Joystick device

Abstract

To miniaturize a structure capable of imparting a click feeling to an operation lever when the operation lever is moved and of detecting the position of the operation lever.SOLUTION: A joystick device includes: a base member 12B; an operation lever 20 that is movable relative to the base member; a click pin 25 that moves in conjunction with the operation lever; a click imparting portion 19 that is provided on the base member and imparts a click feeling to the click pin when the click pin moves; and a position detection unit that detects a position of the operation lever in conjunction with the movement of the click pin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joystick device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a shift device for a vehicle. This shift device includes a check groove formed in a main body case (block body), a lever body that can rotate relative to the main body case, a check lever that is supported by the lever body and can slide along the surface of the check groove, a select pin provided on the lever body, and a select sensor (magnetic sensor) that detects the position of the lever body based on the movement of the select pin.

[0003] Therefore, when the lever body is operated, the check lever slides on the surface of the check groove, and the check groove gives the check lever a sense of restraint. When the select pin moves with the movement of the lever body, the select sensor detects the position of the lever body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-187994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention of Patent Document 1 mentioned above tends to increase the size of the entire device.

[0006] In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a joystick device that can be made compact while providing a sense of control to the operating lever when the operating lever is moved and having a structure that can detect the position of the operating lever. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A joystick device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a base member, an operating lever that is movable relative to the base member, a detent pin that moves in conjunction with the operating lever, a detent imparting unit provided on the base member that imparts a detent feeling to the detent pin when the detent pin moves, and a position detecting unit that detects the position of the operating lever in conjunction with the movement of the detent pin.

[0008] A joystick device of a second aspect of the present invention is the joystick device of the first aspect of the present invention, which has a link that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the detent pin, and the position detection unit detects the rotational position of the operating lever using the rotation of the link.

[0009] A joystick device of a third aspect of the present invention is the joystick device of the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the base member includes a rotation support shaft that rotatably supports the link, and the detent portion is provided on the rotation support shaft.

[0010] A joystick device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is a joystick device of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the detent portion has a detent groove having a V-shaped cross section, and the detent pin has a sliding portion that moves while contacting the surface of the detent groove when the operating lever is moved.

[0011] A joystick device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is a joystick device of the first or fourth aspect of the present invention, which has a slider that slides linearly along a predetermined direction relative to the base member in conjunction with the rotation of the moderation pin, and the position detection unit detects the rotational position of the operating lever by utilizing the sliding movement of the slider.

[0012] A joystick device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the joystick device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operating lever is a shift lever provided in a vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In a joystick device according to a first aspect of the present invention, when the detent pin moves, a detent imparting portion provided on the base member imparts a detent feeling to the detent pin. This detent feeling is imparted to the operating lever via the detent pin. Furthermore, when the detent pin moves, a position detecting portion detects the position of the operating lever in conjunction with the movement of the detent pin. In this way, in the joystick device according to the first aspect, the detent pin serves as both a component of the detent feeling imparting mechanism for imparting the detent feeling and a component of the position detecting mechanism for detecting the position of the operating lever. Therefore, the joystick device according to the first aspect can be made smaller than when the detent pin is a component of only one of the detent feeling imparting mechanism and the position detecting mechanism.

[0014] In a joystick device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the position detection unit detects the rotational position of the operating lever by utilizing the rotation of the link that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the detent pin, so that the joystick device according to the second aspect can detect the rotational position of the operating lever.

[0015] In the joystick device of the third aspect of the present invention, the moderation imparting portion is provided on the rotation support shaft that rotatably supports the link, so that the joystick device can be made smaller.

[0016] In a joystick device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the detent imparting portion has a detent groove having a V-shaped cross section, so that the joystick device according to the third aspect can achieve the detent groove with a simple configuration.

[0017] In the joystick device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the position detection section detects the rotational position of the operating lever by utilizing the sliding movement of the slider that is linked to the rotation of the detent pin.

