Shifter

Abstract

To provide a shifter which enables shift operation even when a touch panel display for the shift operation for changing a shift position of a transmission is broken.SOLUTION: In a shifter 10, a screen 20A of a touch panel display 20 is operated to change a shift position of a transmission 26 of a vehicle. When the touch panel display 20 is broken, an operation part 32 is operated to change the shift position of the transmission 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device in which the shift position of a vehicle transmission is changed by operating the screen of a touch panel display. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for a wire shift assembly of an automobile having a touch-sensitive display for selecting an operating mode of an automatic transmission and / or automated transmission of the automobile.

[0003] Here, the case where the touch-sensitive display fails is not considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0011042 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 allows shifting even when a touch panel display for shifting to change the shift position of a transmission fails. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the shift device of the present invention includes a touch panel display whose screen is operated to change the shift position of a vehicle transmission, and an operating unit provided separately from the touch panel display that is operated to change the shift position of the transmission if the touch panel display fails.

[0007] A shift device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the operation portion is provided on a steering element or a steering column for steering a vehicle.

[0008] A shift device of a third aspect of the present invention is the shift device of the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the operating portion is provided on the opposite side to the occupant side of a member on which the operating portion is disposed.

[0009] A shift device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is the shift device of the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the operating portion is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within a member in which the operating portion is disposed.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the shift device of the present invention is the shift device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a fault detection unit that detects a fault in the touch panel display, and a protrusion mechanism that protrudes the operation unit when the fault detection unit detects a fault in the touch panel display.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the shift device of the present invention is a shift device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, further comprising: a fault detection unit that detects a fault in the touch panel display; and a switching unit that makes the operation unit inoperable when the fault detection unit does not detect a fault in the touch panel display, and that makes the operation unit operable when the fault detection unit detects a fault in the touch panel display.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the shift device of the present invention is a shift device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, comprising: a fault detection unit that detects a fault in the touch panel display; and an operation control unit that invalidates the operation when the operation unit is operated while the fault detection unit has not detected a fault in the touch panel display, and that validates the operation when the operation unit is operated while the fault detection unit has detected a fault in the touch panel display.

[0013] A shift device of an eighth aspect of the present invention is a shift device of any one of the first to fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention, comprising: a permission switch that is operated in a predetermined manner to permit operation of the operating unit; and a permission unit that makes the operating unit inoperable when the permission switch is not operated in the predetermined manner, and makes the operating unit operable when the permission switch is operated in the predetermined manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In a shift device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the shift position of a vehicle's transmission is changed by operating the screen of a touch panel display. Furthermore, if the touch panel display for shifting to change the transmission's shift position malfunctions, an operating unit provided separately from the touch panel display is operated to change the transmission's shift position. Therefore, it is possible to perform shift operations even when the touch panel display malfunctions.

[0015] In the shift device of the second aspect of the present invention, the operating unit is provided on a steering element or a steering column for steering the vehicle, which makes it easy to operate the operating unit.

[0016] In the shift device of the third aspect of the present invention, the operating part is provided on the side opposite to the occupant side of the member on which the operating part is disposed, thereby preventing the design from being affected even if the operating part is provided.

[0017] In the shift device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating unit is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the member in which the operating unit is disposed, and therefore, when the operating unit does not need to be used, the operating unit can be retracted to a position where it will not get in the way.

[0018] In a shift device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the failure detection unit detects a failure in the touch panel display. Furthermore, when the failure detection unit detects a failure in the touch panel display, the protrusion mechanism protrudes the operation unit. Therefore, when the touch panel display fails, the operation unit can be automatically protruded.

[0019] In a sixth aspect of the shift device of the present invention, the malfunction detection unit detects a malfunction of the touch panel display. The switching unit renders the operation unit inoperable when the malfunction detection unit has not detected a malfunction of the touch panel display, and renders the operation unit operable when the malfunction detection unit has detected a malfunction of the touch panel display. Therefore, even if a passenger accidentally touches the operation unit when the touch panel display is not malfunctioning, erroneous operation of the operation unit can be prevented.

