JP2004017728A - Vehicle height adjusting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a vehicle height adjusting system for automatically adjusting and manually adjusting a vehicle height. <P>SOLUTION: Improvements of the vehicle height adjusting system are as follows. An automatic adjustment mode and a manual adjustment mode are switched by a vehicle height adjustment mode changing-over switch. In the automatic adjustment mode, a set vehicle height as a control target is changed over in previously set three stages, and in the manual adjustment mode, the vehicle height is increased, maintained, and reduced by a vehicle height changing-over switch. When a vehicle travels, the vehicle height is adjusted in the automatic adjustment mode. When the vehicle stops, the vehicle height is automatically adjusted when the automatic adjustment mode is selected, and the vehicle height is adjusted at an optional height the driver intents when the manual adjustment mode is selected (S10, S15, S23). When the increase and reduction of the vehicle height is conducted continuously for longer than a predetermined time or when the vehicle height exceeds an upper limit or a lower limit in a range which the vehicle height can be changed in the manual adjustment mode, vehicle height adjustment is discontinued, and energization to a height control valve, air solenoid valve, and a compressor is canceled (S12, S14, S18, S20, S22, S26). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle height adjustment system, and more particularly to an improvement in a vehicle height adjustment system capable of selectively performing automatic adjustment and manual adjustment of a vehicle height.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The vehicle height adjustment system is provided between the wheel and the vehicle body, and changes the vehicle height that is a relative height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheel, and controls the vehicle height changing device to control the vehicle height. And a control device for adjustment. In a vehicle height adjustment system in which the automatic adjustment and the manual adjustment of the vehicle height are selectively performed, the control device can operate in an automatic adjustment mode and a manual adjustment mode. The vehicle height is automatically adjusted to the set vehicle height. In the manual adjustment mode, the height is adjusted to the height according to the operation of the manual operation member. The set vehicle height is a predetermined height at the start of the vehicle height adjustment in the automatic adjustment mode, and the vehicle height adjusted by operating the manual operation member is determined at the time of adjustment according to the operation.
[0003]
This type of vehicle height adjustment system is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-268353. In the vehicle height adjusting system described in this publication, vehicle height cylinders are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle, and the vehicle heights on the left and right sides of the vehicle are independently changed based on the operation of the vehicle height cylinders. These vehicle height cylinders are controlled by a control device. The control device controls the switching of the supply state of the hydraulic pressure to the two vehicle height cylinders based on the ON / OFF operation of the four switches by the manual lever, extends or contracts the piston rod, and sets the height indicated by the switch operation. Now adjust the vehicle height. When the body level switch is turned ON and the automatic leveling mode is selected, the control device controls the vehicle height cylinder to automatically control the vehicle body level and automatically sets the vehicle height to the set vehicle height. Control.
[0004]
Problems to be Solved by the Invention, Means for Solving Problems, and Effects
However, there is still room for improvement in the conventional vehicle height adjustment system in which the vehicle height is automatically and manually adjusted. Therefore, the present invention has been made with the object of making improvements, and the present invention provides the following vehicle height adjustment systems. As in the case of the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and the number of another section is cited as necessary. This is for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the technical features and combinations thereof described in the present specification to those described in the following sections. . In addition, when a plurality of items are described in one section, the plurality of items need not always be adopted together. It is also possible to select and adopt only some of the items.
[0005]
In the following items, the combination of items (1) and (2) is equivalent to claim 1, and item (3) is combination of item 2 and items (1) and (5). Claims correspond to Claim 3 and Claims (1) and (7) together correspond to Claim 4.
[0006]
(1) a vehicle height changing device that is provided between the wheel and the vehicle body and that changes a vehicle height that is a relative height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheel;
A control device for adjusting the vehicle height by controlling the vehicle height changing device;
And, the control device automatically adjusts the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height set, and, according to the operation of the manual operation member, the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height Vehicle height adjustment system operable in manual adjustment mode to adjust without restraint.
This section is a section created for convenience of explanation of the present invention. The set vehicle height that is set as a control target in the automatic adjustment mode of the control device is, for example, a fixed height that is set in advance, or an arbitrary height that is set by operation in the manual adjustment mode. In the former case, the set vehicle height may be one or more. In the latter case, a set vehicle height that is actually set as a control target is selected from a plurality of set vehicle heights.
[0007]
(2) The control device:
When the manual operation member is operated in the automatic adjustment mode, a set vehicle height changing unit that changes the set vehicle height,
When the manual operation member is operated in the manual adjustment mode, a manual adjustment vehicle height changing unit that operates the vehicle height changing device to change the actual vehicle height according to the operation of the manual operation member.
The vehicle height adjustment system according to the above mode (1).
When the control device operates in the automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle height is automatically adjusted to the set vehicle height selected by operating the manual operation member. A plurality of set vehicle heights are set in advance, and one of the set vehicle heights is selected by operating a manual operation member. When operating in the manual adjustment mode, the actual vehicle height is adjusted to an arbitrary vehicle height by operating the same manual operation member. One manual operation member includes a set vehicle height changing member or a set vehicle height selecting member for changing or selecting a set vehicle height in the automatic adjustment mode, and an actual vehicle height changing member for instructing a change of the actual vehicle height in the manual adjustment mode. It also serves as. In the vehicle height adjusting system according to the above mode (1), the set vehicle height changing member and the actual vehicle height changing member may be provided separately. However, according to this section, only one changing member is required and the vehicle height is changed. The adjustment system can be easily configured.