[0018] In the joystick device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating lever is a shift lever provided in a vehicle, and therefore, the joystick device of the fourth aspect can impart a sense of control to the shift lever held by the vehicle occupant when the shift lever is moved by the occupant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a shift device, which is an example of a joystick device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shift device as seen from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the shift device with the front housing removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the shift device with the front housing and the link removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the link of the shift device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rear housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear housing, the lever, and the detent pin. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 9-9 in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 10-10 in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the links of a shift device, where 1A is a perspective view seen from the right side, and 1B is a side view seen from the right side. [Figure 12] (A) to (D) are perspective views of the lever and link of the shift device, seen from the rear diagonally 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 13] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view, seen from the front, of a shift device which is an example of a joystick device according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear housing, the lever, the detent pin, and the slider. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 15-15 in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view, seen from the front, of a shift device which is an example of a joystick device according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear housing, the lever, and the detent pin. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 18-18 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A shift device (joystick device) 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In each drawing, the front of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow FR, the right of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the top of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0021] 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 top of the shift device 10 face the front, right and top of the vehicle, respectively.

[0022] 1, shift device 10 is provided with a housing 12 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box as a container, and housing 12 is fixed to a steering column, so that shift device 10 is installed on the steering column. Housing 12 includes a front housing (base member) 12A (see imaginary lines in FIG. 3) on the front side and a rear housing (base member) 12B on the rear side, and housing 12 is configured by assembling front housing 12A and rear housing 12B.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a support member 14 is fixed to the right portion of the rear housing 12B. Both the front and rear surfaces of the support member 14 are open, and a spherical shaft support groove 14A (see Figure 6) that is circular when viewed in the front-to-rear direction is formed inside the support member 14. The inner surface of the spherical shaft support groove 14A is formed by a part of a spherical surface. A substantially rectangular restriction hole 16 is formed through the left side of the support member 14.

[0024] A generally rod-shaped lever 20 serving as a shift lever (operating lever) is supported within the support member 14. A generally spherical axle 22 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 axle 22. The spherical axle 22 is housed within the support member 14 and rotatably supported by the support member 14 and the rear wall of the rear housing 12B. That is, the supported surface 22A is in slidable contact with the inner surface of the spherical axle support groove 14A of the support member 14 and the rear wall of the rear housing 12B, and the spherical axle 22 can rotate around its own center relative to the support member 14 and the rear housing 12B. A portion of the spherical axle 22 penetrates rightward through a right opening 14B of the support member 14 and an opening 12B1 in the right wall of the housing 12.

[0025] A generally rectangular shaped restricting post 24 is integrally provided on the left side of the spherical axis 22, and extends leftward from the spherical axis 22. The restricting post 24 passes through the restricting hole 16 of the support member 14 to the left. The restricting post 24 is rotatable in the front-to-rear and up-down directions relative to the restricting hole 16.

[0026] 6, a support groove 22B is formed inside the spherical shaft 22 and the regulating pillar 24, extending linearly along the radial direction of the spherical shaft 22. The outer peripheral end of the support groove 22B opens at the left end face of the regulating pillar 24.

[0027] A detent pin 25 is provided in the support groove 22B. The detent pin 25 includes a linearly extending shaft portion 25A, a spherical connecting ball 25B fixed to the left end of the shaft portion 25A, and a sliding portion 25C that is a hemisphere with a smaller diameter than the connecting ball 25B and is provided at the left end of the circumferential surface of the connecting ball 25B. Furthermore, a compression coil spring 26 is provided in the support groove 22B to bias the detent pin 25 in a direction to move it outward from the support groove 22B (see FIG. 6). The compression coil spring 26 is constantly elastically deformed, and constantly generates a biasing force to move the detent pin 25 outward from the support groove 22B.

[0028] A roughly rectangular parallelepiped knob 28 is provided as a grip on the right side (tip side) of the lever 20. The knob 28 is located inside the vehicle cabin. A vehicle occupant gripping the knob 28 can rotate the lever 20 in the front-to-rear direction (select direction) and the up-to-down direction (shift direction).

