JP2006084013A - Select assist device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a select assist device for an automatic transmission enabling range change over operation at a time of failure by a mechanical connection of a select lever and a select lever position change over device, miniaturizing the select lever and increasing degree of freedom in layout, and providing select lever operation characteristics satisfying demand. <P>SOLUTION: A select operation transmission system consists of a first connection part 13, a second connection part 17, an elastic displacement connection mechanism, and a controller 3. The elastic displacement connection mechanism is provided with pressure sensitive rubber capable of outputting signal corresponding to elastic displacement quantity by electric characteristic change corresponding to own elastic displacement. The controller 3 is provided with an elastic displacement quantity detection part 30 detecting elastic displacement based on the signal, and controls an assist actuator 2 based on operation condition signal including at least elastic displacement quantity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a selection assist device for an automatic transmission that switches a selection position of the automatic transmission by control according to an operation of a driver's select lever 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.
That is, 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 select position is switched according to the amount of operation (see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, what uses what is called a shift-by-wire technique in which the select lever and the manual valve are electrically connected is known. This prior art is provided with an actuator for operating a manual valve.
That is, the select position is switched by converting the rotation operation of the select lever into an electrical signal and driving the actuator in accordance with the electrical signal (see 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 operation force of the driver, it is necessary to set the length of the select lever to a length that can obtain a sufficient operation force.

  Therefore, the former of the above prior arts has a problem that since the shape becomes large due to the length of the select lever, there are many restrictions on the installation position, and the degree of freedom in layout in the passenger compartment 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 to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to enable range switching operation during a failure by mechanical connection of the select lever and the select position switching device, It is an object of the present invention to provide a selection assist device for an automatic transmission that can increase the degree of freedom of layout by downsizing and can obtain select lever operation characteristics according to demand.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the select lever and the select position switching device of the automatic transmission are connected by a select operation force transmission system, and the select operation force transmission system assists the select operation force by the driver. In a select assist device for an automatic transmission provided with an actuator, the select operation transmission system includes a first connecting member connected to a select lever, and a second connecting member connected to the assist actuator and the select position switching device. And an elastic displacement coupling mechanism that couples the coupling members while allowing a maximum amount of relative displacement between the coupling members, and an assist control unit that controls the assist actuator. This corresponds to the amount of elastic displacement due to the change in electrical characteristics according to its own elastic displacement. An elastic member capable of outputting a signal, and the assist control means includes an elastic displacement amount detecting means for detecting an elastic displacement amount based on the signal, and an assist actuator based on an operation state signal including at least the elastic displacement amount It is characterized by controlling.

In the present invention, while maintaining the mechanical connection between the select lever and the select position switching device, the select position switching device of the automatic transmission is switched by the control drive in accordance with the operation of the driver's select lever, so that at the time of failure Both securing the range switching operation and increasing the degree of layout freedom by downsizing the select lever can be achieved.
In addition, by maintaining the neutral state within the allowable range of relative displacement up to the limit amount and within the limit elastic range up to the limit amount, the selector lever can exert the force for operation on the automatic transmission side under normal operating conditions. It is possible to realize a good light operation feeling so as not to be required at all, and to prevent an uncomfortable feeling of operation due to the absence of play amount in the normal operation.
In addition, the detection accuracy of the state where there is no displacement can be improved by the elastic member, and the detection accuracy of the elastic displacement amount can be improved, so that more stable and better assist control can be realized.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1 will be described below.
1 is a side view showing the configuration of an automatic transmission according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing a selection unit, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an elastic coupling mechanism, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control block of the controller, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a detent structure of the automatic transmission.
7 is a flowchart for explaining the select position control process, FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing an operation reaction force generated in the select lever in the P → R range direction, and FIG. 9 is an operation of the select lever in the operation in the P → R range. It is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of an angle | corner, the operating angle of an actuator, and a relative position.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a target position deviation map used as table data, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the select lever and the operation of the actuator. 5 and 11, the pressure-sensitive rubber described later is simplified in a spring shape.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment mainly includes a selection unit 1, an assist actuator 2, a controller 3, a control cable 4, and an automatic transmission 5.

