JP2015131578A - Drive force distribution control device of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive force distribution control device of a vehicle, which can quickly switch a drive force distribution according to a traveling state of the vehicle and improve fuel saving and traveling stability.SOLUTION: A drive force distribution control device of a vehicle includes: a center clutch for distributing drive force to the front wheel side and the rear wheel side and right; and right and left axle clutches interposed between final reduction gears on the front wheel side and the rear wheel side, and right and left drive shafts, respectively. The drive force distribution control device includes: a vehicle speed determination part which determines a vehicle speed; and a drive mode setting part which sets a drive mode according to connection/disconnection of the center clutch and the right and the left axle clutches corresponding to the vehicle speed determined by the vehicle speed determination part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving force distribution control device for a vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vehicles such as automobiles have been known to adopt a technology that improves not only the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels but also the driving force distribution between the left and right wheels to improve the running stability and turning ability of the vehicle. It has been.

  For example, Patent Document 1 includes a cutoff clutch that cuts off power transmission between the front and rear wheels, and a left and right wheel clutch that cuts off power transmission to the left and right rear wheels and changes its transmission torque. A technique for improving fuel consumption performance and reducing shock at the time of clutch engagement is disclosed by controlling the cutoff clutch and the wheel clutch in accordance with the running state.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, after the initial driving stage of the vehicle is finished, when the torque distribution ratio to at least one of the left and right rear wheels is not zero, first, a cutoff clutch is connected, and then the wheel clutch is connected. Control to connect is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-182840

  However, the clutch control in Patent Document 1 is to sequentially connect the cut-off clutch and the wheel clutch when switching the driving force distribution from the 2WD mode to the 4WD mode after determining the torque distribution ratio for the left and right rear wheels. is there. Therefore, taking into account the synchronization of the number of revolutions before and after the clutch, it takes time until the switching is actually completed after it is determined that the switching of the driving force distribution is necessary. Have difficulty.

  In particular, the higher the vehicle speed, the lower the running stability of the vehicle. However, since the clutch control in Patent Document 1 does not take the vehicle speed into account, switching of the driving force distribution is performed in the same processing procedure regardless of the vehicle speed. It becomes. For this reason, the clutch control of Patent Document 1 cannot obtain traveling stability according to the vehicle speed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable quick switching of driving force distribution according to the traveling state of the vehicle, thereby saving fuel consumption and traveling stability. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle driving force distribution control device capable of improving the above.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, a center clutch that distributes driving force to the front wheel side and the rear wheel side, a final reduction device on the front wheel side or the rear wheel side, and left and right drive shafts, A driving force distribution control device for a vehicle having left and right axle clutches interposed therebetween, corresponding to the vehicle speed determined by the vehicle speed determination unit and the vehicle speed determined by the vehicle speed determination unit, There is provided a driving force distribution control device for a vehicle, comprising: a driving mode setting unit that sets a driving mode in which connection / disconnection of the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches is defined.

  Further, a road surface state determination unit that determines a road surface state based on a road surface friction coefficient of a traveling road may be further provided, and the drive mode setting unit may set the drive mode corresponding to the vehicle speed and the road surface state. Good.

  The drive mode setting unit may be set to an all-wheel drive mode in which the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches are engaged regardless of the vehicle speed when the road surface state is a low friction state.

  Further, the vehicle speed determination unit determines the vehicle speed by classifying the vehicle speed into one of medium and low speed vehicle speeds and high speed vehicle speed, and the road surface state determination unit determines the road surface state as a high friction state, a medium friction state, The drive mode setting unit determines whether the vehicle speed is a medium speed or a high speed vehicle speed when the road surface state is a low friction state. Alternatively, the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches may be set to an all-wheel drive mode.

  Further, the drive mode setting unit sets a two-wheel drive mode in which the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches are opened when the vehicle speed is a medium low speed vehicle speed and the road surface state is a high friction state, When the road surface state is the middle friction state, the first standby mode may be set in which the center clutch is engaged and the axle clutch is released.

