JP2009168187A - Shift change-over device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shift change-over device capable of appropriately responding to a shift range change-over request by a driver. <P>SOLUTION: The shift change-over device is provided with a shift cover 33 forming an outer edge of an operation region so that as approaching from a neutral position to a straight line connecting an R position with a D position, the operation region of a shift lever 31 is expanded to the direction in parallel with the straight line and with a plurality of position sensors 36, 37, 38 provided corresponding to the neutral position, R position and D position, respectively and detecting the shift lever 31. When the shift lever 31 is detected by either one of the plurality of position sensors 36, 37, switching to a corresponding shift range is performed. In the case where time when the shift lever 31 is not detected by any of the plurality of position sensors 36, 37, 38 exceeds N determination time, switching to a neutral range is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift switching device, and more particularly to a shift switching device that switches a shift range by operating a shift lever.

  In recent years, a shift switching device mounted on a vehicle has adopted a shift-by-wire system that can electrically detect the operation position of the shift lever and switch the operating state of the transmission. In some cases, the shift range can be switched according to the operation of the shift lever by the driver.

  In such a shift switching device, a sensor is provided at a position corresponding to a drive range and a reverse range other than the neutral range, and a certain determination time elapses while the shift lever is detected by the sensor. Switching to each shift range corresponding to the shift position is performed. In addition, this shift switching device switches the shift range to the neutral range when a preset neutral determination time (hereinafter referred to as N determination time) has elapsed with no shift lever detected by any sensor. It has become.

  Conventionally, as such a shift switching device, a momentary type configured to automatically return the shift lever to the neutral position when not operated is used, and the N determination time can be varied depending on the shift position at which the shift lever is operated. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the one described in Patent Document 1, the operation path of the shift lever is T-shaped,
Each end of the T-shaped operation path is set to a neutral position, a reverse position, and a drive position, and the shift lever is operated along the operation path. Further, sensors are provided at positions corresponding to the neutral position, the reverse position, and the drive position, respectively, and the shift lever is detected at each position. When the shift lever is operated to a shift position corresponding to the drive range or the reverse range, the N determination time is lengthened. When the shift lever returns to the neutral position, the N determination time is shortened. Has been. This configuration prevents the shift lever from being switched to the neutral range while returning from the shift position to the neutral position. If the shift lever is operated from the neutral position and is held at a position other than the shift position, the neutral range is quickly reached. It is supposed to switch to.
JP-A-2005-7993

  However, in the conventional shift switching device described in Patent Document 1, if the N determination time when operating the shift lever from the neutral position to the shift position is set too short, the driver's during operation of the shift lever There is a possibility that the driving force may be lost due to switching to the neutral range against the intention. In order to prevent this, normally, the operation time of the driver's shift lever is secured and the N determination time is set to prevent unintentional switching to the neutral range. In the shift switching device, since the shift lever is operated along the T-shaped operation path, the operation distance of the shift lever becomes long and the operation takes time. For this reason, when the operation time of the shift lever is ensured and the N determination time is set, when the driver intentionally switches to the neutral range, the switching cannot be performed in a short time, and the time to switch to the neutral range Due to the delay, the driving force from the engine is transmitted to the wheels, and there is a problem that the driver's request cannot be appropriately responded.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a shift switching device that can appropriately respond to a driver's shift range switching request. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the shift switching device according to the present invention is (1) a shift lever that is selectively operated from a neutral position that is a base point of the operation to a plurality of shift positions, and an operation that can operate the shift lever. A guide means for forming an outer edge of the region; a plurality of detection means provided corresponding to a plurality of drive shift positions excluding a neutral position among the neutral position and the plurality of shift positions; and detecting the shift lever; When it is detected by any one of the plurality of detection means, it is switched to a shift range corresponding to the drive shift position and is not detected by any detection means among the plurality of detection means. Switching means for switching to the neutral range when the neutral determination time has elapsed, a plurality of from the neutral position Approaches the straight line connecting the moving shift position, the operation region of the shift lever is the guide means so as to spread in the linear direction parallel configured to form an outer edge of the operation area.

