JP2004278559A - Select assisting device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a select assisting device for an automatic transmission capable of improving the degree of freedom for cabin layout and design characteristics of a select lever and obtaining suitable operation characteristics with a click-stop-like feeling. <P>SOLUTION: The select assisting device of an automatic transmission is provided with a torque sensor 12 detecting input torque to a select lever 2, an inhibitor switch 13, an electric motor 7 outputting assisting torque assisting operating force of a driver to the select lever 2, and a control unit 14 controlling the electric motor 7 in proportion to range signals and input torque, and when the range signals are changed and input torque becomes zero, the control unit 14 stops output of the electric motor 7 until a predetermined set time T elapses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a select assist device for an automatic transmission.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional range selection device for an automatic transmission, a selection lever is provided near a driver's seat in a vehicle compartment, and an operation force of the selection lever is transmitted to a range switching device of an automatic transmission through an operation force transmission means such as a cable or a rod. , And switches the range (P, R, N, D, etc.) of the automatic transmission.
[0003]
The operation of the select lever requires a large operating force due to friction of a cable or a rod, resistance generated when a detent pin crosses a cam mountain in a detent mechanism, and the like. For this reason, the select lever is set to a sufficient length, and the lever force is used to convert the occupant's operation force into a large force to perform range selection (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-323559 (pages 1 to 3, FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is a problem that a long select lever is required to obtain a sufficient levering force, and the degree of freedom of the vehicle interior layout is reduced. In addition, there are many restrictions on the installation location, and it is limited to the side of the driver's seat and the vicinity of the steering column.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to improve the degree of freedom in the layout of the vehicle interior and the design of the select lever, and to provide good operation characteristics with a sense of moderation. An object of the present invention is to provide a select assist device for an automatic transmission that can be obtained.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1 of the present invention, an input torque detecting means for detecting an input torque to a select lever connected to a range switching mechanism of the automatic transmission; An inhibitor switch that detects a range selected by the select lever and outputs a corresponding range signal, an assist actuator that outputs assist torque to assist a driver's operating force to the select lever, An assist torque control means for controlling an assist torque of an assist actuator in accordance with an input torque to the automatic transmission, wherein the assist torque control means includes a detent pin of a range switching mechanism. The plate reaches the peak of Cam Mountain A peak position determining unit that determines whether or not the assist switch stops outputting the assist torque to the assist actuator when it is determined that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the top of the cam peak of the detent plate. , Are provided.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to the first aspect, the assist stop unit stops the output of the assist torque by the assist actuator and then sets the input torque in advance. When the set value is reached, the output stop of the assist torque is released.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the first aspect, the assist stop unit elapses a preset set time after the assist actuator stops outputting the assist torque. In this case, the output stop of the assist torque is released.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to any one of the first to third aspects, the peak position determination unit is configured to switch the range switching mechanism when a range signal is switched. Is determined to have reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the peak position determining unit switches the range signal and sets the input torque to zero. At this time, it is characterized in that it is determined that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate.
[0012]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an assist torque is generated by the assist actuator in accordance with the input torque to the select lever, and the assist torque is combined with a manual operation force of the select lever to provide a range switching mechanism of the automatic transmission. Since the transmission is performed, even if the length of the select lever is set short, the operation of the select lever does not become heavy and no burden is imposed. Therefore, the select lever, which was conventionally limited in installation layout to the side of the driver's seat or near the column due to its length, can be installed in various places (for example, instrument panel).
[0013]
The assist torque control means causes the assist actuator to stop outputting the assist torque by the assist stop unit when the peak position determination unit determines that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the top of the cam peak of the detent plate. .
[0014]
At the time of range switching, a load force generated when the detent pin provided at the tip of the spring plate passes over the cam ridge of the detent plate acts on the select lever in the detent mechanism of the automatic transmission. Until the detent pin reaches the peak of the cam peak, it acts in a direction that hinders the movement of the select lever in the operating direction, but after the detent pin reaches the peak of the cam peak, the load acts on the next valley. Until it reaches, the detent pin is sucked into the next valley by the elastic restoring force of the spring plate, and acts in the same direction as the operation direction of the select lever.
[0015]
Due to the inertia force of the assist actuator, in addition to the pulling force by the detent mechanism, the select lever cannot be stopped at a predetermined position (next valley) depending on the driver's select lever operation speed. A so-called overrun that jumps over the range position occurs.
