JP6007811B2 - Control method and control apparatus for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to control of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having a manual transmission function, and belongs to the field of vehicle transmission technology.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an automatic transmission for a vehicle, an automatic transmission mode that automatically switches a gear position based on a predetermined gear map according to a traveling state, and a manual transmission mode that switches a gear position by a driver's manual operation are provided. Have been put to practical use. In manual shift mode, the gear position can be selected at the driver's will. For example, if you want to apply engine braking while driving on a highway, or if you want to accelerate quickly to pass, manual shift mode By using, more comfortable driving can be realized.

  The continuously variable transmission (CVT) also has an automatic transmission mode in which the transmission ratio is automatically changed according to the running state and a manual transmission mode in which the transmission ratio is switched stepwise by a manual operation by the driver. Things are conventionally known. In a vehicle equipped with this type of continuously variable transmission, a plurality of shift speeds are set in advance for the manual shift mode. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the term “automatic transmission” refers not only to a stepped automatic transmission having a mechanism for switching a gear ratio in stages, but also to a continuously variable gear having a mechanism for continuously changing the gear ratio. It is assumed that the automatic transmission is included.

  As the manual shift mode, a manual mode that is executed by selecting a dedicated shift range called, for example, “M range” by operating the shift lever, and the shift lever is provided on the steering wheel or the like independently. There is a direct mode temporarily executed by operating a shift switch (upshift switch or downshift switch).

  The direct mode is mainly executed to perform rapid acceleration for overtaking or to operate the engine brake. For this reason, the direct mode is usually continued when the direct mode is in a sudden acceleration state or an engine brake operating state. Even during cornering, the direct mode may be continued because there is a high possibility that acceleration will be performed immediately after. When the predetermined traveling state that requires the continuation of the direct mode is completed, the automatic transmission mode is automatically restored when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end point.

  In addition, when the direct mode is started due to an erroneous operation of the shift switch, when the rapid acceleration state or the engine brake operation state is not immediately started even if the direct mode is started, a predetermined time has elapsed after the shift switch is operated. The automatic transmission mode is automatically restored. A configuration for returning to the automatic transmission mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the direct mode is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

  Conditions for requesting automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode as described above (for example, that the rapid acceleration state ends, the engine brake operation state or the cornering traveling state ends, or other traveling states ( The predetermined time from when the shift switch operation (shift switch operation with a possibility of erroneous operation) in the steady traveling state) is established to when the automatic return is actually performed is as short as about 3 seconds, for example. Set to time. Accordingly, when the direct mode is executed by the downshift operation, the fuel consumption can be improved by promptly returning to the automatic transmission mode and prompting the upshift according to the traveling state. In addition, when the direct mode is started due to an erroneous operation, the driver's uncomfortable feeling can be reduced by quickly returning to the automatic transmission mode.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-257485

  However, regarding the automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode, the inventor of the present application always requires a quick automatic return from the viewpoint of improving fuel efficiency during driving on a general road where a relatively low shift speed is used. Thus, the present inventors have found that during highway driving with high operability and safety requirements, it is likely that a driving situation that requires the direct mode to continue for a relatively long time is likely to occur.

  An example of such a driving situation on a highway is shown in FIG. FIG. 14A shows that the direct mode is executed by the driver operating the downshift switch so that the vehicle A traveling on the overtaking lane of the expressway overtakes the vehicles B and C traveling on the traveling lane. When the vehicle B is about to accelerate rapidly, the vehicle B changes the lane to the overtaking lane in order to overtake the vehicle C in front of it. In such a situation, as shown in FIG. 14B, the vehicle A cannot be accelerated because the front is blocked by the vehicle B, and follows the rear of the vehicle B in a non-accelerated state until the vehicle can be accelerated. While waiting. If the shift mode of the vehicle A is automatically returned to the automatic shift mode against the driver's will during this standby period, it may be automatically upshifted according to the shift diagram. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14C, even when the vehicle B returns to the travel lane and the vehicle A can be accelerated rapidly, the vehicle A may not obtain a desired acceleration force.

  As another example, while driving on a highway, when the direct mode is executed by operating the downshift switch to perform rapid acceleration for overtaking or activate the engine brake, these sudden accelerations After the state and the engine brake operation state are finished, it is assumed that sudden acceleration traveling and engine brake operation are required again within a few seconds. In this case, if the direct mode is automatically returned to the automatic transmission mode due to the end of the immediately preceding rapid acceleration state or engine brake operation state, the desired acceleration is performed by executing an upshift against the driver's will. You may not be able to get power or braking power.

  Therefore, if it is controlled to return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode in a uniformly short time as in the past, the early return to the automatic transmission mode may give the driver a sense of discomfort during high-speed driving depending on the driving conditions. The operability may deteriorate due to the need to re-operate the shift switch.

