U.S. patent application number 09/764498 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for steering device for vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. SUMITOMO(SEI) BRAKE SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Nakano, Shiro, Nishizaki, Katsutoshi, Segawa, Masaya, Takamatsu, Takanobu.
Application Number | 20010027893 09/764498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18555663 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027893 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishizaki, Katsutoshi ; et
al. |
October 11, 2001 |
Steering device for vehicle
Abstract
In a steering device for a vehicle, the movement of a steering
actuator driven by operation of an operating member is transmitted
to vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle
changes, without the operating member being coupled mechanically to
the vehicle wheels. A first target yaw rate is calculated in
accordance with the detected vehicle speed and a first steering
angle set value, which corresponds to the detected amount of
operation and vehicle speed. A second target yaw rate corresponding
to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle speed is
calculated. A second steering angle set value, which corresponds to
the difference between the detected yaw rate and a target yaw rate,
as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate
whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is calculated.
The steering angle actuator is controlled in such a manner that the
steering angle corresponds to the target steering angle, that is
the sum of the first steering angle set value and the second
steering angle set value.
Inventors: |
Nishizaki, Katsutoshi;
(Nabari-shi, JP) ; Nakano, Shiro; (Osaka, JP)
; Takamatsu, Takanobu; (Osaka, JP) ; Segawa,
Masaya; (Tenri-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jordan and Hamburg
122 East 42nd Street
New York
NY
10168
US
|
Assignee: |
Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. SUMITOMO(SEI)
BRAKE SYSTEMS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
18555663 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764498 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/409 ;
701/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60T 8/172 20130101;
B62D 6/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/409 ;
701/41 |
International
Class: |
B62D 006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 8, 2000 |
JP |
2000-30679 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A steering device for a vehicle comprising: an operating member;
a steering actuator driven by operation of the operating member;
means for transmitting the movement of the steering actuator to the
vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle changes in
accordance with the movement of the steering actuator, without the
operating member being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels;
means for detecting the amount of operation of the operating
member; means for detecting the vehicle speed; means for detecting
the lateral acceleration of the vehicle; means for detecting the
yaw rate of the vehicle; means for calculating a first steering
angle set value corresponding to the detected amount of operation
and vehicle speed, on the basis of a stored relationship between
the amount of operation, the vehicle speed, and the first steering
angle set value; means for calculating a first target yaw rate
corresponding to the calculated first steering angle set value and
the detected vehicle speed, on the basis of a stored relationship
between the first steering angle set value, the vehicle speed, and
the first target yaw rate; means for calculating a second target
yaw rate corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and
vehicle speed, on the basis of a stored relationship between the
lateral acceleration, the vehicle speed, and the second target yaw
rate; means for comparing the absolute value of the calculated
first target yaw rate with the absolute value of the second target
yaw rate; means for calculating a second steering angle set value
corresponding to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a
target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second
target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken,
on the basis of a stored relationship between the difference and
the second steering angle set value; and means for controlling said
steering actuator in such a manner that said steering angle
corresponds to a target steering angle, that is the sum of the
calculated first steering angle set value and second steering angle
set value.
2. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further
comprising means for controlling at least one of the braking force
of the vehicle wheels and the driving force of the vehicle wheels,
so as to eliminate the difference between the detected yaw rate and
the target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the
second target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is
taken.
3. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further
comprising means for controlling the output of the engine
generating driving force for the vehicle, so as to eliminate the
difference between the first target yaw rate and the detected yaw
rate.
4. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 2, further
comprising means for controlling the output of the engine
generating driving force for the vehicle, so as to eliminate the
difference between the first target yaw rate and the detected yaw
rate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for a
vehicle to which a so-called `steer by electric wire` system is
applied.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] In a steering device for a vehicle incorporating a steer by
electric wire system, the movement of a steering actuator
corresponding to the operation of an operating member modelled on a
steering wheel is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle in such
a manner that the steering angle changes without the operating
member being coupled mechanically to the wheels. In a vehicle
incorporating a steer by electric wire system of this kind, in
order to stabilize vehicle behaviour, it is proposed that a target
yaw rate corresponding to the amount of operation of the operation
member is calculated, and the steering actuator is controlled in
such a manner that this target yaw rate coincides with the actual
yaw rate. Moreover, it has also been proposed that, in cases where
the coefficient of friction between the road surface and the wheels
of the vehicle is reduced due to freezing of the road surface, or
the like, in order to prevent the vehicle behaviour from becoming
unstable, the braking force and driving force of the vehicle are
controlled so as to eliminate the deviation between the actual yaw
rate and the target yaw rate calculated in accordance with the
amount of operation of the operating member and vehicle speed.