The select unit 1 includes a select lever 11, a select knob 12, a first rotating unit 13 (corresponding to a first connecting member), a worm wheel 16, a second rotating unit 17 (corresponding to a second connecting member), and a cable mounting lever 18. The fulcrum shaft 19 is constituted.
The select lever 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated from the driver's seat, and a select knob 12 is attached to the tip of the select lever 11 for a driver to hold when selecting.
Further, the base end of the select lever 11 is attached to the first rotating portion 13, and the first rotating portion 13 is provided so as to be rotatable about the fulcrum shaft 19, so that the select lever 11 is centered on the fulcrum shaft 19. Can be rotated.
The select lever 11 is set to 100 mm, which is 250 mm shorter than a conventional general select lever.

The fulcrum shaft 19 is rotatably provided with a second rotating part 17.
A worm wheel 16 is provided on one end side of the second rotating portion 17, and a cable attachment lever 18 is provided on the other end side.
The cable attachment lever 18 is attached to one end side of the control cable 4, and the other end side of the control cable 4 is attached to the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the first rotating unit 13 and the second rotating unit 17 that can rotate relative to the same rotating shaft (fulcrum shaft 19), the first rotating unit 13 has a circumferential direction. A play groove 131 having a predetermined length is provided.
On the other hand, the second rotating portion 17 is provided with a protrusion 171 so as to be positioned in the play groove 131.
Further, at both end portions of the play groove 131, a cylindrical portion 134 having an inner space opened toward the center is provided, and a slider 133 that moves in the play groove 131 when pushed by the protrusion 171 is provided. Yes.
On the end side of the slider 133 in the end side direction of the play groove 131, an end portion capable of compressing the internal space of the cylindrical portion 134 is provided like a cylinder / piston relationship.

The pressure-sensitive rubber 7 (corresponding to an elastic member) is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 134, and the slider 133, the cylindrical portion 134, and the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 are provided on both sides of the protrusion 171. .
Further, at the end portion of the play groove 131, a portion having a narrow groove width is provided. As shown in FIG. 3B, before the pressure sensitive rubber 7 reaches the elastic limit, one end of the protrusion 171 and the slider 133 is provided. Is in contact with a step having a narrow groove width, and its movement is restricted.
In this structure, when the protrusion 171 moves, only the pushed slider 133 moves, and either one of the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 receives a compressive load.

  The pressure-sensitive rubber 7 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of elastic displacement based on an electrical characteristic change corresponding to its own elastic displacement. For example, as shown in FIG. The voltage change of the resistance that is electrically connected and changes when it is elastically displaced is regarded as the amount of elastic displacement, and a signal corresponding to the amount of elastic displacement is sent from the controller 3 (assist control means) described later. Output to the detection unit 30.

  Thereby, the relative rotation of the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 is a range in which the protrusion 171 can move between the play grooves 131, and the relative displacement amount is a range generated in the pressure-sensitive rubber 7, and the first rotation An elastic coupling mechanism is configured by the idle groove 131 of the rotating portion 13, the protrusion 171 of the second rotating portion 17, and the pressure-sensitive rubber 7.

  In addition, the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 generates an operation reaction force and holds the selected selection position, thereby preventing an unintended range selection input due to, for example, vehicle vibrations without operation. Fulfill.

In the assist actuator 2, a worm gear is constituted by a worm 21 provided on an output shaft of an electric motor and a worm wheel 16 engaged with the worm 21, and the second rotating portion 17 can be driven to rotate.
Further, the fulcrum shaft 19 is provided with a position sensor 61 (see FIG. 5) that detects the stroke angle of the first rotating portion 13 with respect to the fixed member, that is, the operation angle of the select lever 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 3 (corresponding to assist control means) sets a command value of the assist actuator 2 based on an operation state signal described later, and performs PWM control on the output duty ratio of the electric motor.
In the selector 1, the change in the stroke of the select lever 11 that has been subjected to the range switching operation becomes a relative change in the first rotating part 13 and the second rotating part 17, and the relative displacement between the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171, that is, the pressure sensitive rubber. The amount of elastic displacement is 7.

The elastic displacement amount detection hand portion 30 (corresponding to the elastic displacement amount detection means) outputs a signal obtained from the pressure sensitive rubber 7 as an elastic displacement amount.
The target position deviation setting unit 31 (corresponding to the target elastic displacement amount setting means) outputs a target position deviation, that is, a target elastic displacement amount as a target value from the operation position of the select lever 11 by the position sensor 61.
The motor torque command value calculation unit 33 calculates and outputs a motor drive control command corresponding to the gain (for example, multiplying the gain) by the deviation between the target value and the elastic displacement amount.
The motor drive control unit 32 drives the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 based on the control command value.