  The drive mode setting unit is configured to release the center clutch and to engage the axle clutch when the road surface is in a high friction state and a middle friction state when the vehicle speed is a high-speed traveling vehicle speed. It is good also as what is set to.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to quickly switch the driving force distribution in accordance with the traveling state of the vehicle, and it is possible to improve fuel consumption and traveling stability.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the powertrain type | system | group of a vehicle. It is explanatory drawing which shows the clutch fastening state of FWD mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the clutch fastening state of AWD mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the clutch fastening state of a 1st standby mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the clutch fastening state of a 2nd standby mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the determination value of a vehicle speed and a road surface state, and switching of each mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the driving force distribution control apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a drive mode switching control routine.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<< 1. Overall configuration of powertrain system >>
First, the overall configuration of the vehicle powertrain system will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle powertrain system. In this embodiment, the front engine is the main driving system, and the driving force of the engine 1 is variably distributed between the front wheels and the rear wheels. The front engine / front drive vehicle base (FF base) all-wheel drive (AWD: all- (wheel drive) An example in which the driving force distribution control device is applied to a vehicle will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driving force of the engine 1 is transmitted from the automatic transmission 2 (including a torque converter and the like) 2 behind the engine 1 to the transfer 3 via the transmission output shaft 2a. On the one hand, the driving force transmitted to the transfer 3 is input to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 via the rear drive shaft 4, the propeller shaft 5, and the drive pinion shaft portion 6. Further, on the other hand, the driving force transmitted to the transfer 3 is applied to the front wheel final reduction gear 11 comprising a bevel gear mechanism or the like via a reduction drive gear 8, a reduction driven gear 9, and a front drive shaft 10 serving as a drive pinion shaft portion. Is also entered. The driving force input to the front wheel final reduction gear 11 is transmitted to the left front wheel 14FL via the front wheel left drive shaft 13FL, and is transmitted to the right front wheel 14FR via the front wheel right drive shaft 13FR.

  The automatic transmission 2, the transfer 3, the front wheel final reduction gear 11 and the like are integrally provided in the case 12.

  The transfer 3 mainly includes a wet multi-plate clutch (center clutch) 20 as a torque transmission capacity variable type clutch. The center clutch 20 is configured by alternately stacking drive plates 20a provided on the reduction drive gear 8 side and driven plates 20b provided on the rear drive shaft 4 side. The center clutch 20 is provided with a clutch piston 20c that variably applies a fastening force of the center clutch 20. By controlling the pressing force by the clutch piston 20c, the fastening force of the center clutch 20 is adjusted to control the driving force input to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7, and the torque distribution ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels is adjusted. can do.

  The driving force input to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 is transmitted from the rear wheel left drive shaft 13RL to the left rear wheel 14RL via the left axle clutch 21RL, and also to the rear wheel right via the right axle clutch 21RR. It is transmitted from the drive shaft 13RR to the right rear wheel 14RR. The left and right axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are torque transmission capacity variable clutches similar to the center clutch 20.

  Specifically, the left axle clutch 21RL includes a drive plate 21RLa provided on the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 side, a driven plate 21RLb provided on the rear wheel left drive shaft 13RL side, and a clutch piston that applies a clutch fastening force. 21RLc. The right axle clutch 21RR includes a drive plate 21RRa provided on the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 side, a driven plate 21RRb provided on the rear wheel right drive shaft 13RR side, and a clutch piston 21RRc for applying a clutch fastening force. Yes. In these axle clutches 21RL and 21RR, the pressing force by the clutch pistons 21RLc and 21RRc is individually controlled, and the driving force transmitted to the left and right transport is differentially limited.

<< 2. Electronic control system >>
<2-1. Overall configuration of electronic control system>
Next, an electronic control system that controls the powertrain of the vehicle will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic control system of the power train is composed of a plurality of control units connected to a communication bus 100 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network). The engine 1 and the automatic transmission 2 are controlled by cooperative control via the plurality of control units.

