Shift device

Abstract

To provide a shift device having a simple configuration.SOLUTION: In a shift device 10, a lever 20 is rotated, a link 30 is rotated, a rotation position of the link 30 is detected, and a rotation position of the lever 20 is detected. Here, when the lever 20 is rotated in an up and down direction and when the lever 20 is rotated in a front and rear direction, the link 30 is rotated. Therefore, the link 30 is only required to have a rotatable configuration, which can simplify the configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device in which a shift body is moved in a first direction and a second direction to change a shift position. [Background technology]

[0002] In the shift device described in Patent Document 1 below, the shift knob is rotated in the shift direction and the select direction to move the magnet. Furthermore, the position of the magnet is detected to detect the shift position of the shift knob.

[0003] In this shift device, the shift knob is rotated in the shift direction to rotate the magnet, and the shift knob is rotated in the select direction to slide the magnet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 142519 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a shift device that can be simplified in structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A shift device of a first aspect of the present invention includes a shift body that is moved in a first direction and a second direction to change a shift position, a rotating body that moves and rotates the shift body in the first direction and the shift body in the second direction, and a detection mechanism that detects the rotational position of the rotating body to detect the movement position of the shift body.

[0007] A second aspect of the shift device of the present invention is a shift device of the first aspect of the present invention, in which the shift body is moved in a first direction, causing the rotating body to rotate by a force in the rotational direction, and the shift body is moved in a second direction, causing the rotating body to rotate by an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the movement direction of the shift body.

[0008] A third aspect of the shift device of the present invention is a shift device of the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein an amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by movement of the shift body between shift positions in a first direction is different from an amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by movement of the shift body between shift positions in a second direction.

[0009] A shift device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is a shift device of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, further comprising an amplifier provided in the detection mechanism, which is rotated with amplified rotation of the rotating body as the rotating body is rotated, and whose rotational position is detected to detect the rotational position of the rotating body.

[0010] A shift device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is the shift device of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein a rotary gear is provided on a rotary shaft of the rotary body.

[0011] A shift device of a sixth aspect of the present invention is the shift device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the rotating body is supported by the detection mechanism.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a shift device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the rotor is rotated and displaced in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the rotating body is rotated so that the rotation shaft of the rotating body is rotated in the opposite direction to the rotating body.

[0014] A shift device of a ninth aspect of the present invention is a shift device of any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, in which the shift body is moved in a first direction, and the rotating body is rotated by a force in the rotational direction acting on an opposing surface that faces the rotational direction.

[0015] A shift device of a tenth aspect of the present invention is the shift device of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, wherein the rotating body is biased in a rotational direction.

[0016] The shift device of an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the shift device of the tenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a pressing surface capable of pressing the rotating body in the direction of the biasing force.

[0017] A shift device of a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a shift device of any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, comprising a slider that is slid when the shift body is moved in a first direction to rotate the rotating body, and a slider that is slid when the shift body is moved in a second direction to rotate the rotating body. Effect of the Invention

[0018] In the shift device of the first aspect of the present invention, the shift body is moved in a first direction and a second direction to change the shift position. Also, the shift body is moved in the first direction to rotate the rotor, and the shift body is moved in the second direction to rotate the rotor. Furthermore, the detection mechanism detects the rotational position of the rotor, and the movement position of the shift body is detected.

[0019] Here, as described above, when the shift body is moved in the first direction and when the shift body is moved in the second direction, the rotating body is rotated. Therefore, it is only necessary that the rotating body is configured to be rotatable, and the configuration can be simplified.

[0020] In the shift device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotor is rotated by a force acting in the rotational direction when the shift body is moved in the first direction. Furthermore, the rotor is rotated by an inclined surface inclined with respect to the moving direction of the shift body when the shift body is moved in the second direction. Therefore, the rotor can rotate when the shift body is moved in the first direction and when the shift body is moved in the second direction.

[0021] In the shift device of the third aspect of the present invention, the amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by the movement of the shift body between shift positions in the first direction is different from the amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by the movement of the shift body between shift positions in the second direction. Therefore, even when the shift body is moved in the first direction from the first shift position to the second shift position to rotate the rotating body in one direction and the shift body is moved in the second direction from the second shift position to the third shift position to rotate the rotating body in the opposite direction to the one direction, it is possible to prevent the rotational position of the rotating body when the shift body is disposed at the first shift position from being the same as the rotational position of the rotating body when the shift body is disposed at the third shift position.

[0022] In the shift device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the detection mechanism is provided with an amplifier, and by rotating the rotor, the amplifier is rotated with amplified signals relative to the rotation of the rotor, and the rotational position of the amplifier is detected to detect the rotational position of the rotor. This makes it possible to increase the accuracy of detecting the rotational position of the rotor based on the rotational position of the amplifier, and to increase the accuracy of detecting the moving position of the shift body.

[0023] In the shift device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the rotary gear is provided on the rotary shaft of the rotor, which makes it possible to reduce the installation space for the rotary gear.

[0024] In the shift device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the rotating body is supported by the detection mechanism, which makes it possible to support the rotating body with a simple structure.

[0025] In the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the rotor is rotated and displaced in the direction of the rotation axis, so that the rotational position of the rotor can be detected by detecting the displacement position of the rotor in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0026] In the shift device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the rotor is rotated, and the rotation shaft of the rotor is rotated in the opposite direction to the rotor, so that the amount of displacement of the rotor in the direction of the rotation shaft due to the rotation of the rotor can be reduced.