[0029] Due to the action of the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the detent applying portion 19 (described later), when the occupant is not applying force to the lever 20, the lever 20 is located in the H position (home position) (position in FIG. 1 ) as a shift position. The lever 20 moves to the N position (neutral position) as a shift position by rotating rearward from the H position. When the lever 20 is rotated rearward, the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated forward with respect to the restricting hole 16 of the support member 14. When the lever 20 is rotated forward from the N position to the H position, the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated rearward with respect to the restricting hole 16 of the support member 14.

[0030] The lever 20 is positioned at the R position (reverse position) as a shift position by rotating upward from the N position. When the lever 20 is rotated upward, the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated downward relative to the restricting hole 16 of the support member 14.

[0031] The lever 20 is positioned at the D position (drive position) as a shift position by rotating downward from the N position. When the lever 20 is rotated downward, the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated upward relative to the restricting hole 16 of the support member 14.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, a range limiting portion 17 is provided in the approximate center of the bottom surface of the rear housing 12B. The range limiting portion 17 includes a first stopper 17A and a second stopper 17B. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the restricting post 24 is located between the first stopper 17A and the second stopper 17B. Therefore, the range of rotation of the lever 20 in the up and down direction is limited between the position where the restricting post 24 contacts the first stopper 17A and the position where the restricting post 24 contacts the second stopper 17B.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, a rotation support shaft 18 having a generally cylindrical shape and extending forward is provided near a corner of the bottom surface of the rear housing 12B. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a notch 18A is formed on the right side of the rear end of the rotation support shaft 18. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, a detent groove 19 is formed on the right side of the rotation support shaft 18, just before the notch 18A. A detent groove 19A is formed on the right side of the detent groove 19. The detent groove 19A is composed of a first detent surface 19A1 and a second detent surface 19A2, both of which are flat. As shown in FIG. 9, the detent portion 19 is V-shaped when viewed along the axis 18X of the rotation support shaft 18. That is, the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 intersect at a predetermined angle α when viewed along the axis 18X of the rotation support shaft 18. Furthermore, when viewed along the axis 18X, the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 substantially coincide with a tangent to an arc centered on the center point of the spherical axis 22 (spherical axis support groove 14A). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, the detent groove 19A (first detent surface 19A1, second detent surface 19A2) is inclined with respect to the axis 18X so as to gradually approach the rotation support shaft 18 side from the front to the rear.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, a link 30 serving as a rotating body is rotatably supported on the rotation support shaft 18 of the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, a substantially sector-shaped rotation post 32 is provided on the link 30. The rotation post 32 protrudes to the right, and its right side is curved along the rotation direction of the link 30. As shown in FIG. 11, a substantially cylindrical support hole 30A whose axis is parallel to the axis 18X is formed on the rear surface of the link 30. The front end of the support hole 30A is closed. The rotation support shaft 18 is inserted into the support hole 30A, so that the link 30 is rotatably supported on the rotation support shaft 18. The link 30 is rotatable relative to the rotation support shaft 18 in the directions of arrow A and arrow B (see FIGS. 5 and 11). The rotation post 32 is formed with a connecting groove 34 having a rectangular cross section as a connecting portion. The outer peripheral end (right end) of the connecting groove 34 is open, and the inner peripheral end (left end) of the connecting groove 34 is open and communicates with the supported hole 30A. The connecting groove 34 extends forward in the direction of arrow A (a direction inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction of the link 30), and the connecting groove 34 is open to the rear. As shown in Figure 6, the connecting ball 25B of the moderation pin 25 is inserted into the connecting groove 34, and the connecting ball 25B is fitted between a pair of side surfaces 34A, 34B, which are inclined surfaces of the connecting groove 34, so that the connecting ball 25B can move relative to the link 30 in the rotation direction of the link 30.

[0035] 4, 6, and 7, a portion of the connecting ball 25B and the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25, biased by the compression coil spring 26, penetrates the connecting groove 34 of the link 30 toward the inner periphery, and the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 presses the sliding portion 25C against the detent groove 19A of the detent portion 19. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the occupant does not apply force to the lever 20, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 causes the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 to contact the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 while facing the boundary between the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2, and also to contact the notch 18A. That is, the sliding portion 25C contacts the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 at the rear end of the detent portion 19 while facing the boundary. Therefore, when the occupant does not apply force to the lever 20, the lever 20 is held in the H position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26.

