Vehicle control system

Abstract

To perform switching of a shift range appropriately while reliably suppressing occurrence of a lack of driving force in a momentary type shift device.SOLUTION: In a vehicle control device for setting a shift range of an automatic transmission 3 corresponding to a shift position to which a shift lever 4a of a momentary type shift device 4 is moved, a position N corresponding to a range N and an initial position 4c are arranged between an arrangement position of a position D corresponding to a range D and an arrangement position of a position B corresponding to a range B in a shift pattern 4b of the shift device 4, and when the shift lever 4a is moved to the position N, the range N is set if a neutral operation determination time Ta for determining a selection operation of the position N elapses while the shift lever 4a keeps a neutral holding state, and there is a neutral operation determining operation for determining the selection of the position N (step S9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device provided with a shift device for manually switching the shift range of an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle. In particular, it is in an ON state only while manually operating an operation unit such as a shift lever or a selector lever, and returns to the initial position (or neutral position) when the hand is released from the operation unit. The present invention relates to a vehicle control device provided with a momentary type shift device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle shift device aimed at easily improving the operability when shifting the shift range. The vehicle shift device described in Patent Document 1 has a momentary type shift lever that is held at the neutral position (initial position) or returns to the neutral position when not in operation, and a shift lever movement path (shift pattern) that assigns an N position (neutral position) between the neutral position and the D position (forward drive position) or the R position (reverse drive position). The vehicle shift device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to set a shift range corresponding to the operation position (shift position) where the shift lever is moved as the target shift range. Specifically, in the vehicle shift device described in Patent Document 1, when the shift lever is moved from the neutral position to the N position, the generation of the N range signal is started, and after a predetermined first time has elapsed since the start of the generation of the N range signal, the generation of the N range request signal is started. Then, after a predetermined second time has elapsed since the start of the generation of the N range request signal, as the target shift range, a shift range corresponding to the N position, that is, the N range is set.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] As described above, in the vehicle shift device described in Patent Document 1, the N range is set based on the operation of the shift lever toward the N position, and the first and second times that determine the start of output of the N range signal and the N range request signal, respectively. In this case, the first and second times are predetermined based on experimental measurements and so on to improve the driver's operability. For example, by shortening the first time, the time required to hold the shift lever in the N position in order to set the N range can be reduced. Also, by shortening the second time, the time required until the N range is set can be reduced. On the other hand, if the first and second times (i.e., the determination time for determining the start of setting the N range) are short, the N range is more likely to be set. Therefore, the N range may be set against the driver's intention, and power transmission may be interrupted. If such an unintended N range is set, even though the vehicle's driving force is normally required, a temporary loss of driving force occurs, which is known as a loss of driving force.

[0005] For example, in the case of a shift device having a shift pattern as shown in "Figure 3" of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the shift lever is switched between the D position and the B position (deceleration drive position), the shift lever will always pass through the N position during the switching operation. Therefore, if the determination time for the N range is short, the N range may be set when the shift lever passes through the N position. In particular, if the shift lever is switched while the vehicle is in motion and the N range is set during the switching operation, the above-mentioned loss of driving force will occur. As a result, the transmission of power to the drive wheels will be interrupted, which may cause discomfort to the driver.

[0006] This invention was conceived in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that can reliably suppress the occurrence of loss of driving force and appropriately switch shift ranges, even when the shift range is switched via the neutral position during forward driving, for a vehicle equipped with a momentary shift device that manually operates the shift range of an automatic transmission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, this invention provides a vehicle control device that sets the shift range corresponding to the shift position to which the operating unit has been moved by the manual operation, wherein the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit returns to the initial position and is in an OFF state when there is no manual operation, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and the operating unit is moved from an initial position on the operating unit to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges The system includes a controller that controls the automatic transmission in conjunction with the operation of the shift device, wherein, when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed, the controller sets the neutral range on the condition that a predetermined neutral operation determination time for determining the selection operation of the neutral position has elapsed while the operation unit remains in the neutral position, and a predetermined neutral operation confirmation operation for confirming the selection (or intention to select) the neutral position has occurred, and when the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, the controller sets the neutral range on the condition that the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the operation unit remains in the neutral position. The neutral operation confirmation operation includes an operation to move the operating unit from the neutral position to the initial position. It is characterized by the following: 。

