JP7116920B2 - Shift control device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gear shift control device for an automatic transmission, and more particularly, an automatic gear shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched according to driving conditions and a manual gear shift mode in which the gear stage is switched by the operation of a shift switch by a driver. The present invention relates to a viable shift control device for an automatic transmission.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an automatic transmission, shift control is automatically performed based on a shift characteristic map in which shift speeds are preset according to driving conditions without requiring manual operation by a passenger.
On the other hand, with the aim of reflecting the passenger's intention to shift gears in the vehicle's gear shifting control, there are two modes: an automatic gear shift mode that automatically switches gears according to driving conditions, and a manual gear shift mode that switches gears manually by the driver. , and an automatic transmission capable of appropriately switching between both transmission modes has been put into practical use.

In addition to the P range for parking, the R range for reverse, the N range for neutral, and the D range for automatic shift mode selection, the shift device of such an automatic transmission has a manual shift mode selection. Selection positions corresponding to each M range are set. When manually shifting gears, the occupant moves the select lever from the D range position to the M range position, and then swings the select lever as a shift switch to perform upshifting or downshifting step by step.
In addition, a manual shift switch provided on the steering wheel has been proposed in consideration of the shift operability of the passenger. A paddle-type upshift-dedicated gear switch and a downshift-dedicated gear switch are provided at the left and right ends of the spoke, respectively.

The shift control device for an automatic transmission disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a shift lever, an upshift operation switch and a downshift operation switch provided on a steering wheel, and is an automatic transmission that automatically switches gears according to driving conditions. A shift mode and a manual shift mode in which a shift stage is switched by operating a shift lever from a hold range selection position corresponding to the M range to an up range or a down range can be executed, and the shift lever selects an automatic shift mode. During operation, the downshift operation switch is operated to switch to the manual shift mode, and then the upshift operation switch is operated to return to the automatic shift mode.

JP-A-2002-349687

The shift control device for an automatic transmission disclosed in Patent Document 1 can switch to a manual shift mode by operating a downshift operation switch by a passenger even during execution of an automatic shift mode.
However, in the shift control device for an automatic transmission disclosed in Patent Document 1, a first shift gate having selection positions of the P range, the R range, the N range, and the D range, and each of the hold range, the up range, and the down range. Since the second shift gate having the selection position is provided in parallel, the shift device may become complicated and the size of the device may increase.
In particular, in vehicles with an operating device (for example, a commander switch, etc.) for operating on-vehicle equipment on the center console, both the shift device and the operating device must be placed within the operable range of the occupants. In the case of the shift device, it is not easy to secure installation space.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-100002, while the automatic shift mode is selected, the downshift operation switch is operated to switch to the manual shift mode, and then the upshift operation switch is operated to return to the automatic shift mode, thereby ensuring shift operability. There is a possibility that it will not be possible.
In other words, since switching to the manual transmission mode during selection of the automatic transmission mode is limited to downshifting, it is difficult for the occupant to switch to the manual transmission mode by upshifting.
Moreover, depending on the driving environment, there may be a situation where the passenger requests an upshift after executing a downshift as a shift intention. However, when the manual transmission mode is switched to by downshifting, the automatic transmission mode is automatically restored by subsequent upshifting, which is contrary to the passenger's intention to shift gears, and may cause discomfort.
Therefore, in a shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing an automatic shift mode and a manual shift mode, it is not easy to achieve both structural simplification and shift operability improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a shift control device for an automatic transmission that is capable of achieving both simplification of structure and improvement of shift operability.

The shift control device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1 is characterized in that it is possible to switch between an automatic shift mode in which a shift stage is automatically switched in accordance with the running state and a shift switch for the occupant in a state in which the selector means is held at the automatic shift mode selection position. A shift control device for an automatic transmission, which has a manual shift mode in which a shift stage is switched by an operation, and is capable of executing the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode, wherein the manual shift mode is changed according to the operation of the shift switch. first to third manual modes having different conditions for returning to the automatic shifting mode, wherein a predetermined manual mode is selected by the driver before starting the vehicle . wherein the first to third manual modes are returned to the automatic shift mode when a first return condition, which is the same operation of the shift switch, is established, and a second return condition different from the first return condition is set. When the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode are satisfied, the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode are returned to the automatic shift mode. It is characterized by providing a return means for returning the third manual mode other than the second manual mode to the automatic shift mode.