  Each of the plurality of control units is composed mainly of a microcomputer, and includes an engine control unit (ECU) 50 that controls the engine 1, a transmission control unit (TCU) 60 that controls the automatic transmission 2, and vehicle dynamics that controls vehicle behavior. A control unit (VDC: Vehicle Dynamics Control) 70 is provided.

  These control units 50, 60, and 70 mutually exchange control information such as various calculation values and control parameter information detected by various sensors via an in-vehicle network formed by the communication bus 100, and control engine and driving force. Transmission control including control, vehicle behavior control, etc. are executed. Examples of signals input to the control units 50, 60, and 70 include sensor signals as shown below.

  Examples of sensor signals input to the ECU 50 include signals from a crank angle sensor 51 that detects the engine speed, an accelerator sensor 52 that detects a driver's accelerator masterpiece (accelerator pedal depression amount / accelerator opening), and the like.

  Further, the TCU 60 includes various ranges in the select operation unit of the automatic transmission 2 such as a parking (P) range, a reverse (R) range, a neutral (N) range, a drive (D) range, a manual (M) range, and the like. Signals such as an inhibitor switch 61 for detecting the transmission and a transmission output shaft rotation sensor 62 for detecting the rotation speed of the transmission output shaft 2a are input.

  Further, the VDC unit 70 includes wheel speed sensors 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR that detect wheel speeds of the wheels 14FL, 14FR, 14RL, and 14RR, a steering angle sensor 71 that detects a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the vehicle. Signals from the lateral acceleration sensor 72 that detects the yaw rate of the vehicle and the yaw rate sensor 73 that detects the yaw rate of the vehicle are input.

<2-2. Drive mode>
The vehicle according to the present embodiment can adjust the torque distribution ratio between the front wheels and the rear wheels via the center clutch 20, and the drive mode is a 2WD mode in which torque is distributed to only one of the front and rear transportation. (Two-wheel drive mode) and AWD mode (all-wheel drive mode) in which torque is distributed to both front and rear wheels can be switched. In the present embodiment, the 2WD mode is a front wheel drive mode (FWD mode) in which torque is distributed only to the front wheels.

  Furthermore, the vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a first standby mode and a second standby mode as modes for preparing a change to the AWD mode in the 2WD mode. In the first standby mode, while the center clutch 20 is engaged, the left and right axle clutches 21RR and 21RL are opened, and the rotation of the transmission output shaft 2a causes the intermediate drive system from the propeller shaft 5 to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 to rotate. This is a standby mode in which the rotation is synchronized. In the second standby mode, the center clutch 20 is disengaged and the left and right axle clutches 21RR and 21RL are engaged to synchronize the rotation of the intermediate drive system with the rotation of the rear wheel left drive shaft 13RL and the rear wheel right drive shaft 13RR. It is a standby mode to keep.

  Specifically, switching of each driving mode is performed via a clutch driving unit 65 configured by a hydraulic circuit including a plurality of solenoid valves and the like. The clutch drive unit 65 controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch pistons 20c, 21RLc, and 21RRc of each clutch according to a command from the TCU 60, and adjusts the engaged state of the center clutch 20 and the left and right axle clutches 21RL, 21RR. Switch the mode. In the present embodiment, the TCU 60 has a function as a driving force distribution control device.

  Hereinafter, each drive mode will be specifically described. In the 2WD mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are all released, and the powertrain elements from the propeller shaft 5 to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 are separated. This 2WD mode is a mode that enables fuel-saving travel with reduced friction loss and internal circulation torque. Hereinafter, in order to clarify the distinction between the modes, for convenience, only this mode in which the center clutch 20 and the left and right axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are released will be referred to as a 2WD mode.

  Further, in the AWD mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21R and 21RR are all engaged. This AWD mode is a mode that enables stable driving by controlling the driving force of four transfers including the vectoring effect.