[0003] In cases where the friction of coefficient between the road
surface and the wheels of the vehicle is reduced, there is a
possibility that a saturated state occurs, the yaw rate of the
vehicle never reaches the target yaw rate, the steering angle
diverges, and the vehicle behaviour becomes unstable. Furthermore,
if the control of the steering actuator interferes with the control
of the braking force and driving force, it becomes impossible to
stabilize the behaviour of the vehicle.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
steering device for a vehicle which is capable of resolving the
aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The steering device for a vehicle according to the present
invention comprises: an operating member; a steering actuator
driven by operation of the operating member; means for transmitting
the movement of the steering actuator to the vehicle wheels, in
such a manner that the steering angle changes in accordance with
the movement of the steering actuator, without the operating member
being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels; means for
detecting the amount of operation of the operating member; means
for detecting the vehicle speed; means for detecting the lateral
acceleration of the vehicle; means for detecting the yaw rate of
the vehicle; means for calculating a first steering angle set value
corresponding to the detected amount of operation and vehicle
speed, on the basis of a stored relationship between the amount of
operation, the vehicle speed, and the first steering angle set
value; means for calculating a first target yaw rate corresponding
to the calculated first steering angle set value, and the detected
vehicle speed, on the basis of a stored relationship between the
first steering angle set value, the vehicle speed, and the first
target yaw rate; means for calculating a second target yaw rate
corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle
speed, on the basis of a stored relationship between the lateral
acceleration, the vehicle speed, and the second target yaw rate;
means for comparing the absolute value of the calculated first
target yaw rate with the absolute value of the second target yaw
rate; means for calculating a second steering angle set value
corresponding to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a
target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second
target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken,
on the basis of a stored relationship between the difference and
second steering angle set value; and means for controlling said
steering actuator in such a manner that the steering angle
corresponds to a target steering angle, that is the sum of the
calculated first steering angle set value and second steering angle
set value.
[0006] According to the constitution of the present invention, in
cases where there is no change in the yaw rate even when the
steering wheel is operated due to reduction in the coefficient of
friction between the road surface and the vehicle wheels, the
absolute value of the first target yaw rate corresponding to the
amount of operation of the operating member and the vehicle speed
becomes greater than that of the second target yaw rate
corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle
speed. In this situation, the second steering angle set value is
calculated in response to the difference between the detected yaw
rate and the second target yaw rate, of which absolute value is
smaller than that of the first target yaw rate. In other words,
this second steering angle set value reflects the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. Therefore, by taking the target steering angle as
the sum of this second steering angle set value and the first
steering angle set value corresponding to the amount of operation
of the operating member and vehicle speed, it is possible to
prevent divergence of the steering angle and hence to achieve
stabilization of the vehicle behaviour.
[0007] Furthermore, in cases where there is no reduction in the
coefficient of friction between the road surface and the vehicle
wheels and hence the absolute value of the first target yaw rate is
smaller than that of the second target yaw rate, the second
steering angle set value is calculated in accordance with the
differential between the first target yaw rate and the detected yaw
rate, and consequently it reflects the amount of operation of the
operating member operated by the driver and the vehicle speed.
Therefore, by taking the target steering angle as the sum of this
second steering angle set value and the first steering angle set
value corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating
member and vehicle speed, it is possible to cause the vehicle
behaviour to change in an optimum manner in accordance with the
amount of operation of the operating member and vehicle speed.
[0008] Desirably, the present invention comprises means for
controlling at least one of the braking force of the vehicle wheels
and the driving force of the vehicle wheels, so as to eliminate the
difference between the detected yaw rate and the target yaw rate,
as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate
whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken.
[0009] Thereby, both the steering angle and at least one of the
braking force and driving force of the vehicle are controlled so as
to eliminate the deviation between the detected yaw rate and the
target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second
target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent mutual interference between
the control of the steering angle and the control of the braking
force and/or driving force.
[0010] Desirably, the present invention comprises means for
controlling the output of the engine generating driving force for
the vehicle, so as to eliminate the difference between the first
target yaw rate and the detected yaw rate.
[0011] In cases where the vehicle behaviour is liable to become
unstable due to reduction in the coefficient of friction between
the road surface and the wheels of the vehicle, since the absolute
value of the first target yaw rate is greater than that of the
second target yaw rate, then the differential between the first
target yaw rate and the detected yaw rate is greater than the
differential between the second target yaw rate and the detected
yaw rate. By controlling the engine output so as to eliminate this
larger differential, the amount of suppression of the engine output
is increased. Thereby, if the coefficient of friction between the
road surface and the vehicle wheels is reduced, the amount of
suppression of the engine output is increased, thereby making it
possible to stabilize the behaviour of the vehicle.
[0012] According to the present invention, in a vehicle
incorporating a steer by electric wire system, in cases where the
coefficient of friction between the road surface and the vehicle
wheels is reduced, it is possible to control the steering actuator
in such a manner that there is no divergence in the steering angle,
without interference between the control of the steering actuator
and the control of the braking force and/or driving force of the
wheels. Moreover, by controlling the output of the engine
generating driving power for the vehicle, it is possible to provide
a steering device for a vehicle whereby stabilization of vehicle
behaviour can be achieved in an efficient manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a constitution of a
steering device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the steering device
according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between
vehicle speed and the gain of the first steering angle set value
with respect to the operating angle;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the state of a vehicle in a
steady circular turning state;
[0017] FIG. 5(1) is a diagram illustrating a vehicle sliding
laterally in an over-steer state; FIG. 5(2) is a diagram
illustrating a vehicle sliding laterally in an under-steer
state;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure
implemented by a steering device according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure
implemented by a steering device according to the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle constituted in
such a manner that the body can roll freely with respect to the
chassis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The steering device for a vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1
transmits the movement of a steering actuator M driven in
accordance with the rotational operation of a steering wheel
(operating member) 1 to the front right and left wheels 4 of a
vehicle by means of a steering gear 3, in such a manner that the
steering angle changes, without the aforementioned steering wheel 1
being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels 4.
