JP2006200722A - Selection assist device of automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a selection assist device of an automatic transmission capable of providing a selective lever operation force characteristic corresponding to a request, by expanding the flexibility of a layout by miniaturization of a selective lever, while enabling range switching operation in fail by the mechanical connection of the selective lever and a selection position-switching device. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 3 is arranged for controlling driving of an assist actuator 2, and a position sensor 6 is arranged for detecting a relative displacement quantity. The controller 3 has a first driving command value arithmetic operation part 31 for arithmetically operating a driving command value so that relative displacement approaches 0. A relative displacement abnormality detecting part 33 is arranged for determining abnormality of the position sensor 6 from the relative displacement quantity on the basis of a realizable range for allowing the relative displacement. A second driving command value arithmetic operation part 32 is arranged for switching the driving command value to a value of a driving stopping state when determined as abnormal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention belongs 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. The driver's operating force input to the select lever is transmitted to the manual valve via the operating force transmitting means, and the select 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 select 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-mentioned problem, and the object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the select lever while enabling the range switching operation at the time of failure by mechanically connecting 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 in layout and can obtain select lever operation characteristics according to requirements.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention, a select lever and a select position switching device for the automatic transmission are connected by a select operation force transmission system, and the select operation force transmission system In the select assist device of the automatic transmission provided with an assist actuator for assisting the select operation force by the driver, the select operation force transmission system is connected to a first connecting member connected to a select lever and the select position switching device. A second connecting member that is connected, and a relative displacement allowable connecting mechanism that connects the two connecting members while allowing relative displacement up to a limit amount, and the assist actuator is set as the second connecting member. Assist control means for controlling the drive of the assist actuator is provided to detect the amount of relative displacement Relative displacement amount detection means, and the assist control means includes drive command value calculation means for calculating a drive command value so that the relative displacement approaches 0, and based on a feasible range in which relative displacement is allowed, An abnormality determination unit that determines an abnormality of the relative displacement amount detection unit from a relative displacement amount is provided, and a switching unit that switches a drive command value to a drive stop state value when an abnormality is determined is provided. .

  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 according to 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.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment for realizing a select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention will be described based on examples.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic transmission device 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 check mechanism unit 14, a worm wheel 16, and a second rotating unit 17 (corresponding to a second connecting member). ), A cable mounting lever 18 and a fulcrum shaft 19.
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. The select lever 11 is attached to the first rotating unit 13, and the first rotating unit 13 is rotated about a fulcrum shaft 19. As a result, the select lever 11 can be rotated. The select lever 11 is set to 100 mm, which is 250 mm shorter than a conventional general select lever.

Further, the fulcrum shaft 19 is provided with a second rotating portion 17 so as to be rotatable. The second rotating part 17 is coaxial with the first rotating part 13 but has a structure capable of relative rotation.
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 opposite side of the worm wheel. The end of the control cable 4 is attached to the cable attachment lever 18, and the opposite end is attached to the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5.
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 play having a predetermined length in the circumferential direction. A groove 131 is provided. The second rotating portion 17 is provided with a protrusion 171 so as to be positioned in the play groove 131. As a result, the relative rotation between the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 is within a range in which the protrusion 171 can move between the play grooves 131. (The idle groove 131 of the first rotating portion 13 and the protrusion 171 of the second rotating portion 17 constitute an idle connecting mechanism which is a relative displacement allowable connecting mechanism.)

  The assist actuator 2 is an electric motor. A worm 21 is provided on the output shaft of the assist actuator 2 so as to be engaged with the worm wheel 16 to form a worm gear. The assist actuator 2 is configured to rotationally drive the second rotating portion 17. . Further, a position sensor 6 (relative displacement) for detecting a stroke angle of the second rotating unit 17 with respect to the first rotating unit 13 or a stroke angle of the first rotating unit 13 with respect to the second rotating unit 17 is provided at the fulcrum shaft 19. Corresponding to a quantity detecting means).