In this shift control device for an automatic transmission, the manual shift mode includes first to third manual modes in which the shift stage is set in different manners by operating the shift switch and the return conditions for returning to the automatic shift mode are different. Since there are three manual modes in which a predetermined manual mode is selected by the occupant before starting traveling, any manual mode can be appropriately selected according to the occupant's intention to shift gears.
Since return means is provided for returning the plurality of manual modes to the automatic shift mode by the same operation of the shift switch, the return operation of the three manual modes can be shared, and the number of switches can be reduced. can. Also, by simplifying the operation for returning to the automatic shift mode, problems such as erroneous operation can be avoided.

The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that in the invention of claim 1, the first to third manual modes have a first manual mode for fixing the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch. .
According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of discomfort due to the automatic return to the automatic shift mode against the occupant's intention to shift.

According to the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the first to third manual modes are fixed to the gear stage selected by operating the shift switch, and after the gear stage is fixed, a predetermined shift stage is selected. It is characterized by having a second manual mode in which the manual shift mode returns to the automatic shift mode on the condition that the speed is decelerated from above the speed.
According to this configuration, the driver can be prevented from forgetting to return to the automatic transmission mode by automatically returning from the speed exceeding the predetermined speed by decelerating, and the returning operation of the second manual mode and the first manual mode can be made common. It is possible to further reduce the number of switches.

The invention of claim 4 is the invention of any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the return means returns the first to third manual modes to the automatic shift mode by a long-pressing operation of the shift switch. It is characterized by letting
According to this configuration, it is possible to return to the automatic shift mode with a simple return operation without increasing the number of parts.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that in the invention of claim 4 , the long-pressing operation of the shift switch is an upshift side operation.
According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid discomfort caused to the occupant such as engine braking due to the return operation.

The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 5 , the shift switch is provided on the steering wheel and is configured to be capable of selecting gear stages one by one.
According to this configuration, the selection operation to the manual shift mode can be easily performed without affecting the steering operation of the steering wheel.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there are provided an automatic gear shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched according to the driving condition, and an automatic gear shift mode in which the gear stage is switched by the operation of the gear shift switch by the occupant while the selector means is held in the automatic gear shift mode selection position. A gear shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing the automatic gear shift mode and the manual gear shift mode, wherein the manual gear shift mode sets the shift stage in a different manner depending on the operation of the shift switch. The first to third manual modes are provided, and the first to third manual modes are returned to the automatic shift mode when a first return condition, which is the same operation of the shift switch, is established, and the first return condition is satisfied. returns the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode to the automatic shift mode when a different second return condition is established, and the third return condition different from the first and second return conditions. Returning means is provided for returning a third manual mode, excluding the first and second manual modes, to the automatic shift mode when established, and the first to third manual modes are selected by operating the shift switch. and a third manual mode in which the manual shift mode returns to the automatic shift mode on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the shift stage is fixed.
According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately select any manual mode according to the passenger's intention to shift gears, and it is possible to share the return operation of the three manual modes, thereby reducing the number of switches. Also, by simplifying the operation for returning to the automatic shift mode, problems such as erroneous operation can be avoided. Moreover, the automatic return after the lapse of a predetermined time can prevent the driver from forgetting to return to the automatic shift mode, and the return operation can be shared between the third manual mode and the first and second manual modes. It is possible to further reduce the number of switches.
The eighth aspect of the invention provides an automatic gear shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched in accordance with the running condition, and the shift switch for the occupant in a state in which the select means is held at the automatic gear shift mode selection position. A shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode, wherein the manual shift mode differs depending on the operation of the shift switch. The first to third manual modes are set to set the shift stage by the same operation of the shift switch, and the first to third manual modes are returned to the automatic shift mode when the first return condition, which is the same operation of the shift switch, is established. , the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode are returned to the automatic shift mode when a second return condition different from the first return condition is established, and the first and second return conditions are met. is provided with return means for returning the third manual mode other than the first and second manual modes to the automatic shift mode when a different third return condition is established, and the manual shift mode is executed by operating the shift switch. mode selection means for selecting a manual mode to be executed from the first to third manual modes, wherein the mode selection means includes a plurality of operation switches corresponding to the first to third manual modes, respectively; a touch panel type display means which includes a display screen capable of displaying indicators indicating these operation switches and receives direct operation of the operation switches displayed on the display screen by the occupant; and a sub-operating means capable of operating to move the indicator.
According to this configuration, any manual mode can be appropriately selected according to the driver's intention to shift gears, and the return operation of the three manual modes can be shared, thereby reducing the number of switches. Also, by simplifying the operation for returning to the automatic shift mode, problems such as erroneous operation can be avoided. Moreover, the manual mode that matches the passenger's intention to shift can be easily selected from the first to third manual modes by screen operation or remote control.

