JP2005098429A - Select assist device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a select assist device for an automatic transmission having select lever operating force property on demand by reducing the size of a select lever to produce a higher degree of freedom in layout while allowing range selection with mechanical connection between the select lever and a range position selector. <P>SOLUTION: An operating speed/direction determining block 33 detects the stop of the select lever between ranges. A middle stop preventing control block 55 allows the select lever to be located at either range position when stopped between the ranges and prevents it from being stopped at a middle between the ranges. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field of a selection assist device for an automatic transmission that assists a driver's select lever operating force in a vehicle equipped with the automatic transmission.

  Conventionally, a select lever of an automatic transmission is mechanically connected to a manual valve of the automatic transmission via an operating force transmission means such as a rod or a cable. The operating force of the driver input to the select lever is transmitted to the manual valve via the operating force transmission means, and the range position is switched according to the operation amount (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, what uses what is called shift-by-wire technique in which the select lever and the manual valve are electrically connected is known. In this prior art, an actuator that operates a manual valve is provided, and the range position is switched by driving the actuator by changing the rotation operation of the select lever into an electric signal (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-9-323559 JP 2003-97694 A

  When the select lever is operated, a mechanical operating reaction force such as friction of the operating force transmission means, resistance of detent, etc. is generated, and thus a large operating force is required. Therefore, in order to reduce the necessary operating force of the driver, it is necessary to set the length of the select lever to a length that can obtain a sufficient lever force.

  Therefore, the former of the above prior arts has a problem that the shape becomes large due to the length of the select lever, so that there are many restrictions on the installation place and the degree of freedom in layout in the vehicle interior is low.

  On the other hand, in the latter, the selection lever can be designed shorter by adopting the actuator, and the degree of freedom in layout becomes higher than that in the former. However, since the select lever and the manual valve are not mechanically connected, the range cannot be switched during a failure.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and its object is to enable range switching by mechanically connecting the select lever and the range position switching device, while also allowing freedom in layout by downsizing the select lever. It is an object of the present invention to provide a selection assist device for an automatic transmission that can achieve a widening range of the automatic transmission and obtain a select lever operating force characteristic according to demand.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1 of the present invention, a lever operation position detecting means for detecting an operation position of a select lever connected to a range position switching device of the automatic transmission. And an assist actuator for outputting an assist force for assisting a driver's operation force between the select lever and the range position switching device, and an assist operation position detecting means for detecting an operation position assisted by the assist actuator. And an assist force control means for outputting a control command for changing the assist force to the assist actuator based on the two operation positions, wherein the select lever stops between the ranges. There is an intermediate stop detection means to detect that and stop between ranges The set to be either range position, characterized in that an intermediate stop preventing means for outputting a control command to the assist actuator so as not to stop the range between.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the first aspect, the intermediate stop prevention means moves the select lever in a direction toward the range position close to the current select lever position. The assist actuator is driven.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first aspect, the intermediate stop prevention means drives the assist actuator to move the select lever in the current operation direction of the select lever. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the first aspect, the intermediate stop prevention means changes the direction in which the select lever is moved depending on the position where the select lever is stopped. And

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the fourth aspect, the intermediate stop prevention means drives the assist actuator relative to the position of the select lever and the current value for driving the assist actuator. It is characterized by having a table.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the intermediate stop prevention means performs an artificial operation during the intermediate stop prevention control. If it is performed, the output of the control command for preventing the intermediate stop is stopped.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the intermediate stop prevention means is further provided between the ranges during the control of the intermediate stop prevention. When the select lever is stopped, a control command is output so as to drive the assist actuator in a direction opposite to the control command for preventing the intermediate stop.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the intermediate stop prevention means is further provided between the ranges during the control of the intermediate stop prevention. When the select lever is stopped, the assist actuator is driven in a direction opposite to the control command for preventing the intermediate stop for a short time, and then the assist actuator is driven again in the direction of the control command for preventing the intermediate stop. .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the assist direction of the assist actuator and the operation direction of the select lever are the same as the operation direction of the select lever. The drive current of the assist actuator is increased at the boundary in the assist direction of the reverse assist actuator.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to switch the range while maintaining the mechanical connection between the select lever and the range position switching device and assisting the lever operating force of the driver with the assist actuator. The layout flexibility can be expanded by making it easier.
Further, in the present invention, since the lever operation position detecting means detects that the operation of the select lever has been stopped halfway, the intermediate stop can be reliably detected. When the intermediate stop is made, the assist actuator is driven by the intermediate stop preventing means to select Since the lever is moved to the normal range position, the gear of the transmission connected to the select lever is prevented from stopping at the intermediate position, the gear can be switched reliably, and the assist actuator is driven. In addition, the cost can be suppressed without providing a driving means, and the burden on the apparatus can be prevented from increasing.

  In the second aspect of the invention, the operation force is insufficient before the middle of the range where the stop of the select lever is likely to occur (operation start side). On the side (operation end side), it can be as if the operation has been completed, and an intermediate stop can be prevented without feeling unnatural.

  In the invention according to claim 3, although the operation force is insufficient, the selection operation can be performed as if it were continuously performed, and an intermediate stop can be prevented without feeling unnatural.

  In the invention according to claim 4, before the maximum load point of the operation system (operation start side), the operation force is insufficient, so that it can be as if it returned to the original position by reaction, and the opposite side (operation end side) ) Can be performed as if the operation has been continued, and an intermediate stop can be prevented without feeling unnatural.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the driving current value of the assist actuator is tabulated, thereby speeding up the processing and performing fine control that cannot be performed by calculation.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the operation is started during the control for preventing the intermediate stop, the operation for preventing the intermediate stop is interrupted to return to the normal control. Make sure that you can operate without any sense of incongruity.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is presumed that the actuator is stopped during the intermediate stop control because the actuator is locked due to insufficient driving force. Therefore, the actuator is prevented from being damaged by driving in the reverse direction. .