With this configuration, the outer edge of the operation region is formed by the guide means so that the operation region of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting the plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position. The shift lever can be operated from the neutral position to a plurality of drive shift positions with the shortest operating distance. Thereby, the operation time of the shift lever can be shortened, and the neutral determination time can be set so as to ensure the shortened operation time. Therefore, even if the shift lever is operated from the neutral position to a plurality of drive shift positions with the shortest operation distance, it is not switched to the neutral range against the driver's intention. By holding the shift lever at a position other than the neutral position and the drive shift position so as to switch to the neutral range, it is possible to switch to the neutral range in a shorter time compared to the conventional shift switching device. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately respond to the driver's shift range switching request.
In addition, since the outer edge of the operation area is formed so that the operation area of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position, the shift lever can be moved along a free operation path. It becomes possible to operate at each shift position, and operability can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the shift switching device according to the present invention is (2) a shift lever that is selectively operated from a neutral position as a base point of the operation to a plurality of shift positions, and an operation that can operate the shift lever. A plurality of first detections for detecting the shift lever, each of which is provided corresponding to a plurality of drive shift positions excluding a neutral position among the neutral position and the plurality of shift positions. And when detected by any one of the plurality of first detection means, a second detection means for detecting the shift lever in the operation region excluding the drive shift position and the neutral position. In addition, the shift range corresponding to the drive shift position is switched, and the time after the detection by the second detection means is determined as neutral. Switching means for switching to a neutral range when the time elapses, the guide so that the operation region of the shift lever expands in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position. The means is configured to form an outer edge of the operating area.

With this configuration, the outer edge of the operation region is formed by the guide means so that the operation region of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting the plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position. The shift lever can be operated from the neutral position to a plurality of drive shift positions with the shortest operating distance. Thereby, the operation time of the shift lever can be shortened, and the neutral determination time can be set so as to ensure the shortened operation time. Therefore, even if the shift lever is operated from the neutral position to a plurality of drive shift positions with the shortest operation distance, it is not switched to the neutral range against the driver's intention. By holding the shift lever at a position other than the neutral position and the drive shift position so as to switch to the neutral range, it is possible to switch to the neutral range in a shorter time compared to the conventional shift switching device. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately respond to the driver's shift range switching request.
In addition, since the outer edge of the operation area is formed so that the operation area of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position, the shift lever can be moved along a free operation path. It becomes possible to operate at each shift position, and operability can be improved.

  Further, in the shift switching device according to (1) or (2) above, (3) the plurality of drive shift positions include a reverse position and a drive position, and the operation region includes the neutral position, An area surrounded by a triangle having the reverse position and the drive position as a vertex is included.

  With this configuration, for example, the operation area is a triangle with the neutral position, reverse position, and drive position at the apex, so the shift lever can be operated along the outer edge of the operation area to reverse from the neutral position with the shortest operation distance. Can be operated to position and drive position.

  Further, in the shift switching device according to any one of the above (1) to (3), (4) an operation time from the neutral position to any one of the plurality of drive shift positions. Operation time calculation means for calculating is further provided, and the neutral determination time is updated based on the operation time calculated by the operation time calculation means.

  With this configuration, the neutral determination time can be updated based on the operation time of the driver. For example, as the driver gets used to the operation of the shift lever and the operation of the shift lever becomes faster, the neutral judgment time is updated to be shorter, and when the driver intentionally switches to the neutral range, the neutral range is shortened in a shorter time. You can switch to

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately respond to a driver's shift range switching request.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of a shift switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the configuration will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, a shift switching device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an engine ECU (hereinafter referred to as ENG-ECU) 2, an electronically controlled transmission ECU (hereinafter referred to as ECT-ECU) 3, and a shift-by-wire. ECU (hereinafter referred to as SBW-ECU) 4. The ENG-ECU 2 is connected to the engine 5, the ECT-ECU 3 is connected to the hydraulic control device 7 that controls the transmission 6, and the SBW-ECU 4 is connected to the switching drive device 8.