Next, the select position switching device of the automatic transmission 5 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control arm 51 is provided with a rotating shaft 52, and a detent plate 53 is supported on the rotating shaft 52.
At the upper end of the detent plate 53, a detent pin 55 formed at the tip of the spring plate 54 is engaged with a trough 53b corresponding to five ranges (P, R, N, D, and L) between the cam peaks 53a. By holding the selected select position, an unintended input to the range select caused by vehicle vibration or the like is prevented.

  That is, the rotating shaft 52 is rotated by the operating force of the assist actuator 2 or the operating force of the select lever 11, and the detent plate 53 is moved relative to the detent pin 55 according to this rotation. At this time, the detent pin 55 gets over the cam crest 53 a and engages with the valley 53 b corresponding to the adjacent range, and the engaged state is held by the elastic force of the spring plate 54. This elastic force becomes the main load force when performing the selection operation.

Note that one end of a parking rod 56 is rotatably connected to the detent plate 53 so that the parking gear 58 is prevented from rotating via the cam-like plate 57 when the select lever 11 is moved to the P range. The drive wheels (not shown) are locked.
As a result, when the vehicle is parked on the slope road in the P range, a vehicle load is applied so as to lock the drive wheels in accordance with the slope, which acts as a force for biting the parking rod 57.

  In the first embodiment, a detent force (check force) is applied to the automatic transmission 5 and the selector 1 respectively.

  Next, the operation will be described.

[Automatic transmission select position control process]
The basic processing flow of the select position control process executed by the controller 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S1, a signal from the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 is input, and the displacement amount of the relative position is calculated. Read.

  In step S2, the deviation from the midpoint of the relative position is calculated from the read relative position.

  In step S3, a motor torque command value is set from the deviation from the midpoint of the relative position.

  In step S4, the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is driven according to the motor torque command value.

[Operation reaction force characteristics of automatic transmission]
FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing an operation reaction force generated on the output shaft of the assist actuator 2 in the P → R range direction and an operation reaction force generated on the select knob 12 in the connected state.
This operation reaction force characteristic is obtained by comparing the operation reaction force [N] on the output shaft and the operation reaction force [N] on the select lever 11 with the operation position (stroke angle) of the select lever 11.

When the operation force of the select lever 11 is transmitted to the automatic transmission 5, the operation reaction force in the select lever 11 is combined with the load force generated by the detent in the select unit 1 described above and the frictional force of the mechanism. It is a thing.
Therefore, when the range switching operation is performed during the range switching control, a manual operation exceeding this operation reaction force is required.

The operation reaction force on the output shaft of the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is a combination of the load force generated by the detent of the automatic transmission 5 described above and the frictional force of the control cable 4 and the inertia of the electric motor. .
Therefore, the range switching by the assist actuator 2 requires a driving force that is greater than the operation reaction force.
As shown in FIG. 9, the operation reaction force generated when the select lever 11 is operated in the P → R range direction is initially opposite to the drive direction of the assist actuator 2 (D → N range direction) between the ranges. ), Changes direction after the peak, occurs in the same direction as the operation direction (P → R range direction), and converges to zero near the range switching position (stop position).
This characteristic is caused by a load force generated when the detent pin 55 gets over the cam mountain 53a.
That is, until the detent pin 55 gets over the cam crest 53a, a resistance force is generated by a biasing force of a spring (not shown) that urges the spring plate 54. After the detent pin 55 gets over the cam crest 53a, the detent pin 55 This is because it falls into the groove of the next cam crest 53a and a pulling force (inertial force) is generated.

[Target value for the selection lever operating reaction force generation]
FIG. 10 is a target position deviation map used as table data by the target position deviation setting unit 31. This target position deviation is similar to the detent force characteristic, and is set to be 0 at each of the P, R, N, D, and L range positions.

[Automatic transmission range switching control and select lever reaction force generation]
In the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, as an example of the state before the operation, the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 are in a non-connected state, and the protrusion 171 is relative to the idle groove 131. The position is the midpoint position, that is, no elastic displacement is generated in any of the operation directions (see FIG. 11A).