[0022] The steering actuator M can be comprised by an electromotive
motor, such as a commonly known brushless motor, for example. The
steering gear 3 has a movement converting mechanism for converting
the rotational movement of the output shaft of the steering
actuator M to linear movement of a steering rod 7. The movement of
the steering rod 7 is transmitted to the wheels 4 of the vehicle by
means of tie rods 8 and knuckle arms 9. It is possible to use a
commonly known device for the steering gear 3, and there are no
limitations on the constitution thereof, provided that the steering
angle can be changed by movement of the steering actuator M; for
example, it can be constituted by means of a nut which are driven
rotationally by the output of the steering actuator M, and a screw
shaft which screws into the nut and is formed integrally with the
steering rod 7. The wheels alignment is set such that, the vehicle
wheels 4 are able to return to a straight forward steering position
due to self-aligning torque when the steering actuator M is not
driven.
[0023] The steering wheel 1 is coupled to a rotational shaft 10
which is supported rotatably on the vehicle body. In order to
generate a reactive force against the operation of the steering
wheel 1, a reactive force actuator R is provided for applying a
torque to the rotational shaft 10. This reactive force actuator R
can be constituted by an electromotive motor, such as a brushless
motor, having an output shaft which is united with the rotational
shaft 10, for example.
[0024] There is provided an elastic member 30 for applying an
elastic force to the steering wheel 1 in the direction in which the
steering wheel 1 is made to return to the straight forward steering
position. This elastic member 30 can be constituted, for example,
by a spiral spring applying the elastic force to the rotational
shaft 10. When the aforementioned reactive force actuator R applies
no torque to the rotational shaft 10, the steering wheel 1 returns
to the straight forward steering position, due to the
aforementioned elastic force.
[0025] An angle sensor 11 is provided for detecting the operating
angle corresponding to the angle of rotation of the rotational
shaft 10, as the amount of operation of the steering wheel 1.
Furthermore, a torque sensor 12 is provided for detecting the
torque transmitted by means of the rotational shaft 10, as the
operating torque of the steering wheel 1.
[0026] A steering angle sensor 13 is provided for detecting the
amount of movement of the steering rod 7, as the steering angle of
the vehicle. This steering angle sensor 13 can be constituted by a
potentiometer.
[0027] The angle sensor 11, torque sensor 12 and steering angle
sensor 13 are connected to a steering system control device 20
constituted by a computer. This control device 20 is also connected
to a lateral acceleration sensor 15 for detecting the lateral
acceleration of the vehicle, a yaw rate sensor 16 for detecting the
yaw rate of the vehicle, and a speed sensor 14 for detecting the
vehicle speed. The control device 20 controls the aforementioned
steering actuator M and the reactive force actuator R by means of
the drive circuits 22, 23.
[0028] A braking system for braking the front and rear, left and
right-hand wheels 4 of the vehicle is also provided. This braking
system generates, via a master cylinder 52, a braking hydraulic
pressure corresponding to foot pressure on a brake pedal 51. This
braking hydraulic pressure is amplified by a braking hydraulic
pressure control unit B and distributed to brake devices 54 at the
respective vehicle wheels 4, these brake devices 54 producing a
braking force on the respective wheels 4. The braking hydraulic
pressure control unit B is connected to a driving system control
device 60 constituted by a computer. This driving system control
device 60 is connected to the steering system control device 20,
braking pressure sensors 61 for individually detecting the
respective braking hydraulic pressures at the vehicle wheels 4, and
wheel speed sensors 62 for individually detecting the respective
rotational speeds of the vehicle wheels 4. The driving system
control device 60 controls the braking hydraulic pressure control
unit B in such a manner that the braking hydraulic pressure can be
amplified and then distributed, in accordance with the rotational
speeds of the respective vehicle wheels 4 as detected by the wheel
speed sensors 62 and feedback values from the braking pressure
sensors 61. Thereby, it is possible to control the respective
braking forces at the front and rear, left and right-hand wheels 4
individually. Even in cases where the brake pedal 51 is not
operated, the braking hydraulic pressure control unit B is capable
of generating braking hydraulic pressure by means of an in-built
pump, in accordance with a braking hydraulic pressure instruction
signal from the driving system control device 60.