[0020] In a seventh aspect of the shift device of the present invention, a failure detection unit detects a failure of the touch panel display. The operation control unit disables the operation when the operating unit is operated while the failure detection unit has not detected a failure of the touch panel display, and enables the operation when the operating unit is operated while the failure detection unit has detected a failure of the touch panel display. Therefore, even if a passenger accidentally operates the operating unit when the touch panel display is not malfunctioning, the operation can be disabled.

[0021] In the shift device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the permission switch is operated in a predetermined manner to permit operation of the operating unit. The permission unit renders the operating unit inoperable when the permission switch is not operated in the predetermined manner, and renders the operating unit operable when the permission switch is operated in the predetermined manner. Therefore, even if a passenger accidentally touches the operating unit when the permission switch is not operated in the predetermined manner, erroneous operation of the operating unit can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where 1A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 1B is a side view as seen from the right. [Figure 2] 3 is a side view of an example of an operation unit provided in the shift device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the right. FIG. [Figure 3]10A and 10B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where 10A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 10B is a side view as seen from the right. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where 10A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 10B is a side view as seen from the right. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing an operation unit provided in a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which 10A is a diagram for explaining the appearance and disappearance of the operation part, and 10B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operation part. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where 10A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 10B is a side view as seen from the right. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where 10A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 10B is a side view as seen from the right. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a handle device provided with a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, where 10A is a front view as seen from the occupant's side, and 10B is a side view as seen from the right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [First embodiment] 1A and 1B show a steering wheel device 12 provided with a shift device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front view of the steering wheel device 12 as seen from the occupant's side, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the steering wheel device 12 as seen from the right. In the drawings, the front of the steering wheel device 12 (the near side as seen from the occupant's side) is indicated by an arrow FR, the right of the steering wheel device 12 (the right side as seen from the occupant's side) is indicated by an arrow RH, and the top of the steering wheel device 12 is indicated by an arrow UP. Hereinafter, when the front-rear, left-right, up-down directions are used in the description, they refer to directions relative to the steering wheel device 12 unless otherwise specified.

[0024] The handle device 12 in this embodiment is installed in a vehicle (automobile), and the front, right and upper sides of the handle device 12 are directed obliquely upward rear, right and upward obliquely forward of the vehicle, respectively.

[0025] The steering device 12 is provided with a steering column 14, the axial direction of which is in the front-to-rear direction. The steering column 14 is provided at the upper end of an installation stand (not shown) installed in front of the driver's seat (not shown) of the vehicle. A substantially cylindrical steering shaft 16 (see FIG. 1(A)) extending in the front-to-rear direction is disposed within the steering column 14, and the steering shaft 16 is rotatable about its axis.

[0026] A steering wheel 18 (steering) serving as a steering element for steering the vehicle is supported on the front side of the steering wheel shaft 16. The steering wheel 18 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle interior in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is installed in front of the occupant (driver) seated in the driver's seat. The steering wheel 18 in this embodiment is a so-called round steering wheel.

[0027] A boss 18A is provided in the center of the handlebars 18. Long spokes 18B, 18C, and 18D are provided on the outer periphery of the boss 18A as connecting parts. One end of each spoke 18B, 18C, and 18D is connected to the boss 18A, with the right spoke 18B extending to the right, the left spoke 18C extending to the left, and the lower spoke 18D extending downward.

[0028] A rim 18E having a generally annular shape in front view is provided on the outer periphery of the boss 18A as a gripping portion. The rim 18E is connected to the other end (the end opposite the boss 18A side) of each of the spokes 18B, 18C, 18D. As a result, the rim 18E is integrally connected to the boss 18A via each of the spokes 18B, 18C, 18D, and by rotating the rim 18E about its axis, the steering shaft 16 to which the boss 18A is fixed is rotated about its axis. When the steering wheel 18 is rotated in the circumferential direction, the steering shaft 16 rotates integrally with the steering wheel 18, thereby steering the vehicle.

[0029] The shift device 10 according to this embodiment is installed on the right spoke 18B of the handlebar 18. The shift device 10 includes a touch panel display 20 arranged on the right spoke 18B, with the touch panel display 20 positioned so that a screen 20A faces the passenger. The touch panel display 20 is a liquid crystal display equipped with a touch panel that allows touch operation by the user (passenger).