[0011] Also, This The vehicle control device comprises an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle and capable of setting multiple shift ranges, at least a forward drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a standard gear ratio, a deceleration drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a gear ratio relatively larger than the forward drive range, and a neutral range for cutting off power transmission; and a momentary shift device that is manually operated by the driver and has an operating unit that moves along a predetermined movement path, and is ON only while the operating unit is moved from the initial position of the movement path to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and returns to the initial position and is OFF when there is no manual operation, wherein the vehicle control device sets the shift range corresponding to the shift position to which the operating unit has been moved by the manual operation, and the movement path has a neutral range corresponding to the neutral range between the position of the forward drive position corresponding to the forward drive range and the position of the deceleration drive position corresponding to the deceleration drive range The system includes a controller that controls the automatic transmission in conjunction with the operation of the shift device, wherein the controller sets the neutral range when the vehicle speed is above a predetermined vehicle speed, provided that a predetermined neutral operation determination time for determining the selection of the neutral position has elapsed while the operating unit remains in the neutral position, and a predetermined neutral operation confirmation operation for confirming the selection of the neutral position has occurred, and when the vehicle speed is below the predetermined vehicle speed, the controller sets the neutral range when the operating unit remains in the neutral position, provided that the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the operating unit remains in the neutral position, and the neutral operation confirmation operation consists of an operation of the operating unit that maintains the neutral position from the time the neutral operation determination time elapses until a predetermined delay determination time for confirming the selection of the neutral position has elapsed, andAt least one of the following operations: moving the operating unit from the neutral position to the initial position, or moving the operating unit to any of the shift positions other than the forward drive position and the deceleration drive position. Work and The controller includes setting the neutral range before the delay determination time elapses if one of the operations is performed before the delay determination time elapses. It is characterized by its determination. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The vehicle controlled by this invention is equipped with at least an automatic transmission capable of switching between multiple shift ranges, including a forward drive range, a deceleration drive range, and a neutral range, and a shift device for manually switching the shift range of the automatic transmission. The shift device is configured using a momentary or self-returning switch mechanism, and when there is no manual operation, the operating part returns to its initial position and becomes OFF. Furthermore, the movement path of the operating part in the shift device is arranged with the initial position and the neutral position in between, and the forward drive position and the deceleration drive position are arranged in between. Therefore, when switching the shift range between the forward drive range and the deceleration drive range, the operating part inevitably passes through the position of the neutral position. When using a shift device with such a configuration, depending on how the determination time and determination conditions are set to determine operation to the neutral position and confirm the switch to the neutral range, it may take more time than necessary to switch to the neutral range, or conversely, it may switch to the neutral range against the driver's intention, resulting in a loss of driving force while driving. Therefore, in the vehicle control device of this invention, when the driver manually moves the operating part of the shift device to the neutral position, a neutral range switching control (N range switching control) is executed to switch the shift range of the automatic transmission to the neutral range, based on the determination conditions that the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the operating part remains in the neutral position and that a neutral operation confirmation operation has occurred, thereby setting the neutral range.

[0013] In particular, in the vehicle control device of this invention, when the operating part of the shift device is moved from the forward drive position or the deceleration drive position to the neutral position, neutral range switching control is executed, with the neutral operation determination time and neutral operation confirmation operation described above as determination conditions. For example, when the vehicle is moving forward, if the shift position is switched from the forward drive position to the deceleration drive position via the neutral position, or if the shift position is switched from the deceleration drive position to the forward drive position via the neutral position, neutral range switching control is executed. Therefore, the timing and state of switching the shift range of the automatic transmission to the neutral range can be appropriately determined. As a result, the occurrence of loss of driving force while driving and situations that cause discomfort to the driver can be appropriately suppressed.

[0014] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device of this invention, the neutral range switching control described above is executed when the operation of the shift device is moved from the neutral position to the initial position as a neutral operation confirmation operation. For example, after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the driver takes an action to confirm the neutral operation by releasing their hand from the operation device, and when the operation device returns from the neutral position to the initial position as a result of that action, the neutral range switching control is executed. Conversely, if the operation device is moved to a shift position other than the neutral position or the initial position, even after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the other shift position will be set without setting the neutral position. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the neutral operation determination time to make it easier to set the neutral range and to prevent loss of driving force while driving.

[0015] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device of this invention, as a neutral operation confirmation operation, if there is an operation to maintain the neutral state after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, until a predetermined delay determination time separate from the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the neutral range switching control described above is executed. That is, when the operating part of the shift device is moved to the neutral position, and then the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while maintaining the neutral state, the neutral range is set after waiting for the delay determination time. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required to determine the switching of the neutral range, making it easier to set the neutral range, and to prevent loss of driving force while driving.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device of this invention, as a neutral operation confirmation operation, if the operating part of the shift device is moved from the neutral position to the initial position or to a shift position other than the forward drive position or deceleration drive position before the above-mentioned waiting time has elapsed, the above-mentioned neutral range switching control is executed. For example, if the operating part is moved from the neutral position to another shift position such as the reverse position, the neutral range is set without waiting for the delay determination time to elapse. Therefore, the neutral position can be set while maintaining the neutral state with a shorter waiting time.

[0017] Therefore, according to the vehicle control device of this invention, even when the shift position of a momentary shift device is switched via the neutral position, the occurrence of loss of driving force during driving can be reliably suppressed and the shift range of the automatic transmission can be set appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates a vehicle to be controlled by the vehicle control device of this invention, and schematically shows an example of the vehicle's configuration and control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a shift pattern (movement path of an operation unit) in a shift device mounted on a vehicle to be controlled by a vehicle control device of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a time chart for explaining a problem of the prior art, showing a case where driving force loss occurs when switching the shift range between the D range and the B range. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control executed by a vehicle control device of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation and effect of control executed by the vehicle control device of the present invention. (a) is a time chart showing a normal delay determination time when switching the shift range from the B range to the N range, (b) is a time chart showing a delay time shorter than the normal delay determination time when switching the shift range from the B range to the N range, and (c) is a time chart showing an example in which occurrence of driving force loss can be avoided when switching the shift range from the B range to the D range. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation and effect of control executed by the vehicle control device of the present invention. (a) is a time chart showing an example of a neutral operation confirmation operation when switching the shift range from the B range to the N range, and (b) is a time chart showing an example in which occurrence of driving force loss can be avoided when switching the shift range from the B range to the D range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of implementing the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an example of the drive system of a vehicle Ve to be controlled in an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle Ve shown in Fig. 1 is a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine (ENG) 1 and a motor (MG) 2 as drive power sources. The vehicle Ve also includes an automatic transmission (AT) 3, a shift device 4, a detection unit 5, and a controller (ECU) 6. By manually operating the shift device 4 by the driver, the "shift range (gear position, power transmission state)" of the automatic transmission 3 can be selected and switched.