(3) The vehicle height adjustment system includes a stopper device that mechanically restricts a vehicle height changeable range by the vehicle height changer, and the vehicle height changeable range by the manually adjusted vehicle height changer is the vehicle height changeable range. The vehicle height adjustment system according to (2), wherein the vehicle height adjustment system is narrower than the changeable range regulated by the stopper device.
By limiting the range in which the vehicle height can be changed by the manually adjusted vehicle height changing unit, the vehicle height is prevented from being too high or too low due to execution of the manual adjustment. Since the changeable range of the vehicle height is restricted to be narrower than the changeable range regulated by the stopper device, the vehicle height change device is prevented from being operated beyond the allowable limit, and the occurrence of a failure is good. Is prevented. In the present vehicle height adjustment system, the control device may be considered to include a vehicle height changeable range limiting unit.
[0008]
(4) The vehicle height changing device includes:
An air spring,
An air supply / discharge device that supplies air to the air spring, extends the air spring, causes air to flow out of the air spring, and contracts the air spring.
The vehicle height adjustment system according to any one of (1) to (3), including:
(5) The control device includes a continuous operation restricting unit that stops the operation when the continuous operation time for changing the vehicle height of the vehicle height changing device in the manual adjustment mode reaches a set time. The vehicle height adjustment system according to any one of (1) to (4).
[0009]
(6) The vehicle height changing device includes:
An air spring,
Compressor and
A first control valve that permits the air compressed by the compressor to flow into the air spring during energization,
A second control valve that allows the outflow of air from the air spring during energization;
The vehicle height adjustment according to (5), wherein the continuous operation restriction unit includes an energization time restriction unit that restricts a continuous energization time to at least one of the compressor, the first control valve, and the second control valve. system.
According to this aspect, for example, the amount of current supplied to at least one of the compressor and the first and second control valves becomes excessive, and damage due to self-heating can be favorably prevented.
[0010]
(7) The control device includes a running manual vehicle height change prohibition unit that prohibits the operation of the system in the manual adjustment mode while the vehicle equipped with the vehicle height adjustment system is running. (6) The vehicle height adjustment system according to any one of the above (6).
According to this section, for example, the vehicle is prevented from traveling at an extremely high vehicle height or a low vehicle height selected by the driver, traveling stability is ensured, or a vehicle body is not in contact with a road surface or an obstacle on the road. The occurrence of damage due to interference is avoided.
(8) The traveling manual vehicle height change prohibition unit includes a traveling speed acquisition unit that acquires the traveling speed of the vehicle, and the traveling vehicle acquired when the traveling speed acquired by the traveling speed acquisition unit is equal to or higher than a set speed. The vehicle height adjustment system according to (7), wherein operation of the high adjustment system in the manual adjustment mode is prohibited.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle height adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This vehicle height adjustment system is a system for controlling a vehicle height, which is a relative height of a vehicle body with respect to a rear wheel, and includes a vehicle height changing device 10 and a control device 12.
[0012]
The vehicle height changing device 10 includes air springs 20, 22 provided for the left and right rear wheels, respectively, and an air supply / discharge device 24 common to them, and is provided between the rear wheels and the vehicle body. The air springs 20 and 22 have the same configuration, and the air spring 20 will be described as a representative. In this embodiment, the air spring 20 is provided together with the shock absorber 26, as shown in FIG.
[0013]
The shock absorber 26 is of a twin tube type in the present embodiment, is connected to an unsprung member (not shown) in an outer cylinder 30 constituting the main body 28, and is provided at the upper end of the piston rod 32 at the rear of the vehicle body (not shown). (Omitted). The piston rod 32 extends from a piston 36 slidably fitted in an inner cylinder 34 of the main body 28. When the piston 36 moves, oil flows through an orifice provided in the piston 36. This provides a damping force.
[0014]
The movement limit of the piston 36 in the bounding direction (the direction in which the vehicle body approaches the wheel and the direction in which the piston rod 32 contracts) is provided at the upper end of the piston rod 32 and at the end protruding from the main body 28. The stopper member 44 is defined by contacting the stopper member 46 provided at the upper end of the outer cylinder 30, and the piston in the rebound direction (the direction in which the vehicle body is separated from the wheels and the direction in which the piston rod 32 extends). The movement limit of the piston 36 is such that the stopper member 48 provided in the portion near the piston of the piston rod 32 and located in the inner cylinder 34 is attached to the stopper member 50 held by the inner cylinder 34 and the outer cylinder 30. It is defined by contact.
[0015]
Frames 60 and 62 as air chamber forming members are attached to the upper end of the piston rod 32 and the outside of the outer cylinder 30, respectively, and a rolling diaphragm 64 is provided between the frames 60 and 62 to provide a shock absorber. An air chamber 66 is provided outside of the airtight container 24 in an airtight manner. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 68 denotes a dust cover.