  On the other hand, the first standby mode and the second standby mode are drive modes in which either the center clutch 20 or the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR is released and the engine output torque is not transmitted to the rear wheel side. It becomes the running state of.

  In the first standby mode, as shown in FIG. 4, only the center clutch 20 is engaged and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are released. In the first standby mode, the rotation of the intermediate drive system is synchronized with the rotation of the transmission output rod 2a. In the first standby mode, since the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are released, no internal circulation torque is generated between the left and right rear wheels, which is advantageous for fuel consumption.

  In the second standby mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are engaged and the center clutch 20 is released. In the second standby mode, the rotation of the intermediate drive system is synchronized with the rotation of the left and right rear wheels 14RL and 14RR. In the second standby mode, although the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are engaged and internal circulation torque is generated between the left and right rear wheels 14RL and 14RR, the occurrence of differential rotation between the left and right rear wheels 14RL and 14RR can be suppressed. Therefore, it is excellent in straight running stability.

  In these standby modes, the intermediate drive system from the propeller shaft 5 to the rear wheel final reduction gear 7 rotates according to the front wheel speed or the rear wheel speed. Therefore, when a request for switching to the AWD mode is generated, the drive mode can be quickly switched to the AWD mode by engaging the clutch without waiting for the synchronization of the input / output rotation of the released clutch. In addition, since the intermediate drive system is connected from the rotated state, even when the clutch is quickly fastened, noise and vibration due to the rotational moment of inertia, or clutch wear can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the switching from the 2WD mode to the first standby mode or the second standby mode is performed in advance before the request for switching to the 4WD mode is generated, it is not necessary to suddenly connect the clutch, and the connection is made gently. can do. Therefore, a sudden increase in the rotation of the intermediate drive system at the time of switching to the standby mode can be suppressed, and noise, vibration, or clutch wear due to the rotational moment of inertia can be suppressed.

<2-3. Switching drive mode>
In this embodiment, the drive mode is switched according to the magnitude of the vehicle speed V and the magnitude of the road surface friction coefficient μ of the travel path, thereby achieving both fuel saving and improved travel stability. In particular, in a situation where there is a high possibility of switching to the AWD mode even when a request for switching to the AWD mode is not made, the drive mode is switched to either the first standby mode or the second standby mode in advance. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch the drive mode to the AWD mode in accordance with a change in the behavior of the vehicle or a change in the road surface while reducing vibration, noise, and clutch wear when switching to the AWD mode.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle speed V is divided into a plurality of stages and the road surface state is divided into a plurality of stages to determine the current driving state of the vehicle, and the driving mode corresponds to the corresponding driving mode. Can be switched. The vehicle speed V is divided because the running stability of the vehicle differs depending on the vehicle speed V. In the example of FIG. 6, the vehicle speed V is divided into high speed and medium / low speed. However, for example, a value within a range of 60 to 80 km / h can be set as a reference value and divided.

  Further, the road surface friction coefficient μ is divided because the running stability of the vehicle differs depending on the road surface state. In this embodiment, the road surface friction coefficient μ estimated from the tire driving force, vehicle behavior, and the like is statistically processed, and the road surface state is basically divided into a high friction state (high μ state) and a medium friction state (medium (μ state) and low friction state (low μ state). However, incidentally, a μ estimation impossibility state is provided when there is a large variation in the estimated value of the road surface friction coefficient μ and it is difficult to specify the road surface state.

  The high μ state represents a road surface state having a large road surface friction coefficient μ and being difficult to slip, such as a dry road. On the other hand, the low μ state represents a road surface state in which the road surface friction coefficient μ is small and slippery, such as on a snowy road or rainy weather. Further, the medium μ state represents a road surface state between high μ and low μ. Note that the μ estimation impossible state is regarded as a medium μ state.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle is in a medium / low speed running state, the 2WD mode is selected when the road surface state is high μ state, the AWD mode is selected when the road surface state is low μ state, and the road surface state is medium μ state. Alternatively, the first standby mode is selected in the μ estimation disabled state. Further, when the vehicle is in a high-speed traveling state, the second standby mode is selected when the road surface state is the high μ state, the middle μ state, or the μ estimation impossible state, and the AWD mode is selected when the road surface state is the low μ state.