In this state, for example, when the select lever 11 is started to be operated, the relative position of the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171 is changed to generate an elastic displacement amount of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7. Is output as the amount of elastic displacement.
However, since it is within the position range in the unconnected state, the control cable 4 does not move (see FIG. 11B).
On the other hand, a target position deviation corresponding to the operation position, that is, a target value is set by the target position deviation setting unit 31 according to the operation position of the select lever 11.
Next, the motor torque command value calculation unit 33 sets a motor drive control command value corresponding to the gain (for example, multiplying the gain) by the deviation between the target value and the elastic displacement amount, and the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is driven. The

  That is, the controller 3 of the first embodiment controls the assist actuator 2 using the elastic displacement amount of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 and the target value as an operation state signal, so that the difference between the target position deviation and the actual position deviation can be reduced. The response of the actuator 2 and the response of switching the range are improved.

  The drive output of the assist actuator 2 is transmitted to the worm wheel 16 by the worm 21, the second rotating portion 17 rotates, and the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 is driven via the control cable 4 to select the automatic transmission. The position is switched.

In addition, when the control cable 4 advances and retreats by the rotation of the second rotating portion 17, the relative position of the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171 returns to the vicinity of the midpoint, and no elastic displacement is generated (FIG. 11 ( c)).
That is, by controlling the motor torque command value calculation unit 33, the relative position displacement is held near the midpoint of the relative position, so that the movement by the operation of the select lever 11 as shown in FIGS. Accordingly, the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission is driven to switch the select position.
This movement is as if the select lever 11 and the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 are connected by the control cable 4.
As an example, FIG. 8 shows a change state of the relative position when moving from the P range to the R range.
When the angle input to the select lever 11 is an operation angle and the angle of the control arm 51 is an operation angle, the relationship between the operation angle and the operation angle is as shown in FIG.
That is, at the beginning of the control, the operating angle follows the operating angle with a delay, and the operating angle precedes the operating angle in the second half of the control by the suction force to the next range by detent.

Therefore, the operation reaction force generated by the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 and transmitted to the select lever 11 is transmitted in accordance with the amount of elastic displacement caused by the operation angle preceding the operation angle in the first half of the operation. In the second half, the force generated by the operation angle preceding the operation angle is transmitted. In other words, when the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 is operated by the control of the assist actuator 2 that follows the operation of the select lever 11, the second rotating portion 17 is moved to the operating position via the control cable 4. The first rotating portion 13 and the select lever 11 stably move to a predetermined range stop position corresponding to the operation position by urging the pressure sensitive rubber 7 on both sides of the protrusion 171 to the midpoint position. It is.
That is, the detent force of the automatic transmission 5 is indirectly transmitted to the select lever 11 via the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 to generate an operational feeling.
Therefore, the operation feeling of the select lever 11 is similar to the detent force of the automatic transmission, and an operation reaction force smaller than that of the automatic transmission 5 side can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to obtain a good moderation feeling (switching feeling) with a light operation.

[Improved operation feeling]
In the first embodiment, when the normal control is performed as described above, the relative positions of the play groove 131 of the first rotating portion 13 and the protrusion 171 of the second rotating portion 17 are maintained at the middle point.
Since the elastic displacement amount of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 is not generated, the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 are connected as a mechanical transmission system during the operation, and the shock is applied to the select lever 11. The feeling of operation is not reduced due to the transmission.

Thereby, the operation feeling in Example 1 is produced | generated with the pressure-sensitive rubber 7. FIG. Therefore, by setting the pressure-sensitive rubber 7, a light operation feeling of the select lever 11 which is smaller than the conventional one can be made very good.
Further, even when the connection as the mechanical transmission system between the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 occurs, in that case, the pressure sensitive rubber 7 corresponding to the large elastic displacement amount at that time The shock is mitigated because the biasing force works. Alleviating this shock improves the operational feeling.

[Improves the feeling of operation when starting on a steep slope and reduces the size and weight]
When performing a select operation from the P range to the D range in an attempt to start a steep slope, the force for pulling out the parking rod increases and the operation force increases. In the select assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, when the load is large as described above, the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 becomes the elastic limit, and the protrusion 171 contacts the step portion of the play groove 131, that is, the elasticity. The operating force input to the driver's select lever 11 in a state where there is no movable amount capable of elastic displacement in the coupling mechanism is transmitted to the second rotating portion 17 and the control cable 4, and to this, the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 Since the parking rod 56 is pulled out by adding the assist force, the operation feeling is light, and the system can reduce the rating of the electric motor, thereby reducing the size and weight of the system.