[0030] The touch panel display 20 is electrically connected to a vehicle control device 24 (shown as a block in the figure). The control device 24 is provided with a microcomputer in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory (storage), etc. are connected via a bus, and required functional circuits (all not shown). In the control device 24, the CPU reads out programs stored in the ROM and memory, and executes them while expanding them into the RAM, thereby realizing functions according to the programs. A vehicle transmission 26 (shown as a block in the figure) is electrically connected to this control device 24.

[0031] The control device 24 includes a display control unit 24A as a functional configuration. For example, when the vehicle power switch is turned on, the display control unit 24A displays position characters (not shown) indicating each of a plurality of shift positions on the screen 20A of the touch panel display 20. The position characters can be selected by the occupant's finger or the like touching the screen 20A, and the screen 20A of the touch panel display 20 is operated to change the shift position of the vehicle's transmission 26.

[0032] The shift device 10 is provided with an operation unit 32 at a position corresponding to the rear side of the touch panel display 20 on the rear side of the spoke 18B (the side of the spoke 18B opposite the occupant side). The operation unit 32, which is provided separately from the touch panel display 20, is herein, as an example, a knob portion of the operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 is an element that can be understood as a physical switch. A base end (front end) of the operation unit 32 is supported within the spoke 18B via a support portion 34, and a tip side (rear side) of the operation unit 32 from the base end protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the spoke 18B. The operation unit 32 is operated when the touch panel display 20 fails. In other words, the operation unit 30 is used as a backup in case of a failure of the touch panel display 20.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of the operation unit 30 as viewed from the right. As shown in FIG. 2, the base end of the operation unit 32 is supported by a support portion 34 and is vertically rotatable (pivotable) around the base end within a predetermined range. The operation unit 32 is displaceable to a home position (initial position) in the vertical center of the predetermined range. The operation unit 32 can be rotated upward from the home position (see arrow U1) to be disposed at an upper first position, and further rotated upward from the upper first position (see arrow U2) to be disposed at an upper second position. The operation unit 32 can also be rotated downward from the home position (see arrow D1) to be disposed at a lower first position, and further rotated downward from the lower first position (see arrow D2) to be disposed at a lower second position. The operation unit 30 is of a so-called stationary type, and the operation part 32 is biased by a detent mechanism (not shown) so that it remains in the home position, upper first position, upper second position, lower first position, and lower second position when placed in each of these positions.

[0034] The operation part 32 can be rotated by, for example, extending the fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) of the occupant's right hand other than the thumb while gripping the rim 18E shown in Fig. 1. The operation unit 30 is also electrically connected to the control device 24 of the vehicle.

[0035] When the operating unit 32 is operated upward from the home position to the upper first position, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed to the N position (neutral position) under the control of the control device 24. When the operating unit 32 is operated upward from the upper first position to the upper second position, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed to the R position (reverse position) under the control of the control device 24. When the operating unit 32 is operated downward from the home position to the lower first position, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed to the N position (neutral position), and when the operating unit 32 is operated downward from the lower first position to the lower second position, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed to the D position (drive position) under the control of the control device 24.

[0036] The shift device 10 includes a fault detection unit 22 (shown as a block in the figure) that detects a fault in the touch panel display 20. The fault detection unit 22 detects a fault in the touch panel display 20 based on the detection result of a current detection unit (not shown) that detects a current in a predetermined component of the touch panel display 20, for example.

[0037] The shift device 10 includes a switching unit 36 ​​that makes the operation unit 32 inoperable when the failure detection unit 22 does not detect a failure in the touch panel display 20, and makes the operation unit 32 operable when the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure in the touch panel display 20.

[0038] The switching unit 36, for example, includes an electric locking mechanism 38 (shown as a block in the figure) and a controller 36A (shown as a block in the figure) electrically connected to the fault detection unit 22. The locking mechanism 38 is configured to be switchable between a locked state in which the operation unit 32 is inoperable and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. The controller 36A includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory (storage), etc., which are connected to each other via a bus. In the controller 36A, the CPU reads programs stored in the ROM and memory, expands them into the RAM, and executes them to realize functions corresponding to the programs. The controller 36A functions as a switching control unit, and when the fault detection unit 22 does not detect a fault in the touch panel display 20, the locking mechanism 38 locks the operation unit 32 in an inoperable state, making it inoperable. When the fault detection unit 22 detects a fault in the touch panel display 20, the controller 36A releases the locking mechanism 38 from the locked state, making the operation unit 32 operable.