[0021] The engine 1 is, for example, an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and is configured such that the output adjustment and operating states such as starting and stopping are electrically controlled.

[0022] The motor 2 converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (or rotational energy), or converts mechanical energy (or rotational energy) into electrical energy. For example, it is composed of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, an induction motor, or the like. The motor 2 may be a so-called motor-generator having both a function as a prime mover and a function as a generator.

[0023] Note that the vehicle Ve to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle Ve may be a so-called engine vehicle (not shown) equipped only with an "engine" as a drive power source. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be an electric vehicle (not shown) combining the motor 2 as a drive power source and the automatic transmission 3.

[0024] Furthermore, the vehicle Ve controlled in this embodiment of the invention may be a front-wheel drive vehicle that transmits driving torque to the drive shaft 7 and the front wheels (drive wheels) 8, and generates driving force in the front wheels 8, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 1. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a rear-wheel drive vehicle (not shown) that transmits driving torque to the "rear wheels" via, for example, a propeller shaft (not shown), and generates driving force in the "rear wheels." Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a four-wheel drive vehicle (not shown) that generates driving force in both the "front wheels" and the "rear wheels."

[0025] The automatic transmission 3 is installed between the drive source and the drive wheels and transmits the output torque of the drive source to the drive wheels. At the same time, it changes the rotational speed of the output shaft (not shown) of the drive source. In the example shown in Figure 1, the automatic transmission 3 is connected to the output side of the engine 1 and motor 2 and transmits the output torque of the engine 1 and motor 2 to the front wheel 8 between the engine 1 and motor 2 and the front wheel 8. The automatic transmission 3 is a power transmission device that can appropriately change the ratio of the rotational speed of the output shaft (not shown) to the rotational speed of the input shaft (not shown), i.e., the gear ratio, and automatically controls the control of changing the gear ratio (gear stage), i.e., gear control. In this embodiment of the invention, multiple gear stages with different gear ratios set by the automatic transmission 3, as well as each power transmission state such as neutral and reverse, are defined as the shift range of the automatic transmission 3. The automatic transmission 3 can be set to at least one of several shift ranges: drive range (D range), brake range (B range), and neutral range (N range). The drive range (D range) is the "forward drive range" that drives the vehicle Ve forward at a standard gear ratio. The brake range (B range) is the "deceleration drive range" that drives the vehicle Ve forward at a relatively larger gear ratio (reduction ratio) than the drive range, that is, drives the vehicle Ve forward in a so-called engine braking state. The neutral range disconnects the power transmission between the input shaft and the output shaft in the automatic transmission 3. In addition to the D range, B range, and N range described above, the automatic transmission 3 can also be set to a reverse range (R range) that drives the vehicle Ve in reverse. Each shift range of the automatic transmission 3 is set to correspond to each shift position selected by the operating section (shift lever 4a) of the shift device 4, which will be described later.

[0026] The shift device 4 selects one of the shift ranges set by the automatic transmission 3. As shown in Figure 2, the shift device 4 has a shift lever 4a and a shift pattern 4b. The shift lever 4a is the "operating part" of the shift device 4 and is operated manually by the driver. The shift pattern 4b is the "default movement path" in the shift device 4, and the manually operated shift lever 4a moves along the groove shape of this shift pattern 4b. In the example shown in Figure 2, the shift device 4 has a so-called "h" shaped shift pattern 4b, and the drive position (D position), brake position (B position), and reverse position (R position) are located at the ends (endpoints) of the "h" shaped groove of the shift pattern 4b, respectively. In addition, a neutral position (N position) is located between the D position and the B and R positions.

[0027] Furthermore, the shift device 4 has a momentary switch structure, and is ON only while the shift lever 4a is manually moved from the initial position (or neutral position) 4c of the shift pattern 4b to a predetermined shift position, and when there is no manual operation, the shift lever 4a returns to the initial position 4c and is OFF. Alternatively, when there is no manual operation, the shift lever 4a is held at the initial position 4c. The initial position 4c is located in the central part of the shift pattern 4b, and the shift lever 4a moves to any of the shift positions starting from this initial position 4c. In the example shown in Figure 2, the left end of the groove 4d (extending horizontally in Figure 2) in the center of the "h"-shaped shift pattern 4b is the initial position 4c. The right end of the groove 4d is where the N position is located. Also, the upper end of the groove 4e, which extends vertically in Figure 2 from the position of the N position, is where the R position is located, and the lower end of the groove 4e is where the D position is located. Then, position B is positioned at the lower end of the groove 4f that extends downward in Figure 2, with the initial position 4c as the upper end.