  Furthermore, a check mechanism portion 14 is provided on the opposite side of the first rotating portion 13 to the select lever 11. The check mechanism portion 14 includes a pin 141 that protrudes from the first rotating portion 13 to the outer peripheral side, and a groove portion 142 that engages with the pin 141. Although not shown in detail, the pin 141 has a structure in which the tip is biased by a spring in the protruding direction from the inside. The tip of the pin 141 is engaged with the groove 142. The groove part 142 is wave-shaped so as to form a valley part 142a corresponding to five ranges (P, R, N, D, and L). ). The check mechanism unit 14 holds the selected select position, and prevents an unintended range select input due to, for example, vibration of the vehicle without any operation.

The controller 3 (corresponding to the assist control means) sets a command value for the assist actuator 2 based on the detected relative position, and performs PWM control on the output duty ratio of the electric motor.
FIG. 3 shows a control block diagram of the controller 3.
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 rotational change in the first rotating part 13 and the second rotating part 17, and a change in the relative displacement amount between the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171. . This change in relative rotation is detected by the position sensor 6 and output to the controller 3.

The first drive command value calculation unit 31 calculates the drive command value so that the relative displacement amount becomes small, that is, approaches 0. A PID control calculation is given as an example of this control calculation.
If the signal from the relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33 indicates that the drive is permitted, the second drive command value calculation unit 32 uses the drive command value from the first drive command value calculation unit 31 as it is as the second drive command value. The output of the calculation unit 32 is used. On the other hand, when the signal from the relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33 indicates that driving is prohibited, a driving command value corresponding to driving stop is output.

The relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33 includes a relative displacement state detection unit 331, a timer 332, a storage unit 333, and a comparator 334, and the detected relative displacement amount is within an allowable range of relative displacement formed by the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171. If it is within the allowable range, a signal indicating drive permission is output, and if it is outside the allowable range, a signal indicating drive prohibition is output.
The relative displacement state detection unit 331 determines whether or not the detected relative displacement amount is within an allowable range of relative displacement formed by the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171.
The timer 332 counts up the elapsed time when the relative displacement state detection unit 331 determines that it is out of the allowable range, and clears the elapsed time when determined as within the allowable range.
If the relative displacement state detection unit 331 determines that the value is within the allowable range, the count is cleared.

The memory | storage part 333 memorize | stores the predetermined period which is a threshold value used for determination of elapsed time.
This predetermined period is obtained from the drive command value application time until switching to the next range position when the maximum drive command value is given. Since the drive command value increases in proportion to the relative displacement amount, the drive command value becomes maximum when the relative displacement amount exceeds the allowable play range.
The comparator 334 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted up by the timer 332 exceeds a predetermined period. If the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined period, the comparator 334 maintains the drive permission state and sets the elapsed time to the predetermined period. If it exceeds, the drive is switched to the prohibited state before switching to the next range.
The motor drive control unit 34 drives the assist actuator 2 according to the drive command value.

Next, the detent structure of the automatic transmission 5 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a detent structure of the automatic transmission 5.
The control arm 51 is provided with a rotation shaft 52, and a detent plate 53 is supported on the rotation shaft 52. At the upper end of the detent plate 53, a valley portion 53b corresponding to five ranges (P, R, N, D, and L) is formed between the cam peaks 53a. Then, the detent pin 55 formed at the tip of the spring plate 54 is engaged with the valley portion 53b, and the selected selection position is held, thereby preventing an unintended range selection due to vehicle vibration or the like. Yes.

  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. The parking rod 56 prevents rotation of the parking gear 58 via the cam-like plate 57 and locks driving wheels (not shown) when the select lever 11 is moved to the P range. 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 according to the slope, and acts as a force for biting the parking rod 56.
In the first embodiment, the detent force (check force) works in the automatic transmission 5 and the selection unit.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Automatic transmission select position control process]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic process flow of the select position control process executed by the controller 3.

  In step S1, the relative position displacement amount signal from the position sensor 6 is input, and the displacement amount of the relative position is 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. 6 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 operating force of the select lever 11 is transmitted to the automatic transmission 5, the operating reaction force of 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 what. 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 obtained by combining the friction force of the control cable 4 and the inertia of the electric motor with the load force generated by the detent of the automatic transmission 5 described above. . 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. 6, the operation reaction force generated when the select lever 11 is operated in the P → R range direction is the same as the operation direction of the select lever 11 or the driving direction of the assist actuator 2 between the ranges. It occurs in the reverse direction (D → N range direction), 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) Become. This characteristic is caused by a load force generated when the detent pin 55 or the pin 141 gets over the cam mountain 53a or the cam mountain of the groove 142. That is, until the detent pin 55 or the pin 141 gets over the cam crest 53a or the cam crest of the groove 142, a resistance force is generated by a biasing force of a spring (not shown) that biases the spring plate 54 or the pin 141. This is because the detent pin 55 or the pin 141 falls into the groove or the groove 53b of the next cam mountain 53a and the pulling force (inertial force) is generated after the pin 141 gets over the cam mountain 53a or the cam mountain of the groove 142. .

