Vehicle parking device

Abstract

This invention provides a parking device for vehicles, comprising a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism for positioning and maintaining a parking head in a parking position after it has been moved to a parking position. The first switching mechanism switches between a connected state in which the parking head is connected to a parking lever and a non-connected state in which the parking lever can move relative to the parking head. The second switching mechanism switches between a locked state in which the parking head is positioned against a fixed housing and a non-locked state in which the parking head is released from its position relative to the fixed housing by retracting the parking lever in the locked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a parking device for vehicles, and more particularly to a technique for preventing the parking pawl from disengaging from the parking gear during parking in position P. Background Technology

[0002] A known vehicle parking device comprises: (a) a parking gear; (b) a parking pawl configured to approach or disengage from the parking gear, mechanically preventing rotation of the parking gear by engaging with it; (c) a parking head configured to reciprocate between a parking position and a non-parking position, wherein when moving towards the parking position, the parking pawl approaches the parking gear, preventing rotation of the parking gear; and (d) a head moving member mechanically connected to the parking head, which moves the parking head from the non-parking position to the parking position when a parking position P is selected. In the device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-141520, as an example, a wedge 75 corresponds to the parking head, and a parking lever 74 corresponds to the head moving member.

[0003] In such vehicle parking devices, when the parking position (P) is selected using a gear shift lever or similar means, the parking head moves towards the parking position, engaging the parking pawl with the parking gear. This locks the wheels in place via a rotating shaft equipped with the parking gear. In this case, if the road surface at the parking location has a steep gradient, a push-out load is generated corresponding to the rotational torque applied to the parking gear due to the vehicle's weight, potentially causing the parking pawl to disengage from the parking gear. Due to this push-out load, the parking head retracts towards the non-parking position, potentially resulting in the parking pawl disengaging from the parking gear (P position). In contrast, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-141520 describes a stop (wedge block limiting unit) that can move forward and backward along the movement path of the parking head (wedge block), preventing the parking head from retracting and thus preventing P position disengagement.

[0004] However, in the vehicle parking device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-141520, a stop or a linkage mechanism for moving the stop needs to be installed on the support member that forms the moving path of the parking head so that it can move forward and backward. Therefore, the support member needs to be significantly redesigned, and there is a possibility of the device becoming larger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made against the background of the above situation, and its purpose is to prevent the P from falling off when parking on a slope without major design changes and to suppress the enlargement of the device.

[0006] The vehicle parking device of the first embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0007] Parking gears;

[0008] A parking pawl, the parking pawl being configured to approach or disengage relative to the parking gear, mechanically preventing the rotation of the parking gear by engaging with it;

[0009] A parking head, the parking head being configured to reciprocate between a parking position and a non-parking position, wherein when moving to the parking position, it enters a parking state in which the parking pawl approaches the parking gear and prevents the rotation of the parking gear;

[0010] A head movement member, mechanically connected to the parking head, moves the parking head from the non-parking position to the parking position when a parking position P is selected; and

[0011] A parking locking device that positions the parking head at the parking position after it has moved to the parking position by selecting the P position and maintains it in the parking state.

[0012] Here, the parking locking device is configured to include a first switching mechanism. When the direction of movement of the head moving member that moves the parking head toward the parking position is set as the forward direction, and the direction of movement of the head moving member that moves the parking head toward the non-parking position is set as the backward direction, the first switching mechanism mechanically switches between a connected state and a disconnected state by moving the parking head to the parking position along with the head moving member in the forward direction and preventing the parking head from moving toward the parking position. In the connected state, the parking head and the head moving member move together to the parking position along the forward direction, and in the disconnected state, the head moving member is allowed to move relative to the parking head in the forward direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the parking locking device is configured to include a second switching mechanism that mechanically switches as the head moving member moves relative to the parking head. This switching mechanism is configured to lock the parking head in a fixed state relative to the moving member when the parking head reaches the parking position and the head moving member moves relative to the parking head in the forward direction, thereby preventing the parking head from retracting to the non-parking position side. When the head moving member moves relative to the moving member in the backward direction in this locked state, the parking head is released from its fixed position and becomes an unlocked state that allows the parking head to retract.

[0014] According to the vehicle parking device of the first invention, in the second invention, (a) the parking locking device includes: a first member that moves integrally with the head moving member; and a second member that moves integrally with the parking head; (b) the second member has a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion on the same axis, the first fitting portion being provided with a first fitting hole for the first member to be fitted in a manner that allows axial movement, the second fitting portion being fitted in a manner that allows axial movement, the second fitting hole being provided in the fixing member; and (c) the first switching mechanism includes: a first... A locking member, configured to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first member; a first engaging recess, disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the first engaging hole of the second member and engaging with the first locking member; and an elastic member, the elastic member applying force to cause the first locking member to protrude outward, thereby engaging the first locking member with the first engaging recess according to the force of the elastic member, thus achieving the connected state of the first member and the second member, wherein the first locking member is pushed inward against the force of the elastic member. This results in a non-connected state that allows the first component to move relative to the second component in the forward direction. On the other hand, (d) the second switching mechanism includes: a second locking member configured to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second engagement portion of the second component; a second engagement recess disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second engagement hole of the fixing member and engaging with the second locking member; and a push-out engagement portion disposed on the first component, which, when the parking head reaches the parking position and the first component moves relative to the second component in the forward direction... When moving in the forward direction, the push-out engagement portion pushes the second locking member outward, causing the second locking member to engage with the second engagement recess. By using the push-out engagement portion to push the second locking member outward from the second member and engage with the second engagement recess, a locked state is formed that prevents the second member from retracting towards the non-parking position side. When the first member retracts relative to the second member towards the non-parking position side in this locked state, the engagement between the second locking member and the second engagement recess caused by the push-out engagement portion is released, resulting in the unlocked state.