[Improving operation feeling and reducing costs in sudden shift operations]
In the selection assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, when a sudden selection operation is performed, the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 becomes the elastic limit, and the protrusion 171 contacts the step portion of the play groove 131, that is, the elastic connection. The operating force input to the driver's select lever 11 in a state where there is no movable amount capable of elastic deformation in the mechanism is transmitted to the second rotating portion 17 and the control cable 4, and to this, the assist of the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 The power is added. As a result, the operation feeling is light, and the system requires less responsiveness to the electric motor, thereby reducing the rated size of the motor.

[Mechanical connection of select lever and control arm of automatic transmission]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the select lever 11 is operated beyond the position range of the elastically connected state at the time of failure, the movable amount of the elastic displacement is lost in the operation direction, and the control cable 4 is in the connected state. The control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 can be manually operated by the operation force via

Next, the effect will be described.
In the automatic transmission select assist device of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The select lever 11 has a protrusion amount about 150 mm shorter than the conventional select lever, and the select lever 11 and the control arm 51 are connected via the control cable 4 with a movable amount that is elastically displaced. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the vehicle interior layout is greater than that of the conventional product, and the select lever 11 can be set at any location in the vehicle interior such as an instrument panel.

  Further, since the select lever 11 and the control arm 51 are mechanically connected by the control cable 4 with a movable amount that is elastically displaced, the driver can manually select even when the assist actuator 2 or the controller 3 fails. The position can be switched.

In addition, an elastic coupling mechanism is provided by engagement of the idle groove 131 of the first rotating part 13, the protrusion 171 of the second rotating part 17, and the pressure-sensitive rubber 7, and the neutral state is maintained within the limit elastic range. In this case, it is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity caused by the change from the elastic connection state to the connection state. In addition, even if the elastic connection state is changed to the connection state, the uncomfortable feeling due to the elasticity can be suppressed.
Further, in the first embodiment, since the normal state is changed to the elastic connection state, the operation is performed with a light force in accordance with the downsizing of the select lever 11 without receiving the subsequent frictional resistance received in the connection state. An operational feeling can be generated with the pressure-sensitive rubber 7.
Further, in the first embodiment, since it has a movable amount within the limit elastic range of the elastically connected state, it is possible to simplify adjustments that are synchronized with each other when the select lever 11 side and the automatic transmission 5 side are assembled, Assembly to the vehicle can be improved.

  Further, when starting on a steep slope where the load of the select operation system is excessive or when performing a rapid select operation, the assist force of the motor is added to the operation force of the driver, and the operation can be lightened. In addition, since the operating force can be transmitted, the system can be downsized in the motor rating and the response to the motor can be eased.

Further, advantageous effects on the shift-by-wire system in the selection assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment will be described in comparison.
In the above-described functions and effects, (A) In normal operation, the range is switched by the operating force of the actuator with almost no manual operating force transmitted to the automatic transmission. (B) At the time of failure, the range is switched by a manual operation force without using the actuator operating force. (C) When an excessive load occurs, the range is switched by adding the manual operation force and the actuator operation force (assist state).
In particular, (B) and (C) are advantageous effects for the shift-by-wire system.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the states (A) and (C) are also variable. That is, in the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, the ratio between the driver's operating force and the assist force by the assist actuator can be changed according to the traveling state.
For example, when shifting from the R range to the P range when the traveling speed is high, by weakening the assist force of the motor, the driver's operation force is increased (heavier operation) due to erroneous finger touch selection. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from stopping suddenly. As described above, in addition to the improvement of the operation feeling, it is possible to prevent erroneous selection and to suppress those connected to it by making the operation heavy.

Furthermore, compared to a shift-by-wire system, the shift-by-wire system has better control system response and positioning accuracy against disturbances such as the zero point movement of the potentiometer (position sensor) over time, fluctuations in power supply voltage, and circuit input voltage drift. Easy to deteriorate.
In the select assist device of the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, even if there is some fluctuation in the control system, the driver can operate by absorbing the fluctuation through the mechanical link, and thus the system has excellent robust stability.
Furthermore, when the shift-by-wire system goes down, it is necessary to search for an emergency lever and perform an operation different from the normal operation, which puts a heavy burden on the panicked driver. In the select assist device of the automatic transmission of the first embodiment, even if the operation force is heavy, the operation can be continued with normality with the same select operation as usual.

