JPH0617911A - Control device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a control device of an automatic transmission which is excellent in safety and operability. CONSTITUTION:A range selection device 9 is provided on a side part of a driver' s seat 1 for attaining a specified range through oscillations of in front and rear directions. A shift-up button switch 10 and a shift-down button switch 11 are provided on a position of a first spoke 1 in the vicinity of a steering wheel 5. In order to show automatic transmission function being essential of an automatic transmission, a range selection lever 14 on the side of the driver's seat is operated for selecting an automatic range other than a manual range 'M'. Transmission operation is thus performed automatically according to a preset transmission map. In order to perform manual operation, the range selection lever 14 is operated first for selecting the manual range 'M'. Then, the shift-up button switch 10 or the shift-down button switch 11 is operated for manually performing transmission operation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for an automatic transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a control device for an automatic transmission, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-8545 discloses a range selection lever arranged on a floor in addition to each running range of an automatic range and other state selection ranges. There is disclosed a manual selection range provided in parallel with the manual selection range for selecting each shift speed by a manual operation.

However, there is a problem in that operability deteriorates when a large number of operations are performed by levers provided on the floor. On the other hand, German Application Publication No. 3941
Japanese Patent No. 665 discloses that a spoke portion connecting a steering wheel and a steering column has a sports, economy,
Manual, switch to switch the heavy loading mode,
Disclosed is a control device for an automatic transmission, which is provided with a switch for switching a shift speed in a manual mode.

However, if all the switches for various purposes are provided in the vicinity of the steering mechanism and operated as described above, an unexpected erroneous operation is likely to occur, which may rather impair the operability. Therefore, the present invention
An object of the present invention is to provide a control device which is safe and has good operability in the control of an automatic transmission that allows manual shift control.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows. A control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention selects one of a plurality of automatic ranges provided for automatically achieving a specific vehicle state within a preset range, and a manual operation. Range selection means for selecting a manual range that enables a specific running state of the vehicle by operation, and shifts when the manual range is selected by being provided in the vicinity of the steering mechanism in the vehicle interior separately from the range selection means. And a shift operation means for performing an up or shift down operation.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a low speed range selecting means for selecting a low speed running range that provides a low speed running stage of the automatic range is provided near the steering mechanism. Further, preferably, a plurality of arm-shaped spoke portions that connect the steering wheel and the steering column of the steering mechanism are provided, and one of the spoke portions is provided with the shift means.

In this case, shift-down operating means and shift-up operating means may be provided on the upper side surface and the lower side surface of the spoke portion extending substantially horizontally at the neutral position of the steering wheel. The shift-up operating means and the shift-down operating means are preferably provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the spoke portion. A plurality of arm-shaped spokes for connecting the steering wheel and the steering column of the steering mechanism may be provided, and the spokes may be provided with the shift-up operation means and the shift-down operation means of the shift means in separate spokes. good. This shift operation means can be constituted by a button, a lever or the like.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in addition to the automatic range for automatically providing the shift speed in the automatic transmission, the manual range for obtaining the shift speed by the manual operation is provided. When this manual range is selected, a shift-up operation means and a shift-down operation means for changing the shift speed are provided independently in the vicinity of the steering mechanism, that is, on the spokes of the steering wheel by levers or buttons. To be The range selecting means for selecting either the automatic range or the manual range is provided separately and independently of the shift operating means. Preferably, the range selecting means is provided on the floor, and the shift operating means is provided on the spoke portion near the handle.

When the automatic range is selected by the range selecting means, the gear shifting operation is automatically performed within a preset range in the selected range, or a specific state set in the range. Is automatically set. For example, the driving range is D, 2, 1,
Etc. are provided, and the gears that can be set in each range are preset. The gear shifting operation is automatically performed according to a predetermined gear shifting map. The shift map is provided with a shift line created based on the relationship between the engine load that can be detected by the throttle opening, the accelerator pedal stroke, and the like, the engine speed, the turbine speed, and the vehicle speed.
The shift operation is automatically performed based on this shift line.

Further, when the manual range is selected by the range selection means, the shift operation means provided on the spoke portion of the handle can manually perform the downshift and the upshift operation. For example, when the shift-up operation means is operated, the shift-up is performed by one step each time the operation is performed. Similarly, when the downshift operating means is operated, downshifting occurs one step at a time.

