Vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device that, even if a vehicle is put into a neutral position (N position) and power-off state unintentionally by power-off operation, can fix the vehicle by switching to a parking position (P position).SOLUTION: In the case where a shift position is an N position and special operation is performed when power-off operation is carried out, even if switching to a power-off state, the N position is maintained and a parking switching function is brought to be operable. As a result, by the power-off operation when special operation is performed, a vehicle is put into the N position and power-off state. In addition, in the power-off state due to the power-off operation when special operation is performed, by a parking selection operation by a driver, switching to a P position becomes possible. Therefore, even if the vehicle is put into the N position and power-off state unintentionally by a power-off operation, it is possible to perform vehicle fixation by switching to the P position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle equipped with a shift operation device that is operated to an operation position corresponding to a shift position of a power transmission device. [Background technology]

[0002] A well-known vehicle control device includes a power source, a power transmission device that transmits power from the power source to drive wheels, a shift operation device operated by a driver to an operating position corresponding to a shift position of the power transmission device, and a power switch operated by the driver to switch a control state of a power source, wherein the power transmission device electrically controls the shift position based on the operating position, and the shift positions include a neutral position in which power transmission in the power transmission device is cut off and a parking position in which rotation of a rotating member that rotates with the drive wheels is mechanically prevented, and the control states of the power source include a power-on state in which the power source can be driven, a partial power-on state in which the power source cannot be driven but some functions unrelated to driving the power source, including a function for switching the shift position, can be operated, and a power-off state in which the power source cannot be driven and some of the functions cannot be operated. For example, a vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 is such a device. Patent Document 1 discloses that when a power-off operation is performed, an automatic parking function is activated to switch the shift position to a parking position in conjunction with the switching to the power-off state. Patent Document 1 also discloses that when a special operation including a power-off operation is performed, the automatic parking function is disabled, and the power control state is switched to a partially on state while maintaining the neutral position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-127947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 assumes that the automatic parking function is disabled when the vehicle is washed, etc., but does not assume that the vehicle will be left parked and abandoned for a long period of time. Therefore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the power supply is controlled in a partially on state, and the shift position can be switched to the parking position by performing a parking selection operation to select the parking position in this power supply control state. On the other hand, when the vehicle is left abandoned for a long period of time, it is preferable to turn the power supply control state off. In particular, when performing double parking (double parking), it is preferable to switch the power supply control state to the power off state while maintaining the neutral position. It is conceivable to equip the vehicle with a function that can establish the neutral position and the power off state if a special operation is being performed when the power off operation is performed. However, in the power off state, some functions unrelated to the drive of the power source, including the function for switching the shift position, are disabled, making it impossible to switch to the parking position. If this happens, when the power is unintentionally turned off and the vehicle is in the neutral position, it will be impossible to switch to the parking position by the parking selection operation, i.e., to lock the vehicle using the parking lock. Double parking is a parking method in which a vehicle is parked in front of another vehicle parked in a parking lot, for example, in a manner that makes the forward and backward directions of the two vehicles approximately perpendicular to each other and prevents the other vehicle from moving from its parking position, and the vehicle is parked in a state where it can be moved by a person, for example, by pushing it.