According to the shift control device for an automatic transmission of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both simplification of the structure and improvement of shift operability by sharing the return operation from a plurality of manual modes to the automatic shift mode.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a shift control device for an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle according to Embodiment 1; FIG. It is a front side perspective view showing the interior of the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a commander that remotely operates an operation screen of a monitor; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for selecting the M1 mode, in which (a) is the home screen, (b) is the state of the home screen when the setting screen is selected, (c) is the setting screen, (d) is the vehicle equipment screen, (e) shows the steering automatic release screen. 4 is a flowchart showing mode setting processing;

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated based on drawing. The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its applications or uses.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle V is equipped with an automatic transmission 2 and has a shift control device 1 for the automatic transmission 2 and the like.
The automatic transmission 2 is configured to automatically operate a clutch and a transmission (not shown), and is electrically connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10, which is a main part of the transmission control device 1. ing.

Before describing the shift control device 1, first, the premise structure of the vehicle V will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, a vehicle V includes an instrument panel 3 extending in the vehicle width direction in front of the front seats, and an instrument panel 3 provided between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. It has a center console 4 that extends downward in the center of the direction, and a steering wheel 5 that can be steered by an occupant seated in the driver's seat on the right side.
When the driver's seat is on the left side, the steering wheel 5 is provided on the left side of the instrument panel 3.

A touch panel type liquid crystal monitor (hereinafter referred to as a monitor) 6 (display means) capable of displaying various screens is arranged in the central portion of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction.
This monitor 6 includes a selection screen for titles classified by audio category (for example, artist, genre, etc.), a selection screen for various operation functions of the air conditioner (for example, air conditioning mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.), and various types of navigation system. A selection screen for operation functions (for example, a search screen, route information, surrounding map information, etc.), a selection screen for manual mode in shift control, etc. are displayed, and the occupant touches a switch on the selection screen with his or her fingertip to select each It is configured so that the occupant can directly operate the functions corresponding to The monitor 6 outputs to the ECU 10 a mode signal regarding the type of mode to be executed when the manual shift mode is executed.
In this embodiment, the operation of the monitor 6 of the in-vehicle device by the passenger is restricted while the vehicle is running.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the upper part of the center console 4 near the driver's seat, it is possible to operate a parking brake 7 that applies a compulsory braking force to the vehicle V during parking, etc., and a display screen (screen form) of the monitor 6. an operating device 20 (sub-operating means), a shift device 30 (selecting means) for changing the operating range of the automatic transmission 2, and the like.
The shift device 30 is arranged in front of the operation device 20, and the parking brake 7 is arranged between the operation device 20 and the shift device 30 and the driver's seat.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation device 20 includes a commander switch (hereinafter abbreviated as commander) 21, selection switches 22 to 24, and a switch 25 for returning the currently displayed display screen to the previous display screen. , a switch 26 for directly switching to a screen (favorite screen) arbitrarily registered by the passenger, and an input system switch such as a volume 27 .

The commander 21 is formed to be rotatable about a vertical axis and swingable in the front, rear, left, and right directions, and is configured such that the index displayed on the monitor 5 moves in synchronization with the rotating operation and the swinging operation. .
The selection switch 22 is a switch for direct transition to the audio selection screen, the selection switch 23 is a switch for direct transition to the home screen, and the selection switch 24 is a switch for direct transition to the navigation system selection screen. When one of the selection switches 22 to 24 is pressed, the monitor 6 displays the menu screen of the selected vehicle-mounted device. After selecting (designating) a specific function from the menu screen of the vehicle-mounted device via the indicator on the screen, the driver presses the commander knob 21a, which corresponds to the decision switch, so that the vehicle-mounted device selected by the driver is activated by the driver. Execute the function selected by .
Therefore, the occupant can operate the vehicle-mounted equipment using either the monitor 6 or the operating device 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shift device 30 includes a select lever 31 that can be operated by a passenger, a guide cover 32 that guides the movement (operation) direction of the select lever 31, and the select lever 31 for each range. A detent mechanism (not shown) that holds the selected position and a position sensor (not shown) that detects the selected position of the select lever 31 are provided.
A range position signal detected by the position sensor is output to the ECU 10 .

