Control device for automatic transmission, and control system

A processor is to determine, based on a first revolution speed of a drive source and a second revolution speed of an input shaft, whether or not a load toward a second direction is applied to a mechanical engagement mechanism having regulation states out of a first state in which at least one of plurality of rotating elements is rotatable only in a first direction opposite to the second direction and a second state in which the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements is not rotatable in both of the first direction and the second direction. The processor is to control the first revolution speed when the load toward the second direction is applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism to reduce the load toward the second direction, and to switch the regulation states from the second state to the first state after the first revolution speed is controlled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-093479, filed Apr. 30, 2015, entitled “Control Device.” The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a control device for an automatic transmission and a control system.

Discussion of the Background

An automatic transmission in general includes planetary gear mechanisms and engagement mechanisms such as clutches and brakes, switches power transmission paths by the engagement mechanisms, and thereby realizes gear positions. As the engagement mechanism, employment of a mechanical engagement mechanism as well as a hydraulic engagement mechanism has been suggested. Particularly, a configuration has been suggested in which a clutch (two-way clutch) that may be switched into a state where the clutch regulates bidirectional rotation is used as a brake (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-173649).

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device for an automatic transmission is provided. The automatic transmission includes: an input shaft to which driving force is input from a drive source via a torque converter; an output member; plural planetary gear mechanisms that transmit the driving force which is input to the input shaft to the output member; and plural engagement mechanisms that are capable of establishing plural gear positions by switching transmission paths of the driving force in the plural planetary gear mechanisms, one of the plural engagement mechanisms is a mechanical engagement mechanism that functions as a brake, the mechanical engagement mechanism is capable of being switched between a first state where only rotation in a first direction of a prescribed rotating element among plural rotating elements included in the plural planetary gear mechanisms is regulated and a second state where rotation in both of the first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of the prescribed rotating element is regulated, the plural gear positions include: a forward gear position in which the first state of the mechanical engagement mechanism is capable of being established; and a reverse gear position in which the second state of the mechanical engagement mechanism is established, the control device includes: a first detection unit that detects a first revolution speed of revolutions which are input from the drive source to the torque converter; a second detection unit that detects a second revolution speed of the input shaft; and a control unit that is capable of switching a state of the mechanical engagement mechanism, and the control unit determines whether or not revolution speed control for the drive source is necessary based on the first detection unit and the second detection unit in a case where the mechanical engagement mechanism is switched from the second state to the first state, and switches the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state after the revolution speed control is executed in a case where a determination is made that the revolution speed control is necessary.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a control system includes an automatic transmission and a control device. The automatic transmission includes an input shaft, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms, and a plurality of engagement mechanisms. Driving force is input from a drive source to the input shaft via a torque converter. The plurality of planetary gear mechanisms are disposed between the input shaft and the output member to transmit the driving force which is input to the input shaft to the output member. The plurality of planetary mechanisms include a plurality of rotating elements. The plurality of engagement mechanisms connect the plurality of rotating elements to switch a transmission path of the driving force which passes the plurality of planetary gear mechanisms to establish one of a plurality of gear positions. The plurality of engagement mechanisms include a mechanical engagement mechanism connecting at least one of the plurality of rotating elements to regulate a rotation of the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements. The mechanical engagement mechanism has regulation states out of a first state in which the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements is rotatable only in a first direction and a second state in which the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements is not rotatable in both of the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The regulation states are to be switched. The plurality of gear positions include a forward gear position to be established in the first state and a reverse gear position to be established in the second state. The control device includes a first rotational sensor, a second rotational sensor, and a processor. The first rotational sensor is to detect a first revolution speed of the drive source which is input to the torque converter. The second rotational sensor is to detect a second revolution speed of the input shaft. The processor includes a determining device, a speed controller, and a switching device. The determining device is to determine whether or not a load toward the second direction is applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism based on the first revolution speed and the second revolution speed before the regulation states of the mechanical engagement mechanism are switched from the second state to the first state. The speed controller is to control the first revolution speed of the drive source when the load toward the second direction is applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism to reduce the load toward the second direction. The switching device is to switch the regulation states of the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state after the first revolution speed is controlled.

According to further aspect of the present invention, a control device for an automatic transmission includes a first rotational sensor, a second rotational sensor, and a processor. The first rotational sensor is to detect a first revolution speed of a drive source which is input to a torque converter. The second rotational sensor is to detect a second revolution speed of an input shaft of the automatic transmission. The input shaft connects the torque converter. The processor includes a determining device, a speed controller, and a switching device. The determining device is to determine, based on the first revolution speed and the second revolution speed, whether or not a load is applied to a mechanical engagement mechanism of the automatic transmission. The mechanical engagement mechanism connects at least one of a plurality of rotating elements of a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms of the automatic transmission. The plurality of planetary gear mechanisms connect the input shaft and a output member of the automatic transmission to transmit driving force that is input from the input shaft to the output member. The mechanical engagement mechanism is to regulate a rotation of the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements. The mechanical engagement mechanism has regulation states out of a first state in which the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements is rotatable only in a first direction and a second state in which the at least one of the plurality of rotating elements is not rotatable in both of the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The load is directed toward the second direction. The determining device is to determine before the regulation states of the mechanical engagement mechanism are switched from the second state to the first state. The speed controller is to control the first revolution speed of the drive source when the load directed toward the second direction is applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism to reduce the load directed toward the second direction. The switching device is to switch the regulation states of the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state after the first revolution speed is controlled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a skeleton diagram of an automatic transmission1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, the automatic transmission1includes an input shaft10that is pivotally supported in a rotatable manner in a casing12which configures a transmission case, an output member11that is supported coaxially with the input shaft10in a rotatable manner by a support member12asupported by the casing12, and an output shaft (counter shaft)13.