[0015] According to the second invention, in the third invention, the fixed member is provided with a push-in engagement part. Before the parking head is about to move to the parking position, the push-in engagement part engages with the first locking member that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the first member, and pushes the first locking member into the middle position against the force of the elastic member.

[0016] According to the second or third invention, in the fourth invention, (a) a pair of first locking members are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the first member in a through hole orthogonal to the axis of the first member. The pair of first locking members are subjected to force in opposite directions by a common elastic member disposed between the pair of first locking members. The first locking members protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first member and engage with the first engaging recess. On the other hand, (b) a pair of second locking members are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the second member in a through hole orthogonal to the axis of the second member. The pair of second locking members are pushed outward in opposite directions by a common push-out engaging portion disposed on the first member in a mutually separated manner so as to protrude along the axis of the second member. The second locking members protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second member and engage with the second engaging recess.

[0017] In this vehicle parking device, a parking locking device with a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism is included. When the first switching mechanism is engaged and the second switching mechanism is unlocked, the parking head and the head moving member advance together to the parking position, resulting in a parking state where the parking pawl is engaged with the parking gear. When the head moving member advances further in this state, the first switching mechanism is switched to the de-engaged state, the head moving member moves relative to the parking head, and the second switching mechanism is switched to the locked state, positioning the parking head against the fixed member and preventing the parking head from retracting towards the non-parking position side. Thus, even if a push-out load is generated due to road slope, etc., pushing the parking pawl out of the parking gear, and a force acting based on this push-out load in the direction of retracting the parking head towards the non-parking position side is generated, the retraction of the parking head can be prevented, thus suppressing the pawl from dislodging from the parking gear. In this case, it is sufficient to simply set up a parking locking device with a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism. The first switching mechanism and the second switching mechanism mechanically switch states as the head moving member moves. Therefore, no major design changes are required for the support members, etc. It can be easily applied to conventional vehicle parking devices and can be compactly constructed.

[0018] In the vehicle parking device of the first embodiment, the parking locking device includes a first member and a second member, and the first switching mechanism includes a first locking member, a first engaging recess, and an elastic member. It switches between a connected state and a disconnected state depending on whether the first locking member engages with the first engaging recess. On the other hand, the second switching mechanism includes a second locking member, a second engaging recess, and a push-out engaging portion. It switches between a locked state and an unlocked state depending on whether the second locking member engages with the second engaging recess. Thus, it is advantageous to obtain the effect of being easily applicable to conventional vehicle parking devices and to construct the device compactly.

[0019] In the vehicle parking device of the first embodiment, a push-in engaging portion is provided on the fixing member. Before the parking head moves to the parking position, the first locking member of the first switching mechanism is pushed into the middle position. Therefore, the first switching mechanism can smoothly switch from the connected state to the disconnected state as the head moving member advances after the parking head reaches the parking position. That is, the parking head and the head moving member can be reliably connected with a large connection strength and the parking head can be moved to the parking position through the connected state of the first switching mechanism, forming a parking state where the parking pawl engages with the parking gear. Furthermore, the movement of the head moving member can be smoothly performed with relatively small force while the first switching mechanism is switched to the disconnected state and the head moving member is further advanced to switch the second switching mechanism to the locked state. Furthermore, since the first locking member is only pushed into the middle position when the head moving member is moved backward in order to release the parking state, the first locking member is engaged with the first locking recess by the force of the elastic member in the middle, the first switching mechanism is connected, and the parking head and the head moving member move backward together to release the parking state.

[0020] In the vehicle parking device of the first embodiment, a pair of first locking members of the first switching mechanism are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the first member, and a pair of second locking members of the second switching mechanism are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the second member. Therefore, the connection state in which the head moving member and the parking head are integrally connected by the first switching mechanism is stable, and the locking state in which the parking head is positioned on the fixed member by the second switching mechanism is stable, thus stably performing a series of parking actions, including the switching of the first switching mechanism and the second switching mechanism by the movement of the head moving member. In addition, since the pair of first locking members of the first switching mechanism are exerted with force by a common elastic member in a way that protrudes outward, and the pair of second locking members of the second switching mechanism are pushed outward by a common push-out engagement portion, the number of parts is small, and the parking locking device can be constructed simply and compactly. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the parking lock state of a vehicle parking device as an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the main parts in cross section;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the parking head retracting to a non-parking position in a non-parking state;

[0024] Figure 3 (a) is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram showing the operation of the vehicle parking device is a sectional view of the main parts;

[0025] Figure 3 (b) is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram showing the operation of the vehicle parking device is a sectional view of the main parts;

[0026] Figure 3 (c) is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram showing the operation of the vehicle parking device is a sectional view of the main parts;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram of the parking locking device of the vehicle parking system is a perspective view showing the multiple components together with the parking head and parking lever.

[0028] Figure 5 Is as Figure 4 A top view of the fixed housing, one of the components of the parking locking device;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Right view of the fixed housing;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A sectional view of the portion viewed from direction VII-VII;

[0031] Figure 8 Is as Figure 4 A top view of the outer rod, one of the components of the parking locking device;

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A sectional view of the IX-IX view portion;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A sectional view of the portion viewed from the XX direction;

[0034] Figure 11 Is as Figure 4 A top view of the inner rod, one of the components of the parking locking device.

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A sectional view of the XII-XII section in the middle;

[0036] Figure 13 This is an explanation Figure 1 A diagram showing a deformation example of the inner rod in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The vehicle parking device of the present invention is applicable to, for example, a shift-by-wire (SBW) parking device that uses an electric shift actuator to electrically activate the gear selected by a gear selection device such as a shift lever. Additionally, the vehicle parking device of the present invention can also be applied to a manually operated parking device that mechanically switches between multiple gears using a shift lever via a linkage, cable, or other connecting device. As a gear, it includes at least a P (parking) position for parking that cuts off power transmission and mechanically prevents the rotation of the parking gear; when this P position is selected, the parking device is in a parked state. The vehicle parking device of the present invention can be applied to various vehicles, including engine-driven vehicles that use an engine that generates power through fuel combustion as a power source, pure electric vehicles driven by an electric motor, and hybrid electric vehicles with multiple power sources.