[0028] It should be noted that the shift device 4 in this embodiment of the invention is not limited to the "h" shaped shift pattern 4b described above. For example, it may be a so-called "I" shaped or toggle switch type shift pattern, as shown in "Figure 8" of Patent Document 1. Alternatively, it may be a dial switch type shift pattern, as shown in "Figure 9" of Patent Document 1. Alternatively, it may be a so-called "H" shaped or shift pattern having a gear shifting function (a shifter with "+ position" and "- position"), as shown in "Figure 10" of Patent Document 1. In any type of shift pattern, the N position is positioned between the D position and the B position. Therefore, when switching the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 between the D range and the B range, the "operating part" of the shift device 4 inevitably passes through the position where the N position is located.

[0029] The automatic transmission 3 and the shift device 4 are electrically connected using a so-called shift-by-wire system. When the shift lever 4a is manually operated and the shift device 4 is turned ON, the ON signal from the shift device 4 is transmitted to the automatic transmission 3. For example, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the D position by manual operation, an electrical contact (not shown) corresponding to the D position of the shift device 4 turns ON, and this ON signal is transmitted to the automatic transmission 3 via the controller 6, which will be described later. In the automatic transmission 3, actuators (not shown) are controlled based on the ON signal transmitted to the controller 6, and the shift range corresponding to the ON signal for the D position, i.e., the D range, is set.

[0030] The detection unit 5 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various data and information necessary for controlling the vehicle Ve, and includes, for example, a power supply unit, a microcomputer, sensors, and an input / output interface. In particular, the detection unit 5 in this embodiment of the invention performs shift control of the automatic transmission 3 and detects various data for setting the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 in a shift-by-wire manner as described above. For example, the detection unit 5 has a shift position sensor 5a that detects the shift position selected by the shift device 4, i.e., the movement position of the shift lever 4a; a shift range sensor 5b that detects the shift range set by the automatic transmission 3; and a timer 5c that detects the operation time and waiting time of the shift lever 4a. In addition, the detection unit 5 has various sensors and devices such as a vehicle speed sensor 5d that detects the vehicle speed; an acceleration sensor 5e that detects the acceleration of the vehicle Ve; an accelerator pedal sensor 5f that detects the operation state (operation amount, operation speed, etc.) of the accelerator pedal (not shown); a brake pedal sensor 5g that detects the operation state (operation amount, operation speed, etc.) of the brake pedal (not shown); and a rotation speed sensor 5h that detects the rotation speed of the engine 1 and motor 2, respectively. The detection unit 5 is electrically connected to the controller 6, which will be described later, and outputs electrical signals, etc., as detection data to the controller 6, corresponding to the detected or calculated values ​​of the various sensors, equipment, and devices mentioned above.

[0031] Controller 6 is an electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example. In this embodiment of the invention, Controller 6 controls the vehicle Ve and, in particular, sets the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 according to the operating state of the shift device 4 using a shift-by-wire system. Various data detected or calculated by the detection unit 5 are input to Controller 6. Controller 6 performs calculations using the input data and pre-stored data and calculation formulas. Controller 6 then outputs the calculation result as a control command signal and is configured to control the vehicle Ve as described above. Although Figure 1 shows an example where one Controller 6 is provided, multiple Controller 6s may be provided for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0032] As described above, in the shift pattern 4b of the shift device 4 in this embodiment of the invention, the initial position 4c, and the N position are flanked by the D position and the B position. Therefore, when the shift lever 4a is manually operated to switch the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 between the D range and the B range, the shift lever 4a inevitably passes through the position of the N position. Consequently, if the setting of the detection time for operation to the N position and the time for determining the start of switching to the N range is not appropriate, it may take longer than necessary to switch to the N range, or a so-called loss of driving force may occur while driving. For example, as shown in the time chart of Figure 3, when switching the shift range from the B range to the D range, if the time (period T1) for detecting operation to the N position and determining the start of switching to the N range is short, the shift range will become the N range between time t1 and time t2, resulting in a loss of driving force while driving. In the time chart in Figure 3, period T2 is the time set to determine whether the shift lever 4a has moved from the N position to the D position. Time t2 is the time when, after period T2 has elapsed, control to switch the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 to the D range begins.

[0033] To avoid such delays in switching to the N range and loss of driving force, the controller 6 of the vehicle Ve in this embodiment of the invention is configured to perform the control shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 below, for example.

[0034] The control shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is for controlling the switching of the shift range when the shift lever 4a of the shift device 4 is moved from the D position or the B position to the N position. For example, when the vehicle Ve is moving forward, if the shift position is switched from the D position to the B position via the N position, or if the shift position is switched from the B position to the D position via the N position, neutral range switching control is executed, with the neutral operation determination time and neutral operation confirmation operation described later as determination conditions. This addresses the conventional problem of causing discomfort to the driver, particularly due to the loss of driving force while driving. However, the control performed by the vehicle control device in this embodiment of the invention is not limited to the above cases. For example, the control may be for switching the shift range when the shift position is moved from a shift position other than the D position or the B position (e.g., the R position) to the N position, or when it is moved from the initial position 4c to the N position.