Driving force from an internal combustion engine EG (which may simply be referred to as EG) is input to the input shaft10, and the input shaft10rotates by the driving force. A starting device is provided between the input shaft10and the internal combustion engine EG. Examples of the starting device may include a starting device of a clutch type (such as a single-disc clutch and a multiple-disc clutch) and a starting device of a fluid coupling type (such as a torque converter). This embodiment employs a torque converter TC. Thus, the driving force of the internal combustion engine EG is input to the input shaft10via the torque converter TC.

The output member11includes a gear that is coaxial with the input shaft10, and the output shaft13has a gear that meshes with the gear. Rotation of the input shaft10is transmitted to the output shaft13while the speed of the rotation is changed by a transmission mechanism, which will be described below. Rotation (driving force) of the output shaft13is transmitted to a driving wheel via a differential gear device, which is not illustrated, for example.

The automatic transmission1includes planetary gear mechanisms21to P4and engagement mechanisms C1to C3, B1to B3, and F1as the transmission mechanisms. In this embodiment, each of the planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4is a planetary gear mechanism of a single pinion type. The planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4transmit driving force from the input shaft10to the output member11. The planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4are capable of forming plural transmission paths of driving force. The engagement mechanisms C1to C3, B1to B3, and F1switch the transmission paths of driving force in the planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4and thereby establish plural gear positions.

The planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4respectively include sun gears S1to S4, ring gears R1to R4, and carriers Cr1to Cr4that support pinion gears as rotating elements (12 elements in total) and are disposed coaxially with the input shaft10.

In the order of arrangement at the intervals that corresponds to the gear ratios in the velocity diagram ofFIG. 3, which will be described later, the sun gear S1, the carrier Cr1, and the ring gear R1of the planetary gear mechanism P1may be, in this order, referred to as a first rotating element, a second rotating element, and a third rotating element.

Similarly, the ring gear R2, the carrier Cr2, and the sun gear S2of the planetary gear mechanism P2may be, in this order, referred to as a fourth rotating element, a fifth rotating element, and a sixth rotating element.

Similarly, the sun gear S3, the carrier Cr3, and the ring gear R3of the planetary gear mechanism P3may be, in this order, referred to as a seventh rotating element, an eighth rotating element, and a ninth rotating element.

Similarly, the ring gear R4, the carrier Cr4, and the sun gear S4of the planetary gear mechanism P4may be, in this order, referred to as a tenth rotating element, an eleventh rotating element, and a twelfth rotating element.

The engagement mechanisms C1to C3, B1to B3, and F1function as clutches or brakes. The clutches perform connection or disconnection between the rotating elements included in the automatic transmission1. The brakes perform connection or disconnection between the rotating elements included in the automatic transmission1and the casing12. The rotating elements included in the automatic transmission1include the input shaft10and the sun gears, the ring gears, and the carriers of the planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4.

In this embodiment, the engagement mechanisms C1to C3are clutches, and the engagement mechanisms B1to B3and F1are brakes. Accordingly, the engagement mechanisms C1to C3may be referred to as clutches C1to C3, and the engagement mechanisms B1to B3and F1may be referred to as brakes B1to B3and F1. The engagement mechanisms C1to C3and B1to B3are switched between an engaged state (fastened state) and a released state, states of the engagement mechanism F1are switched, and the transmission paths of driving force from the input shaft10to the output member11are thereby switched. Accordingly, plural gear positions are realized.

This embodiment is described on an assumption that all the engagement mechanisms C1to C3and B1to B3are hydraulic frictional engagement mechanisms. Examples of the hydraulic frictional engagement mechanisms may include a dry or wet single-disc clutch, a dry or wet multiple-disc clutch, and so forth.

The engagement mechanism F1is provided between prescribed rotating elements (here, the carriers Cr1and Cr2that are coupled with each other) and the casing12. The engagement mechanism F1may be switched into a unidirectional rotation allowing state where only the rotation in one direction of the prescribed rotating elements (the carriers Cr1and Cr2) is prevented and the rotation in the reverse direction is allowed (which may be referred to as OWC) and a rotation preventing state where the rotation in both of the directions is prevented (which may be referred to as TWC).

The unidirectional rotation allowing state is a state that provides the same function as a so-called one-way clutch and where a drive is transmitted in one rotational direction but the rotating element runs idle in the reverse direction. In this embodiment, the engagement mechanism F1functions as a brake. Thus, in a case where the engagement mechanism F1is in the unidirectional rotation allowing state, only the rotation in one direction of the prescribed rotating elements (the carriers Cr1and Cr2) is allowed. The bidirectional rotation allowing state is a state where a drive is transmitted in both of the rotational directions. In this embodiment, the engagement mechanism F1functions as a brake. Thus, in a case where the engagement mechanism F1is in the rotation preventing state, the rotation in both of the directions of the prescribed rotating elements (the carriers Cr1and Cr2) is prevented.

Although a structure example of the engagement mechanism F1will be described later, a known two-way clutch may be employed, for example. There is a known two-way clutch in which switching among the unidirectional rotation allowing state, the rotation preventing state, and a bidirectional rotation allowing state may be performed by drive control of corresponding hydraulic actuators or electromagnetic actuators. Further, there is a known two-way clutch in which the unidirectional rotation allowing state may further be switched into a forward rotation allowing state and a reverse rotation allowing state. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that switching may be performed between the unidirectional rotation allowing state and the rotation preventing state and also sufficient that the state that allows rotation in one direction may be used as the unidirectional rotation allowing state. However, a two-way clutch that may select another state such as the bidirectional rotation allowing state may be employed.

A description will next be made about the coupling relationships among configurations with reference toFIG. 1.

The sun gear S3of the planetary gear mechanism P3is coupled with the input shaft10. The ring gear R3is coupled with the sun gear S2of the planetary gear mechanism P2. The carrier Cr3is coupled with the ring gear R1of the planetary gear mechanism P1and the carrier Cr4of the planetary gear mechanism P4. The carrier Cr2of the planetary gear mechanism P2is coupled with the carrier Cr1of the planetary gear mechanism P1. The ring gear R2is coupled with the output member11. Accordingly, the planetary gear mechanism P2is a planetary gear mechanism that performs drive transmission to the output shaft13.