  Further, advantageous effects of the pressure sensitive rubber 7 on other sensors such as a position sensor will be described in comparison.

When the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 is replaced with two position sensors, it is necessary to detect an angle from at least the P range to the L range. It is necessary to make it sufficiently small with respect to the moving range of the transmission member from the range to the L range.
Therefore, the amount of displacement detected from the difference between the two position sensors is very small compared to the detection range of the sensor, and as a result, it is possible to ensure target control performance due to variations in sensor linearity, temperature drift, etc. It is difficult to achieve the required displacement detection accuracy.

  On the other hand, since the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 does not change in voltage unless it is elastically displaced, if the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 equal to the length of the backlash when the select lever 11 is set to a predetermined range is used, the control is performed. Therefore, the automatic transmission 5 and the select lever 11 which are targets at the time of normal operation (non-operation) can always be in the same position, and the reaction force can be reduced to zero.

  The pressure-sensitive rubber 7 has lower linearity with respect to the position than the potentiometer, but has high detection accuracy when there is no displacement, and the operation reaction force is reliably eliminated when the driver completes the range switching operation and releases his / her hand. be able to.

  In the conventional invention, when the detection of the state without the displacement amount is not correctly performed, the detent pin 55 is controlled to be displaced from the valley portion 53a of the detent plate 53 even if the select lever is moved to a predetermined range. In this embodiment, however, the pressure sensitive rubber 7 is elastically displaced and an operation reaction force is obtained at this time, so that when the hand is released, the select lever moves and the detent pin 55 is detented. Engage with the desired trough 53a of the plate 53 securely.

As described above, in the invention of the first embodiment, the select lever 11 and the select position switching device of the automatic transmission 5 are connected by the select operation force transmission system, and the driver is connected to the select operation force transmission system. In the select assist device of the automatic transmission 5 provided with the assist actuator 2 that assists the select operation force by the first operation portion, the select operation transmission system includes the first connecting portion 13 connected to the select lever 11, the assist actuator 2, and the select position. A second connecting portion 17 connected to the switching device, an elastic displacement connecting mechanism that connects both connecting members while allowing the relative displacement of both connecting portions 13 and 17, and a controller 3 that controls the assist actuator 2. The elastic displacement coupling mechanism has its elasticity due to a change in electrical characteristics in accordance with its own elastic displacement. A pressure-sensitive rubber 7 that can output a signal corresponding to the displacement amount is provided, and the controller 3 includes an elastic displacement amount detection unit 30 that detects an elastic displacement amount based on the signal, and includes at least the elastic displacement amount. Since the assist actuator 2 is controlled based on the signal, the selection position switching device of the automatic transmission 5 is switched according to the operation of the driver's selection lever 11 while maintaining the mechanical connection between the selection lever 11 and the selection position switching device. By performing the control drive, it is possible to achieve both a range switching operation at the time of a failure and an increase in the degree of freedom of layout by downsizing the select lever 11.
Further, by maintaining the neutral state within the allowable range of relative displacement up to the limit amount and within the limit elastic range up to the limit amount, the force for the operation on the automatic transmission 5 side can be selected in the normal operation state. 11 is not required at all, and a good and light operation feeling can be realized, and an uncomfortable feeling of operation due to the loss of play amount in the normal operation can be prevented.
In addition, the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 can improve the detection accuracy when there is no displacement, improve the detection accuracy of the elastic displacement amount, and realize more stable and better assist control.

Example 2 will be described below.
In the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the second embodiment, the pressure-sensitive rubber described in the first embodiment is divided and arranged in parallel, and the assist control means includes at least an elastic displacement of the plurality of elastic members. Except for controlling the assist actuator based on the driving state signal including the quantity, the same components as those in the first embodiment are described. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and only the differences are detailed. Describe.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an elastic coupling mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control block of a controller according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating calculation of an elastic displacement amount by an elastic displacement amount detection unit. It is a figure to do.