[0029] A throttle valve drive actuator E for the engine generating
the driving force of the vehicle is connected to the driving system
control device 60. It is possible to control the engine output by
driving the actuator E by means of a signal from the driving system
control means 60 to alter the degree of opening of the throttle
valve.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of the steering device
described above. The symbols illustrated in this control block
diagram are as follows:
1 .delta.h: operating angle .delta.: steering angle .delta.*:
target steering angle .delta.a*: first steering angle set value
.delta..gamma.*: second steering angle set value .beta.: lateral
slip angle of vehicle 100 T: operational torque T*: target
operational torque .gamma.: yaw rate .gamma.1*: first target yaw
rate .gamma.2*: second target yaw rate Gy: lateral acceleration V:
vehicle speed .omega.: wheel speed Im*: target drive current for
steering actuator M Ie*: target drive current for throttle valve
drive actuator E Ih*: target drive current for reactive force
actuator R .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4: command
braking hydraulic pressure
[0031] Furthermore, K1 is the gain of the first steering angle set
value .delta.a* relative to the operating angle .delta.h, and the
first steering angle set value .delta.a* is calculated from the
relationship .delta.*=K1.multidot..delta.h, and the detected
operating angle .delta.h. The gain K1 is a function of the vehicle
speed V and is set, for example, such that it decreases as the
vehicle speed increases, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in such a manner
that the ratio of the yaw rate of the vehicle 100 relative to the
operating angle .delta.h is approximately constant, regardless of
the vehicle speed. In other words, the control device 20 stores a
gain K1 representing a predetermined relationship between the
operating angle .delta.h, the vehicle speed V and the first
steering angle set value .delta.*, and hence the first steering
angle set value .delta.a* corresponding to the detected operating
angle .delta.h and vehicle speed V are calculated on the basis of
this relationship.
[0032] K2 is the gain of the target operational torque T* relative
to the operating angle .delta.h, and the target operational torque
T* is calculated from the relationship T*=K2.multidot..delta.h and
the detected operating angle .delta.h. In other words, the control
device 20 stores a gain K2 representing a predetermined
relationship between the target operating torque T* and the
operating angle .delta.h, and calculates the target operational
torque T* on the basis of this relationship and the detected
operating angle .delta.h. This gain K2 is adjusted in such a manner
that optimum control is implemented. It is also possible to use the
operational torque T instead of the operating angle .delta.h, so
that a relationship between the target operational torque T* and
the operational torque T is previously determined and stored, and
the target operational torque T* is calculated from this
relationship and the operational torque T.
[0033] K3 is the gain of the first target yaw rate .gamma.1*
relative to the first steering angle set value .delta.a*, and the
first target yaw rate .gamma.1* is calculated from the relationship
.gamma.1*=K3.multidot..delta.a* and the first steering angle set
value .delta.a* calculated as described above. In the present
embodiment, K3 is the steady gain of the yaw rate relative to the
steering angle and is taken as K3=V/{(1+SF.multidot.V.sup.2)L}.
Here, SF is the stability factor and L is the wheelbase, both of
which are inherent values of the vehicle 100. In other words, the
control device 20 stores the gain K3 representing a predetermined
relationship between the first steering angle set value .delta.a*,
the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* and the vehicle speed V, and on
the basis of this relationship, the first target yaw rate .gamma.1*
is calculated corresponding to the calculated first steering angle
set value .delta.a* and the detected vehicle speed V.
[0034] K4 is the gain of the second target yaw rate .gamma.2*
relative to the lateral acceleration Gy, and the second target yaw
rate .gamma.2* is calculated from the relationship
.gamma.2*=K4.multidot.Gy and the detected lateral acceleration Gy.
In FIG. 4, the relationship between the lateral acceleration Gy
acting in the direction indicated by the arrow 41 and the yaw rate
.gamma. acting in the direction indicated by the arrow 42, in a
vehicle 100 turning at a vehicle speed V in the direction indicated
by the arrow 40, is given by .gamma.=Gy/V, if the vehicle 100 is
regarded as being in a steady circular turning state, and hence in
the present embodiment, K4=1/V. In other words, the control device
20 stores a gain K4 representing a predetermined relationship
between the second target yaw rate .gamma.2*, the lateral
acceleration Gy and the vehicle speed V, and on the basis of this
relationship, the second target yaw rate .gamma.2* corresponding to
the detected lateral acceleration Gy and vehicle speed V is
calculated.
[0035] The control device 20 compares the absolute value of the
calculated first target yaw rate .gamma.1* and the absolute value
of the calculated second target yaw rate .gamma.2*, and then
calculates the differential between the detected yaw rate .gamma.
and the target yaw rate min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*), as which the
first target yaw rate .gamma.1* or the second target yaw rate
.gamma.2* whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken.
[0036] G1 is the transfer function of the second steering angle set
value .delta..gamma.* relative to the differential between the
target yaw rate min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*) and the yaw rate
.gamma., and hence the second steering angle set value
.delta..gamma.* is calculated from the relationship
.delta..gamma.*=G1.multidot.{min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*)-.gamma.}
and the calculated differential {min (.gamma.1*,
.gamma.2*)-.gamma.}. If PI control is implemented, for example, and
Ka is taken as the gain, s as the Laplace operator, and Ta as the
time constant, then the transfer function G1 is given by
G1=Ka[1+1/(Ta.multidot.s)]. The gain Ka and time constant Ta are
adjusted in such a manner that optimum control is performed. In
other words, the control device 20 stores a transfer function G1
representing a predetermined relationship between the differential
{min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*)-.gamma.} and the second steering angle
set value .delta..gamma.*, and this relationship is used to
calculate the second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.*
corresponding to the calculated differential {min (.gamma.1*,
.gamma.2*)-.gamma.}.
