Control device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is to solve the problem of providing a control device for a vehicle, even in a case where one of the operation portions is fixed to a certain state due to a failure or the like, the control based on the other operation portion can be made effective, and the change in the shift characteristic of the vehicle based on the other operation portion can be completed using a shift paddle. To solve the above problem, the control device for a vehicle of the present invention includes a paddle shift device provided on a steering device of a vehicle, which can change a deceleration of the vehicle and a shift characteristic of the vehicle, the paddle shift device has a pair of operation portions which decrease or increase the deceleration from a current deceleration according to an operation of an occupant, according to an operation of one of the operation portions, the shift characteristic of the vehicle is set to a fixed shift mode based on the operation of the occupant, according to an operation of the other operation portion, the shift characteristic of the vehicle is set to an automatic shift mode based on a running state of the vehicle, in a case where an on state of one of the operation portions among the pair of operation portions continues for a prescribed time, a change in the shift characteristic of the vehicle based on the other operation portion becomes effective.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle control device, and more particularly to the behavior of a deceleration selector paddle during operation. Background Technology

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, there is a known selector that includes a paddle shifter for manual gear shifting and a switch for switching the paddle shifter to be active or inactive. When the paddle shifter is fixed in the ON state due to a malfunction, manual gear shifting can be performed by means of a gear lever.

[0003] [Previous Technical Documents]

[0004] (Patent Documents)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-116139 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, conventional technologies have the following problem: when one of the paddles in a pair of paddles, which is assigned a fixed shift mode setting, is fixed in an open state due to a malfunction, operating the paddle assigned an automatic shift mode setting renders both paddles ineffective, preventing changes to the vehicle's shift characteristics. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle control device that allows effective control of the other operating unit even when one operating unit is fixed in a certain state due to a malfunction, and enables changes to the vehicle's shift characteristics based on the other operating unit using paddle shifters. To solve the above problems, this application aims to improve vehicle safety. Furthermore, it seeks to further improve traffic safety and promote the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0008] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0009] The vehicle control device of the present invention includes a paddle shifter, which is disposed on the vehicle's steering system and is capable of changing the vehicle's deceleration and transmission characteristics. The paddle shifter has a pair of operating units, which decrease or increase the deceleration from the current deceleration according to the operation of the occupant. According to the operation of one of the operating units, the vehicle's transmission characteristics are set to a fixed transmission mode based on the occupant's operation, and according to the operation of the other operating unit, the vehicle's transmission characteristics are set to an automatic transmission mode based on the vehicle's driving state. When one of the operating units remains in the open state for a predetermined time, the change of the vehicle's transmission characteristics based on the other operating unit becomes effective.

[0010] According to the control device of this vehicle, when one operating unit remains in the open state for a predetermined time, by activating the control based on another operating unit, the transmission characteristics of the vehicle based on the other operating unit can be changed using the shift paddles, i.e., the operating unit. Furthermore, by switching the activation / deactivation of the control based on the duration of the open state of one operating unit, components or circuits used for fault diagnosis can be omitted, which can help further reduce costs.

[0011] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device of the present invention, when one of the operating parts of the paddle shifter remains in the open state for a predetermined time, and then the other operating part becomes open, the vehicle's transmission characteristics are switched to automatic transmission mode.

[0012] According to the control device of this vehicle, when one of the paddle shifters (minus paddle) is in the open state for a specified time, and then the other paddle (plus paddle) is in the open state, the vehicle's transmission characteristics can be set to automatic transmission mode.

[0013] In addition, the vehicle control device of the present invention also includes a notification device for notifying occupants. When the vehicle's transmission characteristics change to an automatic transmission mode based on the vehicle's driving state, the notification device notifies in a first form. When the vehicle's transmission characteristics change to a fixed transmission mode based on the occupants' operation, the notification device notifies in a second form different from the first form.