[0039] A parking gear is mounted on a rotating shaft (output shaft, etc.) that rotates mechanically along with the rotation of the wheels. By engaging the parking pawl with the parking gear, the rotation of the rotating shaft is mechanically prevented, thereby preventing the rotation of the wheels. A parking head is mounted on the top of a head-moving member such as a parking lever, and moves back and forth between the parking position and the non-parking position together with the head-moving member. The parking head is connected to the head-moving member or a member further upstream of the head-moving member in a manner that allows relative movement of the parking head when the parking pawl interferes with the parking gear, for example, by using a force-applying device such as a spring member, so that the parking head can be relatively retracted.

[0040] The parking locking device includes, for example, a first component and a second component. The first switching mechanism is configured to include a first locking component, a first engaging recess, and an elastic component, while the second switching mechanism is configured to include a second locking component, a second engaging recess, and a push-out engaging portion. Alternatively, the first component can be integrally provided with the head moving component, or the second component can be integrally provided with the parking head. The first locking component and elastic component of the first switching mechanism can also be disposed on the second component, and the first engaging recess can be provided on the first component. The shape of the first engaging recess is determined by the shape of the first locking component. For example, if the first locking component is a ball bearing or has a hemispherical tip, a spherical recess with a curvature approximately the same as that of the first locking component, or a truncated cone recess, is suitable for the shape of the first engaging recess. Alternatively, if the first and second components are cylindrical, an annular groove with a circular arc cross-section or a V-shaped cross-section is suitable for the shape of the first engaging recess. The same applies to the second engaging recess.

[0041] The fixed member is provided with a push-in engagement part. For example, before the parking head is about to move to the parking position, the push-in engagement part engages with the first locking member and pushes the first locking member into the middle position against the force of the elastic member. Alternatively, the push-in engagement part can be omitted. The second member is configured, for example, to have a first fitting part and a second fitting part on the same axis. The first fitting part is provided with a first fitting hole for the first member to fit in a manner that allows axial movement, and the second fitting part fits into the second fitting hole in a manner that allows axial movement. The second fitting hole is provided in the fixed member. Alternatively, it is not necessary for the first member, the second member, and the fixed member to fit together. The first switching mechanism and the second switching mechanism can be stacked and provided in a layered manner, and various methods can be implemented.

[0042] Multiple first locking members can be arranged around the axis of the first member, but they can also be arranged in only one part of the first member. Similarly, multiple second locking members can be arranged around the axis of the second member, but they can also be arranged in only one part of the second member. When the first and second locking members are respectively arranged in multiple parts, for example, multiple first locking members can be arranged around the axis of the first member, and these multiple first locking members are forceped by the elastic member in a manner that they each protrude outward from the outer periphery of the first member. On the other hand, multiple second locking members can be arranged around the axis of the second member, and these multiple second locking members are pushed outward from the outer periphery of the second member by the common push-out engagement portion provided in the first member, so as to protrude along the axis of the second member. For example, a pair of first locking members can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the first member in a through hole orthogonal to the axis of the first member, and a pair of second locking members can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the second member in a through hole orthogonal to the axis of the second member. Alternatively, three or more first locking components may be arranged at equal angular intervals around the axis of the first component, or three or more second locking components may be arranged at equal angular intervals around the axis of the second component.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the drawings are appropriately simplified or modified for illustrative purposes, and the size ratios and shapes of the parts may not be accurately depicted.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the parking lock state of a vehicle parking device 10 as an embodiment of the present invention, showing the main parts in cross-section. The vehicle parking device 10 is a parking device of the SBW (Side-by-Side) type: depending on the gear selected by the shift lever 12, the electronic control device 16 operates the shift actuator 18, such as an electric motor, to rotate the brake plate 22 via the manual shaft 20, thereby electrically switching the power transmission state, i.e., the gear position, of the automatic transmission (not shown). The shift lever 12 is located near the driver's seat and is configured to operate in four positions according to the driver's shifting operation: P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive). The P position is a parking position that selects to cut off power transmission and mechanically prevents the rotation of the output shaft or other rotating shaft 45 of the automatic transmission. The R position is an operating position that selects to allow reverse driving. The N position is an operating position that selects to cut off power transmission. The D position is an operating position that selects to allow forward driving. The operating position of the shift lever 12 is detected by the lever position sensor 14, and the electronic control device 16 determines the selected gear based on its operating position. The shift lever 12 is equivalent to a gear selection device. The gear is sometimes also referred to as the shift range.

[0045] The brake plate 22 rotates around the axis of the manual shaft 20 via the shift actuator 18 and is positioned in four rotational positions: P (P position), R (R position), N (N position), and D (D position). A concave-convex shape with four positioning recesses 24 is provided at the top of the brake plate 22, and a locking part 26 engages with these positioning recesses 24. The locking part 26 rounds the top of the spring plate 28, causing it to move in accordance with the concave-convex shape through elastic deformation of the spring plate 28, which is fixed to the transmission housing, etc., and applies a predetermined constraint (positioning force) to the brake plate 22 at each rotational position (P, R, N, D). A manual valve or the like is connected to the brake plate 22 via a linkage (not shown) to switch the hydraulic control circuit according to the selected gear.