[0035] In the flowchart of Figure 4, first, in step S1, it is determined whether the shift lever 4a is in the N position. In the momentary shift device 4, the shift lever 4a is normally returned to and held in the initial position 4c. Therefore, if the shift lever 4a is moved from the initial position 4c to the N position by the driver's manual operation, or if the shift lever 4a is moved from the initial position 4c via the N position to the D position, B position, or R position, it is determined to be positive in step S1. Specifically, if the shift lever 4a is moved from the B position via the initial position 4c and the N position to the D position or R position, or if it is moved from the D position or R position via the initial position 4c and the N position to the B position, it is determined to be positive in step S1.

[0036] If the shift lever 4a is not in the N position and a negative result is determined in step S1, proceed to step S2.

[0037] In step S2, control is performed to prevent the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 from switching to the N range, that is, to maintain the shift range currently set in the automatic transmission 3. If the N range was already set in the automatic transmission 3 from the start of the control shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, that N range setting is maintained. When control is performed in step S2 to prevent the shift range from switching to the N range, or to maintain the current shift range setting, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is terminated.

[0038] If, in response to this, the shift lever 4a is in the N position and a positive judgment is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0039] In step S3, the N position operation determination timer starts counting up. The N position operation determination timer is a timer 5c that determines when the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the N position (neutral hold state). When the count value (measurement time) of this N position operation determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the neutral operation determination time, it is determined that the N position has been selected. The neutral operation determination time is a threshold value for the elapsed time used to determine whether or not the N position has been selected, and together with the delay determination time in the neutral operation confirmation operation described later, it is predetermined based on the results of actual vehicle driving experiments and simulations.

[0040] Next, in step S4, it is determined whether the count value of the N position operation judgment timer has become equal to or greater than the neutral operation judgment time.

[0041] If the count value of the N position operation determination timer is still less than the neutral operation determination time, and a negative judgment is made in step S4, proceed to step S5.

[0042] In step S5, it is determined whether the shift lever 4a is in the N position. That is, after the N position operation detection timer starts counting up, it is determined whether the neutral position is maintained.

[0043] If it is determined in step S5 that the shift lever 4a is not in the N position, that is, that the shift lever 4a has been moved to a shift position other than the N position, or that the shift lever 4a has returned to the initial position 4c, then the process proceeds to step S2 described above, and the same control as before is performed.

[0044] In contrast, if the shift lever 4a is in the N position, that is, if the neutral state is maintained after the N position operation determination timer starts counting up, and this is determined positively in step S5, the process returns to step S3 and the same control as before is executed. Therefore, if the neutral state is maintained, the control in steps S3, S4, and S5 is repeated until the neutral operation determination time has elapsed.

[0045] Therefore, if the count value of the N position operation determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the neutral operation determination time, and a positive judgment is made in step S4 above, proceed to step S6.

[0046] In step S6, the N range switching delay timer starts counting up. The N range switching delay timer is a timer 5c that measures another elapsed time after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the neutral position. When the count value (measured time) of this N range switching delay timer becomes equal to or greater than the delay determination time, it is determined that a neutral operation confirmation action has occurred. A neutral operation confirmation action is a set of conditions for determining whether or not the driver has made a selection operation (or intention to select) the neutral position. In the control example shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, the conditions for determining a neutral operation confirmation action are whether or not the driver has maintained the shift lever 4a in the neutral position, or waited while remaining in the neutral position. Therefore, if the above-mentioned maintenance of the neutral position, or waiting action, continues for longer than the delay determination time, it is determined that a neutral operation confirmation action has occurred. Therefore, the delay judgment time is a threshold value for the elapsed time used to determine whether or not a neutral operation confirmation operation has occurred, and together with the aforementioned neutral operation judgment time, it is predetermined based on the results of actual vehicle driving experiments and simulations.

[0047] Next, in step S7, it is determined whether the count value of the N range switching delay timer has exceeded the delay judgment time.

[0048] If the count value of the N-range switching delay timer is still less than the delay judgment time, and a negative judgment is made in step S4, proceed to step S8.

[0049] In step S8, it is determined whether the shift lever 4a is in the N position. That is, after the count-up by the N range switching delay timer begins, it is determined whether the neutral position is maintained.

[0050] If step S8 is positively determined to be in the N position, that is, because the neutral state is maintained after the N range switching delay timer starts counting up, the process returns to step S6 and the same control as before is performed. Therefore, if the neutral state is maintained, the control in steps S6, S7, and S8 is repeated until the delay judgment time has elapsed.

[0051] Therefore, if the count value of the N range switching delay timer becomes greater than or equal to the delay judgment time, and a positive judgment is made in step S7 above, proceed to step S9.

[0052] In step S9, control is performed to switch the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 to the N range (N range switching control). In short, in this case, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position (or moves to and passes through the N position), the neutral state of the shift lever 4a is maintained for longer than the neutral operation determination time, and after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, a neutral operation confirmation operation has occurred, so the shift range is set to the N range.