  Therefore, the present invention basically makes a quick automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode, and causes the driver to feel uncomfortable or deteriorate the operability during the high speed driving. The problem is to prevent this.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the control method and control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention are configured as follows.

First, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is
When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A method for controlling an automatic transmission that can be selected,
A mode determination step for determining whether or not the direct mode has been executed;
A return request condition determination step for determining whether or not a return request condition for requesting automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode is satisfied;
A vehicle speed detection step of detecting a vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied;
A return step of automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the return request condition is satisfied,
In the returning step, the predetermined time is lengthened as the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detecting step is higher.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1,
The return request condition is that the operation of the shift switch is detected when the accelerator pedal is depressed in the non-rapid acceleration state, and a change from the rapid acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state is detected during execution of the direct mode. Or at least one of detecting the start of depression of the accelerator pedal during execution of the direct mode.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
In the return step, the predetermined time is set to a first time when the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detection step is equal to or higher than the first speed, and less than a second speed that is smaller than the first speed. At a certain time, the second time shorter than the first time is set.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3,
In the return request condition determination step, when it is determined that the return request condition is satisfied by detecting the start of depression of the accelerator pedal during the direct mode execution,
In the return step, the predetermined time is set to a third time shorter than the second time when the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detection step is less than a third speed smaller than the second speed. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 5
When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A control device for an automatic transmission that can be selected,
A vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed;
A controller for automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since a return request condition for requesting automatic return to the automatic transmission mode is established in the direct mode;
The controller sets the predetermined time longer as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor when the return request condition is satisfied.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 provides
When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A control device for an automatic transmission that can be selected,
Mode determination means for determining whether or not the direct mode has been executed;
Return request condition determining means for determining whether a return request condition for requesting automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode is satisfied;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied;
A return means for automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the return request condition is satisfied;
And setting means for setting the predetermined time longer as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting means is higher.

  With the above configuration, according to the invention of each claim of the present application, the following effects can be obtained.

  First, according to the control method for an automatic transmission according to the first aspect of the invention, the automatic return is actually performed after the return request condition for requesting the automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode is satisfied. The predetermined time is set to become longer as the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied is larger.

  Therefore, when the direct mode is executed during high-speed driving, the direct mode is maintained for a relatively long time from when the return request condition is satisfied, and in a driving situation where the direct mode is required to continue for a relatively long time. It is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable when the automatic return to the automatic transmission mode is executed at an early stage against the intention, or the operability being deteriorated by requiring the shift switch to be operated again. it can.

  Specifically, for example, when executing direct mode by downshifting a shift switch while driving on a highway, and suddenly accelerating after a waiting time of several seconds, the driver will On the other hand, since the automatic return to the automatic shift mode is prevented, the driver can accelerate at a desired shift stage without feeling uncomfortable without re-operating the shift switch. Also, for example, when the direct mode is being executed while driving on an expressway, after the rapid acceleration state or the engine brake operation state ends, the rapid acceleration drive or the engine brake operation is attempted again after an interval of several seconds. The situation prevents the driver from automatically returning to the automatic shift mode against the driver's will during the interval, so that the driver can feel comfortable at the desired shift stage without operating the shift switch again. Reacceleration or reactivation of the engine brake can be performed.

  In addition, if the return request condition is satisfied when the vehicle is traveling at a relatively low speed, it is automatically returned to the automatic shift mode relatively quickly, so that the speed can be changed smoothly according to the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening. Can be realized. In particular, when the direct mode is executed by downshifting the shift switch while driving on a general road where a relatively low gear stage is used, the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening can be reduced by quick automatic return to the automatic shift mode. Since the corresponding upshift is promptly promoted, fuel consumption can be improved.

  Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the return request condition is that the operation of the shift switch is detected in a state where the vehicle is in a non-rapid acceleration state and the accelerator pedal is depressed, this condition is satisfied. Since the above time is set according to the vehicle speed at the time, for example, when the direct mode is executed by operating the shift switch and the vehicle accelerates rapidly after a waiting time of several seconds, the direct mode is continued. It can accelerate without a sense of incongruity. Further, when the return request condition is that a change from the sudden acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state is detected during execution of the direct mode, the time setting according to the vehicle speed at the time when the condition is satisfied is performed. When sudden acceleration is once completed during execution of the direct mode and then sudden acceleration is resumed after an interval of several seconds, it can be re-accelerated without a sense of incongruity while the direct mode is continued. Furthermore, if the return request condition is that the start of depression of the accelerator pedal is detected during execution of the direct mode, the time is set according to the vehicle speed when this condition is satisfied. When the engine brake is operated again after an interval of several seconds after the operation of the engine brake is once finished, the engine brake can be restarted without any sense of incongruity while the direct mode is continued.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the high-speed travel region in which the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied is equal to or higher than the first speed, the predetermined period from when the return request condition is satisfied until automatic return to the automatic transmission mode is performed. Since the first time is set to a relatively long time, the above-described automatic return to the automatic shift mode that causes uncomfortable feeling and operability deterioration as described above is surely avoided over the entire high-speed traveling region. Can do. On the other hand, in the relatively low speed travel region where the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied is less than the second speed, the predetermined time is set to a relatively short second time. It is possible to improve the fuel consumption by realizing the automatic return.