[Automatic transmission range switching control]
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 has a relative position in the idle groove 131. Is in the middle position, that is, in a state having a margin with respect to either operation direction (see FIG. 8A).

  From this state, for example, when the select lever 11 is started to operate, the relative displacement amount of the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171 changes. However, since it is within the position range in the unconnected state, the control cable 4 does not move. This change in the relative displacement is detected by the position sensor 6, and the motor drive control command value corresponding to the relative position deviation is set by the first drive command value calculation unit 31, and the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is driven. Is done. 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.
That is, by controlling the first drive command value calculation unit 31, the relative position displacement amount is held near the midpoint of the relative position, thereby operating the select lever 11 as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c). The control arm 51 of the automatic transmission is driven following the movement 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. 7 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.

[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. Therefore, the first rotating portion 13 and the second rotating portion 17 are connected as a mechanical transmission system in the middle of the operation, and the shock is not transmitted to the select lever 11 and the operation feeling is not lowered.

  Thereby, the operation feeling in the first embodiment is generated only by the check mechanism unit 14 of the selection unit 1. Therefore, it is possible to make the light operation feeling of the select lever 11 very good with respect to the shape, size, spring strength, etc. of the cam crests in the groove 142 and the pin 141, which is smaller than the conventional one.

[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 for the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, when the load is large as described above, the protrusion 171 comes into contact with the end of the play groove 131, that is, there is no play amount in the play mechanism. The operating force input to the select lever 11 is transmitted to the second rotating portion 17 and the control cable 4, and the assisting force of the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is added to this to pull out the parking rod 56. Is a light operation, and as a system, the rating of the electric motor can be reduced and the system can be reduced in size and weight.

[Improving operation feeling and reducing costs in sudden shift operations]
In the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, when a sudden selection operation is performed, the protrusion 171 comes into contact with the end of the play groove 131, that is, there is no play amount in the play mechanism. The operating force input to the select lever 11 is transmitted to the second rotating portion 17 and the control cable 4, and the assist force of the electric motor of the assist actuator 2 is added thereto. 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]
Further, in the first embodiment, during a failure, if the select lever 11 is operated beyond the position range of the non-connected state, the movable amount, that is, the play amount disappears in the operation direction, and the control cable 4 enters the connected state. The control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 can be operated by the operating force via

[Position sensor abnormality]
In the select assist device for the automatic transmission according to the first embodiment, control is performed so that the relative displacement detected by the position sensor 6 approaches 0. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the position sensor 6, the range switching intended by the driver is performed. May not be possible.
In contrast, in the first embodiment, a relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33 that determines whether or not the detected relative displacement amount is abnormal, and a second drive command value calculation unit 32 that prohibits driving of the assist actuator 2 in the event of an abnormality are provided. ing.

[Abnormality judgment processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the relative displacement amount abnormality determination process executed by the controller 3, and each step will be described below.

  In step S11, a relative displacement amount (relative angle) is detected.

  In step S12, the first drive command value calculation unit 31 calculates a drive command value using the relative displacement amount as an input deviation. When the first drive command value calculation unit 31 performs PID control calculation, the duty ratio in PWM drive is calculated.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the detected relative displacement amount is within an allowable range (backlash), and if it is within the range, the process proceeds to step S14, and if it is outside the range, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S14, the count of the timer 332 is cleared.

  In step S15, the timer 332 counts up the elapsed time.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time of the timer 332 has reached a predetermined period or longer. If it has reached the predetermined period or longer, the process proceeds to step S17, and if not, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S17, the drive command value is set to a value (0) corresponding to drive inhibition.