The shift device 30 has four ranges, specifically, a parking range (P range), a reverse range (R range), a neutral range (N range), and a drive range (D range). there is The R-range, N-range and D-range positions are arranged in order from front to rear, with the P-range position adjacent to the driver's side of the R-range position.
As a result, the manual range is omitted from the shift device 30, and the size of the shift device 30 is reduced. In addition, erroneous operation of the selector lever 31 to go too far to the P range position when switching from the N range position or D range position to the R range position, and erroneous operation to go too far to the N range position when switching the select lever 31 from the P range position to the R range position. prevent

As shown in FIG. 2, the steering wheel 5 is provided with a steering shift switch 40 (shift switch) that allows the driver to shift gears of the automatic transmission 2 step by step.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering shift switch 40 is composed of an up switch 41 and a down switch 42 .
The up switch 41 is a paddle-type upshift exclusive switch installed on the back of the right spoke, and the down switch 42 is a paddle-type downshift exclusive switch installed on the back of the left spoke. The switches 41 and 42 are arranged at positions within which the middle finger and the ring finger can reach when the occupant grips the steering wheel 5, and output an upshift signal and a downshift signal to the ECU 10, respectively.
Hereinafter, the switches 41 and 42 are collectively referred to as a shift switch 40 unless otherwise specified.

Returning to the description of the shift control device 1 .
The shift control device 1 has an automatic shift mode in which the shift stage is automatically switched when the select lever 31 is held at the D range position, and a manual shift mode in which the shift stage is switched by the shift operation of the passenger by operating the shift switch 40. It is configured to be able to execute a speed change mode.
As shown in FIG. 1, the shift control device 1 includes an automatic transmission 2, a monitor 6, an operation device 20, a shift device 30, an up switch 41, a down switch 42, an ECU 10, and the like.

The ECU 10 has an automatic transmission mode control section 11, a manual transmission mode control section 12, a mode selection section 13 (mode selection means), an operation control section 14 (return means), and the like.
The ECU 10 is electrically connected to the automatic transmission 2, the monitor 6, the shift device 30, the up switch 41, the down switch 42, various running state detection sensors (not shown), etc., and is used to perform gear shifting for the selected target gear stage. A command signal is output to the automatic transmission 2 .

The automatic shift mode control unit 11 has a shift characteristic map (not shown) in which shift speeds are preset according to the running state of the vehicle V (for example, vehicle speed, engine load, etc.).
When the select lever 31 is in the D range position, the automatic shift mode control unit 11 selects a shift stage (target shift stage) according to the current running state based on the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor, the detection signal of the load sensor, and the shift characteristics map. is automatically calculated.

Next, the manual shift mode control section 12 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the manual shift mode control unit 12 has first to third manual modes with different specifications, and executes one of the manual modes selected by the occupant before the vehicle V starts running. is configured as
In the following description, the first manual mode is M1 mode, the second manual mode is M2 mode, and the third manual mode is M3 mode.

The M1 mode is a mode in which the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch 40 is continuously fixed (held) when the select lever 31 is in the D range position.
Specifically, in the automatic shift mode, for example, when the driver operates the up switch 41 once while driving in the 3rd gear, the gear is shifted to the 4th gear, and when the up switch 41 is operated up twice, Shifts to 5th speed. Further, when the occupant operates the down switch 42 down once, the gear is shifted to the second gear, and when the down switch 42 is operated down twice, the gear is shifted to the first gear. As will be described later, the M1 mode does not automatically return to the automatic shift mode unless the occupant performs a predetermined return operation (satisfaction of the first return condition).

In the M2 mode, when the select lever 31 is in the D range position, the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch 40 is fixed, and the speed is decelerated from a predetermined speed or higher after the shift stage is fixed (hereinafter referred to as the second return mode). condition), the mode automatically returns from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode. A shift operation similar to that of the M1 mode is performed by the same operation as that for selecting the M1 mode.
The second return condition is, for example, deceleration from a speed of 10 km/h or more to 0 km/h after the gear position is fixed, that is, the vehicle V is in a state corresponding to a stop. Then, when the second return condition is satisfied, the manual shift mode is automatically canceled and the automatic shift mode is restored.
When the second return condition is satisfied in a situation where the passenger intentionally downshifts while traveling on a low μ road, it is expected that the state of traveling on a low μ road has been resolved.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passenger from forgetting to release the manual shift mode, and to ensure the running performance.