[0039] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0040] In the shift device 10 configured as described above, the screen 20A of the touch panel display 20 is operated to change the shift position of the vehicle's transmission 26. Furthermore, if the touch panel display 20 used for shifting to change the shift position of the transmission 26 malfunctions, the operation unit 32 provided separately from the touch panel display 20 is operated to change the shift position of the transmission 26. Therefore, shifting can be performed even when the touch panel display 20 malfunctions. Furthermore, because the operation unit 32 is provided on the handlebars 18, it can be easily operated. Furthermore, because the operation unit 32 is provided on the side of the handlebars 18 (more specifically, on the spokes 18B) opposite the occupant's side, the impact on the design is minimized.

[0041] Furthermore, in the shift device 10, the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure of the touch panel display 20. Furthermore, the switching unit 36 ​​makes the operation unit 32 inoperable when the failure detection unit 22 has not detected a failure of the touch panel display 20, and makes the operation unit 32 operable when the failure detection unit 22 has detected a failure of the touch panel display 20. Therefore, even if a passenger accidentally touches the operation unit 32 when the touch panel display 20 is not malfunctioning, the erroneous operation of the operation unit 32 can be prevented.

[0042] [Second embodiment] Next, a shift device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Figs. 3A and 3B show a handle device 42 provided with a shift device 40 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 3A is a front view of the handle device 42 as seen from the rider's side, and Fig. 3B is a side view of the handle device 42 as seen from the right.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a steering wheel device 42 is used instead of the steering wheel device 12 (see Fig. 1) of the first embodiment, that a shift device 40 is provided on a steering wheel 44 (steering wheel) that serves as a steering element for steering the vehicle of the steering wheel device 42, and that an operation control unit 24C is provided instead of the switching unit 36 ​​(see Fig. 1). Other configurations of the second embodiment are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, components in the second embodiment that are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0044] The steering wheel device 42 includes a steering wheel 44 (steering) as a steering element for steering the vehicle, instead of the steering wheel 18 of the steering wheel device 12 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 for both). The steering wheel 44 is a so-called irregular-shaped steering wheel. A boss 44A is provided in the center of the steering wheel 44 in the left-right direction. Long spokes 44B, 44C are provided on the outer periphery of the boss 44A as connecting parts. One end of each spoke 44B, 44C is connected to the boss 44A, with the right spoke 44B extending to the right and the left spoke 44C extending to the left.

[0045] Additionally, a rim 44E that is generally U-shaped in front view and serves as a grip is provided on the outer periphery of the boss 44A. The rim 44E is connected to the other end (the end opposite the boss 18A side) of each of the spokes 44B, 44C. As a result, the rim 44E is integrally connected to the boss 44A via each of the spokes 44B, 44C, and by rotating the rim 44E about its axis, the steering shaft 16 to which the boss 44A is fixed is rotated about its axis. When the steering wheel 44 is rotated in the circumferential direction, the steering shaft 16 rotates integrally with the steering wheel 44, thereby steering the vehicle.

[0046] The shift device 40 according to this embodiment is installed on a right spoke 44B of the handlebar 44. The touch panel display 20 of the shift device 40 is positioned so that the screen 20A faces the occupant. The operation unit 32 of the shift device 40 is provided at a position corresponding to the back side of the touch panel display 20 on the rear side of the spoke 44B (the side of the spoke 44B opposite the occupant).

[0047] The control device 24 is electrically connected to the fault detection unit 22. The control device 24 differs from the control device 24 of the first embodiment in that it is electrically connected to the fault detection unit 22 and in that it includes an operation control unit 24C as a functional configuration, but for convenience it is given the same reference numeral as the control device 24 of the first embodiment. The operation control unit 24C disables the operation when the operation unit 32 is operated while the fault detection unit 22 has not detected a fault in the touch panel display 20, and enables the operation when the operation unit 32 is operated while the fault detection unit 22 has detected a fault in the touch panel display 20.