As described above, since the manual shift operation and the range selecting means for exhibiting the original function of the automatic transmission are provided separately, they are not confused with each other. Therefore, when operating the shift operating means in the vicinity of the steering wheel, it is possible to obtain the sensation of a manual transmission, and when operating the range selecting means in the floor, the sensation of an automatic transmission can be obtained. Various controls are possible while preventing.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle compartment in which a control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention can be mounted. An instrument panel 2 is provided in front of a driver's seat 1 in a vehicle compartment, displays of various meters are arranged, and an audio set 3 is equipped. On the driver's seat 1 side of the instrument panel 2, a steering mechanism 4 extends rearward, that is, toward the driver. The steering mechanism provided in the vehicle compartment includes a steering wheel 5, a steering column (not shown), a steering cover 4a that covers the central portion of the top of the steering column, and a steering column 5 in the radial direction from the central steering column. Three spokes 6, 7, 8 extending in the shape of arms are provided. First
The second spokes 6 and 7 extend substantially horizontally from the steering column and are continuous with the steering wheel 5, and the third spokes 8 extend substantially straight downward and are continuous with the steering hole 5.

Further, on the side portion of the driver's seat 1 in a portion which extends below the audio set 3 and extends rearward in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, there is provided a range selection device 9 which swings in the front-rear direction to achieve a predetermined range. It is provided. Referring to FIG. 2, a shift-up button switch 10 and a shift-down button switch 11 are provided near the steering wheel 5 of the first spoke 6. In this case, the first spokes 6 extend from the steering column to the left in the figure at the neutral position of the steering wheel 5 and are continuous with the steering wheel 5. The first spokes 6 have a trapezoidal cross-sectional structure, and a shift-up button switch 10 is provided on the upper inclined surface 12 and a shift-down button switch 11 is provided on the lower inclined surface 13.

Further, the range selecting device 9 is provided with a range selecting lever 14, and the lever 14 is swung in the front-back direction along the elongated hole 16 of the range selecting display portion 15 as shown in FIG. It can be adjusted to each position of the automatic range provided in the front-rear direction. In this example, the automatic range is provided in the order of the parking range "P", the rear speed range "R", the neutral range "N", the drive range "D", and the second range "2", and the range selection lever is provided with a long hole. The range is selected by moving it along the front-back direction and stopping at each display position. Further, in the structure of this example, the drive range "D" is provided with a manual range "M" next to it, and at a position corresponding to this of the elongated hole 16, a protruding portion protruding rightward in the drawing. 17 is provided. At the drive range “D” position, the manual range “M” can be selected by swinging the range selection lever 14 toward the protrusion. When the manual range "M" is selected, the above-mentioned shift up button switch 10 or shift down button switch 1
By manipulating 1, it is possible to manually shift gears to obtain a specific shift speed.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a modification of the arrangement of the shift operating means. In this example, the shift-up button switch 10 and the shift-down button switch 11 have different radial positions, and the shift-up button switch 10 is provided near the steering wheel 5, while the shift-down button switch 11 has the same position. It is provided at a position closer to the center. Therefore, even when the gear shift operation is performed while the steering wheel is being operated, there is no risk that the switch is mistaken, and the malfunction of the gear shift can be prevented.

The arrangement of the ranges of the range selection device is as follows.
The automatic range and the manual range “M” may be arranged in one row, and the manual range “M” may be arranged at the bottom, as shown in FIG. 5, without being limited to the one shown in FIG. When performing the control of the automatic transmission, the driver operates the range selection lever 14 on the side of the driver's seat to perform the automatic transmission function which is the original function of the automatic transmission. Automatic ranges other than manual range "M" (parking range "P", rear speed range "R", neutral range "N", drive range "D", second range "2"
Etc.) is selected. As a result, the function of a normal automatic transmission can be exerted. For example, when the drive range “D” is selected, the shift operation is automatically performed according to the shift map preset by the control unit for shift control.

When it is desired to perform a manual operation, the driver first operates the range selection lever 14 to select the manual range "M". Next, the shift-up button switch 10 or the shift-down button switch 11 provided on the first spokes 6 of the steering mechanism 4 is operated to manually shift. In this case, one upshift or one downshift button
By performing the turning operation, the gear position changes for each gear.
As a result, the driver can obtain the driving feeling of the vehicle as if the vehicle was equipped with a manual transmission.

In this case, when the automatic range is selected and different gear shifting characteristics are set when the manual range "M" is selected, the respective feelings can be made more prominent and a wide running feeling can be enjoyed. be able to. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the drive range "D" of the automatic range is selected, the control unit reduces the lockup area of the torque converter or eliminates the area to exert the function of the torque converter. Gives the property of facilitating. On the other hand, when the manual range “M” is selected, the lockup area is expanded. As a result, a soft and mild feeling is obtained when a shift operation occurs under the drive range "D", and a crisp response when shifting using the shift button under the manual range "M". It is possible to obtain a good driving feeling.