In the M3 mode, when the select lever 31 is in the D range position, the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch 40 is fixed, and a predetermined time has elapsed after the shift stage is fixed (hereinafter referred to as the third return condition). ) to automatically return from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode. A shift operation similar to that of the M1 mode is performed by the same operation as that for selecting the M1 mode.
The third return condition is, for example, that a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the shift position was fixed. Then, when the third return condition is satisfied, the manual shift mode is automatically canceled and the automatic shift mode is restored. The predetermined time is set to a timer value (for example, 2 to 8 seconds) proportional to the vehicle speed under the condition that the accelerator opening is 1 to 60% and the vehicle is not turning.

In this embodiment, the M3 mode is set so that the manual shift mode is automatically canceled and the automatic shift mode is restored when the second return condition is met in addition to the third return condition.
As a result, the M3 mode is designed so that it is easier to return from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode than in the M2 mode.

Next, the mode selector 13 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the mode selection unit 13 receives a mode signal output from the monitor 6, and the manual shift mode control unit 12 executes and controls one of the M1 to M3 modes included in the manual shift mode. Manual mode is pre-selected.
The manual mode (M1 mode to M3 mode) executed by the manual shift mode control unit 12 is set by operating the monitor 6 or the operation device 20 before the vehicle V starts running. Therefore, the monitor 6 and the operating device 20 correspond to input means of the mode selection section 13 .

A manual mode selection procedure using the monitor 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, on the home screen, after the monitor 6 is activated, five icons corresponding to "application", "entertainment", "communication", "navigation", and "setting" are displayed in order from the left. is displayed.
Selection of the manual mode by the passenger is performed before the vehicle V starts running.
When the occupant selects "Settings" and touches the "Settings" icon with a finger, the "Settings" icon is slightly enlarged and highlighted (FIG. 4(b)) to switch to the setting screen.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), on the setting screen, titles such as "screen", "safety device", and "sound" are displayed in order from the top so that they can be scrolled up and down.
When the occupant touches the "vehicle equipment" title on the setting screen with a finger, the "vehicle equipment" title is highlighted and the screen switches to the vehicle equipment screen.
As shown in FIG. 4D, on the vehicle equipment screen, titles such as "Steering Shift", "Clock 1", and "Clock 2" are displayed in order from the top so that they can be scrolled up and down.
When the occupant touches the "steering shift" title on the vehicle equipment screen with a finger, the "steering shift" title is highlighted, and the steering shift automatic release screen is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4(e), the steering shift automatic release screen displays the titles "no release", "release only when vehicle is stopped", and "timer release".
"No release" corresponds to the title of the M1 mode in which the automatic shift mode is restored only when the first return condition is met, and "With release only when the vehicle is stopped" is the automatic shift mode when the first and second return conditions are met. It corresponds to the title of the M2 mode that returns to the mode, and "timer canceled" corresponds to the title of the M3 mode that returns to the automatic shift mode when the first to third return conditions are met.
Before the vehicle V starts running, the passenger selects a manual mode that matches his or her intention to change gears, touches the corresponding title, and ends the setting of the mode.
FIG. 4(e) shows an example in which "no release" corresponding to the M1 mode is selected. It can be set by touching.

In the above description, the manual mode selection procedure executed by the manual shift mode control unit 12 is explained by the passenger directly touching the operation screen on the monitor 6, but it is also possible to select using the operation means 20. . When selecting using the operation means 20, by moving the index on the screen with the commander 21 and performing the determination operation with the commander knob 21a, the home screen shifts to the steering shift automatic release screen, and the desired mode can be selected.
Note that icons and titles correspond to respective operation switches on the monitor 6 , and arrows, highlights, etc. displayed on the screen correspond to indicators on the monitor 6 .

The operation control unit 14 has a first switching function of switching from automatic gear shifting mode control to manual gear shifting mode control and a second switching function of switching from manual gear shifting mode control to automatic gear shifting mode control when the select lever 31 is in the D range position. configured to run.
When switching from the automatic shift mode control to the manual shift mode control, one of the M1 to M3 modes selected in advance by the mode selector 13 is executed.

The first switching function is a mode selected in advance by the mode selection unit 13 after the ignition is turned on and before the vehicle V starts running on the condition that the shift switch 40 is operated by the driver while the vehicle is traveling in the automatic transmission mode. It is a function that executes
Specifically, in the automatic shift mode, for example, when the occupant operates the up switch 41 once while traveling in the 3rd gear, the gear is shifted to the 4th gear and is preselected by the mode selection unit 13. is switched to the manual mode (one of M1 mode to M3 mode). Further, when the occupant operates the down switch 42 once, the gear is shifted to the 2nd gear and also switched to the manual mode previously selected by the mode selector 13 .