[0036] When the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated forward, the connecting ball 25B presses against the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, causing the link 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow B. When the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated rearward, the connecting ball 25B presses against the side surface 34B of the connecting groove 34, causing the link 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow A. When the restricting post 24 of the lever 20 is rotated downward, the connecting ball 25B presses against the side surface 34B of the connecting groove 34, causing the link 30 to rotate in the direction of arrow A. When the restricting post 24 of the spherical axle 22 is rotated upward, the connecting ball 25B presses against the side surface 34A of the connecting groove 34, causing the link 30 to rotate in the direction of 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 (for example, 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.

[0037] The link 30 is integrally provided with a link gear 36 having a generally sector-shaped plate shape that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and the link gear 36 protrudes upward.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an amplifier gear 38 serving as an amplifier constituting the detection mechanism is provided above the link 30 within the housing 12. The amplifier gear 38 is rotatable in the directions of arrows C and D (see Figures 3 to 5) around a rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction relative to the housing 12. The link gear 36 of the link 30 is meshed with the amplifier gear 38, so that when the link 30 rotates in the directions of arrows A and B, the amplifier gear 38 rotates in the directions of arrows C and D, respectively. The rotation radius of the amplifier gear 38 is smaller than the rotation radius 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.

[0039] A disk-shaped magnet 38A (see FIGS. 2 to 5) serving as a part to be detected is integrally provided on the front side of the amplification gear 38. 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 the radial direction of the magnet 38A.

[0040] A detection board (position detection unit) 40 (see imaginary lines in FIG. 5) serving as a detection body constituting a position detection mechanism is provided in front of the magnet 38A within the housing 12. The detection board 40 is provided in the housing 12 so as to be perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. A substantially rectangular plate-shaped magnetic sensor (an MR sensor (magnetoresistive sensor) or a 3D Hall sensor (three-dimensional Hall sensor), not shown) serving as a detection unit is fixed to the rear surface of the detection board 40. 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.

[0041] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] When the lever 20 of the shift device 10 configured as described above is rotated, the shift position of the lever 20 is changed. Accordingly, the gear stage of the transmission (not shown) provided in the vehicle is changed. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated rearward from the H position to the N position, the link 30 pressed by the connecting ball 25B of the moderation pin 25 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, and the amplifier gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of arrow D. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated upward from the N position to the R position, the link 30 pressed by the connecting ball 25B of the moderation pin 25 is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the amplifier gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of arrow C. Furthermore, when the lever 20 is rotated downward from the N position to the D position, the link 30 pressed by the connecting ball 25B of the moderation pin 25 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, and the amplifier gear 38 and the magnet 38A are rotated in the direction of arrow D. The magnetic sensor on the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field HD generated by the front surface of the magnet 38A and detects the rotational position of the magnet 38A, thereby detecting the rotational positions of the amplification gear 38, the link 30, and the lever 20, thereby detecting the shift position of the lever 20. In this way, the detection board 40 detects the position of the lever 20 in conjunction with the movement of the detent pin 25. That is, a position detection mechanism having the detent pin 25, link 30, link gear 36, magnet 38A, and detection board 40 detects the rotational position of the lever 20.

[0043] When the lever 20 in the H position is rotated rearward (toward the N position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 leaves the notch 18A and moves forward relative to the detent pin 19 while contacting the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 along the boundary between the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2. As shown in FIG. 10, the distance between the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 and a line 22L (see FIG. 10) that passes through the center of the spherical axis 22 and extends in the vertical direction gradually decreases as the lever 20 in the H position is rotated rearward (toward the N position), and the sliding portion 25C receives a larger reaction force from the detent pin 19, pushing the detent pin 25 deeper into the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. That is, the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 provide a sense of detent to the occupant gripping the lever 20 (knob 28) by hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical shaft 22.