[0027] In the shift device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the shift body is moved in the first direction, the rotor is rotated by a force acting in the rotational direction on the opposing surface that faces the rotational direction, so that the rotor can be rotated smoothly.

[0028] In the shift device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the rotating body is biased in the rotational direction, so that the rotating body can rotate by the biasing force.

[0029] In the shift device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pressing surface is capable of pressing the rotating body in the direction of the biasing force, thereby making it possible to assist the rotation of the rotating body caused by the biasing force.

[0030] In the shift device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the shift body is moved in a first direction, whereby the slider slides and the rotor rotates. Furthermore, the shift body is moved in a second direction, whereby the slider slides and the rotor rotates. Therefore, when the shift body is moved in the first direction and when the shift body is moved in the second direction, the rotor can rotate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which 1A is a rear view seen from the rear, and 1B is a perspective view seen from diagonally below and rearward. [Diagram 2] 1A is an oblique view from the left rear showing the main parts of the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an oblique view from the right front showing the links and amplifier body of the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1A is an oblique view showing the main parts of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally rear above; FIG. 1B is an oblique view showing a lever of the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a link of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where 1A is a perspective view seen from the right side, and 1B is a side view seen from the right side. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1D are perspective views showing the lever and link of the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from diagonally from the rear right, where (A) shows the lever when positioned in the H position, (B) shows the lever when positioned in the N position, (C) shows the lever when positioned in the R position, and (D) shows the lever when positioned in the D position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear view, seen from the rear, showing the rotational positions of a magnet at each shift position of the lever in the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the main parts of a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view seen from diagonally rear below, and (B) is a perspective view seen from diagonally rear right. [Figure 8] 1A is an oblique view from diagonally rear below showing the front housing etc. of a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an oblique view from diagonally front below showing the detection board etc. of a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a rear housing and the like of a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally forward above, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing the rear housing, as viewed from diagonally forward above. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a main part of a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed diagonally from below and behind. [Figure 11] 13A is an oblique view from the right rear showing a front housing etc. of a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is an oblique view from the bottom front showing a link of the shift device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the lever in the H position in a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view seen diagonally from below and rear, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the left side. [Figure 13] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the lever in the N position in a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is an oblique view seen from diagonally rear below, and (B) is an oblique view seen from the left side. [Figure 14] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the lever in the R position in a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view seen diagonally from below and rear, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the left side. [Figure 15] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the lever in the D position in a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view seen diagonally from below and rear, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the left side. [Figure 16] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing a link in a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the front side. [Figure 17] 13 is a rear view seen from the rear, illustrating the rotational positions of a magnet at each shift position of the lever in a shift device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing the main parts of a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally below and behind, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing links and the like of the shift device, as viewed from diagonally below and behind. [Figure 19] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing a link of a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view seen from the rear side, and (B) is a rear view seen from the rear. [Figure 20](A) to (D) are rear views showing the links and other components of a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) shows the lever when positioned in the H position, (B) shows the lever when positioned in the N position, (C) shows the lever when positioned in the R position, and (D) shows the lever when positioned in the D position. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are rear views, viewed from the rear, showing rotational positions of magnets at each shift position of the lever in a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing the main parts of a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally below and behind, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the main parts of the shift device excluding a first link, as viewed from diagonally below and behind. [Diagram 23] 13(A) and (B) are diagrams showing a first link and a second link of a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is an oblique view seen from diagonally forward above, and (B) is an oblique view seen from the rear. [Figure 24] FIG. 13(A) is a bottom view from below showing a first link and the like of a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13(B) is an oblique view from diagonally rear above showing a second link and the like of the shift device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] [First embodiment] Fig. 1(A) shows a rear view of a shift device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, and Fig. 1(B) shows a perspective view of the shift device 10 as seen from diagonally below and rearward. In the drawings, the front of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow FR, the right side of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the upper side of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0033] The shift device 10 according to this embodiment is installed on a steering column (not shown) of a vehicle (automobile), and the front, right and upper sides of the shift device 10 face toward the front, right and upper sides of the vehicle, respectively.

[0034] 1(A) and 1(B), the shift device 10 is provided with a housing 12 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box as a container, and the housing 12 is fixed to a steering column to install the shift device 10 on the steering column. The housing 12 is provided with a front housing 12A on the front side and a rear housing 12B on the rear side, and the housing 12 is configured by assembling the front housing 12A and the rear housing 12B.

[0035] A substantially cylindrical cover 14 (see FIG. 2(A)) with a bottom is fixed to the right side of the front housing 12A as a support body, and the inside of the cover 14 is open to the front and closed by the front wall (bottom wall) of the front housing 12A. A substantially rectangular first restriction hole 16 is formed penetrating the left side wall of the cover 14 as a first restriction portion, and a rectangular second restriction hole 18 is formed penetrating the rear wall of the cover 14 as a second restriction portion. A spherical support surface (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of the cover 14.

[0036] A roughly rod-shaped lever 20 serving as a shift body is supported within the cover 14. A roughly spherical spherical shaft 22 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) serving as a supported portion is provided at the left end (base end) of the lever 20, and a spherical supported surface 22A is formed on the circumferential surface of the spherical shaft 22. The spherical shaft 22 is fitted within the cover 14 and rotatably supported between the cover 14 and the front wall of the front housing 12A, and the supported surface 22A is slidably supported on the support surface of the cover 14. The spherical shaft 22 rotatably penetrates the right side wall of the cover 14 and the right wall of the housing 12, and the lever 20 extends to the right from the spherical shaft 22 and is rotatable (movable) around the spherical shaft 22.