The second switching function is a function of canceling the preset and currently executing manual shift mode and executing the automatic shift mode by pressing and holding the up switch 41 corresponding to the first return condition while driving in the manual shift mode. is.
Specifically, in the manual shift mode (M1 mode), for example, when the occupant presses the up switch 41 for a set time (for example, 2 seconds) while driving in the 3rd speed, the shift is made to the 4th speed and the manual shift is performed. The shift mode is automatically switched to the automatic shift mode.
Since this second switching function is applied regardless of the type of manual mode that is currently being executed, if the first return condition is met while driving in the M2 or M3 mode, the manual shift mode will be changed to the automatic shift mode. A mode switch is forced.
Note that the second switching function is a function limited to the shift operation of the up switch 41, and even if the down switch 42 is pressed for a long time, the automatic shift mode is not automatically restored. This is in order to avoid discomfort that may occur to the occupant, such as engine braking, that accompanies the return operation when returning to the automatic shift mode.

Next, a mode setting procedure for setting the manual mode when the manual shift mode is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In FIG. 5, Si (i=1, 2, . . . ) indicates steps for each process.

First, in S1, various kinds of information are read, and the process proceeds to S2.
In S1, various information such as a mode signal, a range position signal, an upshift signal, and a downshift signal are obtained. These signals are input to the ECU 10 at predetermined intervals.
Note that the calculation of the target shift stage by the automatic shift mode control section 11 and the like are separately processed in parallel with this mode setting process.

In S2, it is determined whether or not the select lever 31 is in the D range position.
If the result of determination in S2 is that the select lever 31 is in the D range position, the process proceeds to S3.
When the automatic shift mode is being executed, there is a possibility that the shift switch 40 will be operated by the occupant.
If the result of determination in S2 is that the select lever 31 is not in the D-range position, that is, if the automatic shift mode is not being executed, the vehicle is not traveling forward, so the process returns.

In S3, it is determined whether or not the shift switch 40 has been shifted.
If the shift switch 40 is shifted as a result of the determination in S3, the process proceeds to S4.
If the shift switch 40 is shifted while the vehicle is running in the automatic shift mode, the occupant has the intention to shift gears, and preparations for executing the manual shift mode are started.
If the shift switch 40 has not been shifted as a result of the determination in S3, the occupant does not have the intention to shift gears, so the process returns.

In S4, it is determined whether or not the M1 mode has been pre-selected by the passenger.
Here, it is determined whether or not the M1 mode, which has the strictest automatic return conditions, has been selected in advance as the manual mode that matches the driver's intention to shift gears.
If the result of determination in S4 is that the M1 mode has already been selected by the passenger, the process proceeds to S5.
In S5, the manual shift mode control unit 12 sets the M1 mode, and the current gear stage is upshifted or downshifted according to the operation of the up switch 41 or the down switch 42 .

Next, in S6, it is determined whether or not the first return condition is satisfied. Whether or not there is an intention to return to the automatic shift mode is determined based on whether or not the up switch 41 has been pressed for a long time.
As a result of the determination in S6, if the first return condition is satisfied, the occupant has an intention to return to the automatic shift mode, so the mode currently being executed is switched from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode (S7), and the process returns. As a result of the determination in S6, if the first return condition is not satisfied, the occupant has no intention of returning to the automatic shift mode, so the process proceeds to S8.

In S8, it is determined whether or not the select lever 31 has been operated to a range position other than the D range position by the occupant.
If the result of determination in S8 is that the select lever 31 has been operated to a range position other than the D range position, the process proceeds to S9. When the select lever 31 is operated to a range position other than the D range position, the occupant has an operating intention other than forward movement.
At S9, the currently executed manual mode among the M1 to M3 modes is cancelled, and the process returns. In parallel with S9, range control other than the D range is separately executed.
If the result of determination in S8 is that the select lever 31 has not been operated to a range position other than the D range position, the currently set manual mode is maintained and the process returns.

If the result of determination in S4 is that the M1 mode has not been selected by the passenger, the process proceeds to S10.
In S10, it is determined whether or not the M2 mode has been pre-selected by the passenger. If the M2 mode has already been selected by the passenger as a result of the determination in S10, the process proceeds to S11.
In S11, the manual shift mode control unit 12 sets the M2 mode, and the current gear is upshifted or downshifted according to the operation of the up switch 41 or the down switch 42 .

