JP2011162073

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DESCRIPTION JP2011162073
An object of the present invention is to make it possible for a pedestrian to effectively and surely
confirm an approaching alarm sound of an electrically powered vehicle, and to approach
pedestrians of a traveling direction such as a right turn or left turn of the vehicle. To provide an
electrically powered vehicle that can be effectively delivered. An electric vehicle traveling with an
electric motor as a drive source or as one of the drive sources is provided with ultrasonic
parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c on the front side of the vehicle, and the output of the vehicle
speed detection unit 6a From the ultrasonic parametric speaker, an ultrasonic wave of a type
according to the vehicle speed is emitted, and an ultrasonic wave is emitted toward the steering
wheel operation direction by the steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b. [Selected
figure] Figure 3
Electric vehicle
[0001]
The present invention relates to an electric vehicle such as an electric car traveling with an
electric motor as a driving source, an engine (internal combustion engine), and a hybrid vehicle
using an electric motor contributing to traveling with the engine stopped as a driving source. The
electric vehicle may be any vehicle that uses an electric motor as a drive source or one of the
drive sources, and further illustrates plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid railway vehicles, forklifts,
electric wheelchairs, electrically assisted bicycles, electric scooters, etc. Can.
[0002]
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In recent years, as a measure to protect the global environment, the electric motor is driven by
battery power to drive and run, and electric vehicles that do not emit harmful gas or the
combination of engine and electric motor are run to reduce harmful gas emission Electric
vehicles such as hybrid vehicles have been developed and put to practical use.
[0003]
In such an electric vehicle, vehicle traveling noise when traveling with an electric motor as a
drive source is motor driving noise, which is extremely small compared to engine driving noise.
Therefore, for the pedestrian walking in front of the electric vehicle driven by the electric motor
drive, the timing at which the electric vehicle is noticed approaching from the rear is usually
delayed, and the electric sound performed by the vehicle running noise There is also a problem
that the possibility of causing a traffic accident is also pointed out, for example, the estimation of
the separation distance from the vehicle is also erroneous.
[0004]
In view of such problems, it is possible to generate an electric vehicle as a pedestrian or the like
by generating a simulated sound as an engine sound as a running sound or generating a warning
sound to warn the approach of the electric vehicle. Until now, various techniques have been
proposed to notify the approach of the (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-27810
[0006]
However, the above-mentioned engine sound simulated running sound for alerting the approach
of the electric vehicle, vehicle approaching warning sound, and the like (hereinafter, these sounds
will be referred to as vehicle approaching notification sound) are pedestrians traveling in the
traveling direction of the electric vehicle. It spreads not only to the existence area but also to the
area around the area.
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Therefore, when a loud notification sound that can be surely recognized by the pedestrian in the
traveling direction is output, the pedestrian around the outside of the pedestrian existing area in
the traveling direction of the electric vehicle sounds as excessive and unpleasant noise. There is a
problem that
[0007]
Therefore, in the Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-196612, the vehicle approach
notification sound is transmitted reliably and at a large volume level only to the existence region
of a pedestrian or the like in the vehicle traveling direction, and the vehicle approach notification
sound is Provided is an electrically powered vehicle capable of generating a vehicle approach
sound so as not to affect the vehicle.
[0008]
This electric vehicle is equipped with an ultrasonic parametric speaker, amplitude-modulates the
ultrasonic signal with a signal corresponding to the vehicle approach alarm sound, and drives the
ultrasonic parametric speaker with the amplitude-modulated signal, thereby the ultrasonic
parametric speaker The ultrasonic waves are emitted from the above and self-demodulated into
an audible approaching sound that can be heard at the position of a pedestrian.
And while an ultrasonic parametric speaker is super narrow directivity and can output a big
alerting sound which the pedestrian of a direction of movement can recognize certainly, the
pedestrian presence of the direction of movement of an electric vehicle is possible. Pedestrians
outside the area are prevented from hearing the notification sound or to be small.
[0009]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to further change the type of the vehicle
approach alarm sound according to the vehicle speed, or to emit an ultrasonic wave in the
steering wheel operation direction to further increase the pedestrian. It is an object of the
present invention to provide an electrically powered vehicle capable of effectively and reliably
confirming the vehicle approach alarm sound and capable of effectively reaching the traveling
direction of the vehicle.