[0037] A first regulating post 24 having a substantially rectangular columnar shape is integrally provided as a first regulated portion on the left portion of the spherical axis 22, and the first regulating post 24 extends to the left side. The first regulating post 24 penetrates the first regulating hole 16 of the cover 14, and the first regulating post 24 is rotatable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction relative to the first regulating hole 16. In addition, a spherical connecting ball 24A is formed on the tip portion (left end portion) of the first regulating post 24 as a connecting portion.

[0038] A cylindrical second regulating post 26 as a second regulated portion is integrally provided at the rear end of the spherical axis 22, and the second regulating post 26 protrudes rearward. The second regulating post 26 penetrates the second regulating hole 18 of the cover 14, and the second regulating post 26 is fitted into the second regulating hole 18 in the width direction (approximately the up-down direction) of the second regulating hole 18 and is rotatable relative to the second regulating hole 18 in the longitudinal direction of the second regulating hole 18 (approximately the left-right direction).

[0039] A roughly rectangular parallelepiped knob 28 serving as a grip is provided on the right side (tip side) of the lever 20. The knob 28 is disposed inside the vehicle cabin, and the lever 20 can be rotated in the front-rear direction (second direction, select direction) and the up-down direction (first direction, shift direction) by a vehicle occupant (particularly the driver) gripping the knob 28.

[0040] The lever 20 is disposed in an H position (home position) as a shift position, and is rotated rearward from the H position to an N position (neutral position) as a shift position. When the lever 20 is rotated rearward, the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated forward with respect to the first regulating hole 16 of the cover 14, and the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated leftward with respect to the second regulating hole 18 of the cover 14. When the lever 20 is rotated forward from the N position to the H position, the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rearward with respect to the first regulating hole 16 of the cover 14, and the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rightward with respect to the second regulating hole 18 of the cover 14.

[0041] The lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position (reverse position) as a shift position. When the lever 20 is rotated upward, the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated downward with respect to the first regulating hole 16 of the cover 14, and the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated around the central axis.

[0042] The lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position (drive position) as a shift position. When the lever 20 is rotated downward, the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward with respect to the first regulating hole 16 of the cover 14, and the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated around the central axis.

[0043] Within the housing 12, on the left side of the cover 14, a link 30 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) as a rotating body is rotatably (pivotally) supported, and the link 30 has a rotation axis direction in the front-rear direction and is rotatable in the directions of arrows A and B (see FIG. 1B, etc.). The link 30 is provided with a rotation post 32 having a substantially sector-shaped column shape, which protrudes to the right and has a right side surface curved along the rotation direction of the link 30. The rotation post 32 is formed with a connection groove 34 having a rectangular cross section as a connected portion, and the connection groove 34 is open to the right. The connection groove 34 extends in the direction of arrow A (the inclined direction with respect to the rotation axis direction of the link 30) as it goes forward, and the connection groove 34 is open to the rear side. The connecting ball 24A of the first regulating post 24 of the spherical shaft 22 is inserted into the connecting groove 34, and the connecting ball 24A is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connecting groove 34, which serve as inclined surfaces, in the direction of rotation of the link 30.

[0044] When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated forward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B. When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rearward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A. When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated downward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A. When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B. The angle of the link 30 when the lever 20 is rotated between the N position and the R position is the same as the angle of the link 30 when the lever 20 is rotated between the N position and the D position, and the angle of the link 30 when the lever 20 is rotated between the H position and the N position is smaller (e.g., 1 / 2) than the angle of the link 30 when the lever 20 is rotated between the N position and the R position and between the N position and the D position.

[0045] A link gear 36 having a generally sector-shaped plate shape is integrally provided as a connecting portion on the link 30, and the link gear 36 protrudes upward and is disposed vertically in the front-rear direction.

[0046] An amplifier gear 38 (see FIGS. 2(A) and 3(A)) serving as an amplifier constituting the detection mechanism is rotatably supported above the link 30 within the housing 12, and the amplifier gear 38 has a rotation axis oriented in the front-rear direction and is rotatable in the directions of arrows C and D (see FIG. 1(B) and the like). A link gear 36 of the link 30 is meshed with the amplifier gear 38, and the link 30 is rotated in the directions of arrows A and B, and the amplifier gear 38 is rotated in the directions of arrows C and D, respectively. The rotation radius of the amplifier gear 38 is made smaller than that of the link gear 36, and the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the amplifier gear 38 is amplified relative to the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the link 30.

[0047] A disk-shaped magnet 38A (see Figs. 2B and 6) serving as a detected part is integrally provided on the front side of the amplification gear 38, and the magnet 38A is disposed coaxially with the amplification gear 38 and rotates integrally with the amplification gear 38. A magnetic field HD is generated in front of the magnet 38A, and the direction of the magnetic field HD is set in the radial direction of the magnet 38A.

