JP6099642B2 - Method for controlling reverse device for vehicle / trailer combination and reverse device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to improving driver assistance devices for automobiles, particularly automobiles.

Technical Background The reverse of a trailer coupled to an automobile often requires multiple personnel to efficiently control and orient the automobile to the path and move the automobile and trailer. Also, it is difficult for personnel unfamiliar with the operation of the car and trailer system to accurately control the trailer path, especially when the car and trailer are moving backwards.

  This background gives rise to the overall objective in the context of the present invention. According to the researches of the inventors, there is no explicit or implicit prior art that can compete with the present application at the time of filing, both in the technical background and in the range of the features of the present invention.

SUMMARY A method for controlling a reverse gear for a vehicle / trailer combination according to the present invention includes a step of starting a path input mode in an electronic input device connected to an electronic control unit for a trailer reverse gear, and an input to the electronic input device. The method includes the steps of inputting the target reverse path to the electronic input device by determining the target reverse path using the control mechanism and ending the path input mode in the electronic input device.

  The reverse device control method for a vehicle / trailer assembly of the present invention includes a step of starting a route input mode by a voice command to an electronic input device connected to an electronic control unit for the trailer reverse device; A step of inputting a target reverse path to the electronic input device by a voice command; and a step of ending the route input mode in the electronic input device by a voice command.

  Furthermore, a method for controlling a reverse gear for a vehicle-trailer combination includes the steps of starting a path input mode in an electronic input device connected to an electronic control unit for the trailer reverse gear, and a handheld along a target reverse path. Moving a type electronic device to input a target reverse path to the handheld electronic device, inputting a target reverse path from the handheld electronic device to the electronic input device, and terminating the path input mode in the electronic input device Including the step of.

  Other applications of the present invention can be obtained from the following detailed description. It should be noted that the following detailed description is for the purpose of illustrating advantageous embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments.

  In order that the present invention may be fully understood, the following detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the coupling body of the vehicle provided with the trailer reverse gear apparatus of 1st Example of this invention, and a trailer. It is the schematic which shows the method using the trailer reverse gear apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the coupling body of the vehicle provided with the trailer reverse gear apparatus of the 2nd Example of this invention, and a trailer. It is a figure which shows the input device of 2nd Example of the trailer reverse gear apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the method using the trailer reverse gear apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the coupling body of the vehicle provided with the trailer reverse gear apparatus of the 3rd Example of this invention, and a trailer. It is the schematic which shows the method using the trailer reverse gear apparatus of FIG.

  The following description is for illustrative purposes and does not limit the scope of application or usage of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, the same elements in the figures are given the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 and a trailer 11. The trailer 11 is fixed to the vehicle 10 in a controllable manner, and forms a connecting body 12 between the vehicle and the trailer. The vehicle-trailer connection body 12 uses the trailer reverse program 14 of the present invention. Throughout this specification, relative directions such as “front” and “rear” are based on the direction facing the driver's seat when the driver of the vehicle tries to move the vehicle 10. Therefore, while the trailer reverse program 14 is operating, the vehicle 10 is in the reverse gear, and the driver is paying attention to the reverse direction. The trailer reverse program 14 provides the driver of the vehicle 10 with a method for electronically defining the target reverse path 18 of the vehicle-trailer combination 12. The trailer reverse program 14 uses the target reverse path 18 to control the operation of the vehicle 12 and the trailer 12.

  FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment using a trailer reverse program 14. The electronic input device 16 is electronically connected to the vehicle 10 and the trailer reverse program 14. The trailer reverse program 14 includes a control unit 22 disposed in the vehicle 10. The control unit 22 can be connected to at least one vehicle device 24 such as a power transmission device, a steering device, and / or a braking device, and can control and orient the operation of the vehicle-trailer coupling body 12. The control unit 22 transmits a command to the vehicle device 24 to move the vehicle-trailer coupling body 12 along the target reverse path 18 to the final position 20. Steering, braking and other controls are calculated by the control unit 22 based on the target reverse path 18 input by the vehicle driver.