[0010]
The electric vehicle according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic parametric speaker
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on the front side of the vehicle and a drive control circuit for driving and controlling the
ultrasonic parametric speaker, and the drive control circuit is responsive to the vehicle speed
from the ultrasonic parametric speaker. It is characterized in that control is performed to emit an
amplitude-modulated ultrasonic wave corresponding to the type of sound source, and / or
control to emit an ultrasonic wave in the direction of the steering wheel operation.
[0011]
According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, the ultrasonic waves radiated from the
ultrasonic parametric speaker are self-demodulated into the vehicle approach alarm sound which
can be heard by the pedestrian. As a result, the pedestrian approaches the vehicle from behind
by the vehicle approach alarm sound. It can signal that it approaches.
And in this invention, when making an ultrasonic parametric speaker emit an ultrasonic wave
according to a vehicle speed by a drive control circuit, a pedestrian with the approach of the
vehicle according to the kind of the vehicle approach alarm ¦ sound which self-demodulated the
ultrasonic wave Since the vehicle speed can be recognized, the required response can be made
quickly, and, in the case where control is made to emit ultrasonic waves in the direction
according to the steering wheel operation direction by the drive control circuit, the steering
wheel operation direction It is possible to make pedestrians recognize the approach of the
vehicle at an early stage.
[0012]
In addition, it is preferable to control the arrival distance of the ultrasonic wave by an ultrasonic
parametric speaker according to the vehicle speed.
The control of the arrival distance of the ultrasonic wave can be performed, for example, by
switching and selecting the frequency of the ultrasonic wave according to the vehicle speed.
And when controlling the arrival distance of the ultrasonic wave according to the vehicle speed,
while traveling at high speed, the arrival distance of the vehicle approach notification sound
converted into the ultrasonic wave is increased, while when traveling at low speed, the vehicle
approaching converted into the ultrasonic wave The arrival distance of the notification sound can
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be shortened, and the approach of the vehicle can be notified to a necessary region according to
the vehicle speed.
[0013]
In a preferred embodiment, when a control is provided that includes a plurality of sound sources,
and the drive control circuit causes an ultrasonic parametric speaker to emit an ultrasonic wave
of a type according to the vehicle speed, the plurality of sound sources correspond to the sound
source corresponding to the vehicle speed. An ultrasonic wave based on the selected sound
source is emitted.
[0014]
In another preferred embodiment, when performing control of emitting ultrasonic waves from
the ultrasonic parametric speaker in the direction of steering wheel operation by the drive
control circuit, the ultrasonic parametric speaker is rotated in the steering wheel operation
direction, or Alternatively, a plurality of the ultrasonic parametric speakers are provided, each of
the plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers is individually directed to a plurality of steering
wheel operating directions, and the ultrasonic parametric speakers are driven corresponding to
the steering wheel operating directions. It is.
[0015]
In this case, in the case where each of the plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers is
individually disposed in each of the plurality of steering wheel operating directions, the drive
ratio of each ultrasonic parametric speaker may be controlled or individually controlled in the
steering wheel operating direction. Is preferred.
[0016]
In another preferred embodiment, the drive control circuit controls the ultrasonic parametric
speaker to emit an ultrasonic wave in the direction opposite to the vehicle traveling direction,
while reflecting the emitted ultrasonic wave in the vehicle traveling direction. It is to provide a
board.
[0017]
Another preferred embodiment is to provide another ultrasonic parametric speaker on the rear
side of the vehicle separately from the ultrasonic parametric speaker, and to control the radiation
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of the other ultrasonic parametric speaker toward the rear of the vehicle by the drive control
circuit. It is.
In this case, the other ultrasonic parametric speaker may emit ultrasonic waves in response to
the reverse lever operation.
[0018]
According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, since the ultrasonic directional
parametric speaker using ultrasonic waves is provided, ultrasonic waves modulated by the
vehicle approach notification sound using this ultrasonic parametric speaker are transmitted in
the traveling direction of the vehicle. By emitting toward a specific area which is limited,
pedestrians and the like can surely recognize the approach of the vehicle.