[0048] A detection board 40 (see Figs. 2(A) and 3(A)) is provided in front of the magnet 38A within the housing 12 as a detection body constituting the detection mechanism, and the detection board 40 is disposed vertically in the front-to-rear direction. A substantially rectangular plate-shaped magnetic sensor (an MR sensor (magnetic resistance sensor) or a 3D Hall sensor (three-dimensional Hall sensor), not shown) is fixed to the rear surface of the detection board 40 as a detection unit. The magnetic sensor faces the front side of the magnet 38A, and detects the direction of a magnetic field HD generated by the front surface of the magnet 38A to detect the rotational position of the magnet 38A.

[0049] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0050] In the shift device 10 configured as above, the lever 20 is rotated to change the shift position of the lever 20. When the lever 20 is rotated rearward from the H position to the N position, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B, and the amplification gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow D. When the lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A, and the amplification gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow C. When the lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B, and the amplification gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow D. The magnetic sensor of the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field HD generated by the front of the magnet 38A to detect the rotational position of the magnet 38A, and thus the rotational position of the amplification gear 38, the rotational position of the link 30, and the rotational position of the lever 20 are detected, and the shift position of the lever 20 is detected.

[0051] Here, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction and when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction, the link 30 is rotated. For this reason, it is only necessary that the link 30 is configured to be rotatable, and the configurations of the link 30, the magnet 38A, and the magnetic sensor can be simplified, the configuration of the shift device 10 can be simplified, and the shift device 10 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0052] In addition, the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 of the link 30 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction of the link 30 (the moving direction of the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 when the lever 20 is rotated between the H position and the N position), and the connection ball 24A is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connection groove 34. Then, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction, the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 of the link 30 is subjected to a force from the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 in the rotation direction of the link 30 (the direction of the arrow A and the direction of the arrow B), and the link 30 is rotated. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction and the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction, a force from the connection ball 24A in the rotation direction of the link 30 is applied to the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated. Therefore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction and when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction, the link 30 can rotate.

[0053] Furthermore, the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow B caused by the rearward rotation of the lever 20 from the H position to the N position is made smaller than the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A caused by the upward rotation of the lever 20 from the N position to the R position. This makes it possible to restrict the rotational position of the link 30 when the lever 20 is positioned at the H position from being identical to the rotational position of the link 30 when the lever 20 is positioned at the R position, and to restrict the rotational position of the magnet 38A when the lever 20 is positioned at the H position from being identical to the rotational position of the magnet 38A when the lever 20 is positioned at the R position (see FIG. 6), making it possible to detect whether the lever 20 is positioned at the H position or the R position.

[0054] Furthermore, by rotating link 30, the amplification gear 38 and magnet 38A rotate with the rotation being amplified relative to the rotation of link 30. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the rotational position of link 30 based on the rotational position of magnet 38A, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the pivotal position of lever 20, and thus improving the accuracy of detecting the shift position of lever 20.

[0055] [Second embodiment] FIG. 7(A) shows a perspective view of the main parts of a shift device 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally rear below, and FIG. 7(B) shows a perspective view of the main parts of the shift device 50 as viewed from diagonally rear right.

[0056] A shift device 50 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0057] In shift device 50 according to this embodiment, a cylindrical first support shaft 12C (see FIG. 9(B)) is integrally provided on the rear surface (bottom surface) inside rear housing 12B of housing 12, and first support shaft 12C protrudes forward. A cylindrical second support shaft 12D (see FIG. 9(B)) is integrally provided on the rear surface inside rear housing 12B of housing 12, and second support shaft 12D protrudes forward below first support shaft 12C.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the link 30, the gear teeth portion of the link gear 36 protrudes rearward and is an internal gear.

[0059] An intermediate gear 52 (see FIG. 9(A)) serving as an intermediate body is meshed with the lower side of the link gear 36 (gear tooth portion), and the intermediate gear 52 is rotatably supported on the first support shaft 12C (see FIG. 9(B)) of the housing 12 while its movement in the direction of the rotation axis (forward / rearward direction) is restricted.

[0060] The amplifier gear 38 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B) is rotatably supported on the second support shaft 12D (see FIG. 9B) of the housing 12, and its movement in the direction of the rotation axis (front-rear direction) is restricted. The amplifier gear 38 serves as the rotation axis of the link 30, and the gear teeth portion of the amplifier gear 38 serves as a coaxial rotating gear 38B, which protrudes rearward from the link 30. An intermediate gear 52 is meshed with the amplifier gear 38 (rotating gear 38B), and the link 30 is rotated in the directions of arrows A and B, and the amplifier gear 38 is rotated in the directions of arrows C and D, respectively, via the intermediate gear 52.

[0061] Here, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to achieve the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, the link 30 is supported by the amplification gear 38. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate portion for supporting the link 30, and the link 30 can be supported with a simple structure.

[0063] Furthermore, a rotary gear 38B is provided on the rotary shaft (amplification gear 38) of the link 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the rotary gear 38B separately from the rotary shaft of the link 30, and the installation space for the rotary gear 38B can be reduced.

[0064] [Third embodiment] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a main portion of a shift device 70 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from below and behind.

[0065] A shift device 70 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0066] 10, in a shift device 70 according to this embodiment, a rotating shaft 72 (see FIG. 11(A)), which is a support portion of the link 30, is supported on the housing 12 inside the front wall (bottom wall) of the front housing 12A, and the rotating shaft 72 protrudes rearward and is rotatable in the directions of arrows A and B. An external gear 72A as a rotating gear is coaxially provided on the rotating shaft 72, and the external gear 72A is an externally toothed helical gear.