[0016]
The compressed air is supplied to the air chamber 66 by the air supply / discharge device 24 or is discharged to the atmosphere. In the present embodiment, the air supply / discharge device 24 includes a compressor 80, a height control valve 82 as a first control valve, an air solenoid valve 84 as a second control valve, and the like, as shown in FIG. The compressor 80 is driven by an electric motor 86, is provided in a passage 88 connecting the atmosphere and the air chamber 66 of the air springs 20, 22, sucks air through a filter 90, compresses the air, and compresses the air springs 20, 22. To supply.
[0017]
The height control valve 82 is provided in a portion of the passage 88 between the compressor 80 and the air springs 20 and 22. In the present embodiment, the height control valve 82 is a normally-closed seat valve, and is an electromagnetic on-off valve serving as an electromagnetic control valve. The height control valve 82 is switched to a closed state by demagnetizing a solenoid, closing the passage 88 and closing the compressor 80. The communication between the air springs 20 and 22 and the air chamber 66 is cut off. The height control valve 82 is switched to the open state by the excitation of the solenoid, and opens the passage 88 to allow the compressor 80 to communicate with the air chamber 66. The height control valve 82 allows the compressed air generated by the compressor 80 to flow into the air springs 20, 22 during energization.
[0018]
A check valve 94 and a dryer 96 are provided in series at a portion of the passage 88 between the compressor 80 and the height control valve 82, and a throttle 98 and a dryer 98 are provided at a portion between the dryer 96 and the height control valve 82. Check valves 100 are provided in parallel. The check valves 94 and 100 allow the flow of air in the direction from the compressor 80 toward the air springs 20 and 22, but prevent the flow in the reverse direction. The dryer 96 removes moisture from the compressed air generated by the compressor 80.
[0019]
The air solenoid valve 84 is connected to a portion of the passage 88 between the portion where the check valve 94 is provided and the portion where the dryer 96 is provided, and is provided in a passage 110 that is open to the atmosphere. In the present embodiment, the air solenoid valve 84 is a normally-closed seat valve and is an electromagnetic on-off valve serving as an electromagnetic control valve. The air solenoid valve 84 is switched to a closed state by demagnetizing the solenoid, closing the passage 110 and closing the air atmosphere. The spill. Further, the solenoid is excited to be switched to the open state to open the passage 110 and allow the air to flow into the atmosphere. The air solenoid valve 84 allows the outflow of air from the air springs 20, 22 during energization.
[0020]
The air solenoid valve 84 is configured to open to allow the outflow of air to the atmosphere when the pressure in the passage 88 becomes abnormally high even in a non-energized state. In the air solenoid valve 84, the urging force of the spring for urging the valve element to be seated on the valve seat is not energized, and the compressor 80 is normally turned on when the air solenoid valve 84 is switched to the closed state. The compressed air created by the operation of the above is prevented from flowing out to the atmosphere, the compressed air is supplied to the air chamber 66, and the air springs 20, 22 are allowed to extend to the upper limit regulated by a stopper device described later. However, if the pressure of the compressed air exceeds the set pressure and increases, the size is set to allow the compressed air to flow to the atmosphere, and the pressure in the air chamber 66 is prevented from abnormally increasing. The air solenoid valve 84 also serves as a relief valve.
[0021]
To increase the vehicle height, the compressor 80 is operated, the height control valve 82 is opened, the air solenoid valve 84 is closed, and the compressed air is supplied to the check valve 94, the dryer 96, the throttle 98, the check valve. The air is supplied to the air chambers 66 of the air springs 20 and 22 via the height control valve 82 and 100. Thereby, the piston rod 32 is extended, the air springs 20, 22 are extended, the distance between the wheel held by the unsprung member and the vehicle body is increased, and the vehicle height is increased.
[0022]
When increasing the vehicle height, in the present embodiment, first, the compressor 80 is operated, and the pressure in the passage 88 is increased. Then, when the pressure increases and becomes smaller than the compressed air leaking from the air solenoid valve 84 in the closed state and becomes large enough to extend the air springs 20 and 22, the solenoid is excited and the height control valve 82 is turned on. Is opened, and compressed air is supplied to the air chamber 66. The increase in the pressure of the compressed air is detected by a pressure rise detection device. For example, when the pressure of the compressed air is detected by a pressure sensor using a pressure sensor and the pressure becomes equal to or higher than a set pressure, or the time from the start of the operation of the compressor 80 is measured by a timer, the pressure of the compressed air becomes sufficiently high. It is assumed that the pressure of the compressed air has increased when the time required for has elapsed. In the height control valve 82, the urging force of the spring for urging the valve element in the direction of seating on the valve seat is increased, and the height control valve 82 in a non-energized state is opened until the pressure of the compressed air increases. It has never been so.
[0023]
When the vehicle height is reduced, the compressor 80 is not operated, and the valves 82 and 84 are opened. As a result, air in the air chamber 66 of the air springs 20, 22 flows out through the height control valve 82, the throttle 98, the dryer 96, and the air solenoid valve 84 to the outside, and the piston rod 32 is contracted to cause the air spring. 20, 22 are contracted. Thereby, the distance between the wheel and the vehicle body is reduced, and the vehicle height is reduced. At this time, the outflow of the air from the air chamber 66 is restricted by the throttle 98, and a sudden decrease in the vehicle height is prevented. When maintaining the vehicle height, both the valves 82 and 84 are closed, and the compressor 80 is not operated. In this vehicle height adjustment system, the height of the vehicle body with respect to the left and right rear wheels is simultaneously controlled.