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the motor is stopped during the intermediate stop control, the motor can be driven forward and reverse a plurality of times to escape from the stopped state and be moved to the target range position.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by increasing the drive current value at the boundary in the assist direction, the drive current is sufficient to start the assist actuator even when the load becomes heavy, and the intermediate point stop is more reliably prevented. Can be done.

  In the following, an embodiment for realizing a selection assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention will be described with reference to a first example corresponding to claims 1, 2 and 6, a second example corresponding to claim 3, and a claim. Based on the third embodiment corresponding to items 4 and 5, the fourth embodiment corresponding to claim 9, the fifth embodiment corresponding to claim 7, and the sixth embodiment corresponding to claim 8. I will explain.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of the automatic transmission apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part showing the detailed structure of the assist actuator.

  The automatic transmission of the first embodiment includes a select mechanism unit 1, a control cable 8, an assist actuator 9, a control cable 18, an automatic transmission 19, and a control unit (assist force control means) 22. It is configured.

The selection mechanism unit 1 has a selection lever 2 that is operated by a driver, and is provided, for example, in a center cluster 3 beside the driver's seat. At the upper end of the select lever 2, a select knob 4 is attached for the driver to hold during the select operation. The select lever 2 is rotated about the fulcrum shaft 5 and is set to 100 mm, which is 250 mm shorter than a conventional general select lever.
The fulcrum shaft 5 is provided with a potentiometer 51 (corresponding to a lever operation position detection means) that detects the operation position of the select lever 2 by an angle and sends the signal to the control unit 22.

  A push-pull control cable 8 is connected to the lower end of the select lever 2 via a select lever joint 7. The control cable 8 is rotatably connected to the input lever 10 of the assist actuator 9 via the input lever joint 11. That is, the rotational movement of the select lever 2 is converted into a linear movement, and the operating force generated by the operation of the select lever 2 is transmitted to the input lever 10.

  The input lever 10 is connected to an output lever 13 via an output shaft 12 that is rotatably provided. The output shaft 12 is provided with a worm gear 14 that meshes with a motor output shaft 16 of an electric motor 15 having a speed reduction mechanism.

  A push-pull control cable 18 is connected to the output lever 13 via an output lever joint 17. The control cable 18 is connected to a control arm 20 (corresponding to a range position switching device) of the automatic transmission 19. That is, the rotational movement of the output lever 13 is converted into a linear movement by the control cable 18, and the combined force of the driver's operating force and the driving force of the electric motor 15 is transmitted to the control arm 20 of the automatic transmission 19.

  A contact 24 for position detection is attached and fixed to the worm gear 14. The contact 24 rotates integrally with the worm gear 14 and makes electrical contact with a carbon resistor printed on a substrate (not shown), whereby the displacement angle of the output shaft 12 (assisting an assist force for the operation of the select lever 2) ( A voltage signal corresponding to the stroke angle is output to the control unit 22. The contactor 24 and the carbon resistance constitute a potentiometer (assist operation position detecting means) 25.

  The potentiometer 25 and the potentiometer 51 detect the stroke angle of the select lever 2 at any time with the angle when the select lever 2 is stopped at the P range position as the base point angle.

  The control unit 22 (corresponding to assist force control means) sets a target assist current value based on the detected stroke angle of the select lever 2 and the stroke angle of the assist actuator 9, and outputs the output of the electric motor 15 to PWM. Control.

FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram of the control unit 22.
In the selection mechanism unit 1, the change in the stroke of the selection lever 2 that has been subjected to the range switching operation is input to a potentiometer 51 provided on the fulcrum shaft 5. The potentiometer 51 detects a stroke angle corresponding to the operation amount of the select lever 2 and outputs it to the control unit 22 as a stroke angle signal.

  In addition, when the operating force is transmitted through the control cable 8 and the output shaft 12 is rotationally displaced, the stroke change of the select lever 2 that has been subjected to the range switching operation is also detected by the potentiometer 25 of the assist actuator 9. The stroke angle signal is output to the control unit 22.

  An operation speed / operation direction determination block 33 (also serving as an intermediate stop detection means) determines the current stroke angle of the select lever 2 based on the stroke angle signal from the potentiometers 25 and 51. Further, it is determined from the stroke angle whether the select lever 2 has been stopped in the middle. Further, the differential value is calculated for the stroke angle to determine the operation speed and the operation direction, and the determination results are output to the FF compensation table 43, the alignment error compensation block 52, and the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 (intermediate stop prevention means).

  The alignment error compensation block 52 corrects the outputs of the potentiometers 25 and 51 in a state where the range position is fixed, and outputs the correction value to the adder 54.

  The adder 54 calculates the deviation between the stroke angle signal from the potentiometer 25 and the stroke angle signal from the potentiometer 51, adds the difference so as to take into account the error, and outputs the result to the target speed generation block 34.

  In the target speed generation block 34, the target speed of the select lever 2 corresponding to the magnitude of the deviation of the stroke angle signal is determined and output to the adder 35.

  The differentiator 53 calculates a differential value (actual operation speed) of the stroke angle signal from the potentiometer 25 of the assist actuator 9 and outputs the calculation result to the adder 35.