  As shown in FIG. 12, pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 a to 7 d (corresponding to elastic members) are provided in parallel in the play groove 131 of the select unit 1 of the second embodiment, and these pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 a to 7 d are provided in parallel. When elastically displaced, signals corresponding to the elastic displacement amounts of the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d are output to the elastic displacement amount detection unit 30 (see FIG. 13).

  Further, the elastic displacement amount detection unit 30 searches for a group in which the value (elastic displacement amount) of the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d includes a value within a predetermined range that is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. A value considering only the signal is output to the motor torque command value calculation unit 33 as an elastic displacement amount.

  Specifically, for example, when the signals (elastic displacement amounts) from the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d are signals 1 to 4, the predetermined range is W1, and the predetermined number is 3, as shown in FIG. The detection unit 30 searches in order within the predetermined range W1 and ends the search when the signals 2 to 4 that are present in the predetermined range W1 are detected. The average value of the signals 2 to 4, for example, is elastically detected. The displacement amount is output to the motor torque command value calculation unit 33, and the signal 1 is excluded from the elastic displacement amount.

  Therefore, the detection error of the elastic displacement amount due to the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d can be corrected, and among the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d, those whose elastic displacement amount is significantly different from those of other pressure sensitive rubbers from the target of the elastic displacement amount. The reliability of detection can be further improved.

  Therefore, in the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the second embodiment, the pressure sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d are divided and arranged in parallel, and the controller 3 at least elastically displaces the pressure sensitive rubbers 7a to 7d. Since the assist actuator 2 is controlled based on the operation state signal including the amount, the elastic displacement amount of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 can be detected with high accuracy.

  In addition, the controller 3 searches for a group in which the number of elastic displacement amounts of the plurality of elastic members within a predetermined range is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and an operation state signal including at least the elastic displacement amount of the group. Since the assist actuator 2 is controlled on the basis of the above, those having a greatly different elastic displacement compared to the others can be excluded from the target of the elastic displacement, and the detection accuracy of the elastic displacement can be improved.

In addition, the effects listed below can be obtained.
By arranging the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 in parallel, the operation reaction force of the select lever can be generated, and the elastic coefficient characteristic as an elastic body can be changed.

  The amount of movement of the protrusion 171 with respect to the idle groove 131 is eliminated, and the elastic characteristic for mitigating shock when the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 are mechanically coupled can be optimized. The characteristics are basically optimized depending on the shape, size, and properties of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7, but the detection sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 can be optimized.

  That is, it is possible to improve the reliability by obtaining a good detection output, optimizing operation reaction force generation and shock mitigation, and detecting the pressure sensitive rubber 7 in a multiplex system. This is possible due to the characteristic change due to the parallel arrangement of 7.

Example 3 will be described below.
In the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the third embodiment, the pressure-sensitive rubber described in the second embodiment is divided and arranged in series, and the assist control means includes at least an elastic displacement of the plurality of elastic members. Since the second embodiment is the same as the second embodiment except that the assist actuator is controlled based on the operation state signal including the quantity, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and only the differences are detailed. Describe.
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining an elastic coupling mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 e to 7 h (corresponding to elastic members) are provided in series inside the play groove 131 of the select unit 1 of the second embodiment, and these pressure-sensitive rubbers 7 e to 7 h When elastically displaced, signals corresponding to the elastic displacement amounts of the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h are output to the elastic displacement amount detection unit 30.

  Further, as in the second embodiment, the elastic displacement amount detection unit 30 has a predetermined number or more of signals (elastic displacement amounts) from the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h whose values are included in a predetermined range. A group is searched, and a value taking into account the elastic displacement amount of the group is output to the motor torque command value calculation unit 33 as an elastic displacement amount.

  Accordingly, the detection error of the elastic displacement amount can be corrected by the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h, and the pressure-sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h, which have greatly different elastic displacement amounts compared to the other, are subject to the elastic displacement amount. The reliability of detection can be further improved.

  Therefore, in the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the third embodiment, the pressure sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h are divided and arranged in parallel, and the controller 3 has at least an elastic displacement of the pressure sensitive rubbers 7e to 7h. Since the assist actuator 2 is controlled based on the operation state signal including the amount, the elastic displacement amount of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 can be detected with high accuracy.