[0046] The parking lever 34 is connected to the brake plate 22 via the connecting shaft 30. As the brake plate 22 rotates, the parking lever 34 moves along its length. Figure 1 The parking device 10 moves back and forth roughly in a straight line in the left and right direction, switching its operating state according to the position of the parking lever 34. A parking head 38 is connected to the top of the parking lever 34 via a parking locking device 36. When the parking head 38 moves (advances) to... Figure 1 When the parking position is shown, the parking pawl moves 40 degrees. Figure 1 The lower side rotates, and the engaging teeth 40p engage with the parking gear 44. The parking gear 44 is mounted on a rotating shaft 45 that rotates mechanically along with the rotation of the wheels, such as the output shaft of the automatic transmission, in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The parking pawl 40 is disposed in the transmission housing, etc., in a manner that allows rotation about a pawl shaft 46 parallel to the rotating shaft 45, and is moved in the engagement release direction by a return spring 48, which serves as a force application device. Figure 1 Applying force in the counterclockwise direction, the parking head 38 overcomes the force of the return spring 48, causing the parking pawl 40 to move in the engagement direction. Figure 1 (clockwise) rotation. That is, the parking pawl 40 is configured to allow the engaging teeth 40p to approach or disengage relative to the parking gear 44, when the parking pawl 40 moves from the parking head 38 towards... Figure 1 When the gear rotates in the direction of engagement, the engagement tooth 40p approaches and engages with the parking gear 44, thus mechanically preventing the rotation of the parking gear 44, and consequently the rotation of the shaft 45 and the wheel.

[0047] The parking lever 34 is connected to the connecting shaft 30 via an elongated hole 50, and is generally held relative to the connecting shaft 30 at the parking position by a spring member (in this embodiment, a compression coil spring) 52, which serves as a force-applying device. Figure 1On the left-hand forward side, the parking pawl 40 is rotated in the engaging direction via the parking head 38. However, even when the engaging teeth 40p of the parking pawl 40 interfere with the parking gear 44, the parking lever 34 is allowed to overcome the force of the spring member 52 and move together with the parking head 38 relative to the connecting shaft 30. Figure 1 The vehicle reverses to the right, i.e., to the side not in a parking position. Additionally, the parking head 38 is supported by a support member 54 fixed to the transmission housing, etc., to prevent it from moving towards... Figure 1 Avoid the upper side. Parking head 38 Figure 1 The parking location shown is the same as Figure 2 The line reciprocates between the non-parking positions shown, and the support member 54 has a length dimension capable of supporting the parking head 38 between the parking position and the non-parking position.

[0048] Figure 1 This diagram shows a parking lock state in which the vehicle parking device 10 is locked in a parking state by using the parking lock device 36 when the P position is selected by using the shift lever 12 and the brake plate 22 is rotated counterclockwise around the axis of the manual shaft 20 to the P position, and the parking lever 34 is advanced via the connecting shaft 30. Figure 2 This diagram shows the non-stop state of the vehicle parking device 10 when the parking lever 34 is moved back to the reverse position in a position other than P, such as the selected D position. Figure 3 of (a), Figure 3 (b) Figure 3 (c) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the vehicle parking device 10, and is a sectional view of the main parts. Figure 3 (a) is to select a non-P position such as D position so that the parking lever 34 retracts via the connecting shaft 30 to Figure 3 The right-hand direction, i.e., the reverse position, is a non-stop state and is equivalent to... Figure 2 The image. Figure 3 The position of parking head 38 shown in (a) is a non-parking position. Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the parking state in which the P position is selected and the parking lever 34 is advanced to the first forward position via the connecting shaft 30 and the parking head 38 is advanced to the parking position. Figure 3 (c) is the parking lock state in which the parking lever 34 advances further to the second forward position (forward end position) and the parking lock device 36 locks the vehicle parking device 10 into a parking state, which is equivalent to... Figure 1 The diagram shows that the parking lever 34 rotates in conjunction with the brake plate 22. Figure 3 The backward position shown in (a) is the same as Figure 3 It moves back and forth between the second forward position shown in (c). That is, Figure 3 The first forward position shown in (b) is the position where further forward movement of the parking head 38 is prevented, and the parking lever 34 does not stop at this first forward position. Figure 3 The backward position of (a) and Figure 3 It moves continuously between the second forward positions of (c).

[0049] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the multiple components of the parking locking device 36 disassembled, and is shown together with the parking lever 34 and the parking head 38. Figure 4 S is the assembly centerline, which is the shared centerline of multiple constituent parts in the assembled state.

[0050] according to Figure 4 It is clear that the parking head 38 includes a U-shaped support member 60, a pair of first rollers 62, and a second roller 64. Elongated holes are provided on a pair of sidewalls of the support member 60, allowing the rollers 62 and 64 to rotate freely. Pressure plates 66 and 68 are installed on the outer sides of the pair of sidewalls of the support member 60 to prevent the rollers 62 and 64 from falling off. The first rollers 62 and 64 are arranged vertically between the parking pawls 40 and the support member 54 on both sides of the parking head 38 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the parking head 38 moves from a non-parking position to a parking position, the first roller 62 on the parking pawl 40 side engages with the parking pawl 40, causing the parking pawl 40 to approach and engage with the parking gear 44, as shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the parking pawl 40 is provided with a cam surface 70 that rotates the parking pawl 40 in the engagement direction by engaging with the first roller 62. The cam surface 70 has an inclined surface that rotates the parking pawl 40 in the engagement direction, and is continuously disposed on the parking position side along with this inclined surface. Figure 1 The parking side engagement surface (on the left side) and the non-parking position side (continuously arranged with the inclined surface). Figure 1 The non-parking side card-locking surface (on the right side). The parking side card-locking surface is... Figure 1 The portion that engages with the first roller 62 in the parking state is configured to be approximately parallel to the direction of movement of the parking head 38 in this parking state. Additionally, the non-parking side engagement surface is... Figure 2 The portion that engages with the first roller 62 in the non-stop state is configured to be approximately parallel to the direction of movement of the parking head 38 in the non-stop state.