[0067] The link 30 (see FIG. 11B) is supported by the rotating shaft 72 at a support hole 74 as a supported portion, and an internal gear 74A is coaxially provided on the circumferential surface of the support hole 74. The internal gear 74A is a helical gear with internal teeth, and an external gear 72A of the rotating shaft 72 is meshed with the internal gear 74A. Therefore, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the rotating shaft 72 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, and the link 30 is displaced forward (one side in the direction of the rotating shaft). On the other hand, the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, and the rotating shaft 72 is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the link 30 is displaced backward (the other side in the direction of the rotating shaft). Also, the displacement position of the link 30 in the forward and backward directions is changed according to the rotation position of the link 30.

[0068] A detection switch 76 (see FIG. 11(A)) serving as a detection unit is fixed to the rear surface of the detection board 40, and the detection switch 76 is, for example, a tactile switch. The detection switch 76 faces the front side of the link gear 36 of the link 30, and the detection switch 76 can be pressed forward by the link gear 36. When the link 30 is rotated and displaced in the front-rear direction, the amount of pressure of the link gear 36 against the detection switch 76 changes, and the detection switch 76 detects the displacement position of the link 30 in the front-rear direction, and the rotational position of the link 30 is detected.

[0069] Here, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to achieve the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, an outer gear 72A of the rotating shaft 72 of the link 30 meshes with an inner gear 74A of the link 30 (support hole 74), and the link 30 is rotated and displaced in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the detection switch 76 of the detection board 40 detects the displacement position of the link 30 in the front-rear direction, and can detect the rotational position of the link 30, and thus the rotational position of the lever 20 can be detected, and the shift positions of the lever 20 (H position, N position, R position, and D position) can be detected.

[0071] Moreover, not only the magnetic sensor of the detection board 40 but also the detection switch 76 can detect the rotational position of the link 30 and detect the pivotal position (shift position) of the lever 20. This allows the configuration of the magnetic sensor to be simplified (for example, the number of detection elements of the magnetic sensor can be reduced) to ensure redundancy in the detection of the pivotal position of the lever 20, thereby reducing costs.

[0072] Also, when the link 30 is rotated, the rotating shaft 72 of the link 30 is rotated in the opposite direction to the link 30. This reduces the amount of displacement in the front-to-rear direction caused by the rotation of the link 30, allowing the shift device 70 (housing 12) to be made smaller in size in the front-to-rear direction. Moreover, the resistance of the rotating shaft 72 (outer gear 72A) to the rotation of the link 30 (inner gear 74A) can be reduced, allowing the turning force (operating force) of the lever 20 for rotating the link 30 to be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, an external gear 72A is provided on the rotation shaft 72 of the link 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the external gear 72A separately from the rotation shaft 72 of the link 30, and the installation space for the external gear 72A can be reduced.

[0074] In this embodiment, the external gear 72A of the rotating shaft 72 and the internal gear 74A of the link 30 are helical gears. However, the external gear 72A of the rotating shaft 72 and the internal gear 74A of the link 30 may be cross gears.

[0075] In this embodiment, the external gear 72A is provided on the rotating shaft 72, and the internal gear 74A is provided on the link 30, in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the external gear 72A may be provided on the amplifying gear 38 (rotating shaft), and the internal gear 74A may be provided on the link 30. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide the link gear 36 of the link 30, the intermediate gear 52, and the rotating gear 38B of the amplifying gear 38.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the lever 20 is provided with the connecting ball 24A (connecting portion), and the link 30 is provided with the side surface 34A (inclined surface). However, the lever 20 may be provided with an inclined surface, and the link 30 may be provided with a connecting portion.

[0077] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 12(A) shows a perspective view of the main parts of a shift device 80 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally below and rearward, and FIG. 12(B) shows a perspective view of the main parts of the shift device 80 as viewed from the left side.

[0078] A shift device 80 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0079] As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 12, in the shift device 80 according to the present embodiment, a connection piece 24B is formed as a connection part at the tip (left end) of the first regulating pillar 24 on the spherical shaft 22 of the lever 20. The front part of the connection piece 24B is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and the upper surface of the front part of the connection piece 24B is disposed perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the second regulating pillar 26 of the spherical shaft 22. The middle part of the connection piece 24B in the front-rear direction is inclined upward toward the rear side, and the upper surface of the middle part of the connection piece 24B in the front-rear direction is formed as an inclined surface 24C, which is inclined upward toward the rear side (the inclination direction with respect to the rotation axis direction of the link 30). The rear part of the connection piece 24B has a U-shaped cross section, and the lower part is connected to the middle part of the connection piece 24B in the front-rear direction, and the inside of the rear part of the connection piece 24B is open to the front side. The upper and lower surfaces within the rear portion of the connecting piece 24B are respectively an opposing surface 24D and a pressing surface 24E, and the opposing surface 24D and the pressing surface 24E are disposed perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the second regulating pillar .

[0080] Within the housing 12, the link 30 (see FIGS. 16A and 16B) is formed in a generally disc shape, and the link 30 is biased in the direction of the arrow A. A generally cylindrical arm 30A is integrally provided on the right portion (periphery) of the link 30, and the arm 30A extends rearward. A spherical connected ball 30B is formed at the tip portion (rear end portion) of the arm 30A as a connected portion, and the connected ball 30B is abutted against the front upper surface of the connecting piece 24B of the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical shaft 22 by the biasing force applied to the link 30 in the direction of the arrow A.

