JP2878342B2 - Operating device for automatic transmission for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To judge any abnormal operation of a control switch surely as well as to secure safety driving by installing an abnormal judging part for judging that an abnormal condition has occurred in operation of the control switch in the case where time detected in a phase time detecting element becomes more than the specified time, in a control part. CONSTITUTION:An actuator 22 for a hydraulic valve selecting a running range of an automatic transmission is controlled by a control means 30. A shift operating means for outputting a range select command to this control means 30 is provided with a stroke contact type control switch 18 on which are setting running range is parallelly installed on the specified locus in regular succession, and this control switch 18, in turn, has a signal generating means outputting a multistage signal, having a phase difference, as a range select command according to operation of this switch. Time generating this phase difference is counted by a phase time detecting element of the control means 30, and when this time becomes more than the specified time, a fact that an abnormal state has occurred in operation of the control switch 18 is judged by an abnormal judging part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an actuator for driving a hydraulic valve for switching a traveling range of an automatic transmission, a control unit for controlling the actuator, and a shift for the control unit. The present invention relates to an operation device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: a shift operation means for outputting a switching command.

[Prior Art] Generally, an operating device of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is directly mechanically connected to a hydraulic valve for switching a traveling range of the automatic transmission, and is set to be moved by a driver's hand. A shift lever is provided as a shift operation means, and the driver moves the select lever to a desired travel range position, thereby switching the valve position of the hydraulic valve and switching the desired travel range. Is set.

In such a manual operation device, since the select lever and the hydraulic valve are mechanically directly connected via an arm, a link, or the like, a strong operating force is required to move the select lever, There has been a demand for an operating device that requires only a small operating force.

In order to satisfy this demand, in recent years, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 37729, in an automatic transmission of an automobile in which a travel range is switched by controlling a hydraulic valve by a wire connected to a hydraulic valve in a transmission, this wire is driven by a drive motor. There has been proposed an electric range switching device in which the driving motor is operated by operating an electric switch while being driven. According to such an electric range switching device, the driver can switch the traveling range via the drive motor simply by operating the electric switch, and the driver can operate the electric switch lightly. By operating with force, it is possible to instruct switching of the traveling range.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in such a conventional electric range switching device, a push-button switch is employed as an electric switch for instructing an operation of a drive motor. For this reason, for example, when attempting to shift down from a drive range to a second speed fixed range in order to shift down, the driver pays attention to a second speed fixed range switch that is to be pushed in so as to switch without fail. Will be done. That is, in the conventional manual select lever, all the travel ranges are PRND-2-1.
The selector lever does not move directly from the drive range to the reverse range because of the linear arrangement as shown in the above.However, in the case of a push button type switch, if the wrong range is pressed and the reverse range switch is pressed, the vehicle moves forward. In the meantime, there is a possibility that the reverse running state is set by mistake and the driving wheels are locked and slipped.

For this reason, it is conceivable to provide a stroke contact type operation switch in which a traveling range set as an electric switch is sequentially arranged on a predetermined locus, and to reliably prevent the above-described mistake in pushing. However, in such a stroke contact type operation switch, when the operation switch is moved to switch the travel range, the driver slightly exits the operation switch at an incomplete position, for example, a position where the travel range is set. If the operation switch is kept at the position, a reliable signal will not be output from the operation switch, and the control unit will continue to be in a state where the travel range set by the operation switch is undetermined for a long time, which is a problem in safe traveling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation device of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, which can reliably determine an abnormal operation of an operation switch and ensure safe driving. It is to be.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an operation device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an actuator that drives a hydraulic valve for switching the range of the automatic transmission, a shift operation unit that outputs a range switch command in response to a range switch operation of a driver, A control device for controlling the actuator, the operation device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, wherein the speed change operation means includes a stroke contact type operation switch in which a set range is sequentially arranged on a predetermined locus, The operation switches are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, and each of the first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges and the first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges. Beside the contacts, they are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, each corresponding to the plurality of ranges, A second contact group whose one end and the other end along the operation direction are offset by a predetermined distance along the same direction as the operation direction with respect to one end and the other end of the first contact of the corresponding range; A sliding terminal that slides on the first and second contact groups according to a range switching operation by the operation switch, and contacts a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the range to be switched; A first signal generating means for outputting a signal when the first contact is in contact with the sliding terminal, and a second signal generating means for outputting a signal when the second contact is in contact with the sliding terminal. Signal output means,
The control means, when detecting that only one of the first and second contacts has been in contact with the sliding terminal for a first predetermined time or more at the time of range switching by the operation switch, It is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch.

Further, preferably, the control means changes the first and second contacts from a first state in which the first and second contacts are both in contact with the sliding terminal in accordance with the operation of the operation switch. After switching to the second state in which only one of the terminals is in contact with the sliding terminal and detecting that the second state has continued for a first predetermined time or more, an abnormal state is detected in the operation of the operation switch. It is determined that an error has occurred.

Preferably, the control means is configured to switch one of the first and second contacts from a third state in which both the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal with the operation of the operation switch. Only after switching to the fourth state in which only the fourth terminal is in contact with the sliding terminal, when it is detected that the fourth state has continued for the second predetermined time or more, an abnormal state occurs in the operation of the operation switch. It is determined that it has been performed.

The operating device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an actuator that drives a hydraulic valve for switching the range of the automatic transmission, a shift operation unit that outputs a range switch command in response to a range switch operation of a driver, A control device for controlling the actuator, the operation device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, wherein the speed change operation means includes a stroke contact type operation switch in which a set range is sequentially arranged on a predetermined locus, The operation switches are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, and each of the first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges and the first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges. Beside the contacts, they are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, each corresponding to the plurality of ranges, A second contact group whose one end and the other end along the operation direction are offset by a predetermined distance along the same direction as the operation direction with respect to one end and the other end of the first contact of the corresponding range; A sliding terminal that slides on the first and second contact groups according to a range switching operation by the operation switch, and contacts a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the range to be switched; A first signal generating means for outputting a signal when the first contact is in contact with the sliding terminal, and a second signal generating means for outputting a signal when the second contact is in contact with the sliding terminal. Signal output means,
The control means, when detecting that the state in which both the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal has continued for a third predetermined time or more at the time of range switching by the operation switch, An operation device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, wherein it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in operation of an operation switch.

[Operation] As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means keeps the state in which only one of the first and second contacts is in contact with the sliding terminal for a predetermined time or more when the range is switched by the operation switch. When it is detected that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch, for example,
Even when the operation switch is kept at a position slightly deviating from the position where a certain range is set, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which an undetermined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, the control means changes the first and second contact points from the first state in which the first and second contact points are both in contact with the sliding terminal in accordance with the operation of the operation switch. After switching to the second state in which only one of the two contacts the sliding terminal,
When it is detected that the second state has continued for the first predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. Even in the case where the position is kept at the position where the operation switch is released, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the undefined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the control means changes the first and second contacts from the third state in which the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal together with the operation of the operation switch. After switching to the fourth state in which only one of the terminals is in contact with the sliding terminal, the fourth state
When it is detected that the state of the operation switch has continued for the second predetermined time or more, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. Even in the case where the position is continuously held, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the undefined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

According to the invention of claim 4, the control means keeps the state in which both the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal at the time of range switching by the operation switch for the third predetermined time or longer. When it is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred in the operation of the operation switch, for example, even when the operation switch is kept at a position slightly out of the position where a certain range is set, the operation switch is not operated. It is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the set range undetermined state continues for a long time.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, a configuration of an embodiment of an operating device for a vehicle automatic transmission according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 10 according to this embodiment includes:
The driving range of the automatic transmission 12 is configured to be able to be switched with a light operating force by using electric power, and the automatic transmission 12 uses the driving force of an engine 14 as a drive wheel. In one embodiment, it is configured to transmit to a front wheel (not shown). Here, this automatic transmission
Reference numeral 12 denotes a commonly used type provided with a hydraulic valve 16 for switching a traveling range, and the configuration thereof is well known, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The operating device 10 of this embodiment is configured to electrically operate the hydraulic valve 16 in response to the operation of an operating switch 18 (the detailed configuration and mounting mode of which will be described later), which is a feature of the present invention. An electric traveling range switching device (hereinafter simply referred to as a range switching device) 20 for driving and switching a traveling range is provided. The range switching device 16 includes a drive motor 22 capable of reversible rotation, a rotation arm 26 fixed to a drive shaft 24 of the drive motor 22 and having a predetermined radius, a tip of the rotation arm 26, and a hydraulic valve 16. The control unit 30 includes a connection wire 28 to be connected, and a control unit 30 that controls the drive state of the drive motor 22 based on a range switching command output from the operation switch 18.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the automatic transmission 12 described above is provided with an inhibitor switch 32 that indicates the switched traveling range state according to the switching state of the traveling range by the hydraulic valve 16. That is, the inhibitor switch 32 includes a parking range "P", a reverse range "R", a neutral range "N", a forward drive range "D", a forward second speed range "2", and a forward first speed range "1". , S _P , S _R , S _N , S _D , S ₂ , S ₁
When, in accordance with the range selection state of the hydraulic valve 16, these contacts _{S P, S R, S N} , S D, and a pivot lever 32a to rotate to selectively contact the S _2, S ₁ I have. Then, each contact _{S P, S R, S N} , S D, S 2, S 1 is connected respectively to the control Yunitsuto 30, In this way, inhibition task i Tutsi
32 is a contact _SP , S _R , S _N , S _D , S with which the swivel lever 32a has contacted.
And it is configured to output only from _2, S ₁ of an inhibitor signal to the control Yunitsuto 30.

Further, in the above-mentioned drive motor 22, its rotator shaft (not shown) is connected to the drive shaft 24 via a clutch mechanism 34, and the clutch device 34 is intermittently controlled by the above-mentioned control unit 30. So that they are connected.
That is, the control unit 30 is set so that the clutch mechanism 34 is maintained in the connected state and the automatic transmission 12 is electrically driven by the drive motor 22 in the normal state. When it is determined that the switching control operation is failing, the clutch mechanism 34 is cut off as a failsafe, and the automatic transmission 12
Are not set to be driven by the drive motor 22.

Further, a rotary encoder 36 is connected to the drive motor 22, and a drive amount of the rotary encoder 36 is constantly detected.
This rotary encoder 36 is connected to the control unit 30 and outputs a detection result. The control unit 30 receives the output result from the rotary encoder 36, and receives the output amount of the drive motor 22, in other words, the rotation arm.
It is configured to recognize the turning position of 26.

On the other hand, a manual drive mechanism 38 for manually switching and driving the automatic transmission 12 when the control unit 30 fails, for example, is connected to the range switching device 20 described above. As shown in FIG. 1, the manual drive mechanism 38 includes a rotating plate rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the drive shaft 24 described above.
And a pinion gear 42 formed on the outer periphery of the rotating plate 40.
And a rack member 44 that meshes with the pinion gear 42, and a first auxiliary connection wire 46 that connects the rack member 44 and the tip of the rotating arm 26 to each other.
The first auxiliary connection wire 46 is set so as to extend in line with the connection wire 28 described above, and the hydraulic valve 16 is switched by the rotation of the rotation plate 40. It has been made like that.

Here, a fitting hole 40a into which a wrench 48 as a sliding rotating member is fitted is formed at the center of the rotating plate 40. Can be manually rotated to the position. If the clutch mechanism 34 is in the connected state during the manual rotation of the rotating plate 40, the drive motor 22 becomes a load and the rotation becomes difficult, so that the clutch mechanism 34 is mechanically disconnected. The switching lever 50 is connected to the clutch mechanism 34 via a second auxiliary wire 52. That is, this switching lever 50
Is in the control position, the clutch mechanism 34 is set to a controllable state by the control unit 30, and in the cutting position, the clutch mechanism 34 is mechanically set to the cutting state.

As shown in FIG. 3, the manual drive mechanism 38 is disposed so as to be located just inside the lower center portion of the cowl panel lower 54 that separates the vehicle compartment from the engine room. The rotation plate 40 is set to be exposed by removing the attached lid member 54a. In this way, when the control unit 30 fails, the driver removes the lid member 54a to access the rotating plate 40, and drives the rotating plate 40 to rotate via the wrench 48. As a result, the automatic transmission 12 can be directly switched and driven manually.

The operation switch 18 serving as a shift operation means, which is a feature of the present invention, for outputting a range switching command to the control unit 30 of the range switching device 20 configured as described above, with reference to FIG. This will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation switch 18 is provided on the left side of a steering column 58 on which a steering wheel 56 is rotatably mounted, in other words,
On the side opposite to the side where the direction indicating lever 60 is provided,
The wiper operation lever 62 is provided on the same side as the side on which the wiper operation lever 62 is provided. The operation switch 18 is configured as a so-called stroke contact type switch, and more specifically, is configured as a rotary switch that is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis extending along the vehicle width direction.

Here, the steering column 58 of the operation switch 18
As shown in FIG. 4, both sides of the steering wheel 56 at the so-called 8:20 position of the steering wheel 56 in the substantially neutral position (ie, the position where the rotation angle is 0 °) are placed with both hands. When the driver sitting in the driver's seat looks at the front in the state of being gripped by the steering wheel 56, the operation switch 18 can be visually recognized just through the space of the steering wheel 56. The wheel 56 also has a three-spoke type to ensure this visibility, in particular, three spokes 56a and 56b set to extend along the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock directions, respectively. , 56c.

As shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement position of the operation switch 18 is such that the wiper operation lever 62 is located above the left side of the steering column 58 in front of the steering column 58 in relation to the wiper operation lever 62. On the other hand, the operation switch 18 is set below the left side of the steering column 58 on the near side. In other words, the wiper operation lever 62 and the operation switch 18 are disposed so as to be vertically separated from each other with the height center line C of the steering column 58 as a boundary.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
An annular mounting ring 64 integrally fixed to the left side surface of the steering column 58, and the mounting ring 64 is rotatably supported about an axis extending along the vehicle width direction and is axially supported. A switch body 66 supported so as to be able to be pushed along along with the finger operation unit 68 integrally formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of the switch body 66 and extend along the axial direction; A pushing portion formed integrally with the finger operating portion 68 in an upright state (that is, a state extending along the circumferential direction) at the end on the steering column 58 side.
70 and.

Here, as is apparent from FIG. 6, a hold button 72 is provided at the right end of the front end surface of the finger operation unit 68 in the figure, and a deepest part of the side surface of the pushing unit 70 is provided with the automatic transmission 12. A mode switching button 74 for switching the driving range switching mode is provided.