  The adder 35 calculates the deviation between the actual operation speed from the differentiator 53 and the target speed from the target speed generation block 34, and outputs the calculation result to the FB control unit 36.

  The FB control unit 36 includes a multiplier 37, an adder 38, a multiplier 39, and an integrator 40. The multiplier 37 outputs a value obtained by multiplying the deviation between the actual operation speed and the target speed by a proportional gain to the adder 38 as a drive current value of the electric motor 15 (proportional output). The multiplier 39 outputs a value obtained by multiplying the deviation between the actual operation speed and the target speed by the integral gain to the integrator 40 as a drive current value of the electric motor 15. The integrator 40 integrates the output of the multiplier 39 and outputs it to the adder 38 (integration output). The adder 38 outputs a feedback assist current value that is the sum of the proportional output and the integral output to the adder 41.

  The FF compensation table block 43 outputs a preset value corresponding to the two stroke angle signals, the operation speed and the operation direction, that is, a feedforward assist current value to the adder 41.

  The adder 41 outputs the output sum (feedback assist current value + feedforward assist current value) of the FB control unit 36 and the FF control unit 42, that is, the target assist current value to the motor drive control block 45.

A motor drive control block (corresponding to an assist force control unit) 45 drives the electric motor 15 based on the target assist current value.
When the intermediate stop prevention signal from the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 is input, the electric motor 15 is driven by the intermediate stop prevention signal regardless of the drive signal from the main controller.

  The intermediate stop prevention control block 55 outputs an intermediate stop prevention signal to the motor drive control block 45 so as to move the select lever 2 to the normal range position when the select lever 2 stops in the middle.

Next, the detent structure of the automatic transmission 19 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a detent structure of the automatic transmission 19.
The control arm 20 is provided with a rotation shaft 26, and a detent plate 27 is supported on the rotation shaft 26. At the upper end of the detent plate 27, a valley portion 27b corresponding to five ranges (P, R, N, D, and L) is formed between the cam peaks 27a. Then, the detent pin 29 formed at the tip of the spring plate 28 is engaged with the valley portion 27b and the selected range position is maintained, thereby preventing an unintended range select due to vehicle vibration or the like. Yes.

  That is, the rotating shaft 26 is rotated by the operating force of the select lever 2, and the detent plate 27 is moved relative to the detent pin 29 in accordance with the rotation. At this time, the detent pin 29 gets over the cam crest 27 a and engages with the valley portion 27 b corresponding to the adjacent range, and the engaged state is held by the elastic force of the spring plate 28. This elastic force becomes a main load force when the select lever 2 is operated.

  Note that one end of the parking pole 30 is rotatably connected to the detent plate 27. When the select lever 2 is moved to the P range, the parking pole 30 prevents rotation of the parking gear 32 via the cam-like plate 31 and locks driving wheels (not shown). Thereby, when the vehicle is parked on the slope road in the P range, a vehicle load is applied so as to lock the driving wheel according to the slope, and acts as a force for biting the parking pole 30.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Select lever assist control processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of assist control processing of the select lever 2 executed by the control unit 22.

  In step S1, the stroke angle of the select lever 2 portion is read from the stroke angle signal of the potentiometer 51, and the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the stroke angle of the assist actuator 9 is read from the stroke angle signal of the potentiometer 25, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the deviation between the stroke angle of potentiometer 51 and the stroke angle of potentiometer 25 is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the target speed of the select lever 2 is calculated from the deviation of the stroke angle, and the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the drive current value of the electric motor 15 is calculated from the target speed, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the drive current value of the electric motor 15 is calculated with reference to the table data of the FF compensation table. The optimum FF compensation table is selected from a plurality of preset tables according to the stroke angle and the operation speed.

  In step S7, a target assist current value is output from the sum of the set FF assist current value and FB assist current value.

  In step S8, an intermediate stop is detected, and during the intermediate stop, an intermediate stop prevention process is performed, and this control is terminated.

[Operation reaction force characteristics of automatic transmission]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the output values of the stroke angle signals of the potentiometers 25 and 51, the shape of the detent plate 27, and the motor drive current in the P → R range direction.

Among these, in order for the detent pin 29 to get over the cam crest 27a of the detent plate 27 with respect to the shape of the detent plate 27 shown in FIG. 6 (b), the motor is driven as shown in FIG. 6 (c). A current is required.
That is, when the select lever 2 is operated in the P → R range direction, first, since the detent pin 29 exceeds the steep slope of the cam crest 27a of the detent plate 27, a large force is required. Since the gradient becomes gentler as it approaches the apex of the cam peak 27a, the necessary force becomes smaller. Therefore, the assist current value required for the select lever 2 draws a mountain-shaped curve as shown in FIG. 6C between the detent plate 27 and the top of the cam crest 27a.

After the detent pin 29 gets over the cam peak 27a, the detent pin 29 falls into the groove of the next cam peak 27a to generate a pull-in force (inertial force), which also converges at the position of the R range. In the first embodiment, no assist is performed in this region (assist region).
In the operation of the select lever 2 from the P range to the R range, the select lever 2 is loaded with the frictional forces of the control cables 8 and 18 and the inertia of the electric motor 15.

[FF control assist current value map]
FIG. 6C shows an assist current value map in the P → R range direction in the FF control. In this assist current value map, depending on the stroke angle of the select lever 2, a driving current value smaller than the driving current value corresponding to the detent operation reaction force shown in FIG. It is set to be assisted.