[0081] When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated forward, the connected ball 30B is moved from the front upper surface of the connecting piece 24B via the inclined surface 24C to the opposing surface 24D (lower surface) in the rear, and is pressed upward by the inclined surface 24C, causing the link 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow B against the biasing force (see (A) and (B) of FIG. 13). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rearward, the connected ball 30B is moved from the opposing surface 24D in the rear of the connecting piece 24B via the inclined surface 24C to the front upper surface, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow A by the biasing force (see (A) and (B) of FIG. 12). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated downward, the connected ball 30B is moved together with the opposing surface 24D in the rear of the connecting piece 24B, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A by the biasing force (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward, the connected ball 30B is pressed upward by the opposing surface 24D in the rear of the connecting piece 24B, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B against the biasing force (see FIGS. 15A and 15B).

[0082] A magnet 38A (see FIG. 16(B)) is provided integrally with the front side of the link 30, and the magnet 38A is disposed coaxially with the link 30 and rotates integrally with the link 30. A magnetic sensor of a detection board 40 faces the front side of the magnet 38A.

[0083] 17, when the lever 20 is rotated rearward from the H position to the N position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow B. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow A. Moreover, when the lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow B. Then, the magnetic sensor of the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field HD generated by the front of the magnet 38A to detect the rotational position of the magnet 38A, thereby detecting the rotational position of the link 30 and the rotational position of the lever 20, and thus the shift position of the lever 20 is detected.

[0084] Here, with the exception of the effects and advantages provided by the amplifying gear 38, the present embodiment can also provide the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0085] Furthermore, the link 30 is biased in the direction of the arrow A (rotation direction). Therefore, when the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A (when the lever 20 is rotated from the N position to the R position, when the lever 20 is rotated from the D position to the N position, and when the lever 20 is rotated from the N position to the H position), the link 30 can rotate due to the biasing force.

[0086] Additionally, within the rear portion of the connecting piece 24B of the lever 20 (first regulating post 24), the opposing surface 24D (lower surface) stands upright in the front-rear direction relative to the inclined surface 24C and faces the direction of the arrow A (biasing direction) of the link 30. Therefore, when the lever 20 is rotated from the N position to the D position and when the lever 20 is rotated from the R position to the N position, the opposing surface 24D of the connecting piece 24B can effectively press the connected ball 30B of the link 30 (arm 30A) in the direction of the arrow B (the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the link 30), and the link 30 can effectively rotate in the direction of the arrow B against the biasing force.

[0087] Furthermore, within the rear portion of connecting piece 24B of lever 20, pressing surface 24E (upper surface) faces the direction of arrow B of link 30 (the direction opposite to the biasing direction of link 30). Therefore, when lever 20 is rotated from position D to position N and when lever 20 is rotated from position N to position R, pressing surface 24E is capable of pressing connected ball 30B of link 30 in the direction of arrow A (the biasing direction of link 30), so that pressing surface 24E can assist the rotation caused by the biasing force of link 30.

[0088] Furthermore, the amplifying gear 38 of the first embodiment is not provided, which allows the number of parts to be reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the shift device 80 and the costs.

[0089] In this embodiment, the inclined surface 24C is provided on the lever 20, and the connected ball 30B (connected portion) is provided on the link 30. However, the lever 20 may be provided with a connected portion, and the link 30 may be provided with the inclined surface 24C.

[0090] In the first to fourth embodiments, the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow B caused by the rearward rotation of the lever 20 from the H position to the N position is set to be smaller than the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A caused by the upward rotation of the lever 20 from the N position to the R position. However, the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow B caused by the rearward rotation of the lever 20 from the H position to the N position may be set to be larger than the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A caused by the upward rotation of the lever 20 from the N position to the R position.

[0091] [Fifth embodiment] FIG. 18(A) shows a perspective view of a main portion of a shift device 90 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed diagonally from below and behind.

[0092] A shift device 90 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 18(A), in the shift device 90 according to this embodiment, the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical axle 22 of the lever 20 extends downward as it moves leftward (see Fig. 18(B)). When the lever 20 is rotated rearward, the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rightward, and when the lever 20 is rotated forward, the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated leftward. When the lever 20 is rotated upward, the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated downward, and when the lever 20 is rotated downward, the first regulating pillar 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward.

[0094] Within the housing 12, the link 30 (see FIGS. 19A and 19B) is formed in a generally circular plate shape. A connection groove 34 is formed on the upper surface of the link 30, and the connection groove 34 is open upward. The connection groove 34 extends generally in the left-right direction, and is curved in a convex shape upward. A connection ball 24A of the first regulating post 24 of the spherical shaft 22 is inserted into the left portion of the connection groove 34, and the connection ball 24A is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connection groove 34 in the width direction of the connection groove 34.

[0095] When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated to the right, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A (see FIG. 20(B)). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated to the left, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B (see FIG. 20(A)). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 rotated to the right is rotated downward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A (see FIG. 20(C)). When the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 rotated to the right is rotated upward, the connecting ball 24A presses the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, and the link 30 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B (see FIG. 20(D)).

[0096] A magnet 38A (see FIG. 21) is provided integrally with the front side of the link 30, and the magnet 38A is disposed coaxially with the link 30 and rotates integrally with the link 30. A magnetic sensor of a detection board 40 faces the front side of the magnet 38A.