Further, in another example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the control unit is switched to the manual range "M" under the drive range "D" of the automatic range, the control unit changes its position. At this time, fix it to the gear set in drive range "D". The shift is not generated until the shift up button switch 10 or the shift down button switch 11 is operated. Further, even when the drive range is switched to the drive range "D" from the manual range "M", it is fixed to the shift speed used at the time of switching in the manual range "M". In this case, the gear is not changed unless the accelerator is operated to kick down or the range selection lever 14 is operated to select the low speed range. As a result, it is possible to prevent the gear shifting operation from occurring contrary to the driver's intention.

Further, in another example, as shown in FIG.
On the contrary, when the manual range “M” is switched to the drive range “D”, the shift speed selected by the shift map is adopted. After that, the accelerator operation and range selection lever 1 are performed in the same manner as the normal gear shifting operation of an automatic transmission.
The gear stage is set according to the operation of 4. Further, when the drive range "D" is switched to the manual range "M", the shift speed set to the first speed or the second speed lower than the shift speed selected in the drive range "D" is set. As a result, an active running feeling can be obtained when the manual range “M” is selected, and a feeling closer to a manual operation feeling can be obtained.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the drive range "D"
When the mode is switched to the manual range “M”, the gear position to be set is changed according to the running state at that time. For example, in a traveling state in which the driving force request of the vehicle is relatively small or the engine braking request is relatively small, such as a flat road or a gentle downhill, the gear position in the drive range “D” at the time of switching is set to set the torque converter. Establish a lockup state for the. As a result, high responsiveness can be obtained, and a feeling of traveling that is unintentional to the driver can be obtained.

When the driving force demand is high or the engine braking demand is high, such as when traveling on an uphill or a steep downhill, it is lower than the shift speed selected in the drive range "D". By selecting the shift speed, it becomes possible to properly travel in response to the request.
Incidentally, the subsequent shift is performed by the shift up and down button switches 10 and 11.

[0023]

According to the present invention, the manual gear shifting operation by the shift operating means and the range selecting means for exhibiting the original function of the automatic transmission are provided separately, so that they are not confused. Moreover, when operating the shift operation means near the steering wheel, it is possible to obtain the feeling of a manual transmission, while when operating the range selection means on the floor, it is a mild function that brings out the original function of the automatic transmission. It is possible to get a sense, and various controls are possible while preventing confusion.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state of a vehicle interior of a vehicle in which an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention can be mounted;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a steering mechanism,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a range selection device,

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing the arrangement of shift-up button switches and shift-down button switches,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a range selection device according to another embodiment,

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of control using the control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a flowchart according to another example of control using the control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart according to still another example of control using the control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention,

FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to still another example of control using the control device for an automatic transmission according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 driver's seat, 2 instrument panel, 3 audio device, 4 steering mechanism, 5 steering wheel, 6, 7, 8 spokes, 9 range selector, 10 shift up button switch, 11 shift down button switch, 12, 13 inclined surface , 14 Range selection lever.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A specific travel of a vehicle by selecting one of a plurality of automatic ranges provided to automatically achieve a specific vehicle state within a preset range and by manual operation. A range selection means for selecting a manual range that enables the state and a range selection means are provided separately from the range selection means in the vicinity of the steering mechanism in the vehicle interior, and when the manual range is selected, upshift or downshift operation is performed. A control device for an automatic transmission, comprising: a shift operation means. 2. The automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein a low speed range selecting means for selecting a low speed running range that gives a low speed running stage of the automatic range is provided near the steering mechanism. Control device. 3. A plurality of arm-shaped spokes for connecting a steering wheel and a steering column of the steering mechanism to each other, wherein one of the spokes is provided with the shift operation means. A control device for an automatic transmission characterized by: 4. The automatic transmission according to claim 3, wherein shift-down operating means and shift-up operating means are provided on the upper and lower side surfaces of the spoke portion extending substantially horizontally at the neutral position of the steering wheel. Machine control device. 5. A control device for an automatic transmission according to claim 4, wherein the shift-up operating means and the shift-down operating means are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the spoke portion. 6. A plurality of arm-shaped spokes for connecting a steering wheel and a steering column of the steering mechanism are provided, and the spokes have shift-up operation means and shift-down operation of the shift means. A control device for an automatic transmission, characterized in that the means are provided in different spoke parts.