  Each of the ENG-ECU 2, the ECT-ECU 3 and the SBW-ECU 4 is an electric circuit mainly composed of a microcomputer centering on a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and temporarily stores data in addition to the CPU. RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing processing programs, an input / output interface circuit including an A / D converter and a timer, and an in-vehicle LAN line 9 or a serial communication line (not shown) Are electrically connected to each other.

  The ENG-ECU 2 controls the engine 5 as a whole. The engine 5 includes a throttle valve, an injector, and a spark plug (not shown). Then, the ENG-ECU 2 determines the amount of intake air sent into the cylinder via the throttle valve and the amount of fuel injected into the cylinder by the injector according to the traveling state of the vehicle, and the ignition plug at an appropriate timing. Is driven to generate power in the engine 5.

  The ECT-ECU 3 controls the transmission 6 via the hydraulic control device 7 based on the control signal output from the ENG-ECU 2. The transmission 6 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 5 and is switched to a gear ratio, that is, a gear position according to the traveling state of the vehicle. In addition, a frictional engagement element such as a clutch or a brake for selecting a transmission ratio is provided inside the transmission 6, and the transmission ratio is controlled based on engagement / release of the frictional engagement element. Thus, the rotational speed and torque transmitted from the engine 5 are changed. In addition, it is switched to the neutral state in which the driving force from the engine 5 is not transmitted to the wheels by the engagement / release of the friction engagement element.

  The hydraulic control device 7 switches a shift range by a solenoid valve 11 that switches engagement / release by hydraulic control with respect to the friction engagement element of the transmission 6 and a line hydraulic pressure that is a source pressure for driving and hydraulic control of the friction engagement element. And a shift valve 12 for the purpose. The solenoid valve 11 is electrically connected to the ECT-ECU 3, and is controlled so that the engagement / release of the friction engagement element is switched based on a control signal output from the ECT-ECU 3, so that the transmission 6 shifts. It is supposed to be. Note that the control signal output from the ENG-ECU 2 in this embodiment includes the rotational speed of the output shaft of the engine 5.

  The SBW-ECU 4 is connected to a shift lever device 15 that selects a shift range, and switches the shift range by controlling the switching drive device 8 based on a selection signal output from the shift lever device 15. . The SBW-ECU 4 is connected to a shift display device 16 that displays a shift range, and switches the display of the shift display device 16 according to the switched shift range.

  The shift lever device 15 includes a shift lever 31 and a parking button 32, and a reverse range, a neutral range, and a drive range can be selected by operating the shift lever 31, and a parking range can be selected by pressing the parking button 32. ing. The shift lever device 15 outputs a selection signal corresponding to the shift range selected by operating the shift lever 31 to the SBW-ECU 4.

  Further, the SBW-ECU 4 controls the switching drive device 8 to switch the shift range when the shift lever 31 is held at a shift position corresponding to the shift range for a certain time. The ROM of the SBW-ECU 4 stores a determination time corresponding to each shift range for determining the current position of the shift lever 31, and compares the output time of the selection signal measured by the timer with the determination time to shift the shift lever. The current position of 31 is determined, and the switching drive device 8 is controlled. The detailed configuration of the shift lever device 15 will be described later.

  The switching drive device 8 has a detent lever 18 for setting the shift valve 12 to a predetermined range, and an SBW motor 19 for driving the detent lever 18.

  The detent lever 18 is a substantially fan-shaped plate-like member, and four concave portions 21 are formed on the arc-shaped peripheral surface, and the shift valve 12 is connected to the plate surface. The detent lever 18 is rotated by driving of the SBW motor 19, and the shift valve 12 is slid by the rotation of the detent lever 18, and the hydraulic control device 7 corresponds to each shift range. The hydraulic pressure is adjusted, and the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the friction engagement element corresponding to the gear position.