[0037] G2 is the transfer function of the target drive current Im*
for the steering actuator M relative to the differential obtained
by subtracting the steering angle .delta. from the target steering
angle .delta.*, that is the sum of the calculated first steering
angle set value .delta.a* and second steering angle set value
.delta..gamma.*. In other words, the target drive current Im* is
determined from the relationship
Im*=G2.multidot.(.delta.a*+.delta..gamma.*-.delta.), the calculated
first steering angle set value .delta.a*, second steering angle set
value .delta..gamma.*, and detected steering angle .delta.. If PI
control is implemented, for example, and Kb is taken as the gain, s
as the Laplace operator, and Tb as the time constant, then the
transfer function G2 is given by G2=Kb [1+1/(Tb.multidot.s)]. The
gain Kb and time constant Tb are adjusted in such a manner that
optimum control is performed. In other words, the control device 20
stores a transfer function G2 representing a predetermined
relationship between the target drive current Im* and the
differential obtained by subtracting the detected steering angle
.delta. from the target steering angle .delta.*, that is the sum of
the first steering angle set value .delta.a* and the second
steering angle set value .delta..gamma.*, and this relationship is
used to calculate the target drive current Im* on the basis of the
calculated first steering angle set value .delta.a*, second
steering angle set value .delta..gamma.*, and detected steering
angle .delta.. The actuator M is driven in accordance with the
target drive current Im*. Thereby, the steering actuator M is
controlled in such a manner that the steering angle .delta.
corresponds to the target steering angle .delta.*.
[0038] G3 is the transfer function of the target drive current Ih*
for the reactive force actuator R relative to the differential
obtained by subtracting the detected operational torque T from the
calculated target operational torque T*. In other words, the target
drive current Ih* is determined from the relationship
Ih*=G3.multidot.(T*-T), the calculated target operational torque
T*, and the detected operational torque T. If PI control is
implemented, for example, and Kc is taken as the gain, s as the
Laplace operator, and Tc as the time constant, then the transfer
function G3 is given by G3=Kc [1+1/(Tc.multidot.s)]. The gain Kc
and time constant Tc are adjusted in such a manner that optimum
control is performed. In other words, the control device 20 stores
a transfer function G3 representing a predetermined relationship
between the target drive current Ih* and the differential obtained
by subtracting the operational torque T from the target operational
torque T*, and this relationship is used to calculate the target
drive current Ih* corresponding to the calculated target
operational torque T* and the detected operational torque T. The
actuator R is driven in accordance with this target drive current
Ih*.
[0039] G4 is the transfer function of the lateral slip angle .beta.
of the vehicle relative to the differential between the calculated
second target yaw rate .gamma.2* and the detected yaw rate .gamma..
In other words, the lateral slip angle .beta. is determined from
the relationship .beta.=G4.multidot.(.gamma.2*-.gamma.), the
calculated second target yaw rate .gamma.2* and the detected yaw
rate .gamma.. In a vehicle 100 slipping laterally in an over-steer
state as illustrated in FIG. 5(1), or a vehicle 100 slipping
laterally in an under-steer state as illustrated in FIG. 5(2), if
the lateral slip angle .beta. of the vehicle is taken as the angle
formed between the centre line of the vehicle body as indicated by
the dashed line extending in the front/back direction of the
vehicle 100 and the direction indicated by the broken line in which
the vehicle 100 would proceed if there were no lateral slip, then
the lateral slip angle .beta. is determined approximately by
integrating (Gy/V-.gamma.) with respect to time, that is,
.beta.=.intg.(Gy/V-.gamma.)dt. Furthermore, since
.gamma.2*=K4.multidot.Gy=Gy/V as described above, then
(.gamma.2*-.gamma.) is the differential value d.beta./dt of the
lateral slip angle .beta. with respect to time. Therefore, in the
present embodiment, taking s as the Laplace operator, G4 is set as
1/s, in such a manner that the integral value of
(.gamma.2*-.gamma.) with respect to time becomes the lateral slip
angle .beta.. In other words, the control device 20 stores a
transfer function G4 representing a predetermined relationship
between the lateral slip angle .beta. and the differential obtained
by subtracting the detected yaw rate .gamma. from the second target
yaw rate .gamma.2*, and this relationship is used to calculate the
lateral slip angle .beta. corresponding to the calculated second
target yaw rate .gamma.2* and the detected yaw rate .gamma..