[0016]
On the other hand, in the present invention, when the detent pin reaches the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate, the output of the assist actuator is stopped, so that only the pulling force of the detent mechanism is applied to the select lever, and the detent pin is moved. When reaching the next valley, the inertial force of the assist actuator can be set to zero.
[0017]
Therefore, the pull-in force of the detent mechanism and the inertia force of the assist actuator are added to the assist torque of the assist actuator, so that it is possible to prevent the select lever from overrunning. As a result, the select lever can be reliably stopped to obtain a modest operating characteristic.
[0018]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the assist actuator stops outputting the assist torque, the output of the assist torque is restarted when the input torque reaches a preset value. At the time of selection, a smooth and moderate operation characteristic can be obtained.
[0019]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output of the assist torque is restarted when a preset time has elapsed after the output of the assist torque by the assist actuator is stopped. In this case, more detailed control such as so-called reverse assist, which outputs an assist torque in a direction opposite to the operation direction, is possible.
[0020]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether the detent pin has reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate based on a change in the range signal of the inhibitor switch. Normally, the peak position of the detent pin and the switching position of the range signal of the inhibitor switch are set at substantially the same position, so that the peak arrival of the detent pin can be easily determined based on a change in the range signal.
[0021]
According to the invention described in claim 5, when the range signal is switched and the input torque becomes 0, it is determined that the detent pin has reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate. Theoretically, the input torque is considered to be 0 near the peak of the cam peak. Therefore, in addition to the change in the range signal, the input torque 0 is used as a criterion for determining the peak arrival, thereby improving the accuracy of the peak arrival determination. be able to.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on a first example and a second example.
[0023]
(First embodiment)
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of an automatic transmission to which a select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the automatic transmission.
[0024]
The control unit 1 has a select lever 2 operated by the driver, and is installed, for example, above the center cluster 3 beside the driver's seat. The select lever 2 is set to be operated in the front-rear direction of the vehicle about the fulcrum shaft 4 at the lower end. The length of the select lever 2 is set to about 100 mm, and is designed to be about 250 mm shorter than a conventional general select lever. Therefore, the amount of protrusion into the vehicle interior space is smaller than that of the conventional select lever, and the degree of freedom of the vehicle interior layout is large. It is compact and can be installed at other positions (instrument panel etc.) as needed.
[0025]
An upper end of a control lever 5 that rotates vertically with the fulcrum shaft 4 is fixed to the fulcrum shaft 4 of the select lever 2. Further, a sector gear 6 is fixed to the fulcrum shaft 4, and an electric motor (assist actuator) 7 for assisting a driver's operation force is connected to the sector gear 6.
[0026]
The lower end of the control lever 5 is connected via a rod-shaped linkage 11 to the upper end of a control arm 10 of a detent mechanism 9 (see FIG. 3) provided in a front automatic transmission 8. The detent mechanism 9 will be described later.
[0027]
A torque sensor (input torque detecting means) 12 for detecting an input torque to the fulcrum shaft 4 is connected to the fulcrum shaft 4 of the select lever 2. The torque sensor 12 includes a pair of rotating parts 12a provided on the fulcrum shaft 4 and a detecting part 12b for detecting a torsional torque therebetween. The output voltage of the torque sensor 12 is output to a control unit (assist torque control means) 14, and the control unit 14 recognizes the input torque from the output voltage of the torque sensor 12.
[0028]
The control unit 14 sets the assist torque output by the electric motor 7 based on the detected input torque of the select lever 2 and the range signal from the inhibitor switch 13 provided in the automatic transmission 8, 7 is controlled.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 14 basically increases the applied voltage of the assist torque according to the detected torque because the detected torque increases as the load on the select lever 2 increases. Combined with the manual operation force of Therefore, the required operating force does not increase even when the length of the select lever 2 is shorter than before. That is, a part or all of the torque increased by shortening the select lever 2 is basically compensated for by the assist torque of the electric motor 7.
[0030]
The assist torque of the electric motor 7 is not the same between the ranges, but is set differently between the ranges, thereby giving a change in the operational feeling. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, between the P range and the R range, the operating force is approximately 1.6 kgf, which is equivalent to that of the conventional long select lever, so that the user can feel a certain amount of weight and promote a reliable operation. The range is set a little lighter between the R range and the N range, and is set at around 1 kgf between the N range and the D range where switching is frequently assumed during running. As described above, in order to combine the assist torque of the electric motor 7 with the manual operation force of the select lever 2 in accordance with the torque in the operation direction of the select lever 2, the length of the select lever 2 is set to be short. Also, the operation of the select lever 2 is not heavy, and the operability is good.