The clutch C1couples the input shaft10, the carrier Cr1of the planetary gear mechanism P1, and the carrier Cr2, which is coupled with the carrier Cr1, together in the engaged state and releases the coupling among those in the released state. The released state may be referred to as engagement released state. The clutch C2couples the ring gear R3of the planetary gear mechanism P3and the sun gear S4of the planetary gear mechanism P4together in the engaged state and releases the coupling between those in the released state. The clutch C3couples the input shaft10and the ring gear R4of the planetary gear mechanism P4together in the engaged state and releases the coupling between those in the released state.

The brake B1couples the casing12and the sun gear S1of the planetary gear mechanism P1together in the engaged state and releases the coupling between those in the released state. The brake B2couples the casing12and the sun gear S4of the planetary gear mechanism P4together in the engaged state and releases the coupling between those in the released state. The brake B3couples the casing12and the ring gear R4of the planetary gear mechanism P4together in the engaged state and releases the coupling between those in the released state.

As described above, the brake F1prevents only the rotation in one direction of the carrier Cr2of the planetary gear mechanism P2(and the carrier Cr1coupled with the carrier Cr2) in the unidirectional rotation allowing state and causes the carrier Cr2of the planetary gear mechanism P2(and the carrier Cr1coupled with the carrier Cr2) to be fixed to the casing12in the rotation preventing state.

Next,FIG. 2Ais an engagement table (fastening table) that illustrates engagement combinations of the engagement mechanisms included in the automatic transmission1.FIG. 2Billustrates the gear ratios of the planetary gear mechanisms included in the automatic transmission1.FIG. 3is the velocity diagram of the automatic transmission1. The “gear ratio” inFIG. 2Aindicates the gear ratios between the input shaft10and the output member11.

In this embodiment, 10 forward gear positions (1st to 10th) and 1 reverse gear position (RVS) may be established. “P/N” indicates a non-traveling range, “P” indicates a parking range, and “N” indicates a neutral range. “RPM” indicates engagement combinations in an RVS preparation process, which will be described later. In this process, the brake F1is switched from the unidirectional rotation allowing state to the rotation preventing state.

In examples in the engagement table ofFIG. 2A, a symbol “◯” indicates the engaged state, and absence of symbol indicates the released state. The engagement table includes the engagement mechanisms that are set to the engaged state for smooth shifting to higher or lower adjacent gear positions although those engaged states are not necessarily needed for establishment of the gear positions. For example, in a case of the first gear position (1st), the engagement of the brake B2is not necessarily needed. However, in a case where shifting is performed to the reverse gear position (RVS) or to the second gear position (2nd), the concerned engagement mechanisms are set to the engaged state for the purpose of reducing the engagement mechanisms whose states of engagement are switched. Similarly, in a case of the fifth gear position (5th), the engagement of the clutch C3is not necessarily needed. However, in a case where shifting is performed to the fourth gear position (4th) or to the sixth gear position (6th), the concerned engagement mechanisms are set to the engaged state for the purpose of reducing the engagement mechanisms whose states of engagement are switched.

As for the brake F1, the symbol “◯” indicates the rotation preventing state, and a symbol “Δ” indicates the unidirectional rotation allowing state. In the case of the first gear position (1st), the brake F1may be in either one of the rotation preventing state and the unidirectional rotation allowing state. However, in a case of the rotation preventing state, engine braking is enabled. In the first gear position, in a case where the brake F1is in the unidirectional rotation allowing state, enabling and disabling of the engine braking may be switched in accordance with engagement and release of the brake B3. InFIG. 2A, an expression “(◯)” of the brake B3in the first gear position (1st) indicates the above case.

Algorithms for selecting which state of the brake F1in the case of the first gear position (1st) may appropriately be designed. However, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the state prior to shifting to the first gear position (1st) is maintained. For example, in a case where shifting is performed from the reverse gear position (RVS) to the first gear position (1st), the rotation preventing state is maintained in the first gear position (1st). However, in a case where the vehicle speed becomes higher than a prescribed speed, or the like, the state is switched to the unidirectional rotation allowing state. Similarly, in a case where shifting is performed from another forward gear position (2nd to 10th) to the first gear position (1st), the unidirectional rotation allowing state is maintained in the first gear position (1st).

Also in the non-traveling range (P/N), the brake F1may be in either one of the rotation preventing state and the unidirectional rotation allowing state. In this embodiment, similarly to the first gear position (1st), the state prior to shifting to the non-traveling range (P/N) is maintained.

In the second gear position (2nd) to the tenth gear position (10th), the brake F1is set to the unidirectional rotation allowing state. However, an idling state occurs because of the configuration of the automatic transmission1. Thus, the state of the brake F1is indicated as “(Δ)”. Hypothetically, in a case where the brake F1is a mechanical engagement mechanism that may select the above-described bidirectional rotation allowing state, the brake F1may be set to the bidirectional rotation allowing state in the second gear position (2nd) to the tenth gear position (10th).

This embodiment employs a configuration in which the unidirectional rotation allowing state is selected as the state of the brake F1in each of the second gear position (2nd) to the tenth gear position (10th). Thus, those gear positions may not be established in the rotation preventing state. However, a configuration in which the rotation preventing state is selected may be employed depending on the configuration of the automatic transmission1.

The velocity diagram ofFIG. 3illustrates rotational speed ratios of the elements with respect to the input to the input shaft10in the gear positions. The vertical axis represents the speed ratio. “1” indicates the same rotational frequency as the input shaft10, and “0” indicates a stopped state. The horizontal axis is based on the gear ratios between the rotating elements of the planetary gear mechanisms P1to P4. λ indicates the gear ratio between the carrier Cr and the sun gear S. InFIG. 3, elements that correspond to the output shaft13are not illustrated.