[0040] G5 is the transfer function of the command braking hydraulic
pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4 to the front
and rear, left and right-hand wheels 4 of the vehicle, relative to
the differential between the calculated target yaw rate min
(.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*) and the detected yaw rate .gamma.. The
respective command braking hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1,
.DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4 are determined as differentials
from the braking hydraulic pressures detecting by the braking
pressure sensors 61. Correlation ratios for the respective command
braking hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3,
.DELTA.P4 are determined in accordance with the detected wheel
speeds .omega. of the respective wheels 4. The command braking
hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4 are
determined from the calculated target yaw rate min (.gamma.1*,
.gamma.2*), the detected yaw rate .gamma., the detected braking
hydraulic pressures, and the detected wheel speeds .omega., on the
basis of a relationship
.DELTA.P=.DELTA.P1+.DELTA.P2+.DELTA.P3+.DELTA.P4=G5{.multidot.min
(.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*)-.gamma.}. This transfer function G5 can be
determined in a similar fashion in cases where the vehicle braking
pressures are controlled so as to eliminate the deviation between
the target yaw rate and the detected yaw rate. Specifically, the
control device 60 stores a transfer function G5 representing a
predetermined relationship between {min (.gamma.1*,
.gamma.2*)-.gamma.}, the command braking hydraulic pressures
.DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4, the braking hydraulic
pressures, and the wheel speeds .omega., and this relationship is
used to calculate the command braking hydraulic pressures
.DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4 corresponding to the
calculated target yaw rate min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*), the detected
yaw rate .gamma., the detected braking hydraulic pressures, and the
detected wheel speeds .omega.. By supplying braking hydraulic
pressure command signals corresponding to the respective command
braking hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3,
.DELTA.P4, the braking hydraulic pressure control unit B is caused
to generate braking hydraulic pressures, whereby each brake device
54 applies a braking force to the respective wheel 4. Thereby, it
is possible to control the braking forces applied to the front and
rear, left and right-side wheels 4 of the vehicle so as to
eliminate the deviation between the yaw rate .gamma. and the target
yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* or the
second target yaw rate .gamma.2* whichever has the lower absolute
value is taken.
[0041] Furthermore, the control device 60 judges the lateral slip
direction of the vehicle 100 from the sign of the calculated
lateral slip angle .beta., and on the basis of this judgement, it
determines whether or not this lateral slipping is being promoted
by the braking forces applied in accordance with the calculated
command braking hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2,
.DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4. For example, in cases where the braking force
applied to the front and rear right-side wheels is greater than the
braking force applied to the front and rear left-side wheels, then
the vehicle 100 seeks to rotate to the right, and hence lateral
slipping is promoted if the lateral slip direction is the rightward
direction. The control device 60 is devised so that, if lateral
slipping is being promoted in this way, then it does not output
braking hydraulic pressure command signals, in such a manner that
the behaviour of the vehicle 100 does not become unstable.
[0042] G6 is the transfer function of the target drive current Ie*
for the throttle valve drive actuator E relative to the
differential between the calculated first target yaw rate .gamma.1*
and the detected yaw rate .gamma.. In other words, the target drive
current Ie* is determined from the relationship
Ie*=G6.multidot.(.gamma.1*-.gamma.), the calculated first target
yaw rate .gamma.1*, and the detected yaw rate .gamma.. If PI
control is implemented, for example, and Ke is taken as the gain, s
as the Laplace operator, and Te as the time constant, then the
transfer function G6 is given by G6=Ke [1+1/(Te.multidot.s)]. The
gain Ke and time constant Te are adjusted in such a manner that
optimum control is performed. In other words, the control device 60
stores a transfer function G6 representing a predetermined
relationship between the target drive current Ie* and the
differential .gamma.y1*-.gamma.), and this relationship is used to
calculate the target drive current Ie* corresponding to the
calculated first target yaw rate .gamma.1* and the detected yaw
rate .gamma.. The throttle valve drive actuator E is driven in
accordance with the signal corresponding to this target drive
current Ie*. Thereby, the output of the engine generating the
driving force of the vehicle 100 is controlled in such a manner
that the deviation between the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* and
the yaw rate .gamma. is eliminated.
[0043] A control procedure implemented by the aforementioned
steering device is now described with reference to the flowcharts
in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
[0044] Firstly, detection data for the operating angle .delta.h,
operational torque T, steering angle .delta., lateral acceleration
Gy, yaw rate .gamma., vehicle speed V, braking hydraulic pressures,
and wheel speeds .omega., are read in from the respective sensors
11 through 16, 61 and 62 (step 1). Thereupon, the target drive
current Ih* for the reactive force actuator R is determined on the
basis of the transfer function G3, in such a manner that the
differential, which is obtained by subtracting the operational
torque T from the target operational torque T* determined in
accordance with the operating angle .delta. on the basis of the
gain K2, is eliminated (step 2). The reactive force actuator R is
driven by supplying the target drive current Ih* thereto.
Thereupon, the first steering angle set value .delta.a* is
determined in accordance with the operating angle .delta.h and the
vehicle speed V, on the basis of the gain K1 (step 3). The first
target yaw rate .gamma.1* corresponding to this first steering
angle set value .delta.a* and the vehicle speed V is calculated on
the basis of the gain K3, and also the second target yaw rate
.gamma.2* corresponding to the lateral acceleration Gy and the
vehicle speed V is calculated on the basis of the gain K4 (step 4).