[0005] The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle control device that can fix the vehicle by switching it to the parking position even if the neutral position and power off state are unintentionally achieved by a power off operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gist of a first invention is a vehicle comprising: (a) a power source; a power transmission device that transmits power from the power source to drive wheels; a shift operation device that is operated by a driver to an operation position corresponding to a shift position of the power transmission device; and a power switch that is operated by the driver to switch a control state of a power source, wherein the power transmission device switches the shift position by electrical control based on the operation position, and the shift positions include a neutral position in which power transmission in the power transmission device is cut off, and a parking position in which rotation of a rotating member that rotates together with the drive wheels is mechanically prevented, and the control states of the power source include a power-on state in which the power source can be driven, a partial power-on state in which the power source cannot be driven but some functions unrelated to driving the power source, including a function for switching the shift position, can be operated, and a power-off state in which the power source cannot be driven and some of the functions cannot be operated. (b) when the driver performs a power-off operation to operate the power switch so as to switch the control state of the power supply to the power-off state, a parking control unit activates an automatic parking function that switches the shift position to the parking position in accordance with the switching to the power-off state; and (c) when the driver performs the power-off operation and the shift position is in the neutral position and a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic parking function has been performed, the parking control unit maintains the shift position in the neutral position even when the switching to the power-off state is performed, and is capable of activating a parking switching function that switches the shift position to the parking position in accordance with a parking selection operation by the driver to a parking operation position that selects the parking position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, if the power-off operation is performed while the vehicle is in the neutral position and a special operation is in progress, the shift position is maintained in the neutral position and the parking switching function is enabled even when the vehicle is switched to the power-off state. This allows the power-off operation to be performed while a special operation is in progress to set the vehicle to the neutral position and the power-off state. Additionally, in the power-off state due to the power-off operation while a special operation is in progress, the vehicle can be switched to the parking position by the driver's parking selection operation. Therefore, even if the power-off operation unintentionally sets the vehicle to the neutral position and the power-off state, the vehicle can be immobilized by switching to the parking position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle to which the present invention is applied, and is also a diagram illustrating main parts of control functions and control systems for various controls in the vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control process and a signal flow related to a double parking mode. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart explaining the main control operations of the electronic control device, and is a flowchart explaining the control operations for fixing the vehicle by switching to P range even if the double parking mode is entered by an unintentional power-off operation. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed, and is an embodiment different from that of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a case where the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed, and is an embodiment different from that of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power source is, for example, a known internal combustion engine and / or a known rotating electric machine. The power transmission device includes, for example, an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission may be, for example, a known planetary gear automatic transmission, a known belt-type continuously variable transmission, a known synchronous mesh parallel two-shaft automatic transmission, or a known electric continuously variable transmission.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a vehicle 10 to which the present invention is applied. Fig. 1 also illustrates the main parts of the control functions and control systems for various controls in the vehicle 10. In Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a power source 12, drive wheels 14, and a power transmission device 16 that transmits power from the power source 12 to the drive wheels 14.

[0012] The power transmission device 16 includes an automatic transmission 18, a propeller shaft 22 connected to an output shaft 20 of the automatic transmission 18, a differential gear 24 connected to the propeller shaft 22, a drive shaft 26 connected to the differential gear 24, etc. The power transmission device 16 transmits power from the power source 12 to the drive wheels 14 via the automatic transmission 18, etc.

[0013] The vehicle 10 further includes an EPB 30. The EPB 30 is a known electric parking brake device. The EPB 30 includes a parking brake 32, an EPB electric motor 34, a cable retraction device 36, a cable 38, and the like. The parking brake 32 is provided, for example, on each of the drive wheels 14. When the parking brake 32 is activated, the EPB 30 is placed in a braking state, and when the activation is released, the EPB 30 is placed in a non-braking state.

[0014] The vehicle 10 further includes a power switch 40. The power switch 40 is a power switch that is operated by the driver to switch the control state, i.e., the power supply control state, of a power supply 80 provided in the vehicle 10. The power switch 40 is, for example, an automatic reset push button switch. The power supply 80 is a vehicle power supply that can supply power to driving equipment related to the drive of the power source 12 and electrical equipment such as audio that is not related to the drive of the power source 12.

[0015] The power supply control state includes, for example, a power-on state, a partial power-on state, and a power-off state. The power-on state is an ignition-on (IG-ON) state in which the power source 12 can be driven. The power-on state is a power supply state in which, for example, the combination meter 82 (see FIG. 2) provided on the vehicle 10 is turned on to enable the vehicle to run. The power-on state includes, for example, a ready-on (READY-ON) state in which the vehicle 10 can run when the accelerator is depressed. Note that the IG-ON state is, in a narrow sense, a state different from the READY-ON state, in which the power source 12 can be started but the vehicle 10 cannot run even when the accelerator is depressed. The partial power-on state is an accessory-on (ACC-ON) state in which the power source 12 cannot be driven but some functions unrelated to the drive of the power source 12 can be operated. The some functions unrelated to the drive of the power source 12 include, for example, a function for switching some of the shift ranges RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18. The partial power-on state is a power state in which, for example, the combination meter 82 is turned off to disable vehicle driving, but some functions unrelated to vehicle driving are operable. The power-off state is an off state (= "ALL-OFF") in which the power source 12 is disabled to be driven and some functions unrelated to driving the power source 12 are disabled to operate. The power-off state is a power state in which, for example, the vehicle is disabled to be driven and some functions unrelated to vehicle driving are also disabled to operate.