  A leaf spring 23 provided with a roller 22 at the tip is cantilevered and provided at a fixed portion (not shown) so that the roller 22 is forcibly engaged with any one of the recesses 21 by the urging force of the leaf spring 23. It has become. The four recesses 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d correspond to the parking range, the reverse range, the neutral range, and the drive range, respectively. When the roller 22 is completely engaged with any one of the recesses 21, the recess 21 The shift valve 12 is controlled so as to take a shift range corresponding to.

  Since the recess 21c corresponding to the neutral range is located between the recess 21b corresponding to the reverse range and the recess 21d corresponding to the drive range, the reverse range is switched to the drive range or the drive range is reversed. When switching to the range, it is always switched after switching to the neutral range.

  The detent lever 18 is connected to a parking lock mechanism 25. When the roller 22 engages with a recess 21a corresponding to the parking range, a parking pawl (not shown) engages with a parking gear (not shown). The output shaft 6 is mechanically locked so as not to rotate.

  As described above, the SBW-ECU 4 drives the SBW motor 19 based on the selection signal input from the shift lever device 15 to rotate the detent lever 18 to control the shift valve 12 and to control the desired shift range. Can be switched to.

  The shift display device 16 includes a P range lamp indicating that the shift range is a parking range, an R range lamp indicating that the shift range is a reverse range, and an N range lamp indicating that the shift range is a neutral range. And a D range lamp indicating that the shift range is the drive range. Then, when the shift range is switched by the switching drive device 8, the shift display device 16 lights a range lamp corresponding to the switched shift range so that the driver can recognize the current shift range.

Here, a detailed configuration of the shift lever device 15 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the shift lever device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shift lever device 15 is a momentary type, and includes a base member (not shown) installed in the vehicle, a shift lever 31 supported by the base member, the base member, and the shift lever 31. And a shift cover 33 for guiding the operation. A substantially triangular guide hole 34 is formed in the shift cover 33, a neutral position where each vertex of the guide hole 34 is a base point for operation of the shift lever 31, an R position that is a shift position corresponding to the reverse range, and a drive range. The shift position corresponds to the position D, and as the distance from the neutral position to the straight line connecting the R position and the D position approaches, the shift lever operation area extends in a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the R position and the D position. It spreads out. Further, an intermediate position of a straight line connecting the R position and the D position is an N position that is a shift position corresponding to the neutral range.
The upper surface of the shift cover 33 is provided with a corresponding range display in the vicinity of each shift position, and the driver operates the shift lever 31 to the target shift position using the range display as a guide. ing.

  Further, in the shift cover 33, a neutral position sensor 38 for detecting the shift lever 31 at the neutral position, an R position sensor 36 for detecting the shift lever 31 at the R position and D position, which are shift positions other than the N position, and D A position sensor 37 is provided. The current position of the shift lever 31 is determined based on the detection result of the shift lever 31 by the neutral position sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37. In addition, when the current position of the shift lever 31 is determined, the SBW-ECU 4 controls the switching drive device 8 to switch to a shift range corresponding to the current position of the shift lever 31.

  The shift lever 31 has a shift knob attached to the upper end, a lower end formed in a spherical shape, and the lower end supported by a spherical bearing (not shown) provided on the base member in a three-dimensionally rotatable manner. Yes. That is, the shift lever 31 is configured to be movable in the guide hole 34. For example, when the shift lever 31 is operated from the neutral position to the D position, the D position is passed through the N position indicated by the arrow A. And the shortest path that reaches the D position along the outer edge of the guide hole 34 indicated by the arrow B can be selected. The shift lever 31 is biased toward the neutral position by a spring (not shown), and automatically returns to the neutral position when not operated.

In the present embodiment, the SBW-ECU 4 and the switching drive device 8 are the switching means according to the present invention, the shift cover 33 is the guiding means according to the present invention, the neutral position sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37. A plurality of detection means according to the present invention is configured.
In the present embodiment, a straight line connecting the R position and the D position is a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions according to the present invention, an area surrounded by the outer edge of the guide hole 34 is an operation area according to the present invention, R The position and the D position correspond to a plurality of drive shift positions according to the present invention.