[FF control + FB control]
In the embodiment, the assist force is smaller than the current value commensurate with the detent operation reaction force, for example, a feed forward assist current value set to be about 1/2 of the drive current value, the actual operation speed and the target operation speed. By using two components of the feedback assist current value set based on the deviation of the control lever, both the responsiveness and disturbance suppression can be achieved at a high level in the assist control of the select lever with a steep and large torque deviation. Operation characteristics can be realized.

[Assist control]
When the select lever 2 is operated, the value of the potentiometer 51 changes. In response to the change in the value, the electric motor 15 is driven to assist the operation of the select lever 2, and the value of the potentiometer 25 of the assist actuator 9 is changed. Set to the normal range position.
As a result, the movement of the select lever 2 and the movement of the assist actuator 9 are synchronized, and the wire cable 8 between them is the same as idle, but the range is switched because it is synchronized. The operation can be performed.

[Necessity of intermediate stop prevention]
Here, the necessity of intermediate stop prevention will be described.
Since the difference between the target position and the operation position of the select lever 2 becomes the assist force, the electric motor 15 can be continuously driven if there is a difference, but if there is no difference, the control unit 22 drives the electric motor 15. The value to do this becomes zero, and the motor drive stops. Normally, when the shift operation ends, that is, when the normal range position is reached, this operation is performed, but the operation is stopped in the middle of the range position, or a force is applied on the opposite side to the operated direction. In addition, when the target reaction force is balanced, a phenomenon occurs in which the control stops even in the middle of the shift operation.
In addition, the operating force characteristics between the ranges are as follows, for example, when moving from the P range to the R range as shown in FIG. 6C, due to the shape of the detent plate. Receives a reaction force and receives a force to pull into the R range at the end. Near the boundary, the necessary operation force and assist force are also reduced. Therefore, in this vicinity, the select lever is particularly easy to stop.

Such an intermediate stop state is a state in which the range position is not selected, which is very undesirable in terms of operation feeling, such as eliminating a crisp selection feeling, and needs to be prevented.
In addition, it is often not preferable that the range position is not fixed in terms of control of the automatic transmission itself. Depending on the control of the automatic transmission, processing such as determining to be abnormal and fixing to the third speed is performed. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly return to the normal range position.

[Intermediate stop detection / intermediate stop prevention control flow]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the intermediate stop detection / prevention process executed in step S8 in the assist control (see FIG. 5) of the select lever 2 executed by the control unit 22.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the intermediate stop prevention mode is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S16, and if it is not set, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, it is determined from the output value of the potentiometer 51 whether or not the operation position of the select lever 2 is an intermediate position. If it is not an intermediate position, the process is returned, and if it is an intermediate position, the process proceeds to step S13.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when moving from the P range position to the R range position, an area where the output value of the potentiometer 51 can be determined as the P range position (OK zone) and an area where the output value can be determined as the R range position. It is determined whether or not it is located in the intermediate position stop zone during (OK zone), that is, whether or not X1P <X1 <X1R in FIG. 9A.

  In step S13, the operation position (the output value of the potentiometer 51) in the state determined to be the intermediate position is X1, the time is T1, and the movement amount of the operation position when a predetermined time ΔT has elapsed from that state is ΔX. I do.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of ΔX obtained in step S13 is equal to or less than a movement amount X0 that can be determined as a predetermined stop. If X0 or less, it is determined as an intermediate stop and the process proceeds to step S15. If it is larger, the process is returned.

  In step S15, the intermediate stop prevention mode is set, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the drive current value and drive direction of the electric motor 15 of the assist actuator 9 for returning from the intermediate stop position to the normal range position are calculated.

  In step S17, the calculated drive current value of the electric motor 15 is output.

In step S18, it is determined from the output value of the potentiometer 25 of the assist actuator 9 whether the operation position of the control arm 20 of the automatic transmission 19 is a normal range position or an intermediate stop position. If it is a normal range position, the process proceeds to step S20. If it is an intermediate stop position, the process proceeds to step S19.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when operating from the P range position to the R range position, if the output value X2 of the potentiometer 25 is X2P or less, the normal P range position (OK zone) is set, and X2R or more. Then, it is determined whether X2P> X2 or X2R <X2 with the normal R range position (OK zone) as the intermediate position stop zone therebetween.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not the select lever 2 has been operated with the intermediate stop prevention mode set. If the select lever 2 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S20, and if not, the process is performed. Return.

  In step S20, the intermediate stop prevention mode is reset, and the process returns.

[Driving direction determination process to prevent intermediate stop]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of step S16 of the intermediate stop detection / prevention process of FIG.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the return direction of the select lever 2 to the normal range position is confirmed. If it is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S105, and if not, the process proceeds to step S102. To do.

In step S102, it is determined whether or not the stop position of the select lever 2 is in front of the intermediate point of the range position. If it is in front of the intermediate point, the process proceeds to step S103. Transition.
Here, the intermediate point refers to a point at which the operation reaction force becomes zero.

  In step S103, the return drive direction of the electric motor 15 that is driven to prevent the intermediate stop is set to the motor reverse rotation direction.

  In step S104, the return drive direction of the electric motor 15 that is driven to prevent an intermediate stop is set to the normal motor rotation direction.

  In step S105, the drive current of the electric motor 15 driven in each return direction is calculated.

[Detection of intermediate stops and confirmation of prevention of intermediate stops]
In the first embodiment, whether the stop is intermediate or not is detected by the potentiometer 51 provided on the fulcrum shaft 5 of the select lever 2 in steps S12 to S14. By detecting the rotation operation of the select lever 2 directly, the intermediate stop is reliably detected by the operation angle of the select lever 2.
In consideration of the play of the mechanism and the like, an area that is determined to be a normal range position has a predetermined range and is set as an OK zone (see FIG. 9A).