[0031]
Next, the structure of the detent mechanism 9 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the detent mechanism 9 of the automatic transmission.
A rotating shaft 15 is provided at the lower end of the control arm 10, and a detent plate 16 is supported on the rotating shaft 15. At the upper end of the detent plate 16, valleys 16b corresponding to four ranges (P, R, N, D) are formed between the cam ridges 16a. Then, a detent pin 18 formed at the tip of the spring plate 17 is engaged with the valley portion 16b to maintain the selected range position.
[0032]
That is, by operating the select lever 2 back and forth, the operating force is transmitted to the detent plate 16 via the linkage 11, and the detent plate 16 moves back and forth, so that the detent pin 18 rides over the cam mountain 16a. The valley portion 16b corresponding to the next range is engaged, and the engaged range position is held by the elasticity of the spring plate 17.
[0033]
One end of a parking pole 19 is rotatably connected to the detent plate 16. When the select lever 2 is moved to the P range, the parking pawl 19 prevents rotation of the parking gear 21 via the cam-shaped plate 20 and locks driving wheels (not shown).
[0034]
Next, the operation will be described.
[Select lever assist control processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the select lever assist control process executed by the control unit 14.
[0035]
In step S1, the current range position is read from the range signal of the inhibitor switch 13.
[0036]
In step S2, the input torque to the select lever 2 is read from the input torque signal (output voltage) of the torque sensor 12.
[0037]
In step S3, it is determined whether the range signal has changed and the input torque has become 0 based on the range signal of the inhibitor switch 13 and the input torque signal of the torque sensor 12. When the range signal changes and the input torque becomes 0, the process proceeds to step S7, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0038]
In step S4, the operation direction of the select lever 2 is calculated from the positive / negative output state of the torque sensor 12.
[0039]
In step S5, an assist torque is set based on the input torque and the range position.
[0040]
In step S6, a drive power signal is output to the electric motor 7 so as to attain the set assist torque.
[0041]
In step S7, the output of the driving power signal to the electric motor 7 is stopped.
[0042]
In step S8, it is determined whether or not a set time T (for example, 10 to 100 ms) has elapsed since the output of the driving power signal to the electric motor 7 was stopped. If the set time T has elapsed, the present control ends. If the set time T has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S9.
[0043]
In step S9, the timer t is incremented.
[0044]
[Assist stop control action]
Next, the operation of the control unit 14 for stopping the selection lever assist will be described with reference to an example in which the select lever 2 is moved at a constant speed to select the P → R range.
[0045]
In FIG. 7, when the select lever 2 is operated in the P → R range direction, the detent pin 18 starts to climb the cam ridge 16a of the detent plate 16, and accordingly, the input torque starts acting in the R → P range direction.
[0046]
In the stroke angle S _1, the assist is started by the electric motor 7 according to the input torque, the assist torque is generated in the P → R-range direction.
[0047]
Between the stroke angles S _{1 and} S ₂ , the input torque gradually increases, and the assist torque gradually increases accordingly.
[0048]
In the stroke angle S _2, the input torque reaches a peak value, the assist torque reaches a peak value accordingly.
[0049]
Between the stroke angles S _{2 and} S ₃ , the input torque gradually decreases, and the assist torque gradually decreases accordingly.
[0050]
In the stroke angle _{S 3,} the detent pin 18 reaches the peak of the cam nose 16a of the detent plate 16. At this time, the input torque becomes 0 (the output voltage of the torque sensor 12 becomes 2.5 V when the input torque is 0), and the range signal of the inhibitor switch 13 changes from P to a signal indicating the R range. Therefore, the output of the motor drive signal is stopped, and the assist by the electric motor 7 is stopped.
[0051]
In between the stroke angle _S 3 -S _4, detent pin 18 is pulled into the valley portion 16b of the cam lobes 16a, the input torque is generated in the R → P range direction.
[0052]
In the stroke angle S _4, since the setting after stopping the output of the motor driving signal time T (10 to 100 ms) has elapsed, it resumes the assist by outputting a motor drive signal to the electric motor 7. Here, an example is shown in which the assist torque is generated in the direction opposite to the operation direction because the input torque is generated in the same direction as the operation direction.
[0053]
Between the stroke angles S _{4 and} S ₅ , the detent pin 18 is pulled into the valley 16 b of the cam ridge 16 a, and the input torque is generated in the R → P range direction. At this time, the assist torque is output in a direction that hinders the movement of the select lever 2.