Here, the determination time will be described before describing the shift switching process.
The ROM of the SBW-ECU 4 stores neutrality determination time, R determination time, D determination time, and N determination time as determination times for specifying the current position of the shift lever 31. The neutral determination time indicates a waiting time after the shift lever 31 is detected by the neutral position sensor 38 until the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the neutral position.

  The R determination time indicates a waiting time after the shift lever 31 is detected by the R position sensor 36 until the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the R position. The D determination time indicates a waiting time from when the shift lever 31 is detected by the D position sensor 37 until the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the D position.

  The N determination time is SBW-ECU 4 when the current position of the shift lever 31 is not at the neutral position, the R position, and the D position after the shift lever 31 is not detected by the neutral position sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37. It shows the waiting time until it is recognized. When the SBW-ECU 4 recognizes that the current position of the shift lever 31 is not in the neutral position, the R position, or the D position, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the N position.

  In addition, the N determination time is set by securing the operation time of the driver so as to prevent the driver from switching to the neutral range against the driver's intention, but is not the route indicated by the arrow A but the arrow B. The N determination time is set based on the operation time when the shift lever 31 is operated along the shortest path shown. In this case, the shortest route indicated by the arrow B has a shorter operation distance than the route indicated by the arrow A, so that the N determination time can be set shorter.

  When the driver operates the shift lever 31 to the R position and the D position, the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 detect the shift lever 31 and the current position of the shift lever 31 is determined as the R determination time and the D determination, respectively. Determined based on time. On the other hand, when the shift lever 31 is operated to the N position, it is not detected by any position sensor, so the current position of the shift lever 31 is determined based on the N determination time. As described above, since the N determination time is set to be short, the shift lever 31 can be switched in a short time when the shift lever 31 is held at the N position and switched to the neutral range.

Next, a shift switching process for switching to the drive range along the shortest path indicated by the arrow B will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a time chart when the shift lever according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operated from the neutral position to the D position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the shift lever 31 is in the neutral position, the shift lever 31 is continuously detected by the neutral position sensor 38. When the shift lever 31 is out of the neutral position, the neutral position is detected by the timer. The time after no detection by the sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37 is counted. When the shift lever 31 is operated to reach the D position, the D position sensor 37 detects the shift lever 31, and the timer measures the time after detection by the D position sensor 37. When the D determination time elapses while the shift lever 31 is detected by the D position sensor 37, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the D position, and controls the switching drive device 8 to control the shift range. Is switched from the previous range to the drive range.

  As described above, when the shift lever 31 is operated to the D position by the shortest path, even if the N determination time is shortened, the D position sensor 37 detects the shift lever before the N determination time elapses. It is possible to prevent the neutral range from being switched against the intention of the person.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the shift switching process which switches to a drive range by the path | route shown by the arrow A is demonstrated.
FIG. 4 is a time chart when the shift lever according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operated from the neutral position to the D position via the N position.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the shift lever 31 is located at the neutral position, the shift lever 31 is continuously detected by the neutral position sensor 38. When the shift lever 31 is removed from the neutral position, the neutral position sensor is detected by a timer. 38, the time after the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 are not detected is timed. Then, when N determination time elapses in a state where the shift lever 31 is not detected by any position sensor, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the N position, and controls the switching drive device 8 to shift. The range is switched from the previous range to the neutral range. In this case, since the N determination time is set shorter than the conventional N determination time, the shift lever 31 can be switched to the neutral range in a short time after reaching the N position.

  Further, when the shift lever 31 is operated to reach the D position, the shift lever 31 is detected by the D position sensor 37, and the time after the detection by the D position sensor 37 is counted by a timer. When the D determination time elapses while the shift lever 31 is detected by the D position sensor 37, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the D position, and controls the switching drive device 8 to control the shift range. Is switched from the neutral range to the drive range.