Next, in S12, it is determined whether or not the second return condition is satisfied.
It is determined whether or not the vehicle V is in a state equivalent to a stop due to deceleration from a predetermined speed or higher after the gear stage is fixed according to the operation of the shift switch 40 .
As a result of the determination in S12, if the second return condition is satisfied, the vehicle V is in a state equivalent to a stop, so the mode currently being executed is switched from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode (S7), and the process returns. If the result of determination in S12 is that the second return condition is not met, the process proceeds to S6 to determine if the first return condition is met.

If the result of the determination in S10 is that the M2 mode has not been preselected by the occupant, the occupant has selected the M3 mode, so the process proceeds to S13.
In S13, the manual shift mode control unit 12 sets the M3 mode, and the current gear stage is upshifted or downshifted according to the operation of the up switch 41 or the down switch 42 .

Next, in S14, it is determined whether or not the third return condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the shift stage is fixed in accordance with the operation of the shift switch 40 .
As a result of the determination in S14, if the third return condition is satisfied, the mode currently being executed is switched from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode (S7), and the process returns.
As a result of the determination in S14, if the third return condition is not met, the process proceeds to S12 to determine if the second return condition is met.

Next, the operation and effects of the shift control device 1 for the automatic transmission 2 will be described.
According to the shift control device 1 for the automatic transmission 2 of the first embodiment, since the manual shift mode has a plurality of manual shift modes in which the shift stage is set in different manners by operating the shift switch 40, the occupant can A plurality of manual modes can be appropriately selected according to the shift intention.
Since the operation control unit 14 is provided to return a plurality of manual modes to the automatic transmission mode by the same operation of the shift switch 40, the return operation of the plurality of manual modes can be shared, and the number of switches can be reduced. can. Also, by simplifying the operation for returning to the automatic shift mode, problems such as erroneous operation can be avoided.

A plurality of manual modes have an M1 mode that fixes a gear stage selected by operating a shift switch 40, so that discomfort caused by automatic return to the automatic gear shift mode against the shift intention of the occupant is avoided. can be done.

A plurality of manual modes include the M2 mode, which returns from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode on the condition that the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch 40 is fixed and the speed is decelerated from a predetermined speed or higher after the shift stage is fixed. Therefore, automatic return by deceleration from a predetermined speed or higher can avoid forgetting to return to the automatic shift mode by the passenger, and the return operation of the M2 mode and the M1 mode can be shared, and the number of switches can be reduced. Further reduction can be achieved.

A plurality of manual modes include an M3 mode in which the shift stage selected by operating the shift switch 40 is fixed, and the manual shift mode returns to the automatic shift mode on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the shift stage is fixed. The automatic return after the elapse of a predetermined time can avoid forgetting to return to the automatic shift mode by the passenger, and the return operation of the M3 mode, M1 mode, and M2 mode can be shared, and the number of switches can be reduced. You can do more.

The operation control unit 14 restores the automatic transmission mode from a plurality of manual modes by pressing the up switch 41 of the shift switches 40 for a long time. can be made

Since the long-pressing operation of the up switch 41 is an operation on the upshift side, it is possible to avoid discomfort caused to the occupant, such as engine braking, which accompanies the return operation.

Since the shift switch 40 is provided on the steering wheel 5 and is configured to be able to select gear stages one by one, the selection operation to the manual gear shift mode can be easily performed without affecting the steering operation of the steering wheel 5. can.

When the manual shift mode is executed by operating the shift switch 40, it has a mode selection unit 13 for selecting a manual mode to be executed from a plurality of manual modes. A touch panel type monitor 6 which includes a display screen capable of displaying operation switches and indicators indicating these operation switches and accepts direct operation by the occupant of the operation switches displayed on the display screen, is arranged at a position separated from the display screen. Since the commander 21 is provided, the manual mode that matches the passenger's intention to shift can be easily selected from a plurality of manual modes by screen operation or remote control.

Next, a modified example in which the above embodiment is partially changed will be described.
1) In the above embodiment, the manual shift mode control unit has three modes, M1 mode, M2 mode, and M3 mode. , the manual shift mode control unit may have two manual modes.
Also, the manual shift mode control unit may have four or more manual modes with different specifications. In this case, each title is displayed on the steering automatic release screen, and the passenger selects a mode to be executed arbitrarily from each title before starting the vehicle.

2) In the above embodiment, the mode selection unit has a touch panel monitor and an operation device (commander). Alternatively, the monitor may be omitted and only the selection switch may be provided.

3) In the above embodiment, an example of a shift device with four positions of P range, R range, N range, and D range was explained, but at least the M range should be omitted, and in addition to the above four positions, a sports range (S range) can also be added.
Also. When the S range is added, both the D range and the S range may be set to the manual mode, or only one of the D range and the S range may be set to the manual mode.