  The electronic input device 16 includes an input control mechanism 26 and a display screen 28. The electronic input device 16 can also be incorporated in the vehicle 10. For example, the electronic input device 16 may include a control panel and display screen 28 as part of a vehicle 10 such as a navigation device or entertainment device, or may be electrically connected to the vehicle 10 as a separate device such as a handheld navigation device. May be provided in a connected form. The electronic input device 16 may be partially incorporated into the vehicle 10, for example, only the display screen 28, in which case it has a separate input control mechanism 26. The input control mechanism 26 may be a joystick, knob, slider device, physical button, virtual “touch panel” button, handheld electronic device such as a smartphone or voice input device. The electronic input device 16 is connected to the vehicle 10 via a wire connection such as a USB connector or via a wireless link. The input control mechanism 26 controls an on-screen pointer 40 on the display screen 28.

  The display screen 28 draws a schematic view or a detailed image of a predetermined area located behind the vehicle 12 and the trailer 12 connected to the trailer. The on-screen pointer 40 is initially located at an initial position, for example, at the rear of the vehicle-trailer connection 12. An input control mechanism 26 is used, and the target reverse path 18 of the vehicle-trailer combination 12 is detected by a physical button or "touch panel" button or input control mechanism 26 and / or measured by an internal accelerometer. Defined and / or controlled by gyroscope measurements. This definition and / or control is performed using voice control or a joystick-like device, and the on-screen pointer 40 is moved on the display screen 28 to define the outline of the target reverse path 18. Accordingly, the input control mechanism 26 is operated to move the on-screen pointer 40 on the display screen 28 so that an outline of the target reverse path 18 is formed. The trailer reverse program 14 obtains the distance at that time from the input and the amount of movement necessary to direct the vehicle-trailer coupling body 12 to follow the target reverse path 18.

  FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment 29 of the method using the trailer reverse device 14. The route input mode of the trailer reverse device 14 is started at step 30. In step 32, the vehicle driver uses the input control mechanism 26 to input the target reverse path 18 of the vehicle-trailer connection body 12 to the electronic input device 16. The target reverse route 18 includes a reverse route proposal and a final parking position 20. The input control mechanism 26 is used to enter the target reverse path 18 by successively inputting each branch of the proposed route. For example, the input control mechanism 26 is a joystick or a knob and is a part of the vehicle navigation device and the entertainment device. The input control mechanism 26, such as a joystick, knob, etc., is operated to move the on-screen pointer 40 throughout the continuous branch of the target reverse path 18. The target reverse path 18 includes a reverse route proposal and a final parking position 20. The driver of the vehicle indicates in step 34 that the complete reverse route has been entered once by exiting the route input mode. When the target reverse path 18 is input to the trailer reverse program 14, the vehicle driver instructs the trailer reverse apparatus 14 to follow the target reverse path 18 in step 36. In step 38, the trailer reverse device 14 transmits this instruction to the vehicle device 24, and orients the vehicle / trailer connection body 12 along the target reverse path 18 to the final parking position 20.

  Alternatively, the trailer reverse device 14 may be configured to perform an operation in which the vehicle-trailer coupled body 12 follows the target reverse path when the driver operates the input control mechanism 26 in real time. it can. When each branch of the input reverse path 18 is input, the trailer reverse program 14 moves the vehicle-trailer coupling body 12 to a predetermined position before the next branch of the target reverse path 18 is input. This is done by repeating steps 30-38 for each branch of the reverse path 18.

  FIGS. 3 to 5 show a second embodiment of the trailer reverse device 114 for the vehicle 110 and the trailer 111 that form a vehicle-to-trailer coupling body 112 by coupling. The trailer reverse program 114 presents the vehicle driver with a method of defining the input reverse path 118 of the vehicle-trailer coupling 112. The electronic input device 116 is electronically connected to the vehicle 110 and the trailer reverse device 114. The trailer reverse program 114 includes a control unit 122 in the vehicle 110 connected to at least one vehicle device 124 that controls and directs the operation of the vehicle-trailer combination 112. The vehicle device 124 is, for example, a power transmission device, a steering device, and / or a braking device.

