaces according to the amount of operation of the operating means, and a detection means that detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means and outputs a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement, and is also equipped with a control means that inputs the continuous signal detected by the detection means and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signal, so that the amount of operation of the operating means can be detected and information related to driving can be more comprehensively utilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are two views showing an operation detection means for detecting the operation amount of a clutch lever or a brake lever in the vehicle control system. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an operation detection unit for detecting an operation amount of a foot brake in the vehicle control system; [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an operation detection means for detecting an operation amount of a shift pedal in the vehicle control system; [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the displacement means and the detection means in the operation detection means; [Figure 9] 3A to 3C are three views showing an operation detection means for detecting the steering operation amount in the vehicle control system. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] Graph showing an output voltage output from a detection unit of the vehicle control system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The vehicle control system according to this embodiment is for detecting the operation of operating means such as a brake lever provided on a two-wheeled vehicle (vehicle), and as shown in FIG. 1, is equipped with a clutch lever a, a brake lever b, a brake pedal c, a shift pedal d, and a steering wheel e as operating means, a clutch detection means 1, a front brake detection means 2, a foot brake detection means 3, a shift detection means 4, and a steering detection means 5 as operation detection means, and a control means 6.

[0016] The clutch lever a (operating means) is attached to the left side of the handlebar of the motorcycle near the grip and is an operating lever that can operate the clutch by the rider holding the grip and swinging it, while the brake lever b (operating means) is attached to the right side of the handlebar of the motorcycle near the throttle grip and is an operating lever that can operate the brakes on the front wheel by the rider holding the throttle grip and swinging it.

[0017] The clutch detection means 1 and the front brake detection means 2 are for detecting the operation of the clutch lever a and the brake lever b, and are configured to include displacement means (1a, 2a), detection means (1b, 2b), a spring S1, and a case C1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The case C1 is attached near the clutch lever a and the brake lever b of the motorcycle, and accommodates the displacement means (1a, 2a) therein so as to be displaceable.

[0018] The displacement means (1a, 2a) is displaced according to the amount of operation of the clutch lever a and the brake lever b, and when the clutch lever a and the brake lever b are pivotally operated, a part of them is pressed, and they are able to slide (displace) linearly toward the right side in Fig. 3 against the biasing force of the spring S1. The displacement means (1a, 2a) has a magnet M1 attached at a predetermined position, and is configured so that the magnet M1 displaces together with the displacement means (1a, 2a).

[0019] The magnet M1 is disposed so that opposite poles (for example, the portion M1a is a south pole and the portion M1b is a north pole, or the portion M1a is a north pole and the portion M1b is a south pole) are aligned in the displacement direction of the displacement means (1a, 2a), so that the magnetism exerted on the detection means (1b, 2b) can change in accordance with the displacement of the displacement means (1a, 2a). Note that the magnet M1 may be a permanent magnet or may be a magnetized portion of the displacement means (1a, 2a) obtained by magnetizing a predetermined position thereof.

[0020] The detection means (1b, 2b) detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means (1a, 2a) and outputs a continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement, and in this embodiment, is composed of a Hall IC (magnetic sensor) attached to the substrate K. The Hall IC obtains an output voltage corresponding to the magnetic change from the magnet M1, and is fixed in a position facing the magnet M1 inside the case C1. The detection means (1b, 2b) are electrically connected to the control means 6 on the vehicle side by a wire h, and are configured to output the obtained output voltage (continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement) to the control means 6.

[0021] Thus, when the clutch lever a or the brake lever b is swung and the displacement means (1a, 2a) slides (displaces) within the case C1, the magnet M1 is displaced accordingly, and the magnetic field acting on the detection means (1b, 2b) changes, a linear output voltage can be obtained from the detection means (1a, 1b) as shown in Fig. 11. That is, when the output voltages of the respective operation amounts α, β, and γ for the clutch lever a or the brake lever b are plotted on a graph and connected by a line, a continuous signal according to the displacement amount of the displacement means (1a, 2a) (the operation amounts α, β, γ for the clutch lever a or the brake lever b) can be obtained as shown in the same figure.

[0022] The brake pedal c (operation means) is attached to the motorcycle at a position under the rider's feet and is an operation lever that the rider steps on with his foot to swing and operate to brake the rear wheel. The foot brake detection means 3 is for detecting the operation of the brake pedal c, and is composed of a displacement means 3a, a detection means 3b, a spring S2, and a case C2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The case C2 is attached near the brake pedal c on the motorcycle, and the displacement means 3a is housed therein in a displaceable manner.