[0016] The power control state is switched by pressing the power switch 40. Turning off the power supply 80 means switching the power control state from the power-on state to either the partial power-on state or the power-off state. The operation of the power switch 40 to turn off the power supply 80 is called a power-off operation. Turning on the power supply 80 means switching the power control state from either the partial power-on state or the power-off state to the power-on state. The operation of the power switch 40 to turn on the power supply 80 is called a power-on operation.

[0017] The vehicle 10 further includes a shift operation device 50, a switching device 60, etc. In the vehicle 10, the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 is switched using a shift-by-wire (SBW) system. The shift range RNGsh is synonymous with the shift position. In other words, the range in the shift range is synonymous with the position (= location).

[0018] The shift operation device 50 is an operation device for manually selecting one of multiple shift ranges RNGsh in the automatic transmission 18, i.e., an operation device that is manually operated to accept a request to switch the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18. The shift operation device 50 is operated by the driver to an operation position POSop that corresponds to the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18. The operation position POSop includes, for example, P, R, N, D, and B operation positions. The shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 is synonymous with the shift range of the power transmission device 16. The automatic transmission 18, i.e., the power transmission device 16, switches the shift range RNGsh by electrical control based on the operation position POSop.

[0019] The P operating position is a parking operating position for selecting the parking range (=P range) of the automatic transmission 18. The P range of the automatic transmission 18 is a shift range RNGsh in which the automatic transmission 18, i.e., the power transmission device 16, is in a neutral state and rotation of the output shaft 20, which is a rotating member that rotates together with the drive wheels 14, is mechanically prevented. The neutral state of the automatic transmission 18 is a state in which power transmission in the automatic transmission 18, i.e., the power transmission device 16, is cut off, that is, a state in which the automatic transmission 18 is unable to transmit power. The state in which rotation of the output shaft 20 is mechanically prevented is a state in which the output shaft 20 is mechanically fixed so as not to rotate, and is a parking lock (=P lock) state of the automatic transmission 18. The output shaft 20 is mechanically fixed so as not to rotate by the switching device 60.

[0020] The R operating position is a reverse driving operating position that selects the reverse driving range (=R range) of the automatic transmission 18. The R range of the automatic transmission 18 is a shift range RNGsh that enables the vehicle 10 to drive in reverse. The N operating position is a neutral operating position that selects the neutral range (=N range) of the automatic transmission 18. The N range of the automatic transmission 18 is a shift range RNGsh in which the automatic transmission 18 is in a neutral state. The D operating position is a forward driving operating position that selects the forward driving range (=D range) of the automatic transmission 18. The D range of the automatic transmission 18 is a shift range RNGsh that enables the vehicle 10 to drive in forward. The B operating position is a deceleration forward driving operating position that selects the brake range (=B range) of the automatic transmission 18. The B range of the automatic transmission 18 is a shift range RNGsh that applies a greater power source braking effect than the D range during forward driving, thereby slowing down the rotation of the drive wheels 14.

[0021] The shift operation device 50 has an operator that can be selectively operated by the driver to one of multiple operating positions POSop. These operators include, for example, a straight lever 52 and a P switch 54. The P switch 54 is an operator provided separately from the straight lever 52. The operating position POSop of the straight lever 52 is the lever position (= lever position) Plev, and the operating position POSop of the P switch 54 is the P switch-on position (= P switch-on position) Ppon. Both the straight lever 52 and the P switch 54 are automatic-return, i.e., momentary, operators that return to their original positions when no external force is applied. In this embodiment, this original position is referred to as the home position (see "Home" in the figure). The shift operation device 50 includes, as its operating positions POSop, a home position to which the shift operation device 50 returns when not operated by the driver. The shift operation device 50 has, as predetermined operating positions POSop for each shift range RNGsh, each of multiple relative positions to which the straight lever 52 is operated with respect to the home position. The multiple relative positions include, for example, a, b, c, and d operating positions. For example, when the shift range RNGsh is in the N range, the a and b operating positions are set to the R operating positions, and the c and d operating positions are set to the D operating positions. Also, when the shift range RNGsh is in the D range, the a operating position is set to the N operating position, the b operating position is set to the R operating position, and the c and d operating positions are set to the B operating position. The a, b, c, and d operating positions are associated with any of the R, N, D, and B operating positions depending on the shift range RNGsh.

[0022] The shift operation device 50 is provided with a lever position sensor 56 that detects the lever position Plev. The lever position sensor 56 is a sensor that outputs a lever position signal Splev corresponding to the lever position Plev to an electronic control device 90, which will be described later.