  The electronic input device 116 includes an input control mechanism 126 and a display screen 128. The electronic input device 116 is incorporated in the vehicle 110. For example, the electronic input device 116 includes a control panel and display screen 128 in the vehicle 110 as part of a navigation device or entertainment device or as a separate device. For example, only the display screen of the electronic input device 116 may be incorporated in the vehicle 110, but in that case, a separate input control mechanism 126 is required. The input control mechanism 126 is preferably the voice control device of FIG. The input control mechanism 126 controls the on-screen pointer 140 on the display screen 128.

  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the input control mechanism 126 which is a voice control device. The voice control device 126 is connected to or partially incorporated into other vehicle devices that perform various vehicle 110 functions. Other vehicle apparatuses 142a-e that are electronically connected are, for example, a telephone set 142a, a navigation apparatus 142b, an audio apparatus 142c, a CD changer 144d, or an HVAC apparatus 144e. The voice control device 126 includes an interface 141, an audio input unit 146 for the vehicle 110, and an audio output unit 144. The interface 141 converts the driver's input using the audio input 146 into an electrical signal for use by the trailer reverse device 114 and / or other vehicle devices 142a-e. Additionally, the interface 141 converts electrical signals from the trailer reverse device 114 and other vehicle devices 142a-e to the output of the audio output 144 for the vehicle driver.

  FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment 129 of the method using the trailer reverse device 114. The driver of the vehicle inputs the target reverse path 118 of the vehicle-trailer coupling body 112 using the voice control input control mechanism 126. The path entry mode for trailer reverse device 114 is initiated at step 130. From inside the cabin, the driver of the vehicle uses the voice control input mechanism 126 to input the target reverse path 118 for the vehicle-trailer coupling body 112 in step 132. Simple directions and distances, such as “10 ft reverse”, “stop”, “90 ° right turn”, “final position”, etc., can be used for voice input of the target reverse path 118. The on-screen pointer 140 can be moved in accordance with a voice input from the vehicle driver in real time to indicate the position of the vehicle 112 and the trailer 112.

  The vehicle / trailer combination 112 follows each command spoken and recorded via the input device 142. After the command from the vehicle driver is completed, the route input mode is terminated at step 134. After each step is input to the trailer reverse program 114, the trailer reverse device 114 follows the command to move along the target reverse path 118 at step 136. In step 138, the trailer reverse device 114 sends a command to the vehicle device 124 to orient the vehicle-trailer coupling body 112 along the target reverse path 118. By repeating steps 130-138, the vehicle / trailer combination 112 moves to the desired final parking position 120.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of a trailer reverse device 214 for a vehicle-trailer connecting body 212 formed by connecting a vehicle 210 and a trailer 211. The trailer reverse program 214 presents the vehicle driver with a method of defining the target reverse path 218 of the vehicle-trailer coupling 212.

  The electronic input device 216 is connected to the vehicle 210 and the trailer reverse program 214. The trailer reverse program 214 includes a control unit 222 connected to at least one vehicle device 224 in the vehicle 210, whereby the operation of the vehicle 212 and trailer coupling 212 can be controlled or oriented. The vehicle device 224 is a power transmission device, a steering device, and / or a braking device.

  The electronic input device 216 includes an input control mechanism 226 and a display screen 228. The electronic input device 216 is incorporated in the vehicle 210. The electronic input device 216 can partially incorporate, for example, only the display screen 228 into the vehicle 210, but in that case, it is necessary to provide a separate input control mechanism 226. For example, the electronic input device 216 includes a control panel and display screen 228 in the vehicle 210, for example, as part of a navigation device or entertainment device. The input control mechanism 226 is a handheld electronic device, but may alternatively include a display screen 228. The handheld electronic device 226 may be a smartphone, a PDA, a handheld GPS, a key fob, or the like.

  Handheld electronic device 226 controls on-screen pointer 240 on display screen 228. The handheld electronic device 226 is connected to the electronic input device 216 via a wired connection, such as a USB connector or by a wireless link.