[0014] According to the control device of this vehicle, since the occupant identifies whether the vehicle's transmission characteristics are in automatic or fixed transmission mode based on the notification result of the notification device, the occupant can more accurately identify the engagement and disengagement of the paddle shifters, thereby quickly performing the subsequent action (switching to smart paddle)

[0015] (The effect of the invention)

[0016] According to the present invention, a vehicle control device can be provided that, even if one of the operating units is fixed in a certain state due to a malfunction or the like, the control based on the other operating unit can be effective, and the gear shift characteristics of the vehicle based on the other operating unit can be changed using shift paddles. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the steering wheel and front panel of a vehicle equipped with the control device of the vehicle according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the control of the control device in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the control device used in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the operating unit and the control performed by the control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The vehicle control device of this embodiment relates to a paddle shifter located near the steering wheel of the vehicle. The paddle shifter includes a paddle-like switch positioned around the steering wheel. By operating this switch, vehicle occupants can perform various operations, such as shifting gears, without removing their hands from the steering wheel. In the vehicle control device of this embodiment, even if the paddle shifter is fixed in a certain state due to malfunction or other reasons, a simple device structure can be used to address the issue. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] <Structure of the vehicle's control device>

[0023] The structure of the vehicle control device 1 will be described. Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the steering wheel 2 and front panel 3 of a vehicle equipped with the control device 1 of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the vehicle control device 1 will sometimes be simply referred to as control device 1. Additionally, the steering wheel 2 is also called a steering wheel. The control device 1 of this embodiment includes a paddle shifter 10 and a control unit 20.

[0024] <Paddle shifter>

[0025] The paddle shifter 10 includes a pair of operating units 12 and a notification device 14. The pair of operating units 12 includes a first operating unit 12a and a second operating unit 12b. The first operating unit 12a and the second operating unit 12b are located near the steering wheel 2. The notification device 14 is located, for example, on the dashboard 4 of the front bulkhead 3.

[0026] <Operations Department>

[0027] In the operating unit 12, both the first operating unit 12a and the second operating unit 12b are located on the inner side of the steering wheel 2. The first operating unit 12a is located on the inner side of the right side of the steering wheel 2. On the other hand, the second operating unit 12b is located on the inner side of the left side of the steering wheel 2. The occupant can operate the first operating unit 12a and the second operating unit 12b while holding the steering wheel 2. Figure 1 The number 101 indicates a magnified view of the vicinity of the first operating unit 12a. Additionally, Figure 1 102 indicates a magnified view of the vicinity of the second operating unit 12b. As shown in 101, the occupant can operate the first operating unit 12a by holding the steering wheel 2 and moving it closer as indicated by arrow D1. Similarly, as shown in 102, the occupant can operate the second operating unit 12b by holding the steering wheel 2 and moving it closer as indicated by arrow D2.

[0028] <Deceleration and Transmission Characteristics>

[0029] The paddle shifter 10 is a device capable of changing deceleration and the vehicle's transmission characteristics. The paddle shifter 10 changes deceleration and transmission characteristics based on the occupant's operation of the operating unit 12.

[0030] The change in deceleration refers to the degree to which the deceleration is reduced or increased from the current deceleration rate. On the other hand, the change in transmission characteristics refers to the alteration of transmission characteristics between fixed transmission mode and automatic transmission mode. Here, fixed transmission mode determines the vehicle's transmission characteristics based on occupant input. Automatic transmission mode, on the other hand, automatically determines the vehicle's transmission characteristics based on the vehicle's driving conditions.

[0031] <Functions of the Operation Section>

[0032] As described above, the deceleration and transmission characteristics are changed based on the operation of the operating unit 12. A short movement of the operating unit 12 is considered an operation affecting deceleration. Conversely, a longer movement of the operating unit 12 is considered an operation affecting transmission characteristics. Furthermore, in the following description, a longer movement is sometimes referred to as a long movement. Additionally, the state in which the operating unit 12 is moved is sometimes referred to as the "on" state.

[0033] <Distribution of deceleration>

[0034] In the following description, the first operating unit 12a is configured to downshift, and the second operating unit 12b is configured to upshift. In this case, when the first operating unit 12a is moved briefly, the deceleration intensity increases. Conversely, when the second operating unit 12b is moved briefly, the deceleration intensity decreases. Thus, the operating unit 12 functions as a paddle for a deceleration selector. Furthermore, the increased deceleration intensity corresponds to an increase in the number of gears. Conversely, the decreased deceleration intensity corresponds to a decrease in the number of gears.

[0035] <Distribution of Variable Speed ​​Characteristics>

[0036] In the paddle shifter 10 of this embodiment, the first operating section 12a is assigned to a fixed gear. On the other hand, the second operating section 12b is assigned to an intelligent gear. In this case, when the first operating section 12a is moved a considerable distance, the shifting characteristic is set to a fixed shifting mode. Conversely, when the second operating section 12b is moved a considerable distance, the shifting characteristic is set to an automatic shifting mode.