  That is, when the road surface state is a low μ state, the vehicle driving control is performed in the 4WD mode regardless of the vehicle speed, with emphasis on the running stability of the vehicle.

  Further, when the vehicle is in a medium / low speed running state, it is considered that the running stability of the vehicle is higher than that in the high speed running state. Therefore, when the road surface state is a high μ state, driving control of the vehicle is performed in the 2WD mode with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, assuming that traveling stability of the vehicle is ensured. On the other hand, when the road surface state is the medium μ state or the μ estimation impossible state, the drive mode may be switched to the AWD mode and the drive mode is switched to the standby mode. At this time, the drive control of the vehicle is performed in the first standby mode, which has no internal circulation torque and is advantageous in fuel efficiency.

  Further, when the vehicle is in a high-speed traveling state, it is considered that the traveling stability of the vehicle is relatively low. Therefore, not only when the road surface state is the high μ state, but also when the medium μ state or the μ estimation impossible state is possible, the drive mode is switched to the standby mode because there is a possibility of switching to the AWD mode. At this time, drive control of the vehicle is performed in the second standby mode with emphasis on straight running stability.

<2-4. Driving force distribution control device>
FIG. 7 shows, in functional blocks, portions related to drive mode switching in the configuration of the TCU 60 that functions as the drive force distribution control device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the TCU 60 includes a road surface friction coefficient estimation unit 60a, a road surface state determination unit 60b, a vehicle speed determination unit 60c, a drive mode setting unit 60d, and a clutch control unit 60e.

  The TCU 60 estimates the road surface friction coefficient μ by the road surface friction coefficient estimation unit 60a, statistically processes the estimated value of the road surface friction coefficient μ by the road surface state determination unit 60b, and sets the road surface friction coefficient μ to the high μ state, the medium μ state, Judge by classifying into low μ state. Further, the TCU 60 detects the vehicle speed by the vehicle speed determination unit 60c, and determines the vehicle speed by classifying it into a high speed or a medium / low speed.

  Further, the TCU 60 determines the drive mode (2WD mode, AWD mode, first standby mode, second standby mode) in accordance with the vehicle speed V and the road surface condition in the drive mode setting unit 60d. Then, the TCU 60 controls the operation of the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR via the clutch control unit 60e according to the determined drive mode. As a result, the driving stability is improved in a low μ road surface state, and when the driving mode is highly likely to be switched to the AWD mode, the driving mode is switched in advance to the standby mode according to the driving state of the vehicle. .

  Specifically, the road surface friction coefficient estimation unit 60a estimates and calculates the road surface friction coefficient μ from tire driving force, vehicle behavior, and the like at predetermined time intervals, and outputs a time-series μ estimated value. The method for estimating the road surface friction coefficient μ is not particularly limited, and a known technique can be used.

  For example, a road speed coefficient is set based on the vehicle speed and the slip angle of the wheel, and a road speed coefficient is set to a preset value. You may make it estimate. More specifically, depending on the relationship between the deviation between the estimated rack thrust of the steering system and the reference rack thrust, the road surface friction coefficient is set to the friction circle utilization factor of the vehicle or a predetermined set value (for example, 1.0). By returning, the road surface friction coefficient can be estimated.

  In addition, using the adaptive control theory, it is possible to detect a situation where the road surface friction coefficient cannot be estimated (for example, when the steering angle is 0), in contrast to the method of estimating the road surface friction coefficient from the steering angle, vehicle speed, yaw rate, etc. In this case, based on the vehicle speed V and the front wheel slip angle βf, a return speed Vμ for returning the road surface friction coefficient μ to a predetermined setting value (for example, 1.0) is determined with reference to a map set in advance. The road surface friction coefficient μ may be calculated while returning the road surface friction coefficient at the return speed Vμ. Further, the road surface friction coefficient μ may be estimated using an observer.