Control Device

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare block diagrams of a control device100of the automatic transmission1. The control device100may perform not only control of the automatic transmission1but also control of the internal combustion engine EG and torque converter TC. However, in this embodiment, a configuration is assumed in which the internal combustion engine EG is controlled by an engine ECU200that is separately provided from the control device100. The control device100may receive various kinds of information about the internal combustion engine EG and the vehicle from the engine ECU200. Further, the control device100may transmit information about the automatic transmission1to the engine ECU200.

The control device100includes a processing unit101such as a CPU, a storage unit102such as a RAM or a ROM, and an IF unit103that serves as an interface of the processing unit101with external devices and the engine ECU. The IF unit103is configured with a communication interface, an input-output interface, or the like, for example.

The processing unit101executes programs stored in the storage unit102and controls various actuators120based on detection results of the various sensors110.

The various sensors110include various sensors that are provided in the automatic transmission1.FIGS. 4A and 4Bexemplify the following sensors.

An input revolution speed sensor111is a sensor that detects the revolution speed of revolutions (a first revolution speed), which are input from the internal combustion engine EG to the torque converter TC, that is, the rotational frequency (which denotes rotational speed and can be referred to as a second revolution speed) of an output shaft of the internal combustion engine EG. An input shaft rotational frequency sensor112is a sensor that detects the rotational frequency of the input shaft10. The slip ratio (ETR) of the torque converter TC is calculated by the following equation.
ETR(%)=(a detected rotational frequency by the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112)/(a detected revolution speed by the input revolution speed sensor111)×100

An output rotational frequency sensor113is a sensor that detects the rotational frequency of the output shaft13.

A shift position sensor (SP sensor)114is a sensor that detects the shift position selected by a driver. In this embodiment, four kinds of ranges, which are a P range (parking range), a D range (forward range), an N range (neutral range), and an R range (reverse range), are assumed as shift positions. In a case where the D range is selected, the processing unit101selects any one of the first gear position (1st) to the tenth gear position (10th) in accordance with a shift map stored in the storage unit102and performs shifting. In a case where the R range is selected, the processing unit101selects the reverse gear position.

An oil pressure sensor115includes sensors that detect the oil pressures of hydraulic oil of the engagement mechanisms C1to C3and B1to B3. A vehicle speed sensor116detects the traveling speed of the vehicle in which the automatic transmission1is installed.

The various actuators120include various actuators that are provided in the automatic transmission1. For example, the various actuators120include electromagnetic actuators such as electromagnetic solenoids that switch operation states of the engagement mechanisms C1to C3, B1to B3, and F1. Accordingly, the processing unit101controls the various actuators120.

FIG. 4Billustrates a disposition example of the oil pressure sensor115. The oil pressure sensor115may be provided for each of the engagement mechanisms C1to C3and B1to B3, for example. Accordingly, the oil pressures of the hydraulic oil of the engagement mechanisms may be detected. The oil pressure sensor115does not necessarily have to be provided for each of the engagement mechanisms.

A solenoid valve LS that supplies the hydraulic oil is allocated to each of the engagement mechanisms. A supply line L of the hydraulic oil is opened or blocked by the solenoid valve LS, and the engagement mechanism may thereby be switched between engagement and release. The oil pressure sensor115is provided to be supplied with the hydraulic oil that is supplied from the solenoid valve LS to the engagement mechanism, and the detection result of the oil pressure sensor115indicates the oil pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to the engagement mechanism. The hydraulic oil is pressure-fed to the supply line L by an oil pump117driven by the internal combustion engine EG.

TWC Switching Control of Brake F1

In this embodiment, the brake F1is in the rotation preventing state in the reverse gear position. In a case where switching is performed from the forward gear positions or the non-traveling range to the reverse gear position, the brake F1may be switched from the unidirectional rotation allowing state to the rotation preventing state. In this case, in order to reduce generation of abnormal sound and vibration, the rotational frequency difference between the casing12side and the carrier Cr2side of the brake F1is preferably zero. In other words, the rotational frequency of the carrier Cr2is preferably zero.

Thus, the shifting is allowed to go through a combination of the engagement mechanisms, in which the rotational frequency of the carrier Cr2becomes zero. In this embodiment, because a sensor that directly measures the rotational frequency of the carrier Cr2is not provided, the carrier Cr2and the input shaft10are coupled together, and whether the rotational frequency of the carrier Cr2is zero is thereby confirmed based on the detection result and so forth of the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112. Subsequently, the brake F1is switched to the rotation preventing state.

FIG. 5illustrates engagement combinations of the engagement mechanisms in a case where the gear position is switched from the first forward gear position to the reverse gear position. In a case where the gear position is in the first forward gear position, the brakes B1and B2are in the engaged state as illustrated inFIG. 2A. The brake F1is assumed to be in the unidirectional rotation allowing state.

As illustrated in phase1inFIG. 5, the brakes B1and B2are controlled to be in the released state. When the release of the brakes B1and B2is completed, the process transits to next phase2.

In phase2, the clutches C1, C3, and the brake B3are engaged. The ring gear R2and the output shaft13are rotatable, and the driving wheel is thus capable of free rotation. Accordingly, unexpected behavior of vehicle may be avoided.

As it is clear from the velocity diagram ofFIG. 3, the clutch C3and the brake B3are engaged, and the input shaft10is thereby fixed to the casing12. The clutch C1is engaged, and the carrier Cr2is thereby coupled with the input shaft10.

In this embodiment, phase2is performed after phase1. However, phase1and phase2may be performed simultaneously. Specifically, while control for making the brakes B1and B2the released state is performed, control for engaging the clutches C1, C3, and the brake B3may be performed. Accordingly, responsiveness in switching the gear position to the reverse gear position may be improved.

