DRIVING CONTROL APPARATUS OF VEHICLE AND DRIVING CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Disclosed is a driving control apparatus of a vehicle, which includes an eccentric braking unit to implement eccentric braking for change of a heading angle while the vehicle is being driven, and an engine torque controller to control engine torque so as to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle to preset speed and yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit changes the heading angle. In addition, a driving control method of a vehicle, includes implementing eccentric braking for change of a heading angle via the eccentric braking unit while the vehicle is being driven, and controlling engine torque via the engine torque controller so as to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle to preset reference speed and yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit changes the heading angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving control apparatus of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2is a view showing the concept of torque vectoring for heading angle control.

FIG. 3is a graph showing prevention of speed reduction via torque vectoring based on activation/deactivation of an eccentric braking unit and an engine torque controller shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4is a graph showing yaw rate control via torque vectoring based on activation/deactivation of the eccentric braking unit and the engine torque controller shown inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4, the driving control apparatus of a vehicle, designated by reference numeral100, according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an eccentric braking unit102and an engine torque controller104.

As exemplarily shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the eccentric braking unit102performs eccentric braking to change a heading angle H while a vehicle V is being driven.

The engine torque controller104controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle V to preset reference speed and yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit102changes the heading angle H.

In this case, the engine torque controller104may perform engine torque increase control to prevent speed reduction of the vehicle V and to achieve more accurate control of yaw rate.

The eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104, as mentioned above, realize torque vectoring as torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

In this case, as exemplarily shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, by comparing the case in which both the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104are deactivated (A), the case in which only the eccentric braking unit102is activated (B), and the case in which both the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104are activated (C) with one another, it will be understood that torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control contributes to enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate.

A driving control method of a vehicle using the driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing a driving control method of a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, the driving control method, designated by reference numeral500, according to the first embodiment of the present invention implements eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504.

In eccentric braking S502, while the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) is being driven, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) performs eccentric braking to change the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Thereafter, in engine torque S504, when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2), the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 1) controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to preset reference speed and yaw rate.

Here, engine torque control S504may be engine torque increase control performed by the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 1) to achieve enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate.

Through eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) and the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 1) realize torque vectoring as a torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

The vehicle driving control apparatus100and the driving control method thereof500according to the first embodiment of the present invention employ the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus100and the driving control method thereof500according to the first embodiment of the present invention may accomplish enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate owing to torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 6is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving control apparatus of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, the driving control apparatus of a vehicle, designated by reference numeral600, according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104, in the same manner as the driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment.

Functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus600according to the second embodiment of the present invention and connection relationships therebetween are identical to functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment. Therefore, repetitious explanation thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

The vehicle driving control apparatus600according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a steering controller606.

The steering controller606controls steering of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to more accurately control current yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit102changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

A driving control method of a vehicle using the driving control apparatus600according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 7.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing a driving control method of a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7, the driving control method, designated by reference numeral700, according to the second embodiment of the present invention implements eccentric braking S502, engine torque control S504, and steering control S706in this sequence.

First, in eccentric braking S502, while the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) is being driven, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) performs eccentric braking to change the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Thereafter, in engine torque control S504, when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2), the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 1) controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to preset reference speed and yaw rate.

Here, engine torque control S504may be engine torque increase control performed by the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 6) to achieve enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate.

Through eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 6) and the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 6) realize torque vectoring as torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

Finally, in steering control S706, the steering controller (606ofFIG. 6) controls steering of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to more accurately control current yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 1) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

The vehicle driving control apparatus600and the driving control method thereof700thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention employ the eccentric braking unit102, the engine torque controller104, and the steering controller106.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus600and the driving control method thereof700thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention may accomplish additionally enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate owing to torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 8is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving control apparatus of a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, the driving control apparatus of a vehicle, designated by reference numeral800, according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104, in the same manner as the driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment.

Functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus800according to the third embodiment of the present invention and connection relationships therebetween are identical to functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment. Therefore, repetitious explanation thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

The vehicle driving control apparatus800according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes a first identification unit808.

The first identification unit808is synchronized with the eccentric braking unit102to enable identification of a current heading angle control situation when the eccentric braking unit102changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

In this case, although the first identification unit808is not shown in detail, a current heading angle control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

A driving control method of a vehicle using the driving control apparatus800according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 9.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing a driving control method of a vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, the vehicle driving control method, designated by reference numeral900, according to the third embodiment of the present invention implements eccentric braking S502, first identification S903, and engine torque control S504in this sequence.

First, in eccentric braking S502, while the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) is being driven, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 8) performs eccentric braking to change the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Thereafter, in first identification S903, the first identification unit (808ofFIG. 8) is synchronized with the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 8) to enable identification of a current heading angle control situation when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 8) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

In first identification S903, although the first identification unit (808ofFIG. 8) is not shown, a current heading angle control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

Finally, in engine torque control S504, when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 8) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2), the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 8) controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to preset reference speed and yaw rate.

Here, engine torque control S504may be engine torque increase control performed by the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 8) to achieve enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate.