  The control unit 222 in the vehicle 210 can be connected to at least one vehicle device 224, such as a power transmission device, a steering device, and / or a braking device, thereby controlling or directing the operation of the vehicle-trailer coupling body 212. it can. The trailer reverse device 214 operates in real time so that the vehicle-trailer coupling 212 follows the handheld electronic device 226 while the operator is walking along the path 218. Alternatively, the trailer reverse device 214 may be configured to operate only after mapping of the route 218 is completed, so that personnel can return to the vehicle 210 for the time being.

  FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment 229 of the method of the invention using the trailer reverser 214 of FIG. Here, the driver or occupant of the vehicle leaves the vehicle 210 with the handheld electronic device 226 in hand. Here, after reaching the rear part of the trailer 212, the driver or the occupant starts the route input mode in the handheld electronic device 226 in Step 230, and walks and follows the target reverse route 218 in Step 232. When the driver or occupant reaches the desired final parking position 220 at the rear of the trailer, the route input mode ends at step 234.

  When the target reverse path 218 is input to the trailer reverse program 214, the vehicle driver instructs the trailer reverse apparatus 214 to follow the target reverse path 218 in step 236. In step 238, the trailer reverse device 214 transmits this instruction to the vehicle device 224 to orient the vehicle / trailer coupling body 212 along the target reverse path 218 and move it to the final position 220. The trailer reverse program 214 automatically or semi-automatically (if the driver is not behind the wheel) or semiautomatically (if the driver is behind the wheel) The directional motion is controlled so that the vehicle-trailer combination 212 follows the path 218 mapped by the handheld electronic device 226.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with some particularly advantageous examples, the idea of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will be able to conceive of various alternative designs and alternative configurations for carrying out the invention within the scope of the claims.

Claims (5)

A method for controlling a reverse drive device for a vehicle / trailer combination comprising:
Starting a path input mode in an electronic input device connected to an electronic control unit for the reverse device;
Inputting the target reverse path to the wireless handheld electronic device by moving the wireless handheld electronic device along the target reverse path;
Inputting the target reverse path from the wireless handheld electronic device to the electronic input device;
Ending the route input mode in the electronic input device;
Calculating, by the electronic control unit, at least one operation required to cause the vehicle / trailer combination to follow the target reverse path;
The electronic control unit performs the calculated at least one operation so that the vehicle / trailer connection body moves along the target reverse path to the final position of the vehicle / trailer connection body. And a step of instructing at least one vehicle device.   The method of controlling a reverse drive device according to claim 1, wherein the step of inputting the target reverse path from the wireless handheld electronic device to the electronic input device further includes the step of inputting the target reverse path in real time.   The method of controlling a reverse drive device according to claim 1, wherein the step of ending the route input mode is performed before the step of inputting the target reverse drive route from the handheld electronic device to the electronic input device.   The reverse device of claim 1, wherein inputting the target reverse path from the wireless handheld electronic device to the electronic input device further comprises using a slider bar on a display of the wireless handheld electronic device. Control method. A reverse device (214) for a connection (212) of a vehicle (210) and a trailer (211) comprising at least one vehicle device (224),
The reverse device (214) includes an electronic control unit (222) and an electronic input device (216) connected to the electronic control unit (222),
The electronic input device (216) includes a wireless handheld electronic device (226),
The route input mode is started in the electronic input device (216),
By moving the wireless handheld electronic device (226) along a target reverse path (218), the target reverse path (218) is input to the wireless handheld electronic device (226),
The target reverse path (218) is input from the wireless handheld electronic device (226) to the electronic input device (216),
In the electronic input device (216), the end of the route input mode is input,
The electronic control unit (222) calculates at least one action required to cause the vehicle (210) and trailer (211) coupling body (212) to follow the target reverse path (218);
The electronic control unit (222) performs the calculated at least one operation so that the coupling body (212) of the vehicle (210) and the trailer (211) moves along the target reverse path (218). Instructing the at least one vehicle device (224) to move to a final position (220) of the vehicle-trailer combination;
A reverse device (214) characterized in that.

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