When the hold button 72 is not depressed, a normal shift change state is defined. When the hold button 72 is depressed, the shift button is fixed at the third speed in the forward drive range and is fixed at the second speed in the second forward speed range. It is set to be. When the mode switching button 74 is not depressed, the mode of switching the traveling range in the automatic transmission 12 is defined as a power mode (preferable for mountain road traveling) emphasizing sticky driving feeling, and is depressed. In this case, the economy mode is set (optimized for city driving) with emphasis on economy.

On the other hand, on the outer peripheral surface of the above-described mounting ring 64, "P" indicating a parking range, "R" indicating a reverse range, "N" indicating a neutral range, and "N" indicating a forward drive range are provided along the clockwise direction. Alphanumeric characters "D", "2" indicating the second forward speed range, and "1" indicating the first forward speed range are sequentially drawn. The operation switch 18 is configured to output a range switching command for defining a traveling range set in accordance with the rotation position when the switch body 66 rotates. Is configured to output a range switching command so as to achieve a running range represented by alphanumeric characters located just beside the finger operation unit 68. That is, the finger operation unit 68 also functions as an index indicating the currently set traveling range.

Here, as shown, the alphanumeric characters “N”, “D”,
“2” and “1” are arranged in series at equal intervals at a narrow interval d ₁ , but the alphabet “R” is wider than the interval “d ₁ ” with respect to the alphabet “N”. They are arranged in a state spaced by d _2, letter "P" is set to be aligned in a state of being separated by a narrow interval d ₁ described above for letter "R". Also, alphanumeric characters "N", "D", "2"
As shown in FIG. 4, when the driver sitting in the driver's seat looks at the front, it is disposed at a position where the English character "D" can be placed directly in the center and directly viewed. In this way, when the operation of switching the travel range between the neutral range “N”, the forward drive range “D”, and the second forward speed range “2” is performed, any travel range is currently set. By reading the alphanumeric characters "N", "D", and "2" indicated by the finger operation unit 68, it can be instantly recognized, and the driver can switch the driving range with ease. Become.

On the other hand, as is clear from FIG. 4, in a state in which the user looks directly at the letter, the English letters "R" and "P" cannot be seen. As a result, although details will be described later, the switch body 66 is simply moved from the neutral range “N” to the reverse range “R”.
Is set so that it cannot be shifted only by rotating the switch body, and cannot be shifted unless the switch body 66 is pushed in the axial direction. Therefore, due to the mechanism, the neutral range "N", the drive range "D", Forward 2nd speed range "2"
The reverse range “R” is never set in a state where the switch body 66 is rotated in order to freely perform range switching between the two. By not being able to see “R” and “P”, it is psychologically guaranteed that there will be no risk of entering the retreat range “R” from the neutral range “N”, and the driver is sincerely required. With peace of mind, neutral range "N", drive range "D", forward 2
It is possible to freely switch the traveling range between the speed ranges “2”.

Next, regarding the internal configuration of the operation switch 18, the seventh
This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 7, the switch body of the operation switch 18
The 66 has an outer flange 66a integrally formed at the inner end thereof, and a shaft 66b extending along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body. The shaft portion 66b is mounted so as to be rotatable about its own central axis and prohibited from moving in the axial direction. Also, this outer flange part
A contact rod 66c extends in the axial direction along the outer peripheral portion of the inner surface of the 66a, that is, the steering column 58c.
It is attached so that it extends toward the surface of.

Then, on the surface of the steering column facing the outer flange portion 66a, along with the rotation locus of the contact rod 66c, similarly to the inhibitor switch 32 described above,
Parking range "P", reverse range "R", neutral range "N", forward drive range "D", forward 2
Fast range "2", and, husband first forward speed range "1" s corresponding contacts _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1 is, contact rod 66
It is attached so that it can contact c. And these contacts _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the alphanumeric display position of the driving range drawn on the outer periphery of the mounting ring 64 respectively displayed Have been.

Here, the contacts _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1 is connected respectively to the control Yunitsuto 30, in this manner, the operation switch 18, the contact rod 66c is in contact Contact
_{X P, X R, X N} , X D, from X _2, X _1, so that the corresponding range switching command is output to the control Yunitsuto 30.

On the other hand, the switch body 66 includes a moving portion 66d movably attached to the shaft portion 66b along the axial direction. That is, a through hole 66e is formed in the moving portion 66d along the axial direction, and the shaft portion 66b passes through the through hole 66e and is taken out.
Are supported so as to be movable along the extending direction of the shaft 66b. Here, the above-described finger operation unit 68 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the moving unit 66d. The inner end of the moving portion 66d is set to have a smaller diameter than the outer end, and is set so as to be housed in the ring-shaped mounting ring 64 described above.

A locking nut 66f for prohibiting the moving portion 66d from being taken out is screwed to the outer end of the shaft portion 66b. On the other hand, a coil spring 66g is interposed between the moving portion 66d and the outer flange portion 66a, and the moving portion 66d is always attached outward by the urging force of the coil spring 66g. As long as no external force acts on the locking nut 66f, it is brought into contact with the above-described locking nut 66f, and its position is elastically held. In this manner, the switch body 66 is normally urged outward, and by being pushed inward in the axial direction via the above-described pushing portion 70, the switch body 66 is pressed against the biasing force of the coil spring. In opposition, it can be pushed inward in the axial direction.

The above-mentioned locking nut 66f is provided on the outer surface of the moving portion 66d.
A recess 66h for accommodating the lock nut 66f is provided, and a blind plate 66i for closing the recess 66h to cover the locking nut 66f is provided.

Here, the operation switch 18 includes a detent mechanism 76 for accurately locking the rotation drive at each travel range position when switching the travel range by rotating the switch main body 66, and also includes a neutral At the time of switching from the range "N" to the reverse range "R" and switching between the reverse range "R" and the parking range "P", the switching cannot be performed merely by rotating the switch body 66. The switching mechanism is provided so that the switching operation cannot be performed unless the switch main body 66 is pushed inward along the axial direction.

Due to the detent mechanism 76 and the regulating mechanism 78, the outer end of the mounting ring 64 described above extends to approximately the middle of the small diameter portion of the moving portion 66d. For this reason, the outer end has a gap G between itself and the end face of the step portion that defines the large-diameter portion of the moving portion 66d.
Is formed, but the axial length of the gap G is set slightly longer than the axial pushing amount of the moving portion 66b described later. Here, the regulating mechanism 78 includes a guide groove 80 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting ring 64 and the moving portion 66b so that the outer end is fitted into the guide groove 80 and guided. 1 elastically mounted to move freely
A book guide 82 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, the guide groove 80 is formed just between the first forward speed range “1” and the parking range “P”. In some cases, the switch body 66 is prohibited from rotating beyond the first forward speed range “1” and the parking range “P”. Here, the day tent mechanism 76 described above is
As shown in FIG. 7, the parking range “P”, the reverse range “R”, the neutral range “N”, and the forward drive range “D” are provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove 80 based on the above-described arrangement. , the second forward speed range "2", and, the first forward speed range "1" Deitento hole 76 _P, 7 each associated with
6 _R , 76 _N , 76 _D , 76 ₂ , 76 ₁ , and these detent holes 76 _P , 76 _R , 76 _N , 76 _D , 76 ₂ , 76 ₁ are provided with mounting rings 64.
It is set to be positioned on one axis l ₀ along the circumferential direction of the. Incidentally, each Deitento holes _{76 P, 76 R, 76 N} , 76 D, 76
_2, 76 ₁ of the bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 8, is set at a position from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting ring 64 has entered the first depth h ₁ only radially outwardly.

The guide groove 80 extends in the lower part of FIG. 7 from the forward second speed range “2” to the neutral range “N” as shown in a state where the circumferential shape is developed on a plane. a straight groove portion 80a formed along connexion linearly in the direction l _0, in the upper end of the straight groove portion 80a, Niyu Tsentralnyi extending range from the "N" axially inwardly (i.e., perpendicular to the straight groove portion 80a) and the second 1 of the lateral groove portion 80b, and the inclined groove portion 80c extending obliquely with respect to the circumferential direction l ₀ from the inner end to the reverse range "R" of the first lateral groove portion 80b, axially from the reverse range "R" A second lateral groove 80d extending inward, a third lateral groove 80e extending axially inward from the parking range "P",
These second and third lateral groove portion 80d, a first connecting groove 80f to output along connexion extending circumferentially l ₀ to couple the inner end with each other mutual 80e, at the lower end of the straight groove portion 80a as described above, a fourth lateral groove portion 80g extending axially inwardly from the forward second speed range "2", the fourth along the inner end of the lateral groove portion 80g in the circumferential direction l ₀ connexion forward first speed range "1" The second connecting groove portion 80h extending to the second connecting groove portion 80h is configured in a continuous state.

The extension length of each of the first to third lateral groove portions 80b, 80d, and 80e is defined as the amount of pushing of the switch body 66 in the axial direction, and the extension lengths are the same. Set to length. By configuring the guide groove 80 in this manner, the traveling range is switched from the forward first speed range “1” to the neutral range “N”, and
The switching operation of the traveling range from the reverse range "R" to the second forward speed range "2" can be executed by only one operation of rotating the switch body 66. However, switching of the traveling range from the neutral range "N" to the parking range "P", switching of the traveling range between the parking range "P" and the reverse range "R", and the forward second speed range "1" The switching operation of the traveling range from the first forward speed range “1” to the forward first speed range “1” requires two operations of rotating the switch body 66 while pushing the switch body 66 along the axial direction once every time the vehicle passes each range. Become.

As a result, only by the above-described turning operation of the switch main body 66, the traveling range is switched from the neutral range “N” to the reverse range “R”, and between the reverse range “R” and the parking range “P”. The switching operation of the traveling range is impossible, so that the switching operation is carelessly prevented from being performed carelessly, and the safe traveling state is ensured.

As shown in FIG. 8, the depth of the guide groove 80 from the inner peripheral surface of the mounting ring 64 between the forward second speed range “2” and the neutral range “N” is the same as the detent hole 76 described above.
_{P, 76 R, 76 N,} 76 D, 76 2, 76 1 of the inner peripheral surface of the mounting ring 64 first defining each depth depth h ₁ second which is set slightly shallower than is set to have a depth h _2, whereas, between the second forward speed range "2" and the first forward speed range "1" guide groove 80 and Niyu Tsentralnyi range "N" and the parking range "P" depth between the guide groove 80 is set to have a third depth h ₃ shallower than the second depth h ₂ as described above.

As a result, as is apparent from FIG. 8, the substantial depth of the respective detent holes 76 ₁ , 76 _P , 76 _R in the forward first speed range “1”, the reverse range “R”, and the parking range “P”. (= h ₁ -h ₃₎ is Niyu Tsentralnyi range "N", the forward drive range "D", the substantial depth of the second forward speed range Deitento holes 76 each in the "2" _N, 76 _D, 76 ₂ (= H ₁
−h ₂ ) Deeper.

In this manner, in this embodiment, at each travel range setting position, the operation stop position is detented by fitting the guide pin 82 into the corresponding detent hole 76, and the driver operates the switch operated by himself. The stopped state of the main body 66 can be confirmed by the feeling based on the detent feeling.

Further, according to this embodiment, from the state where the first forward speed range “1”, the reverse range “R”, and the parking range “P” are respectively set, the rotation required to start rotating the switch body 66 is started. The starting force is larger than the rotational starting force required to start rotating from the state where the neutral range “N”, forward drive range “D”, and second forward speed range “2” are set. Is required. In other words, the driver can control the neutral range “N”, the forward drive range “D”,
It is possible to freely switch the traveling range between the forward second speed range "2" and the forward first speed range "1", the reverse range "R", and the parking range "P". When the vehicle is switched to another driving range, a strong rotation starting force is required to escape from the corresponding deep detent holes 76 ₁ , 76 _N , and 76 _P , and it is necessary to perform this switching operation. , And the erroneous operation is prevented beforehand.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide pin 82 fitted in the guide groove 80 includes a pin main body 82a having a rounded tip end and an outer flange portion 82b at a substantially central portion in the axial direction. It is formed integrally. In addition, the guide pin 82 is fitted into a concave portion 84 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the moving portion 66d.
It is attached with the inner part inserted from 2b. Here, the recess 84 has a recess main body 84a whose opening is larger in diameter than the above-described outer flange portion 82b.
And a small-diameter inner flange portion 84b formed at the opening of the recess main body 84a and set so that the outer flange portion 82b is just inserted therethrough. That is, this recess 8
4 is composed of a stepped hole with a narrow opening.

In the recess 84, an opening is formed at the center of the pin main body 82a, through which the inner portion is inserted through the outer flange portion 82b, in contact with the above-mentioned step portion (that is, the inner end surface of the inner flange portion 84b). The locked locking ring 86 is stored. Meanwhile, this recess 84
Inside, it contacts the inner end face of the guide pin 82 and
And a first coil spring 88 biasing so as to be biased in a direction to protrude from the inner surface of the locking ring 86 and biasing it so as to press against the step of the inner flange portion 84b. The two coil springs 90 are housed independently of each other.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Are inserted into the respective detent holes 76 ₁ , 76 ₂ , 76 _D , 76 _N , 76 _R , 76 _P and their positions are locked, in other words, the tips of the guide pins 82 in contact with the state on the surface of the depth h ₁ from the circumferential surface, the outer flange portion 82a of the guide pin 82 is to be separated from the locking ring 86 in contact with the stepped portion by a distance of (h ₁ -h ₂₎ Is set to
As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the guide groove between the second forward speed range “2” and the neutral range (N) is formed.
When the tip of the guide pin 82 is in contact with the bottom surface of 80, the distance from the state of fitting into each of the detent holes 76 ₁ , 76 ₂ , 76 _D , 76 _N , 76 _R , 76 _P is (h ₁ −h ₂ ). Only switch body 66
Will be pushed inward in the radial direction.

In this pushing operation, the outer flange portion 82b only comes into contact with the locking ring 86, and does not push it inward. As a result, the pushing force required for the pushing operation may be any force that opposes the urging force of the first coil spring 88 that engages only with the guide pin 82.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C, between the neutral range "N" and the parking range "P" and between the forward second speed range "2" and the forward first speed range "1". With the tip of the guide pin 82 abutting against the bottom surface of the guide groove 80, the guide groove 82 is inserted into the detent holes 76 ₁ , 76 ₂ , 76 _D , 76 _N , 76 _R , and 76 _P from (h ₁ −h ₃ Switch body 66 for the distance of)
Will be pushed inward in the radial direction. here,
As is apparent from the above description, since (h ₁ −h ₃ )> (h ₁ −h ₂ ), the outer flange portion 82 b comes into contact with the locking ring 86 during this pushing operation, and Will be pushed inward.

