JP2006194399A - Vehicle transmission input device and vehicle speed change method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for changing over the speed change mode of a vehicle in accordance with the intent of a driver while securing the operability of a steering wheel, the means being used for setting others than speed change function. <P>SOLUTION: When a control mode (the speed change mode) is an automatic speed change mode and when one of four switches is operated (S201), a manual mode is set. When upper and lower switches on either the right or left side of the four switches are depressed at the same time (S202), the automatic speed change mode is reset from the manual mode. When the control mode is the automatic speed change mode and when the upper and lower switches on either the right or left side are depressed at the same time (S203), a controlled object change mode is set or the automatic speed change mode remains set, depending on whether the vehicle is being parked or not. Besides, when the control mode is the controlled object change mode and when the four switches are all depressed at the same time (S204), the automatic speed change mode is reset. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle transmission input device and a vehicle transmission method.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles have appeared that can use both a manual mode for shifting manually by a driver and an automatic shifting mode for automatically shifting according to a driving state as a shifting mode for driving the vehicle. Among them, various methods for switching between the manual mode and the automatic transmission mode are presented.
For example, in the example of Patent Document 1, the driver shifts the shift mode from the manual mode to the automatic shift mode by switching the lever of the range selection device on the side of the driver's seat from the manual range to the drive range. Further, in the example of Patent Document 2, when it is recognized that it is meaningful to shift to the automatic transmission mode based on the running state of the vehicle and the characteristics of the driver when the transmission mode is the manual mode, The shift mode is shifted from the manual mode to the automatic shift mode without any user operation.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-17911 (paragraph 0020, FIGS. 3 and 8) JP-A-11-141663 (paragraphs 0053 to 0084, FIGS. 6 to 8)

  However, in the example of Patent Document 1, when the lever of the range selection device is switched, the operation of the steering wheel becomes one hand, and during that time, the steering wheel cannot be changed, so that the operability is poor. . Further, in the example of Patent Document 2, since the shift mode may automatically shift from the manual mode to the automatic shift mode, the control may be out of the driver's intention.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide means for switching a shift mode of a vehicle based on a driver's intention while ensuring operability of a steering wheel. It is another object of the present invention to enable setting other than the speed change function using the means.

  The present invention that solves the above-described problems includes a manual mode that shifts by a driver's operation and an automatic shift mode that shifts according to the driving state as a shift mode when driving the vehicle, and the shift mode is the manual mode. In a vehicle transmission input device in which a pair of an upshift switch and a downshift switch are provided on the right side of the steering wheel and a pair on the left side, respectively, When the shift switch is operated within a predetermined time, the shift mode is switched from the manual mode to the automatic shift mode, or the automatic shift mode is switched to the manual mode.

  Further, the present invention is an input device for a transmission of a vehicle, and when any one of a right shift shift switch and a left shift shift switch is operated when the shift mode is an automatic shift mode. In addition, when the upshift switch is operated, the gear ratio is shifted up by one step, and when the downshift switch is operated, the gear ratio is shifted down by one step and then the shift mode is changed to the manual mode. It is characterized by switching.

  Furthermore, the present invention is an input device for a transmission of a vehicle, and when a right shift mode or a left shift switch is operated within a predetermined time when the shift mode is an automatic shift mode. The shifting operation is prohibited, and the setting operation for the control device other than the transmission provided in the vehicle is enabled. The present invention includes a speed change method in an input device for transmission of a vehicle provided with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the shift mode of a vehicle can be switched based on a driver | operator's intention, ensuring the operativity of a steering wheel. Further, settings other than the speed change function can be performed.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

≪Configuration and outline of input device and its surroundings≫
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an input device for a transmission of a vehicle and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 1 includes lateral spokes 1a and 1b and vertical spokes 1c. The transmission input device 10 includes four switches, a right upshift switch 2, a right downshift switch 3, a left upshift switch 4, and a left downshift switch 5, which are installed at predetermined positions on the steering wheel 1. Composed. That is, a pair of switches 2 to 5 on the right side and a pair of left side switches 2 to 5 are installed. The predetermined position is, for example, a position where the driver can push the steering wheel 1 with both hands (a position close to the ends of the lateral spokes 1a and 1b). An ECU 6 is connected to each of the four switches 2 to 5. Further, a transmission 7 and various control devices 8 are connected to the ECU 6.