[0053] For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position at time t11 and the neutral position is maintained, the N position operation determination timer starts counting. Then, at time t12, when the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed, the N range switching delay timer for determining whether the neutral operation has been confirmed starts counting. Then, at time t13, when the delay determination time Tb has elapsed, that is, when the neutral position maintenance operation (or waiting operation) has been performed for the duration of the delay determination time Tb, the conditions for determining whether the neutral operation has been confirmed are met, and the shift range is set to the N range.

[0054] As described above, once the N range switching control is executed in step S9, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is terminated.

[0055] On the other hand, if, before the delay judgment time has elapsed, it is determined that the shift lever 4a is not in the N position, that is, that the shift lever 4a has been moved to a shift position other than the N position, or that the shift lever 4a has returned to the initial position 4c, and the result is negative in step S8, then proceed to step S10.

[0056] In step S10, it is determined whether the shift lever 4a is in the D position or the B position. That is, after the count-up by the N range switching delay timer begins, it is determined whether the neutral state has been released and the shift lever 4a has moved to the D position or the B position before the delay judgment time has elapsed.

[0057] If step S10 is negatively determined because the shift lever 4a is not in the D position or B position, that is, before the delay judgment time has elapsed, the shift lever 4a has moved to another shift position other than the D position, B position, and N position (i.e., the R position), or has returned to the initial position 4c, then the process proceeds to step S9, and the same control as before, i.e., the N range switching control, is performed. In short, in this case, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position (or passes through the N position), the shift lever 4a has moved to the R position or returned to the initial position 4c before the delay judgment time has elapsed, so the shift range is immediately set to the N range.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position at time t21 and enters the neutral position, the N position operation determination timer starts counting. Then, at time t22, when the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed, the N range switching delay timer for determining the neutral operation confirmation operation starts counting. Then, when the shift lever 4a returns to the initial position 4c at time t23, the shift range is set to the N range before the delay determination time Tb has elapsed. In this case, since the shift lever 4a has moved from the neutral position to the initial position 4c (or the R position), it can be inferred that the operation of moving the shift lever 4a to the D position or B position is not in progress. Therefore, when the shift lever 4a moves to the initial position 4c or the R position, even if the delay determination time Tb has not elapsed, the N range switching is delayed by a delay time Tc which is shorter than the delay determination time Tb, and then the shift range is immediately set to the N range. Therefore, in this case, the condition for determining whether the neutral position has been maintained (or whether the system is waiting) for a period of delay time Tc is set as the condition for determining whether the neutral position has been confirmed. When this condition for determining whether the neutral position has been confirmed is met, the shift range is set to the N range. In this way, by setting the N range to a delay time Tc that is shorter than the delay determination time Tb as the condition for determining whether the neutral position has been confirmed, the time required to set the N range is reduced, and the N range switching control can be executed smoothly.

[0059] As described above, once the N range switching control is executed in step S9, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is terminated.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the shift lever 4a is in the D position or B position, that is, the neutral holding state is released and the shift lever 4a is moved to the D position or B position before the delay judgment time has elapsed, then the process proceeds to step S11.

[0061] In step S11, the D position operation determination timer or the B position operation determination timer starts counting up. The D position operation determination timer is a timer 5c that determines when the D operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the D position, and the B position operation determination timer is a timer 5c that determines when the B operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the B position. When the count value (measurement time) of this D position operation determination timer or B position operation determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the D operation determination time or B operation determination time, it is determined that a selection operation for the D position or B position has occurred. The D operation determination time and the B operation determination time are the "drive shift determination time" for confirming the selection of the D position or B position, respectively, and are threshold values ​​for the elapsed time for determining whether or not a selection operation for the D position or B position has occurred. The D operation determination time and the B operation determination time are predetermined based on the results of actual vehicle driving experiments and simulations, respectively.

[0062] Next, in step S12, it is determined whether the count value of the D position operation determination timer or the B position operation determination timer has become equal to or greater than the D operation determination time or the B operation determination time.

[0063] If the count value of the D position operation determination timer or the B position operation determination timer is still less than the D operation determination time or the B operation determination time, and a negative determination is made in step S12, proceed to step S13.

[0064] In step S13, it is determined whether the shift lever 4a is in the D position or the B position. That is, after the count-up by the D position operation determination timer or the B position operation determination timer has started, it is determined whether the state in which the shift lever 4a is held in the D position or the B position is maintained.

[0065] If step S13 is positively determined because the shift lever 4a is in the D position or B position, that is, because the state in which the shift lever 4a is held in the D position or B position is maintained after the count-up by the D position operation determination timer or B position operation determination timer has started, the process returns to step S11 and the same control as before is performed. Therefore, if the state in which the shift lever 4a is held in the D position or B position is maintained, the control in steps S11, S12, and S13 above is repeated until the D operation determination time or B operation determination time has elapsed.

[0066] Therefore, if the count value of the D position operation determination timer or the B position operation determination timer becomes equal to or greater than the D operation determination time or the B operation determination time, and a positive determination is made in step S12 above, proceed to step S14.