As a result, the pushing force required for this pushing operation is
The force opposing the total urging force of the urging force of the first coil spring 88 engaging the guide pin 82 and the urging force of the second coil spring 90 engaging the locking ring 86 is It is necessary.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the switch main body 66 is rotated to switch the traveling range between the second forward speed range “2” and the neutral range “N” (the guide pin 80 is connected to the guide groove). 82), the contact force between the guide pin 80 and the guide groove 82 (i.e., the frictional engagement force) is determined only by the force opposing the first coil spring 88. The operating force will be relatively weak.

However, when the travel range is switched between the neutral range "N" and the parking range "P" and between the second forward speed range "2" and the first forward speed range "1", the guide pin 80 The contact force with the guide groove 82 is defined by the force opposing the urging force of the first and second coil springs 88 and 90, and a large rotating operation force is required. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the strength of the rotation operation is also given, and the difference between the rotation start force from the stop position of the switch main body 66 based on the difference in the depth of the detent hole 76 described above and the change in the rotation operation force are also different. Therefore, the user is warned whether the switching operation needs to be performed, and the erroneous operation is reliably prevented.

The operation switch 18 configured as described above is mounted on the left side surface of the steering column 58 as described above. In detail, the operation state shown in FIG. Armrests 92 with both elbows
(The armrests for the right elbow are not shown for the sake of convenience in the drawing.) As shown in FIG. 5, the middle finger of the left hand is extended, and the finger operation unit 68 located in a range from the first speed forward travel range “1” to the neutral range “N” is set at a position where the middle finger can be reached. I have.

In other words, in the above-described state (posture), the turning radius of the left middle finger is set to l ₁ (for example, 130 mm), and the finger operating unit 68
Assuming that the turning radius is l ₂ , the turning locus of the tip of the middle finger and the forward first speed traveling range “1” to the neutral range “N”
The distance l ₃ between the rotation center of the operation switch 18 and the grip position of the left hand of the steering wheel 56 is defined so that the rotation locus of the tip end of the finger operation unit 68 located in the range . That is, l ₃ is defined in a range where the following inequality (1) is satisfied.

l ₃ <l ₁ + l ₂ (1) By defining the equation (1) as described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the finger operating unit in the forward drive range “D” is used. The distance l ₆ between the tip of the wheel 58 and the steering wheel 56 is set to 110 mm.

As shown in FIG. 12, if the distance between the tip of the finger operation unit 68 in the reverse range “R” and the steering wheel 56 is l ₄ , this distance l ₄ is given by the following inequality (2)
Is set in a range satisfying the above condition, and in this embodiment, it is set to 130 mm.

l ₄ ≧ l ₁ (2) Here, the interval d ₂ between the neutral range “N” and the retreat range “R” as described above satisfies the above inequality (2). Stipulated.

Thus, in this embodiment, the operation switch
Since the arrangement position of 18 is specified, the driver extends the middle finger of the left hand while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands, and pushes the finger operation unit 68 of the operation switch 18 from above, or By operating the switch body 66 from below, the switch body 66 can be freely and instantaneously switched between the forward first speed range "1" and the neutral range "N". As a result, the driving range can be switched during driving while the steering wheel 56 is being held with both hands, and the safe driving state is reliably achieved.

In this embodiment, even when the left hand is gripping the steering wheel 56 and, for example, the middle finger is extended, the retreat range “R” is out of the operable range of the finger operation unit 68. Switching operation from "N" to the reverse range "R" becomes impossible.
As a result, while the vehicle is traveling forward, hitting the finger operating section 68 with the middle finger freely switches the traveling range from the forward first speed range to the neutral range “N”, and mistakenly reverses the traveling range. The situation in which the range “R” is set is reliably avoided, and the safety in the switching operation of the traveling range is reliably ensured in tandem with the requirement for the two operations described above.

Also, in order to switch to the reverse range “R” or the parking range “P”, the left hand must be released from the steering wheel 56 without fail, so that the switching to the reverse range “R” or the parking range “P” is performed. The operation is psychologically suppressed, and an erroneous operation is prevented beforehand during the operation of switching to the reverse range “R” or the parking range “P”, and safe driving is also ensured from this viewpoint.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Is above the operation switch 18 and at a distance l ₅
It is arranged to be located only behind. Therefore, when operating the wiper operation lever 62, the gripping position on the steering wheel 56 of the left hand is changed from a so-called 8 o'clock position (indicated by a symbol A in the figure) to a so-called 10 o'clock position (indicated by a symbol in the figure). B.). That is, an operation pivot range with the rotation radius l ₁ of the operation switch 18,
The operation range of rotation of at turning radius l ₇ of the wiper operation lever 62, become different from each other.

As a result, in this embodiment, the operation switch 18
For example, when the finger operation unit 68 is swung up from below and the range is switched from the second forward speed range “2” to the forward drive range “D”, even if the middle finger is swung upward due to excess momentum, Since the operation lever 62 is not operated, the reliability of the operation is ensured. Also, push down the wiper operation lever 62 from above,
For example, even when setting the intermittent wiper mode,
Even if this pushing-down operation is too vigorous and the finger is swung down, there is no risk of touching the finger operation unit 68 of the operation switch 18, so that the driver can operate the wiper operation lever 62 with ease. Things.

Further, in this embodiment, in the operation switch 18, as shown in FIG. 13, the reverse range "R" is located on the outer peripheral surface of the switch main body 66 and the steering wheel 56.
It is set so as to be defined by the finger operation unit 68 located a distance ₁₈ ahead of the vertical line V that touches the side. In other words, the retreat range “R” is such that the finger operating section 68 is positioned such that the knee that has entered between the operation switch 18 and the steering wheel 56 in a standing state (bent at an acute angle) never reaches. The switch body 66 is set so as to be defined by the rotation of the switch body 66 via the switch. In other words, the reverse range “R” is located at a position to which a condition set at a position beyond the knee as described herein is added in addition to the condition represented by the above inequality (2). Has been established.

That is, in the normal driving posture, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 14, the knee of the left foot never reaches the operation switch 18. If you do not have a seat belt,
Based on the rapid acceleration acting on itself, the body is pushed out forward as a whole, and the knee of the driver's left foot is moved between the operation switch 18 and the steering wheel 56 as shown by the dashed line in FIG. There is a possibility that the standing posture is forcibly achieved. In such a posture in which the knee stands, the finger operating portion 68 of the operation switch 18 is pushed upward by the knee, and the switch body 66 is moved, for example, to the forward drive range “D”.
From the rearward range "R".

In this case, as described above, the switching from the forward drive range “D” to the neutral range “N” is performed only by the turning operation of the switch body 66, but the backward movement from the neutral range “N” is performed. In the range "R", the switching operation is not performed simply by rotating the switch body 66, and the switch body 66 must be rotated while being pushed inward along the axial direction once. Two actions are required. For this reason, in a normal standing state, the guide pin 82 is in the first lateral groove portion of the guide groove 82.
The switch body 66 only contacts the end wall that defines 80b.
Is held at a position that defines the neutral range “N”, and cannot be switched to the reverse range “R”.

However, at the time of a head-on collision or sudden braking as described above, the above-described standing state of the knee is achieved with a strong force, and in some cases, the guide pin 82 moves over the above-described end wall with a strong force. Therefore, there is a possibility that the switch main body 66 may rotate so that the retreat range “R” is unintentionally set.

As a result, for example, when a sudden brake is applied, the operation switch 18 is moved to the neutral range “N” by the standing knee.
When the vehicle is forcibly switched to the reverse range “R” only by the rotation operation, the vehicle temporarily stops by the brake and then starts the reverse operation based on the setting of the reverse range “R”. That is dangerous.

However, in this embodiment, as described above, since the retreat range “R” is set at a position where the standing knee cannot reach, the sudden acceleration acts on the driver and the knee stands. Even in the worst case, only the neutral range “N” is set, and the reverse range is never set, and the safe driving state is ensured.

As shown in FIG. 15, the steering wheel 56 is slid along the axial direction as shown by a two-dot chain line so that the driver can take an optimal steering wheel gripping posture. A possible so-called telescopic mechanism and a so-called tilt mechanism which can be moved up and down as shown by a dashed line are provided although not shown in detail. Here, in this embodiment, for example, when the telescopic mechanism operates, only the steering wheel 56 moves back and forth along the axial direction from the steering column 58, and when the tilt mechanism operates, only the steering wheel 56 operates. Is a steering column
Instead of moving up and down from 58, the steering column 58 is also set to move integrally with the steering wheel 56.

As a result, in this embodiment, the operation switch 18
The relative positional relationship between the steering wheel 56 and the steering wheel 56 is always kept constant. The switching operation is performed reliably.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2 again, a part of an instrument panel 94 provided with a meter and a tachometer is provided with a travel range set by the operation switch 18 based on the travel range currently set. Is provided. The running range indicator 96 is set so that alphanumeric characters corresponding to the currently set running range are lit. Also,
In the vicinity of the travel range indicator 96, the control unit 30 determines that a failure has occurred if, for example, the travel range specified by the operation switch 18 is different from the travel range set by the inhibitor switch 32. A / T to make the driver aware of the failure status
A warning lamp 98 is provided.

In the operation device 10 configured as described above, a driving range switching operation by operating the operation switch 18 by the driver will be described below.

First, when the parking range “P” is set in the operation switch 18 and the vehicle is stopped, the driver opens the door (not shown) and enters the vehicle interior, and as shown in FIG. The engine 14 is started by turning the ignition switch (not shown) with the right hand while depressing a brake pedal (not shown) while sitting comfortably. After that, without holding the steering wheel 56 with the left hand, the switch body 66 of the operation switch 18 is squeezed and pushed inward in the axial direction against the urging force of the coil spring 66g, whereby the parking range "P Guide pin 82 from day tent hole 76 _P corresponding to
Comes out, slides in the third lateral groove 80e, and connects to the connecting groove 80f.
And the pushing operation is stopped. Thereafter, by rotating the switch main body 66 downward, the guide pin 82 slides in the first connection groove 80f, reaches the inner end of the second lateral groove 82d, and rotates. Stop.

Thereafter, when the pushing force of the switch body 66 is released, the switch body 66 is entirely biased outward in the axial direction by the urging force of the coil spring 66g, and the guide pin 82 slides in the second lateral groove 80d. and moving, and stops fitted into corresponding Deitento hole 76 in the _R to the reverse range "R". In this way, the reverse range “R” is switched and set.

Here, when the vehicle is moved backward, the vehicle is moved backward by releasing the brake pedal and depressing the accelerator pedal in a state where the reverse range “R” is set. On the other hand, when the vehicle is moved forward, the switch body 66 is squeezed again with the left hand and turned downward, so that the guide pin 82 slides in the inclined groove portion 80c, and the first lateral groove portion 80b Then, the switch body 66 is biased outward in the axial direction by the urging force of the coil spring 66g, and the guide pin 82 slides in the first lateral groove 80b. It fits into the detent hole 76 _N corresponding to the neutral range “N” and stops. Thus, the neutral range “N” is switched and set.

In the state where the neutral range "N" is set in this manner, the driver places the elbows of both hands on the armrests 92, grasps the so-called 8:20 direction position of the steering wheel 56, and takes the driving posture. Become. As described above, the switching operation of the travel range between the neutral range "N" and the forward second speed range "2" is performed simply by hitting the finger operation unit 68 and rotating the switch body 66. It is good to do. Therefore, the driver extends the middle finger of the left hand while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands, and taps the finger operation unit 68 further from the set position of the neutral range "N". Become. As a result of this knocking-down operation, the guide pin 82 comes out of the detent hole 76 _N corresponding to the neutral range “N” lightly, slides in the linear groove portion 80 a, and moves to the detent hole corresponding to the forward drive range “D”. 76 Fits in _D and stops. In this way, the forward drive range “D” is switched and set.

With the forward drive range “D” set in this way, the driver releases his / her foot from the brake pedal and depresses the accelerator pedal, so that the vehicle is driven forward with the automatic transmission changed.

Thereafter, when switching to the neutral range while the vehicle is stopped at an intersection or the like, the driver extends the middle finger of the left hand while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands, and the finger of the operation switch 18. by Tatakiageru the operation unit 68 from below, the guide pin 82 exits lightly in Deitento hole 76 _D corresponding to the forward drive range "D", slides inside the straight groove portion 80a, Niyu Tsentralnyi range "N" Fits into the day tent hole 76 _N corresponding to and stops. In this way, the neutral range "N" is switched and set.

On the other hand, during forward traveling, for example, when a long downhill is required and engine braking is required, the driver extends the middle finger of the left hand while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands, and operates the operation switch 18 with the finger. by lowering beating section 68 from above, the guide pin 82 exits lightly Deitento hole 76 in _D corresponding to the drive range "D", slides inside the straight groove 80a, the forward second speed range "2"
And fitted into the Deitento hole 76 ₂ corresponding stops. In this way, the forward second speed range “2” is switched and set.

Further, during forward running, for example, when a sharp downhill is required and strong engine braking is required, the driver holds the steering wheel 56 with both hands, extends the middle finger of the left hand, and operates the operation switch 18. by pushing axially inwardly a pushing portion 70 against the urging force of the coil spring 66 g, exits the guide pin 82 from Deitento hole 76 ₂ corresponding to the forward second speed range "2", the lateral groove portion of the fourth 8
It slides inside 0g, reaches the upper end of the second connecting groove 80f, and stops the pushing operation. Thereafter, the finger operation unit 68 is rotated downward with the middle finger that has pushed the pushing unit 70 (that is,
The guide pin 82 is moved to the second position
Slides the connecting groove portion 80h in the, stops fitted into Deitento holes 76 ₁ to define a first forward speed range "1". In this way, the forward first speed range “1” is switched and set.

As described above, by setting the forward first speed range “1”, a strong engine brake is achieved. However, if such a strong engine brake is set by an erroneous operation during high-speed running, stable running will be achieved. There is a possibility that the performance may be impaired. For this reason, in this embodiment, as described above, when switching from the second forward speed range “2” to the first forward speed range “1”, the left hand is still holding the steering wheel 56. , Two operations of pushing and rotating are required, and simply the finger operation unit
The first forward speed range “1” is not set only by rotating the 68.

As a result, the forward first speed range "1" can be easily set between the forward second speed range "2" and the neutral range "N" while the running range switching operation is being performed with a light operating force. Switching is prevented from being set,
Special attention is required to switch from the second forward speed range “2” to the first forward speed range “1”, effectively preventing incorrectly setting the first forward speed range from being switched. become.