Next, when a prescribed condition is satisfied, the process transits to next phase3. The prescribed condition is a condition in which the rotational frequency of the carrier Cr2is confirmed to be zero. The condition is basically satisfied by completion of the engagement of the clutch C1and the detection result of the input revolution speed sensor111<a prescribed value (for example, a value that may be assumed to be zero). As for the completion of the engagement of the clutch C1, a determination may be made that the engagement is completed in a case where the detection result of a C1oil pressure sensor115indicates a prescribed oil pressure, a case where the control amount about the solenoid valve LS for the clutch C1reaches a predetermined value, or the like, for example. A similar determination scheme may be employed for completion of engagement of the other engagement mechanisms.

In phase3, the brake F1is switched from the unidirectional rotation allowing state to the rotation preventing state. Because the rotational frequency difference between the casing12side and the carrier Cr2side of the brake F1is zero, generation of abnormal sound and vibration may be avoided. When the switching of the brake F1is completed, the process progresses to phase4. In phase4, the clutches C1and the brake B3are released, and the brake B2is engaged. The combination for the reverse gear position is established by the above process (FIG. 2A).

Processes of phases2and3may be referred to as RVS preparation process, and a process of phase4may be referred to as RVS gearing process. In the controlling, the RVS preparation mode is set as a control state of the gear positions when phase1is completed, and the RVS preparation process is performed when the RVS preparation mode is set. Further, the RVS gearing mode is set as a control state of the gear positions when phase3is completed, and the RVS gearing process is performed when the RVS gearing mode is set. Such mode settings are managed by providing a storage area for mode information in the storage unit102, for example.

A description will be made about process examples related to control contents ofFIG. 5, which are executed by the processing unit101, with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 6Awill be referred to. In S11, a determination is made whether or not a condition for switching the brake F1from the unidirectional rotation allowing state to the rotation preventing state is satisfied. In this embodiment, in a case where the brake F1is in the unidirectional rotation allowing state and where the SP sensor114detects that the driver switches the shift range from another range to the reverse range, a determination is made that the condition is satisfied. The process progresses to S12in a case where the condition is satisfied but progresses to S14in a case where the condition is not satisfied.

As described in phase1ofFIG. 5, the engagement mechanisms in the engaged state (for example, the brakes B1and B2) are released in S12. In S13, the RVS preparation mode is set as a control mode. The process thereafter progresses to S15.

In S14, a determination is made whether or not the RVS preparation mode is being set. The process progresses to S15in a case where the RVS preparation mode is being set but progresses to S16in a case where the RVS preparation mode is not being set. In S15, the RVS preparation process is performed. Details will be described later. In S16, another process is performed, and one set of processes are then finished.

FIG. 6Bwill be referred to.FIG. 6Bis a flowchart that illustrates the RVS preparation process of S15. In S21, torque restriction of a drive source of the automatic transmission1is executed. For example, the output of the internal combustion engine EG is reduced in a range in which necessary oil pressures of the engagement mechanisms and so forth are secured.

In S22, a determination is made whether or not switching of the brake F1to the rotation preventing state is completed. The process progresses to S26in a case where the switching is completed but progresses to S23in a case where the switching is not completed.

In step23, as described in phase2ofFIG. 5, control for engaging the clutches C1, C3, and the brake B3is started. The engagement of the clutches C1, C3, and the brake B3may be performed by stepwise increasing the control amounts of the respective solenoid valves LS. A step of S23is repeated plural times, and the engagement is thereby completed.

In S24, as described in phase2ofFIG. 5, a determination is made whether or not the engagement of the clutch C1is completed and the rotational frequency of the input shaft10is 0. The process progresses to S25in a case where both of those conditions are satisfied. One set of processes are finished in a case where the conditions are not satisfied.

In S25, as described in phase3ofFIG. 5, the state of the brake F1is switched to the rotation preventing state. Because the switching is performed in a state where the rotational frequency difference between the casing12side and the carrier Cr2side of the brake F1is zero, generation of abnormal sound and vibration may be prevented, and breakage of the brake F1may be avoided.

In S26, the setting of the RVS preparation mode is canceled. In S27, the RVS gearing mode is set. In this setting, as described in phase4ofFIG. 5, a process for releasing the clutch C1and the brake B3and engaging the brake B2is performed in a separate routine (for example, S16ofFIG. 6A). Accordingly, the process is finished.

Mechanical Engagement Mechanism

The brake F1is a configuration that performs mechanical drive transmission. In this kind of engagement mechanism, switching between states may not be performed smoothly depending on the application state of a load to the engagement portion on the inside. This point will be described below.

FIG. 7is a partial perspective diagram that illustrates a structure example of the brake F1in this embodiment.FIG. 8Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA inFIG. 7.

The brake F1includes a fixed plate TW11that is fixed to the casing12, a rotating plate TW12(not illustrated inFIG. 7) that is fixed to the carriers Cr1and Cr2, and a switching plate TW20. The fixed plate TW11is formed into an annular shape (donut shape). Further, the rotating plate TW12is formed into an annular shape (donut shape), similarly to the fixed plate TW11. The fixed plate TW11and the rotating plate TW12are concentrically arranged.

Housing portions TW15and TW16are formed in the fixed plate TW11. The housing portion TW15is provided with a swing portion TW13, which is swingable. Further, the housing portion TW16is provided with a swing portion TW14, which is swingable. The centers of swing of the swing portion TW13and the swing portion TW14are positioned at mutually opposite ends. The housing portion TW15is provided with a spring TW17athat urges the swing portion TW13in one direction. The housing portion TW16is provided with a spring TW17bthat urges the swing portion TW14in one direction.

In the rotating plate TW12, a recess TW18that engages the swing portion TW13is formed, and a recess TW19that engages the swing portion TW14is formed.