[0024]
The range in which the vehicle height can be changed by the vehicle height changing device 10 is defined by the stopper member 48 abutting against the stopper member 50 on the side where the vehicle height is increased, and the stopper member 44 is connected to the stopper portion on the side where the vehicle height is reduced. It is defined by abutting 46. In the present embodiment, the stopper members 44, 48, 50 and the stopper portion 46 constitute a stopper device 114.
[0025]
The control device 12 is mainly composed of a computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle height adjustment mode changeover switch 120, a vehicle height changeover switch 122, an antilock control computer 124, a door open / close switch 126, and a vehicle height sensor. 128 are connected.
[0026]
The vehicle height adjustment mode changeover switch 120 and the vehicle height changeover switch 122 are provided, for example, near the driver's seat of the vehicle, for example, on an instrument panel, and are manually operated by the driver. The control device 12 automatically adjusts the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height and sets the vehicle height different from the vehicle height according to the operation of the vehicle height changeover switch 122. The vehicle height adjustment mode of the control device 12 can be set to one of the automatic adjustment mode and the manual adjustment mode by operating the vehicle height adjustment mode changeover switch 120. Switch to one and select.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to a plurality of positions, for example, three positions with a sense of moderation, and maintains the switch position unless an operating force is applied. These three positions are low, normal, and high. If the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is operated in a state where the control device 12 operates in the automatic adjustment mode, the set vehicle height actually set as the control target is low, normal, and high. And changed to either high. The set vehicle height is of three types in the present embodiment, and is a predetermined height that is set in advance. In the present embodiment, the vehicle height switch 122 is configured to be switched between a low position and a high position via a normal position.
[0028]
When the control device 12 operates in the manual adjustment mode, the actual vehicle height is changed by the vehicle height changing device 10 in accordance with the operation of the vehicle height switch 122. Switching of the vehicle height changeover switch 122 to the low position instructs a decrease in the vehicle height, switching to the high position instructs an increase in the vehicle height, and switching to the normal position instructs the maintenance of the vehicle height. 12 operates the vehicle height changing device 10 so as to change the actual vehicle height in accordance with the switch position of the vehicle height switch 122. While the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to the low position or the high position, the vehicle height is continuously reduced or increased. While the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to the normal position, the vehicle height is maintained and the vehicle height is automatically adjusted. Is adjusted to an arbitrary height different from the set vehicle height as the control target.
[0029]
The anti-lock control computer 124 is provided in an anti-lock control device (not shown) that suppresses excessive slip of the wheels during braking, and calculates each wheel speed (peripheral speed) of the left and right front wheels calculated for the anti-lock control. ) Is supplied to the control device 12. The door open / close switch 126 supplies a signal indicating the open / closed state of the vehicle door. The door open / close switch 126 is provided for each of all doors and trunk lids provided in the vehicle, and detects an open / closed state of each door and lid (hereinafter, collectively referred to as doors).
[0030]
In the present embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 128 is provided between the unsprung member and the vehicle body on the left side of the rear of the vehicle body, and the control device 12 obtains the distance between the rear wheel and the vehicle body based on the detection signal. Is done. In this embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 128 includes a slit plate and a plurality of sets, for example, four sets of photointerrupters, and the computer of the control device 12 detects the vehicle height in a plurality of levels, for example, 16 levels. The 16 steps are divided into a plurality of sets, for example, 5 sets in order of size. There are five sets: too low, low, normal, high and too high. The low, normal, and high vehicle heights designated by the switch position of the vehicle height switch 122 are respectively set to one of the stages belonging to the low set, the normal set, and the high set. I have. The upper limit and the lower limit of the changeable range of the vehicle height mechanically regulated by the stopper device 114 are detected as the highest step height of the too high set and the lowest step height of the too low set, respectively. You.
[0031]
The control device 12 controls the automatic adjustment mode lamp 136, the manual adjustment mode lamp 138, the vehicle height adjustment interruption display lamp 140, the vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142, and the vehicle height lower limit display lamp 144. Which height the vehicle height is adjusted can be known from the switching position of the vehicle height switch 122. Controller 12 also controls compressor relay 150 and controls motor 86 driving compressor 80. Further, various programs, data, and the like, such as a vehicle height adjustment routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, are stored in the ROM of the computer of the control device 12.
[0032]
The adjustment of the vehicle height based on the vehicle height adjustment routine will be schematically described.
During traveling of the vehicle, the control device 12 operates in the automatic adjustment mode regardless of the switching position of the vehicle height adjustment mode changeover switch 120, that is, regardless of the setting by the driver, and the vehicle height is controlled by the vehicle height changeover switch 122. The vehicle height changing device 10 is controlled so that the vehicle height is set by the switching.
[0033]
When the vehicle is stopped, if the automatic adjustment mode is selected, the control device 12 is operated in the automatic adjustment mode. If the manual adjustment mode is selected, the control device 12 is operated in the manual adjustment mode, and the vehicle height is a height corresponding to the switching of the vehicle height switch 122, and the vehicle height set in the automatic adjustment mode. The vehicle height changing device 10 is controlled to have an arbitrary height different from the vehicle height.