Thereupon, the absolute value of the first target yaw rate
.gamma.1* and the absolute value of the second target yaw rate
.gamma.2* are compared, and then the first target yaw rate
.gamma.1* or the second target yaw rate .gamma.2* whichever has the
smaller absolute value is taken as the target yaw rate min
(.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*). Thereupon, the differential between the
target yaw rate min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*) and the yaw rate .gamma.
is calculated (step 5). The second steering angle set value
.delta..gamma.* is calculated on the basis of this differential and
the transfer function G1 (step 6). The target drive current Im* for
the steering actuator M is determined on the basis of the transfer
function G2, so that the differential obtained by subtracting the
steering angle .delta. from the target steering angle .delta.*,
that is the sum of the first steering angle set value .delta.a* and
the second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.*, is eliminated
(step 7). The steering actuator M is controlled by supplying this
target drive current Im* thereto, so that the steering angle
changes. Thereupon, the lateral slip angle .beta. is calculated on
the basis of the transfer function G4, in accordance with the
differential obtained by subtracting the yaw rate .gamma. from the
second target yaw rate .gamma.2* (step 8). The command braking
hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4 are
also determined on the basis of the transfer function G5, in
accordance with the aforementioned differential between the target
yaw rate min (.gamma.1*, .gamma.2*) and the yaw rate .gamma., the
wheel speeds .omega., and the braking hydraulic pressures (step 9).
It is then judged whether or not the lateral slipping of the
vehicle 100 in the direction as determined from the sign of the
lateral slip angle .beta. is promoted by the braking force, which
is imparted on the basis of the calculated command braking
hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2, .DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4
(step 10). If the lateral slipping is not promoted thereby, then by
supplying braking hydraulic pressure command signals corresponding
to the command braking hydraulic pressures .DELTA.P1, .DELTA.P2,
.DELTA.P3, .DELTA.P4, the braking hydraulic pressure control unit B
controls the braking forces in such a manner that the behaviour of
the vehicle is stabilized by changing the braking forces (step 11).
In cases where the lateral slipping is promoted, no braking
hydraulic pressure command signal is output. Next, a target drive
current Ie* for the throttle valve drive actuator E is determined
on the basis of the transfer function G6, in accordance with the
differential obtained by subtracting the yaw rate .gamma. from the
first target yaw rate .gamma.1* (step 12). The throttle valve drive
actuator E is caused to change the opening of the throttle valve by
supplying this target drive current Ie* thereto, in such a manner
that the vehicle behaviour is stabilized by changing the engine
output. Thereupon, it is judged whether or not the control process
is terminated (step 13), and if it is not terminated, then the
procedure returns to step 1. Termination of the control process can
be determined by judging whether or not the ignition key switch of
the vehicle is on, for example.
[0045] According to the foregoing embodiment, in cases where there
is no change in the yaw rate .gamma. even when the steering wheel 1
is operated due to reduction in the coefficient of friction between
the road surface and the vehicle wheels 4, the absolute value of
the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* corresponding to the operating
angle .delta.h and vehicle speed V becomes greater than that of the
second target yaw rate .gamma.2* corresponding to the detected
lateral acceleration Gy and vehicle speed V. In this situation, the
second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.* is calculated in
response to the differential between the detected yaw rate .gamma.
and the second target yaw rate .gamma.2*, of which absolute value
is smaller than that of the first target yaw rate .gamma.1*. In
other words, this second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.*
reflects the actual behaviour of the vehicle. Therefore, by taking
the target steering angle .delta.* as the sum of this second
steering angle set value .delta..gamma.* and the first steering
angle set value .delta.a* corresponding to the detected operating
angle .delta.h and vehicle speed V, it is possible to prevent
divergence of the steering angle and hence to achieve stabilization
of the vehicle behaviour.
[0046] Furthermore, in cases where there is no reduction in the
coefficient of friction between the road surface and the vehicle
wheels 4 and hence the absolute value of the first target yaw rate
.gamma.1* is smaller than that of the second target yaw rate
.gamma.2*, the second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.* is
calculated in accordance with the differential between the first
target yaw rate .gamma.1* and the detected yaw rate .gamma., and
consequently it reflects the operating angle .delta.h and vehicle
speed V. Therefore, by taking the target steering angle .delta.* as
the sum of this second steering angle set value .delta..gamma.* and
the first steering angle set value .delta.a* corresponding to the
detected operating angle .delta.h and vehicle speed V, it is
possible to cause the vehicle behaviour to change in an optimum
manner in accordance with the operating angle .delta.h and vehicle
speed V.
[0047] Moreover, both the steering angle and the braking force of
the vehicle are controlled so as to eliminate the deviation between
the detected yaw rate .gamma. and the target yaw rate, as which the
first target yaw rate .gamma.1* or the second target yaw rate
.gamma.2* whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent mutual interference between
the control of the steering angle and the control of the braking
force.
[0048] Furthermore, in cases where the vehicle behaviour becomes
unstable due to reduction in the coefficient of friction between
the road surface and the wheels of the vehicle, since the absolute
value of the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* is greater than that
of the second target yaw rate .gamma.2*, then the differential
between the first target yaw rate .gamma.1* and the detected yaw
rate .gamma. is greater than the differential between the second
target yaw rate .gamma.2* and the detected yaw rate .gamma.. By
controlling the engine output by driving the throttle valve drive
actuator E so as to eliminate the larger differential, the amount
of suppression of the engine output is increased. Thereby, if the
coefficient of friction between the road surface and the vehicle
wheels 4 is reduced, the amount of suppression of the engine output
is increased, thereby making it possible to stabilize the behaviour
of the vehicle.