  Each of the four switches 2 to 5 transmits to the ECU 6 a signal indicating that the switches 2 to 5 are input, triggered by being pressed by the driver. For example, the right upshift switch 2 and the left upshift switch 4 are pressed when acceleration is performed when the control mode (shift mode) is the manual mode. Further, when the control mode is the control target change mode, these switches are pressed when the cursor indicating the item to be selected is moved upward. Next, the right downshift switch 3 and the left downshift switch 5 are pressed when decelerating or the like when the control mode is the manual mode. In addition, when the control mode is the control object change mode, these switches are pressed when the cursor indicating the item to be selected is moved downward. Details of how to use the switches 2 to 5 including other usages will be described later.

  The ECU 6 inputs signals from the four switches 2 to 5, performs control mode switching control according to the input state, and gives predetermined instructions to the transmission 7 and various control devices 8. . The transmission 7 performs a shift in the manual mode and the automatic shift mode in response to an instruction from the ECU 6. The various control devices 8 are a generic term for devices other than the transmission 7, and upon receiving an instruction from the ECU 6, settings other than the transmission function, such as EPS (Electronic Power Steering) gain and VSA (Vehicle) Stability Assist, vehicle behavior stabilization control system) Sets gain and other response characteristics. Actually, it is assumed that a normal AT (Automatic Transmission) lever (not shown) operated by the driver is provided.

≪Control mode transition≫
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing transition of the control mode of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. Control modes include a manual mode, an automatic transmission mode, and a controlled object change mode. The manual mode is a mode in which shifting is performed manually by the driver. The automatic transmission mode is a mode that automatically changes gears according to the running state. The control target change mode is a mode in which the control target is set to a function other than the speed change function of the vehicle, and is an extended function of setting a control mode (speed change mode) by the switches 2 to 5.

  Immediately after starting the engine of the vehicle, the control mode is set to the automatic transmission mode as an initial state. Therefore, the transition of the control mode by the pressing operation of the switches 2 to 5 will be described using the automatic transmission mode as a starting point. First, when any one of the four switches 2 to 5 is operated (step S201), the control mode shifts from the automatic transmission mode to the manual mode. When one of the left and right upper switches among the four switches 2 to 5 is pressed simultaneously (step S202), that is, the right upshift switch 2 and the right downshift switch 3, or the left upshift switch 4 When the left downshift switch 5 is pressed simultaneously, the manual mode returns to the automatic transmission mode.

  Subsequently, when the control mode is the automatic transmission mode, when one of the left and right upper switches among the four switches 2 to 5 is pressed simultaneously (step S203), whether or not the vehicle is stopped. Depending on whether or not, it shifts to the control object change mode or remains in the automatic transmission mode. Furthermore, when the control mode is the control object change mode, when all four switches 2 to 5 are pressed simultaneously (step S204), the mode returns to the automatic transmission mode.

  As described above, the operation methods of the switches 2 to 5 are different depending on the control mode switching pattern (combination of the switching source and the switching destination). In particular, when switching from the manual mode to the automatic transmission mode, the control mode can be switched even when the driver is holding the steering wheel 1 during a turn because it can be operated with either the left or right hand. it can. In addition, when switching from the controlled object change mode to the automatic transmission mode, it is necessary to operate with both hands, and the driver switches the control mode with a clear consciousness, which is meaningful for stable running.

  In the case where the control mode is the automatic transmission mode, the manual mode may be shifted when the left and right upper / lower switches of the four switches 2 to 5 are simultaneously pressed. At this time, the switching operation from the automatic transmission mode to the control target change mode is changed to a different operation from the operation in step S203 (for example, all the switches are simultaneously pressed).