[0023] The P switch 54 is, for example, a momentary push button switch that is pressed by the driver to a P switch on position Ppon, which serves as a P operating position. The position of the P switch 54 when it is not pressed is its home position. The P switch 54 is a sensor that outputs a P switch signal Sppon corresponding to the P switch on position Ppon to an electronic control unit 90, which will be described later, each time the P switch 54 is pressed to the P switch on position Ppon. Operation of the P switch to the P switch on position Ppon, which selects the P range, is a parking selection operation by the driver, and is a shift operation for switching the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 to the P range, and is also referred to as a P switch operation.

[0024] The lever position signal Splev and the P switch signal Sppon are position signals Sposop corresponding to the operation position POSop. The P switch 54 and the lever position sensor 56 are operation position sensors 58 that output the position signal Sposop.

[0025] The switching device 60 includes an electric actuator 61, an encoder 62, a parking lock mechanism 64, etc. The parking lock mechanism 64 includes a parking lock gear 66, a parking lock pole 67, a cam 68, a parking rod 69, etc. The switching device 60 is a P lock device that switches between a P lock state and a non-P lock state by operating the electric actuator 61 based on a P switch control command signal Splock from an electronic control device 90, which will be described later. The switching device 60 switches the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 between a P range and a non-P range.

[0026] The vehicle 10 further includes an EPB switch 70. The EPB switch 70 is a switch that is operated by the driver to activate or release the parking brake 32 in the EPB 30.

[0027] The vehicle 10 further includes an electronic control device 90 as a controller including a control device for the vehicle 10. The electronic control device 90 includes, for example, a so-called microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output interface, etc. The CPU executes various controls of the vehicle 10 by performing signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM.

[0028] The electronic control device 90 is supplied with various signals based on detection values ​​from various sensors provided in the vehicle 10. The various sensors include, for example, the power switch 40, the P switch 54, the lever position sensor 56, the encoder 62, and the EPB switch 70. The various signals include, for example, a power switch signal SWpwr, a P switch signal Sppon, a lever position signal Splev, a pulse signal Senc, and an EPB switch signal SWepb. The power switch signal SWpwr is a signal indicating that the power switch 40 has been pressed. The EPB switch signal SWepb is a signal indicating that the EPB switch 70 has been operated.

[0029] The electronic control device 90 outputs various command signals to each device provided in the vehicle 10. These devices include, for example, the EPB motor 34, the switching device 60, the power supply 80, and the combination meter 82 (see FIG. 2). The various command signals include, for example, an EPB control command signal Sepb, a P switching control command signal Splock, a power supply control signal Sps, and a display control signal Sdisp. The display 84 is a display device provided in the combination meter 82 that displays selectable menus, notices, guidance, and the like. The EPB control command signal Sepb is a command signal for switching the EPB 30 between a braking state and a non-braking state. The power supply control signal Sps is a command signal for controlling the state of power supply from the power supply 80. The display control signal Sdisp is a command signal for controlling the display content of the display 84.

[0030] The electronic control unit 90 includes a power supply control unit 92, a SBW control unit 94, and an EPB control unit 96 in order to realize various controls in the vehicle 10.

[0031] The power supply control unit 92 switches the power supply control state based on the driver's operation of the power switch 40, i.e., based on the power switch signal SWpwr. When the power supply is on and the shift range RNGsh is in a non-P range, if the vehicle speed V is less than the vehicle stop determination vehicle speed and the power supply control unit 92 detects input of the power switch signal SWpwr, the power supply control unit 92 outputs a power-off automatic P switching request signal to the SBW control unit 94. The power-off automatic P switching request signal is a signal for switching the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 to the P range and actuating the parking brake 32 to place the EPB 30 in a braking state. The power supply control unit 92 switches the power supply control state to the power-off state after the SBW control unit 94 has completed switching to the P range.

[0032] The SBW control unit 94 switches the shift range RNGsh of the automatic transmission 18 based on the operating position POSop of the shift operating device 50. When the SBW control unit 94 detects input of a power-off automatic P switch request signal from the power supply control unit 92, it actuates the electric actuator 61 to switch the shift range RNGsh from the non-P range to the P range. In this way, when the power-off operation is performed by the driver, the SBW control unit 94 functions as a parking control unit that activates an automatic parking function that switches the shift range RNGsh to the P range, i.e., an automatic P lock function, in conjunction with the switch to the power-off state.