[0034]
When the control device 12 is operated in the manual adjustment mode, if the vehicle height change switch 122 is switched to the high position or the low position, the vehicle height is increased while the increase or decrease is permitted, that is, the vehicle height is increased. Alternatively, the increase or decrease is continued until a predetermined time elapses after the decrease is started or while the vehicle height is within the changeable range.
[0035]
This will be described based on a flowchart.
In step 1 of the vehicle height adjustment routine (hereinafter abbreviated as S1; the same applies to other steps), it is determined whether or not vehicle height adjustment is interrupted. This determination is made based on whether or not the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is set to ON. The vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is provided in the RAM of the computer of the control device 12, and is reset to OFF in an initial setting of a main routine (not shown). The vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is set to ON to indicate that the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted or stopped, and is reset to OFF so that the vehicle height adjustment is not interrupted or stopped. Indicates that the adjustment system is in a state where the vehicle height can be adjusted. If the vehicle height adjustment is not interrupted or stopped, the determination result of S1 is NO, and S2 is executed to determine whether the vehicle is running. This determination is made based on the wheel speeds of the left and right front wheels supplied from the antilock control computer 124. The wheel speeds of the left and right front wheels are read, and if the average value thereof is equal to or higher than the set value, it is determined that the vehicle is running at the speed equal to or higher than the set speed. Is not determined.
[0036]
If the vehicle is running, the result of the determination in S2 is YES, S3 is executed, the automatic adjustment mode display lamp 136 is turned on, and the execution of the automatic adjustment mode is displayed. Even if the vehicle height adjustment mode set by switching the vehicle height adjustment mode switch 120 is a manual adjustment mode, the controller 12 is operated in the automatic adjustment mode to set the vehicle height while the vehicle is running. Since the vehicle height is adjusted, in S3, if the manual adjustment mode display lamp 138 is turned on, it is turned off and the automatic adjustment mode display lamp 136 is turned on. Next, S4 is executed, the vehicle height is adjusted based on the switch position of the vehicle height switch 122, and the actual vehicle height is set to the three target positions of low, normal, and high set by switching the vehicle height switch 122. Or automatically adjusted to one of the set positions. When the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is operated, the set vehicle height is changed to the set vehicle height obtained by switching the vehicle height changeover switch 122, and the vehicle height changing device 10 is set so that the actual vehicle height becomes the set vehicle height. Is controlled.
[0037]
In S4, the actual vehicle height obtained based on the detection signal of the vehicle height sensor 128 is compared with the vehicle height set by switching the vehicle height changeover switch 122, and if the actual vehicle height is lower. For example, the compressor 80 is operated, the height control valve 82 is opened, and compressed air is supplied to the air chambers 66 of the air springs 20 and 22 to increase the vehicle height. The supply of air to the air chamber 66 is performed until the actual vehicle height becomes equal to the set vehicle height, and when equal, the height control valve 82 is closed and the supply of air to the air chamber 66 is shut off. Further, the compressor 80 is stopped.
[0038]
If the actual vehicle height is higher than the set vehicle height, air flows out of the air chambers 66 of the air springs 20 and 22. The height control valve 82 and the air solenoid valve 84 are opened, and the air in the air chamber 66 is discharged to the atmosphere. Then, when the actual vehicle height is equal to the set vehicle height, both valves 82 and 84 are closed. At this time, the compressor 80 is not operated. If the actual vehicle height is the same as the set vehicle height, the valves 82 and 84 are kept closed and the compressor 80 is not operated. If the compressor 80 has been operated, it is stopped.
[0039]
If the vehicle is not running, the result of the determination in S2 is NO, and S5 is executed to determine whether the automatic adjustment mode is selected. If the automatic adjustment mode has been selected, the result of the determination in S5 is YES, and S6 is executed to determine whether all the doors of the vehicle are closed. This determination is made based on the detection signal of the door open / close switch 126. If at least one of the doors is open, the determination result in S6 is NO and S30 is executed, the vehicle height adjustment is stopped, and the height is maintained at the height when the determination result in S6 is NO. To be. The valves 82 and 84 are closed, and the compressor 80 is deactivated. Then, the execution of the routine ends, and the vehicle height adjustment is not performed.
[0040]
If all the doors are closed and the state in which all the doors are closed continues for the set time, the determination result of S6 becomes YES, and S3 and S4 are executed, and the automatic adjustment of the vehicle height is performed. If at least one of the doors is open, people may get on and off or load and unload luggage, and the load on the vehicle may change, which may change the actual vehicle height. Vehicle height adjustment will be performed. Therefore, all the doors are closed, and the vehicle height is adjusted in a state where the load may be determined.
[0041]
If the vehicle is not running and the manual adjustment mode is selected, the result of the determination in S5 is NO and S7 is executed. In S7, it is determined whether or not the door is closed, as in S6. If the door is not closed, the determination result in S7 is NO, and the execution of the routine ends after the execution of S30. If all the doors are closed and the state continues for the set time, the result of the determination in S7 is YES and S8 is executed, and the manual adjustment mode is executed by turning on the manual adjustment mode display lamp 138. Is displayed.