[0019]
Then, in the case of the electric vehicle of the present invention, when the ultrasonic wave is an
ultrasonic wave according to the vehicle speed, the pedestrian recognizes the vehicle speed as
the vehicle approaches by the type of the vehicle approaching alarm sound obtained by selfdemodulating the ultrasonic wave. As a result, the required response can be made quickly, and if
ultrasonic waves are emitted in the direction corresponding to the steering wheel operation
direction, the pedestrian in the steering wheel operation direction can approach the vehicle at an
early stage. You will be able to make them aware.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of ultrasonic parametric speakers at the
front of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic appearance of an ultrasonic parametric speaker.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle approach alarm sound generating device configured to
include the ultrasonic parametric speaker.
4A and 4B are provided to explain the operation of the vehicle approach alarm sound generator
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mounted on the electric vehicle of FIG. 1A when the electric vehicle is going straight and FIG. 4B
is a left curve of the electric vehicle. Therefore, the figure shows the state in which the steering
wheel operation is started, and (c) is a view showing the state in which the steering wheel
operation is switched to the left curve switching operation more deeply.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation
device in an electric powered vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation
device in an electric powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound
generation device in an electric powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 8 is a view showing an arrangement example of the ultrasonic parametric
speaker and the reflection plate of the vehicle approach alarm sound generation device of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a view showing another arrangement example of the ultrasonic parametric speaker and
the reflector of the vehicle approach alarm sound generation device of FIG. FIG. 10 is a view
showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation device in an electric
powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view
showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation device in an electric
powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a view
showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation device in an electric
powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a view
showing a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generation device in an electric
powered vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
Hereinafter, an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0022]
First Embodiment An electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the arrangement of a plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers on
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the front side of the electric vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention
and the electric vehicle in the electric vehicle, and FIG. A configuration is shown, and FIG. 3
shows a block configuration of a vehicle approach alarm sound generating device provided with
an ultrasonic parametric speaker.
[0023]
The electric vehicle 1 of the first embodiment is a vehicle using an electric motor such as a
hybrid car, an electric car, or a fuel cell car as a propulsive force, the electric motor, a
transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the electric motor to a traveling system, ,
Steering wheel, accelerator, brake, starting key, etc.
[0024]
The electrically powered vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is capable of emitting a
vehicle approach notification sound notifying a pedestrian or the like of the approach of the
vehicle only to a specific space area in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Ultrasonic
parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c are mounted.
The ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a is mounted on the front left side of the vehicle, the
ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b is mounted on the center front side of the vehicle, and the
ultrasonic parametric speaker 2c is mounted on the right front side of the vehicle. As shown in
FIG. 2, these ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c are configured by arranging a
plurality of ultrasonic elements (transducers) 4 on a planar substrate 3 in a planar parametric
array. In these ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c, the ultrasonic parametric speaker
2a is to the ultrasonic radiation area 5a in front of the vehicle left, and the ultrasonic parametric
speaker 2b is to the ultrasonic radiation area 5b in front of the vehicle center The direction of the
ultrasonic radiation of the parametric speaker 2c is directed so that ultrasonic waves can be
emitted to the ultrasonic radiation area 5c on the front right side of the vehicle. It is preferable to
set the radiation direction so that the ultrasonic radiation areas 5a and 5c on the left and right
sides partially overlap with the ultrasonic radiation area 5b on the center side.
[0025]
The vehicle approach alarm sound generating device shown by the block circuit in FIG. 3
includes the above-mentioned ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c, and a drive control
circuit 6 for driving and controlling these.
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[0026]
The drive control circuit 6 includes a vehicle speed detection unit 6a, a steering wheel operation
direction detection unit 6b, a sound source 6c, a sound source switching unit 6d, a modulator 6e,
an output control unit 6f, and a plurality of three in this example. And driving amplifiers 6g, 6h,
6i.
[0027]
The vehicle speed detection unit 6a detects the speed of the electric vehicle 1, and outputs a
vehicle speed detection signal corresponding to the detection.