  As described above, when the shift lever 31 is operated to the N position, the N determination time is set to be shortened, so that it is possible to switch to the neutral range in a short time. Therefore, when the driver intentionally switches to the neutral range after switching to the neutral range, the shift lever 31 is operated from the neutral position to the D position along the path indicated by the arrow A, and the driver wants to switch directly to the drive range. In this case, the shift lever 31 is operated from the neutral position to the D position on the shortest path indicated by the arrow B.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a position determination process of the shift switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the SBW-ECU 4 determines whether or not the neutral position sensor 38 is OFF (step S11).

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the neutral position sensor 38 is not OFF (No in Step S11), the SBW-ECU 4 determines whether or not the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 satisfy the condition of OFF (Step S11). S12).

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 do not satisfy the condition of OFF (No in step S12), the processing is performed assuming that the position sensors 36, 37, and 38 are abnormal. finish.

  On the other hand, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 satisfy the condition of OFF (Yes in step S12), it is determined that only the neutral position sensor 38 is ON, and the timer time is counted. It is determined whether or not the neutral determination time has elapsed (step S13).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the neutral position (step S14) when the time measured by the timer has passed the neutral determination time (Yes in step S13), and the time measured by the timer is neutral. If the determination time has not elapsed (No in step S13), the process ends.

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines in step S11 that the neutral position sensor 38 is OFF (Yes in step S11), whether or not the condition that the R position sensor 36 is ON and the D position sensor 37 is OFF is satisfied. Is determined (step S15).

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the condition that the R position sensor 36 is ON and the D position sensor 37 is OFF (Yes in step S15), it is determined that only the R position sensor 36 is ON, It is determined whether or not the measured time has passed the R determination time (step S16).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the R position (step S17) and controls the switching drive device 8 when the time measured by the timer has passed the R determination time (Yes in step S16). Then, while switching from the previous range to the reverse range, the R range lamp of the shift display device 16 is turned on.

  On the other hand, the SBW-ECU 4 ends the process when the time measured by the timer does not pass the R determination time (No in step S16).

  Next, if the SBW-ECU 4 determines in step S15 that the R position sensor 36 is ON and the D position sensor 37 is not satisfied (No in step S15), the D position sensor 37 is ON and the R position sensor is ON. It is determined whether or not 36 satisfies the condition of OFF (step S18).

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the condition that the D position sensor 37 is ON and the R position sensor 36 is OFF (Yes in step S18), it is determined that only the D position sensor 37 is ON, It is determined whether or not the measured time has passed the D determination time (step S19).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the D position (step S20) and controls the switching drive device 8 when the time measured by the timer has passed the D determination time (Yes in step S19). Then, while switching from the previous range to the drive range, the D range lamp of the shift display device 16 is turned on.

  On the other hand, the SBW-ECU 4 ends the process when the time measured by the timer does not pass the D determination time (No in step S19).

  Next, if the SBW-ECU 4 determines in step S18 that the condition that the D position sensor 37 is ON and the R position sensor 36 is not satisfied (No in step S18), the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 It is determined whether or not the condition of OFF is satisfied (step S21).

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 do not satisfy the condition of OFF (No in step S21), both the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 are ON. The process ends as a certain sensor abnormality.

  Next, when the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the R position sensor 36 and the D position sensor 37 satisfy the condition of OFF (Yes in step S21), the neutral position sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37 are all present. Assuming that the timer is OFF, it is determined whether or not the time counted by the timer has passed the N determination time (step S22).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the current position of the shift lever 31 is the N position (step S23) and controls the switching drive device 8 when the time measured by the timer has passed the N determination time (Yes in step S22). Then, while switching from the previous range to the neutral range, the N range lamp of the shift display device 16 is turned on.

  On the other hand, the SBW-ECU 4 ends the process when the time counted by the timer does not pass the N determination time (No in step S22).