The switching plate TW20is arranged between the fixed plate TW11and the rotating plate TW12. The switching plate TW20is also formed into an annular shape (donut shape). The switching plate TW20is provided with notch holes TW20aand TW20bin positions that correspond to the swing portions TW13and TW14. An outer rim of the switching plate TW20is provided with a protrusion TW20cthat protrudes outward in the radial direction. The switching plate TW20is swingable with respect to the fixed plate TW11. The protrusion TW20cis urged by an electromagnetic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, and the switching plate TW20may thereby be swung with respect to the fixed plate TW11.

FIG. 8Aillustrates the rotation preventing state. That is, the swing portion TW13engages the recess TW18, and the swing portion TW14engages the recess TW19. Thus, the rotating plate TW12is not capable of relative rotation to the fixed plate TW11.

The switching plate TW20is swung in the rotation preventing state, and switching to the unidirectional rotation allowing state may thereby be performed.FIG. 8Billustrates one example of such switching. The example ofFIG. 8Billustrates a state where the switching plate TW20moves and the swing portion TW13is thereby pressed to an edge of the notch hole TW20aof the switching plate TW20and housed in the housing portion TW15. Accordingly, the engagement between the swing portion TW13and the recess TW18is released. In this state, the engagement between the swing portion TW14and the recess TW19is maintained. Thus, the rotating plate TW12is capable of rotating in one direction with respect to the fixed plate TW11(the unidirectional rotation allowing state).

Accordingly, switching between the rotation preventing state and the unidirectional rotation allowing state may be performed in accordance with the position of the switching plate TW20.

Next, a description will be made about a case where switching of the state of the brake F1may not be performed smoothly. In this embodiment, as described above, the engine braking is enabled in a case where the brake F1is in the rotation preventing state in the first gear position.FIGS. 9A and 9Bwill be referred to. InFIGS. 9A and 9B, a case is assumed where the brake F1is in the rotation preventing state in the first gear position.

FIG. 9Aillustrates an accelerating situation, in which the driving force of the internal combustion engine EG is applied to the rotating plate TW12fixed to the carriers Cr1and Cr2in the arrow D1direction. This load is born by the swing portion TW14but is not born by the swing portion TW13. Thus, the switching plate TW20is swung, and switching to the unidirectional rotation allowing state inFIG. 8Bmay thereby be performed.

FIG. 9Billustrates a decelerating situation or a case where the vehicle travels down on a slope by inertia. The driving force from a wheel is applied to the rotating plate TW12fixed to the carriers Cr1and Cr2in the arrow D2direction. This load is born by the swing portion TW13but is not born by the swing portion TW14. Even if an attempt is made to swing the swing portion TW13to the state ofFIG. 8Bby swinging the switching plate TW20, because an end of the swing portion TW13engages the recess TW18, switching may not be performed smoothly. That is, in a case where the first gear position is selected and where the brake F1is switched from the rotation preventing state to the unidirectional rotation allowing state, the switching is subject to restriction due to the traveling state.

A measure against the restriction may be regularly setting the brake F1to the unidirectional rotation allowing state in a case where the first gear position is selected. However, in a case of parking in a garage or the like, the forward range and the reverse range may be selected alternately and repeatedly. In order to establish the reverse gear position, the brake F1has to be set to the rotation preventing state by the RVS preparation process. Thus, a time lag may occur while the driver selects the R range and the reverse gear position is thereafter established, and the vehicle may not start smoothly.

Accordingly, the revolution speed of the internal combustion engine EG is made higher than the rotational frequency of the input shaft10by cooperative revolution speed control, which will be described below. Accordingly, the load applied to the swing portion TW13in the arrow D2direction is reduced, and the load is rather caused to be applied to the swing portion TW14in the arrow D1direction, thereby realizing smooth switching of the brake F1.

Cooperative Revolution Speed Control and OWC Switching Control of Brake F1

In this embodiment, in a case where the load is applied to the swing portion TW13in the arrow D2direction, the cooperative revolution speed control for the internal combustion engine EG is performed, and preparation for switching the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC is thereby performed. Accordingly, even in a decelerating situation or in a case where the vehicle travels down on a slope by inertia, the brake F1may smoothly be switched from the rotation preventing state to the unidirectional rotation allowing state.

A description will next be made about process examples that are executed by the processing unit101for determining necessity of the cooperative revolution speed control with reference toFIG. 10A.

In S31, a determination is made whether or not the brake F1is in the TWC (the rotation preventing state). The process progresses to S32in a case where the brake F1is in the TWC but progresses to S34in a case of the OWC (the unidirectional rotation allowing state).

In this embodiment, the cooperative revolution speed control is performed in a case where the first gear position is selected. Accordingly, determination conditions of S31may include whether or not the present gear position is the first gear position. One set of processes may be finished in a case where the first gear position is not selected. Depending on the structure of the automatic transmission, such cooperative revolution speed control may be performed in the gear positions or ranges other than the first gear position.

In S32, a determination is made whether or not the cooperative revolution speed control is necessary. In this embodiment, while the slip ratio of the torque converter TC is set as a reference, a determination is made whether or not the slip ratio of the torque converter TC is lower than a predetermined value.

Specifically, a determination is made whether or not the above-described ETR is lower than 100%. A case where the ETR is lower than 100% in the first gear position is a case where the detected revolution speed by the input revolution speed sensor111is higher than the detected rotational frequency by the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112. That is, the driving force is input from the internal combustion engine EG, and the vehicle is in an accelerating state. On the other hand, a case where the ETR is not lower than 100% is a case where the detected revolution speed by the input revolution speed sensor111is equal to or lower than the detected rotational frequency by the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112. In other words, this is a case where the vehicle maintains a regular speed, is decelerating, or travels down on a slope by inertia and is a state where a large load in the D2direction is likely to be applied to the carriers Cr1and Cr2(to the brake F1).

In S32, in a case where the ETR is lower than 100%, a determination is made that the cooperative revolution speed control is not necessary, and the process progresses to S34. In a case where the ETR is not lower than 100%, a determination is made that the cooperative revolution speed control is necessary, and the process progresses to S33. In S33, a cooperative revolution speed control flag is turned ON. Accordingly, the cooperative revolution speed control is started in a process of a separate routine.