≪Transition of control target change mode screen≫
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing transition of the selection menu of the control target change mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. This shows an example of a method for performing settings other than the speed change function when the control mode is the control target change mode. When the control mode is switched from the automatic transmission mode to the control object change mode (see step S203 in FIG. 2), a road state selection menu (hereinafter referred to as “screen”) is displayed on the instrument panel, the car navigation system, or the screen on the windshield. Control target) is displayed. When one of the left and right switches among the four switches 2 to 5 is pressed at the same time, the selection menu displayed on the screen sequentially changes as indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. When the upper and lower right switches (right upshift switch 2 and right downshift switch 3) are pressed at the same time, the selection menu is as follows: road condition → travel condition → EPS gain → VSA gain → travel condition → Transition to. When the left upper and lower switches (left upshift switch 4 and left downshift switch 5) are pressed simultaneously, the selection menu changes in the reverse order.

  When a selection menu is displayed on the screen, when any one of the four switches 2 to 5 is pressed, the switch is moved up and down as shown by the broken arrows in FIG. In response, the cursor indicated by a thick frame in FIG. 3 sequentially moves upward or downward. As a result, the current item to be selected is specified. Then, when one of the upper and lower switches on the opposite side to the switch used for the vertical movement of the cursor (change of the selection target) is pressed, the item to be selected is determined and the corresponding control is performed.

  The selection menu of the traveling road state includes items such as a highway, a winding road, a suburban road, an urban area, a wet road, a bad road, and an ice / snow road, and the state of the road on which the driver is currently driving is selected. As a result, control corresponding to the selected road condition is performed. For example, when the winding path is selected, control is performed so that the transition from the low speed rotation to the high speed rotation can be performed immediately. When an urban area is selected, traveling control with good fuel efficiency is performed.

  The travel state selection menu includes items such as SAFE3, SAFE2, SAFE1, standard, FUN1, FUN2, and FUN3, and the driver selects a desired travel state. Thus, control is performed so that the selected running state is obtained. For example, when SAFE1 to SAFE3 are selected, the vehicle is controlled so as to run with a sense of stability and a high-class feeling by a gentle response characteristic (such as softening the suspension) compared to the standard. SAFE 3 is the most stable running. Further, when FUN 1 to 3 are selected, the vehicle is controlled to run with a sporty feeling by agile response characteristics (such as making the suspension stiffer) compared to the standard. And FUN3 will be the run with the most sporting feeling.

  The EPS gain selection menu includes items such as +, 0, and −, and is used to adjust the assist amount by the electric motor in the electric power steering. When + is selected, the assist amount is one step larger than the current value, and when-is selected, the assist amount is one step smaller than the current value. When 0 is selected, the assist amount is not changed.

  The VSA gain selection menu includes items such as +, 0, and −, and is used to adjust the stabilization level for suppressing changes in vehicle behavior by the vehicle behavior stabilization control system. The behavior change here refers to wheel locking at the time of braking, slipping of driving wheels, side slipping of the vehicle, and the like. When + is selected, the stabilization level is one step higher than the current value, and when-is selected, the stabilization level is one step lower than the current value. If 0 is selected, the stabilization level is not changed.

  In FIG. 3, the travel path state, the travel state, the EPS gain, and the VSA gain are shown as the selection menu in the control target change mode. However, a selection menu for performing other settings may be added. For example, an inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle during active cruise (automatic driving) may be set. Further, although the selection menu is shown to be shown to the driver by displaying the screen, the current selection menu and selection items may be notified to the driver by voice.

≪ECU processing≫
Next, the operation of the ECU for realizing the operation shown in FIG. 2, the display shown in FIG. 3, and the control corresponding thereto will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the ECU in the automatic transmission mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the ECU 6 checks whether or not there are input signals from the four switches 2 to 5 (step S401). Specifically, it waits to receive a signal from at least one of the four switches 2 to 5 (the same applies hereinafter). That is, if there is no switch signal input (No in step S401), the input check is repeated. If there is an input of a switch signal (Yes in step S401), first, it is checked whether any one of the left and right upper and lower switches is pressed simultaneously (step S402). Here, when the operation signal from the right switches 2 and 3 or the operation signal from the left switches 4 and 5 is input within a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), the ECU 6 is either left or right. It is determined that the upper and lower switches are simultaneously pressed (the same applies hereinafter). When the upper and lower switches are pressed simultaneously (Yes in step S402, corresponding to step S203 in FIG. 2), it is checked whether or not the vehicle is stopped (step S403). Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not a vehicle speed pulse from a wheel speed sensor (not shown) has come. If the vehicle is stopped (Yes in step S403), the control mode is switched to the control object change mode, and the process shown in FIG. 6 is performed. If the vehicle is not stopped (No in step S403), it again waits for input of signals from the four switches 2 to 5 (step S401).