That is, in this embodiment, while the vehicle is traveling forward, the driver maintains the state in which the steering wheel 56 is gripped with both hands and changes the traveling range to the forward second speed range “2” and the neutral position. In the case of changing between the ranges "N", simply by extending the middle finger of the left hand and tapping the finger operation unit 68 of the operation switch 18 from above or below, the switch body 66 is rotated,
It is possible to perform such a switching operation of the traveling range in the forward traveling without leaving the left hand from the steering wheel 56, that is, while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands.
Safety in the operation of 56 will be achieved to a high degree.

When switching from the second forward speed range “2” to the first forward speed range “1”, the middle finger of the left hand is extended, and the pusher 70 of the operation switch 18 is once pushed in the axial direction. By rotating the switch body 66 by strongly tapping the operation unit 68 upward, without releasing the left hand from the steering wheel 56, that is, while holding the steering wheel 56 with both hands, such a powerful engine brake Thus, the switching operation of the running range for applying the steering wheel can be performed, and the safety in the operation of the steering wheel 56 can be similarly achieved to a high degree.

On the other hand, in the case of retreating from the forward running, after once setting the neutral range "N" by the above-described operation, the left hand is separated from the steering wheel 56, and the pushed-in portion 70 is pushed by the middle finger of the separated left hand to the coil spring 66g
And presses inward in the axial direction against the urging force of. This pushing operation, Niyu Tsentralnyi guide pin 82 from Deitento hole 76 _N corresponding to the range "N" exits, within the first lateral groove portion 80b slides, push to reach the lower end of the inclined groove portion 80c operation When the finger operation portion 68 is hit upward after stopping, the guide pin 82 slides in the inclined groove portion 80c to reach the upper end thereof, and the detent hole 76 _R corresponding to the retreat range “R”. Stops by fitting inside. In this way, the reverse range “R” is switched and set.

In addition, from the reverse range “R” to the parking range “P”
Is achieved by executing an operation that is exactly the reverse of the operation of switching from the parking range “P” to the reverse range “R”.

That is, in a conventional vehicle, regardless of whether the transmission is a manual transmission type, an automatic transmission type, a type equipped with a column shift lever, or a type equipped with a floor shift lever, a shift in manual shifting is performed. When performing the driving range switching operation in the operation or the automatic transmission, the left hand must be moved away from the steering wheel 56, and a so-called one-handed driving state occurs, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of safety. However, in this embodiment, this problem is solved at once, and when switching the driving range, the left hand is operated by the steering wheel.
This switching operation can be performed without leaving the steering wheel 56, in other words, with the steering wheel 56 squeezed with both hands, and a new driving operation dramatically improved in terms of safety is achieved. It will be.

Further, according to this embodiment, the operation switch 18 for switching the shift range is set to be mounted on the left side surface of the steering column 58, and a front wheel drive system is adopted. As a result, the floor between the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be formed substantially flat,
The space around the driver's seat is in a state of being organized as "slippery". In this way, a luxurious situation was achieved, as if this driver's seat were placed on the floor of the reception room, and the environment inside the cabin was relaxed with the elbows of both arms hung on the armrests 92, respectively. Along with being able to take a driving attitude, a very relaxed atmosphere is created, and a safe and safe driving situation is naturally achieved.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 27, a control system for electrically driving the automatic transmission 12 based on the switching operation of the traveling range via the operation switch 18 having the above-described configuration will be described. .

The control system mainly includes a signal generating mechanism 100 provided in the operation switch 18 described above, and a driving range switching signal and a range setting signal output from the signal generating mechanism 100. Drive motor
And a control unit 30 for controlling the automatic transmission 12 to immediately set the automatic transmission 12 to the newly set traveling range in the operation switch 18 by driving the operation switch 18. First, the signal generating mechanism 100 of the operation switch 18 will be described in detail.

The signal generating mechanism 100 includes, as schematically shown with reference to FIG. 7, the driving ranges “P”, “R”, and “R” on the insulating portion defined on the left side surface of the steering column 58.
"N", "D", "2", "1" is formed in each corresponding state the contact group _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, and X _2, X _1, outside the switch body 66 The switch body 6
6 in accordance with rotation of the contact group _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1
And a contact rod 66c which comes in contact with the contact rod sequentially.

In particular, contact group _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1 , as shown in FIG. 16, extends along connexion arcuately rotating direction of the switch main body 66, all A power supply terminal φ ₀ formed in a continuous state across the contact groups _XP , X _R , X _N , X _D , X ₂ , and X ₁ , and a switch body 66 is provided beside the power supply terminal φ _0. are sequentially arranged in along connexion a line shape in the moving direction, the contacts _{X P, X R, X N} , X D, X 2, X 1
A first contact terminal φ ₁ formed independently of each other,
The first side of the contact terminal phi ₁ corresponding, switch body 66
Are sequentially arranged in a line along the rotation direction of
It is composed of second contact terminals φ _2P , φ _2R , φ _2N , φ _2D , φ ₂₂ , φ ₂₁ which are uniquely formed for each of X _P , X _R , X _N , X _D , X ₂ , X _1. I have.

Here, the power supply terminal φ ₀ is connected via a resistor (not shown)
It is connected to a battery (not shown). Further, each first contact terminal φ ₁ extends along the rotation direction of the switch body 66 as shown in the figure, and has a fan shape having a constant center angle θ ₁ (in the state shown in FIG. represents in the rectangular shape.) are formed on, are set such that adjacent to each other spaced apart by a predetermined center angle theta ₂ at equal intervals. Each of the first contact terminals φ ₁ is connected to a branch connection line 102a that temporarily extends laterally from each edge along a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the contact rod 66c, The line 102a is commonly connected, and is electrically connected in common by a first connection line 102 composed of a main connection line 102b extending along the sliding direction of the contact rod 66c. One end of one connection line 102 is defined as a first output terminal 104.

On the other hand, each second contact terminal φ _2P , φ _2R , φ _2N , φ _2D , φ
_22, phi _21, the contact rod out along connexion extending in the sliding direction of the 66c, is formed in a fan shape having a center angle theta ₁ described above, the positive operating direction of the operation switch 18 (here, the positive operation The direction is defined as an operation direction from the parking range “P” to the forward first speed range “1”, and the opposite traveling direction is from the forward first speed range “1” to the parking range “P”.
It is defined as the operation direction toward. ) In it is set to entirely offset by along connexion predetermined central angle theta _3.

Here, the offset amount (angle) theta ₃ is set to a first value smaller than the separation angle theta ₂ of the contact terminals phi _1. Therefore, the second contact terminal φ of the predetermined traveling range
₂ and the first contact terminal φ ₁ of the adjacent traveling range,
(Theta ₂ - [theta] ₃₎ central angle only completely apart, and also, the first contact terminal phi ₁ of a predetermined drive range, the second contact terminal phi ₂ adjacent travel range, similarly ( θ ₂ −θ ₃ ). That is, the complete spacing angle (θ ₂ -θ ₃₎ only, the contacts X _P of the adjacent travel _{range, X R, X N, X} D, X 2, X 1 between will be completely separated from each other.

In FIG. 16, in order to facilitate understanding, each of the second contact terminals φ _2P , φ _2R , φ _2N , φ _2D , φ ₂₂ , φ ₂₁ is
The sliding direction of the contact rod 66 is drawn so as not to overlap, but in fact, as shown in FIG. 17, in a line along the running direction of the contact rod 66c,
They are arranged independently of each other. Further, each of the second contact terminals φ _2P , φ _2R , φ _2N , φ _2D , φ ₂₂ , φ ₂₁ is once laterally from each edge along a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the contact rod 66c. After extending toward the contact rod 66c
The connection lines 106a to 106f extend along the sliding direction of the second connection lines 106a to 106f, and the ends of the second connection lines 106a to 106f are connected to the second output terminals 108a to 108f.
Is defined as

On the other hand, the contact rod 66c described above, with the switch body 66 is rotated, always first contact with the power supply terminals phi ₀ 1
A sliding brush 66c _1, and the second sliding brush 66c ₂ that selectively contact the first contact terminal phi _1, the second contact terminal phi _2P,
Third contact that selectively contacts φ _2R , φ _2N , φ _2D , φ ₂₂ , φ ₂₁
And the first to _third sliding brushes 66c3.
The sliding brushes 66c ₁ , 66c ₂ , 66c ₃ are integrally moved in accordance with the rotation of the switch body 66 and are arranged in a line along a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the contact rod 66c. .

Here, the second and third sliding brushes 66c ₂ , 66c ₃ have a contact end face (sliding surface) formed in a circular shape having a diameter set to be smaller than the above-mentioned complete separation amount (θ ₂ −θ ₃ ). (Moving surface). Further, the first slide brush 66c ₁ and a second sliding brush 66c _2, the first slide brush 66c ₁ and the third slide brush 66c ₃ of, are respectively electrically connected to each other .

As a result, with the operation of the operation switch 18, that is, the rotation of the switch main body 66, the first output terminal 104 and the second output terminals 108a to 108f output the waveform shown in the timing chart portion of FIG. A signal will be output. Specifically, from the first output terminal 104, the second contact brush 66c ₂
Is in contact with the insulating portion, an "L" level signal is output, and while it is in contact with the _first contact terminal φ1, "H" is output.
A level signal is being output. Also, each second output terminal
From 108A～108f, while the third contact brushes 66c ₃ is in contact with the insulating portion is output "L" level signal, the corresponding second contact terminals _{φ 2P, φ 2R, φ 2N} , φ 2D , φ _22, φ ₂₁
Are in contact with each other, an "H" level signal is output.

In this embodiment, the first output terminal 10
4 and the second output terminals 108a-108
The "H" level signal from any one of f. defines a range setting signal indicating the running range currently set by the operation switch 18, while the "L" level signal from the first output terminal 104; The "L" level signals from the second output terminals 108a to 108f define a travel range switching signal indicating that the operation switch 18 has started the travel range switching operation.

Here, when the next traveling range is set by the rotation of the switch body 66, the first output terminal 104 and the second
Are output from the output terminals 108a to 108f in the order described below.

That is, for example, when the switch body 66 is rotated in the forward direction from the state where the neutral range “N” is currently set, as shown in FIG. 18A, the first output terminal 104 and the second output terminal From the state where both the “H” level signals are output from the output terminal 108c, first, the first of the neutral range “N”
From the contact terminals phi ₁ out second sliding brush 66c _2, falling output of the first output terminal 104 changes from "H" level to the "L" level, subsequently, the third slide brush 66c ₃ of Deviates from the second contact terminal φ _2N of the neutral range “N”, and the output of the second output terminal 108c falls from the “H” level to the “L” level. In this manner, the "L" level signal, that is, the traveling range switching signal is output from each of the first and second output terminals 104 and 108a to 108f.

Thereafter, the forward drive range “D” adjacent in the forward direction
The second sliding brush 66c ₂ comes into contact with the first contact terminal φ _1, and the output of the first output terminal 104 rises from the “L” level to the “H” level. , The second contact terminal φ of the forward drive range “D”
The third sliding brush 66c ₃ comes into contact with _2D , and the second output terminal 10c
The output of 8e rises from "L" level to "H" level. That is, a range setting signal indicating the forward drive range is output.

On the other hand, if the switch main body 66 is rotated in the reverse direction from the state where the forward drive range “D” is currently set, as shown in FIG. 18B, the first output terminal 104 and the second output terminal From the state where both the “H” level signals are output from the output terminal 108d, first, the second drive range “D” of the forward drive range
Contact terminals φ ₂ third sliding brush 66c ₃ out of, falling output of the second output terminal 108d from "H" level to the "L" level, subsequently, the second slide brush 66c ₂ There disengaged from the second contact terminal phi ₁ of the forward drive range "D", the output of the first output terminal 104 falls from "H" level to the "L" level. In this way, both the first and second output terminals 104, 108a to 108f output an "L" level signal, that is, a traveling range switching signal.

Then, the neutral range "N" adjacent in the opposite direction
The third sliding brush 66c ₃ comes into contact with the second contact terminal φ _2N , the output of the second output terminal 108c rises from the “L” level to the “H” level, and is subsequently delayed for a predetermined time. And the first contact terminal φ of the neutral range “N”
₁ comes into contact with the second sliding brush 66c ₂ and the first output terminal 104
Output rises from the "L" level to the "H" level. That is, a range setting signal indicating the neutral range is output.

As a result, although the details will be described later, the control unit 30 monitors the order in which the output levels from the first and second output terminals 104 and 108a to 108f rise, and the output from the first output terminal 104 rises first. , And the second output terminal 108a
By detecting that the output from any one of the outputs 108f rises, it is determined that the operation switch 18 has been operated in the forward direction, while the output from any of the second output terminals 108a to 108f Rises and continues to the first output terminal 104
It is configured to detect that the operation switch 18 has been operated in the opposite direction by detecting that the output from the switch has risen. In this manner, when operating the operation switch 18, the control unit 30 determines that the destination (ie, the stop target position) is initially unknown, but at least the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the forward direction or the reverse direction. You will be able to recognize if there is.

Further, in this embodiment, the first output terminal 104
And the second output terminals 108a to 108f
It is configured to determine whether the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is normal or reverse, based on two rising signals, that is, the rising of the output from any of the above. As a result, as compared with the case where the rotation direction is determined based on a single rising signal, an effect that a malfunction due to noise hardly occurs is obtained. That is, in this embodiment, the signal from the signal generating mechanism 100 is constituted by an output that changes based on the contact / non-contact operation between the contact terminal and the contact rod 66c. When the signal is defined based on the change of the noise, there is a great possibility that noise is generated. When such a noise is recognized as a rising signal, when the rotation direction is determined based on a single rising signal, the rotation direction is erroneously recognized by this noise, and the operation switch 18 has not been confirmed yet. Nevertheless, in the automatic transmission 12, the operation of switching the traveling range is started. However, in this embodiment, since the rotation direction is recognized based on the two rising signals as described above, the possibility of malfunction due to noise is greatly reduced, and the rotation direction can be determined with high reliability. become.

Incidentally, reference numeral a shown in FIG. 16, first in each of the drive range 1 contact terminal phi ₁ and indicates the range of common extended portion of the second contact terminal phi _2, its length, a = Θ ₁ -2 ×
It would be represented by the theta _3. Here, in a state where the contact rod 66c corresponding to the area indicated by the range a is reached, the driving range setting position is mechanically defined and stopped by the operation switch 18 by the above-described detent mechanism. It is set as follows.