In the cooperative revolution speed control, the internal combustion engine EG is controlled such that the revolution speed of the internal combustion engine EG becomes slightly higher than the rotational frequency of the input shaft10, for example. In this embodiment, the internal combustion engine EG is controlled by the engine ECU200. The control device100instructs the engine ECU200to start the cooperative revolution speed control, for example. In this case, a target value of the revolution speed (for example, a value that exceeds the detection result of the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112) may be indicated.

In S34, a determination is made whether or not the time counted by a timer indicates a prescribed lapse of time. This timer starts counting time in a case where control for switching the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC is performed in S46ofFIG. 10B. In a case where the time counted by the timer indicates the prescribed lapse of time, the process progresses to S35, and the cooperative revolution speed control flag is tuned OFF. Accordingly, the cooperative revolution speed control is finished. In a case where the time count by the timer does not indicate the prescribed lapse of time, the process progresses to S33, and the cooperative revolution speed control is continued.

The cooperative revolution speed control may be finished before the count of the prescribed lapse of time by the timer. However, in this embodiment, the cooperative revolution speed control is not finished immediately after the control for switching the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC is performed, but the cooperative revolution speed control is continued for time necessary for the state of the brake F1to become stable. Accordingly, the brake F1may more certainly be switched from the TWC to the OWC.

A description will next be made about process examples that are executed by the processing unit101in relation to switching control for switching the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC in the first gear position with reference toFIG. 10B.

In S41, a determination is made whether or not the brake F1is in the TWC (the rotation preventing state). The process progresses to S42in a case where the brake F1is in the TWC. One set of processes are finished in a case of the OWC (the unidirectional rotation allowing state). In S42, a determination is made whether or not the present gear position is the first gear position. The process progresses to S43in a case where the first gear position is selected. One set of processes are finished in a case where the first gear position is not selected.

In S43, a determination is made whether or not selection of the forward gear position of the second gear position or higher is requested in accordance with a process of shift control or an instruction of the driver (for example, a paddle operation, selection of a snowy road traveling mode, and so forth). In a case where such a request is made, the process progresses to S45because the possibility of switching to the reverse gear position is low. In a case where such a request is not made, the process progresses to S44because switching to the reverse gear position is possibly made and the brake F1may have to be maintained in the TWC. A configuration that does not include this upshifting condition may be employed.

In S44, a determination is made whether or not the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined vehicle speed. One set of processes are finished in a case where the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined vehicle speed. The process progresses to S45in a case where the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed. In a case where the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined vehicle speed, switching to the reverse gear position is possibly made. Thus, in this embodiment, conditions for the switching include a vehicle speed that is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed. However, a configuration that does not include this vehicle speed condition may be employed. The predetermined vehicle speed may be set to 8 km/h, for example. Alternatively, the predetermined vehicle speed may be set to 5 km/h, for example. Alternatively, the predetermined vehicle speed may be set to 3 km/h, for example.

In S45, a determination is made whether or not the load in the D2direction is applied to the brake F1. Other parameters may be employed for the determination of the load. However, in this embodiment, similarly to S32ofFIG. 10A, the slip ratio of the torque converter TC is set as the reference, and a determination is made whether or not the slip ratio of the torque converter TC is lower than a predetermined value. Specifically, a determination is made whether or not the above-described ETR is lower than 100%. The process progresses to S46in a case where the ETR is lower than 100%. One set of processes are finished in a case where the ETR is equal to or higher than 100%.

As described above, a case where the ETR is lower than 100% is a case where the detected revolution speed by the input revolution speed sensor111is higher than the detected rotational frequency by the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112. That is, the driving force is input from the internal combustion engine EG, and the vehicle is in an accelerating state. On the other hand, a case where the ETR is not lower than 100% is a case where the detected revolution speed by the input revolution speed sensor111is equal to or lower than the detected rotational frequency by the input shaft rotational frequency sensor112. In other words, this is a case where the vehicle maintains a regular speed, is decelerating, or travels down on a slope by inertia and is a state where a large load in the D2direction is likely to be applied to the carriers Cr1and Cr2(to the brake F1).

In a case where the ETR is lower than 100%, the load in the D2direction is not applied to the carriers Cr1and Cr2(to the brake F1). Thus, the brake F1is switched from the TWC to the OWC in S46. Further, the time count by the timer, which serves as a determination target in S34, is started in S46.

In a case where the ETR is equal to or higher than 100%, the load in the D2direction is applied to the carriers Cr1and Cr2(to the brake F1). Thus, the switching of the brake F1is not performed. However, the process ofFIG. 10Areduces the possibility that the ETR becomes equal to or higher than 100%.

FIG. 11is a timing diagram that illustrates change examples of the revolution speed of the internal combustion engine EG, the rotational frequency of the input shaft10, the vehicle speed, the cooperative revolution speed control flag, the state of the brake F1, and the load in the D2direction applied to the brake F1in a case where the control ofFIGS. 10A and 10Bis performed.

In the example ofFIG. 11, a situation is assumed in which the vehicle travels down on a slope while an accelerator is not used in a case where the first gear position is selected. As the vehicle goes down on the slope, the vehicle speed increases, and the input shaft rotational frequency is thereby increased. The EG revolution speed does not increase because the accelerator is not used. The input shaft rotational frequency exceeds the EG revolution speed, and a load applied from the driving wheel to the brake F1increases.

When the input shaft rotational frequency exceeds the EG revolution speed, the cooperative revolution speed control flag is turned ON, the cooperative revolution speed control for the internal combustion engine EG is started, and the EG revolution speed increases. Accordingly, the EG revolution speed exceeds the input shaft rotational frequency, and the load starts decreasing. The broken line of the load lines exemplifies that the load further increases in a case where the cooperative revolution speed control is not performed.