Further, it is detected by the potentiometer 25 provided in the assist actuator 9 connected to the control arm of the automatic transmission 19 as to whether or not it has moved from the intermediate stop position to the normal range position. By detecting fewer connected objects along the way, it can be confirmed whether or not it has moved to the normal range position more reliably.
In consideration of the play of the mechanism and the lost motion of the control cable 18, the area determined to be the normal range position is given a predetermined range to be an OK zone (see FIG. 9B).

[Preventing intermediate stops]
In the first embodiment, a case where the select lever 2 is operated from the front to the back between the P range and the R range will be described as an example.
The operation speed / operation direction determination block 33 determines that the operation position of the select lever 2 is located in the intermediate position stop zone shown in FIG. 9A by the output from the potentiometer 51 by the process of step S12, and steps S13 and S14. When it is determined that the amount of movement for the predetermined time is equal to or less than the specified value by the above process, the intermediate stop prevention mode is set, and the intermediate stop prevention process is performed until it is reset by the process of step S20.

<1> When the stop position is before the intermediate point The direction in which the select lever 2 is returned from the intermediate stop position is determined by the process shown in FIG. 8 according to the stop position. When the intermediate stop position of the select lever 2 is in front of the intermediate point, the range position (R range) that is the operation start position in front is closer, so that the return direction is on the front side (R range side). The electric motor 15 is set in the reverse rotation direction in the process of step S103. In step S105, the motor drive control block 45 outputs a drive current to the electric motor 15 to operate the electric motor 15 so as to return in this direction, and the select lever 2 is moved to the operation start position (R range) on the near side. Return to the normal range position from the intermediate stop.
When the range position is returned to the front by this control, the driver can operate as if it had returned to the original position because of insufficient operating force, so that an intermediate stop can be prevented without giving a sense of incongruity.

<2> When the stop position is behind the middle point If the middle stop position is behind the middle point, the rear range position (P range) is closer, so the return direction is set to the back side. The motor 15 is set in the forward direction in the process of step S104. In step S105, the motor drive control block 45 outputs a drive current to the electric motor 15 to operate the electric motor 15 so as to return in this direction, and the select lever 2 is moved to the next range position (P range) on the far side. It is surely returned from the intermediate stop to the normal range position.
Since the driver can feel that the operation has been continued and moved to the next range position when the range position is advanced to the back by this control, the intermediate stop can be prevented without giving a sense of incongruity.
As described above, in the first embodiment, the select lever 2 is moved back to the close range position to reliably return to the normal range position.
If it returns to the normal range position, the intermediate stop prevention mode is reset by the process of step S20, and the process returns to the normal assist process.

[Response to driver operation during intermediate stop prevention]
If an operation of the driver occurs while preventing the intermediate stop, this is detected by the process of step S19, and the intermediate stop prevention mode is reset by the process of step S20. This prevents an intermediate stop by the driver's operation without giving an unexpected resistance to the driver's operation.

[Cost control and space saving]
In the first embodiment, since the intermediate stop is prevented by controlling the electric motor 15 that assists the operation position, a separate driving device or the like is not required. For this reason, the cost of the apparatus and the space of the apparatus are suppressed, and the control burden of the apparatus is reduced.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The select lever 2 has a projection amount of about 150 mm less than the conventional select lever, and the select lever 2 and the control arm 20 are connected via control cables 8 and 18. The degree of freedom of the interior layout of the vehicle is greater than that of the product, and the select lever 2 can be set at an arbitrary position in the vehicle interior such as an instrument panel.
Further, since the select lever 2 and the control arm 20 are mechanically connected by the control cables 8 and 18, even when the assist actuator 9 or the control unit 22 fails, the driver can manually switch the range position. Safety can be secured.

  Further, the operation speed / operation direction determination block 33 detects that the select lever stops between the ranges, and when stopping between the ranges, it is set to one of the range positions and does not stop in the middle of the range. Since the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 is provided, the gear of the transmission is prevented from stopping at the intermediate position when it is connected to the select lever by moving in the normal range position direction, and the gear is reliably switched. The shift lever can be moved to the normal position. Further, since the intermediate stop is prevented by driving the electric motor 15 of the assist actuator 9, no separate driving means for preventing the intermediate stop is required, the cost can be suppressed, and the burden on the apparatus can be prevented from increasing.

  (2) The intermediate stop prevention control block 55 outputs a control command for the electric motor 15 to the motor drive control block 45 so as to move the select lever 2 in the direction toward the range position close to the current select lever position. Before the middle of the range where operation is likely to stop (operation start side), the operating force is insufficient, so it can be as if it had returned to its original position by reaction, and the operation continued on the opposite side (operation end side). It is possible to prevent the intermediate stop without feeling unnatural.

  (6) The intermediate stop prevention control block 55 resets the intermediate stop prevention mode and stops outputting the intermediate stop prevention control command when an artificial operation is performed during the intermediate stop prevention control. The intermediate stop prevention process is interrupted to return to normal control so as not to change the operational feeling so that the operation can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

The second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a select assist device for an automatic transmission in which the return direction from the intermediate stop position in the intermediate stop prevention process is the operation direction.
Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
The operation will be described.

[Return motor drive direction calculation process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the return drive direction calculation process in step S16 in the intermediate stop prevention process (see FIG. 7) executed by the control unit 22 of the second embodiment.

  In step S201, the return direction is set to the normal rotation direction, that is, the operation direction of the select lever 2.