  In step S <b> 18, the drive command value from the first drive command value calculation unit 31 is used as the output of the second drive command value calculation unit 32. When the first drive command value calculation unit 31 performs PID control, the calculated PWM drive duty ratio is used as the drive command value.

[Abnormality detection]
(a) When an abnormality occurs in the position sensor 6 When an abnormality occurs in the position sensor 6 and it is detected that the value of the relative displacement amount is larger than the allowable play amount, this is an obvious abnormality. In this case, the flow of steps S13 → S15 is followed, the timer is counted, and the driving of the assist actuator 2 is prohibited after a predetermined period or longer. In this case, the operation is heavy as described above, but the selection operation is possible.

  Even when the abnormality of the position sensor 6 occurs during the selection operation from the range position to the range position, the predetermined range is set to the next range when the maximum drive command value is given. Since it is obtained from the drive command value application time until switching, drive prohibition processing is performed before switching to the next range position is completed. This prevents an abnormal relative displacement from causing unintended range switching.

(b) When there is a momentary abnormality due to noise, etc. When there is a temporary abnormality due to a momentary noise, the elapsed time is initially counted up in the processing from step S13 to S15. However, when the relative displacement amount returns to a normal value, the count is cleared in the process of steps S13 → S14 during the elapsed time counting, and the driving of the assist actuator 2 is permitted.

  As described above, when noise is generated, if the noise has an influence that causes temporal overrun or the like, the driving of the assist actuator 2 is stopped and the noise returns to normal immediately. In this case, the assist actuator 2 is allowed to be driven. This makes the system resistant to noise and capable of performing sufficient processing.

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 11 has a projection amount of about 150 mm less than the conventional select lever, and the select lever 11 and the control arm 51 are connected via the control cable 4 with a play amount. 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 play amount, the driver manually switches the select position even when the assist actuator 2 or the controller 3 fails. be able to.

In addition, the engagement of the idle groove 131 of the first rotating portion 13 and the protrusion 171 of the second rotating portion 17 provides a non-connected state and a connected state, and maintains a neutral state within the set play amount. At this time, it is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity due to the transition from the unconnected state to the connected state.
Further, in the first embodiment, since the normal state is set to the non-connected state, it is preferable to operate with a light force in accordance with the downsizing of the select lever 11 without receiving the subsequent frictional resistance received in the connected state. An operation feeling can be generated by the check mechanism unit 14 of the selection unit 1.
Further, in the first embodiment, since there is a play amount in a non-connected state, adjustments that are synchronized with each other when the select lever 11 side and the automatic transmission 5 side are assembled can be simplified, and can be assembled to a 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 operation and effects, (A) In normal operation, the range is switched by the operating force of the actuator without transmitting the manual operating force to the automatic transmission. (B) At the time of failure, the range is switched by manual operation force without using the actuator operation force. (C) When an excessive load occurs, the range is switched by adding the manual operating force and the actuator operating 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 operation force of the driver 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 thereto 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, in the first embodiment, a controller 3 that controls driving of the assist actuator 2 is provided, and a position sensor 6 that detects a relative displacement amount is provided. The controller 3 calculates a drive command value so that the relative displacement approaches 0. When the drive command value calculation unit 31 is provided, and a relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33 that determines an abnormality of the position sensor 6 from the relative displacement amount is provided based on a feasible range in which the relative displacement is allowed. Since the second drive command value calculation unit 32 for switching the drive command value to the value in the drive stop state is provided, abnormality can be detected reliably.

  (2) In (1), the abnormality determination means (relative displacement abnormality detection unit 33) detects a relative displacement state that detects a state in which the detected value of the relative displacement exceeds a realizable range in which the relative displacement is allowed. Means (relative displacement state detection unit 331), measuring means (timer 332) for measuring the duration of the state exceeding the realizable range, and when the duration exceeds a predetermined period (predetermined period of the storage unit 333) Is provided with an abnormality determination means (comparator 334) for determining that there is an abnormality, and for a predetermined period, when the maximum drive command value is given to the assist actuator, the maximum value of the drive command value application time during which the range position does not change Therefore, when the position sensor 6 is abnormal, it is possible to prevent unintended range switching, and when there is an influence of noise, it is possible to switch between driving stop and driving permission depending on the degree of the influence. Can be made into a noise-resistant system.