[0037] <Notification Device>

[0038] Next, the notification device 14 will be described. In addition to the operating unit 12, the paddle shifter 10 also includes the notification device 14. The notification device 14 is a device that notifies the occupants of a change in transmission characteristics. The notification device 14 can be installed, for example, on the instrument panel 4 of the front bulkhead 3. The notification device 14 provides a first notification when the transmission characteristics change to automatic transmission mode. Furthermore, the notification device 14 provides a second notification when the transmission characteristics change to fixed transmission mode. Here, the first and second modes are different.

[0039] The notification can take the form of voice, display, vibration, etc., without particular limitation. As long as the first form differs from the second form, the means by which the form differs are not particularly limited. Means of differentiating the form include, for example, the volume of the voice, the shape, color or size of the image, the intensity of the vibration, the frequency of the notification, etc.

[0040] <Control Department>

[0041] Next, the control unit 20 will be described. In addition to the paddle shifter 10, the vehicle control device 1 of this embodiment also includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls changes in deceleration and vehicle transmission characteristics based on the operation of the operation unit 12. The control unit 20 may, for example, be disposed inside the front bulkhead 3.

[0042] <Behavior during operation>

[0043] The following will describe the behavior of the operation unit 12 when it is operated. As mentioned above, the following description will be based on the case where the first operation unit 12a is set to downshift and fixed gear, and the second operation unit 12b is set to upshift and smart gear.

[0044] <Effectiveness of subsequent operations>

[0045] In the control device 1 of this embodiment, when the first operation unit 12a is fixed in a long-moving state, the operation of the second operation unit 12b is considered valid. Furthermore, when the second operation unit 12b is fixed in a long-moving state, the operation of the first operation unit 12a is considered valid.

[0046] Here, the term "fixed in a continuously moved state" for the operating unit 12 includes both a physical state and an electrical state. The physical state refers to the state where the operating unit 12 remains in the position before and after being physically moved. The electrical state refers to the state where electrical signals, such as those indicating that the operating unit 12 has been moved, continue to be sent to the control unit 20, etc. In other words, the electrical state refers to the state where, although the operating unit 12 is not in the position before and after being physically moved, it is electrically recognized as having been moved.

[0047] Furthermore, in the following description, the state in which the operating unit 12 is toggled is referred to as the open state. The open state includes both the case where the operating unit 12 is toggled for a short time and the case where it is toggled for a longer time. In addition, sometimes the operating unit 12 is fixed in the case of being toggled for a long time, which is referred to as open fixation. As described above, open fixation includes physical fixation and electrical fixation. In the following description, electrical fixation is mainly assumed.

[0048] In the control device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, even if the previous operation resulted in an opening fixation, subsequent operations will still be effective. For example, if one of the pair of operating units 12 remains in the open state for a predetermined time, changes to the vehicle's transmission characteristics based on the other operating unit 12 become effective.

[0049] Therefore, the transmission characteristics of the vehicle based on the other operating unit 12 can be changed using the operating unit 12 after one operating unit 12 is operated. That is, in the control device 1, the validity or invalidation of the control input from the operating unit 12 is switched based on the duration of the open state of one of the operating units 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to equip it with additional parts or circuits for fault diagnosis. As a result, the cost of the control device 1 can be reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, there is no specific time limit; it can be set appropriately based on the characteristics of the vehicle or the desired driving experience for the occupants.

[0051] <Switching to subsequent operations>

[0052] Furthermore, in the control device 1 of this embodiment, when the first operation unit 12a remains in the open state for a predetermined time, and then the second operation unit 12b becomes open, the vehicle's transmission characteristics switch to automatic transmission mode. Similarly, when the second operation unit 12b remains in the open state for a predetermined time, and then the first operation unit 12a becomes open, the vehicle's transmission characteristics switch to fixed transmission mode.

[0053] based on Figure 2 Let's take one example to illustrate this. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the control of the control device 1 in this embodiment. In the control device 1, when the first operation unit 12a is continuously activated for a predetermined time or longer (…), Figure 2 Arrow A1), if the second operating unit 12b, which is a smart gear, is detected to be long-moved ( Figure 2 If arrow A2 is used, the vehicle's transmission characteristics are switched to automatic transmission mode, which corresponds to the transmission characteristics of the second operating unit 12b. Furthermore, the above explanation pertains to an example where the first operating unit 12a is operated first, followed by the operation of the second operating unit 12b. However, the same switching can also be performed when the second operating unit 12b is operated first, followed by the operation of the first operating unit 12a.