  The road surface state determination unit 60b statistically processes the time series data of the μ estimated value output from the road surface friction coefficient estimation unit 60a, and determines whether the road surface state is high μ, medium μ, or low μ. To do. The determination of the road surface state can be performed, for example, as follows.

First, the road surface condition determination unit 60b obtains an average value of μ estimated values for the most recent predetermined time, and uses the μ estimated average value μave as upper and lower threshold values μH and μL (for example, μH = 0.8, μL = 0.5 ) Is temporarily determined as follows.
μave ≧ μH → high μ state μH>μave> μL → medium μ state μave ≦ μL → low μ state

  At the same time, the road surface state determination unit 60b obtains a variation in the μ estimated value, and when the variation is larger than the set value, it is determined that the road surface state is difficult to specify, and the temporary determination of the high μ state is set to the medium μ state. Change and confirm. For example, when the standard deviation σ of the μ estimated value is larger than a set value σH (for example, σH = 0.2), it is determined that the μ estimation variation is large and it is difficult to specify the road surface state, and the provisional determination of the high μ state is performed. Change to medium μ state.

  The reason for taking into account the variation in the estimated value for the temporary determination of the high μ state is that if the drive mode is switched to the 2WD mode in a situation where it is difficult to specify the road surface state, the running stability may be deteriorated. is there. In such a case, a standby mode is set in advance as the medium μ state, and a quick switch to the AWD mode is enabled. In the temporary determination of the medium μ state and the low μ state, the determination result of the temporary determination is fixed as it is regardless of the variation of the μ estimated value.

  The vehicle speed determination unit 60c obtains the vehicle speed based on the sensor signals of the wheel speed sensors 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, 15RR or the transmission output shaft rotation sensor 62. The vehicle speed V is divided into a high speed and a medium / low speed depending on whether or not the reference value V0 is equal to or higher than the reference value V0 set within a range of 60 to 80 km / h, for example.

  The drive mode setting unit 60d sets a drive mode corresponding to the determination result of the vehicle speed V and the road surface state, and instructs the clutch control unit 60e to control the operation of the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR. In the present embodiment, the drive mode corresponding to the road surface condition determination result is set as shown in FIG.

The clutch control unit 60e controls the operation of the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR as follows according to the drive mode set by the drive mode setting unit 60d.
2WD mode: Center clutch 20 → released
Axle clutches 21RL, 21RR → released first standby mode: center clutch 20 → engaged
(The intermediate drive system rotates synchronously with the rotation of the transmission output shaft 2a.
Fastening with possible fastening force)
Axle clutch 21RL, 21RR → released Second standby mode: center clutch 20 → released
Axle clutch 21RL, 21RR → fastening
(An intermediate drive system is used to rotate the left and right drive shafts 13RL and 13RR of the rear wheels.
Fastened with a fastening force that can be rotated synchronously)
AWD mode: Center clutch 20 → engaged
(Fastening with fastening force according to driving conditions)
Axle clutch 21RL, 21RR → fastening
(The center clutch is the sum of the left and right fastening forces while ensuring the difference between left and right.
(Controlled to be equivalent to 20 fastening force)

<2-5. Flowchart of drive mode switching process>
Specifically, the drive mode switching process by the drive force distribution control device described above is realized by the program process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the drive mode switching control routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described.

  In this drive mode switching control routine, first, the TCU 60 detects the vehicle speed V (S102). Next, the TCU 60 reads the time-series data of the μ estimated value, performs statistical processing, and calculates the average value μave and the standard deviation σ (S104).

  Next, the TCU 60 compares the detected vehicle speed V with a preset reference value V0 and determines whether or not the vehicle speed is high (S106). When the vehicle is in the high speed traveling state (S106: Yes), the TCU 60 compares the calculated μ estimated value average value μave with the lower threshold value μL to determine whether or not the current road surface state is the low μ state ( S108).