Next, a connection state between the operation switch 18 and the control unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, the output terminal 104 for the _first contact terminal φ ₁ is connected to one input terminal of the first OR gate circuit 112 via the first pulse generation circuit 110. The output terminals 108a to 108f for the second contact terminal groups φ _{2P to} φ ₂₁ are respectively connected to the input terminals of the second OR gate circuit 114, and the output terminals of the second OR gate circuit 114 are connected. Is connected to the first OR gate circuit 112 via the second pulse generation circuit 116.
Is connected to the other input terminal of Here, each of the first and second pulse generation circuits 110 and 116 is configured to output one pulse in response to the fall of the input signal. The output terminal of the first OR gate circuit 112 is connected to a _first interrupt terminal INT1 of a CPU that executes a control procedure in the control unit 30.

On the other hand, the output terminal 104 for the _first contact terminal φ ₁ is connected to one input terminal of the third OR gate circuit 120 via the third pulse generation circuit 118. The output terminal of the second OR gate circuit 114 is connected to the other input terminal of the third OR gate circuit 120 via the fourth pulse generation circuit 122. Here, the third and fourth pulse generation circuits 118 and 122 are each configured to output one pulse in accordance with the rising of the input signal. Also, the third
The output terminal of the OR gate circuit 120 is connected to a second interrupt terminal I of the CPU for executing the control procedure in the control unit 30.
Connected to NT ₂ .

Further, each of the second output terminals 108a to 108f is connected to one input terminal group of the 8 × 2 multiplexer circuit 124, and the first output terminal 104 and the output terminal of the second OR gate circuit 114 are connected to each other. , Is connected to the other input group terminal of the multiplexer circuit 124. Here, when the “L” level signal is input to the control terminal of the multiplexer circuit 124, the multiplexer circuit 124 outputs the signal input to one of the input terminal groups to the input port of the CPU. When an "H" level signal is input to these control terminals, the signal input to the other input terminal group is output to the input port of the CPU.

Here, a real-time counter RTC is connected to this CPU. This real-time counter RTC is configured with four channels, and in each channel, when a corresponding timer is started, a preset time is up, so that a time-up signal is output to the CPU. Have been. And this CP
U determines that it is in the fail state by receiving a time-up signal from any of the four channel timers,
It is set so as to execute a predetermined fail-safe operation. In addition, the timer in each channel stops the count-up operation in response to the input of the timer reset signal.
It is configured to return to the initial state and wait.

The CPU 22 is connected to the drive motor 22 via a servo amplifier 126. The servo amplifier 126 includes a directory latch circuit DIR for defining the rotation direction of the drive motor 22, and a drive force for the drive motor 22. ENA latch circuit ENA and these direction latch circuits D
An amplifier AMP for amplifying the output of the IR and the enable latch circuit ENA and transmitting the amplified output to the drive motor 22 is provided. The directory latch circuit DIR outputs a normal rotation signal for driving the drive motor 22 in the normal direction when a "1" signal is input thereto, and drives the drive signal when a "0" signal is input thereto. It is configured to output a reverse rotation signal for driving the motor 22 in the reverse direction. Further, the enable latch circuit ENA outputs a drive signal for driving the drive motor 22 at a predetermined voltage when the “1” signal is input thereto, and the drive motor 22 when the “0” signal is input thereto. Are set so that no voltage is applied to them.

The CPU determines the rotation direction of the operation switch 18 in a rotation direction determination routine to be described later, and based on the determined rotation direction, drives the drive motor 22 to rotate. When the set traveling range and the inhibitor signal of the inhibitor switch 32 of the automatic transmission 12 match, a routine for controlling the rotation of the drive motor 22 to stop is provided as a main routine. When a pulse signal is input to the first or second interrupt terminal INT ₁ or INT ₂ , the main routine is interrupted and the first and second interrupt routines are separately executed.

Next, a control procedure in the CPU will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 27.

First, a main routine in the CPU will be described with reference to FIG.

In this main routine, first, step S10
In step (1), based on the inhibitor signal (INH) from the inhibitor switch 32, the travel range (SR _I ) currently set in the automatic transmission 12 is read and operated. And
In step S12, an "L" level signal is output to the control terminal of the multiplexer circuit MUX, and the input terminal of the CPU is
The signal connected to one of the input terminals, that is, the signal output from the second output terminals 108a to 108f is input. Thereafter, in step S14, the running range (SR _S ) currently set in the operation switch 18 is read based on the signals from the second output terminals 108a to 108f.

Then, in step S16, the travel range (SR _I ) set in the automatic transmission 12 at the location read at step S10 and the operation switch at the location read at step S14.
It is determined whether or not the running range (SR _S ) set in 18 matches. YES at this step S16
In other words, if it is determined that the traveling range (SR _I ) set in the automatic transmission 12 matches the traveling range (SR _S ) set in the operation switch 18, Since there is no need to drive the motor 22 to switch the traveling range of the automatic transmission 12, step S18
In step S20, a flag F (reverse) indicating that the operation switch 18 has been operated in the forward direction is reset, and in step S20, a flag F (reverse) indicating that the operation switch 18 has been operated in the reverse direction is reset. Then, in step S22,
A "0" signal is output to the enable latch circuit ENA of the servo amplifier 126. As a result, the drive of the drive motor 22 is stopped.

Thereafter, in step S24, the first file determination operation is performed, and the process returns to the first step S10, and again.
Step S10 The following steps are executed. Note that this step S
The first file determination operation in 24 will be described later as a subroutine.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S16 is NO, that is, the traveling range (SR _I ) set in the automatic transmission 12 matches the traveling range (SR _S ) set in the operation switch 18. If it is determined not to occur, it will occur in the following state. That is, when the driver operates the operation switch 18 to switch the driving range and the next driving range adjacent in the forward or reverse direction is newly set, the newly set driving range is:
The determination is made when the outputs of the first and second output terminals 104 and 108a to 108f have both risen. Further, as will be described in detail later, the activation of the drive motor 22 is defined by the rising timing of these two outputs. because it is, always, a mismatch condition and SR _I and SR _S.

Therefore, after the inconsistency state is detected, if they are only one range apart (that is, if the operation switch 18 has been operated only to the next driving range), the two are matched. When the drive motor 22 is driven and controlled and they are separated by more than one range (that is, when the operation switch 18 is operated farther beyond the adjacent traveling range), the operation switch 18 is set immediately before. The drive motor 22 is controlled so that the travel range of the automatic transmission 12 is set to the travel range thus set.

That is, if NO is determined in step S16, it is determined in step S26 whether the flag F (monitoring) that defines the monitoring range is "1". Here, the monitoring range is, as shown in FIGS.18A and 18B, from the first falling point in the driving ranges adjacent to each other,
Specified up to the last rise. And
In this step S26, as described above, since the operation switch 18 is when it is stopped at the travel range position adjacent the already after a mismatch between the SR _I and SR _S is detected in step S16, When the operation switch 18 is further operated beyond the adjacent traveling range, the operation is inevitably determined as NO. Will be determined.

Here, if NO is determined in this step S26, the forward operation or the backward operation of the operation switch 18 is determined in step S28. Incidentally, the forward / reverse determination in the operation switch 18 is performed by the first and second output terminals 104 and 104 in a second interrupt routine described later.
This is performed based on the result determined in the operation direction determination routine of the operation switch 18 previously executed at the timing when both outputs 108a to 108f rise.

If it is determined in step S28 that the direction is forward, that is, if it is determined that the flag F (positive) is set, the servo amplifier 126 is determined in step S30.
Output a "1" signal to both the enable latch circuit ENA and the directivity latch circuit DIR. As a result, the drive motor 22 is driven in the forward direction, and in the automatic transmission 12, a switching operation from the currently set traveling range to the traveling range adjacent in the forward direction is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the direction is the reverse direction, that is, if it is determined that the flag F (reverse) is set, the servo amplifier 126 is determined in step S32.
And outputs a "1" signal to the enable latch circuit ENA and a "0" signal to the directory latch circuit DIR.
As a result, the drive motor 22 is driven in the reverse direction, and in the automatic transmission 12, a switching operation from the currently set travel range to the adjacent travel range in the reverse direction is performed.

Then, when step S30 or step S32 is executed, in step S34, the second file judging operation is executed, the process returns to the first step S10, and the procedure following step S10 is executed again. The second file determination operation in step S34 will be described later as a subroutine.

Here, in the process of executing the above-described steps after step S10, the driving range set by the automatic transmission 12 based on the driving of the driving motor 22 is approaching the next adjacent driving range, but is still. If the travel range (SR _S ) set by the operation switch 18 does not match the travel range (SR _I ) based on the inhibitor switch 32, NO is determined in step S16, and steps S26, S28, S30 (or , Step S32) is continuously executed,
Subsequently, the drive motor 22 continues to be driven.

On the other hand, when the set travel range of the automatic transmission 12 is set to the next adjacent travel range, the set travel range (SR _S ) of the operation switch 18 and the travel range (SR _I ) based on the inhibitor switch 32 are set. Are the same, and as a result, the determination in step S16 is YES. Therefore, the steps
Steps S18 and subsequent steps are executed, and the drive motor 22 is stopped by executing step S22.

If YES is determined in step S26 described above, that is, if it is determined that the operation switch 18 jumps over the adjacent traveling range and enters the next monitoring range, the inhibitor is determined in step S36. Switch 32
Based on the inhibitor signal (INH) from the automatic transmission 12, the running range (SR _I ) currently set in the automatic transmission 12 is read and operated. Then, in step S38, the running range (SR _S-1 ) set immediately before by the operation switch 18 is read. That is, the traveling range (SR _S-1 ) is defined by the traveling range located immediately after the traveling switch 18 enters and the operation direction of the monitoring range. The running range (SR _S-1 ) is currently
It does not matter whether the vehicle is adjacent to the travel range (SR _I ) set in 2, for example, the operation switch
When the operator operates the automatic transmission 12, the operation on the automatic transmission 12 side is relatively delayed, and a case may occur in which the automatic transmission 12 is separated by two or more travel ranges.

Then, in step S40, the travel range (SR _I ) currently set in the automatic transmission 12 at the location read in step S36, and the travel set immediately before by the operation switch 18 in the location read in step S38. Range (S
R _S-1 ) is determined. If NO is determined in this step S40, the process jumps to step S28, where the drive motor 22 continues to be driven, and if YES is determined, that is, the running range (SR _I ) currently set in the automatic transmission 12. If it is determined by the operation switch 18 that the running range (SR _S-1 ) set immediately before is the same, the process jumps to step S18, where the flag F (correct) and the flag F
After resetting (reverse), the drive of the drive motor is stopped.

In this manner, as long as the operation switch 18 is located within the monitoring range, the traveling range of the automatic transmission 12 is
Run range (SR _S-1 ) set by operation switch 18 immediately before
The operation switch 18 is reliably prevented from being set prior to the travel range to be set.

That is, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the operation switch 18 is operated in order to quickly change the traveling range of the automatic transmission 12 in response to the operation of the operation switch 18.
In the state where the target stop position is not determined, only the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is read first, the drive motor 22 is started in accordance with the operation direction, and the automatic transmission 12 is set to execute the switching operation. doing.
As a result, a stop signal of the drive motor 22 is not output in the above-described monitoring range, so if the operation switch 18 is operated very slowly in this monitoring range,
The traveling range switching speed by the drive motor 22 is faster, and the traveling range set by the automatic transmission 12 is set in a state in which the traveling range is set ahead of the traveling range set by the operation switch, and the control is disabled. There is a possibility of falling.

Specifically, for example, from the state in which the operation switch 18 has set the neutral range "N", the monitoring range which exceeds the forward drive range "D" and is located between the drive range "D" and the second forward speed range "2". It is assumed that the operation is performed quickly and the operation is extremely loose in this monitoring range.
In this case, the CPU outputs a drive signal so as to rotate the drive motor 22 in the forward direction at the time of passing through the forward drive range “D”. Here, if no measures are taken, the stop condition is not satisfied while the operation switch 18 remains in the monitoring range between the forward drive range "D" and the second forward speed range "2". The drive motor 22 continues to be driven while the operation switch 18 is located at the first position, and the traveling range set in the automatic transmission 12 is sequentially switched in the forward direction.

As a result, even if the driver intends to stop the operation switch 18 at the second forward speed range "2" and to switch the traveling range to the second forward speed range "2", the automatic transmission 12 does not operate the second forward speed range "2". After passing through the speed range “2”, the forward first speed range “1” is set. That is, the running range set by the operation switch 18 does not match the running range set by the automatic transmission 12, and a fail state occurs.

However, as described above, in this embodiment, as long as the operation switch 18 is located within the monitoring range, the travel range of the automatic transmission 12 is limited to the operation switch.
18 is stopped at the traveling range set immediately before, and is temporarily set to this traveling range, so that the automatic transmission 12 travels with the operation switch 18 preceding the traveling range to be set. A situation in which a range is set is reliably avoided.

Then, while the operation switch 18 is operated within the monitoring range, steps S10, S12, S14 are performed.
Is determined to be NO in step S16, and again in step S26.
Is determined to be YES, and through steps 36 and S38, NO is determined in step S40, and steps S28 and S30 are performed.
(Or step S32), a loop returning to step S10 via step S34 is executed. As will be described later, operating the operation switch 18 so that the operation switch 18 stays in the monitoring range for a long time is an extremely abnormal operation. If the time has elapsed, the fourth fail state is established and the fourth fail-safe operation is executed.

On the other hand, when the operation switch 18 is further operated and moves out of the monitoring range and enters the next travel range setting position, NO is determined in step S16 at this point, and the operation switch 18 as described above is moved to the adjacent travel range. Step S28 and step S30 (or step S32) are executed to drive the drive motor 22 in the same manner as when only one range is switched to the range, and thereafter, step S34, step S10,
Steps S12 and S24 are executed, and step S16 is determined. Then, the running range of the automatic transmission 12 is brought to the running range set by the operation switch 18 in a state where the running range has caught up, so that YES is determined in this step S16, and the steps S18 and S18 are performed.
By executing S20 and step S22, the driving motor 2
2 will be stopped.

As described in detail above, as shown in this main routine, the traveling range of the automatic transmission 12 is set in a state in which the traveling range set at the position where the operation switch 18 is stopped surely coincides. .

Next, with reference to FIG. 20, a first interrupt routine while the above-described main routine is being executed will be described. The first interrupt routine in FIG. 17, are set so that the pulse signal to the first interrupt terminal INT ₁ is interrupted executed each input.