[0049] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment and
modification example described above. For example, it is also
possible to make the operational torque T instead of the operating
angle .delta.h correspond to the amount of operation, to previously
determine and store a relationship between the first steering angle
set value .delta.a*, the detected operational torque T, and the
vehicle speed V, and to calculate the first steering angle set
value .delta.a* corresponding to the detected operational torque T
and vehicle speed V on the basis of this relationship. Moreover, it
is also possible to control the driving force of the wheels in
addition to the braking force of the wheels, or to control the
driving force of the wheels instead of the braking force of the
wheels, in such a manner that the differential between the detected
yaw rate .gamma. and the target yaw rate, as which the first target
yaw rate .gamma.1* or the second target yaw rate .gamma.2*
whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is eliminated.
Furthermore, it is also possible to use a hydraulic actuator
instead of the electromotive actuator as the steering actuator M.
In this case, by causing the braking hydraulic pressure control
unit B, which is the generating source of the braking hydraulic
pressure for the vehicle wheels 4, to generate a hydraulic pressure
for driving the hydraulic actuator, it is possible to simplify the
overall vehicle system, and hence energy efficiency can be raised
and a practicable vehicle attitude control system can be
achieved.
Disclosure of Useful Art
[0050] In a vehicle in which a steering wheel and vehicle wheels
are mechanically coupled, even if occupants in the front passenger
seat or rear passenger seats notice delay or errors in the
operation of the steering wheel by the driver, they cannot prevent
accidents, since the operation of the steering wheel remains in the
sole charge of the driver. Moreover, for inexperienced drivers, it
is difficult to control the steering wheel when reversing, and this
often leads to the vehicle hitting another vehicle or object, but
any passenger cannot provide assistance to the driver in such a
case.
[0051] In a vehicle incorporating a steer by electric wire system,
the movement of a steering actuator controlled by a control device
in accordance with the operation of a steering wheel by a driver in
the driving seat is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle in
such a manner that the steering angle changes in accordance with
the aforementioned movement, without the steering wheel being
coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels. In such a vehicle
incorporating the steer by electric wire system, it is conceivable
that an auxiliary steering wheel, which can be operated by an
occupant sitting in a front or rear passenger seat, is provided
separately to the aforementioned steering wheel, whereby the
steering actuator can be controlled by the control device in
accordance with the operation of this auxiliary steering wheel,
also. In such a case, it is desirable for the viewpoint of
providing a practicable vehicle attitude control system, that a
switch, that selects which of the operation of the steering wheel
and the operation of the auxiliary steering wheel is given
priority, is connected to the control device, wherein the steering
actuator is driven in accordance with the operation of the one
selected by the switch. Alternatively, it is desirable for the
viewpoint of providing a practicable vehicle attitude control
system, that a function is provided for determining the suddenness
of the steering operation, on the basis of the operational speed,
operational torque, and the like, of the steering wheel and
auxiliary steering wheel, wherein the steering actuator is driven
in accordance with the operation of the one displaying the greater
suddenness.
[0052] Conventionally, to improve stability during travel of a
vehicle, rolling and pitching is suppressed by mounting an active
suspension system in the vehicle. However, since active suspension
systems are expensive, they are only fitted in cars of higher
category. In vehicles which are not fitted with such active
suspension systems, in particular, RV vehicles, or the like, which
are high and have a high centre of gravity, there is a significant
tendency for the vehicle body to move in a centrifugal direction
during travel, on winding roads, or the like, thereby reducing the
gripping force of the tires, lowering stability during travel and
also tilting the driver in the centrifugal direction and hence
making it difficult for him or her to control the vehicle.
[0053] In a vehicle incorporating a steer by electric wire system,
the movement of the steering actuator controlled by the control
device in accordance with the operation of the steering wheel is
transmitted to the vehicle wheels in such a manner that the
steering angle is changed according to the aforementioned movement,
without the steering wheel being coupled mechanically to the
vehicle wheels. In a vehicle incorporating a brake by electric wire
system, braking hydraulic pressures for the vehicle wheels are
generated by means of a braking hydraulic pressure generating
device controlled by a control device, in accordance with the
operation of a brake pedal without the brake pedal being connected
by pipes to the braking hydraulic pressure generating device. In a
vehicle incorporating an acceleration by electric wire system,
driving output to the vehicle wheels is generated by means of an
engine controlled by the control device, in accordance with the
operation of an accelerator pedal without the accelerator pedal
being coupled mechanically to the engine. As illustrated in FIG. 8,
in a vehicle incorporating the steer by electric wire system, brake
by electric wire system, and acceleration by electric wire system,
a body 101 in which a steering wheel H, brake pedal and accelerator
pedal are disposed can be constituted in such a manner that it is
capable of rotating in a roll direction with respect to the chassis
102, in which the steering actuator, braking hydraulic pressure
generating device, and engine are disposed, by means of guide rails
103. The centre of gravity is located in the body 101. Thereby,
even if the body 101 rolls, the weight imparted to the respective
vehicle wheels 104 hardly changes, and therefore it is possible to
prevent reduction in the gripping force of the tires, and also to
prevent tilting of the driver in the centrifugal direction, thereby
making it possible to provide a vehicle which is easy to drive,
whereby stability during travel can be improved by means of a
simple and inexpensive constitution.
* * * * *