  Furthermore, when the invention according to claim 4 is applied to the invention according to claim 3, it is determined that the return request condition is satisfied by detecting the start of depression of the accelerator pedal during execution of the direct mode. In addition, the predetermined time is set to a third time that is shorter than the second time in the low-speed traveling region where the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied is less than the third speed smaller than the second speed. In this low-speed traveling region in which the low shift speed is used, quicker automatic return can be realized, and fuel efficiency can be further improved.

  According to the control device for an automatic transmission according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, after the return request condition for requesting the automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode is established by the control of the controller, the control is actually performed. Since the predetermined time until the automatic return is performed is set to become longer as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor when the return request condition is satisfied, the same effect as that of the invention according to claim 1 is obtained. Can do.

  Furthermore, according to the control device for an automatic transmission according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the automatic return is actually performed after the return request condition for requesting the automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode is satisfied. Since the predetermined time until the return is satisfied is set so as to increase as the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained.

It is the schematic of the motor vehicle carrying the automatic transmission with which embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows a shift lever, and a top view which shows the operation position. It is the top view and front view which show arrangement | positioning of a steering down switch and a steering up switch. It is a figure which shows the structure of a meter unit. It is a figure which shows the lighting pattern of the principal part of the indicator for automatic transmissions in the meter unit. 1 is a system diagram of a control device for an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the map used for sudden acceleration determination. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the example of control performed for the automatic return from direct mode to automatic transmission mode. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the set time of the 1st return timer which starts a count at the time of a direct mode start, and a vehicle speed. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the set time of the 2nd return timer which starts a count at the time of a rapid acceleration state completion, and a vehicle speed. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the set time of the 3rd return timer which starts a count at the time of accelerator operation start in direct mode, and a vehicle speed. FIG. 9 is a time chart illustrating an example of an operation when a return timer count is started by starting an accelerator operation in the control example illustrated in FIG. 8. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of another example of control performed for the automatic return from direct mode to automatic transmission mode. It is a figure which shows the driving | running | working condition which cannot accelerate immediately after starting the direct mode for the purpose of carrying out rapid acceleration for overtaking while driving on a highway.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a control method and a control apparatus for an automatic transmission according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an automobile equipped with an automatic transmission to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. A power unit formed by coupling the engine 1 and the automatic transmission 2 via a torque converter 10 is mounted on the front portion of the automobile. Further, a shift lever 3 for switching the range of the automatic transmission 2 is disposed on the side of the driver's seat in the vehicle.

  The automatic transmission 2 can be switched between an automatic transmission mode that automatically changes gears according to the traveling state of the automobile and a manual transmission mode that changes gears by a driver's shift operation. Further, in the present embodiment, the manual shift mode is canceled when a predetermined condition is satisfied from a manual mode that is continuously executed until a change operation to the automatic shift mode is performed, and a predetermined operation that will be described later. And direct mode that is temporarily executed.

  A steering wheel 4 is disposed in front of the driver's seat inside the vehicle, and a meter unit 5 is disposed on the instrument panel in front of the steering wheel 4. Further, an accelerator pedal 6 is disposed at the foot of the driver's seat.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the shift lever 3 is operated along a series of operation paths 32 provided in the guide member 31. As shown in FIG. 2B, on the operation path 32, a parking range (P range) position, a reverse range (R range) position, a neutral range (N range) position, and a drive range (D range) position. Is provided. When the shift lever 3 is operated to the D range position, the shift mode of the automatic transmission 2 is set to the automatic shift mode.

  Further, a manual range (M range) position 33 is provided on the side of the D range position, and when the shift lever 3 is operated from the D range position to the M range position 33, the shift of the automatic transmission 2 is performed. The mode can be switched to the manual mode.

  This M-range position 33 has a long operation area in the front and rear, and when the shift lever 3 is operated forward (in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 2B) from the central neutral position, a downshift switch (hereinafter, “ If the shift lever down switch 34) is turned on and the gear position of the automatic transmission 2 is shifted down by one step and operated backward (in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2B), the upshift switch ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as “shift lever up switch”.) 35 is turned ON, and the gear position is shifted up by one step.After the operation, it returns to the neutral position to prepare for the next operation. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the steering wheel 4 includes a center paddle portion 41, three spokes 42, 43, 44 extending in a T-shape from the paddle portion 41, It is comprised with the wheel part 45 supported by these spokes. A pair of left and right downshift switches (hereinafter referred to as a “steering down switch”) is positioned in front of the left and right spokes 42 and 43 on the front side, that is, in the vicinity of the position where the thumbs of the left and right hands of the driver holding the wheel portion 45 are located. 46, 46 are also provided, and a finger other than the thumbs of the left and right hands of the driver who holds the predetermined portion of the paddle portion 41 on the back side of the spokes 42, 43, that is, the wheel portion 45 is provided. A pair of left and right upshift switches (hereinafter, also referred to as “steering up switches”) 47 and 47 are provided in the vicinity of the portion where is located.