[0023] The displacement means 3a is displaced in response to the amount of operation of the brake pedal c, and is attached to an axis member L having a hook-shaped member H. One end of the hook-shaped member H is attached to the axis member L, and the other end is attached to the brake pedal c. When the brake pedal c is swung, the axis member L connected by the hook-shaped member H is pulled, and the displacement means 3a is able to slide (displace) linearly toward the right side in Fig. 5 against the biasing force of the spring S2. A magnet M2 is attached to the displacement means 3a at a predetermined position, and the magnet M2 is configured to be displaced together with the displacement means 3a.

[0024] The magnet M2 is disposed so that opposite poles (for example, the portion M2a is an S pole and the portion M2b is an N pole, or the portion M2a is an N pole and the portion M2b is an S pole) are aligned in the displacement direction of the displacement means 3a, so that the magnetism exerted on the detection means 3b can change with the displacement of the displacement means 3a. Note that the magnet M2 may be a permanent magnet or may be a magnetized portion of the displacement means 3a at a predetermined position.

[0025] The detection means 3b detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means 3a and outputs a continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement, and in this embodiment, is made up of a Hall IC (magnetic sensor) attached to the substrate K. The Hall IC obtains an output voltage corresponding to magnetic changes from the magnet M2, and is fixed in a position facing the magnet M2 inside the case C2. The detection means 3b is electrically connected to the control means 6 on the vehicle side by a wire h, and is configured to output the obtained output voltage (continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement) to the control means 6.

[0026] Thus, when the brake pedal c is oscillated and the displacement means 3a slides (displaces) within the case C2, the magnet M2 is displaced accordingly, and the magnetic field acting on the detection means 3b changes, a linear output voltage can be obtained from the detection means 3b, as shown in Fig. 11. That is, when the output voltages for the respective amounts of operation α, β, and γ with respect to the brake pedal c are plotted on a graph and connected by lines, a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement of the displacement means 3a (amounts of operation α, β, and γ with respect to the brake pedal c) can be obtained, as shown in the figure.

[0027] The shift pedal d (operation means) is attached to a position under the feet of the rider on the motorcycle and is composed of an operation lever that the rider steps on with his / her foot to perform a shift operation. The shift detection means 4 is for detecting an operation on the shift pedal d, and as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, is configured with a displacement means 4a, a detection means 4b, and a case C3. The case C3 is attached near the shift pedal d on the motorcycle, and the displacement means 4a is housed therein so as to be displaceable. Note that the reference symbol N in Figs. 6 and 7 indicates a cover member.

[0028] The displacement means 4a is displaced according to the amount of operation of the shift pedal d, and is composed of a displacement portion 4aa and an actuation portion 4ab integrally formed, and is attached rotatably around a collar D. The collar D is formed with an insertion hole Da through which a shaft member that is the swing center of the shift pedal d can be inserted, and the actuation portion 4ab is attached to the shift pedal d. When the shift pedal d is swung, the displacement means 4a rotates around the shaft e1, and the displacement portion 4aa can be turned (displaced) in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8. A magnet M3 is attached to the displacement portion 4aa of the displacement means 4a at a predetermined position, and the magnet M3 is configured to be displaced together with the displacement means 4a.

[0029] The magnet M3 is disposed so that opposite poles (for example, the portion M3a is an S pole and the portion M3b is an N pole, or the portion M3a is an N pole and the portion M3b is an S pole) are aligned in the displacement direction of the displacement means 4a, so that the magnetism exerted on the detection means 4b can change with the displacement of the displacement means 4a. Note that the magnet M3 may be a permanent magnet or may be one obtained by magnetizing a predetermined position of the displacement means 4a.

[0030] The detection means 4b detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means 4a and outputs a continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement, and in this embodiment, is made up of a Hall IC (magnetic sensor) attached to the substrate K. The Hall IC obtains an output voltage corresponding to magnetic changes from the magnet M3, and is fixed in a position facing the magnet M3 inside the case C3. The detection means 4b is electrically connected to the control means 6 on the vehicle side by a wire h, and is configured to output the obtained output voltage (continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement) to the control means 6.

[0031] Thus, when the shift pedal d is swung and the displacement means 4a rotates (displaces) within the case C3, the magnet M3 is displaced accordingly, and the magnetic force acting on the detection means 4b changes, a linear output voltage can be obtained from the detection means 4b, as shown in Fig. 11. That is, when the output voltages for the respective amounts of operation α, β, and γ with respect to the shift pedal d are plotted on a graph and connected by lines, a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement of the displacement means 4a (amounts of operation α, β, and γ with respect to the shift pedal d) can be obtained, as shown in the same figure.