As described above, according to the shift switching device 1 according to the present embodiment, the shift lever 31 can be operated from the neutral position to the R position or the D position with the shortest operation distance along the outer edge of the guide hole 34. The operation time can be shortened, and the N determination time can be set so as to secure the shortened operation time. Therefore, even if the shift lever 31 is operated from the neutral position to the R position or the D position with the shortest operation distance, the neutral range is not switched against the driver's intention, and the driver intentionally enters the neutral range. By holding the shift lever 31 at positions other than the neutral position, the R position, and the D position so as to be switched, it is possible to switch to the neutral range in a shorter time compared to a conventional shift switching device. In this way, it is possible to appropriately respond to the driver's shift range switching request.
Further, since the guide hole 34 is formed in a substantially triangular shape having the neutral position, the R position and the D position as vertices, the shift lever 31 can be operated to the R position or the D position through a free operation path, thereby improving operability. Can be made.

(Second Embodiment)
The configuration of the shift switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the shift switching device according to the first embodiment described above only in the learning process for learning the N determination time. Therefore, the same configuration will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and only differences will be described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, the N determination time is stored in the RAM of the SBW-ECU 4 in an updatable manner, and the N determination time is updated based on the operation time from the neutral position of the shift lever 31 to the R position or the D position. It is like that. Hereinafter, the learning process of the shift switching device will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a learning process of the shift switching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the initial operation time or the previous operation time and the N determination time are stored in the SBW-ECU 6 before the following learning process is started. This learning process is started on the condition that the neutral position sensor 38 is ON.

  First, when the shift lever 31 is removed from the neutral position and the neutral position sensor 38 is turned off (Yes in step S31), the SBW-ECU 4 uses the neutral position sensor 38, the R position sensor 36, and the D position sensor 37 to shift the shift lever 31. The timer measures the time after no longer being detected (step S32).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines whether or not the R position sensor 36 or the D position sensor 37 is ON (step S33).

  Next, when the R position sensor 36 or the D position sensor 37 is not ON (No in Step S33), the SBW-ECU 4 determines whether the neutral position sensor 38 is ON (Step S34).

  Next, when the neutral position sensor 38 is ON (Yes in step S34), the SBW-ECU 4 determines that the shift lever 31 has reached the neutral position again without the R position sensor 36 or the D position sensor 37 being turned ON. Exit. On the other hand, when the neutral position sensor 38 is not ON (No in step S34), the process returns to step S33.

  Next, when the R position sensor 36 or the D position sensor 37 is ON in Step S33 (Yes in Step S33), the SBW-ECU 4 shifts the shift lever from the neutral time position to the R position or D position from the time measured by the timer. The current operation time of 31 is calculated (step S35). In the present embodiment, the SBW-ECU 4 constitutes an operation time calculation unit according to the present invention.

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 determines whether or not the calculated current operation time is shorter than the previous operation time (step S36), and determines that the current operation time is equal to or longer than the previous operation time (in step S36). No), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current operation time is shorter than the previous operation time (Yes in step S36), the previous operation time is overwritten (step S37).

  Next, the SBW-ECU 4 calculates an N determination time by adding a fixed time α in consideration of an operation error to the overwritten current operation time, and updates the N determination time (step S38).

  As described above, according to the shift switching device according to the present embodiment, the neutral determination time can be updated according to the operation time of the driver. For example, as the driver gets used to the operation of the shift lever and the operation of the shift lever becomes faster, the neutral judgment time is updated to be shorter, and when the driver intentionally switches to the neutral range, the neutral range is shortened in a shorter time. You can switch to In addition, since the N determination time is updated only when the current operation time is shorter than the previous operation time, the case where the shift lever 31 is operated by a route other than the shortest route can be learned.

In the present embodiment, the N determination time is updated when the current operation time is shorter than the previous operation time. However, the current operation time is not compared with the previous operation time, and is constant. You may make it compare with the threshold value which shows this operation time. Thus, not only learning in a direction of shortening the N determination time but also learning in a direction of extending the N determination time within a predetermined range can be performed.
Alternatively, a plurality of operation times may be stored, and the N determination time may be updated by adding a certain time α to the average value of the plurality of operation times.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can learn N determination time for every driver | operator in one vehicle. In this case, for example, a driver is identified by biometric authentication such as a card key in which identification information is recorded or fingerprint authentication, and the N determination time is learned for each driver.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the shift lever 31 is not detected by the neutral position sensor 38, the D position sensor 37, and the R position sensor 36, and is switched to the neutral range after the N determination time has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 5, the region detection sensor 39 for detecting the shift lever 31 in the operation region excluding the neutral position sensor 38, the D position sensor 37, and the R position sensor 36, that is, excluding the neutral position, the R position, and the D position may be provided. Good. In this case, the state that is not detected by the neutral position sensor 38, the D position sensor 37, and the R position sensor 36 is not switched to the neutral range when the N determination time has elapsed, but the state that is detected by the region detection sensor is the N determination time. It will be switched to the neutral range as time passes.