  If μave ≦ μL and the low μ state is satisfied (S108: Yes), the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are controlled so as to set the drive mode to the AWD mode (S116).

  In the AWD mode, the engagement torque Tc of the center clutch 20 is set with reference to, for example, a map using the accelerator opening (or longitudinal acceleration) and the lateral acceleration as parameters, and the lateral acceleration increases at the same accelerator opening. The fastening torque is increased.

Further, the engagement torques TL and TR of the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are controlled so that the sum of the necessary left and right differential torques ΔT_LR for generating the differential limiting torque for the left and right rear transfer becomes the engagement torque Tc of the center clutch 20. The required left-right difference torque ΔT_LR is obtained by, for example, multiplying the difference between the ideal yaw rate γi based on the steering characteristics and the actual yaw rate γr detected by the yaw rate sensor 73 by a fixed gain Km obtained by an actual vehicle running test or the like as shown in the following equation. The required additional moment M, the vehicle tread Lread, and the tire radius Rt can be obtained. The ideal yaw rate γi is obtained by multiplying the steering angle θhan by the yaw rate gain Khan_yaw.
γi = θhan × Khan_yaw
M = (γi−γr) × Km
ΔT_LR = M / (Ltread / 2) × Rt

Here, if the required left / right difference torque ΔT_LR is ΔT_LR = TL−TR, the engagement torque TL of the axle clutch 21RL and the engagement torque TR of the axle clutch 21RR can be expressed by the following equations, respectively. Control output values for the clutches 21RL and 21RR are used. In this AWD mode, running stability can be improved with a stable driving force of four wheels including a vectoring effect in a low μ slippery road surface condition.
TL = (Tc + ΔT_LR) / 2
TR = (Tc−ΔT_LR) / 2

  On the other hand, if μave> μL and not in the low μ state (S108: No), the drive mode is set to the second standby mode (S118). In the second standby mode, the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are engaged with a predetermined engagement torque with the center clutch 20 opened.

  The fastening torque of the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR in the second standby mode is a value based on how much the left-right differential rotation is to be suppressed or a value for each model determined by the inertial force of the intermediate drive system. It is given as a fastening torque that can synchronize the rotation of the intermediate drive system with the rotation of 13RL and 13RR. Therefore, when it is necessary to fasten the center clutch 20 rapidly, the center clutch 20 can be fastened without waiting for synchronization of the rotational speeds before and after the clutch, and noise, vibration, and clutch wear due to rotational moment of inertia are suppressed. can do.

  On the other hand, if the vehicle is running at a low speed (S106: No), it is determined whether or not the current road surface state is a low μ state by the same procedure as step S108 (S110). If μave ≦ μL and the low μ state is satisfied (S110: Yes), the center clutch 20 and the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR are controlled so as to set the drive mode to the AWD mode (S116).

  If μave> μL and not in the low μ state (S110: No), the average value μave of the μ estimated values is compared with the upper threshold value μH to determine whether the state is in the high μ state (S112). In the case of μave ≧ μH (S112: Yes), after temporarily determining that the state is high, the standard deviation σ of the μ estimated value is compared with the set value σH. It is determined whether or not the situation is difficult to specify (S114).

  If σ ≦ σH and the variation of the μ estimated value is not large (S114: No), the temporary determination of the high μ state is confirmed, the drive mode is set to the 2WD mode, the center clutch 20 and the axle clutch 21RL and 21RR are all opened (S120). As a result, the intermediate drive system is separated from the transmission output shaft 2a, and it is possible to reduce the friction loss and internal circulation torque when traveling on a high μ road, thereby realizing fuel-saving travel.

  On the other hand, when μL <μave <μH and the medium μ state is determined (S112: No), or when σ> σH and the variation of the μ estimated value is large and the temporary determination of the high μ state is changed. When the μ state is confirmed (S114: Yes), the drive mode is set to the first standby mode (S122). In the first standby mode, the center clutch 20 is engaged with a predetermined engagement torque with the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR being released.