[0044] Furthermore, when the lever 20 in the N position is rotated upward (toward the R position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 moves downward relative to the detent member 19 while moving away from the second detent surface 19A2 and in contact with the first detent surface 19A1. As shown in FIG. 9 , the distance between the first detent surface 19A1 and the line 22L gradually decreases as the first detent surface 19A1 moves downward (toward the opposite side of the second detent surface 19A2) from the second detent surface 19A2. Therefore, when the lever 20 in the N position is rotated upward, the sliding portion 25C receives a larger reaction force from the detent member 19, and the detent pin 25 is pushed toward the back of the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. In other words, the first detent surface 19A1 provides a sense of detent to the occupant gripping the lever 20 (knob 28) by hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical shaft 22.

[0045] Furthermore, when the lever 20 in the N position is rotated downward (toward the D position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 moves upward relative to the detent portion 19 while moving away from the first detent surface 19A1 and contacting the second detent surface 19A2. As shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the second detent surface 19A2 and the straight line 22L gradually decreases as the second detent surface 19A2 moves upward (toward the opposite side of the first detent surface 19A1) from the first detent surface 19A1 side. Therefore, when the lever 20 in the N position is rotated downward, the reaction force that the sliding portion 25C receives from the detent portion 19 increases, and the detent pin 25 is pushed into the back of the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. That is, the second detent surface 19A2 provides a sense of detent to the occupant who grips the lever 20 (knob 28) with his or her hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical shaft 22.

[0046] When lever 20 in the H position is rotated toward N position, R position, or D position in this manner, the detent feeling mechanism, which includes rotation support shaft 18 (notch 18A), detent 19, detent pin 25, and compression coil spring 26, provides a detent feeling to the occupant gripping lever 20. When lever 20 is released from the N position, R position, or D position, detent 19, sliding portion 25C, and compression coil spring 26 return sliding portion 25C to a position where it contacts notch 18A while sliding on the surface of detent 19. At this time, the biasing force of compression coil spring 26 increases the amount of protrusion of detent pin 25 relative to support groove 22B, and the reaction force that sliding portion 25C receives from detent 19 decreases. Therefore, in this case as well, the first detent surface 19A1 and the second detent surface 19A2 provide a sense of detent to the occupant who grips the lever 20 (knob 28) with his or her hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical axis 22.

[0047] As described above, detent pin 25 serves as both a component of the detent feeling imparting mechanism that imparts a detent feeling when lever 20 is operated and a component of the position detection mechanism that detects the position of lever 20. Therefore, compared to when detent pin 25 is a component of only one of the detent feeling imparting mechanism and the position detection mechanism, shift device 10 of this embodiment can be made smaller.

[0048] Furthermore, the detent portion 19 has a detent groove 19A having a V-shaped cross section. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detent groove 19A that can give the occupant a sense of detent when the lever 20 rotates in either the up-down direction or the front-rear direction is realized with a simple configuration.

[0049] Furthermore, since the rotation support shaft 18 that rotatably supports the link 30 is provided with the moderation imparting portion 19, the shift device 10 can be made smaller.

[0050] The joystick device (shift device 10) according to the embodiment has been described above, but the design of the joystick device can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description of each modification, components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment are simply assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] For example, the present invention may be implemented in the form of a shift device (joystick device) 50 of a first modified example shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. The lever 20 of the first modified example is rotatable only in the up-down direction relative to the housing 12, and its rotation in the front-rear direction is restricted. A detent imparting portion 52 is provided at the corner where the lower edge and left side of the inner surface of the rear housing (base member) 12C of the first modified example intersect. A detent groove 52A is formed on the right side of the detent imparting portion 52. The detent groove 52A is composed of a first detent imparting surface 52A1 and a second detent imparting surface 52A2, both of which are flat. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the detent groove 52A is V-shaped. That is, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the first detent imparting surface 52A1 and the second detent imparting surface 52A2 intersect at a predetermined angle α. As shown in Figure 15, the distance from the detent groove 52A (first detent surface 52A1, second detent surface 52A2) to the straight line 22L passing through the center of the spherical axis 22 is the same at any position in the direction parallel to the straight line 22L of the detent groove 52A.