[0033] The EPB control unit 96 executes parking brake switching control between the braking state and non-braking state of the EPB 30 based on the EPB control command signal Sepb. When the EPB control unit 96 detects input of a power-off automatic P switching request signal from the power supply control unit 92, it activates the parking brake 32 by driving the EPB electric motor 34, thereby switching the EPB 30 from the non-braking state to the braking state. In this way, in conjunction with switching to the power-off state, the EPB control unit 96 activates the automatic EPB function that switches the EPB 30 to the braking state after the shift range RNGsh is switched to the P range.

[0034] An example of each operation of the EPB switch 70 for switching the condition for enabling the automatic EPB function will be described below. The condition for enabling the automatic EPB function is called the auto mode (=EPB_AUTO MODE). The auto mode includes, for example, "mode on" (see "AUTO-ON" in FIG. 4), "limited mode off" (see "AUTO-OFF" in FIG. 4), and "mode off" (see "DSBA prohibited" in FIG. 4). In mode on, the automatic EPB function is enabled when at least one of the following operations is performed while the vehicle is stopped: a power-off operation, a P switch operation, or a door-open operation that opens one of the doors of the vehicle 10. In limited mode off, the automatic EPB function is enabled when a door-open operation is performed, and is disabled when the power is off or the P switch is operated. In mode off, the automatic EPB function is disabled regardless of the following operations: a power-off operation, a P switch operation, or a door-open operation.

[0035] The EPB switch 70 can be operated by, for example, pushing or pulling. When the auto mode is on and the EPB switch 70 is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time in N range, the limited mode is switched off. This long press is a release operation that switches the auto mode to the release side. The predetermined period is, for example, a predetermined time period for distinguishing between a long press and a pressing operation other than a long press that is a release operation. When the auto mode is off and in N range, a long press of the EPB switch 70 as a release operation switches the mode to off.

[0036] When the auto mode is in limited mode off, if the EPB switch 70 is pulled and held for a long period of time longer than a second predetermined period, the auto mode is switched to mode on. This long operation is an activation operation that switches the auto mode to the activated side. The second predetermined period is a predetermined time for distinguishing between a long operation and a pull operation other than a long operation that is an activation operation. When the auto mode is in mode off, if the EPB switch 70 is pulled or the shift range RNGsh is switched to a range other than N range, the auto mode is switched to mode on. This pull operation is an activation operation that switches the auto mode to the activated side. Note that a pressing and a long pressing of the EPB switch 70 are release operations, and a pulling and a long pulling of the EPB switch 70 are activation operations; however, it is also possible that a pressing and a long pressing of the EPB switch 70 are activation operations, and a pulling and a long pulling of the EPB switch 70 are release operations.

[0037] When double parking the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 must be parked in a state where it can be moved by a human, such as by pushing it. Therefore, the power control state must be set to the power-off state while maintaining the N range. If the driver performs a power-off operation and the automatic P lock function is activated, the shift range RNGsh is switched to the P range. In response to this, the electronic control unit 90 functionally has a double parking mode that maintains the N range and sets the power control state to the power-off state when the driver performs a special operation without activating the automatic P lock function. In this embodiment, the double parking mode (= double parking mode) is also referred to as N range ALL-OFF. In double parking mode, the parking brake 32 must be deactivated when exiting the vehicle, and the auto mode of the automatic EPB function must be set to mode-off. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of turning off the auto mode, for example, is a predetermined special operation performed by the driver.

[0038] In double parking mode, the power supply is turned off, so the shift range RNGsh cannot be switched. If the double parking mode is entered unintentionally, the shift range cannot be switched to P range when parking, and the vehicle cannot be fixed.