  In each of the above embodiments, the guide hole 34 has a substantially triangular shape, but is not limited to this shape. For example, the guide hole 34 may have a semi-circular shape including a neutral position, an R position, and a D position, a fan shape, and a driving shape.

  As described above, the present invention has an effect of being able to appropriately respond to a driver's shift range switching request, and is particularly useful for a shift switching device that switches a shift range by operating a shift lever. is there.

1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of a shift switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top surface schematic diagram of the shift lever device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a time chart in case the shift lever which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is operated from a neutral position to D position. It is a time chart in case the shift lever which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is operated to D position via N position from a neutral position. It is a flowchart which shows the position determination process of the shift switching apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the learning process of the shift switching apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an upper surface schematic diagram of the modification of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on each embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Shift switching device 2 ENG-ECU
3 ECT-ECU
4 SBW-ECU (switching means, operation time calculating means)
5 Engine 6 Transmission 7 Hydraulic control device 8 Switching drive device (switching means)
9 In-vehicle LAN line 11 Solenoid valve 12 Shift valve 15 Shift lever device 16 Shift display device 18 Detent lever 19 SBW motor 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Recess 22 Roller 23 Leaf spring 25 Parking lock mechanism 31 Shift lever 32 Parking button 33 Shift cover (Guidance means)
34 Guide hole (guide means)
36 R position sensor (detection means, first detection means)
37 D position sensor (detection means, first detection means)
38 Neutral position sensor (detection means, first detection means)
39 Area detection sensor (second detection means)

Claims (4)

A shift lever that is selectively operated from a neutral position as a base point of operation to a plurality of shift positions;
Guide means for forming an outer edge of an operation area in which the shift lever can be operated;
A plurality of detection means provided corresponding to a plurality of drive shift positions excluding a neutral position among the neutral position and the plurality of shift positions, and detecting the shift lever;
When it is detected by any one of the plurality of detection means, it is switched to a shift range corresponding to the drive shift position and is not detected by any detection means among the plurality of detection means. Switching means for switching to the neutral range when the neutral determination time has elapsed,
A shift characterized in that the guide means forms an outer edge of the operation area so that the operation area of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position. Switching device. A shift lever that is selectively operated from a neutral position as a base point of operation to a plurality of shift positions;
Guide means for forming an outer edge of an operation area in which the shift lever can be operated;
A plurality of first detecting means provided corresponding to a plurality of drive shift positions excluding a neutral position among the neutral position and the plurality of shift positions, and detecting the shift lever;
Second detection means for detecting the shift lever in the operation region excluding the drive shift position and the neutral position;
When detected by any one of the plurality of first detection means, the shift range is switched according to the drive shift position, and the time since the detection by the second detection means is neutral. Switching means for switching to the neutral range when the determination time has elapsed,
A shift characterized in that the guide means forms an outer edge of the operation area so that the operation area of the shift lever extends in a direction parallel to the straight line as it approaches a straight line connecting a plurality of drive shift positions from the neutral position. Switching device. The plurality of drive shift positions include a reverse position and a drive position;
3. The shift switching device according to claim 1, wherein the operation area includes an area surrounded by a triangle whose apexes are the neutral position, the reverse position, and the drive position. 4. An operation time calculating means for calculating an operation time from the neutral position to any one of the plurality of drive shift positions;
The shift switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neutral determination time is updated based on the operation time calculated by the operation time calculation unit.

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