[0051] Additionally, the second roller 64 on the support member 54 side is used to restrict the parking head 38 from displacing to the side opposite to the parking pawl 40 by engaging with the support member 54 when the parking head 38 moves between the parking position and the non-parking position. That is, when the parking head 38 moves from the non-parking position to the parking position, the first roller 62 and the second roller 64 are clamped between the parking pawl 40 and the support member 54 and rotate relative to each other in a state of contact on the outer peripheral surface, thereby restricting the parking head 38 from displacing to the side opposite to the parking pawl 40, and the parking pawl 40 is rotated in the engagement direction and engaged with the parking gear 44 by engaging the first roller 62 with the cam surface 70. In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 72, which includes the first roller 62, the second roller 64 and the cam surface 70, is configured to bring the parking pawl 40 close to the parking gear 44 and engage it. In addition, the parking lever 34 that reciprocates the parking head 38 is equivalent to a head moving member. It should be noted that the brake plate 22 and the connecting shaft 30 can also be regarded as head moving members.

[0052] according to Figure 4 It can be clearly stated that the parking locking device 36 includes a fixed housing 80 fixed to the transmission housing, etc., an inner rod 82 that moves integrally with the parking lever 34, and an outer rod 84 that moves integrally with the parking head 38. Furthermore, the parking locking device includes... Figures 1 to 3 The first switching mechanism 86 and the second switching mechanism 88 are shown. In this embodiment, the inner rod 82 is integrally fixed to the parking rod 34 by threaded fastening. However, it only needs to move integrally with the parking rod 34 during parking and release. For example, instead of arranging the elongated hole 50 and spring member 52 between the parking rod 34 and the connecting shaft 30, a clearance mechanism with the same function can be arranged between the inner rod 82 and the parking rod 34. The parking head 38 is integrally fixed to the outer rod 84 by bolts 89. However, it only needs to move integrally with the outer rod 84 during parking and release. For example, it can be connected in a swingable manner via a connecting rod. The fixed housing 80 is equivalent to a fixed component, the inner rod 82 is equivalent to a first component, and the outer rod 84 is equivalent to a second component.

[0053] The fixed housing 80 is as follows Figures 5 to 7 It is constructed as shown. Figure 5 This is a top view of the fixed housing 80. Figure 6 From Figure 5 The right-side view as observed from the right. Figure 7 yes Figure 5The cross-sectional view is shown in section VII-VII. The fixed housing 80 integrally comprises a cylindrical housing body 90 centered on axis S1 and a pair of flanges 92 extending from the housing body 90 in a direction perpendicular to axis S1. The axis S1 is fixed to the transmission housing or the like via the flanges 92 at a position parallel to and concentric with the moving direction of the parking head 38, using bolts (not shown). At one end of the housing body 90 in the axial direction, i.e., the end opposite to the parking head 38, and at the end in the non-parking position, a pair of push-in engaging portions 94 are provided at two symmetrical locations centered on axis S1, protruding parallel to axis S1. Furthermore, at a predetermined axial position on the inner circumferential surface 96 of the housing body 90, an annular groove 98 with a circular arc cross-section is provided around the entire circumference of axis S1. The inner circumferential surface 96 corresponds to a second engaging hole for the outer rod 84 to engage in a manner that allows axial movement.

[0054] outer rod 84 Figures 8 to 10 It is constructed as shown. Figure 8 This is a top view of the outer rod 84. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A sectional view of the IX-IX direction in the diagram. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the portion in the XX direction. The outer rod 84 integrally has a large-diameter portion 100 on the parking lever 34 side and a small-diameter portion 102 on the parking head 38 side on the same axis S2. The large-diameter portion 100 is cylindrical in shape centered on the axis S2, and at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface 104, an annular groove 106 with a circular arc cross-section is provided around the entire circumference of the axis S2. The inner circumferential surface 104 corresponds to a first fitting hole for the inner rod 82 to be fitted in a manner that allows it to move axially, and the large-diameter portion 100 corresponds to the first fitting portion. The small-diameter portion 102 is the portion that fits into the housing body 90 of the fixed housing 80 in a manner that allows it to move axially, and corresponds to the second fitting portion. A threaded hole 108 for bolts 89 for fixing the parking head 38 is provided on the end face of the small-diameter portion 102. A through hole 110 is provided in the small-diameter portion 102 in a manner orthogonal to the axis S2, which accommodates a pair of balls 112 constituting the second switching mechanism 88 (see reference). Figure 4 (etc.), and a connecting hole 114 is provided coaxially with the axis S2 at the bottom of the cylindrical large-diameter portion 100, communicating with the through hole 110. Furthermore, at the boundary between the small-diameter portion 102 and the large-diameter portion 100, a pair of slits 116 are provided parallel to the axis S2 at two positions symmetrical with respect to the axis S2. These slits 116 are bottomed grooves in the small-diameter portion 102, but through grooves reaching the inner circumferential surface 104 in the large-diameter portion 100, and are positioned axially parallel to the axis S2 to reach the annular groove 106. And, as... Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3As shown in (b), when the parking head 38, which is integrally fixed to the outer rod 84, moves from the non-parking position to the parking position, a pair of push-in engagement portions 94 of the fixed housing 80 are inserted opposite each other in the slit 116 of the outer rod 84, the top of the push-in engagement portions 94 reaching the annular groove 106.