[0052] Furthermore, a pair of parallel guide pieces 53 are provided on the rear portion of the inner surface of the rear housing 12C.

[0053] Furthermore, a slider 55 is provided inside the rear housing 12C instead of the link 30. The slider 55 includes a base plate 56 that is a rectangular flat plate, a pair of pressed portions 57A and 57B provided on the front surface of the base plate 56, and a magnet 58 fixed to the front surface of the base plate 56. As shown in FIG. 14 , the slider 55 (base plate 56) is positioned between the pair of guide pieces 53 and is guided along the pair of guide pieces 53 so as to slide in a predetermined linear direction relative to the rear housing 12C. When viewed along the front-rear direction, the linear direction is approximately parallel to the tangent direction of a circumference centered on the line 22L.

[0054] Furthermore, although not shown, a detection board 40 is provided inside the rear housing 12C (housing 12). The detection section of the detection board 40 detects the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 58 and detects the sliding direction position of the magnet 58 (slider 55). That is, the detection section of the detection board 40 detects the rotational direction position of the lever 20 using the sliding direction position of the magnet 58 (slider 55).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 14 , the connecting ball 25B of the detent pin 25 is located between the pressed portion 57A and the pressed portion 57B, and faces the pressed portions 57A and 57B with a small gap therebetween. Furthermore, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 presses the sliding portion 25C against the detent groove 52A of the detent imparting portion 52. When the occupant is not applying force to the lever 20, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 causes the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 to contact the first detent imparting surface 52A1 and the second detent imparting surface 52A2 while facing the boundary between the first detent imparting surface 52A1 and the second detent imparting surface 52A2. Therefore, when the occupant is not applying force to the lever 20, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 holds the lever 20 in the H position.

[0056] When the lever 20 in the H position is rotated upward (toward the R position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 moves downward relative to the detent pin 52 while moving away from the second detent pin surface 52A2 and in contact with the first detent pin surface 52A1. The distance between the first detent pin surface 52A1 and the line 22L gradually decreases as the lever 20 moves downward (toward the opposite side of the second detent pin surface 52A2) from the second detent pin surface 52A2 side. Therefore, when the lever 20 in the H position is rotated upward, the reaction force that the sliding portion 25C receives from the detent pin 52 increases, and the detent pin 25 is pushed toward the back of the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. In other words, the first detent pin surface 52A1 imparts a sense of detent to the occupant gripping the lever 20 (knob 28) by hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical shaft 22.

[0057] Furthermore, when the lever 20 in the H position is rotated upward (toward the R position), the connecting ball 25B presses the pressed portion 57A of the slider 55 downward, causing the slider 55 (magnet 58) to move downward relative to the rear housing 12C. Therefore, the detection board 40 detects the shift position of the lever 20 using the sliding direction position of the magnet 58 (slider 55).

[0058] When the lever 20 in the H position is rotated downward (toward the D position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 moves upward relative to the detent pin 52 while separating from the first detent pin surface 52A1 and contacting the second detent pin surface 52A2. The distance between the second detent pin 25 and the line 22L gradually decreases as the second detent pin 52A2 moves upward (toward the opposite side of the first detent pin surface 52A1) from the first detent pin surface 52A1 side. Therefore, when the lever 20 in the H position is rotated downward, the reaction force that the sliding portion 25C receives from the detent pin 52 increases, and the detent pin 25 is pushed deeper into the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. In other words, the second detent pin surface 52A2 imparts a sense of detent to the occupant gripping the lever 20 (knob 28) by hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the spherical shaft 22.

[0059] Furthermore, when the lever 20 in the H position is rotated downward (toward the D position), the connecting ball 25B presses the pressed portion 57B of the slider 55 upward, causing the slider 55 (magnet 58) to move upward relative to the rear housing 12C. Therefore, the detection board 40 detects the shift position of the lever 20 using the sliding direction position of the magnet 58 (slider 55).

[0060] In the first modified example described above, detent pin 25 also serves as a component of a detent feeling imparting mechanism that imparts a detent feeling when lever 20 is operated, and as a component of a position detection mechanism that detects the position of lever 20. Therefore, compared to when detent pin 25 serves as a component of only one of the detent feeling imparting mechanism and the position detection mechanism, shift device 50 of the first modified example can be made smaller.