[0067] In step S14, control is performed to switch the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 to the D range or B range. In short, in this case, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position (or moves through the N position), the shift lever 4a is moved to the D position or B position before the delay judgment time elapses, and that state is maintained for longer than the D operation judgment time or B operation judgment time, so the shift range is set to the D range or B range.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 5(c), when the shift lever 4a is moved to the N position at time t31 and the neutral position is maintained, the N position operation determination timer starts counting. Then, at time t32, when the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed, the N range switching delay timer, which determines the confirmed neutral operation, starts counting. Then, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the D position at time t33, the count of the N range switching delay timer is canceled without waiting for the delay determination time Tb to elapse. Therefore, the N range is not switched. Instead, the D position operation determination timer starts counting, and then, at time t34, when the D operation determination time Td has elapsed, the shift range is set to the D range. In this case, since the shift position was switched to the D position or B position before the delay determination time Tb, which is the condition for determining the confirmed neutral operation, the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 is set to the D range or D range without switching to the N range. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent loss of driving force when switching shift ranges.

[0069] In addition, in the vehicle control device of this embodiment of the invention, a "delay determination time" may be set to delay the switching to the N range only when it is estimated that the operation to the D position or B position is in progress as described above. In this case, the "delay determination time" can be shortened from the above-mentioned delay determination time Tb, taking into account the time required for the shift lever 4a to pass through the N position. That is, the time (estimated time) for passing through the N position, which is shorter than the above-mentioned delay determination time Tb, can be set as the "delay determination time," and consequently, the time required to switch the shift range can be shortened. Therefore, the shift range switching control can be performed smoothly.

[0070] As described above, once the control to set the D range or B range in step S14 is executed, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is terminated.

[0071] On the other hand, if, before the D operation judgment time or B operation judgment time has elapsed, the shift lever 4a is not in the D position or B position, that is, the shift lever 4a has been moved to another shift position other than the D position or B position (R position or N position), or the shift lever 4a has returned to the initial position 4c, and a negative determination is made in step S13 above, the process proceeds to step S9 above, and the same control as before, i.e., N range switching control, is performed. In short, in this case, when the shift lever 4a is moved to the D position or B position, before the D operation judgment time or B operation judgment time has elapsed, the shift lever 4a has been moved to the R position or N position, or returned to the initial position 4c, so the shift range is first set to the N range. In this case, the shift position is switched to the R position or N position, or the shift device 4 returns to the initial position 4c, so the problem of loss of driving force does not need to be considered. For example, when switching the shift position from the D or B position to the R position, the direction of the driving force is reversed, so it is necessary to temporarily interrupt the power transmission during the switching process. Therefore, even if the N range is set midway through, no adverse effects due to loss of driving force will occur. For this reason, in the above case, by controlling the system to switch to the N range immediately without waiting for the D operation judgment time or B operation judgment time to elapse, the time required to set the N range and switch the shift range can be shortened, and the shift range switching control can be executed smoothly.

[0072] As described above, once the N range switching control is executed in step S9, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is terminated.

[0073] Furthermore, in the vehicle control device according to this embodiment of the invention, if the driver moves the shift lever 4a from the N position to the initial position 4c as a neutral operation confirmation operation as described above, the neutral range switching control described above may be executed. For example, if, after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the driver takes a neutral operation confirmation operation by releasing their hand from the shift lever 4a, and this operation causes the shift lever 4a to return from the N position to the initial position 4c, the neutral range switching control is executed. Therefore, if the shift lever 4a is moved to a shift position other than either the N position or the initial position 4c, even after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the N position is not set, and a shift position other than the N position is set.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), when the shift range is set to the B range and the shift position is switched from the B position to the D position via the initial position 4c and the N position, at time t41, when the shift lever 4a moves from the initial position 4c to the N position and enters a neutral position, the N position operation determination timer starts counting. Subsequently, even if the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed at time t42, the B range setting is maintained until the shift lever 4a moves back to the initial position 4c at time t43. In other words, in this case, after the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed, the shift range is switched to the N range due to a neutral operation confirmation operation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent loss of driving force when switching the shift range.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), for example, when the shift range is switched from the B range to the D range, at time t51, when the shift lever 4a moves from the initial position 4c to the N position and enters a neutral state, the N position operation determination timer starts counting. Subsequently, even if the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed at time t52, at time t53, the shift lever 4a moves to the D position, and the B range setting is maintained until time t54, when the D operation determination time Te has elapsed. Then, as the D operation determination time Te has elapsed, the shift range is switched to the D range. In other words, in this case, after the neutral operation determination time Ta has elapsed, the shift range is switched to the D range without being switched to the N range. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required to determine the switch to the neutral range, making it easier to set the neutral range, and to prevent loss of driving force while driving.

[0076] In the vehicle control device of this embodiment of the invention, the determination conditions for the neutral operation confirmation operation may be changed to take into account the driving state of the vehicle Ve. For example, when the vehicle Ve is stopped, or traveling at a very low speed, or when the brake pedal is pressed and the vehicle Ve is being braked, the aforementioned problems due to loss of driving force will not occur. Therefore, the determination of the neutral operation confirmation operation may be simplified or omitted, and the shift range may be quickly set to the N range. This makes it possible to appropriately perform neutral range switching control according to the driving state of the vehicle Ve.