[0055] Inner rod 82 Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is constructed as shown. Figure 11 This is a top view of the inner rod 82. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the portion XII-XII is shown. The inner rod 82 is cylindrical about axis S3 and fits into the large-diameter portion 100 of the outer rod 84 in a manner that allows for relative axial movement. A threaded hole 120 is provided coaxially with axis S3 on the end face of the parking lever 34 for screwing the parking lever 34 into place. At a predetermined axial position of the inner rod 82, a through hole 122 is provided orthogonally to axis S3, housing a pair of cylindrical locking pins 124 constituting the first switching mechanism 86 (see reference). Figure 4 (etc.). An elastic member 126, consisting of a single compression coil spring, is sandwiched between a pair of locking pins 124, with the pair of locking pins 124 exerting forces in opposite directions toward separation. The top of the locking pin 124 is hemispherical, and its curvature is approximately the same as, or slightly larger than, the curvature of the arc of the annular groove 106 provided on the outer rod 84 (slightly smaller in the case of radius). It engages with the annular groove 106 by force applied by the elastic member 126 in a manner that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the inner rod 82, thereby achieving a connection state in which the inner rod 82 and the outer rod 84 are connected with a predetermined connection strength in a manner that prevents relative axial movement.

[0056] In the Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the parking lever 34 is in the retracted position, the first switching mechanism 86 is in the connected state. When the parking lever 34 moves forward from this state, the parking head 38 moves forward together with the inner lever 82 and the outer lever 84 in the connected state. When it reaches the first forward position after only moving forward a distance of st1 ( Figure 3When (b) is reached, the parking head 38 reaches the parking position and stops further movement. The parking position is defined, for example, by the first roller 62 of the parking head 38 abutting against a stop provided on the parking pawl 40, but it can also be determined by the abutment of the outer rod 84 against the fixed housing 80. When the parking rod 34 is moved further forward in this state, the locking pin 124, which has a hemispherical top, is engaged with the arc-shaped annular groove 106. The locking pin 124 overcomes the force of the elastic member 126 and is pushed into the inner side of the inner rod 82, and then disengages from the annular groove 106, thereby becoming a non-connected state that allows the inner rod 82 to move relative to the outer rod 84 in the forward direction. That is, the first switching mechanism 86 has a connected state and a disconnected state, which are mechanically switched as the parking lever 34 moves. In the connected state, the parking head 38 is connected to the parking lever 34 at a predetermined connection position with a predetermined connection strength. When the parking lever 34 moves from the retracted position to the parking position side, the parking head 38 moves integrally to the parking position. In the disconnected state, when the parking head 38 reaches the parking position and stops further forward movement, the parking lever 34 is allowed to move relative to the parking head 38 in the forward direction.

[0057] On the other hand, Figure 3 In the second forward position (c), the first switching mechanism 86 is in a disengaged state, and when the parking lever 34 moves backward from this state to the second forward position... Figure 3 In the first forward position shown in (b), the force of the elastic member 126 causes a pair of locking pins 124 to engage with the annular groove 106, thus forming a connected state. Furthermore, when the parking lever 34 retracts further in this connected state... Figure 3 When in the reverse position shown in (a), the parking head 38, together with the connected inner rod 82 and outer rod 84, moves from the parking position to the non-parking position, and the vehicle parking device 10 becomes non-parking. The annular groove 106 corresponds to the first engaging recess, and the locking pin 124 corresponds to the first locking member. The annular groove 106, the locking pin 124, and the elastic member 126 constitute the first switching mechanism 86.

[0058] Here, at parking barrier 34 from Figure 3 (a) is moving backward and about to reach its destination. Figure 3 Before the first forward position of (b), that is, just before the parking head 38 is about to reach the parking position, the push-in engagement portion 94 provided in the fixed housing 80 engages with the locking pin 124 protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner rod 82. In the first forward position, the locking pin 124 is pushed inward against the force of the elastic member 126. An inclined surface 94c is provided at the corner where the locking pin 124 engages with the top of the push-in engagement portion 94 (see reference). Figure 7The locking pin 124 is pushed into the middle position, causing a portion of its tip to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the inner rod 82. Thus, in the engaged state of the first switching mechanism 86, the parking head 38 and the parking lever 34 can be reliably connected with a high connection strength, allowing the parking head 38 to move to the parking position. This enables a parking state where the parking pawl 40 and the parking gear 44 are engaged, and allows for smooth switching of the first switching mechanism 86 from the engaged state to the disengaged state as the parking lever 34 moves forward after the parking head 38 reaches the parking position. Furthermore, when the parking state is released, the parking lever 34 retracts to... Figure 3 When in the first forward position shown in (b), the locking pin 124 engages with the annular groove 106 to form a connection state according to the force of the elastic member 126. After that, the parking head 38 and the parking lever 34 move backward as a whole to properly release the parking state.

[0059] return Figure 11 and Figure 12 On the inner rod 82, on the end face opposite to the threaded hole 120 connected to the parking lever 34, i.e., the side that engages with the large-diameter portion 100 of the outer rod 84, a push-out engaging portion 128 is provided coaxially with the axis S3 and protruding parallel to the axis S3. The push-out engaging portion 128 is cylindrical in shape centered on the axis S3, and its top end is hemispherical. When the inner rod 82 is engaged within the large-diameter portion 100, causing the first switching mechanism 86 to be in the connected state, the push-out engaging portion 128 allows the connecting hole 114 of the outer rod 84 to be inserted and protrude into the through hole 110. Figure 3 of (a), Figure 3 As shown in (b), a portion of the top end of the ejector engagement 128 enters between a pair of balls 112 disposed within the through hole 110. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown in (c), when the first switching mechanism 86 is in a non-connected state and the inner rod 82 moves relative to the outer rod 84 in the forward direction, the push-out engagement portion 128 enters between a pair of balls 112, thereby pushing these balls 112 out in opposite directions in a manner that separates them from each other.