  The steering down switches 46 and 46 and the steering up switches 47 and 47 have the following two functions. The first function is to downshift the shift stage instead of the shift lever down switch 34 and the shift lever up switch 35 when the shift lever 3 is operated to the M range position and the manual mode is selected. The second function is an upshift function. When the shift lever 3 is operated to the D range position and the automatic transmission mode is selected, either the steering down switch 46, 46 or the steering up switch 47, 47 is used. One of them is a function of switching the shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the direct mode and downshifting or upshifting the gear by turning on one of them.

  In either case, if either one (or both) of the pair of steering down switches 46, 46 is pushed down in the direction of the arrow A ′ shown in FIG. 2 shift stage is shifted down by one stage, and if either one (or both) of the pair of steering up switches 47, 47 is pulled toward the front as shown by arrow B ', the switch 47 is turned ON. The gear position is upshifted by one step.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the meter unit 5 includes a vehicle speedometer 51 in the center, an engine tachometer 52 in the left area, a water temperature gauge 53 in the right area, a fuel gauge 54, and indicators indicating the state of the automatic transmission 2. 55 is arranged.

  The indicator 55 includes a P range indicator 55a, an R range indicator 55b, an N range indicator 55c, and a D range indicator 55d that indicate the range selected by operating the shift lever 3, and further includes a D range indicator. Adjacent to the display device 55d, a direct mode display device 55e indicating the character “D” and a manual mode display device 55f indicating the character “M” are provided. Among these indicators, the D range indicator 55d is composed of a segment type indicator.

  Here, display modes of the D range display 55d, the direct mode display 55e, and the manual mode display 55f will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the automatic transmission mode in which the shift lever 3 is in the D range position, the direct mode indicator 55e and the manual mode indicator 55f are turned off, and the D range indicator 55d is “D”. The character of is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in the manual mode in which the shift lever 3 is at the M range position, the direct mode indicator 55e is turned off, the manual mode indicator 55f is turned on, and the D range indicator 55d is turned on. A number indicating the gear position at that time is displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, one of the steering down switches 46 and 46 or the steering up switches 47 and 47 is turned on while the shift lever 3 is operated to the D range position. In the direct mode set by the above, the direct mode indicator 55e and the manual mode indicator 55f are turned on, and the D range indicator 55d displays a number indicating the gear position at that time.

  Next, the controller 100 that controls the automatic transmission 2 and the indicator 55 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 100 includes a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 101 that detects the vehicle speed, a signal from the accelerator opening sensor 102 that detects the accelerator opening (the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 6), and a shift lever. The signal from the shift position sensor 103 that detects the operation position 3 is input.

  Further, the controller 100 receives signals from the shift lever down switch 34 and the shift lever up switch 35 for the control in the manual mode, and the steering down for the control in the manual mode and the direct mode. Signals from the switch 46 and the steering up switch 47 are input.

  Further, the controller 100 is provided with a storage unit 110 that stores various information used for shift control of the automatic transmission 2 and display control of the indicator 55 in the meter unit 5.

  The controller 100 sets a gear position based on the signals from the sensors and switches and various information stored in the storage unit 110, and controls the automatic transmission 2 so as to realize the gear position. A signal is output, and a display control signal for controlling the display state of each of the indicators 55a to 55f is output to the indicator 55.

  By the way, since the direct mode is temporarily executed in the middle of the automatic transmission mode, in the direct mode, the controller 100 requests a predetermined return request for automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode. When the condition is satisfied, the count by the return timer is started. When the count is counted for a predetermined time by the return timer, control is performed so as to automatically return to the automatic transmission mode.

  The return request condition is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the following three conditions are set as the return request condition.

  The first return request condition is that an operation of the steering down switch 46 or the steering up switch 47 is detected when the accelerator pedal 6 is depressed in a non-rapid acceleration state. This condition was set assuming a situation in which the direct mode is started in a driving state that is neither a sudden acceleration state, an engine brake operating state, or a cornering driving state (hereinafter also referred to as “steady driving state”). It is a condition. This assumed situation may be a situation where the direct mode is executed against the driver's will due to an erroneous operation of the steering down switch 46 or the steering up switch 47. Even if this assumed situation is a situation in which the direct mode is executed by the driver's intention, depending on the running situation after the start of the direct mode, sudden acceleration or engine brake operation may not be performed. As described above, when the direct mode is started due to an erroneous operation, or when sudden acceleration or engine braking cannot be performed after the direct mode is started, when a predetermined time elapses after the first return request condition is satisfied. Therefore, after the automatic return, smooth steady running can be realized at a gear position corresponding to the running state.