  In addition, the controller 3 searches for a group in which the number of elastic displacement amounts of the plurality of elastic members within a predetermined range is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and an operation state signal including at least the elastic displacement amount of the group. Since the assist actuator 2 is controlled on the basis of the above, those having a greatly different elastic displacement compared to the others can be excluded from the target of the elastic displacement, and the detection accuracy of the elastic displacement can be improved.

In addition, the effects listed below can be obtained.
By arranging the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 in series, an operation reaction force of the select lever can be generated, and an elastic coefficient characteristic as an elastic body can be changed.

  The amount of movement of the protrusion 171 with respect to the idle groove 131 is eliminated, and the elastic characteristic for mitigating shock when the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 are mechanically coupled can be optimized. The characteristics are basically optimized depending on the shape, size, and properties of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7, but the detection sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive rubber 7 can be optimized.

  That is, it is possible to improve the reliability by obtaining a good detection output, optimizing operation reaction force generation and shock mitigation, and detecting the pressure sensitive rubber 7 in a multiplex system. This is possible by changing the characteristics due to the serial arrangement of 7.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention.
For example, the shape, number of formation, material, etc. of the pressure sensitive rubber can be set as appropriate.

It is a side view which shows the structure of the automatic transmission of Example 1 of this invention. It is a principal part perspective view which shows a selection part. It is a figure explaining an elastic connection mechanism. It is a circuit diagram of a pressure sensitive rubber. It is a figure which shows the control block of a controller. It is a perspective view which shows the detent structure of an automatic transmission. It is a flowchart figure explaining a selection position control process. It is a characteristic view which shows the operation reaction force which generate | occur | produces in a select lever in a P-> R range direction. It is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of the operating angle of a select lever, the operating angle of an actuator, and a relative position in operation to P-> R range. It is explanatory drawing which shows the target position deviation map used as table data. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation of a select lever, and operation | movement of an actuator. It is a figure explaining the elastic connection mechanism of Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control block of the controller of the present Example 2. It is a figure explaining the calculation of the elastic displacement amount by an elastic displacement amount detection part. It is a figure explaining the elastic connection mechanism of Example 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Select part 2 Assist actuator 3 Controller 4 Control cable 5 Automatic transmission 61 Position sensor 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h Pressure-sensitive rubber 11 Select lever 12 Select knob 13 1st rotation part ( First connecting member)
131 Play groove 133 Slider 134 Cylindrical portion 16 Worm wheel 17 Second rotating portion (second connecting member)
171 Protrusion 18 Cable mounting lever 19 Support shaft 21 Worm 30 Elastic displacement detection hand part 31 Target position deviation setting part 32 Motor drive control part 33 Motor torque command value calculation part 51 Control arm 52 Rotating shaft 53 Detent plate 53a Cam crest 53b Valley Portion 54 Spring plate 55 Detent pin 56 Parking rod 57 Cam-shaped plate 58 Parking gear

Claims (4)

The select lever and the automatic transmission select position switching device are connected by a select operation force transmission system, and the select operation force transmission system is provided with an assist actuator for assisting the select operation force by the driver. In the device
A first connecting member connected to the select lever;
A second connecting member connected to the assist actuator and the select position switching device;
An elastic displacement coupling mechanism that couples both coupling members while allowing a maximum amount of relative displacement between the coupling members;
An assist control means for controlling the assist actuator,
The elastic displacement coupling mechanism includes an elastic member capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the amount of elastic displacement by an electrical characteristic change corresponding to its own elastic displacement,
The assist control means includes elastic displacement amount detection means for detecting an elastic displacement amount based on the signal,
A select assist device for an automatic transmission that controls an assist actuator based on an operation state signal including at least the elastic displacement amount. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 1,
The elastic member is arranged in parallel or divided in series,
The assist control device according to claim 1, wherein the assist control means controls the assist actuator based on an operation state signal including at least an elastic displacement amount of the plurality of elastic members. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to claim 2,
The assist control means searches for a group in which the number of elastic displacements of the plurality of elastic members whose value is included in a predetermined range is a predetermined number or more,
A select assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the assist actuator is controlled based on an operation state signal including at least the elastic displacement amount of the group. In the automatic transmission select assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The assist control means includes target elastic displacement amount setting means for setting a target value of the elastic displacement amount from the operation position of the select lever.
A selection assist device for an automatic transmission, wherein the assist actuator is controlled based on an operation state signal including the target value and an elastic displacement amount of the elastic member.

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