[0032] The steering wheel e (operation means) is made up of a handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle, which the rider grasps and swings to operate the steering wheel e. The steering wheel detection means 5 is for detecting the operation of the steering wheel e, and as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, is made up of a displacement means 5a, a detection means 5b, and a case C4. The case C4 is attached near the steering wheel e of the two-wheeled vehicle, and the displacement means 5a is housed therein so as to be displaceable. The reference character F in Figs. 9 and 10 indicates a member for mounting to the vehicle.

[0033] The displacement means 5a is displaced according to the amount of operation of the steering wheel e, and is made of a cup-shaped member having a recess 5aa into which the central axis of rotation of the steering wheel e can be inserted and attached. When the steering wheel e is rotated, the displacement means 5a can rotate (displace) around the axis e2. A magnet M4 is attached to the center of the displacement means 5a, and the magnet M4 is configured to be displaced together with the displacement means 5a.

[0034] The magnet M4 is arranged with opposite poles (for example, S poles and N poles alternately arranged in the circumferential direction) in the displacement direction (rotation direction) of the displacement means 5a, so that the magnetism exerted on the detection means 5b can change with the displacement of the displacement means 5a. Note that the magnet M4 may be a permanent magnet or may be a magnetized predetermined position of the displacement means 5a.

[0035] The detection means 5b detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means 5a and outputs a continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement, and in this embodiment, is made up of a Hall IC (magnetic sensor) attached to the substrate K. The Hall IC obtains an output voltage corresponding to a magnetic change from the magnet M4, and is fixed in a position facing the magnet M4 inside the case C4. The detection means 5b is electrically connected to the control means 6 on the vehicle side by a wire h, and is configured to output the obtained output voltage (continuous signal corresponding to the amount of displacement) to the control means 6.

[0036] Thus, when the steering wheel e is rotated and the displacement means 5a rotates (displaces) within the case C4, the magnet M4 is displaced accordingly, and the magnetic field acting on the detection means 5b changes, a linear output voltage can be obtained from the detection means 5b, as shown in Fig. 11. That is, when the output voltages of the operation amounts α, β, and γ for the steering wheel e are plotted on a graph and connected by lines, a continuous signal according to the displacement amount of the displacement means 5a (the operation amounts α, β, and γ for the steering wheel e) can be obtained, as shown in the same figure.

[0037] The control means 6 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like attached to the vehicle, and receives the continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b) and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signals. The control means 6 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the storage means 7, and is configured so that the continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b) are stored in the storage means 7. The storage means 7 is composed of a storage medium such as a memory attached to the vehicle, and is configured so as to store the continuous signals output from the detection means and to be able to output the signals arbitrarily.

[0038] Moreover, the control means 6 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the communication means 8, and is configured so that continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b) are communicated by the communication means 8. The communication means 8 is made up of a transmission means (antenna, interface, etc.) for radio waves etc. attached to the vehicle, and is configured so as to input the continuous signals output from the detection means and to be able to transmit the signals arbitrarily.

[0039] Furthermore, the control means 6 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the electrical components 9, and is configured to control the electrical components 9 based on continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b). The electrical components 8 are made up of various components such as brake lights attached to the vehicle, and can change the lighting state of the brake lights (such as blinking or increasing the amount of light when the braking force is large) based on continuous signals detected by the detection means 2b, 3b of the front brake detection means 2 and the foot brake detection means 3.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the operation detection means (clutch detection means 1, front brake detection means 2, foot brake detection means 3, shift detection means 4 and steering detection means 5) are equipped with displacement means (1a to 5a) that displaces according to the amount of operation of the operation means (a to e), and detection means (1b to 5b) that detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means (1a to 5a) and outputs a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement, as well as control means 6 that inputs the continuous signal detected by the detection means (1b to 5b) and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signal, so that the amount of operation of the operation means (a to e) can be detected and information related to driving can be more fully utilized.

[0041] In addition, the control means 6 according to this embodiment stores continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b to 5b) in the storage means 7, so that the operation amounts of the operation means (a to e) can be stored, and the stored operation amounts of the operation means (a to e) can be utilized as information related to driving. This allows various information related to driving to be enriched and stored, and allows subsequent analysis of driving and investigation of the causes of traffic accidents, etc. to be performed in more detail.

[0042] Furthermore, the control means 6 according to this embodiment communicates continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b to 5b) through the communication means 8, so that the operation amounts of the operation means (a to e) can be communicated, and the communicated operation amounts of the operation means (a to e) can be utilized as information relating to traveling. This allows communication between vehicles to make traveling smoother and safer.