[0060] like Figure 3 (b) Figure 3As shown in (c), when the parking head 38 reaches the parking position, the ball bearing 112, disposed on the outer rod 84, is positioned axially in the same direction as the annular groove 98 in the fixed housing 80. It is pushed outwards by the push-out engagement portion 128, protruding from the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 102, thereby engaging with the annular groove 98 and preventing axial movement of the outer rod 84. The curvature of the ball bearing 112 is approximately the same as the curvature of the arc of the annular groove 98, but slightly larger in the embodiment (slightly smaller in the case of the radius dimension), reliably preventing axial movement of the outer rod 84. This results in a locked state that prevents the parking head 38, integrally fixed to the outer rod 84, from retracting towards the non-parking position. Figure 3 of (a), Figure 3 In the engaged state of the first switching mechanism 86 shown in (b), only a portion of the top end of the push-out engagement portion 128 enters between a pair of balls 112, causing the balls 112 to disengage from the annular groove 98, resulting in an unlocked state that allows axial movement of the outer rod 84. That is, as shown in (b) Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 As shown in (c), when the inner rod 82 advances a distance st2 relative to the outer rod 84 and the stop rod 34 together, it enters a locked state where the ball 112 engages with the annular groove 98. Furthermore, in this locked state, as... Figure 3 (c) to Figure 3 When the inner rod 82 retracts relative to the outer rod 84 and the stop rod 34 as in (b), the engagement between the ball 112 and the annular groove 98, facilitated by the push-out engagement part 128, is released, resulting in a non-locked state. Therefore, as Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the parking lever 34 retracts further to the retracted position, the parking head 38, together with the connected inner lever 82 and outer lever 84, retracts from the parking position to the non-parking position, and the vehicle parking device 10 becomes non-parking. The annular groove 98 corresponds to the second engaging recess, and the ball 112 corresponds to the second locking member. The second switching mechanism 88 is constituted by these annular grooves 98, the ball 112, and the push-out engaging portion 128.

[0061] That is, when in such Figure 3 As shown in (b), the parking head 38 reaches the parking position as follows Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 When the parking lever 34 moves relative to the parking head 38 from the connection position based on the first switching mechanism 86 in the forward direction as shown in (c), the second switching mechanism 88 locks the parking head 38 in the fixed housing 80 in a locked state to prevent the parking head 38 from retracting to the non-parking position side. Furthermore, when in this locked state... Figure 3 (c) to Figure 3As shown in (b), when the parking lever 34 retracts relative to the parking head 38 toward the non-parking position side, the positioning of the parking head 38 relative to the fixed housing 80 is released, resulting in an unlocked state that allows the parking head 38 to retract. The locking and unlocking states of the second switching mechanism 88 are mechanically switched along with the relative movement of the parking lever 34 and the parking head 38.

[0062] Thus, the vehicle parking device 10 in this embodiment includes a parking locking device 36 having a first switching mechanism 86 and a second switching mechanism 88. When the first switching mechanism 86 is in the engaged state and the second switching mechanism 88 is in the unlocked state, as follows... Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 When the parking head 38 and parking lever 34 advance to the parking position as shown in (b), the parking pawl 40 and parking gear 44 are engaged in the parking state. In this state, as... Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 As shown in (c), when the parking lever 34 advances further, the first switching mechanism 86 is switched to a non-connected state, the parking lever 34 moves relative to the parking head 38, and the second switching mechanism 88 is switched to a locked state, the parking head 38 is positioned against the fixed housing 80, preventing the parking lever 34 from retracting towards the non-parking position side. Thus, even if a push-out load is generated due to road slope, etc., pushing the parking pawl 40 out of the parking gear 44, and a force acting based on this push-out load in the direction that causes the parking head 38 to retract towards the non-parking position side, the retraction of the parking head 38 can be prevented, thus suppressing the P-dislodgement of the parking pawl 40 from the parking gear 44. In this case, only a parking locking device 36 with a first switching mechanism 86 and a second switching mechanism 88 needs to be provided, and the first switching mechanism 86 and the second switching mechanism 88 are mechanically switched along with the movement of the parking lever 34. Therefore, no major design changes to the support member 54, etc., are required, and it can be easily applied to conventional vehicle parking devices, and the vehicle parking device 10 can be compactly constructed.

[0063] Furthermore, the parking locking device 36 includes an inner rod 82 and an outer rod 84, and the first switching mechanism 86 includes a locking pin 124, an annular groove 106, and an elastic member 126. It switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state depending on whether the locking pin 124 engages with the annular groove 106. On the other hand, the second switching mechanism 88 includes a ball bearing 112, an annular groove 98, and a push-out engaging portion 128. It switches between a locked state and a unlocked state depending on whether the ball bearing 112 engages with the annular groove 98. Thus, it is possible to easily apply conventional vehicle parking devices and to compactly construct the vehicle parking device 10.

[0064] Furthermore, a push-in engagement portion 94 is provided in the fixed housing 80. Before the parking head 38 moves to the parking position, the locking pin 124 of the first switching mechanism 86 is pushed into the middle position. Therefore, the first switching mechanism 86 can smoothly switch from the engaged state to the disengaged state as the parking lever 34 moves forward after the parking head 38 reaches the parking position. That is, the parking head 38 and parking lever 34 can be reliably connected with a large connection strength and the parking head 38 can be moved to the parking position through the engaged state of the first switching mechanism 86, setting it to a parking state where the parking pawl 40 and parking gear 44 are engaged. Moreover, the movement of the parking lever 34 can be smoothly performed with relatively small force while the first switching mechanism 86 is switched to the disengaged state and the parking lever 34 is further advanced, thus switching the second switching mechanism 88 to the locked state. Furthermore, the push-in engagement portion 94 only pushes the locking pin 124 into the middle position. Therefore, when the parking lever 34 is retracted to release the parking state, Figure 3 In the first forward position shown in (b), the locking pin 124 is engaged with the annular groove 106 by the force of the elastic member 126, the first switching mechanism 86 is connected, and the parking head 38 and the parking lever 34 move backward as a whole to release the parking state.