That is, when the operation switch 18 is operated and moves in a direction out of the currently set traveling range, the output from the first output terminal 104 (hereinafter, referred to as the forward direction or the reverse direction) regardless of the operation direction. , Simply referred to as a first output.)
Φ ₁ or the output from the second OR gate circuit 114 (hereinafter, referred to as
Simply referred to as a second output. In) [Phi _2, so that the two falling state of occurs. That is, when each falling state occurs, a pulse signal is output from the first OR gate circuit 112, and when the operation switch 18 is switched from the currently set traveling range,
This first interrupt routine is activated twice in total.

First, in the first interrupt routine, at step S42, an "H" level signal is output to the control terminal of the multiplexer circuit MUX, the output from the first output terminal 104 and the second OR gate circuit are input to the input port. Set so that the output from 114 is input. And step S4
At 4, the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are read.

Thereafter, in step S46, it is determined whether or not both the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are at “L” level based on the read result in step S44. In this step S46, when the first pulse signal is inputted to the first interrupt terminal INT1, _one of the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ falls to the “L” level. However, since the other is still maintained at the "H" level, NO is always determined.

Then, in step S48, it starts the first timer T ₁ of the real-time counter RTC. Here, this first
The timer T _1, when the operation switch 18 is operated,
An allowable time t1 from when _one of the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ falls to the “L” level to when both of them reach the “L” level is preset. Incidentally, while Taimuatsupu this time t _1, the first timer T ₁ is, CP
A time-up signal is output to U, and the CPU is set to receive the time-up signal and execute a third fail-safe routine as described later. Then, in step S50, a flag F (monitoring) indicating that the operation switch 18 is within the above-described monitoring range is set, and the process returns to the main routine.

In this way, in the first first interrupt routine, the start point of the monitoring range is defined, and one of the outputs Φ ₁ , Φ ₂ of the operation switch 18 is set as the third fail judgment operation.
There has been set to count time Tometsu in that state to the "H" is maintained to start the first timer T _1.

On the other hand, when the operation switch 18 is further operated to move in a direction completely out of the currently set traveling range, the first output Φ ₁ or the _first output Φ ₁ is output regardless of whether the operation direction is the forward direction or the reverse direction. At the output Φ ₂ of the _second , a second falling state occurs, and at this time, a second pulse signal is output from the first OR gate circuit 112, and the first interrupt routine is started again. That is, the second first interrupt routine is started.

Here, in the second first interrupt routine, an "H" level signal is output to the control terminal of the multiplexer circuit MUX in step S42 as in the first interrupt routine, and the first output is output in step S44. Φ ₁ and second
Read the output Φ ₂ of. Then, in step S46,
Based on the read result in step S44, it is determined whether both the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are at the “L” level. In this step S46, at the time when the second pulse signal to the first interrupt terminal INT ₁ is input, the first and the first output [Phi _1, [Phi ₂ are both under stand "L" level connexion Therefore, YES is always determined.

The operation one output [Phi ₁ of switch 18, from the state of [Phi ₂ is "H", since already both exit the state of "L", so that the third Fueiru determination is not performed, step In S52, the real-time counter RTC
To reset the first timer T ₁ of the. That is, by resetting in this manner the first timer T _1, a first timer
T ₁ stops time counting operation, it will return to the initial state.

Thereafter, in step S54, it starts the second timer T ₂ of the real-time counter RTC. Here, this second
The timer T _2, when the operation switch 18 is operated, the first and second output [Phi ₁ and [Phi ₂ are both "L"
Time t ₂ when the level state is maintained is allowed is set in advance. Incidentally, while Taimuatsupu the time t _2, the second timer T ₂ are outputs Taimuatsupu signal to CPU, CPU On receiving the Taimuatsupu signal, as described later, the fourth full Ailment safe routine It is set to be executed by interruption. Thus after the second timer T ₂ is started in step S54, the process returns to the main routine.

That is, in the first interrupt routine for the second time, and reset the first timer T _1, one output [Phi ₁ operation switch 18, [Phi ₂ is maintained the state that Tometsu to "H" While counting the time during which the operation switch 18 is stopped, both outputs Φ ₁ , Φ ₂
There has been set to count time state are both "L" is maintained to start the second timer T _2.

Next, a second interrupt routine during the execution of the above-described main routine will be described with reference to FIG. The second interrupt routine in FIG. 17, are set so that the pulse signal to the second interrupt terminal INT ₂ is an interrupt executed every input.

That is, when the operation switch 18 is operated to move in a direction deviating from the currently set traveling range and try to enter an adjacent traveling range, whether the operation direction is the forward direction or the reverse direction, The output Φ ₁ from the first output terminal 104 or the output Φ from the second OR gate circuit 114
_{In FIG. 2} , two rising states occur, but when each rising state occurs, the third OR gate circuit
A pulse signal is output from each of the signals 120. That is, when the operation switch 18 is switched from the currently set travel range to the adjacent travel range, the second
Will be started twice in total.

Here, in the first second interrupt routine, first, in step S56, the multiplexer circuit M
An "H" level signal is output to the UX control terminal, and the input ports are set so that the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are input. Then, in step S58, the first and second outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are read.

Then, in a succeeding step S60, a change state of the output is determined. Here, the change state of the output includes a first change mode in which the first output Φ ₁ is “H” and a second output Φ ₂ is “L”, and the first output Φ ₁ is “L”. , The second output Φ ₂ becomes “H”, and both outputs Φ ₁ , Φ ₂
Are both "H" in the third variation. However, since this second interrupt routine is the first time, logically, only the first and second change modes can occur. If it is determined in step S60 that the change mode is the first change mode, the operation switch 18 is activated when the second interrupt routine is started.
Since this means that the operation direction is determined to be the forward direction, a flag F (T-positive) which preliminarily defines the forward direction is set in step S62.

Thereafter, in step S64, to reset the second timer T _2. That is, when the second interrupt routine is activated, at least one of the outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ becomes “H”.
Since the level has risen, the _second timer T2 which counts the time when both outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ are both at “L” is reset, and the fourth fail judgment operation is performed. Is not performed. That is, the second timer T ₂ are, stops time counting operation by being reset,
It will return to the initial state. Then, in subsequent step S66, it starts the third timer T ₃ of the real-time counter RTC.

Here, the third timer T _3, when the operation switch 18 is operated, [Phi ₁ and [Phi ₂ in one of which the "H" rising One was both from the point both the level "H" level time allowed t ₃ are set in advance to reach. In addition, in a state where the time t ₃ is time-up, the third timer T ₃
A time-up signal is output to the CPU, and the CPU is set to receive the time-up signal and execute a fifth fail-safe routine as described later. Then, after starting this way the third timer T ₃ at step S66, the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-described step S60 that the operation mode is the second change mode, it means that when the second interrupt routine is started, it is determined that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the reverse direction. Therefore, in step S68, the flag F that preliminarily defines the reverse direction is set.
(T reverse) is set, the process jumps to step S64, and steps S64 and S66 are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, in the first interrupt routine of the second time, the count of the time during which the state where one of the outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ of the operation switch 18 is “L” is maintained as the fifth file determination operation. It is set to start with a _third timer T3.

On the other hand, when the operation switch 18 is further operated to move in a direction to completely enter the travel range set next, the first operation is performed regardless of whether the operation direction is the forward direction or the reverse direction.
A second rising state occurs at the output Φ ₁ or the second output Φ _{2 at} this time. At this time, the second pulse signal is output from the third OR gate circuit 120, and the second pulse signal is output. The interrupt routine starts again,
That is, the second interrupt routine is started for the second time.

Here, in the second interrupt routine of the second time, first, as in the first time, steps S56 and S
58 are sequentially executed, and it is determined in step S60 that the third variation mode, that is, both the outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ have both risen to “H”. Since the establishment of this determination means that the operation switch 18 has exited the above-described monitoring range, the flag F (monitoring) defining the monitoring range is reset in step S70. Then, in a succeeding step S72, whether the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is normal or reverse is determined.

That is, if the third change mode is determined in step S60 while the preliminary flag F (T correct) is set in the first second interrupt routine, the operation switch 18 is determined in step S72. Is determined to be the forward direction, and in step S74, the flag F indicating that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the forward direction.
In step S76, the flag F (reverse) indicating the reverse direction is reset, and in step S78, the spare flag F (T correct) is reset.

Thereafter, in step S60 described above, both outputs Φ ₁ ,
Since [Phi ₂ is was recognized that changes in both "H", so that Fueiru determination of the 5 is not performed, in step S80, to reset the third timer T ₃ of the real-time counter RTC . That is, the third
By resetting the timer T _3, the third timer T ₃
Stops the time count operation and returns to the initial state. Then, in the step S80, after the third timer T ₃ is reset, and returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if the third change mode is determined in step S60 while the preliminary flag F (T reverse) is set in the first second interrupt routine, the operation switch is determined in step S72 described above. It is determined that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the reverse direction, and in step S82, the flag F indicating that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the reverse direction.
(Reverse) is set, and in step S84, the flag F (positive) indicating the forward direction is reset, and in step S86, the preliminary flag F (T reverse) is reset.

Thereafter, the process jumps to step S80 to reset the _third timer T3 of the real-time counter RTC. That is, the process returns thus the third timer T ₃ after reset, the main routine.

Thus, in the second second interrupt routine, the operation to reset the third timer T ₃ switch
In addition to stopping the counting of the time during which one of the outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ is at “L”, the operation switch
18 specifies whether the operation direction is forward or reverse. As a result, as described above in step S28 of the main routine, even if the final target position (running range) in the operation of the operation switch 18 is not known,
At least, assuming that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 has been determined, and in a state in which the target travel range is unknown, first, the drive motor 22 is started in accordance with the operation direction of the operation switch 18, and the automatic transmission 12 Control for starting the operation of switching the traveling range is executed.

As a result, in this embodiment, the operation switch 18
Even if the vehicle is operated rapidly, the automatic transmission 12 starts the operation of switching the traveling range in a state in which the operation is quickly followed. The operation of switching the actual traveling range in the machine 12 will be achieved.

Next, step S2 described in the main routine described above.
The first file determination subroutine in 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In the first fail determination, after the stop state of the drive motor 22 is theoretically achieved, the time required for the vibration state at the time of stop to converge and the allowable overshoot and undershoot are determined as described above. Even if the time t ₄ that allows for the time required for mechanical correction is sufficiently set by the detent mechanism described above, if the drive motor 22 continues to operate beyond the set time t ₄ , It is set so that a failure determination is made assuming that an abnormal state has occurred.

That is, when the execution of step S22 in the main routine is completed, as shown in FIG. 22, it is first determined in step S24A whether or not a flag F (stop) indicating the occurrence of a stop state is set. In a state where this step S24A is determined first, this flag FF is set in advance.
(Stop) is not set, so it is always determined as NO. Then, at step S24B, this flag F (stop) is excisional, in step S24c, activates the fourth timer T ₄ of the real-time counter RTC.

Here, this fourth timer T _4, given the above-described time
t ₄ is set in advance. In a state in which the time t ₄ has been time-up, the third timer T ₄ outputs a time-up signal to the CPU, and the CPU receives this time-up signal,
As will be described later, the first fail-safe routine is set to be executed by interruption. Then, after starting this way the fourth timer T ₄ at step S24c, the operation returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when the first file determination subroutine is executed for the second time or later, since the flag F (stop) is set in step S24B in the first subroutine, NO is determined in step S24A described above. Will be. If NO is determined in this step S24A, it is determined in step S24D whether or not the drive motor 22 is operating. This determination is made, for example, by an encoder attached to the drive motor 22.
This is done by detecting the output of 36.

If YES is determined in this step S24d, i.e., when the drive motor 22 is determined to continue to operate, the fourth timer T ₄ is without being reset, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if NO is determined in step S24D, that is, if it is determined that the operation of the drive motor 22 is stopped, the fourth file is determined in step S24E to stop the first file determination. the timer T ₄ is reset. That is, as described above, the fourth timer
By resetting the T _4, the fourth timer T ₄ stops time counting operation, it will return to the initial state. In this step S24E, the fourth timer
After you reset the T _4, and returns to the main routine.

Thus, since the configuration of the subroutine of decision first Fueiru beyond the set time t ₄ when mentioned above, when the driving motor 22 is continued to operate, i.e., the step S24E is not executed, the fourth from the timer T ₄ count Atsu signal
This is output to the CPU, and the CPU makes a fail determination.

Next, step S3 described in the main routine described above.
The subroutine for the second file determination in 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In the second file determination, the operation direction of the operation switch 18 determined in the operation direction determination routine of the operation switch 18 in the above-described second interrupt routine and the direction in which the drive motor 22 is actually driving are determined. If they do not match, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred, and the file is determined to fail.

That is, in the main routine described above, step S30
Alternatively, when step S32 is executed, first, step S34
In A, the output state of the encoder 36 of the drive motor 34 is read, and in step S34B, the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 is determined based on the read output of the encoder 36. If it is determined in step S34C that the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 is the forward direction, a flag F (positive) indicating that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the forward direction is determined in step S34D. It is determined whether or not the setting has been made.

If YES is determined in this step S34D,
That is, when it is determined that both the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 and the operation direction of the operation switch 18 are forward, there is no problem, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the determination is NO in step S34D, that is, when the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 is the forward direction, but the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the reverse direction, and it is determined that the two do not match. In step S34E, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred, the second fail-safe operation is executed, and the alarm operation is executed in step S34F, so that the driver generates a fail state. And that the fail-safe operation is being executed, and returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34C that the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 is the opposite direction,
In step S34F, it is determined whether or not a flag F (reverse) indicating that the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the reverse direction is set.

If YES is determined in this step S34F,
That is, when it is determined that both the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 and the operation direction of the operation switch 18 are opposite directions, there is no problem, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, in step S34F, when the determination is NO, that is, when the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 is the reverse direction, but the operation direction of the operation switch 18 is the forward direction, and it is determined that the two do not match. Then, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred, and the routine jumps to step S34E, executes a fail-safe operation, and returns to the main routine.

Next, the first and third to fifth fail-safe controls will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27.

First, as described in the first interruption routine with reference to FIG. 20, when the operation switch 18 is operated and the currently set traveling range is switched, the first and second output signals must be output. [Phi _1, from the state [Phi ₂ are both "H", but one will pass through the state is "L", the output [Phi ₁ of this one, [Phi ₂ first from connexion such "L"
Without being timer T ₁ of the is reset, when the predetermined time t ₁ has elapsed, i.e., the operation switch 18 is one output [Phi _1, predetermined unstable position that outputs "L" from the [Phi ₂ times t _{If one} or more are held, it means that an abnormal operation is being performed or the output state is abnormal, and the third fail state has occurred.

