JPH0771577A - Travel control device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve amenity at the time of traveling a vehicle by smoothly carrying out a drive desired by a driver by way of efficiently using an engine brake effect as well as switching a gear of a speed change gear mechanism to a desired position and easily carrying out operation of down-shift before a curve, down-shift immediately before a passing motion and others. CONSTITUTION:This is a device provided with a program switch 6 to switch a first speed change program to carry out automatic speed change operation of an automatic transmission 1 and a second speed change program to lock speed change operation at a gear position of a specified step at each shift position selected by a shift position selection part 2 over to each other and with a shift position changing means 11 to change a shift position by the second speed change program on a steering wheel 13.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a vehicle such as an automobile equipped with an automatic transmission is provided with a shift position selecting portion for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission. A column-type or floor-type shift lever for selectively switching the shift position of the automatic transmission by manual operation is provided in the unit main body of the shift position selecting section. The shift position of the automatic transmission is, for example, P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), 2 in accordance with the movement operation of the shift lever.
It can be switched to each position such as (second) and L (low).

While the vehicle is traveling, the shift lever is set to D,
In the state of being moved to any one of the positions 2 and L, a planetary gear is set according to a preset driving characteristic for each position of the selected shift lever, for example, the relationship between the vehicle speed and the engine load (accelerator opening). The gear change operation of the speed change gear mechanism including the unit is automatically performed.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, the transmission gear mechanism is depressed when the accelerator pedal is depressed to a predetermined opening or more while the vehicle is traveling and the automatic downshift line is passed. Since the uncomfortable kick-down phenomenon in which the gear is automatically downshifted may occur, there is a problem in that the comfort when the vehicle is traveling is impaired.

Further, while the vehicle is traveling, the shift lever is set to D,
Even if it is held in a state of being moved to any one of the positions 2 and L, the gear change operation of the transmission gear mechanism is automatically performed according to the preset driving characteristics for each position of the selected shift lever. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to switch the gear of the transmission gear mechanism to the position desired by the driver. Therefore, it is difficult to shift down before the curve, and it is difficult to utilize the engine braking effect, so that the number of times the brake pedal is depressed is relatively large. Further, for example, since it is difficult to perform an operation such as downshifting immediately before the vehicle overtaking operation, the vehicle overtaking operation may be difficult.

Further, there is a possibility that a response lag or interruption of traction may occur at the time of automatic switching operation of the gears of the transmission gear mechanism, so that there is a problem that it is difficult to smoothly perform the operation desired by the driver.

Furthermore, since the gears of the speed change gear mechanism are automatically switched, for example, when traveling on a slope, unnecessary downshifts or upshifts may occur, which may cause fuel loss. There is also a problem that it is difficult to use the engine braking effect on downhills.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the gears of the transmission gear mechanism can be switched to a position desired by the driver, and the downshift before the curve or the overtaking operation of the vehicle. It is possible to easily perform operations such as downshifting immediately before performing, and to effectively use the engine braking effect, and it is possible to smoothly perform the driver's desired driving and enhance the comfort when the vehicle is traveling. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle travel control device that can be used.

[0009]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic transmission and a vehicular traveling equipped with a manual shift position selecting section capable of appropriately selecting a plurality of shift positions for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission. In the control device, a first shift program for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission according to a driving characteristic preset according to the shift position selected by the shift position selection unit, and the shift position selection unit. Switching means is provided for switching between a second shift program that locks the shift operation at a gear position of a specific gear set at each selected shift position, and the shift is performed in a state where the shift operation is switched to the second shift program. The shift position changing means for changing the position is used as a steering wheel for the vehicle. It is those provided in Le.

[0010]

When the first speed change program is selected by the program switching means, the automatic speed change of the automatic transmission is performed in accordance with the driving characteristic preset according to the shift position selected by the shift position selecting section. The operation is performed. Further, when the operation is switched to the second gear change program, the gear change operation is locked at the gear position of the specific gear set at each shift position selected by the shift position selection unit, and the steering wheel of the vehicle is shifted. The shift position can be changed as desired by the position changing means.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire vehicle drive control device. Reference numeral 1 is a 5-speed automatic transmission, and 2 is a shift position selecting section for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission 1. This shift position selector 2
The unit main body 3 is provided with a floor type shift lever 4 for selectively switching the shift position of the automatic transmission 1 by manual operation. And
With the movement operation of the shift lever 4, the shift position of the automatic transmission 1 is, for example, P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), 4 (4th speed), 3 (3rd speed). ), 2 (2nd speed) and the like.