The select assist device for an automatic transmission according to the second embodiment is an example in which two position sensors for measuring a relative displacement amount are provided and an abnormality is determined based on a difference between the two position sensors.
In the second embodiment, position sensors 63 and 64 that detect the relative displacement amounts of the first rotating unit 13 and the second rotating unit 17 are provided, and the respective detection results are input to the controller 3.
FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the controller according to the second embodiment.
The relative displacement average value calculator 35 calculates an average value of the detection values of the two position sensors 63 and 64.

The relative displacement abnormality detection unit 36 includes a relative displacement difference calculation unit 361, a storage unit 362, a comparator 363, a timer 364, a storage unit 365, and a comparator 366, and whether the difference between the detection values of the position sensors 63 and 64 is within a predetermined range. If it is within the predetermined range, the driving is permitted, and if it is out of the predetermined range, the driving is prohibited.
The relative displacement difference calculation unit 361 calculates the difference between the relative displacement amount by the position sensor 63 and the relative displacement amount by the position sensor 64.
The storage unit 362 stores a predetermined value that is a threshold value of the difference between the two allowed position sensors 63 and 64.

The comparator 363 compares the difference between the two position sensors 63 and 64 with a predetermined value. If the difference exceeds the predetermined value, the comparator 363 counts up the timer 364, and if the difference does not exceed the predetermined value, Clear the timer and keep the drive enabled state.
The timer 364 measures the elapsed time.
The storage unit 365 stores a predetermined period obtained from the drive command value application time until switching to the next range position when the maximum drive command value is given.
The comparator 366 compares the elapsed time measured by the timer 364 with a predetermined period. When the measured elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time, the comparator 366 maintains the drive permission state, and when the measured elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time. Is changed to a drive prohibited state.

The operation will be described.
[Abnormality judgment processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the relative displacement amount abnormality determination process executed by the controller 3. Each step will be described below.

  In step S21, the position sensor 63 detects the first relative displacement amount (relative angle) dx1.

  In step S22, the position sensor 64 detects the second relative displacement amount (relative angle) dx2.

  In step S23, the average value of the two relative displacement amounts is calculated from dx = (dx1 + dx2) / 2.

  In step S24, a duty ratio of PID control using dx as an input, that is, a drive command value is calculated.

  In step S25, the difference between the detection values of the two position sensors 63 and 64 is calculated from Δdx = | dx1-dx2 |.

  In step S26, it is determined whether or not Δdx ≧ threshold value (predetermined value) is established. If yes, the process proceeds to step S27, and if not, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S27, the elapsed time in the timer 364 is counted up.

  In step S28, the elapsed time count in the timer 364 is cleared.

  In step S29, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time measured by the timer 364 is equal to or longer than a predetermined period. If it is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S30, and if not, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S30, the drive command value is set to 0 corresponding to drive inhibition.

  In step S31, the duty ratio calculated in step S24 is output as a drive command value.

[Abnormality detection processing]
In the second embodiment, the accuracy is improved by providing two position sensors and using the average value for the calculation of the drive command value.
Even if an abnormality occurs in one position sensor, the average value with the other is used for the calculation of the drive command value, so that the influence of the abnormality of the position sensor on the drive command value is reduced.
When an abnormality occurs in one of the position sensors 63 and 64, the difference between the detected relative displacement amounts increases. This is detected by the relative displacement abnormality detection unit 36.
Since abnormality is determined by comparing actual mounted position sensors, abnormality determination is performed very accurately.

Further, in the case of a momentary abnormality due to noise or the like, it is unlikely that the two position sensors will be in exactly the same abnormality state, and therefore it is possible to deal with a momentary abnormality by continuing the difference between the detected values.
Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether an instantaneous abnormal value due to noise or the like is a correct position sensor output.