[0043] Furthermore, the control means 6 according to this embodiment controls the electrical components 9 equipped in the vehicle in response to the continuous signals detected by the detection means (1b to 5b), so that the electrical components 9 can be controlled in response to the amount of operation of the operation means (a to e). Note that the electrical components 9 may be other electrical components equipped in the vehicle (such as turning lamps and headlights) in addition to the brake lamps as described above.

[0044] In addition, the operating means according to this embodiment is composed of a clutch lever a or a brake lever b that operates the clutch or front wheel brake of the vehicle, and the displacement means (1a, 2a) is displaced according to the operation angle of the clutch lever a or the brake lever b, so that the amount of operation of the clutch lever a or the brake lever b can be grasped and utilized as information regarding driving. Also, the operating means according to this embodiment is composed of a foot brake c that operates the rear wheel brake of the vehicle, and the displacement means 3a is displaced according to the operation angle of the foot brake c, so that the amount of operation of the foot brake c can be grasped and utilized as information regarding driving.

[0045] Furthermore, the operation means according to this embodiment is composed of a shift pedal d for operating a vehicle transmission, and the displacement means 4a is displaced according to the operation angle of the shift pedal d, so that the amount of operation of the shift pedal d can be grasped and utilized as information related to traveling. Furthermore, the operation means according to this embodiment is composed of a steering wheel e for steering the vehicle, and the displacement means 5a is displaced according to the operation angle of the steering wheel e, so that the amount of operation (steering angle) of the steering wheel e can be grasped and utilized as information related to traveling.

[0046] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection means (1b to 5b) that detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means (1a to 5a) and outputs a continuous signal according to the amount of displacement may be one that utilizes the magnetic field change of the magnets M1 to M4, or one that generates a change in current or light in accordance with the displacement of the displacement means (1a to 5a) and outputs a continuous signal based on the change as shown in FIG. 11.

[0047] In addition, the operating means (a to e) are not limited to the clutch lever a, brake lever b, brake pedal c, shift pedal d, and steering e as in this embodiment, but may be other operating means equipped in the two-wheeled vehicle (vehicle). Furthermore, the objects controlled by the control means 6 may be other components, and may control various locking means, safety mechanisms, and the like equipped in the vehicle. Note that, although this embodiment is applied to a two-wheeled vehicle, it may also be applied to other vehicles such as automobiles. [Industrial Applicability]

[0048] The operation detection means is composed of a displacement means which displaces in accordance with the amount of operation of the operating means, and a detection means which detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means and outputs a continuous signal in accordance with the amount of displacement, and is also equipped with a control means which inputs the continuous signal detected by the detection means and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signal, and the displacement means may have other functions added thereto, as long as it is a vehicle control system which displaces linearly in accordance with the amount of operation of the operating means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Clutch detection means 1a Displacement means 1b Detection Methods 2. Front brake detection means 2a Displacement means 2b Detection Methods 3. Foot brake detection means 3a Displacement means 3b Detection methods 4. Shift detection means 4a Displacement means 4b Detection methods 5. Steering detection means 5a Displacement means 5b Detection Methods 6. Control Measures 7 Memory means 8. Means of communication 9. Electrical Components

Claims

1. An operating means arranged in the vehicle and operable by a driver; an operation detection means for detecting an operation on the operation means; In a vehicle control system comprising: The operation detection means is configured to include a displacement means which displaces in accordance with the amount of operation of the operating means, and a detection means which detects the amount of displacement of the displacement means and outputs a continuous signal in accordance with the amount of displacement, and the vehicle control system further includes a control means which inputs the continuous signal detected by the detection means and performs a predetermined control corresponding to the continuous signal, and the displacement means displaces linearly in accordance with the amount of operation of the operating means.

2. 2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises a magnetic sensor capable of detecting a magnetic change from a magnet formed in the displacement means and outputting a continuous signal corresponding to the displacement of the displacement means.

3. 2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the operating means comprises a clutch lever for operating a clutch of the vehicle, or a brake lever or a brake pedal for operating a brake of the vehicle, and the displacement means is displaced linearly in response to a swing operation of the clutch lever, the brake lever or the brake pedal.

4. 2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls electrical components provided in the vehicle in response to the continuous signal detected by the detection means.

5. 5. The vehicle control system according to claim 4, wherein the operation means comprises a brake lever or a brake pedal for operating the vehicle brakes, and changes the illumination state of the brake lamps as the electrical component based on the continuous signal detected by the detection means.

6. 2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein said control means stores the continuous signal detected by said detection means in a storage means.

7. 2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein the control means communicates the continuous signal detected by the detection means through a communication means.

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