[0097] 21, when the lever 20 is rotated rearward from the H position to the N position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow A. When the lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow A. When the lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position, the link 30 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of the arrow B. The magnetic sensor of the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field HD generated by the front of the magnet 38A to detect the rotational position of the magnet 38A, thereby detecting the rotational position of the link 30 and the rotational position of the lever 20, and thus the shift position of the lever 20 is detected.

[0098] Here, with the exception of the effects and advantages provided by the amplifying gear 38, the present embodiment can also provide the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0099] In particular, the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 of the link 30 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction (the moving direction of the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 when the lever 20 is rotated between the H position and the N position), and the connection ball 24A is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connection groove 34. Then, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction, the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 of the link 30 is acted upon by the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 in the rotation direction of the link 30 (the direction of the arrow A and the direction of the arrow B), and the link 30 is rotated. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction and the connection ball 24A of the lever 20 is rotated in the left-right direction, a force in the rotation direction of the link 30 is acted upon the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 from the connection ball 24A, and the link 30 is rotated. Therefore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction and when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction, the link 30 can rotate.

[0100] Furthermore, the amplifying gear 38 of the first embodiment is not provided, which allows the number of parts to be reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the shift device 90 and the costs.

[0101] In this embodiment, the lever 20 is provided with a connecting ball 24A (connecting portion), and the link 30 is provided with a side surface 34A (inclined surface). However, the lever 20 may be provided with an inclined surface, and the link 30 may be provided with a connecting portion.

[0102] [Sixth embodiment] FIG. 22(A) shows a perspective view of a main portion of a shift device 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from below and behind.

[0103] The shift device 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 22(A), in the shift device 100 according to this embodiment, the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 of the lever 20 extends above the cover 14 (second regulating hole 18) (see Fig. 22(B)). A connecting rod 22B (see Fig. 23(A), Fig. 24(A) and (B)) having a rectangular cross section is integrally provided as an additional connecting part at the lower end of the spherical axle 22 of the lever 20, and the connecting rod 22B extends to the left. Also, the first regulating post 24 of the spherical axle 22 does not have the connecting ball 24A in the first embodiment.

[0105] When the lever 20 is rotated rearward, the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated leftward relative to the second regulating hole 18 of the cover 14, and the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axle 22 is rotated forward. When the lever 20 is rotated frontward, the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rightward relative to the second regulating hole 18 of the cover 14, and the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axle 22 is rotated rearward. When the lever 20 is rotated upward, the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated around the central axis, and the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axle 22 is rotated downward. When the lever 20 is rotated downward, the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated around the central axis, and the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward.

[0106] The right end of a first link 102 (see Figures 23(A) and (B) and Figure 24(A)) having a generally crank-shaped cross-section and serving as a connecting body is supported on the rear end (tip end) of the second regulating post 26, and the left part of the first link 102 is disposed forward of the right part of the first link 102. The first link 102 is movable in the left-right direction and is rotatable in the up-down direction. A connecting groove 34 serving as a connecting part is formed through the left part of the first link 102, and the connecting groove 34 extends in a downward direction as it approaches the right.

[0107] A second link 104 (see FIG. 22B, FIGS. 23A and 23B, and FIG. 24B) having a substantially rectangular plate shape is disposed on the left side of the spherical axis 22 of the lever 20 as a sliding body, and the second link 104 is supported in the housing 12 so as to be vertically slidable (movable) within a predetermined range. A cylindrical connecting post 104A is integrally provided as a connected part at the vertical center of the upper surface of the second link 104, and the connecting post 104A protrudes upward. The connecting post 104A is inserted into the left part of the connecting groove 34 of the first link 102, and the connecting post 104A is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connecting groove 34 in the width direction of the connecting groove 34. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped connecting hole 104B is formed as an additional connected part at the vertical center of the right part of the second link 104, and the connecting hole 104B is open to the right side and the front side. The left end of the connecting rod 22B of the spherical shaft 22 is inserted into the connecting hole 104B, and the left end of the connecting rod 22B is approximately fitted into the connecting hole 104B in the vertical direction. The connecting hole 104B allows the left end of the connecting rod 22B to rotate in the front-rear direction, and when the connecting rod 22B is rotated forward and backward as described above, the insertion of the left end of the connecting rod 22B into the connecting hole 104B is maintained. Rack teeth 104C are formed on the left surface of the second link 104, and the rack teeth 104C are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0108] When the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated to the left, the first link 102 (including the connection groove 34) is moved to the left, and the second link 104 (including the connection post 104A and the connection hole 104B) is slid downward. When the second regulating post 26 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated to the right, the first link 102 (including the connection groove 34) is moved to the right, and the second link 104 (including the connection post 104A and the connection hole 104B) is slid upward. When the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axle 22 with the second regulating post 26 rotated to the left is rotated downward, the first link 102 (including the connection groove 34) is rotated downward, and the second link 104 (including the connection post 104A and the connection hole 104B) is slid downward. When the connecting rod 22B of the spherical axis 22 with the second regulating post 26 rotated to the left is rotated upward, the first link 102 (including the connecting groove 34) is rotated upward while the second link 104 (including the connecting post 104A and the connecting hole 104B) is slid upward.