[0054]
In the stroke angle S _5, the detent pin 18 is stopped reaches the valley portion b the lower end of the cam nose 16a. At this time, selection from the P range to the R range is performed.
[0055]
Next, effects will be described.
In the select assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, when the range signal changes from P to R range and the input torque becomes 0, the detent pins 18 Is reached, and the assist by the electric motor 7 is stopped until the set time T (10 to 100 ms) elapses. Therefore, the select lever 2 caused by the retraction force of the detent mechanism 9 and the inertia force of the electric motor 7 Can be prevented, and the select lever 2 can be stopped at a predetermined position in each range without fail to obtain a modest operating characteristic.
[0056]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the assist is restarted when the input torque becomes equal to or more than a preset value after the assist is stopped.
[0057]
The operation will be described.
[Select lever assist control processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the select lever assist control process executed by the control unit 14. In the figure, steps S1 to S7 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and therefore only different parts will be described.
[0058]
In step S10, the input torque is whether it is a preset value or more, the output voltage of the torque sensor 12 is judged by whether a V ₁ or more. Terminates this control when the output voltage is V ₁ or more, returns to step S7 when the output voltage is less than V _1.
[0059]
[Assist stop control action]
Next, the select lever assist stop control operation of the control unit 14 will be described by taking as an example a case where the select lever 2 is moved at a constant speed to select from the P → R → N range.
[0060]
From the stroke angle S ₁ to S ₃ are the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, only different portions will be described.
[0061]
In between the stroke angle _S 3 -S _6, detent pin 18 is pulled into the valley portion 16b of the cam lobes 16a, the input torque is generated in the R → P range direction. At this time, the output of the assist torque remains stopped.
[0062]
In the stroke angle S _6, V ₁ output voltage of the torque sensor 12 from the stop of the output of the motor drive _signal, i.e., the input torque becomes a preset value or more, the motor drive signal to the electric motor 7 Output and restart assist.
[0063]
Since the stroke angle S ₆ and later is the same as the stroke angle S ₁ and subsequent steps will be omitted.
[0064]
Next, effects will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device according to the second embodiment, when the input torque becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value after the assist is stopped, the assist is restarted. At the time of selecting over a range, smooth and modest operation characteristics can be obtained.
[0065]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the gist of the invention is described. Even a design change or the like within a range that does not deviate is included in the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of an automatic transmission to which a select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a configuration of an automatic transmission to which the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure of a detent mechanism of the automatic transmission.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between torque and applied voltage.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operating force changed for each range.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a select lever assist control process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an assist stop control operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a select lever assist control process according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an assist stop control operation of a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Select lever 3 Center cluster 4 Support shaft 5 Control lever 6 Sector gear 7 Electric motor 8 Automatic transmission 9 Detent mechanism 10 Control arm 11 Linkage 12 Torque sensor 12 a Rotating part 12 b Detecting part 13 Inhibitor switch 14 Control unit 15 Rotating shaft 16 Detent plate 16a Cam ridge 16b Valley 17 Spring plate 18 Detent pin 19 Parking pole 20 Cam-shaped plate 21 Parking gear

Claims (5)

Input torque detecting means for detecting an input torque to a select lever connected to a range switching mechanism of the automatic transmission;
An inhibitor switch that detects a range selected by the select lever and outputs a corresponding range signal;
An assist actuator that outputs an assist torque to assist a driver's operation force to a select lever;
Assist torque control means for controlling an assist torque of an assist actuator according to the range signal and an input torque to the select lever;
A select assist device for an automatic transmission having
A peak position determination unit configured to determine whether the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the peak (top) of the cam peak of the detent plate;
When it is determined that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the top of the cam peak of the detent plate, an assist stop unit that stops the output of the assist torque to the assist actuator,
A select assist device for an automatic transmission, comprising: The select assist device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1,
The assist transmission unit stops the output of the assist torque when the input torque becomes a preset value after the assist actuator stops outputting the assist torque to the assist actuator. Select assist device. The select assist device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1,
The assist assist unit for an automatic transmission, wherein the assist stop unit cancels the output stop of the assist torque when a preset set time has elapsed since the assist actuator stopped outputting the assist torque. The select assist device for an automatic transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The select assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the peak position determining unit determines that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate when the range signal is switched. The select assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the peak position determining unit determines that the detent pin of the range switching mechanism has reached the peak of the cam peak of the detent plate when the range signal is switched and the input torque becomes zero. Machine select assist device.

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