  In step S202, the drive current of the electric motor 15 in the return direction is calculated and output to the motor drive control block 45.

[Preventing intermediate stops]
In the second embodiment, if it is determined that the movement of the select lever 2 due to the end of the operation is an intermediate stop, an intermediate stop signal is input from the operation speed / operation direction determination block 33 to the intermediate stop prevention control block 55. The moving direction for returning from the intermediate stop is determined as the operation direction from the select lever 2 in step S201, and the driving current of the electric motor 15 for returning is calculated in step S202 and output to the motor drive control block 45. Then, the electric motor 15 is driven, and the select lever 2 is reliably moved in the operation direction to move to the normal range position. As a result, the selector lever 2 is moved in the direction of operation without taking time from the end of the operation, and the driver can feel that the operation is continued, although the operation force is insufficient, and the user feels uncomfortable. Intermediate stop can be prevented without giving.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the select assist device for the automatic transmission of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to (1) and (6) of the first embodiment.

  (3) Since the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 outputs a control command for the electric motor 15 to the motor drive control block 45 so as to move the select lever 2 in the current operation direction of the select lever 2, the operation force is insufficient. However, the selection operation can be performed as if it were continuously performed, and an intermediate stop can be prevented without feeling unnatural.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show an example of a selection assist device for an automatic transmission that determines a return direction at an intermediate stop position and includes a current value table for return.
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 22 is provided with a return current table block 56 in which the drive current value and the drive direction of the electric motor 15 are tabled. In this table, the drive current value and the drive direction are determined by the position of the select lever 2.
Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

The operation will be described.
[Return motor drive direction calculation process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drive direction calculation process in step S16 in the intermediate stop prevention process (see FIG. 7) executed by the control unit 22 of the third embodiment.

  In step S301, the stroke angle signal is input to the intermediate stop prevention block 55 from the potentiometers 51 and 25, and the position information of the select lever 2 is obtained.

  In step S <b> 302, the direction of the drive current and the current value are determined from the position of the select lever 2 with reference to the return current table 56.

[Preventing intermediate stops]
In the third embodiment, when the intermediate stop is determined, the drive direction and drive current value of the electric motor 15 for return are referred to by the process of step S302 by referring to the return current table 56 based on the select lever position obtained by the process of step S301. decide.
The table data (motor drive current 60) of the drive current value with respect to the position of the select lever 2 becomes data as shown in FIG. 13, and the select lever 2 is reliably moved to the normal range position with respect to the position of each select lever 2. Let If the intermediate stop is prevented based on the data shown in FIG. 13, the driver has returned to the original position due to the reaction because the operation force is insufficient before the maximum load point of the operation system (operation start side). The operation system can be made to feel that the operation has been completed on the side opposite to the maximum load point of the operation system (operation end side), and an intermediate stop can be prevented without giving the driver a sense of incongruity.
Further, by making a table of motor drive current values, the processing can be speeded up and fine control difficult to calculate can be performed.

Since other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to (1) and (6) of the first embodiment.

  (4) Since the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 changes the direction in which the select lever 2 is moved according to the stop position of the select lever 2, the operation force is insufficient before the maximum load point of the operation system (operation start side). Therefore, it can be as if it had returned to its original position due to a reaction, and on the opposite side (operation end side) it could be as if the operation continued and ended, preventing intermediate stops without feeling unnatural .

  (5) Since the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 includes the direction of driving the electric motor 15 relative to the position of the select lever 2 and the return current table block 51 for driving the electric motor 15, the processing speed is increased and calculation is performed. Then, you can do fine control that cannot be done.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a select assist device for an automatic transmission in which the drive current is increased near the boundary in the assist direction.
Since the configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
The operation will be described.

[Return motor drive direction calculation process and drive current increase process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drive direction calculation process and the drive current increase process in step S16 in the intermediate stop prevention process (see FIG. 7) executed by the control unit 22 of the fourth embodiment. .

  In step S401, the stroke angle signal is input from the potentiometers 51 and 25 to the intermediate stop prevention control block 55, and the position information of the select lever 2 is obtained.

  In step S402, the direction of the drive current and the current value are determined from the select lever 2 position with reference to the return current table 56.

  In step S403, it is determined whether or not the stop position is near the maximum load of the operation system. If it is near the maximum load, the process proceeds to step S404, and if not, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S404, the drive current of the electric motor 15 is increased.

  In step S405, the process returns.

[Reliable intermediate stop prevention near the maximum load of the operation system]
In the fourth embodiment, basically, as in the third embodiment, the return current table block 56 is referred to by the intermediate stop position of the select lever 2, and the return direction and drive from the intermediate stop to the normal range position are driven. The electric current value is determined, and the electric motor 15 is driven via the motor drive control block 45 to move the select lever 2 to the normal range position.
Here, when the intermediate stop position is a position where the maximum load of the operation system is reached, that is, near the maximum value of the operation reaction force curve shown in FIG. 6C, the motor drive current for starting the motor is insufficient. There is a possibility that the reversing position is shifted due to the possibility or the play of the operation system, and the motor drive current is insufficient.
In the fourth embodiment, when the intermediate stop position is near the maximum load of the operation system by the process of step S403, the drive current of the electric motor 15 is increased by the process of step S404, so the current direction is reversed (see FIG. 13). ) Since the front and rear motor drive currents are increased, the electric motor 15 can be activated sufficiently even if the load becomes heavy.

Since other operations are the same as those in the first and third embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.
Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to (1) and (6) of the first embodiment.