  In the check in step S402, when the upper and lower switches are not pressed simultaneously (No in step S402, corresponding to step S201 in FIG. 2), that is, when any one switch is pressed, the switches are A shift is performed according to whether the speed is lower or lower (step S404). For example, in the case of AT (Automatic Transmission), any gear ratio is set even in the automatic gear shift mode. If the switch is on, the gear ratio is set to be shifted up by one step. The If the switch is down, it is set to shift down by one step from the gear ratio at that time. This applies not only to the stepped transmission but also to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is a continuously variable transmission. Then, the control mode is switched to the manual mode, and the process shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the ECU in the manual mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the ECU 6 checks whether or not there are input signals from the four switches 2 to 5 (step S501). If there is no switch signal input (No in step S501), the input check is repeated. If a switch signal is input (Yes in step S501), it is checked whether either the left or right upper / lower switch is pressed simultaneously (step S502). When the upper and lower switches are pressed simultaneously (Yes in step S502, corresponding to step S202 in FIG. 2), the control mode is switched to the automatic transmission mode, and the process shown in FIG. 4 is performed. When the upper and lower switches are not pressed at the same time (No in step S502), that is, when any one of the switches is pressed, the speed is changed according to whether the switch is up or down. This is performed (step S503). Then, it again waits for input of signals from the four switches 2 to 5 (step S501).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the ECU in the controlled object change mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the ECU 6 checks whether or not there are input signals from the four switches 2 to 5 (step S601). If there is no switch signal input (No in step S601), the input check is repeated. If a switch signal is input (Yes in step S601), it is checked whether at least one of the left and right upper and lower switches is simultaneously pressed (step S602). When the upper and lower switches are pressed simultaneously (Yes in step S602), it is checked whether all the switches 2 to 5 are pressed simultaneously (step S603). When all the switches 2 to 5 are not pressed at the same time (No in step S603), that is, when either one of the left and right upper and lower switches is simultaneously pressed, the control target is changed (step S604). Specifically, the display of the selection menu shown in FIG. 3 is changed. Then, input of signals from the four switches 2 to 5 is again waited (step S601). When all the switches 2 to 5 are pressed simultaneously (Yes in step S603, corresponding to step S204 in FIG. 2), the control mode is switched to the automatic transmission mode and the process shown in FIG. 4 is performed.

  In the check in step S602, the ECU 6 changes the selection target when the upper and lower switches are not simultaneously pressed (No in step S602), that is, when any one switch is pressed (step S605). Specifically, the cursor of the selection menu displayed at that time shown in FIG. 3 is moved by one according to up and down of the switch. Then, after the switch signal input (Yes in step S601), it is checked whether or not a signal is input from the switch on the opposite side (step S606). When the switch signal on the opposite side is input (Yes in step S606), the item on which the cursor is positioned at that time is determined as a selection target (step S607), and instructions corresponding to the item are assigned to the various control devices 8. To issue. Then, input of signals from the four switches 2 to 5 is again waited (step S601).

  When the switch signal on the opposite side is not input in the check in step S606 (No in step S606), the ECU 6 checks whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch signal input (Yes in step S601) (step S608). ). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S608), the opposite side switch signal input is checked again (step S606). If the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S608), it is determined that the selection target has not been determined, and the input of signals from the four switches 2 to 5 is again waited (step S601).