There are various types of such vehicle speed detections, and the details thereof are omitted
because they are well known.
The steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b can detect the operation angle of the
steering wheel (steering wheel) (angle for determining the traveling direction of the vehicle, such
as straight operation, left turn operation, right turn operation of the vehicle) The steering wheel
operation direction detection signal corresponding to the detection is output. Since there are
various types of the steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b and are well known, the
details thereof will be omitted.
[0028]
The sound source 6c is shown as a single block in the drawing but includes a plurality of sound
sources. Examples of a plurality of sound sources are, for example, bass, medium tone, and high
tone sound sources. The type of sound source is not limited at all. When the sound source
switching unit 6d receives a detection signal indicating that the vehicle speed is high from the
vehicle speed detection unit 6a, the sound source switching unit 6d switches from the sound
source 6c to a high tone sound source and outputs it. When the sound source 6c is switched to
the medium sound source and output, and the detection signal indicating that it is low speed is
input, the multiple sound sources 6c are switched to the bass sound source and output.
[0029]
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The modulator 6 e amplitude-modulates the electric signal corresponding to the ultrasonic wave
with the electric signal corresponding to the sound source output from the sound source
switching unit 6 d and outputs the result. The output control unit 6f performs drive control by
applying the ratio of the ultrasonic wave corresponding signal to the drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i
according to the steering wheel operation direction detection signal from the steering wheel
operation direction detection unit 6b. The drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i are individually connected
to the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c, respectively. For example, if the level of the
ultrasonic wave corresponding signal input to each of the drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i is a: b: c, the
level of ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c (ultrasonic
sound pressure ) La, Lb and Lc respectively become La: Lb: Lc = a: b: c.
[0030]
The above ratio application will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 4A,
when the steering wheel operation direction detection signal from the steering wheel operation
direction detection unit 6b is a signal indicating the steering wheel operation direction for
causing the vehicle 1 to go straight, of the three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i The ultrasonic wave
corresponding to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b is increased by increasing the application
level Lb of the ultrasonic opposite signal applied to the driving amplifier 6h corresponding to the
ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b, and is applied to the driving amplifiers 6g and 6i
corresponding to the other ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a and 2c. The application levels La
and Lc of the signal are relatively reduced. As a result, among the ultrasonic radiation areas 5a,
5b and 5c from the three ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c respectively disposed on
the left, center and right of the front of the vehicle, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b on the
center side The ultrasonic wave of maximum level Lb is emitted to the ultrasonic radiation area
5b.
[0031]
Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the steering wheel operation direction is turned in the left direction,
and the steering wheel operation direction detection signal from the steering wheel operation
direction detection unit 6b is input to the output control unit 6f. In this case, the output control
unit 6f increases the application level La of the ultrasonic opposite signal applied to the drive
amplifier 6g corresponding to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a on the left side of the vehicle
among the three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h, 6i. Output control is performed to relatively reduce the
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application levels Lb and Lc of the ultrasonic wave corresponding signal applied to the drive
amplifiers 6h and 6i corresponding to the other ultrasonic parametric speakers 2b and 2c. In this
case, for example, the radiation level La of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a> the radiation
level Lb of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b> the radiation level Lc of the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2c.
[0032]
As a result, among the ultrasonic radiation areas 5a, 5b and 5c from the three ultrasonic
parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c respectively disposed on the left, center and right of the front
part of the vehicle, the ultrasonic parametrics on the left side The ultrasonic wave with the
largest level La is emitted to the ultrasonic wave radiation area 5a of the speaker 2a.
Furthermore, when the steering wheel operation direction detection signal from the steering
wheel operation direction detection unit 6b is a signal indicating the steering wheel operation
direction for turning the vehicle deeper left, the ultrasonic radiation area 5a of the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2a on the left has a level La Larger ultrasound waves are emitted. As a result,
the pedestrian in the vehicle 1 left turn direction can recognize in advance that the vehicle 1 is
turned left. In addition, since it is the same as that of the case where it turns left, when the
vehicle 1 turns to the right, the description is abbreviate ¦ omitted.