[0042]
Next, S9 is executed, and it is determined whether or not the switching position of the vehicle height switch 122 is the normal position. This determination is made based on the signal from the vehicle height changeover switch 122. If the vehicle is in the normal position, the determination result in S9 becomes YES and S10 is executed, and the vehicle height becomes the current height (the determination result in S9 becomes YES). Height at the time of). At this time, if the compressor 80 is operated, it is stopped, the valves 82 and 84 are closed, and neither supply nor discharge of compressed air to the air chamber 66 of the air springs 20 and 22 is performed. .
[0043]
If the switching position of the vehicle height switch 122 is not the normal position, the determination result in S9 is NO and S11 is executed, and it is determined whether the switching position of the vehicle height switch 122 is the high position. If it is the high position, the result of determination in S11 is YES and S12 is executed to determine whether or not the actual vehicle height is within a changeable range controlled by the control device 12. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the changeable range is the lowest among a plurality of stages belonging to an excessively high group among the stages representing the actual vehicle height obtained based on the detection signal of the vehicle height sensor 128. , Is set to a stage closest to the high, and is lower than the upper limit of the range in which the vehicle height can be changed by the vehicle height changing device 10 mechanically regulated by the stopper device 114.
[0044]
The determination in S12 is made when the actual vehicle height (obtained in stages) obtained based on the detection signal of the vehicle height sensor 128 is equal to or less than the stage set at the upper limit of the vehicle height changeable range under the control of the control device 12. It is performed depending on whether or not there is, and if it is not more than the upper limit stage, the determination result of S12 is YES, S13 is executed, and the vehicle height lower limit display is canceled. When the vehicle height is lower than the lower limit of the vehicle height changeable range under the control of the control device 12, the vehicle height lower limit display lamp 144 that is turned on is turned off.
[0045]
Next, S14 is executed to determine whether or not the vehicle height has been continuously increased for a predetermined time in the manual adjustment mode. This determination is made based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination result of S11 was YES. In S14, when S14 is executed for the first time after the vehicle height changeover switch 122 has been switched to the low position or the normal position to the high position, for example, a counter provided in the computer is reset to 0, Thereafter, while the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to the high position, the count value of the counter is increased by one each time S14 is executed, and the vehicle height increase time, that is, the height control valve 82 and the compressor 80 are increased. Is measured, and it is determined whether or not the time has exceeded a predetermined time.
[0046]
If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination result in S14 is NO, and S15 is executed, so that the vehicle height is increased. The compressor 80 is operated, the height control valve 82 is opened, the air solenoid valve 84 is closed, and compressed air is supplied to the air chambers 66 of the air springs 20 and 22.
[0047]
While the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to the high position with the manual adjustment mode being selected, S1, S2, S5, S7 to S9, S11 to S15 are repeatedly executed, and the air spring 20 and 22 continue to be extended, and the vehicle height continues to be increased.
[0048]
If the vehicle height rises beyond the upper limit of the changeable range during that time, the determination result in S12 becomes NO and S19 is executed, and the vehicle height reaches the upper limit of the changeable range controlled by the control device 12. Is displayed. The vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142 is turned on. Then, S18 is executed, and the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted or stopped. The compressor 80 is stopped, and the height control valve 82 is closed. As a result, while the vehicle height is too high, even if an instruction to increase the vehicle height is issued, the determination result in S12 is NO, the vehicle height is not increased, and the pressure in the air chamber 66 rises excessively, and the air spring Damage to 20, 22 is avoided.
[0049]
If the vehicle height is too high, the vehicle height adjustment system stops or stops the vehicle height adjustment, but can perform the vehicle height adjustment, and the driver switches the vehicle height based on the lighting of the vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142. By switching the switch 122 to the low position, the vehicle height can be reduced. Further, the time during which the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is switched to the high position is not counted, but once the vehicle height exceeds the upper limit of the changeable range, the vehicle height is not increased. No problem.
[0050]
Before the vehicle height exceeds the upper limit of the changeable range, if the determination result of S11 becomes YES, that is, if a predetermined time elapses after the increase of the vehicle height is started, the determination result of S14 becomes YES. After S16 is executed and the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is set to ON, suspension of vehicle height adjustment is displayed in S17. The vehicle height adjustment interruption display lamp 140 is turned on. Next, S18 is executed, and the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted as described above. The height control valve 82 is closed, and the compressor 80 is stopped, so that the continuous energization time to the compressor 80 and the valve 82 becomes excessive, and damage due to, for example, self-heating is avoided.
[0051]
If the vehicle height changeover switch 122 has been switched to the low position in the manual adjustment mode, the determination results in S9 and S11 are NO, and S20 to S23 are executed to reduce the vehicle height. The valves 82 and 84 are opened to allow air to flow out of the air chamber 66 to the atmosphere. At this time, the compressor 80 is stopped.
[0052]
While the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is being switched to the low position, S23 is executed and the vehicle height continues to be reduced. If the vehicle height falls below the lower limit of the changeable range under the control of the control device 12 during this time, the determination result in S20 becomes NO and S27 is executed, and the vehicle height can be changed by turning on the vehicle height lower limit display lamp 144. It indicates that the lower end of the range has been reached. In the present embodiment, the lower limit of the changeable range is set to the highest stage among the plurality of stages belonging to the group that is too low and the stage closest to the low among the stages representing the actual vehicle height. It is larger than the lower limit of the range in which the vehicle height can be changed by the vehicle height changing device 10 which is mechanically restricted by the stopper device 114. In the manual adjustment mode, the vehicle height is increased or decreased in accordance with the operation of the vehicle height changeover switch 122 in a range narrower than the mechanically regulated changeable range of the vehicle height. Then, S26 is executed, and the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted or stopped. The valves 82 and 84 are closed to prevent the vehicle height from lowering further. Thereby, for example, it is avoided that the vehicle height abnormally decreases and the vehicle body interferes with a road surface or the like.