[0054] As described above, when the control device 1 keeps one of the operating units 12 in the open state for a predetermined time, and then the other operating unit 12 is turned on, the vehicle's transmission characteristics can be set to follow the operation of the other operating unit 12. Thus, even when the opening is locked, no additional parts or circuits are required; the transmission characteristics can be switched to the mode desired by the occupants simply by operating the operating unit 12.

[0055] <Notification Device>

[0056] Furthermore, in the control device 1 of this embodiment, the notification device 14 notifies the vehicle in a first mode when the vehicle's transmission characteristics change to automatic transmission mode. Similarly, when the vehicle's transmission characteristics change to fixed transmission mode, it notifies the vehicle in a second mode, which is different from the first mode.

[0057] based on Figure 3 The notifications made by the notification device 14 and the switching of the speed change characteristics will be explained. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of a notification from the control device 1 of this embodiment. In the control device 1, when a prolonged movement of the second operation unit 12b is detected ( Figure 3 Arrow A3), the control unit 20 switches the transmission characteristic from fixed transmission mode to automatic transmission mode. Figure 3 Arrow A4). Simultaneously, the notification device 14 notifies the switch to automatic transmission mode in a first configuration. Similarly, in the control device 1, when a prolonged movement of the first operating section 12a is detected (…), Figure 3 Arrow A5), the control unit 20 switches the transmission characteristic from automatic transmission mode to fixed transmission mode ( Figure 3 (Arrow A6). At the same time, the notification device 14 notifies the switch to the fixed-speed mode in a second configuration.

[0058] Vehicle occupants can recognize the shift from automatic to fixed transmission mode based on notifications from the notification device 14. Therefore, in the control device 1 of this embodiment, the notification from the notification device 14 allows occupants to more accurately recognize that an engagement has occurred at the operating unit 12. As a result, occupants can more quickly switch to the desired transmission characteristics.

[0059] based on Figure 4 An example of the control of the control device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the operation unit 12 and the control performed by the control unit 20. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In order to be more realistic in the description, the first operation unit 12a is referred to as "-paddle" and the second operation unit 12b is referred to as "+paddle". Additionally, Figure 4 The "Dr" in this context refers to "occupant". Furthermore, "action sign" refers to a notification issued by the notification device 14.

[0060] <- Gear Activation>

[0061] First, at time point P20, the occupant engages gear -. After gear - is engaged, at time point P1, following the paddle operation time division indicated by arrow A20, the gear - operation signal changes to ON. Furthermore, the paddle operation time division is a standby period set to prevent repeated switching. Corresponding to the gear - operation signal changing to ON (arrow A10), at time point P2, the downshift determination changes to ON. Additionally, since the occupant's gear - operation is a shift selection other than B (range), the intelligent gear selector is activated at time point P3. Furthermore, with the activation of the intelligent gear selector, the intelligent gear selector action indicator changes to ON. B (range) will be explained below. Based on the aforementioned DOWN determination, the gear level changes to 3 at time point P15.

[0062] <- Gear activation and fixation>

[0063] At time point P30, the first gear is engaged and locked. At time point P4, the occupant disengages the first gear. However, the first gear operation signal remains active after time point P5 (arrow A12). The first gear long-press timer continues to detect the first gear operation signal as active after time point P6 (arrow A13), thus, at time point P7, it is determined that the first gear engagement operation is a long press. Furthermore, at time point P8, it is confirmed that this is not the desired gear. With the determination of the desired gear, the gear is engaged, and the gear engagement indicator changes to active.

[0064] <+ Gear Activation>

[0065] At time point P40, the occupant engages the + gear. As shown by arrow A15, at time point P11, after the gear operation determination time via arrow A30 from time point P9 (the same time point as time point 40), the + gear operation signal changes to "on" (arrow A15). As shown by arrow A18, starting from time point P12 (the same time point as time point P10), the + gear timer begins measurement with a long press. At time point P13, it is determined that the + gear activation operation is a long press. Based on this determination, as shown by arrow A19, at time point P14, the fixed gear is switched to the smart gear. Furthermore, along with this, the fixed gear operation indicator changes to "off," while the smart gear operation indicator changes to "on."

[0066] Additionally, based on the + gear operation signal at time point P10, as shown by arrow A16, at time point P11, the upgrade (UP) determination changes to an on determination. Consequently, at time point P16, the gear level changes from 3 to 2.