[0033]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c
are disposed on the left side, the center side and the right side of the front of the vehicle,
respectively. Since the type of ultrasonic waves from 2b and 2c, for example, the radiation level,
is controlled, the pedestrian can recognize the speed of the vehicle as the vehicle approaches
from the level of the vehicle approach notification sound obtained by self-demodulating the
ultrasonic waves, and take necessary measures. Be able to do it quickly. Further, in the first
embodiment, since ultrasonic waves having different radiation levels are emitted at a ratio
according to the steering wheel operating direction, the approach of the vehicle can be
recognized at an early stage to the pedestrian in the steering wheel operating direction. become
able to.
[0034]
In this case, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic radiation level in the vehicle traveling
direction is continuously controlled by performing ratio control of the ultrasonic radiation levels
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from the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c in accordance with the traveling direction
of the vehicle. Can be controlled smoothly and continuously.
[0035]
Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG.
In FIG. 5, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals. In
the first embodiment, there are three drive amplifiers 6g, 6h and 6i for the ultrasonic parametric
speakers 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively. However, in the second embodiment, in the drive control
circuit 6A, the drive amplifiers are denoted by reference numerals. And the switching unit 6u
selectively selects one of the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c according to the
output detected by the steering wheel operation direction detecting unit 6b. It is designed to
switch output to. For example, when the steering wheel operating direction is a straight going
direction, the output of the drive amplifier 6j is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2b by
the switching unit 6u, and when the steering wheel operation direction is left, the output of the
drive amplifier 6j is The output is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a by the switching
unit 6u, and when the steering wheel operating direction is right turn, the output of the drive
amplifier 6j is input to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2c by the switching unit 6u.
[0036]
As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the radiation levels
La, Lb, and Lc of the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, and 2c are
controlled according to the vehicle speed. The pedestrian can recognize the speed of the vehicle
as the vehicle approaches from the level of the vehicle approach alarm sound obtained by selfdemodulating the ultrasonic wave, and the required response can be performed promptly. Then,
in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, since the ultrasonic wave is emitted in the
direction according to the steering wheel operation direction, the vehicle is approached at an
early stage to the pedestrian in the steering wheel operation direction. You will be able to make
them aware.
[0037]
In particular, in the second embodiment, there is one drive amplifier 6j, and in response to the
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straight steering operation, the left steering operation and the right turning operation, the output
of the driving amplifier 6j is an ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a corresponding to those
operations. Since the voltage is applied to 2b and 2c, switching driving of the ultrasonic
parametric speakers 2a, 2b and 2c is easy.
[0038]
Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to FIG.
The parts in FIG. 6 corresponding to those in FIG. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, in
addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, in the drive control circuit 6B, a shift
lever operation position detection unit 6m for detecting the operation of the shift lever of the
vehicle and a rear center of the vehicle And an ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d disposed at the
rear of the vehicle for emitting ultrasonic waves to the rear of the vehicle.
[0039]
Switching unit 6u responds to an input of a detection signal indicating that shift lever operation
position detection unit 6m is operated in the direction to move the vehicle forward, and outputs
the output of drive amplifier 6j to ultrasonic parametric speakers 2a, 2b, 2c. It switches to
output, and outputs the drive amplifier 6j output to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d in
response to the input of the detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation position
detection unit 6m is operated in the direction of moving the vehicle backward. Thereby, each
ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a-2d is driven. Further, when a detection signal indicating that
shift lever operation position detection unit 6m is operated in the direction to move the vehicle
forward is input, switching unit 6u responds to the input of the detection signal from steering
wheel operation direction detection unit 6b. As in the second embodiment, the output of the
drive amplifier 6j is switched to each ultrasonic parametric speaker 2a, 2b, 2c and input.
[0040]
In the third embodiment described above, even when the vehicle moves backward, ultrasonic
waves can be emitted from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2d to notify a pedestrian or the like
behind the vehicle of the reverse movement of the vehicle.