[0053]
While the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is being switched to the low position and before the vehicle height reaches the lower limit of the changeable range, the determination result in S11 becomes NO, that is, the vehicle height decreases in S23. If a predetermined time has passed since the start of the operation, the determination result of S22 becomes YES, and S24 is executed, and the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is set to ON. Then, S25 is executed and the suspension or stop of the vehicle height adjustment is displayed by turning on the vehicle height adjustment suspension display lamp 140, and the vehicle height adjustment is suspended or stopped in S26. As a result, the occurrence of damage due to self-heating of the valves 82 and 84 is avoided.
[0054]
Since the vehicle height adjustment at the same switching position of the vehicle height changeover switch 122 is continuously performed for a predetermined time or more, and the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted and stopped halfway, the vehicle height adjustment interruption flag is set to ON. , S1 becomes YES and S28 is executed to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the suspension or stop of the vehicle height adjustment. This time is long enough so that the temperatures of the compressor 80 and the valves 82 and 84, which have been raised by the continuous energization for a predetermined time, are reduced so that no trouble occurs even if the current is again supplied and operated. Is set to Until the predetermined time has elapsed, the determination result in S28 is NO, and the execution of the routine ends. The vehicle height adjustment is not performed regardless of whether the vehicle is running or the operation mode of the control device 12. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag was set to ON, the determination result in S28 becomes YES and S29 is executed, and the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is reset to OFF and the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is reset. The adjustment interruption display lamp 140 is raised and lowered. Therefore, the next time S1 is executed, the determination result is NO, and vehicle height adjustment is performed.
[0055]
When the vehicle height exceeds the upper limit or the lower limit of the changeable range under the control of the control device 12, the vehicle height adjustment suspension flag is not set to ON, so the steps after S2 are executed, and the vehicle height can be adjusted. . Therefore, for example, when the actual vehicle height exceeds the upper limit, if the driver switches the vehicle height switch 122 to the low position based on the lighting of the vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142, S20 to S23 are executed, Height is reduced. In addition, the vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142 is turned off.
[0056]
As described above, if the control device 12 can be operated in the manual adjustment mode and the vehicle height is changed to an arbitrary height based on the operation of the vehicle height changeover switch 122, for example, one of the left and right wheels may be changed. When the vehicle rides on a protrusion on the road surface, the vehicle height can be increased so that the vehicle body can escape from the protrusion as a height that does not interfere with the road surface.
[0057]
Also, for example, at the time of connection with the trailer, the height of the connection portion of the vehicle and the connection portion of the trailer with respect to the road surface can be matched, and the connection operation can be easily performed.
[0058]
As is apparent from the above description, in the present embodiment, the vehicle height adjustment mode changeover switch 120 constitutes a vehicle height adjustment mode selection device or a vehicle height adjustment mode setting device, and the vehicle height changeover switch 122 functions as a manual operation member. The part that executes S4 of the control device 12 constitutes a set vehicle height changing unit, and the part that executes S10, S15, S23 constitutes a manually adjusted vehicle height changing unit, and S1, S14, S16, S18, The part that executes S22, S24, S26, and S28 constitutes an energization time limiting unit, and the part that reads the wheel speed calculated by the antilock control computer 124 in S2 constitutes a traveling speed acquisition unit, and S2 to S4 Of the vehicle height change prohibition section during running is configured, and the section performing S12, S18, S20, and S26 configures the vehicle height changeable range limiting section. To have. The automatic adjustment mode display lamp 136 and the manual adjustment mode display lamp 138 constitute a vehicle height adjustment mode display device, and the vehicle height upper limit display lamp 142 and the vehicle height lower limit display lamp 144 serve as a vehicle height limit display device or a vehicle height upper display. This constitutes a lower limit display device.
[0059]
When the control device is operated in the automatic adjustment mode, the vehicle height is controlled to one of three preset vehicle heights. For example, the control device operates in the manual adjustment mode. The vehicle height obtained in the stopped state may be maintained when operating in the automatic adjustment mode. This vehicle height is set as the set vehicle height so that the vehicle height is automatically adjusted.
[0060]
In the manual adjustment mode, the vehicle height may be switched from a state where the vehicle height is increased to a state where the vehicle height is decreased, and may be switched from a state where the vehicle height is reduced to a state where the vehicle height is increased. When the vehicle height changeover switch is temporarily switched to the normal state and is switched between the high position and the low position when the vehicle height changeover switch is switched to the normal position, the switch is switched to the normal position. If the switching time is short and within the set time, the continuous energizing time to the height control valve 82 is continuously measured when the vehicle height increases and decreases, and whether the total energizing time exceeds a predetermined time. The determination as to whether or not to suspend the vehicle height adjustment may be made based on the determination.