While the vehicle is traveling, the shift lever 4 is moved to D,
In the state in which the shift lever 4 is moved to any one of the positions 4, 3 and 2, depending on the preset driving characteristic for each position of the selected shift lever 4, for example, the relationship between the vehicle speed and the engine load (accelerator opening). The gear change operation of the speed change gear mechanism is automatically performed.

Further, the unit body 3 of the shift position selecting section 2 is connected to a control section 5 for controlling the operation of the automatic transmission 1, for example, an electronic control formed by a microcomputer and its peripheral circuits. The control unit 5 further includes a program switch (program switching means) 6, a throttle angle detector 7,
Kickdown switch 8, gear indicator 9, ignition system controller 10 and shift position changing means 1
1 are connected to each other.

Here, the program switch 6 has a winter drive program that enables safe traveling on slippery roads, and also has a driving characteristic preset according to the shift position selected by the shift position selecting section 2. The shift operation is performed at the E (economy) position 6a for selecting the first shift program for performing the shift operation of the automatic transmission 1 and the gear position of the specific gear set at each shift position selected by the shift position selector 2. And a S (sports) position 6b for selecting a second shift program for locking the. When the vehicle is traveling except when the winter drive program is selected, either the E position 6a or the S position 6b is selected in response to the switching operation of the program switch 6, and the E position 6a or the S position selected here is selected. A control signal is output from the control unit 5 to the automatic transmission 1 based on one of the shift programs corresponding to the position 6b.

The throttle angle detector 7 is a sensor that detects the accelerator opening based on the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 12 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5. The kick down switch 8 shifts to the transmission 1. This is a switch that commands down.

Further, the gear indicator 9 is a gear indicator incorporated in the cockpit inside the vehicle. When the vehicle is traveling in the S position 6b, the current gear is displayed on the gear indicator 9, and information such as engine oil temperature, oil pressure, and rear axle oil temperature is also displayed. ing.

Further, the shift position changing means 11 is provided with a shift up key 11a and a shift down key 11b mounted on the steering wheel 13 of the vehicle. The shift-up key 11a and the shift-down key 11b are switched to the S position 6b by operating the program switch 6 while the vehicle is traveling.
Shift program is selected, and the shift lever 4 of the shift position selection unit 2 is moved to any one of D, 4, 3, and 2, a shift-up operation of the gears of the transmission 1 or a shift operation is performed. Down operation,
This is to change the shift position.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, step S1
Then, it is detected that the starter key of the vehicle has been turned on, and the engine is started. Then, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the first shift program is selected by the program switch 6.

If it is determined that the program switch 6 is switched to the E position 6a and the first shift program is selected, the shift lever 4 of the shift position selecting section 2 is selected as shown in step S3. The operation of switching the gears of the transmission gear mechanism is automatically performed in accordance with a preset driving characteristic for each position selected by, for example, the relationship between the vehicle speed and the engine load (accelerator opening).

If it is determined in step S2 that the program switch 6 has been switched to the S position 6b and the second shift program has been selected, as shown in step S4, the shift position selector 2 is operated. The gear shift operation is locked at the gear position of the specific gear set for each shift position selected by the shift lever 4.

When the vehicle is traveling according to the second speed change program, subsequently, in step S5, the operation state of the shift position changing means 11 is determined. Here, when the shift-up key 11a and the shift-down key 11b of the shift position changing means 11 are respectively held in the neutral position (non-operating state), each shift selected by the shift lever 4 as shown in step S6. The gear shift operation continues to be locked at the gear position of the specific gear set for each position.

Further, when the pressing operation of the shift-up key 11a is detected in step S5, the gear-up operation of the gear of the transmission 1 is performed as shown in step S7. Further, in step S5, the shift down key 11
When the pressing operation of b is detected, the gear down operation of the transmission 1 is performed as shown in step S8. That is, manual shift is performed by operating the shift up key 11a or the shift down key 11b.

Further, while the vehicle is running, the program switch 6
When the switching operation is performed, the automatic transmission 1 is thereafter controlled based on the program subjected to the switching operation.

When it is detected that the starter key of the vehicle has been turned off as shown in steps S9 and S10, the control of the automatic transmission 1 thereafter is stopped.

Therefore, in the structure described above, the program switch 6 is operated to switch to the E position 6a, and when the first shift program is selected, it is selected by the shift lever 4 of the shift position selecting section 2. Since the automatic transmission 1 is automatically shifted according to the driving characteristics set in advance according to the shift position, it is possible to realize comfortable automatic running optimally adjusted to the torque and power curves. Especially suitable for relaxing driving in urban areas.