[0039] Therefore, in the double parking mode, the electronic control unit 90 sets the state to enable switching to P range in response to P switch operation. This state does not set the power control state to a partial power-on state, but rather sets the power supply 80 to the devices involved in switching to P range in a power-on state while the power remains in a power-off state. For example, even in the power-off state, this corresponds to a state in which security functions and the like are activated.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of control processing and signal flow related to the dual parking mode. In FIG. 2, the "verification ECU" corresponds to the power supply control unit 92, the "shift ECU" and "SBW-ACT / ECU" correspond to the SBW control unit 94, and the "brake ECU" corresponds to the EPB control unit 96. In [1], when a switching operation to N range is performed (see "N shift operation" in the figure), the shift range RNGsh is switched to N range. In [2], when a long press operation of the EPB switch 70 is performed twice as a special operation, the auto mode is switched from mode on to mode off (DSBA prohibited) via limited mode off, and the automatic EPB function is disabled (inoperative). In [3], the "brake ECU" sends an auto mode signal (see "EPB mode signal" in the figure) indicating "mode off" to the "shift ECU." In [4], the power is turned off. In [5], the "verification ECU" sends a power-off automatic P switch request signal to the "shift ECU" and "brake ECU." Because the auto mode is in mode off, the parking brake 32 is deactivated. In [6], the double parking mode is determined. Therefore, the N range is maintained. In [7], the "shift ECU" rejects the power-off automatic P switch request to the "verification ECU." In [8], the power control state is switched to the power-off state. In [9], the "shift ECU" sends a signal to the combination meter 82 requesting that the N range be displayed on the display 84 and a notification be displayed. The notification may, for example, indicate that the N range is being held and that the P switch 54 must be pressed to cancel. Note that a situation in which the double parking mode is unintentionally entered would be, for example, if the power-off operation is mistakenly performed after performing [1] and [2] above. Alternatively, situations in which double parking mode may be entered unintentionally include an abnormality in which the "brake ECU" mistakenly determines auto mode and switches the mode off, or an abnormality in which the "shift ECU" mistakenly determines double parking mode.

[0041] If the shift range RNGsh is in N range when the power-off operation is performed and a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic P-lock function has been performed by the driver, the SBW control unit 94 performs power-off N-range control to maintain the shift range RNGsh in N range even when the power is switched to the off state (see double parking mode). Additionally, in double parking mode, the SBW control unit 94 enables a parking switching function that switches the shift range RNGsh to P range in response to a P switch operation, i.e., a P-lock switching function.

[0042] When the P lock switching function is enabled with the power off, the power supply 80 is energized to devices involved in switching to the P range, which tends to increase dark current and reduce the remaining charge of the battery.

[0043] When a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic P lock function is performed, the SBW control unit 94 enables the P lock switching function only during the standby period from the time the power-off operation is performed until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed. That is, in double parking mode, the SBW control unit 94 enables the P lock switching function only during the standby period until the predetermined time TMf has elapsed. The predetermined time TMf is, for example, a predetermined threshold value for preventing unnecessary dark current consumption. Alternatively, the predetermined time TMf is, for example, a predetermined threshold value for waiting for input of a P switch operation when double parking mode is unintentionally entered. The time when the power-off operation is performed is synonymous with the time when the power is switched to the power-off state.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the main parts of the control operation of the electronic control unit 90, and is a flowchart explaining the control operation for immobilizing the vehicle by switching to P range even if the double parking mode is set by an unintentional power-off operation, and is executed, for example, repeatedly.