[0061] In the first modified example, the inclination of the region between the vertical intermediate portion of first moderation imparting surface 52A1 (the direction of movement of sliding portion 25C) and the boundary line between first moderation imparting surface 52A1 and second moderation imparting surface 52A2 may be different from the inclination of the region between this intermediate portion and an end (lower end) of first moderation imparting surface 52A1. In this case, lever 20 may be located in position N when sliding portion 25C is located in this intermediate portion, and lever 20 may be located in position D when sliding portion 25C contacts the end of first moderation imparting surface 52A1. Similarly, the inclination of the region between the vertical intermediate portion of second moderation imparting surface 52A2 and the boundary line may be different from the inclination of the region between this intermediate portion and an end (upper end) of second moderation imparting surface 52A2. In this case, the lever 20 may be in the N position when the sliding portion 25C is in this intermediate portion, and the lever 20 may be in the R position when the sliding portion 25C contacts the end of the second moderation imparting surface 52A2.

[0062] The present invention may also be embodied in a second modified shift device (joystick device) 60 shown in Figures 16 to 18. The lever 20 of the second modified example is slidable in the front-to-rear and up-and-down directions relative to the housing 12. A detent groove 62A is formed on the right side of a detent imparting portion 62 provided on a rear housing (base member) 12D of the second modified example. The detent groove 62A is composed of a first detent imparting surface 62A1 and a second detent imparting surface 62A2, both of which are flat. When viewed along the front-to-back direction, the detent groove 62A is V-shaped. That is, when viewed along the axis 18X of the rotation support shaft 18, the first detent imparting surface 62A1 and the second detent imparting surface 62A2 intersect at a predetermined angle α. As shown in FIG. 18, the distance from the detent groove 62A (first detent surface 62A1, second detent surface 62A2) to the straight line 22L passing through the center of the spherical axis 22 gradually decreases from the rear to the front.

[0063] Furthermore, a guide block 64 is provided on the right side of the inner surface of the rear housing 12D. A cross-shaped guide groove 64A is formed on the front surface of the guide block 64. That is, the guide groove 64A includes a linear first groove 64A1 extending in a predetermined direction, and a linear second groove 64A2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first groove 64A1.

[0064] Furthermore, a link 30 is rotatably supported on the rotary support shaft 18 of the rear housing 12D. Furthermore, an amplification gear 38 is rotatably provided on the rear housing 12D, which rotates in conjunction with the link 30. Furthermore, a detection board 40 is provided on the rear housing 12D (not shown in FIGS. 16 to 18).

[0065] Furthermore, the lever 20 of the shift device 60 includes an intermediate slide member 65 instead of the spherical axle 22. The intermediate slide member 65 includes a first component 66 connected to the knob 28 (not shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 ), a pair of second component parts 67 extending vertically from the left end of the first component part 66, and a regulating post 24 extending leftward from the left end of the first component part 66. The intermediate slide member 65 is supported by a guide block 64 of the rear housing 12D so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. That is, the first component part 66 and a portion of the regulating post 24 of the intermediate slide member 65 are guided by the first groove 64A1 so as to be movably in the front-rear direction, and the second component part 67 is guided by the second groove 64A2 so as to be movably in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, each second component part 67 is guided by the second groove 64A2 so as to be movably in the up-down direction. Strictly speaking, the extension direction of the second groove 64A2 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction, but for convenience, the extension direction of the second groove 64A2 is assumed to be the vertical direction. Furthermore, a spring member (not shown) that biases the intermediate slide member 65 rearward is provided in the internal space of the housing 12, which has the front housing 12A (not shown in FIGS. 16 to 18) and the rear housing 12D. Therefore, when the occupant is not applying force to the lever 20, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26 causes the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 to contact the first detent imparting surface 62A1 and the second detent imparting surface 62A2 while facing the boundary between the first detent imparting surface 62A1 and the second detent imparting surface 62A2. Furthermore, since the spring member biases the intermediate slide member 65 rearward, when the occupant does not apply force to the lever 20, the sliding portion 25C comes into contact with the rear end portions of the first detent applying surface 62A1 and the second detent applying surface 62A2. The position of the lever 20 at this time can be set to position H.