[0067] The aforementioned measurement of the activation of the UP determination at time point P11 and the start of the + gear long press timer at time point P12 demonstrates an example of receiving subsequent operations even when previous operations were fixed to a certain state due to malfunctions or other reasons.

[0068] As described above, in the control device 1 of this embodiment, when both upshift and downshift inputs are detected, the input that is detected later is determined to be valid. Therefore, for example, even in the event of a fault such as downshift being locked, the deceleration force can be reduced by upshifting, and the locked gear can be released to activate the smart gear. Furthermore, if the detection timings of upshifting and downshifting are exactly the same, the operation can be determined to be invalid.

[0069] <Regarding methods of deceleration>

[0070] This section explains the deceleration methods. The deceleration method refers to how the vehicle slows down when the accelerator is released. Some vehicles allow you to select a deceleration method. These selected methods include, for example, D gear, B gear, and a deceleration selector. D gear is the commonly used method where the accelerator is closed, providing a natural deceleration feel. B gear allows for good deceleration simply by releasing the accelerator, reducing braking effort. In B gear, good deceleration can also be achieved with single-pedal operation. The deceleration selector allows you to adjust the deceleration in four or more levels according to your preference. With the deceleration selector, you can achieve a safe and smooth driving experience by adjusting the accelerator.

[0071] For example, in vehicles that allow selection of a B gear, in addition to a long press of the shift lever for downshifting, selecting the B gear can also be a method for choosing a fixed gear. Furthermore, as a method for disengaging the fixed gear and selecting a smart gear, in addition to a long press of the shift lever for upshifting, shift options other than B gear can also be included. First... Figure 4 The smart mode was activated at arrow A11 because it was used to downshift as a shift option other than B mode.

[0072] Therefore, for example, when a downshifting failure occurs, the deceleration force can be reduced by upshifting, and the fixed gear can be disengaged to activate the intelligent gear.

[0073] On the other hand, in vehicles without a B mode, or in cases where a B mode is present but cannot be selected due to a malfunction, a long press of the downshift lever can be used to select the fixed gear, and a long press of the upshift lever can be used to select the intelligent gear. This makes it possible to switch transmission characteristics without adding new switches or interfaces. Furthermore, it allows occupants to switch transmission characteristics without removing their hands from the steering wheel.

[0074] As described above, the vehicle control device 1 of this embodiment, for example, when the paddle on the side assigned to the function of a fixed shift mode is locked in the open position, enables operation based on other gears. That is, when operation in two gears is detected, the input of the later detected gear is used. Specifically, for example, if the open state of one operation unit is maintained for a predetermined time, control based on the other operation unit is enabled. Thus, the shift characteristics of the vehicle based on the other operation unit can be changed using the shift paddles.

[0075] Figure Labels

[0076] 1. Vehicle control device

[0077] 2. Steering wheel

[0078] 3. Front panel

[0079] 4. Dashboard

[0080] 10. Paddle shifters

[0081] 12 Operations Section

[0082] 12a First operating unit (one of the operating units)

[0083] 12b Second Operation Section (Another Operation Section)

[0084] 14 Notification Device

[0085] 20 Control Department

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, comprising a paddle shifter, the paddle shifter being disposed on the vehicle's steering mechanism, capable of altering the vehicle's deceleration and transmission characteristics. The aforementioned paddle shifter has a pair of operating units that, based on the occupant's input, decrease or increase the deceleration from the current deceleration. Based on the operation of one of the operating units, the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle are set to a fixed transmission mode based on the operation of the aforementioned occupants. According to the operation of another operating unit, the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle are set to an automatic transmission mode based on the driving status of the aforementioned vehicle. If one of the aforementioned operating units remains in the open state for a specified time, the change in the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle based on the other operating unit becomes effective.

2. The control device of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein When one of the aforementioned operating parts of the aforementioned paddle shifter remains in the open state for the aforementioned predetermined time, and then the aforementioned other operating part becomes open, the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle switch to the aforementioned automatic transmission mode.

3. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a notification device for notifying the aforementioned occupants. When the aforementioned notification device switches the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle to an automatic transmission mode based on the driving state of the aforementioned vehicle, it will issue a notification in the first form. When the transmission characteristics of the aforementioned vehicle change to a fixed transmission mode based on the operation of the aforementioned occupants, a notification is given in a second form that is different from the aforementioned first form.

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