[0045] 3, first, in S10, which corresponds to the function of the power supply control unit 92, it is determined whether a power-off operation has been performed. If the determination in S10 is negative, this routine is terminated. If the determination in S10 is positive, it is determined in S20, which corresponds to the function of the SBW control unit 94, whether the shift range RNGsh is in the N range. If the determination in S20 is negative, this routine is terminated. If the determination in S20 is positive, it is determined in S30, which corresponds to the function of the SBW control unit 94, whether the switching device 60 or the P switch 54 is malfunctioning. If the determination in S30 is negative, this routine is terminated. If the determination in S30 is positive, it is determined in S40, which corresponds to the function of the EPB control unit 96, whether a special operation (e.g., two long presses of the EPB switch 70) has been performed. If the determination in S40 is negative, this routine is terminated. If the determination in S40 is affirmative, power-off N-range control (N-range ALL-OFF) is activated in S50, which corresponds to the functions of the power supply control unit 92 and the SBW control unit 94. Next, in S60, which corresponds to the function of the SBW control unit 94, it is determined whether a predetermined time TMf has elapsed. If the determination in S60 is negative, in S70, which corresponds to the function of the SBW control unit 94, the P-lock switching function is enabled; that is, if the P switch is operated, switching to P range is permitted. Next, in S80, which corresponds to the function of the SBW control unit 94, it is determined whether the P switch has been operated. If the determination in S60 is affirmative, or if the determination in S80 is negative, in S90, which corresponds to the function of the power supply control unit 92, it is determined whether the power has been turned on or, for example, whether the shift ECU has been placed in a sleep state. If the determination in S90 is negative, the process returns to S50. If the determination in either S80 or S90 is affirmative, the operation of the power-off N-range control is cancelled in S100, which corresponds to the functions of the power supply control unit 92 and the SBW control unit 94.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed. In FIG. 4, the vehicle state is State 1, in which the power control state is the power on state, the shift range RNGsh is in the D range, the EPB 30 is in the non-braking state, and the auto mode is in the mode on state. In State 1, when a switch operation to the N range and a long press operation of the EPB switch 70 are performed (these operations may be performed in any order), the vehicle state transitions to State 2 (power on state, N range, the EPB 30 is in the non-braking state, and the auto mode is in the limited mode off state). At this time, for example, a single buzzer sounds, and "AUTO MODE OFF" is displayed on the display 84. In State 2, when a long press operation of the EPB switch 70 is performed, the vehicle state transitions to State 3 (power on state, N range, the EPB 30 is in the non-braking state, and the auto mode is in the mode off state). At this time, for example, a single buzzer sounds, "AUTO MODE OFF" is displayed on the display 84, and the EPB mark (not shown) flashes. State 3 is a state in which the vehicle is preparing to transition to dual parking mode. If the power is turned off in State 3, the vehicle state transitions to State 4 (power off, N range, EPB 30 in a non-braking state, and auto mode in mode off). State 4 is the dual parking mode state. In State 4, the P lock switching function is operable only during the standby period from the time the power is turned off until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed. During this standby period, a single buzzer sounds and the N range display flashes. In addition, the display 84 displays a notice that the N range is being held and that the P switch 54 should be pressed to release the hold. In this way, the SBW control unit 94 notifies the user that the shift range RNGsh is in N range and that the P lock switching function is operable during the standby period from the time the power is turned off until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed. Therefore, even after the power is turned off, the display of the shift range RNGsh remains for a predetermined time TMf, and switching to the P range is possible while the shift range RNGsh is displayed. When the predetermined time TMf has elapsed since the power was turned off, the display 84 is turned off. Before the display is turned off, for example, an ending message may be displayed.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the execution of the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and is an embodiment different from that of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the P lock switching function is activated during a standby period from the time the power-off operation is performed until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed. In FIG. 5, the transition to State 4 is the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In State 4, if a P switch operation is performed during the standby period from the time the power-off operation is performed until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed, the vehicle state transitions to State 5 (power-off state, P range, EPB 30 in a non-braking state, and auto mode in mode off). State 5 is a state in which the double parking mode is canceled. In State 5, a notification that the range is P is displayed on the display 84 only during the period from the time the range is switched to P until the predetermined notification time TMinf has elapsed. In this way, if the SBW control unit 94 activates the P lock switching function during the standby period from the time the power is turned off until the predetermined time TMf has elapsed, the SBW control unit 94 notifies the driver that the shift range RNGsh is in the P range only during the period from the time the range is switched to the P range until the predetermined notification time TMinf has elapsed. The predetermined notification time TMinf is a predetermined time for reliably notifying the driver that the range has been switched to the P range due to a P switch operation during double parking mode, for example. When the predetermined notification time TMinf has elapsed from the time the range is switched to the P range, the display 84 is turned off. Before the display is turned off, for example, an ending message may be displayed.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the execution of the control operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and is an embodiment different from that of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the switching device 60 or the P switch 54 has failed. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the case where an abnormality occurs when switching to the P range when the P switch is operated during double parking mode. In FIG. 6, the transition to State 4 is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 4, so a description thereof will be omitted. In State 4, if the P switch is operated during the standby period from the time the power is turned off until a predetermined time TMf has elapsed, the P lock switching function is activated. If an abnormality occurs when switching to the P range in the P lock switching function, the shift range RNGsh cannot be switched to the P range, and the vehicle state is transitioned to State 5 (power off state, N range, EPB 30 in a non-braking state, and auto mode in mode off). State 5 corresponds to a state in which double parking mode is maintained. In State 5, a notice indicating an abnormality has occurred in the shift range RNGsh switching system is displayed on the display 84 only for the period from the time the P switch is operated until the predetermined abnormality warning time TMinftb has elapsed. During this period, a single buzzer sounds and the N range indicator is illuminated. The display 84 also displays notices such as urging the driver to activate the parking brake 32 when parking and to check the instruction manual. Thus, if the P lock switching function does not operate normally when the P switch is operated after a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic P lock function has been performed, the SBW control unit 94 notifies the driver that the shift range RNGsh has not been switched to P only for the period from the time the P switch is operated until the predetermined abnormality warning time TMinftb has elapsed. The predetermined abnormality warning time TMinftb is a predetermined time period that reliably notifies the driver that an abnormality has occurred in switching to P range when the P switch is operated during, for example, dual parking mode. When the predetermined abnormality notification time TMinftb has elapsed since the P switch was operated, the display 84 is turned off. Before the display is turned off, for example, an ending message may be displayed.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, the P-lock switching function is enabled in the double parking mode. This allows the vehicle to be switched to P range by operating the P switch in the power-off state after a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic P-lock function has been performed. Therefore, even if the power-off operation unintentionally places the vehicle in N range and power-off state, the vehicle can be immobilized by switching to P range.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the P lock switching function is enabled only during the standby period from the time the power is turned off until the predetermined time TMf has elapsed, thereby preventing unnecessary dark current consumption.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the standby period, a notification is given that the vehicle is in the N range and that the P-lock switching function is operable. This notification is synchronized with the operable state of the P-lock switching function, making it easy to understand that switching to the P range by operating the P switch is permitted.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the P lock switching function is activated during the standby period, the fact that the vehicle is in the P range is only notified until the predetermined notification time TMinf has elapsed. This ensures that when switching to the P range during double parking, the driver can be reliably notified that the range has been switched to the P range. In addition, by turning off the display, the ending of the combination meter 82 or the like can be immediately notified.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the P lock switching function does not operate normally when the P switch is operated after the power is turned off, the fact that the range has not been switched to P is notified only until the predetermined abnormality notification time TMinftb has elapsed. This ensures that the driver is informed of the abnormality in switching to P range and how to deal with it.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0055] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shift operating device 50 may have multiple absolute positions, as operating positions POSop, to which the operating element is operated relative to the home position. The operating element may be, for example, a momentary shift lever or P switch. In short, the present invention can be applied to any vehicle that employs the SBW system.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the P lock switching function may be enabled in the double parking mode without specifying a period.