  (9) Since the drive current of the electric motor 15 is increased at the boundary between the assist direction of the electric motor 15 that is the same as the operation direction of the select lever 2 and the assist direction of the electric motor 15 that is opposite to the operation direction of the select lever. Even if it becomes heavier, it is possible to make the driving current sufficient to activate the assist actuator, and more reliably prevent the intermediate point from stopping.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a select assist device for an automatic transmission that drives the assist actuator in the reverse direction when there is a further intermediate stop during the control for preventing the intermediate stop.
The process of the fifth embodiment is incorporated in step S16, and the drive direction for return and the drive current value for return are as shown in FIG. Either one using the return current table block 56 may be used. For this reason, the configuration is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.
The operation will be described.

[Processing for stopping during intermediate stop prevention]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process flow of step S16 in the intermediate stop prevention process (see FIG. 7) executed by the control unit 22 of the fifth embodiment.

  In step S501, it is determined whether or not the return direction from the intermediate stop position to the normal range position (the movement direction of the select lever 2 and the drive direction of the electric motor 15) has been determined, and if the return direction has been determined. The process proceeds to step S503, and if the return direction is not fixed, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, the drive direction of the electric motor 15 for return is set to the normal rotation direction.

  In step S503, it is determined whether or not the drive direction of the electric motor 15 for return is the reverse rotation direction. If it is the reverse rotation direction, the process proceeds to step S506, and if it is the normal rotation direction, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, it is determined whether or not the movement of the select lever 2 has been stopped for a certain time. If it has stopped, the process proceeds to step S505, and if not, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S505, the drive direction of the electric motor 15 for return is changed to the reverse direction.

  In step S506, the drive current of the electric motor 15 for return is calculated and output.

[Responding to a stop during intermediate stop prevention]
In the fifth embodiment, when the drive direction of the electric motor 15 for moving to the normal range position is determined by the intermediate stop prevention process, the return direction is set as the normal rotation direction in steps S501 and S502. If it is determined in step S504 that the movement of the select lever 2 is stopped for a certain time during the intermediate stop prevention process in the forward rotation direction, the drive direction of the electric motor 15 is reversed in step S505. Stopping further during the intermediate stop prevention process means that the electric motor 15 is in a locked state due to insufficient driving force. Move to the range position.
This reliably prevents further stoppage during the intermediate stop prevention process.

Since other operations are the same as those in the first and third embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.
Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to (1) and (6) of the first embodiment.

  (7) During the intermediate stop prevention control, the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 further drives the electric motor 15 in the direction opposite to the intermediate stop prevention control command when the select lever is stopped between the ranges. Since the control command is output, it is presumed that the actuator is stopped during the intermediate stop control because the actuator is locked due to insufficient driving force. Therefore, the actuator is prevented from being damaged by driving in the reverse direction. Further, it is possible to quickly return to the normal range position.

FIG. 16 shows a select assist device for an automatic transmission in which the assist actuator is driven in the opposite direction for a short time when the select lever is further stopped during the intermediate stop prevention control, and then driven in the forward direction. It is an example.
The process of the sixth embodiment is incorporated in step S16, and the drive direction for return and the drive current value for return are as shown in FIG. Either one using the return current table block 56 may be used. For this reason, the configuration is the same as in the first to fifth embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.
The operation will be described.

[Processing for stopping during intermediate stop prevention]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing included in step S16 in the intermediate stop prevention processing (see FIG. 7) executed by the control unit 22 of the sixth embodiment.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not the return direction from the intermediate stop position to the normal range position (the movement direction of the select lever 2 and the drive direction of the electric motor 15) has been determined, and if the return direction has been determined. The process proceeds to step S603, and if the return direction is not fixed, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the drive direction of the electric motor 15 for return is set to the normal rotation direction.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not the counter value is 0. If the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to S605, and if the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to S604.

  In step S604, it is determined whether or not the counter value has reached a preset n value that is the forward rotation direction. If the counter value has reached the n value, the process proceeds to step S609, and if not, the process proceeds to step S606. Migrate to

  In step S605, it is determined whether or not the select lever 2 has stopped for a certain period of time between the ranges. If it has stopped for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S607, and if it has not stopped for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S609. Transition.

  In step S606, it is determined whether or not a fixed time has elapsed after the drive of the electric motor 15 for return has been reversed. If the fixed time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S607, and if the fixed time has not elapsed. If yes, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S607, the driving direction of the electric motor 15 is such that forward rotation → reverse rotation or reverse rotation → forward rotation when the motor driving direction for returning to the original normal range position is normal rotation. Reverse.

  In step S608, 1 is added to the counter value.

  In step S609, the drive current in the determined drive direction is calculated or determined with reference to table data and output.

[Responding to a stop while preventing an intermediate stop]
In the sixth embodiment, an intermediate stop is determined, and the direction to drive the select lever 2 to move to the normal range position is set in step S602 as the normal rotation direction by the intermediate stop prevention process, and the counter at that time is set. When the value is set to 0 and a short predetermined time has elapsed, the drive direction of the electric motor 15 is reversed by the processing in steps S606 and S607. In this inversion driving, the counter value is increased in accordance with the inversion by the process of step S608, and is performed until a predetermined counter value (n value) in the forward rotation direction is reached. After performing the reverse drive in this way, by returning to the direction to prevent the intermediate stop, it is possible to move to the target range position so as to promote the departure from the stop state to the normal state. To.
This reliably prevents further stoppage during the intermediate stop prevention process.