Accordance connexion, when a predetermined time t ₁ has elapsed, the first timer
T ₁ outputs a Taimuatsupu signal to the CPU, CPU On receiving the Taimuatsupu signal, a first timer interrupt routine is started. In the first timer interrupt routine, as shown in FIG. 24, first, in step S88, a fail-safe operation is executed, and in step S90, an alarm operation is executed, so that the driver generates a fail state. It notifies that the fail-safe operation is being executed based on the fail state, and returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, as described over the first and second interrupt routines with reference to FIGS.
There is operated, until the next is switched to the travel range to be set, always, the first and second output [Phi _1, [Phi ₂ is a state are both "L" occurs, the output of both [Phi ₁ ,
From connexion such a [Phi ₂ are both "L" without second timer T ₂ is reset, when the predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed, i.e., the operation switch 18 both output [Phi _1, "L" from the [Phi ₂ if it is maintained for a predetermined time t ₁ or an unstable position to output an abnormal operation is performed, or an output state is abnormal, the fourth Fueiru condition occurs Will mean.

Accordance connexion, when a predetermined time t ₂ has passed, the second timer
T ₂ are outputs Taimuatsupu signal to the CPU, CPU On receiving the Taimuatsupu signal, the second timer interrupt routine is started. In the second timer interrupt routine, as shown in FIG. 25, first, a fail-safe operation is executed in step S92, and an alarm operation is executed in step S94, so that the driver generates a fail state. It notifies that the fail-safe operation is being executed based on the fail state, and returns to the main routine.

As described in the second interruption routine with reference to FIG. 21, when the operation switch 18 is operated and the next travel range is switched from the currently set travel range to the next travel range, be sure to First and second outputs Φ ₁ ,
The state [Phi ₂ are both "L", although one will pass through the state of "H", the output [Phi ₁ of this one, [Phi ₂
There without being third timer T ₃ is reset from connexion such to "H", when the predetermined time t ₃ has elapsed, i.e., the operation switch 18
Is held at an unstable position such that “H” is output from one of the outputs Φ ₁ and Φ ₂ for a predetermined time t ₃ or more, an abnormal operation is being performed, or the output state is This is abnormal and means that the fifth fail state has occurred.

Accordance connexion, when a predetermined time t ₃ has elapsed, the third timer
T ₃ outputs a Taimuatsupu signal to the CPU, CPU On receiving the Taimuatsupu signal, the third timer interrupt routine is started. In the third timer interrupt routine, as shown in FIG. 26, first, in step S96, a fail-safe operation is executed, and in step S98, an alarm operation is executed, and the driver generates a fail state. It notifies that the fail-safe operation is being executed based on the fail state, and returns to the main routine.

The first to third timer T _1, T _2, T ₃ in each set predetermined time t _1, t _2, t ₃ Correa, their total value is, the operation switch 18 passes the monitor range It is defined as the maximum time allowed to do so. That is, the operation switch 18
If the state of staying in the monitoring range for a long period of time means that the state in which the target travel range set by the operation switch 18 is unknown is long, and as a result, as described above, the operation The running range of the automatic transmission 12 is temporarily set to the running range that the switch 18 has passed immediately before. However, since the traveling range temporarily set by the automatic transmission 12 is never the traveling range that the driver intends to set, such a setting state to the traveling range not intended by the driver is as follows. Even if it is temporary, it should be avoided as much as possible. From such a viewpoint, the sum of the predetermined times t ₁ , t ₂ , and t ₃ is set to be limited to the predetermined value.

Finally, as described above with reference to Figure 22, if after the established condition for stopping logically drive motor 22, the fourth timer T ₄ is not being reset, the predetermined time t ₄ has passed , i.e., but it should drive motor 22 is stopped logically still exceeds the predetermined time t _4, if they continue to operate in practice will mean that the first Fueiru condition occurs .

Accordance connexion, when a predetermined time t ₄ has passed, the fourth timer
Outputs Taimuatsupu signal to the CPU from T _4, CPU On receiving the Taimuatsupu signal, the fourth timer interrupt routine is started. In the fourth timer interrupt routine, as shown in FIG. 27, first, in step S100, a fail-safe operation is executed, and in step S102, an alarm operation is executed, and the driver is in a fail state. It notifies that the fail-safe operation is being executed based on the fail state, and returns to the main routine.

In this embodiment, the above-described first to fifth embodiments are described.
Both of the fail safe operations are set to be achieved by a power supply cut to the drive motor 22. Here, after the driver performs the fail-safe operation in this manner, if the driver wants to release the fail-safe state and run the car again, first, the driver must:
By turning off the IG switch and then turning on the IB switch again, the CPU returns to the initial state, so that the fail-safe state is automatically canceled.

When the vehicle is driven in this return state and the operation switch 18 is operated to execute the switching operation of the traveling range,
When the fail-safe operation is executed again, the operation of switching the traveling range via the operation switch 18 becomes impossible. In this case, the cover member 54a disposed on the cowl panel lower 54 is removed, the manual drive mechanism 38 is exposed, and the switching lever 50 is turned from the control position to the cutting position to bring the clutch mechanism 34 into the cutting state. At the same time, the wrench 48 is fitted into the fitting hole 40a of the rotating plate 40, and the rotating plate 40 is rotated through the wrench 48 to set an arbitrary traveling range, so that the automatic transmission 12 Can be manually switched.

Here, in the main routine of the CPU described above, in order to accurately position and stop the traveling range of the automatic transmission 12 that is currently being switched to the target traveling range position set by the operation switch 18, in this embodiment, Is configured as follows.

That is, first, the target travel range in the operation switch 18 is set by monitoring the stop time of the operation switch stopped at the travel range position, and when the stop time exceeds a predetermined time, the travel range of the stopped position is monitored. Is the target travel range. If the determined target travel range is at least two ranges apart from the travel range currently set in the automatic transmission 12, the target travel range indicates the travel range one range before the target travel range. When the signal is output from the inhibitor switch 32, the drive motor 22 is controlled by so-called chopping, and the drive motor 22 is controlled.
By substantially shortening the energizing time to the pulse, the speed is substantially reduced, and in addition to the above-described day tent mechanism 76, a day tent mechanism (not shown) in the manual drive mechanism 38 and a day tent mechanism ( (Not shown), it is set so as to accurately stop at the target travel range and keep it in a mechanically restrained state.

By controlling the drive motor 22 in this way, the travel range of the automatic transmission 12 is set to exactly match the travel range set by the operation switch 18, but depending on various conditions, the drive range of the drive motor 22 There is a possibility that an overshoot or undershoot occurs, and a running range in the automatic transmission 12 is not accurately defined.

The occurrence of such overshoot or undershoot in the drive motor 22 is detected based on the output of a potentiometer connected to the drive motor 22, and
The amount of overshoot and the amount of undershoot are also measured. If such an overshooting or undershooting is detected, if the overshooting is performed for the energizing time set in proportion to the overshooting amount and the undershooting amount, the current rotation direction is determined. Drive motor to rotate in the opposite direction to
When power is supplied to 22 and undershot,
The drive motor 22 is set to be energized so as to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction up to now.

Thus, in this embodiment, even if an overshoot or undershoot occurs,
The positional deviation will be reliably healed, and an accurate positioning state will be achieved.

If the healing operation takes too long or if overshooting and undershooting occur beyond the healing range, the drive motor 22 continues to be driven after the logical stop condition is satisfied. Therefore, the above-described first file determination is performed.

In one embodiment, the inhibitor switch
At 32, the inhibitor sliding terminal passes through an inhibitor contact having a predetermined width, and an inhibitor signal is output while both are in contact. Here, at the time the inhibitor slide terminal begins to contact the inhibitor contact, defines the distance from the origin position of the potentiometer Chillon meter and L _1, at the time the inhibitor slide terminal is out of the inhibitor contact potentiometer Chillon meter When the distance from the origin position is defined as L _2, the distance from the origin position of the potentiometer Chillon meter to the stop position for defining each travel range in the inhibitor task i Tutsi 32 and L _0, the distance
L ₀ is Is corrected and set each time the inhibitor sliding terminal passes through each inhibitor contact.

As a result, even if a change in the relative position between the drive motor 22 and the potentiometer occurs, the stop position that defines each travel range is always calculated and updated.
An accurate positioning operation will be achieved.

In the CPU of this embodiment, the operation switch 1
8 is started to be operated, and in a state where the travel range set by the operation switch 18 is at least one range away from the travel range in the automatic transmission 12, that is, the travel range based on the inhibitor signal from the inhibitor switch 32, If the operation switch 18 is operated in the reverse direction, in particular, for example, after a first output [Phi ₁ is rising from "L" to "H", the second output [Phi ₂ is "L "" To "H" is detected, the operation switch
In a state where the positive direction of the operation is determined in 18, when the next rising edge detection, first, second output [Phi ₂ rises from "L" to "H", followed by the first output [Phi ₁ is "L When it rises from "" to "H", the reverse operation of the operation switch 18 is determined.

When such a reverse operation of the operation switch 18 is determined, the CPU is configured to temporarily ignore the reverse rotation detection and maintain the current driving direction without driving the drive motor 22 in the reverse direction. I have. Then, when the traveling range set by the operation switch 18 exceeds the traveling range defined based on the inhibitor signal output from the inhibitor switch 32, that is, when the operation position of the operation switch 18 is In the case where the vehicle slips out to the opposite side by crossing the operation position of the machine 12, the drive motor 22 is set to be driven in the reverse rotation direction based on the above-described reverse rotation instruction.

With this configuration, the traveling range position in the automatic transmission 12 is set in a state in which the traveling range position in the automatic transmission 12 precedes the traveling range position set by the operation switch 18.
This is reliably prevented, and a good control state is maintained.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the operation switch
Although the description has been made assuming that the switch 18 is constituted by a rotary switch, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and as shown as a first modification in FIG. The sliding operation switch 18 'is slidably mounted along an inclined moving axis S, and the moving axis of the sliding operation switch 18' has an upper end forward as shown in the figure. The parking range “P” and the reverse range “R” are arranged at the upper front. Specifically, the running range from the neutral range "N" to the first forward speed range "1" is extended so that the middle finger of the left hand with the steering wheel 56 held can be extended to switch. The parking range “P” and the reverse range “R” are set so as to be disposed outside the above-mentioned middle finger operation range. .

In particular, also in the first modification, the separation distance d ₂ between the neutral range “N” and the reverse range “R” is
Neutral range "N" and forward drive range "D"
It is set considerably longer than the distance d ₁ between.
In this manner, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the operation switch 18 is held with the left hand gripping the steering wheel 56.
Parking range "P" and reverse range "R"
It is configured such that the switching operation cannot be performed, and erroneous operations that involve danger, such as a reversing operation and a parking operation during forward traveling, are reliably prevented.

In the above-described embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the operation switch 18 and the wiper operation lever 62 disposed on the left side surface of the steering column 58 is as shown in FIG.
It has been described that the operation switch 18 is provided below the front side, and the wiper operation lever 62 is provided above the front side. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
As shown in the figure as a second modified example, the operation switch 18 is arranged below and below the left side of the steering column 58, but the wiper operation lever 62 is arranged above the opposite side. You may. By configuring the second modification in this way, at least when the operation of switching the traveling range is performed via the operation switch 18,
The possibility of operating the wiper operation lever 62 by mistake can be reliably prevented.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the steering wheel 56 is in its substantially neutral position.
"N", "D" and "2", which are the alphanumeric characters indicating the driving range drawn on the peripheral surface of the mounting ring 64, can be seen through when the driver seated in the driver's seat gazes at the front. Although the spokes 56a, 56b, and 56c extending along three directions of 2 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 10 o'clock have been described as possible, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 30 as a third modification, the steering wheel 56 'has spokes 56d extending along two directions of the three o'clock direction and the six o'clock direction, respectively.
56e may be provided. By configuring the steering wheel 56 'in this manner, the operation switch 18 can be reliably seen through the space of the steering wheel 56'.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation switch 18
Signal generating mechanism for indicating the set running range in 100, contact group X _P disposed on the insulating portion defined on the left side of the steering column _{58, X R, X N,} X D, X 2 , X ₁
Is fixed to the outer flange portion 66a of the switch body 66,
Switch according to rotation of the main body 66, contact group X _P, X _R,
X _N, X _D, has been described as being composed of the contact rod 66c sequentially contacting the X _2, X _1, the invention is not limited to such a configuration, the fourth in FIG. 31 You may comprise as shown as a modification.

That is, the signal generating mechanism 100 'according to the fourth modified example.
In FIG. 31, as shown in FIG.
Is formed from a thin plate as a slit disk, and four slits Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ ₃ , Ψ ₄ concentrically set on the slit disk 66a extend inward from the outside in the radial direction. Are defined at regular intervals. On the other hand, the four trajectories Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ
_3, the intersection of the [psi _4, in the manner shown in the table below, slit are formed.

In this table, no slit is formed at a portion indicated by "0", and a slit is formed at a portion indicated by "1". Further, each travel range is set so as to be uniquely defined by the codes represented by “0” and “1” in the corresponding first to third trajectories Ψ ₁ , ₂ and Ψ ₃ . As is clear from this table, this code is represented by a gray code.

In the fourth modified example, the slit rows formed on the _{first to} third trajectories Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ ₃ in each traveling range correspond to the second contact terminals φ in the above-described embodiment. _{2P, φ 2R, φ 2N,} φ 2D, φ 22, is defined so that each corresponding to phi _21, slit in the fourth locus [psi ₄ is corresponding to the first contact terminal phi ₁ in an embodiment described above It is stipulated that That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the slits forming the slit rows formed on the _{first to} third trajectories Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ ₃ are formed in a sector shape having the same central angle, and The front end and the rear end of each slit are set so as to be located on the same radius for each traveling range. On the other hand, the slit formed in the fourth locus [psi ₄ is the central angle, the first to third locus [psi
₁ , Ψ ₂ , and さ れ る₃ are formed in the same fan shape as the center angle of each of the slits forming the slit row.
To the slits forming the slit rows formed in the _third to third trajectories Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ ₃ by a predetermined distance along the circumferential direction in the same direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) Is set to offset to

Further, as shown in FIG. 31, on the left side surface of the steering column 58 facing the slit disc 66a, four Fuotokapura 128, 130, 132, locus [psi ₁ each first through _{4, Ψ 2, Ψ 3,} Ψ ₄ and are arranged on the same radius. Here, each photocoupler 128, 130, 132, 13
4 are the corresponding trajectories Ψ ₁ , Ψ ₂ , Ψ ₃ , of the slit disk 66a.
Emitting element 128a which emits light toward the Ψ _4, 130a, 132a, 134a
And the light from the corresponding 128a, 130a, 132a, 134a,
Corresponding trajectory _{Ψ 1, Ψ 2, Ψ 3} , the light receiving element 128b for receiving only light passing through the slit formed on the Ψ _4, 130b,
132b and 134b.