  The engagement torque of the center clutch 20 in the first standby mode is a value for each model determined by the inertial force of the intermediate drive system, and is an engagement torque that can synchronize the rotation of the intermediate drive system with the rotation of the transmission output shaft 2a. Given. Therefore, when it is necessary to rapidly engage the axle clutches 21RL and 21RR, it can be quickly engaged without waiting for synchronization of the rotational speeds before and after the clutch, and noise and vibration due to the rotational moment of inertia, clutch wear, etc. Can be suppressed.

  The driving force distribution control apparatus according to the real cell form described above switches the driving force distribution by switching between the 2WD mode, the AWD mode, the first standby mode, and the second standby mode according to the road surface state based on the vehicle speed V and the road surface friction coefficient μ. Can be optimized, and fuel efficiency and driving stability can be improved to improve the merchantability of the vehicle. In particular, the drive mode is switched to the first standby mode or the second standby mode in advance before the request for switching to the AWD mode is generated. The clutch can be quickly connected without waiting for synchronization of the rotation speed.

  Further, since the first standby mode or the second standby mode is selected according to the vehicle speed V, an appropriate standby mode corresponding to the running stability due to the difference in the running state of the vehicle is realized. Therefore, even in the standby mode, it is possible to achieve a good balance between fuel efficiency and improved running stability.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Engine 2 Automatic transmission 3 Transfer 7 Rear wheel final reduction device 20 Center clutch 21RL, 21RR Axle clutch 60 Transmission control unit (drive force distribution control device)
60a Road surface friction coefficient estimation unit 60b Road surface state determination unit 60c Drive mode setting unit 60d Clutch control unit V Vehicle speed μ Road surface friction coefficient Tc, TL, TR Fastening torque

Claims (6)

A vehicle having a center clutch that distributes driving force to the front wheel side and the rear wheel side, and left and right axle clutches interposed between a front or rear wheel final reduction device and left and right drive shafts. A driving force distribution control device comprising:
A vehicle speed determination unit for determining the vehicle speed;
A drive mode setting unit that sets a drive mode in which connection / disconnection of the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches is defined in accordance with the vehicle speed determined by the vehicle speed determination unit;
A vehicle driving force distribution control device comprising: A road surface state determination unit for determining a road surface state based on a road surface friction coefficient of the traveling road;
The vehicle driving force distribution control device according to claim 1, wherein the driving mode setting unit sets the driving mode corresponding to the vehicle speed and the road surface state.   The drive mode setting unit sets an all-wheel drive mode in which the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches are engaged regardless of the vehicle speed when the road surface state is a low friction state. The driving force distribution control device for a vehicle according to claim 1. The vehicle speed determination unit classifies the vehicle speed into one of medium-low speed vehicle speed and high-speed vehicle speed,
The road surface state determination unit determines the road surface state by classifying it into one of a high friction state, a medium friction state, and a low friction state,
The drive mode setting unit engages the center clutch and the left and right axle clutches when the road surface state is in a low friction state, regardless of whether the vehicle speed is a medium or low speed vehicle speed or a high speed vehicle speed. The vehicle driving force distribution control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the all-wheel drive mode is set. The drive mode setting unit, when the vehicle speed is a medium-low speed vehicle speed,
When the road surface state is a high friction state, set the two-wheel drive mode to open the center clutch and the left and right axle clutch,
5. The vehicle driving force distribution control device according to claim 4, wherein when the road surface state is a middle friction state, a first standby mode is set in which the center clutch is engaged and the axle clutch is released. The drive mode setting unit, when the vehicle speed is a high-speed vehicle speed,
The vehicle driving force according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the road surface state is a high friction state and a middle friction state, a second standby mode is set in which the center clutch is disengaged and the axle clutch is engaged. Distribution controller.

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