Further, while the vehicle is traveling according to the first speed change program, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a kick-down phenomenon that is uncomfortable even when traveling in the suburbs, for example, and it is possible to enhance comfort during traveling of the vehicle.

Further, when the engine speed reaches the upper limit, the engine automatically shifts up, and even if the shift down which causes excessive engine rotation is not executed, it is prevented from being executed by the driver. be able to. Since kickdown is always prioritized even if the gear shift is incorrect, safety can be improved.

Further, when the accelerator pedal is released while the vehicle is running, the gear is automatically downshifted to the second speed, so that the vehicle can start smoothly after stopping. It is also possible to achieve the maximum acceleration by manually shifting down to the first speed in the stopped state.

When the program switch 6 is operated to switch to the S position 6b and the second shift program is selected, the gear position of the specific gear set at each shift position selected by the shift position selector 2 is selected. Since the shift operation is locked with, and the shift position can be changed as desired by operating the shift up key 11a or the shift down key 11b, a manual shift operation similar to that of a manual transmission with a clutch can be performed. . Therefore, unlike the conventional automatic transmission, there is no risk of a response lag or interruption of traction during an automatic gear shift operation of the transmission gear mechanism, and the driver's desired driving can be smoothly performed. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the shift-down operation before the curve, to effectively utilize the engine braking effect, to reduce the number of times the brake pedal is depressed, and to facilitate the driving operation.

Similarly, since the driver can always reliably hold the gear position desired by the driver, optimum acceleration without a response lag can be obtained. Therefore, for example, an operation such as downshifting immediately before the overtaking operation of the vehicle can be easily performed, and the overtaking operation of the vehicle can be quickly performed.

Since the shift position can be changed by operating the shift up key 11a or the shift down key 11b of the steering wheel 13, the driver can easily shift the shift up key 11a or The shift down key 11b can be operated. Therefore, as compared with the case where the steering wheel 13 is released and the operation is performed as in the case where the floor type shift lever 4 is operated, the safety while the vehicle is traveling can be improved. In addition, there is no risk of a response lag or interruption of traction as in the case of performing a gear shift operation through a clutch operation by a driver like a manual transmission with a clutch.

Further, in the second shift program, the shift operation is locked at the gear position of the specific gear set at each shift position selected by the shift position selecting section 2, so that, for example, when traveling on a slope, the conventional gear shift operation is performed. There is no risk of unnecessary downshifts or upshifts that occur with automatic transmissions. Therefore, there is no risk of fuel loss, the fuel consumption rate can be improved, and the engine braking effect on a downhill can be effectively used.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the shift position changing means 11
May be formed in the vicinity of the steering wheel 13 by a lever or the like that can be operated without releasing the hand from the steering wheel 13. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034]

According to the present invention, there is provided a first gear shift program for shifting gears of an automatic transmission in accordance with a driving characteristic preset according to the shift position selected by the shift position selector, and the shift position. A switching means for switching between a second gear shift program that locks the gear shift operation at a gear position of a specific gear set to each shift position selected by the selector is provided, and in the state where the gear shift operation is switched to the second gear shift program. Since the shift position changing means for changing the shift position is provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle, the gear of the speed change gear mechanism can be switched to the position desired by the driver, and the shift down before the curve or the vehicle You can easily perform operations such as downshifting just before the overtaking operation, and It can be utilized effectively down Jin braking effect, it is possible to enhance the comfort of smoothly perform vehicle travel operation desired by the driver.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle travel control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the vehicle travel control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic transmission, 2 ... Shift position selection part, 6 ... Program switch (program switching means), 11 ... Shift position changing means, 13 ... Steering wheel.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A travel control device for a vehicle comprising an automatic transmission and a manual shift position selector capable of appropriately selecting a plurality of shift positions for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission. A first shift program for performing a shift operation of the automatic transmission in accordance with a driving characteristic preset according to the shift position selected by the selection unit;
A switching unit is provided for switching between a second gear shift program that locks the gear shift operation at a gear position of a specific gear set at each shift position selected by the shift position selection unit, and the gear shift operation is switched to the second gear shift program. A vehicle travel control device, characterized in that shift position changing means for changing the shift position in a fixed state is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. 2. A traveling control device for a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel of the vehicle provided with a shift operation means for performing a shift operation of an automatic transmission.