4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the manual mode was selected to be executed after the ignition was turned on and before the vehicle started running. Moreover, if the vehicle speed is zero, the manual mode may be selected even when the vehicle is temporarily stopped.

5) In the above embodiment, the up switch is arranged on the right side of the steering wheel and the down switch is arranged on the left side, but the down switch may be arranged on the right side and the up switch on the left side. Further, the shift switch for speed change may be arranged on the steering column member as long as it can be operated by the passenger.

6) In addition, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications to the above-described embodiment or combinations of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any modifications are also included.

1 shift control device 2 automatic transmission 5 steering wheel 6 monitor 12 manual shift mode control unit 13 mode selection unit 20 operating device 21 commander 30 shift device 31 select lever 40 shift switch 41 up switch 42 down switch

Claims (8)

It has an automatic gear shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched according to the driving condition, and a manual gear shift mode in which the gear stage is switched by the operation of the shift switch by the driver while the selector is held in the automatic gear shift mode selection position. , in the shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode,
The manual shift mode is a first to third manual modes in which the shift stage is set in different manners by operating the shift switch and the return conditions for returning to the automatic shift mode are different, wherein having first to third manual modes in which a predetermined manual mode is selected ,
resetting the first to third manual modes to the automatic transmission mode when a first return condition, which is the same operation of the transmission switch, is met;
returning the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode to the automatic shift mode when a second return condition different from the first return condition is met;
A return means is provided for returning a third manual mode other than the first and second manual modes to the automatic shift mode when a third return condition different from the first and second return conditions is satisfied. A shift control device for an automatic transmission. 2. The shift control device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein said first to third manual modes have a first manual mode for fixing a gear stage selected by operating said shift switch. The first to third manual modes are changed from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode on the condition that the shift stage selected by the operation of the shift switch is fixed and the speed is decelerated from a predetermined speed or higher after the shift stage is fixed. 3. A shift control device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, further comprising a second manual mode for returning to the normal mode. The return means returns the first to third manual modes to the automatic shift mode by a long-pressing operation of the shift switch. A shift control device for an automatic transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The long-press operation of the shift switch is an upshift side operation. A claim characterized by42. A shift control device for an automatic transmission according to 1. The gear shift switch is provided on the steering wheel and is configured to be able to select gear stages one by one. A claim characterized byAny one of 1 to 52. A shift control device for an automatic transmission according to 1. It has an automatic shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched according to the driving condition, and a manual gear shift mode in which the gear stage is switched by the operation of the shift switch by the driver while the selector means is held in the automatic gear shift mode selection position. , in the shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode,
The manual shift mode has first to third manual modes for setting the gear stage in different manners by operating the shift switch,
resetting the first to third manual modes to the automatic transmission mode when a first return condition, which is the same operation of the transmission switch, is met;
returning the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode to the automatic shift mode when a second return condition different from the first return condition is met;
a return means for returning a third manual mode other than the first and second manual modes to the automatic shift mode when a third return condition different from the first and second return conditions is met;
The third manual mode returns from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode under the condition that the shift stage selected by the operation of the shift switch is fixed and a predetermined time has elapsed after the shift stage is fixed. characterized byselfA shift control device for a dynamic transmission. It has an automatic shift mode in which the gear stage is automatically switched according to the driving condition, and a manual gear shift mode in which the gear stage is switched by the operation of the shift switch by the driver while the selector means is held in the automatic gear shift mode selection position. , in the shift control device for an automatic transmission capable of executing the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode,
The manual shift mode has first to third manual modes for setting the gear stage in different manners by operating the shift switch,
resetting the first to third manual modes to the automatic transmission mode when a first return condition, which is the same operation of the transmission switch, is met;
returning the second and third manual modes other than the first manual mode to the automatic shift mode when a second return condition different from the first return condition is met;
a return means for returning a third manual mode other than the first and second manual modes to the automatic shift mode when a third return condition different from the first and second return conditions is met;
mode selection means for selecting a manual mode to be executed from the first to third manual modes when the manual shift mode is executed by operating the shift switch;
The mode selection means includes a display screen capable of displaying a plurality of operation switches respectively corresponding to the first to third manual modes and indicators indicating these operation switches, and for the operation switches displayed on the display screen. It is characterized by comprising a touch panel type display means for receiving a direct operation by a passenger, and a sub-operation means arranged at a position separated from the display screen and capable of moving the indicator.selfA shift control device for a dynamic transmission.

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