[0077] For example, the vehicle control device in this embodiment of the invention may be configured to set the shift range to the N range when the vehicle Ve is traveling at a predetermined constant speed or higher, and the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the neutral position, and after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the neutral operation confirmation operation described above has occurred. Alternatively, when the vehicle Ve is traveling at an extremely low speed below a certain constant speed or is stopped, the shift range may be immediately set to the N range without determining the neutral operation confirmation operation described above if the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the neutral position.

[0078] Alternatively, the vehicle control device in this embodiment of the invention may be configured to set the shift range to the N range when the vehicle Ve is traveling at a predetermined constant speed or above, or when the vehicle Ve is traveling or stopped at an extremely low speed below a constant speed without braking, and the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the neutral position, and after the neutral operation determination time has elapsed, the neutral operation confirmation operation described above has occurred. Furthermore, when the vehicle Ve is traveling or stopped at an extremely low speed below a constant speed while braking, and the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the shift lever 4a remains in the neutral position, the shift range may be immediately set to the N range without determining the neutral operation confirmation operation described above.

[0079] As described above, according to the vehicle control device in this embodiment of the invention, the N range of the automatic transmission 3 can be smoothly set when manually operating the momentary shift device 4. Furthermore, even when the shift position of the shift device 4 is switched via the N position, the occurrence of loss of driving force during driving can be reliably suppressed, and the shift range of the automatic transmission 3 can be set appropriately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Engine (ENG; power source) 2. Motor (MG; driving force source) 3. Automatic transmission (AT) 4 Shift device 4a Shift lever (operating part) (of the shift device) 4b (Shift device) shift pattern (movement path) 4c (Shift device) initial position 4d, 4e, 4f (shift pattern) grooves 5. Detection Unit 5a Shift position sensor (of the detection unit) 5b Shift range sensor (of the detection unit) 5c (Detection unit) timer 5d (Detection unit) Vehicle speed sensor 5e Accelerometer (detection unit) 5f (Detection unit) Accelerator pedal sensor 5g (detection unit) brake pedal sensor 5h Rotation speed sensor (of the detection unit) 6. Controller (ECU) 7 Drive shaft 8. Front wheels (drive wheels) Vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle control device comprising: an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle, capable of setting multiple shift ranges, at least a forward drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a standard gear ratio, a deceleration drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a gear ratio relatively larger than the forward drive range, and a neutral range for cutting off power transmission; and a momentary shift device that is manually operated by the driver and has an operating unit that moves along a predetermined movement path, is ON only while the operating unit is moved from the initial position of the movement path to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and returns to the initial position and turns OFF when there is no manual operation, wherein the vehicle control device sets the shift range corresponding to the shift position to which the operating unit has been moved by the manual operation, The aforementioned movement path has a neutral position corresponding to the neutral range and the initial position positioned between the position of the forward drive position corresponding to the forward drive range and the position of the deceleration drive position corresponding to the deceleration drive range. The system includes a controller that controls the automatic transmission in conjunction with the operation of the shift device, The aforementioned controller, When the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed, the neutral range is set on the condition that the operating unit remains in the neutral position, a predetermined neutral operation determination time for determining the selection operation of the neutral position has elapsed, and a predetermined neutral operation confirmation operation for confirming the selection of the neutral position has occurred. If the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, the neutral range is set on the condition that the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the operating unit remains in the neutral holding state. The neutral operation confirmation operation includes an operation to move the operating unit from the neutral position to the initial position. A vehicle control device characterized by the following features.

2. A vehicle control device comprising: an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle, capable of setting a plurality of shift ranges, at least a forward drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a standard gear ratio, a deceleration drive range for driving the vehicle forward at a gear ratio relatively larger than the forward drive range, and a neutral range for interrupting power transmission; and a momentary shift device that is manually operated by a driver and has an operating unit that moves along a predetermined movement path, is ON only while the operating unit is moved from the initial position of the movement path to a predetermined shift position corresponding to one of the shift ranges, and returns to the initial position and is OFF when there is no manual operation, wherein the vehicle control device sets the shift range corresponding to the shift position to which the operating unit has been moved by the manual operation, The aforementioned movement path has a neutral position corresponding to the neutral range and the initial position positioned between the position of the forward drive position corresponding to the forward drive range and the position of the deceleration drive position corresponding to the deceleration drive range. The system includes a controller that controls the automatic transmission in conjunction with the operation of the shift device, The aforementioned controller, When the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed, the neutral range is set on the condition that the operating unit remains in the neutral position, a predetermined neutral operation determination time for determining the selection operation of the neutral position has elapsed, and a predetermined neutral operation confirmation operation for confirming the selection of the neutral position has occurred. If the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, the neutral range is set on the condition that the neutral operation determination time has elapsed while the operating unit remains in the neutral holding state. The neutral operation confirmation operation includes at least one of the following operations: operating the operating unit to maintain the neutral state from the time the neutral operation determination time has elapsed until a predetermined delay determination time for confirming the selection of the neutral position has elapsed; and moving the operating unit from the neutral position to the initial position, or moving the operating unit to any of the shift positions other than the forward drive position and the deceleration drive position. The controller sets the neutral range before the delay judgment time elapses if one of the operations is performed before the delay judgment time elapses. A vehicle control device characterized by the following features.

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