  The operation shown in FIG. 2, the display shown in FIG. 3, and the control corresponding thereto can be realized by the processing of the ECU 6 and the transition of the control mode in each control mode described above. According to this, the driver can operate without removing his / her hand from the steering wheel 1 and without necessarily requiring visual observation, so that the speed change function can be reliably set while performing stable running. Also, other functions (such as adjustment of EPS gain and VPS gain) can be set using the same transmission input device 10.

<< Other embodiments >>
As mentioned above, although an example was shown about suitable embodiment about this invention, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it can change suitably. For example, the following embodiments can be considered.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, when switching from the automatic transmission mode to the control object change mode, it has been described to check whether or not the vehicle is stopped, but this is indispensable for carrying out the present invention. It is not a requirement and it is not necessary to check when the vehicle is stopped. In the above-described embodiment, the automatic transmission mode and the control target change mode are described so as to make a distinction. However, the automatic transmission mode may be added as one of selection menus for displaying transitions in the control target change mode. Good. According to these, settings other than the speed change function can be performed while continuing driving and driving by automatic speed change, which is effective for quickly responding to, for example, sudden changes in weather or road conditions during driving. It is.
(2) Although the transmission input device for a vehicle has been described in the above embodiment, a similar transmission input device may be applied to a ship or the like.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the switches 2 to 5 are provided on the front surface of the steering wheel 1, but the switches 2 to 5 may be provided on the back surface of the steering wheel 1. According to this, the driver can operate the switches 2 to 5 using the index finger or the middle finger. Furthermore, this makes it possible to select the installation position of the switches 2 to 5 (the front surface or the back surface of the steering wheel 1) according to the driver's preference or feeling.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the input device for transmissions of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its periphery. It is a figure which shows the transition of the control mode of the vehicle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the transition of the selection menu of the control object change mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of ECU in the automatic transmission mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of ECU in the manual mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of ECU in the control object change mode which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Steering wheel 2 Right upshift switch 3 Right downshift switch 4 Left upshift switch 5 Left downshift switch 6 ECU
7 Transmission 8 Various control devices 10 Transmission input device

Claims (5)

As a shift mode when driving a vehicle, a manual mode for shifting by a driver's operation and an automatic shift mode for shifting according to the driving state are provided, and for the operation of shifting when the shift mode is the manual mode, In a vehicle transmission input device in which a pair of an upshift switch and a downshift switch is provided as a pair on the right side of the steering wheel and a pair on the left side,
When the right or left upshift switch and downshift switch are operated within a predetermined time, the shift mode is switched from the manual mode to the automatic shift mode, or the automatic shift mode is switched to the manual mode. An input device for a transmission of a vehicle. When the shift mode is the automatic shift mode, when one of the right and left upshift switches and the downshift switch is operated, and when the upshift switch is operated, The speed change mode is switched to a manual mode after the gear ratio is shifted down by one step when the ratio is shifted up by one step and the downshift switch is operated. An input device for a transmission of a vehicle. When the shift mode is an automatic shift mode, the shift operation is prohibited when the right or left upshift switch and the downshift switch are operated within a predetermined time, and provided in the vehicle. The input device for a transmission of a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a setting operation for a control device other than the transmission is possible. As a shift mode when driving a vehicle, a manual mode for shifting by a driver's operation and an automatic shift mode for shifting according to the driving state are provided, and for the operation of shifting when the shift mode is the manual mode, A pair of an upshift switch and a downshift switch is provided on the right side of the steering wheel and a pair on the left side, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that performs predetermined control in response to an input of an operation signal of each switch is provided. In a speed change method in an input device for a transmission of a vehicle,
When the ECU inputs an upshift switch operation signal and a downshift switch operation signal within a predetermined time from the right or left switch pair, the ECU shifts from the manual mode of the shift mode to the automatic shift mode. A method of shifting a vehicle, characterized by switching or switching from an automatic shift mode to a manual mode. The ECU, when the shift mode is an automatic shift mode, when an operation signal of an upshift switch and an operation signal of a downshift switch are input within a predetermined time from the pair of the right or left switches, The vehicle speed change method according to claim 4, wherein the speed change operation is prohibited, and a setting operation for a control device other than a transmission provided in the vehicle is enabled.

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