By thus configuring the signal generating mechanism 100 ′ as an optical type as shown in the fourth modified example, it is possible to operate in exactly the same manner as the above-described mechanical contact type signal generating mechanism 100, and Compared with the case of the contact type, no noise is generated at the contact start time or the contact end time, and a highly reliable operation is achieved.

Also, in the mechanical contact type signal generating mechanism 100 described above, the second contact terminals φ _2P , φ _2R ,
It is also possible to configure φ _2N , φ _2D , φ ₂₂ , and φ ₂₁ in a gray-coded state.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the power supply to the drive motor 22 is cut as the fail-safe operation. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As a drive motor for switching the 12 hydraulic valves 16, in addition to the drive motor 22 described above, an auxiliary drive motor for fail-safe is further provided. When a fail judgment is made, the power supply to the drive motor 22 is cut and the power is supplied to the auxiliary drive motor to drive the automatic transmission 12 by the auxiliary drive motor. Is also conceivable.

When the two drive motors are provided in this manner, when the safety determination is made, the auxiliary drive motor is forcibly set to a predetermined travel range, for example, a forward drive range “D” regardless of the set position in the operation switch 18. Hardware may be provided to execute the switching operation, or a CPU may be further provided for fail-safe (ie, 2 CPU / 2 drive motor type), and a main CPU may be provided.
When a fail determination is made in the above, a fail-safe operation such as driving control of an auxiliary drive motor may be executed by the fail-safe CPU.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the failure judgment is made based on the corresponding timers T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₃ even if the allowed predetermined times t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ elapse respectively. ₄ has been described as being reset, and when the operation direction of the operation switch 18 and the rotation direction of the drive motor 22 do not match, the present invention is limited to such failure determination. Without the operation switch
In the state where the forward travel range (ie, forward drive range “D”, forward second speed range “2”, forward first speed range “1”) is set at 18, the reverse range “ When a signal indicating "R" is output, this is an extremely undesirable state from the viewpoint of driving safety.

More specifically, as described above, in the control of this embodiment, when the operation switch 18 is within the monitoring range between the reverse range “R” and the neutral range “N”, The travel range of the automatic transmission 12 is temporarily held and set in the reverse range “R”, which is the travel range that the switch 18 has just passed. Thereafter, when the operation switch 18 is rapidly operated and the forward drive range "D" is set at a stretch beyond the neutral range "N", for example, the drive motor 22 locks and the automatic transmission 12
There is a possibility that a state may occur in which the traveling range at remains fixed to the reverse range “R”.

In such a state, if a fail determination is not made, the driver believes that the forward traveling range set by himself is also set in the automatic transmission, because the driver has set the forward traveling range, and You have to depress the pedal. As a result, the vehicle starts a reversing operation contrary to the driver's intention to move forward.

For this reason, as described above, in the state where the forward drive range (ie, forward drive range “D”, forward second speed range “2”, forward first speed range “1”) is set in the operation switch 18, automatic shifting is performed. Inhibitor Switch of Machine 12
When a signal indicating the reverse range "R" is output from the terminal 32, a fail determination is made, and the fail-safe operation based on the fail determination is set to execute an operation of turning off the engine. When such a fail-safe operation is performed, as described above, the driver manually switches the automatic transmission 12 via the manual drive mechanism 38, restarts the engine, and then drives the vehicle. become.

In addition, as the fail-safe operation, not only the operation of turning off the engine but also a control operation of lowering the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system in the automatic transmission 12 may be performed. In this case, normally, the hydraulic valve 16 is configured such that the forward drive range “D” is automatically (mechanically) set and fixed when the hydraulic pressure decreases. Therefore, even after the fail-safe operation is performed, the driver can surely drive the vehicle and move the vehicle to the nearest repair shop or service station.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation switch 18
In order to accurately set the travel range of the automatic transmission 12 to the target travel range set in the above, the drive motor 22 is controlled to be chopped from a point in time when the vehicle has passed a travel range immediately before the target travel range. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, for example,
From the time when the target travel range is determined, the chopping control of the drive motor 22 may be executed, or
Instead of performing the chopping control, the clutch mechanism 34 may be set to the cutting state to achieve a state in which no driving force is applied. Further, when the travel range of the automatic transmission 12 has caught up to the travel range set by the operation switch 18 by two ranges, the above-described drive motor chopping control may be executed. .

[Effects of the Invention] As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means performs the first and second control when the range is switched by the operation switch.
When it is detected that only one of the contacts has been in contact with the sliding terminal for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. Even when the position is kept slightly deviated from the position where is set, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the undefined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, the control means changes the first and second contact points from the first state in which the first and second contact points are both in contact with the sliding terminal in accordance with the operation of the operation switch. After switching to the second state in which only one of the two contacts the sliding terminal,
When it is detected that the second state has continued for the first predetermined time or longer, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. Even in the case where the position is kept at the position where the operation switch is released, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the undefined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the control means changes the first and second contacts from the third state in which the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal together with the operation of the operation switch. After switching to the fourth state in which only one of the terminals is in contact with the sliding terminal, the fourth state
When it is detected that the state of the operation switch has continued for the second predetermined time or more, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. Even in the case where the position is continuously held, it is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the undefined state of the range set by the operation switch continues for a long time.

According to the invention of claim 4, the control means keeps the state in which both the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal at the time of range switching by the operation switch for the third predetermined time or longer. When it is determined that an abnormal condition has occurred in the operation of the operation switch, for example, even when the operation switch is kept at a position slightly out of the position where a certain range is set, the operation switch is not operated. It is possible to reliably determine an abnormal state in which the set range undetermined state continues for a long time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an electric traveling range switching device to which an embodiment of an operating device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to the present invention is applied; FIG. 2 is a drive diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a connection diagram showing a connection state of a control system of a motor; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an arrangement position of an operation switch and a manual drive mechanism in a vehicle cabin; FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where the operation switch is disposed as viewed from the left side; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the operation switch; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the operation switch together with the pattern of forming the guide grooves; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the depth shape of the guide grooves formed in the mounting ring; FIG. Cross-sectional view shown; Fig. 10 switches running range FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are perspective views and side views, respectively, showing a state in which the operation switches are provided; FIG. 13 is a setting of the retraction range. FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating the standing state of the knee of the driver's left foot; and FIG. 15 is a position of the steering wheel and the operation switch when the telescopic mechanism and the tilt mechanism are operated. FIG. 16 is a top view schematically showing a contact structure of a signal generating mechanism in the operation switch; FIG. 17 is a connection diagram specifically showing a connection state between the operation switch and the control unit; FIG. 18A Are the first and second when the operation switch is rotated forward.
FIG. 18B is a timing chart showing the order of change of the output level from the output terminal of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main routine in the CPU; FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a first interrupt routine in the CPU; FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a second interrupt routine in the CPU; FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a subroutine of a first file determination operation in the CPU; FIG. 23 is a subroutine of a second file determination operation in the CPU. FIGS. 24 to 27 are flowcharts showing the first to fourth steps in the CPU, respectively.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first modified example of the operation switch in this embodiment; FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the operation switch and wiper operation lever in this embodiment; FIG. 30 is a front view showing a third modification of the steering wheel in this embodiment; FIG. 31 is a front view showing a third modification of the steering wheel in this embodiment; FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a fourth modification of the generating mechanism; and FIG. 32 is a front view showing a state where the slit disk shown in FIG. 31 is taken out. In the figure, 10: operating device, 12: automatic transmission, 14: engine,
16 ... Hydraulic valve, 18; 18 '... Operation switch, 20 ... Electric traveling range switching device, 22 ... Drive motor, 24 ... Drive shaft, 26
... Rotating arm, 28 ... Connection wire, 30 ... Control unit, 32
… Inhibit switch, 32a… rotating arm, 34… clutch mechanism, 36… rotary encoder, 38… manual drive mechanism,
40 ... rotating plate, 42 ... pinion gear, 44 ... rack member, 46 ...
First auxiliary connecting wire, 48 wrench, 50 switching lever, 52 second auxiliary wire, 54 cowl panel lower, 54
a ... lid member, 56; 56 '... steering wheel, 56a; 56b;
56c; 56d; 56e ... spoke, 58 ... steering column, 60
… Direction indicating lever, 62… wiper operation lever, 64… mounting ring, 66… switch body, 66a… outer flange, 66b…
Shaft, 66c: Contact rod, 66d: Moving part, 66e: Through hole, 66f
… Locking nut, 66g… Coil spring, 66h… Recess, 66
i: Blind board, 68: Finger operation unit, 70: Push-in unit, 72: Hold button, 74: Mode switching button, 76: Day tent mechanism, 76 ₁ ; 76 ₂ ; 76 _D ; 76 _N ; 76 _R ; 76 _P ... Day tent hole, 78: regulating mechanism, 80: guide groove, 80a: straight groove, 80b
... first horizontal groove, 80c ... inclined groove, 80d ... second horizontal groove,
80e: third lateral groove, 80f: connecting groove, 82: guide pin,
82a: Pin body, 82b: Outer flange, 84: Recess, 84a
.. A first part, 84b a second part, 86 a locking ring, 88
... first coil spring, 90 ... second coil spring, 92 ... armrest, 94 ... instrument panel,
96: running range indicator, 98: A / T warning lamp, 100: signal generation mechanism, 102: first connection line, 102a
... Branch connection line, 102b ... Main connection line, 104 ... First output terminal, 106a-106f ... Second connection line, 108a-108f
... second output terminal, 110 ... first pulse generation circuit, 112 ...
First OR gate circuit, 114... Second OR gate circuit, 1
16: second pulse generating circuit, 118: third pulse generating circuit, 120: third OR gate circuit, 122: fourth pulse generating circuit, 124: multiplexer circuit, 126: servo amplifier, 128; 130; 132 ; 134 ... Photocoupler, "P":
"R";"N";"D":"2";"1" ... running range, A; B ... gripping position, C ... centerline, d _1; d ₂ ... distance,
G: gap, h ₁ ; h ₂ ; h ₃ ... depth, l ₀ ... axis, l ₁ ; l ₂ ; l ₃ ;
l _4; l ₅ ... turning _{radius, S P; S R; S} n; S D; S 2; S 1 ... inhibitor task i Tutsi _{contacts, X P; X R; X} n; X D; X 2; X 1 ... Contacts of operation switches, φ ₀ ... Power supply terminals, φ ₁ ... First contact terminals, φ
_P ; φ _R ; φ _n ; φ _D ; φ ₂ ; φ ₁ ... second contact terminal, φ ₁ ...
First output, Φ ₂ ... Second output, θ ₁ ; θ ₂ ; θ ₃ .

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Koki Makino 3-1, Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Inside Mazda Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-1-87946 (JP, A) JP-A-1-250647 ( JP, A) JP-A-62-101957 (JP, A) JP-A-63-190958 (JP, A) JP-A-63-190959 (JP, A) JP-A-60-122402 (JP, A) Sho-63-188364 (JP, U) Actually open Sho-61-148722 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) F16H 59/00-63/48 B60K 20/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An actuator for driving a hydraulic valve for switching a range of an automatic transmission, a shift operation means for outputting a range switch command in response to a range switch operation of a driver, and a range switch command from the shift operation means And a control means for controlling the actuator in accordance with the following. The shift operation means is a stroke contact type operation switch in which a set range is sequentially arranged on a predetermined locus. A first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges, and a first contact group corresponding to each of the plurality of ranges. Beside the first contact, they are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, each of which corresponds to the plurality of ranges. And a second contact whose one end and the other end along the operation direction are offset by a predetermined distance along the same direction as the operation direction with respect to one end and the other end of the first contact of the corresponding range. A group, and sliding on the first and second contact groups in accordance with a range switching operation by the operation switch, and contacting a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the range to be switched. A terminal; first signal generating means for outputting a signal when the first contact is in contact with the sliding terminal; and outputting a signal when the second contact is in contact with the sliding terminal. A second signal output unit, wherein the control unit sets a state in which only one of the first and second contacts is in contact with the sliding terminal when the range is switched by the operation switch for a first predetermined time or more. When it is detected that the operation is Operating apparatus for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, characterized by determining the operation in an abnormal state of the switch has occurred. 2. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said first and second contacts are both brought into contact with said sliding terminal in accordance with an operation of said operation switch. After switching to the second state in which only one of the terminals is in contact with the sliding terminal, when it is detected that the second state has continued for a first predetermined time or more, an abnormal state is detected in the operation of the operation switch. The operating device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the occurrence has occurred. 3. The control means according to claim 1, wherein said first and second contacts are brought into contact with said sliding terminal from a third state in accordance with an operation of said operation switch. When only the fourth state has been switched to the fourth state in contact with the sliding terminal, and when it is detected that the fourth state has continued for the second predetermined time or longer, an abnormal state has occurred in the operation of the operation switch. The operating device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the operation has been performed. 4. An actuator for driving a hydraulic valve for switching a range of an automatic transmission, a shift operation means for outputting a range switch command in accordance with a range switch operation of a driver, and a range switch command from the shift operation means. And a control means for controlling the actuator in accordance with the following. The shift operation means is a stroke contact type operation switch in which a set range is sequentially arranged on a predetermined locus. A first contact group corresponding to the plurality of ranges, and a first contact group corresponding to each of the plurality of ranges. Beside the first contact, they are arranged independently of each other along the operation direction of the operation switch, each of which corresponds to the plurality of ranges. And a second contact whose one end and the other end along the operation direction are offset by a predetermined distance along the same direction as the operation direction with respect to one end and the other end of the first contact of the corresponding range. A group, and sliding on the first and second contact groups in accordance with a range switching operation by the operation switch, and contacting a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the range to be switched. A terminal; first signal generating means for outputting a signal when the first contact is in contact with the sliding terminal; and outputting a signal when the second contact is in contact with the sliding terminal. A second signal output unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that when the range is switched by the operation switch, both the first and second contacts are not in contact with the sliding terminal for a third predetermined time or more. When it is detected that the operation is Operating apparatus for an automatic transmission for a vehicle, characterized by determining the Tsu operation in an abnormal state of the switch has occurred.