  The second return request condition is that a change from the sudden acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state is detected during execution of the direct mode. This condition is set under the assumption that the direct mode is executed by the operation of the steering down switch 46, the sudden acceleration traveling is performed in a state where the downshift is performed by one or more steps, and the sudden acceleration traveling ends. It is. Such an assumed situation is a situation in which the rapid acceleration traveling, which is the purpose of executing the direct mode, ends, and the continuation of the direct mode may not be necessary any more. Under such circumstances, smooth steady running is possible by quickly returning to the automatic transmission mode after the second return request condition is satisfied.

  The third return request condition is that the start of depression of the accelerator pedal 6 is detected during execution of the direct mode. In this condition, the direct mode is executed by the operation of the steering down switch 46, and the engine brake is operated or the cornering travel is performed in a state where the downshift is performed by one or more stages, and the engine brake operation state or the cornering travel state is finished. This is a condition that is set assuming the situation. Such an assumed situation is that when the accelerator pedal 6 is started to be depressed, the engine brake operation or cornering traveling, which is the purpose of the direct mode execution, is finished, and there is a possibility that further continuation of the direct mode is not necessary. It is. In such a situation, smooth steady running is possible by quickly returning to the automatic transmission mode after the third return request condition is satisfied.

  In the present embodiment, the above three return request conditions are set, but only one or two of these three conditions may be set as the return request conditions. Good. Further, conditions other than those described above may be set as further return request conditions.

  As described above, in order to determine whether the first or second return request condition is satisfied, it is necessary to perform a rapid acceleration determination that determines whether the traveling state is the sudden acceleration state or the non-rapid acceleration state. . For this sudden acceleration determination, for example, a map shown in FIG. 7 stored in the storage unit 110 is used. In the map shown in FIG. 7, regardless of the vehicle speed, the region where the accelerator opening is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is the “rapid acceleration region”, and the region less than the predetermined threshold is the “non-rapid acceleration region”. In the acceleration determination, the traveling state when the accelerator opening belongs to the rapid acceleration region is determined as the “rapid acceleration state”, and the traveling state when it belongs to the non-rapid acceleration region is determined as the “non-rapid acceleration state”.

  In addition, as the threshold value of the accelerator opening in the map of FIG. 7, a first threshold value Pa and a second threshold value Pb lower than the first threshold value Pa are set. The first threshold value Pa is used for the determination when the state changes to the state, and the second threshold value Pb is used for the determination when the state changes from the sudden acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state. Thus, by setting the second threshold value Pb lower than the first threshold value Pa, for example, the accelerator opening slightly rises from the opening degree of the non-rapid acceleration region and immediately after the threshold value is exceeded, to the original opening degree. When the vehicle descends, it is possible to prevent unstable control from being determined to have returned to the non-rapid acceleration state immediately after it has been determined that the sudden acceleration state has been reached. Specific values of the first threshold Pa and the second threshold Pb are not particularly limited. For example, the first threshold Pa is set to 60% and the second threshold is set to 50%.

  Note that the map used for the rapid acceleration determination is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, in the map shown in FIG. 7, both the first threshold value Pa and the second threshold value Pb are set to constant values regardless of the vehicle speed, but one or both of the first threshold value Pa and the first threshold value Pb are set. The value may be set so as to change according to the vehicle speed (for example, a value that decreases as the vehicle speed increases).

  Hereinafter, control executed by the controller 100 for automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode (hereinafter referred to as “automatic return control”) will be described.

  An example of the flow of each process in the automatic return control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The automatic return control shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the shift lever 3 is operated to the D range position. When the automatic return control is executed, it is first determined in step S1 whether or not the direct mode has been executed. Specifically, when any of the switches 46 and 47 is operated based on whether or not the steering down switch 46 and the steering up switch 47 are operated in a state where the shift lever 3 is operated to the D range position, It is determined that the mode has been executed. Only when the direct mode is being executed as a result of the determination in step S1, the processes in and after step S2 are executed.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not the count by the return timer is started. If the count is not yet started, the process proceeds to step S3. If the count is in progress, the process proceeds to step S7 and the set time T ₀ of the return timer is set. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed.

  As will be described later, a plurality of types of return timers are prepared. However, even after any of the return timers is started, if the return timer is stopped, the count is performed in step S2. It is determined that it is before the start. In addition, the count cancellation of the return timer is executed when a predetermined stop condition (for example, the release of the direct mode or the travel state requesting the continuation of the direct mode) is established during the count. . Examples of the running state that requires continuation of the direct mode include a sudden acceleration state, an engine brake operating state, and a cornering running state.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not a count start condition for starting the count of the return timer is satisfied. When the count start condition is satisfied, the return timer starts counting through steps S4 and S5 described later ( Step S6). Count of this return timer, as long as the cancellation condition is not satisfied is continued until the set time T ₀ of the return timer elapses, the result of the determination in next step S7, when the set time T ₀ has passed, the direct mode is released Thus, the automatic shift mode is automatically returned (step S8).