[0065] Furthermore, a pair of locking pins 124 of the first switching mechanism 86 are symmetrically arranged relative to the axis S3 of the inner rod 82, and a pair of balls 112 of the second switching mechanism 88 are symmetrically arranged relative to the axis S2 of the outer rod 84. Therefore, the connection state in which the parking lever 34 and the parking head 38 are integrally connected by the first switching mechanism 86 is stable, and the locking state in which the parking head 38 is positioned in the fixed housing 80 by the second switching mechanism 88 is stable. This allows for a series of parking actions, including the switching of the first switching mechanism 86 and the second switching mechanism 88 through the movement of the parking lever 34. In addition, since the pair of locking pins 124 of the first switching mechanism 86 are forcefully applied by a common elastic member 126 protruding outward, and the pair of balls 112 of the second switching mechanism 88 are pushed outward by a common push-out engagement portion 128, the number of parts is small, and the parking locking device 36 can be constructed simply and compactly.

[0066] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, a cylindrical push-out engagement portion 128 is provided in the inner rod 82, but it is sufficient to push out a pair of balls 112 in opposite directions. Therefore, it can also be done as follows. Figure 13 The ejection engagement portion 130 is provided as a flat plate. The top portion of the ejection engagement portion 130 has a semi-circular arc shape in cross-section, but it can also be provided as a wedge shape such as a triangular cross-section. The ejection engagement portion 128 can also be provided as a pointed shape such as a frustum conical shape.

[0067] Furthermore, the parking head 38 of the above embodiment has a pair of first rollers 62 and second rollers 64, but it can also be as Figure 14 As shown, a wedge-shaped parking head 140, etc., is used.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is only one implementation method. The present invention can be implemented in various ways with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A parking device for vehicles, the parking device for vehicles comprising: Parking gears; A parking pawl, the parking pawl being configured to approach or disengage relative to the parking gear, mechanically preventing the rotation of the parking gear by engaging with it; A parking head, the parking head being configured to reciprocate between a parking position and a non-parking position, wherein when moving to the parking position, it enters a parking state in which the parking pawl approaches the parking gear and prevents the rotation of the parking gear; A head moving member, mechanically connected to the parking head, moves the parking head from the non-parking position to the parking position when a parking position P is selected; as well as A parking locking device that positions the parking head, after it has moved to the parking position by selecting position P, at that parking position and maintains it in the parking state. in, The parking locking device is configured to include a first switching mechanism. When the direction of movement of the head moving member that moves the parking head towards the parking position is set as the forward direction, and the direction of movement of the head moving member that moves the parking head towards the non-parking position is set as the backward direction, the first switching mechanism mechanically switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state by moving the parking head to the parking position along with the head moving member in the forward direction and preventing the parking head from moving towards that parking position. In the engaged state, the parking head and the head moving member move together to the parking position along the forward direction. In the disengaged state, the head moving member is allowed to move relative to the parking head in the forward direction. The parking locking device is configured to include a second switching mechanism that mechanically switches as the head moving member moves relative to the parking head, such that when the parking head reaches the parking position and the head moving member moves relative to the parking head in the forward direction, the parking head is positioned in a locked state with respect to the fixed member in a manner that prevents the parking head from retracting to the non-parking position side. When the head moving member moves relative to the parking head in the retracting direction in the locked state, the positioning of the parking head relative to the fixed member is released, and the parking head is placed in an unlocked state that allows the parking head to retract.

2. The vehicle parking device according to claim 1, wherein, The parking locking device comprises: a first member that moves integrally with the head moving member; and a second member that moves integrally with the parking head. The second component has a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion on the same axis. The first fitting portion is provided with a first fitting hole for the first component to be fitted in a manner that allows it to move axially. The second fitting portion is fitted into the second fitting hole in a manner that allows it to move axially. The second fitting hole is provided in the fixed component. The first switching mechanism includes: a first locking member, which is configured to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first member; and a first engaging recess, which is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the first engaging hole of the second member and engaging with the first locking member. And an elastic member, which applies force to cause the first locking member to protrude outward, so that the first locking member engages with the first engaging recess according to the force of the elastic member, thereby making the first member and the second member connected. The first locking member is pushed inward against the force of the elastic member, thereby making the first member in a non-connected state that allows relative movement of the first member relative to the second member in the forward direction. The second switching mechanism includes: a second locking member configured to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second engagement portion of the second member; a second engagement recess disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second engagement hole of the fixing member and engaging with the second locking member; and a push-out engagement portion disposed on the first member. When the parking head reaches the parking position and the first member moves relative to the second member in the forward direction, the push-out engagement portion pushes the second locking member outward, causing the second locking member to engage with the second engagement recess. By using the push-out engagement portion to push the second locking member outward from the second member and engage with the second engagement recess, a locked state is achieved that prevents the second member from retracting towards the non-parking position side. When the first member retracts relative to the second member towards the non-parking position side in this locked state, the engagement between the second locking member and the second engagement recess by the push-out engagement portion is released, resulting in the unlocked state.

3. The vehicle parking device according to claim 2, wherein, The fixing member is provided with a push-in engagement part. Before the parking head is about to move to the parking position, the push-in engagement part engages with the first locking member that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the first member, and pushes the first locking member into the middle position against the force of the elastic member.

4. The vehicle parking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, A pair of first locking members are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of the through hole, which is orthogonal to the axis of the first member. These two pairs of first locking members are subjected to opposing forces in opposite directions by a common elastic member disposed between them. The first locking members protrude outward from the outer periphery of the first member and engage with the first engaging recess. The second locking member is provided in a pair symmetrically with respect to the axis of the through hole provided in a manner orthogonal to the axis of the second member. The pair of second locking members are pushed out in opposite directions in a mutually separated manner by the common push-out engagement portion provided in the first member so as to protrude along the axis of the second member. The second locking member protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second member and engages with the second engagement recess.

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