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[0041]
Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals. In
all of the first to third embodiments, a plurality of ultrasonic parametric speakers are provided at
the front of the vehicle, for example, three, but in the fourth embodiment a single ultrasonic
parametric speaker is provided at the front of the vehicle. It is different. That is, in the fourth
embodiment shown in FIG. 7, in the drive control circuit 6C, a reflection plate control drive unit
6p for inputting a detection output of the steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b,
and an ultrasonic wave at an angle A single ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e arranged to radiate
in a minute reverse direction (arrow A direction), and a reflector control unit for reflecting
ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e around the vehicle traveling
direction Ld A reflecting plate 6q rotationally driven to 6p is provided.
[0042]
When the rotation position of the reflection plate 6q is c10, the ultrasonic wave is reflected in
the broken arrow direction c11 (vehicle right turn direction), and when the rotation position of
the reflection plate 6q is c20, the ultrasonic wave is reflected in the dashed arrow direction c21
(vehicle left direction) When the rotational position of the reflection plate 6q is c30, the
ultrasonic wave is reflected in the solid arrow direction c31 (corresponding to Ld in the vehicle
straight direction). Of course, the arrangement of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e may be
the angle θ = 0.
[0043]
In the case of traveling under wind and rain or snowfall, the ultrasonic radiation direction of the
ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e is directed in the opposite direction to the vehicle traveling
direction Ld and the super The reflection plate 6q is disposed in the forward direction of the
sound wave radiation direction. The reflection plate 6 q is rotatable around the rotation axis O by
the reflection plate control drive unit 6 p. The reflection plate control drive unit 6p can rotate
and drive the reflection plate 6q in response to the detection output of the steering wheel
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operation direction detection unit 6b. The material of the reflecting plate 6 q is not particularly
limited as long as it can reflect ultrasonic waves.
[0044]
As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate
6q can be disposed in the center of the front of the vehicle as a pair. In the fourth embodiment,
the ultrasonic wave can be emitted by rotating the reflection plate 6q in the traveling direction of
the vehicle and the lateral direction thereof by one ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e, and the
configuration is simplified. One ultrasonic radiation set 10 is configured by the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate 6q.
[0045]
For example, when the vehicle goes straight as shown in FIG. 8A, the reflection plate 6q is rotated
around the rotation axis O by the reflection plate control drive unit 6p in accordance with the
straight movement in the ultrasonic radiation set 10, The ultrasonic wave 5d from the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2e is reflected in the vehicle traveling direction by the reflection plate 6q.
When the vehicle turns left as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the reflection plate 6q is rotated around the
rotation axis O by the reflection plate control drive unit 6p in accordance with the left turn in the
ultrasonic radiation set 10, as a result of The ultrasonic wave 5d from the acoustic wave
parametric speaker 2e is reflected by the reflecting plate 6q in the left direction. When the
vehicle turns to the right as shown in FIG. 8C, the reflection plate 6q is rotated around the
rotation axis O by the reflection plate control drive unit 6p according to the right turn in the
ultrasonic radiation set 10 The ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2e are
reflected by the reflection plate 6q in the right-turn direction. The radiation area of the reflected
ultrasound is indicated by 5d.
[0046]
Further, in the fourth embodiment, the ultrasonic radiation set 10 is configured by the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2e and the reflection plate 6q, but a plurality of sets of the ultrasonic
radiation set 10, for example, FIG. 9 (a) (b) (c) As shown in, two sets 10a and 10b may be
provided, and each set 10a and 10b may be provided in the side mirrors 1a and 1b or in the
vicinity thereof.
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[0047]
For example, when the vehicle goes straight as shown in FIG. 9A, the reflection plates in the
ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b are rotated according to the straight movement, and as a
result, the ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b The ultrasonic waves
from the parametric speakers are reflected in the vehicle traveling direction by the reflectors in
the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b.
The radiation area of the reflected ultrasound is shown by 5e1 and 5e2.
[0048]
When the vehicle turns left as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation set
10a, 10b are rotated in accordance with the left turn, so that ultrasonic parametrics in the
ultrasonic radiation set 10a, 10b The ultrasonic waves from the speakers are reflected in the left
direction by the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation sets 10a and 10b.
[0049]
When the vehicle turns to the right as shown in FIG. 9C, the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation
set 10a and 10b are rotated in accordance with the right turn, and as a result, ultrasonic
parametrics in the ultrasonic radiation set 10a and 10b are generated. The ultrasonic waves from
the speakers are reflected in the right turn direction by the reflectors in the ultrasonic radiation
sets 10a and 10b.