[0066] When the lever 20 in the H position is pushed forward (toward the N position), the sliding portion 25C of the detent pin 25 moves forward on the detent groove 62A while contacting the first detent surface 62A1 and the second detent surface 62A2. When the sliding portion 25C comes into contact with the vicinity of the front ends of the first detent surface 62A1 and the second detent surface 62A2, the upper lever 20 reaches the N position. The distance from the detent groove 62A (the first detent surface 62A1, the second detent surface 62A2) to the line 22L passing through the center of the spherical axis 22 gradually decreases from the rear to the front. Therefore, when the lever 20 in the H position moves forward, the reaction force that the sliding portion 25C receives from the detent portion 62 increases, and the detent pin 25 is pushed toward the back of the support groove 22B against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26. That is, the first detent surface 62A1 provides a sense of detent to the occupant who grips the lever 20 (knob 28) with his or her hand via the detent pin 25, the compression coil spring 26, and the intermediate slide member 65.

[0067] When the lever 20 in the H position is further pushed forward, the connecting ball 25B rotates the link 30 and the link gear 36, and the detection board 40 detects the shift position of the lever 20.

[0068] When the lever 20 that has moved to the N position is pushed upward, the sliding portion 25C moves upward along the second moderation imparting surface 62A2, and when the sliding portion 25C comes into contact with the vicinity of the upper end of the second moderation imparting surface 62A2, the upper lever 20 reaches the R position. When the lever 20 that has moved to the N position is pushed downward, the sliding portion 25C moves downward along the first moderation imparting surface 62A1, and when the sliding portion 25C comes into contact with the vicinity of the lower end of the first moderation imparting surface 62A1, the upper lever 20 reaches the D position.

[0069] In the second modified example described above, detent pin 25 also serves as a component of the detent feeling imparting mechanism that imparts a detent feeling when lever 20 is operated, and as a component of the position detection mechanism that detects the position of lever 20. Therefore, compared to when detent pin 25 serves as a component of only one of the detent feeling imparting mechanism and the position detection mechanism, shift device 60 of the second modified example can be made smaller.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment and each of the modified examples, the shift devices 10, 50, 60 are installed on the steering column. However, the shift device 10 (joystick device) may also be installed in another part of the vehicle (instrument panel, console, etc.).

[0071] The present invention may be applied to a joystick device other than a shift device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 shift device (joystick device), 12A front housing (base member), 12B, 12C, 12D rear housing (base member), 19 detent applying portion, 19A detent groove, 20 lever (operating lever) (shift lever), 25 detent pin, 25C sliding portion, 30 link, 40 detection board (position detection portion), 50 shift device (joystick device), 52 detent applying portion, 52A detent groove, 60 shift device (joystick device), 62 detent applying portion, 62A detent groove

Claims

1. A base member; an operating lever that is movable relative to the base member; a detent pin that moves in conjunction with the operating lever; a detent providing portion provided on the base member that provides a detent feeling to the detent pin when the detent pin moves; a position detection unit that detects the position of the operating lever in conjunction with the movement of the moderation pin; A joystick device comprising:

2. a link that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the detent pin; 2. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the position detector detects the rotational position of the operating lever by utilizing the rotation of the link.

3. the base member includes a rotation support shaft that rotatably supports the link, 3. A joystick device according to claim 2, wherein the detent portion is provided on the rotation support shaft.

4. The detent applying portion has a detent groove having a V-shaped cross section, 3. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the detent pin has a sliding portion that moves while contacting the surface of the detent groove when the operating lever is moved.

5. a slider that slides linearly along a predetermined direction relative to the base member in response to the rotation of the moderation pin; 2. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the position detector detects the rotational position of the operating lever by utilizing the sliding movement of the slider.

6. 3. The joystick device according to claim 1, wherein the operating lever is a shift lever provided on a vehicle.

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