When the EG revolution speed exceeds the input shaft rotational frequency, the brake F1is switched from the TWC to the OWC. The time count by the timer is started, the cooperative revolution speed control flag is turned OFF after a delay time DT elapses, and the cooperative revolution speed control for the internal combustion engine EG is finished.

Accordingly, the switching of the brake F1may be performed even in a traveling state where the switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC is difficult in a usual situation.

Other Embodiments

In the above embodiment, the switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC is performed in the first gear position. However, it may be preferable that the switching in the higher gear position may be performed in a case where the vehicle speed is high. Accordingly, the switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC may be performed in the other forward gear positions. Specifically, an intermediate forward gear position in which both of the OWC and the TWC of the brake F1may be established is set as an intermediate forward gear position between the lowest forward gear position and the highest forward gear position, and the switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC may be performed in the intermediate forward gear position.

As for such an intermediate forward gear position, in the structure of this embodiment, a gear position in which both of the OWC and the TWC of the brake F1may be established may be formed by engaging the clutch C2and the brake B3, for example. In this case, a gear position at an intermediate gear ratio between the second gear position and the third gear position (hereinafter referred to as 2.5 gear position) is provided.

The switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC may be performed in either one of the first gear position and the 2.5 gear position or may be performed only in the 2.5 gear position. In a case where the switching is performed in either one of the first gear position and the 2.5 gear position, the process may progress to S43in a case where the first gear position or the 2.5 gear position is selected in the determination of S42in the process example ofFIG. 10B. In a case where the switching is performed only in the 2.5 gear position, a process of S42is removed. Further, in a case where the determination in S43is Yes or where the determination in S44is Yes, the process may progress to S45after the 2.5 gear position is established.

The 2.5 gear position may be a gear position that is dedicated to the switching of the brake F1from the TWC to the OWC or may be a gear position that may be selected on the shift map.

Conclusion of Embodiments

A control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment is a control device for an automatic transmission (1, for example), in which the automatic transmission includes: an input shaft (10, for example) to which driving force is input from a drive source (EG, for example) via a torque converter (TC, for example); an output member (11, for example); plural planetary gear mechanisms (P1to P4, for example) that transmit the driving force which is input to the input shaft to the output member; and plural engagement mechanisms (C1to C3, B1to B3, and F1, for example) that are capable of establishing plural gear positions by switching transmission paths of the driving force in the plural planetary gear mechanisms, one of the plural engagement mechanisms is a mechanical engagement mechanism (F1, for example) that functions as a brake, the mechanical engagement mechanism is capable of being switched between a first state (OWC, for example) where only rotation in a first direction (D1, for example) of a prescribed rotating element (Cr1and Cr2, for example) among plural rotating elements included in the plural planetary gear mechanisms is prevented and a second state (TWC, for example) where rotation in both of the first direction and a second direction (D2, for example) that is opposite to the first direction of the prescribed rotating element is prevented, the plural gear positions include: a forward gear position (1st to 10th, for example) in which the first state of the mechanical engagement mechanism is capable of being established; and a reverse gear position (RVS, for example) in which the second state of the mechanical engagement mechanism is established, the control device includes: a first detection unit (111, for example) that detects a revolution speed of revolutions which are input from the drive source to the torque converter; a second detection unit (112, for example) that detects a rotational frequency of the input shaft; and a control unit (101, for example) that is capable of switching states of the mechanical engagement mechanism, and the control unit determines whether or not revolution speed control for the drive source is necessary based on the first detection unit and the second detection unit in a case where the mechanical engagement mechanism is switched from the second state to the first state (S32, for example), and switches the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state after the revolution speed control is executed (S33, for example) in a case where a determination is made that the revolution speed control is necessary (S46, for example).

In such a configuration, the revolution speed control reduces a load applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism, and the mechanical engagement mechanism may thereby be switched. Accordingly, the degree of freedom of switching of the mechanical engagement mechanism may be improved.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the control unit may determine that the revolution speed control is necessary in a case where the rotational frequency that is detected by the second detection unit is equal to or higher than the revolution speed that is detected by the first detection unit (S32, for example).

In such a configuration, a determination may relatively easily be made whether or not the revolution speed control is necessary based on the magnitude relationship between the revolution speed and the rotational frequency.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the control unit may switch the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state in a case where the revolution speed that is detected by the first detection unit becomes higher than the rotational frequency that is detected by the second detection unit due to the revolution speed control (S45and S46, for example).

In such a configuration, it may be confirmed that the revolution speed control reduces the load applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism, and the mechanical engagement mechanism may thereby be switched to the first state more safely.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the plural gear positions may include a lowest forward gear position (1st, for example) in which both of the first state and the second state of the mechanical engagement mechanism are capable of being established, and the control unit may determine whether or not the revolution speed control is necessary in a case where the mechanical engagement mechanism is switched from the second state to the first state in the lowest forward gear position, and may switch the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state after the revolution speed control for the drive source is executed in a case where a determination is made that the revolution speed control is necessary.

In such a configuration, the degree of freedom of switching of the mechanical engagement mechanism in the lowest forward gear position may be improved.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the control unit may instruct a control device (200, for example) of the drive source to perform the revolution speed control in a case where a determination is made that the revolution speed control is necessary.

In such a configuration, cooperative revolution speed control may be performed in a configuration in which the automatic transmission and the drive source respectively include specific control devices.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the revolution speed control may be continued until a prescribed time elapses after control for switching the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state is executed (S34, for example).

In such a configuration, the load applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism may be reduced until the switching of the mechanical engagement mechanism becomes stable.

In the control device (100, for example) of the above embodiment, the control unit may switch the mechanical engagement mechanism from the second state to the first state in a case where the revolution speed that is detected by the first detection unit is higher than the rotational frequency that is detected by the second detection unit (S45and S46, for example).

In such a configuration, while it may be confirmed that the load applied to the mechanical engagement mechanism is reduced, the mechanical engagement mechanism may be switched to the first state more safely.