  The count start condition is equal to the above-described return request condition. In step S3, it is determined that the count start condition is satisfied when any one of the first to third return request conditions is satisfied.

  A return timer is prepared for each return request condition. In step S6, the return timer count corresponding to the return request condition established at the time of determination in step S3 among the first to third return request conditions is calculated. Be started.

  Specifically, when the first return request condition is satisfied as a result of the determination in step S3, that is, when the accelerator pedal 6 is depressed in the non-rapid acceleration state, the steering down switch 46 or the steering up switch 47 is operated. When the switch is operated, the direct mode is executed by this switch operation, and the count of the first return timer corresponding to the first return request condition is started through steps S4 and S5 described later ( Step S6). In this case, in step S3, the determination of the non-rapid acceleration state is made by the rapid acceleration determination based on the map of FIG. The depression of the accelerator pedal 6 is determined based on the input signal from the accelerator opening sensor 102 when the accelerator opening is larger than zero. Whether or not the steering down switch 46 or the steering up switch 47 is operated is determined based on input signals from these switches 46 and 47.

  Further, as a result of the determination in step S3, when the second return request condition is satisfied, that is, when a change from the sudden acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state (end of the sudden acceleration state) is detected during execution of the direct mode. Through step S4 and step S5, which will be described later, the counting of the second return timer corresponding to the second return request condition is started (step S6). In this case, the above-described rapid acceleration determination is used for the determination in step S3.

  Furthermore, as a result of the determination in step S3, when the third return request condition is satisfied, that is, when the start of depression of the accelerator pedal 6 (end of the engine brake operating state or cornering traveling state) is detected during execution of the direct mode. Through step S4 and step S5, which will be described later, the count of the third return timer corresponding to the third return request condition is started (step S6). In this case, in the determination in step S3, the start of depression of the accelerator pedal 6 is detected based on the input signal from the accelerator opening sensor 102 when the accelerator opening changes from zero to a positive value.

When it is determined that any one of the first to third return request conditions is satisfied (step S3), the vehicle speed sensor 101 detects the vehicle speed before the start of the return timer (step S6) (step S4). , according to the vehicle speed detected by the step S4, the set time T ₀ of the return timer corresponding to establishment determining been restored requirements in step S3 is set (step S5). Thus, in the subsequent step S6, so that the set time T ₀ corresponding to the vehicle speed at the time count start condition establishment count return timer is executed.

Further, in step S5, sets the time T ₀ of the return timer, for the first to third one of the return timer set time T ₀ so that the longer as the vehicle speed is high is set.

  Thus, for example, when driving at high speed on an expressway, the direct mode is maintained for a relatively long time from when the return request condition is satisfied, and the direct mode is required to continue for a relatively long time. It is possible to prevent the automatic return to the automatic transmission mode from being performed at an early stage against the will of the driver in the driving situation.

  On the other hand, if the return request condition is satisfied when the vehicle is traveling at a relatively low speed, it is automatically returned to the automatic shift mode relatively quickly, so that the speed can be changed smoothly according to the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening. Can be realized. In particular, when the direct mode is executed by operating the steering down switch 46 while driving on a general road where a relatively low shift speed is used, the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening are reduced by the quick automatic return to the automatic shift mode. Since the corresponding upshift is promptly promoted, fuel consumption can be improved.

  Hereinafter, specific setting of the first to third return timers in step S5 will be described for each return timer.

First, the set time T ₀ of the first return timer is set as shown in FIG. 9 according to the vehicle speed, for example. The timer set time T ₀ shown in FIG. 9 is set in two steps according to the vehicle speed.

Specifically, the set time T ₀ is set to the first time Ta when the vehicle speed detected in step S4 is equal to or higher than the first speed Va, and the second speed Vb smaller than the first speed Ta. When the time is less than the first time Ta, the second time Tb is set shorter than the first time Ta. For example, the first speed Va is set to 100 km / h, the second speed Vb is set to 80 km / h, the first time Ta is set to 8 seconds, and the second time Tb is set to 4 seconds, for example.

  By setting the first return timer in this way, for example, when the direct mode is started by operating the steering down switch 46 in the steady running state in the vehicle speed region on the highway that is equal to or higher than the first speed Va. Until the first time Ta elapses, the direct mode can be continued for a long time. Therefore, in this case, as in the above-described traveling state shown in FIG. 14, the direct mode is set at the time of acceleration in a situation where the vehicle accelerates rapidly after a standby time of several seconds less than the first time Ta after the operation of the switch 46. Since the operation is continued, it is possible to accelerate the vehicle at a desired shift speed without feeling uncomfortable without operating the switch 46 again.