Explain the effect.
(3) The select lever (select lever 11) and the automatic transmission select position switching device (control arm 51) are connected by a select operating force transmission system (first rotating portion 13, second rotating portion 17, control cable 4). In the select assist device for an automatic transmission in which the select operation force transmission system is provided with an assist actuator (assist actuator 2) for assisting the select operation force by the driver, the select operation force transmission system is connected to the select lever. 1 connection member (1st rotation part 13), 2nd connection member (2nd rotation part 17) connected with the selection position switching apparatus, and the relative displacement which connects both connection members, allowing the relative displacement to a limit amount And a mechanism having an allowance mechanism (rotation and engagement of the play groove 131 and the protrusion 171), and the assist actuator is Assist control means (controller 3) for controlling the drive of the assist actuator set to the connecting member is provided, and first and second relative displacement amount detection means (position sensors 63 and 64) for detecting the relative displacement amount are provided. The assist control means includes drive command value calculation means (relative displacement average value calculation unit 35, first drive command value calculation unit 31) for calculating a drive command value so that the two relative displacements approach zero, and the two relative displacements. An abnormality determining means (relative displacement abnormality detecting unit 36) for determining an abnormality of the relative displacement amount detecting means based on the difference in amount is provided, and switching to switch the drive command value to the value of the drive stop state when it is determined to be abnormal. Since the means (second drive command value calculation unit 32) is provided, the abnormality can be detected more reliably.

  (4) In (3), the abnormality determination means includes means for calculating a difference between the detection values of the first and second relative displacement amount detection means (relative displacement difference calculation unit 361), and the difference between the detection values is a predetermined value. Means for detecting a state exceeding the predetermined value (comparator 363), means for measuring the duration of the state in which the difference between the detected values exceeds the predetermined value (timer 364), and abnormal if the continuous period exceeds the predetermined period And a means (comparator 366) for determining that there is a maximum value of the drive command value application time for preventing the range position from changing when the maximum drive command value is given to the assist actuator for a predetermined period. Therefore, when the position sensor 6 is abnormal, it is possible to prevent unintended range switching, and when there is an influence of noise, it is possible to switch between driving stop and driving permission depending on the degree of the influence. strength System

(Other embodiments)
The embodiment of the present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments. However, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the scope of the present invention is not deviated. Design changes and the like are included in the present invention.
The shape and size of the select lever 11 are arbitrary, and may be a switch shape that can be operated with a fingertip.
As an example of the position sensor, a potentiometer whose contact position between the brush and the substrate is variable will be described as an example.

  As a relative displacement amount detection means, a position sensor 61 (corresponding to an operation position detection means) 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, is provided at the fulcrum shaft 19. Further, a position sensor 62 for detecting the stroke angle of the second rotating portion 17 with respect to the fixed member, that is, the rotational position of the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 via the control cable 4 is provided at the fulcrum shaft 19 portion. (Corresponding to the operating position detecting means) may be provided. In this case, the relative displacement is obtained by calculating the deviation between the operation position detected by the position sensor 61 and the operation position detected by the position sensor 62.

In the first and second embodiments, the idle coupling mechanism is shown as an example of the relative displacement permissible coupling mechanism. However, even if other than the idle coupling mechanism, for example, both couplings are allowed while allowing an elastic displacement up to the limit elastic displacement amount. It may be an elastic coupling mechanism that couples with a member.
The elastic coupling mechanism will be described in detail. In the first embodiment, the midpoint from both ends of the play groove 131 to the protrusion 171 that engages with the play groove 131 of the first rotating portion 13 and is located in the play groove 131. The springs are provided on both sides so as to bias the protrusion 171 toward the position. The check mechanism unit 14 is not provided. Then, the spring is expanded and contracted by the protrusion 171 of the second rotating portion 17 that is positioned by rotating to the operating position via the control cable 4 by the detent force of the automatic transmission 5, and the first rotating portion 13, that is, the select lever is extended by the spring force. 11 position is determined. In the elastic coupling mechanism, an operation reaction force to the select lever 11 is generated by transmitting the detent on the automatic transmission side through the spring in this way. Similarly, the control is performed so that the midpoint position of the play groove, that is, the elastic displacement amount is set to 0, so that the operation of the automatic transmission 5 follows the operation of the select lever 11. This elastic coupling mechanism is also an example of a relative displacement allowable coupling mechanism.