[0050]
Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to FIG.
Parts in FIG. 10 corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals.
In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the drive control circuit 6D, the shift lever operation
position detection unit 6r for detecting the operation of the shift lever of the vehicle and the
center of the rear of the vehicle emit ultrasonic waves rearward of the vehicle. And an ultrasonic
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parametric speaker 2f.
[0051]
The switching unit 6s is switched to output the output of the drive amplifier 6j to the ultrasonic
parametric speaker 2d in response to the input of a detection signal indicating that the shift lever
operation position detection unit 6r is operated in the direction to move the vehicle forward.
Also, in response to the input of the detection signal indicating that the shift lever operation
position detection unit 6r is operated in the direction of moving the vehicle backward, the drive
amplifier 6j output is output to the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2f. As a result, the ultrasonic
parametric speakers 2d and 2f are driven.
[0052]
In the fifth embodiment described above, even when the vehicle moves backward, ultrasonic
waves can be emitted from the ultrasonic parametric speaker 2 f to notify a pedestrian or the like
behind the vehicle of the reverse movement of the vehicle.
[0053]
(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, although the vehicle speed detection unit is
provided among the vehicle speed detection unit and the steering wheel operation direction
detection unit 6b, it is not necessary to necessarily include both the detection units, for example
As shown in FIG. 11, only the vehicle speed detection unit 6a is provided, and the vehicle
approach alarm sound according to the vehicle speed is emitted, or as shown in FIG. 12, only the
steering wheel operation direction detection unit 6b is provided. A vehicle approach alarm may
be emitted.
The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals in FIGS. 11 and
12.
[0054]
Further, in FIG. 13, a millimeter-wave radar 11 as a distance / direction sensor and a control unit
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12 of a drive amplifier / reflecting plate are provided, and the millimeter-wave radar 11 targets a
pedestrian or other vehicle ahead of the vehicle. The control unit 12 detects the distance to the
object 13 and the direction (azimuth angle), and the control unit 12 outputs signals from the
millimeter wave radar 11 according to the direction of the object 13 and the distance to the
object 13 By controlling the output of the drive amplifier 6j and the reflection plate 6q, it is
possible to control the radiation direction and the radiation intensity of the ultrasonic wave
effectively to the object 13. The millimeter wave radar 11 transmits the signal of the frequency
f0 to the object 13, receives the reflected wave f0 + fd from the object 13, and performs the
required signal processing from the received signal to detect the distance measurement. The
transmission signal of the frequency f0 can scan the front of the vehicle so that the direction of
the object 13 can be detected from the scan position.
[0055]
As to the detection of the distance and direction to the object 13 using the millimeter wave radar
as described above, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.
2001-242242 and 2002-341018 can be used. Yes, the details will be abbreviated. Of course, an
ultrasonic sensor or another sensor may be used instead of the millimeter wave radar 11 as a
sensor for the distance to the object 13 and the direction in which the object 13 is present.
[0056]
As a type of sound source that detects the object 13 and radiates an ultrasonic wave toward the
object 13 as described above, for example, the size of the sound is changed from soft to angry
voice, voice, or the like For example, the voice of a woman may be changed to the voice of a man,
or the frequency of the sound may be changed to a sound suitable for an object, such as an
animal, beyond the range of human hearing. In this case, for example, when a sound source with
a frequency of about 10 kHz, a sound source with a frequency of about 30 kHz, and a sound
source with a frequency of about 3.3 kHz can be selected and the sound source with a frequency
of about 10 kHz is desired, It is possible to use it as a sound source of 30 kHz and a sound
source, for example, to generate a 3.3 kHz sound source for deer.
[0057]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 electric vehicle 2a, 2b, 2c ultrasonic parametric speaker 3 board ¦
substrate 4 ultrasonic element 6 drive control circuit 6a vehicle speed detection part 6b steering
wheel operation direction detection part 6c sound source 6d sound source switching part 6e
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modulator 6f output control part 6g, 6h, 6i drive amplifier
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