Since other operations are the same as those in the first and third embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.
Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the sixth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to (1) and (6) of the first embodiment.
(8) If the intermediate stop prevention control block 55 further stops the select lever 2 between the ranges during the intermediate stop prevention control, the electric motor 15 is briefly turned in the direction opposite to the intermediate stop prevention control command. After that, the electric motor 15 is driven again in the direction of the control command for preventing the intermediate stop. When the motor 15 is stopped during the intermediate stop control, the motor is driven forward and reverse a plurality of times to stop the motor Can be moved to the target range position.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described based on the first to sixth embodiments, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and departs from the gist of the invention. Even if there is a design change within a range not to be included, it is included in the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the select lever 2 and the control arm 20 of the automatic transmission 19 are connected by the control cables 8 and 18 is shown. However, the operating force transmission means for transmitting the operating force of the select lever 2 to the control arm 20 is as follows. It is optional, and a configuration using a rod or linkage may be used.
The shape and size of the select lever 2 are arbitrary, and may be a switch shape that can be operated with a fingertip.

The distribution ratio between the FF assist current value and the FB assist current value with respect to the target assist current value can be freely set according to the target operation characteristics.
In addition, the intermediate stop prevention process is incorporated in the assist control routine in each embodiment, but may be performed by another process such as an interrupt process.
In the embodiment, those using time are assumed to be provided with a timer in the constituent circuit although not shown.
Further, in the first to sixth embodiments, FF + FB control is performed, but another control may be performed.

It is a side view which shows the structure of the automatic transmission of 1st Example. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the detailed structure of an assist actuator. It is a control block diagram of a control unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the detent of an automatic transmission. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the assist control process of the select lever performed with a control unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output value of the stroke angle signal of the potentiometers 25 and 51 in a P-> R range direction, the shape of a detent plate, and a motor drive current. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the calculation process of the return drive direction in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the OK zone and intermediate position stop zone in two potentiometers of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the calculation process of the return drive direction in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 2nd Example. It is a control block diagram of the control unit of the selection apparatus of the automatic transmission of the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a calculation process of the return drive direction in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data content of the return current table block in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the calculation process of a return drive direction and the drive current increase process in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 4th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process included in the calculation process of the return drive direction in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 5th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process included in the calculation process of the return drive direction in the intermediate | middle stop prevention process of 6th Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 select mechanism 2 select lever 3 center cluster 4 select knob 5 fulcrum shaft 7 select lever joint 8 control cable 9 assist actuator 10 input lever 11 input lever joint 12 output shaft 13 output lever 14 worm gear 15 electric motor 16 motor output shaft 17 output Lever joint 18 Control cable 19 Automatic transmission 20 Control arm 21 Torque sensor 22 Control unit 23 Wire harness 24 Contact 25 Potentiometer 26 Rotating shaft 27 Detent plate 27a Cam mountain 27b Valley 28 Spring plate 29 Detent pin 30 Parking pole 31 Cam shape Plate 32 Parking gear 33 Operation speed / operation direction discrimination block 34 Target speed generation block 35 Adder 36 FB control unit 37 Multiplier 38 Adder 39 Multiplier 40 Integrator 41 Adder 42 FF control unit 43 FF compensation table block 45 Motor drive control block 51 Potentiometer 52 Alignment error compensation block 53 Differentiator 54 Adder 55 Intermediate Stop prevention control block 56 Return current table block 60 Motor drive current 61 Detent plate shape

Claims (9)

Lever operating position detecting means for detecting the operating position of the select lever connected to the range position switching device of the automatic transmission;
An assist actuator that outputs an assist force for assisting a driver's operation force between the select lever and the range position switching device;
Assist operation position detecting means for detecting an operation position assisted by the assist actuator;
Assist force control means for outputting a control command for changing the assist force to the assist actuator based on the two detected operation positions;
A selection assist device for an automatic transmission having
Provide intermediate stop detection means to detect that the select lever stops between ranges,
An automatic transmission that is provided with an intermediate stop prevention means that outputs a control command to the assist actuator so that it does not stop in the middle of the range so as to be in either range position when stopping between the ranges. Select assist device. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1,
A selection assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the intermediate stop prevention means drives an assist actuator to move the select lever in a direction toward a range position close to a current select lever position. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1,
A selection assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the intermediate stop prevention means drives an assist actuator to move the select lever in the current operation direction of the select lever. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1,
The select assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the intermediate stop prevention means changes a direction in which the select lever is moved depending on a position where the select lever is stopped. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 4,
A selection assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the intermediate stop prevention means includes a table of a direction of driving the assist actuator with respect to a position of the select lever and a current value table for driving the assist actuator. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The automatic transmission select assist is characterized in that the intermediate stop prevention means stops outputting the intermediate stop prevention control command when an artificial operation is performed during the intermediate stop prevention control. apparatus. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The intermediate stop prevention means outputs a control command to drive the assist actuator in a direction opposite to the intermediate stop prevention control command when the select lever is stopped between the ranges during the intermediate stop prevention control. A select assist device for an automatic transmission. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
If the intermediate stop prevention means further stops the select lever between the ranges during the intermediate stop prevention control, the intermediate stop prevention means drives the assist actuator in a direction opposite to the intermediate stop prevention control command for a short time, and then again. A select assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein an assist actuator is driven in a direction of a control command for preventing an intermediate stop. The select assist device for an automatic transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An automatic transmission characterized in that the drive current of the assist actuator is increased at the boundary between the assist direction of the assist actuator that is the same as the operation direction of the select lever and the assist direction of the assist actuator that is opposite to the operation direction of the select lever. Select assist device.

Images