  On the other hand, in a vehicle speed region on a general road that is less than the second speed Vb, a quick automatic return to the automatic transmission mode can be realized over the entire vehicle speed region, and fuel efficiency can be improved.

In the timer setting shown in FIG. 9, when the vehicle speed detected in step S4 is not less than the second speed Vb and less than the first speed Va, it is not less than the second time Tb and less than the first time Ta. A set time T ₀ is set which becomes longer in proportion to the vehicle speed. By setting in this way, the return time (set time T ₀ ) from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode changes abruptly at a specific vehicle speed in a vehicle speed region that is greater than or equal to the second speed Vb and less than the first speed Va. Can be avoided, and the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable.

As shown in FIG. 10, the set time T ₀ of the second return timer is also set in two steps according to the vehicle speed, like the first return timer.

Specifically, the set time T ₀ is set to the first time Ta when the vehicle speed detected in step S4 is equal to or higher than the first speed Va, and the second speed Vb smaller than the first speed Ta. When the time is less than the first time Ta, the second time Tb is set shorter than the first time Ta. The first speed Va is set to, for example, 100 km / h, the second speed Vb is set to, for example, 80 km / h, the first time Ta is set to, for example, 8 seconds, and the second time Tb is set to, for example, 6 seconds.

  By setting the second return timer in this way, for example, in the vehicle speed region on the highway that is equal to or higher than the first speed Va, for example, after the sudden acceleration state is temporarily ended during execution of the direct mode, the first time Ta When accelerating again suddenly after an interval of less than a few seconds, the direct mode is continued, so even if the steering down switch 46 is not operated again, it can be restarted without a sense of incongruity at the same gear position as the previous sudden acceleration. It can be accelerated. On the other hand, in a vehicle speed region on a general road that is less than the second speed Vb, relatively quick automatic return to the automatic transmission mode can be realized over the entire vehicle speed region, and fuel efficiency can be improved.

In the timer setting shown in FIG. 10, as in the timer setting shown in FIG. 9, in the vehicle speed region of the second speed Vb or more and less than the first speed Va, the second time Tb or more and less than the first time Ta. Thus, a set time T ₀ is set which becomes longer in proportion to the vehicle speed.

However, the set time T ₀ of the second return timer necessarily may not be set to be longer as the vehicle speed is high, for example, certain time over the entire speed range (e.g., 2-3 seconds ) May be set. When setting the set time T ₀ in this way, when the end of the sudden acceleration state is determined by the sudden acceleration determination based on the map of FIG. 7 in the direct mode, the automatic shift mode is automatically switched to regardless of the vehicle speed. Will be restored.

As shown in FIG. 11, the set time T ₀ of the third return timer is set in three steps according to the vehicle speed.

Specifically, when the first speed Va, the second speed Vb, the fourth speed Vb ′, and the third speed Vc are set in descending order of the vehicle speed, the set time T ₀ is the vehicle speed detected in step S4. When the speed is equal to or higher than the first speed Va, the first time Ta is set. When the speed is equal to or higher than the fourth speed Vb ′ and lower than the second speed Vb, the second time Tb is shorter than the first time Ta. It is set to a third time Tc that is shorter than the second time Tb when it is less than the third speed Vc. Further, in the vehicle speed region that is greater than or equal to the second speed Vb and less than the first speed Va, a set time T _{0 that} is greater than or equal to the second time Tb and less than the first time Ta and is increased in proportion to the vehicle speed is set. In the vehicle speed region that is greater than or equal to the third speed Vc and less than the fourth speed Vb ′, a set time T _{0 that} is greater than or equal to the third time Tc and less than the second time Tb and increases in proportion to the vehicle speed is set.

  More specifically, for example, the first speed Va is set to 100 km / h, the second speed Vb is set to 80 km / h, the fourth speed Vb ′ is set to 50 km / h, and the third speed Vc is set to 40 km / h. The first time Ta is set to 8 seconds, the second time Tb is set to 4 seconds, and the third time Tc is set to 2 seconds.

  By setting the third return timer in this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the vehicle speed region on the highway that is equal to or higher than the first speed Va, the engine brake is operated or the cornering travel is performed during execution of the direct mode. When the accelerator pedal 6 is started to be depressed at time t1 and the engine brake operation state or the cornering traveling state is temporarily ended, the set time Ta of the return timer elapses after several seconds. When the engine brake operation or cornering is started again at time t2 before the time t3, the direct mode is continued, so that the previous engine brake operation can be performed without operating the steering down switch 46 again. At the same gear position as when driving during cornering or cornering. Jin the operation or cornering of the brake can be resumed.