  In the first and second embodiments, as an example of the play coupling mechanism, a groove, a protrusion, and an assist actuator that allow play amount are provided in the select unit. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the second rotating unit 17 and the assist actuator are provided. May be provided in the automatic transmission 5. Specifically, referring to FIG. 14, the control arm 51 of the automatic transmission 5 is connected to the second rotating portion 17, and the control arm 51 switches the range position by the rotation of the second rotating portion 17. To do. The second rotating portion 17 is provided with a worm wheel 16 to engage the worm 21 of the assist actuator 2. Therefore, the assist actuator 2 is provided on the automatic transmission 5 side. One end of the control cable 4 is attached to the protrusion 171 that moves in the play groove 131 of the first rotating portion 13 provided with the select lever 11, and the other end is attached to the second rotating portion 17. Such a configuration may be adopted.

Moreover, as an example of an idle connection mechanism, the example which provided the idle connection mechanism and the assist actuator in the middle of the control cable is shown in FIG. 15, FIG.
In this example, the idle coupling mechanism is formed by the connecting portion of the control cable 8a and the control cable 8b, and the relative displacement amount is detected by the position sensor 71. The control cable 8 b on the select lever 11 side is connected to the input lever 92 by the joint 91, and the control cable 8 e on the automatic transmission 5 side is connected to the output lever 95 by the joint 96. The input lever 92 and the output lever 95 are connected to an output shaft 94 that is the same rotation shaft. A worm wheel 93 is provided on the output shaft 94, and a worm 98 is provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 97 of the assist actuator to be engaged with the worm wheel 93. As described above, the play coupling mechanism and the assist actuator may be provided in the middle of the control cable, or the displacement amount may be directly detected at a portion where the relative position displacement amount is generated in the play coupling mechanism.

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 actuator. It is a control block diagram of a controller. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the detent of an automatic transmission. It is a flowchart which shows the basic flow of the process of range switching control performed with a control unit. 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 operation of a select lever, and operation | movement of an actuator. It is a control block diagram of a relative displacement abnormality detection part. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a relative displacement amount abnormality determination process executed by a controller 3. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a controller in Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a relative displacement abnormality detection unit in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a relative displacement amount abnormality determination process executed by a controller 3 according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the selection assistance apparatus of the automatic transmission of an Example. It is a figure which shows the other example of the selection assistance apparatus of the automatic transmission of an Example. It is a figure which shows the link part of the other example of the selection assistance apparatus of the automatic transmission of an Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Select part 11 Select lever 12 Select knob 13 1st rotation part 131 Play groove 14 Check mechanism part 141 Pin 142 Groove part 142a Valley part 16 Worm wheel 17 2nd rotation part 171 Protrusion 18 Cable mounting lever 19 Support axis 2 Assist actuator 21 Warm 3 Controller 31 First Drive Command Value Calculation Unit 32 Second Drive Command Value Calculation Unit 33 Relative Displacement Abnormality Detection Unit 331 Relative Displacement State Detection Unit 332 Timer 333 Predetermined Period 334 Comparator 34 Motor Drive Control Unit 35 Relative Displacement Average Value Calculation Unit 36 Relative displacement abnormality detector 361 Relative displacement difference calculator 362 Predetermined value 363 Comparator 364 Timer 365 Predetermined period 366 Comparator 4 Control cable 5 Automatic transmission 51 Control arm 52 Rotating shaft 53 Detent Rate 53a cam mountain 53b groove (valley)
54 Spring Plate 55 Detent Pin 56 Parking Rod 57 Cam Plate 58 Parking Gear 6 Position Sensor 61 Position Sensor 62 Position Sensor 8a Control Cable 8b Control Cable 8e Control Cable 91 Joint 92 Input Lever 93 Warm Wheel 94 Output Shaft 95 Output Lever 96 Joint 97 Electric motor 98 Worm

Claims (1)

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
The select operating force transmission system is connected to a first connecting member connected to a select lever, a second connecting member connected to the select position switching device, and the connecting members are connected to each other while allowing relative displacement up to a limit amount. A relative displacement permissible coupling mechanism, and the assist actuator is set as the second coupling member,
Provide assist control means for controlling the drive of the assist actuator,
A relative displacement amount detecting means for detecting the relative displacement amount is provided,
The assist control means includes drive command value calculation means for calculating a drive command value so that the relative displacement approaches 0,
Based on a feasible range in which relative displacement is allowed, an abnormality determination unit that determines an abnormality of the relative displacement amount detection unit from the relative displacement amount is provided,
Provided with a switching means for switching the drive command value to the value of the drive stop state when determined to be abnormal,
A select assist device for an automatic transmission.

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