Through eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 8) and the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 8) realize torque vectoring as torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

The vehicle driving control apparatus800and the driving control method thereof900thereof according to the third embodiment of the present invention employ the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus800and the driving control method thereof900thereof according to the third embodiment of the present invention may accomplish enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate owing to torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

In addition, the vehicle driving control apparatus800and the driving control method thereof900thereof according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the first identification unit808.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus800and the driving control method thereof900thereof according to the third embodiment of the present invention may assist a driver in identifying and recognizing a current heading angle control situation, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 10is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving control apparatus of a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, the driving control apparatus of a vehicle, designated by reference numeral1000, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104, in the same manner as the driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment.

Functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus1000according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and connection relationships therebetween are identical to functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus100according to the first embodiment. Therefore, repetitious explanation thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

The vehicle driving control apparatus1000according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention further includes a second identification unit1010.

The second identification unit1010is synchronized with the engine torque controller104to enable identification of a current engine torque control situation when the engine torque controller104controls engine torque.

In this case, although the second identification unit1010is not shown in detail, a current engine torque control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

A driving control method of a vehicle using the driving control apparatus1000according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing a driving control method of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 11, the vehicular driving control method, designated by reference numeral1100, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention implements eccentric braking S502, engine torque control S504, and second identification S1110in this sequence.

First, in eccentric braking S502, while the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) is being driven, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 10) performs eccentric braking to change the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Thereafter, in engine torque control S504, when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 10) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2), the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 10) controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to preset reference speed and yaw rate.

Here, engine torque control S504may be engine torque increase control performed by the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 10) to achieve enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

Through eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 10) and the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 10) realize torque vectoring as torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

Finally, in second identification S1110, the second identification unit (1010ofFIG. 10) is synchronized with the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 10) to enable identification of a current engine torque control situation when the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 10) controls the engine torque.

In the second identification S1100, although the second identification unit1010is not shown in detail, a current engine torque control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

The vehicle driving control apparatus1000and the driving control method thereof1100thereof according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention employ the eccentric braking unit102and the engine torque controller104.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus1000and the driving control method thereof1100thereof according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may accomplish enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate owing to torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

In addition, the vehicle driving control apparatus1000and the driving control method thereof1100thereof according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the second identification unit1010.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus1000and the driving control method thereof1100thereof according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may assist the driver in identifying and recognizing a current engine torque control situation, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 12is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving control apparatus of a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the driving control apparatus of a vehicle, designated by reference numeral1200, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes the eccentric braking unit102, the engine torque controller104, and the steering controller606, in the same manner as the driving control apparatus600according to the second embodiment.

Functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus1200according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention and connection relationships therebetween are identical to functions of the respective constituent elements of the vehicle driving control apparatus600according to the second embodiment. Therefore, repetitious explanation thereof will be omitted hereinafter.

The vehicle driving control apparatus1200according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention further includes a third identification unit1212.

The third identification unit1212is synchronized with the steering controller606to enable identification of a current steering control situation when the steering controller606controls steering of the vehicle.

In this case, although the third identification unit1212is not shown in detail, a current steering control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

A driving control method of a vehicle using the driving control apparatus1200according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 13.

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing a driving control method of a vehicle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, the vehicular driving control method, designated by reference numeral1300, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention implements eccentric braking S502, engine torque control S504, steering control S706, and third identification S1312in this sequence.

First, in eccentric braking S502, while the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) is being driven, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 12) performs eccentric braking to change the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Thereafter, in engine torque control S504, when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 12) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2), the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 12) controls engine torque to adjust current speed and yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to preset reference speed and yaw rate.

Here, engine torque control S504may be engine torque increase control performed by the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 12) to achieve enhanced driving at high speeds and to improved yaw rate of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

Through eccentric braking S502and engine torque control S504, the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 12) and the engine torque controller (104ofFIG. 12) realize torque vectoring as torque generated by a differential gear is applied to a wheel to which no braking force is applied.

Thereafter, in steering control S706, the steering controller (606ofFIG. 12) controls steering of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) to more accurately control current yaw rate when the eccentric braking unit (102ofFIG. 12) changes the heading angle (H ofFIG. 2).

Finally, in third identification S1312, the third identification unit (1212ofFIG. 12) is synchronized with the steering controller (606ofFIG. 12) to enable identification of a current steering control situation when the steering controller (606ofFIG. 12) controls steering of the vehicle.

In the third identification S1312, although the third identification unit1212is not shown in detail, a current steering control situation may be identified via at least one of speech notification through a speaker (not shown) provided at one side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2) and light emission through a light emitting member (not shown) provided at the other side of the vehicle (V ofFIG. 2).

The vehicle driving control apparatus1200and the driving control method thereof1300thereof according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention employ the eccentric braking unit102, the engine torque controller104, and the steering controller606.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus1200and the driving control method thereof1300according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may accomplish enhanced driving at high speeds and improved yaw rate owing to torque vectoring due to eccentric braking and engine torque control, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

In addition, the vehicle driving control apparatus1200and the driving control method thereof1300according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes the third identification unit1212.

Accordingly, the vehicle driving control apparatus1200and the driving control method thereof1300according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may identify a current engine torque control situation to assist a driver in recognizing the current engine torque control situation, which may result in safe driving at high speeds as well as improved ride comfort at high speeds.

As is apparent from the above description, a vehicle driving control apparatus and a driving control method thereof according to embodiments of the present invention may achieve the following effects.

Firstly, it may be possible to achieve driving speed control of a vehicle as well as ride comfort at high speeds.

Secondly, it may be possible to achieve safe driving as well as improved ride comfort.