In addition, by setting the third return timer, a relatively quick automatic return to the automatic shift mode is realized over the entire vehicle speed range in the vehicle speed range on the general road that is less than the second speed Vb. Thus, fuel consumption can be improved. Further, in the low-speed traveling region where the low speed stage is used and lower than the third speed Vc, the set time T ₀ is set to a shorter time Tc, so that a quicker automatic return is realized and further fuel consumption is improved. Improvements can be made.

  While the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the automatic return control is executed according to the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 has been described. However, in the present invention, the specific flow of each process of the automatic return control is not particularly limited. .

Specifically, for example, the vehicle speed is detected (step S4) and the return timer is set (step S5) only when it is determined in step S3 that the count start condition is satisfied as in the control example shown in FIG. Instead of the configuration, as in the control example shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle speed is detected (step S4) and the return timer is set (step S5) from when the direct mode is started until the return timer count start condition is satisfied. ) May be used repeatedly. In this case, in step S5, since both the state not established in the first to third recovery requirements, the first to third all return timer is set time T ₀ is set. With this configuration, the set time T ₀ of the return timer until the count start condition is satisfied is repeatedly updated in accordance with the vehicle speed, eventually, executed immediately before the count start condition is satisfied in step S3 is determined the set time T ₀ which is updated in step S5 that is, is considered a set corresponding to the vehicle speed at the time of establishment count start condition time T _0, the count of the return timer runs in this set time T ₀ (step S6) . The other configuration of the control example shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the configuration of the control example shown in FIG. 8. Even when the control example shown in FIG. 13 is adopted, the same effect as that of the control example shown in FIG. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the direct mode is started by the operation of the steering down switch or the steering up switch has been described. However, in the present invention, the direct mode may be started by any operation of the shift switch. For example, the direct mode may be executed by operating a shift switch provided on the instrument panel.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the stepped automatic transmission provided with a mechanism for switching the gear ratio stepwise has been described. If it is a machine, it can be similarly applied to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided with a mechanism for continuously changing a gear ratio.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the automatic return to the automatic shift mode from the direct mode is basically performed, while the high speed driving makes the driver feel uncomfortable or the operability is improved. Since it is possible to prevent the deterioration, it may be suitably used in the manufacturing industry of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having functions of an automatic transmission mode and a direct mode.

1 Engine 2 Automatic transmission 3 Shift lever 4 Steering wheel 6 Accelerator pedal 46 Steering down switch (shift switch)
47 Steering up switch (shift switch)
55 indicator 100 controller 101 vehicle speed sensor 102 accelerator opening sensor 110 storage unit Pa first threshold value Pb second threshold value T ₀ set time (predetermined time)
Ta first time Tb second time Tc third time Va first speed Vb second speed Vd third speed

Claims (6)

When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A method for controlling an automatic transmission that can be selected,
A mode determination step for determining whether or not the direct mode has been executed;
A return request condition determination step for determining whether or not a return request condition for requesting automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode is satisfied;
A vehicle speed detection step of detecting a vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied;
A return step of automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the return request condition is satisfied,
In the returning step, the predetermined time is lengthened as the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detecting step is higher.   The return request condition is that the operation of the shift switch is detected when the accelerator pedal is depressed in the non-rapid acceleration state, and a change from the rapid acceleration state to the non-rapid acceleration state is detected during execution of the direct mode. The method for controlling an automatic transmission according to claim 1, further comprising: detecting at a start of depression of an accelerator pedal during execution of the direct mode.   In the return step, the predetermined time is set to a first time when the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detection step is equal to or higher than the first speed, and less than a second speed that is smaller than the first speed. 3. The method of controlling an automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the second time shorter than the first time is set at a certain time. In the return request condition determination step, when it is determined that the return request condition is satisfied by detecting the start of depression of the accelerator pedal during the direct mode execution,
In the return step, the predetermined time is set to a third time shorter than the second time when the vehicle speed detected in the vehicle speed detection step is less than a third speed smaller than the second speed. The method for controlling an automatic transmission according to claim 3. When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A control device for an automatic transmission that can be selected,
A vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed;
A controller for automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since a return request condition for requesting automatic return to the automatic transmission mode is established in the direct mode;
The controller of the automatic transmission, wherein the controller sets the predetermined time longer as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is higher when the return request condition is satisfied. When the shift lever is in the drive range position, either the automatic shift mode that automatically shifts according to the running state of the vehicle, or the direct mode that temporarily shifts manually by operating the shift switch A control device for an automatic transmission that can be selected,
Mode determination means for determining whether or not the direct mode has been executed;
Return request condition determining means for determining whether a return request condition for requesting automatic return from the direct mode to the automatic shift mode is satisfied;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed when the return request condition is satisfied;
A return means for automatically returning from the direct mode to the automatic transmission mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the return request condition is satisfied;
A control device for an automatic transmission, comprising: setting means for setting the predetermined time to be longer as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means is higher.

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