[0061]
Further, at least one of the plurality of set vehicle heights in the automatic adjustment mode and the increase, decrease, and maintenance of the vehicle height in the manual adjustment mode may be displayed by an indicator such as a lamp. The actual vehicle height may be continuously detected by the vehicle height detection device, and the continuously detected vehicle height may be continuously displayed.
[0062]
Further, the set vehicle height in the automatic adjustment mode may be one type, two types, or four or more types.
[0063]
Further, the manual operation member may be constituted by a plurality of vehicle height setting switches. For example, a plurality of vehicle height setting switches in which the vehicle height set in the automatic adjustment mode is set to different heights by an ON operation are provided, and the vehicle height in the manual adjustment mode is set to each of the plurality of vehicle height setting switches. The actual vehicle height is changed according to the operation of the vehicle height setting switch in the manual adjustment mode by allocating the increase, the maintenance, and the decrease. When a plurality of vehicle height setting switches are provided, the vehicle height may be switched from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing without maintaining the vehicle height. May be measured continuously at the time of increase and decrease, or may be measured separately. The same applies to the case where the manual operation member is constituted by one vehicle height changeover switch.
[0064]
It is not indispensable to stop the compressor when the vehicle height decreases or when the vehicle height adjustment is interrupted, and the compressor may be kept operating. At this time, the compressed air generated by the operation of the compressor is discharged from the air solenoid valve. If the compressor is not stopped, for example, when the vehicle height increases, the height control valve can be opened immediately to supply air to the air chamber.
[0065]
Further, the present invention provides a vehicle height adjustment system for independently adjusting the vehicle height on the left rear wheel side and the right rear wheel side of the vehicle, a vehicle height adjustment system for adjusting the vehicle height at the front of the vehicle, Can be applied to a vehicle height adjustment system in which the vehicle height is adjusted on the front wheel side and the left and right rear wheel sides.
[0066]
The present invention can also be applied to a hydraulic vehicle height adjustment system using a working fluid other than air, for example, a working oil. As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-190629, for example, a hydraulic vehicle height adjustment system includes a hydraulic cylinder, and the vehicle height is adjusted by supplying and discharging hydraulic oil to and from the hydraulic cylinder by a hydraulic oil supply / discharge device. In addition to being configured to be adjusted, the hydraulic cylinder also functions as a shock absorber that cooperates with a coil spring, a variable orifice, and an accumulator to elastically support the vehicle body against the wheels and dampen vehicle body vibration. I do.
[0067]
As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention has been described in the section [Problems to be Solved by the Invention, Problem Solving Means and Effects]. Various modifications and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiments.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a vehicle height adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view (partial cross section) showing an air spring of a vehicle height changing device constituting the vehicle height adjusting system together with a shock absorber.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a vehicle height adjustment routine stored in a ROM of a computer serving as a main body of a control device constituting the vehicle height adjustment system.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Height change device 12: Control device 20, 22: Air spring 24: Air supply / discharge device 66: Air chamber 80: Compressor 82: Height control valve 84: Air solenoid valve 114: Stopper device 120: Switch vehicle height adjustment mode Switch 122: Vehicle height switch

Claims (4)

A vehicle height changing device that is provided between the wheel and the vehicle body and changes a vehicle height that is a relative height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheel,
A control device for adjusting the vehicle height by controlling the vehicle height changing device, and wherein the control device automatically adjusts the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height, and a manual adjustment mode. In accordance with the operation of the operation member, it can be operated in a manual adjustment mode that adjusts the actual vehicle height without being restricted by the set vehicle height,
When the manual operation member is operated in the automatic adjustment mode, a set vehicle height changing unit that changes the set vehicle height,
When the manual operation member is operated in the manual adjustment mode, a manual adjustment vehicle height changing unit that operates the vehicle height changing device to change the actual vehicle height according to the operation of the manual operation member. Vehicle height adjustment system characterized by including. The vehicle height adjustment system includes a stopper device that mechanically regulates a vehicle height changeable range by the vehicle height changing device, and a vehicle height changeable range by the manually adjusted vehicle height changing unit is controlled by the stopper device. The vehicle height adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle height adjustment system is limited to be narrower than a restricted changeable range. A vehicle height changing device that is provided between the wheel and the vehicle body and changes a vehicle height that is a relative height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheel,
A control device for adjusting the vehicle height by controlling the vehicle height changing device, and wherein the control device automatically adjusts the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height, and a manual adjustment mode. Operable in a manual adjustment mode in which the actual vehicle height is adjusted without being constrained by the set vehicle height in accordance with the operation of the operation member, and the vehicle height of the vehicle height changing device in the manual adjustment mode A vehicle height adjustment system including a continuous operation restriction unit that stops the operation when the continuous operation time for changing reaches a set time. A vehicle height changing device that is provided between the wheel and the vehicle body and changes a vehicle height that is a relative height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheel,
A control device for adjusting the vehicle height by controlling the vehicle height changing device, and wherein the control device automatically adjusts the actual vehicle height to the set vehicle height, and a manual adjustment mode. Operable in a manual adjustment mode in which the actual vehicle height is adjusted without being constrained by the set vehicle height in accordance with the operation of the operation member, and while the vehicle equipped with the vehicle height adjustment system is running. A vehicle height adjustment system comprising a traveling manual vehicle height change prohibition unit that prohibits operation of the system in the manual adjustment mode.

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