[0109] Link 30 (see Figures 22(B) and 23(A)) is disposed on the left side of second link 104. Link 30 is generally disk-shaped with a gear formed on the rear portion. Rack teeth 104C of second link 104 mesh with the rear portion of link 30, and when second link 104 slides downward and upward, link 30 rotates in the directions of arrows A and B, respectively. Magnet 38A is integrally provided on the front side of link 30, and magnet 38A is disposed coaxially with link 30 and rotates integrally with link 30. A magnetic sensor of detection board 40 faces the front side of magnet 38A.

[0110] 21, when the lever 20 is rotated rearward from the H position to the N position, the first link 102 is moved leftward and the second link 104 is slid downward, causing the link 30 and the magnet 38A to rotate in the direction of the arrow A. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position, the first link 102 is rotated downward and the second link 104 is slid downward, causing the link 30 and the magnet 38A to rotate in the direction of the arrow A. Moreover, when the lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position, the first link 102 is rotated downward and the second link 104 is slid downward, causing the link 30 and the magnet 38A to rotate in the direction of the arrow B. The magnetic sensor of the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field HD generated by the front of the magnet 38A and detects the rotational position of the magnet 38A, thereby detecting the rotational position of the link 30 and the pivotal position of the lever 20, and thereby detecting the shift position of the lever 20.

[0111] Here, with the exception of the effects and advantages provided by the amplifying gear 38, the present embodiment can also provide the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0112] In particular, the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34 of the first link 102 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction (the direction of movement of the second regulating post 26 of the lever 20 when the lever 20 is rotated between the H position and the N position), and the connection post 104A of the second link 104 is fitted between the side surfaces 34A of the connection groove 34. Then, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction, the second link 104 slides due to the connection rod 22B of the lever 20, and a force in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow A and the direction of arrow B) is applied from the second link 104 to the link 30, causing the link 30 to rotate. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction and the first link 102 moves in the left-right direction, a force in the rotation direction is applied to the link 30 due to the slide of the second link 104 (connection post 104A) due to the side surface 34A of the connection groove 34, causing the link 30 to rotate. Therefore, when the lever 20 is rotated in the up-down direction and when the lever 20 is rotated in the front-rear direction, the link 30 can rotate.

[0113] In this embodiment, a side surface 34A (inclined surface) is provided on the first link 102, and a connecting post 104A (connected portion) is provided on the second link 104. However, the first link 102 may be provided with a connected portion, and the second link 104 may be provided with an inclined surface.

[0114] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A caused by the rear rotation of the lever 20 from the H position to the N position is set to be smaller than the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow B caused by the downward rotation of the lever 20 from the N position to the D position. However, the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow A caused by the rear rotation of the lever 20 from the H position to the N position may be set to be larger than the amount of rotation of the link 30 in the direction of arrow B caused by the downward rotation of the lever 20 from the N position to the D position.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above first to sixth embodiments, the lever 20 (shift body) is rotated in the up-down direction (first direction) and also rotated in the front-rear direction (second direction). However, the shift body may be slid (moved) in the first direction and also rotated or slid (moved) in the second direction. Furthermore, the shift body may be rotated (moved) in the first direction (direction around the central axis) and also rotated or slid (moved) in the second direction.

[0116] In addition, in the first to sixth embodiments, the shift devices 10, 50, 70, 80, 90, and 100 are installed in the steering column. However, the shift devices 10, 50, 70, 80, 90, and 100 may be installed in other parts of the vehicle (such as the instrument panel or console). [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 shift device, 20 lever (shift body), 24C inclined surface, 24D opposing surface, 24E pressing surface, 30 link (rotating body), 34A side (inclined surface), 38 amplifier gear (detection mechanism, amplifier body, rotating shaft), 38B rotating gear, 40 detection board (detection mechanism), 50 shift device, 70 shift device, 72 rotating shaft, 72A outer gear (rotating gear), 80 shift device, 90 shift device, 100 shift device, 104 second link (slide body)

Claims

1. a shift body that is moved in a first direction and a second direction to change a shift position; a rotating body in which the shift body is moved and rotated in a first direction and in which the shift body is moved and rotated in a second direction; a detection mechanism that detects a rotational position of the rotating body to detect a movement position of the shift body; A shift device comprising:

2. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is rotated by a force acting in a rotational direction when the shift body is moved in a first direction, and the rotating body is rotated by an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the shift body when the shift body is moved in a second direction.

3. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein an amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by movement of the shift body between the shift positions in the first direction is different from an amount of rotation of the rotating body caused by movement of the shift body between the shift positions in the second direction.

4. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, further comprising an amplifier provided in the detection mechanism, which is rotated with amplified rotation of the rotating body as the rotating body is rotated, and which detects the rotational position of the rotating body by detecting the rotational position of the rotating body.

5. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein a rotary gear is provided on a rotary shaft of the rotary body.

6. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the rotor is supported by the detection mechanism.

7. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the rotor is rotated and displaced in the direction of the rotation axis.

8. The shift device according to claim 7, wherein the rotating body is rotated so that the rotation axis of the rotating body is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotating body.

9. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the shift body is moved in a first direction, so that the rotating body is rotated by a force acting in a rotational direction on an opposing surface of the rotating body that faces the rotating body in the rotational direction.

10. 2. The shift device of claim 1, wherein the rotor is biased in a rotational direction.

11. The shift device according to claim 10, further comprising a pressing surface capable of pressing the rotating body in the direction of the biasing force.

12. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, further comprising a slider that is slid by moving the shift body in a first direction to rotate the rotating body, and that is slid by moving the shift body in a second direction to rotate the rotating body.

Images