[0057] It should be noted that the above is merely one embodiment, and the present invention can be embodied in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10: Vehicle 12: Power source 14: Drive wheels 16: Power transmission device 20: Output shaft (rotating member) 40: Power switch (power switch) 50: Shift operation device 80: Power source 90: Electronic control device (control device) 94: SBW control unit (parking control unit)

Claims

1. a power transmission device that transmits power from the power source to drive wheels; a shift operation device that is operated by a driver to an operation position corresponding to a shift position of the power transmission device; and a power switch that is operated by the driver to switch a control state of a power source, wherein the power transmission device switches the shift position by electrical control based on the operation position, and the shift positions include a neutral position in which power transmission in the power transmission device is cut off, and a parking position in which rotation of a rotating member that rotates together with the drive wheels is mechanically prevented, and the control states of the power source include a power-on state in which the power source can be driven, a partial power-on state in which the power source cannot be driven but some functions unrelated to driving the power source can be operated, including a function to switch some of the shift positions, and a power-off state in which the power source cannot be driven and the some functions cannot be operated, a parking control unit that, when a power-off operation for operating the power switch to switch the control state of the power source to the power-off state is performed by the driver, activates an automatic parking function that switches the shift position to the parking position in accordance with the switching to the power-off state, The parking control unit is characterized in that, if the shift position is in the neutral position when the power-off operation is performed and a predetermined special operation that disables the automatic parking function has been performed by the driver, the parking control unit maintains the shift position in the neutral position even when the power is switched to the off state, and activates a parking switching function that switches the shift position to the parking position in response to a parking selection operation by the driver to a parking operation position that selects the parking position.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the special operation is being performed, the parking control unit enables the parking switching function only during a standby period from the time the power-off operation is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed.

3. 3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the parking control unit notifies the driver that the shift position is in the neutral position and that the parking switching function is operable during the waiting period.

4. 4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein when the parking switching function is activated during the waiting period, the parking control unit notifies the driver that the shift position is the parking position only for a period from the time of switching to the parking position until a predetermined notification time has elapsed.

5. A vehicle control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that if the parking switching function does not operate normally when the parking selection operation is performed after the power-off operation when the special operation is being performed, the parking control unit notifies the driver that the shift position has not been switched to the parking position only for a period from the time the parking selection operation is performed until a predetermined abnormality notification time has elapsed.

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