[0048] The shift device 40 according to the second embodiment described above also allows shifting operations to be performed even when there is a malfunction in the touch panel display 20. Furthermore, in the shift device 40 according to the second embodiment, even if an occupant accidentally operates the operating unit 32 when there is no malfunction in the touch panel display 20, the operation can be invalidated.

[0049] [Third embodiment] Next, a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Figs. 4A and 4B show a handle device 52 provided with a shift device 50 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 4A is a front view of the handle device 52 as seen from the occupant's side, and Fig. 4B is a side view of the handle device 52 as seen from the right. Figs. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing an operation unit 60 provided in the shift device 50 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 5A is a diagram for explaining the appearance and retraction of the operation unit 62, and Fig. 5B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operation unit 62.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shift device 50 includes an operation unit 60 instead of the operation unit 30 (see Figures 1 and 2), and a switching unit 66 instead of the switching unit 36 ​​(see Figure 1). Other configurations of the third embodiment are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, components in the third embodiment that are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the operation unit 60 of the shift device 50 is built into the upper part of the steering column 14. An operation section 62 of the operation unit 60, which is provided separately from the touch panel display 20, is a part that is operated in the event of a malfunction of the touch panel display 20, and is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 (a component on which the operation section 62 is arranged). Note that Figures 4A and 4B show the operation unit 60 in a simplified form, and the state in which the operation section 62 protrudes from the steering column 14 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the operation unit 60 includes an outer plate portion 64 having a through-hole 64H formed therethrough for allowing the operation portion 62 to protrude and retract, and a housing portion 65 capable of accommodating the operation portion 62. Note that, in the drawing, the configuration provided inside the housing portion 65 is shown simplified (omitted as appropriate) for convenience. Although not shown, an opening in the upper wall portion of the handle column 14 (see FIG. 4) is disposed on the outer periphery of the outer plate portion 64. The through-hole 64H includes an elongated rectangular slot portion 64H1 and a circular slot portion 64H2 that is continuous with one end of the slot portion 64H1 in the longitudinal direction and has a diameter larger than the hole width of the slot portion 64H1. In the present embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 60 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the through-hole 64H is the left-right direction.

[0053] The operating unit 62 is formed in a substantially P-shape when viewed in the front-rear direction, and includes a D-shaped portion 62A formed in a D-shape and an extending portion 62B extending from a straight portion 62A1 of the D-shaped portion 62A. Meanwhile, a support portion (not shown) is provided on the inner surface (rear surface) of the outer plate portion 64, for example, to support a portion of the curved portion 62A2 of the D-shaped portion 62A that is closer to the extending portion 62B so that the portion can rotate (pivot) about an axis in the front-rear direction. When the operating unit 62 is rotated in a first direction (arrow R1 direction) from the storage position (not shown), the extending portion 62B abuts against a stopper 65S on the inner bottom surface of the housing portion 65, and the operating unit 62 is positioned in the protruding position (position shown in FIG. 5(A)). When the operating unit 62 is rotated in a second direction (arrow R2 direction) from the protruding position, the operating unit 62 is positioned in the storage position (not shown). When the operating unit 62 is in the storage position (not shown), the extension portion 62B is positioned inside the circular hole portion 64H2, and when the extension portion 62B is pressed from above in this state, the operating unit 62 rotates in the first direction (the direction of arrow R1).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the operating unit 62 is configured to be rotatable (pivotable) in the front-rear direction. For example, the operating unit 62 can be operated in two stages (see arrows A1 and A2) rearward from a home position (the protruding position shown in FIG. 5(B)) and in two stages (see arrows B1 and B2) forward from the home position. That is, the operating unit 62 can be positioned in a rear first position, a rear second position, a front first position, and a front second position, which correspond to the upper first position, upper second position, lower first position, and lower second position of the operating unit 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the operating unit 60 is electrically connected to the control device 24. When the operating unit 62 is operated, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed under the control of the control device 24 in substantially the same manner as when the operating unit 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first embodiment is operated.

[0055] A switching section 66 provided in the operation unit 60 makes the operation section 62 inoperable when the failure detection section 22 does not detect a failure in the touch panel display 20, and makes the operation section 62 operable when the failure detection section 22 detects a failure in the touch panel display 20.

[0056] The switching unit 66 includes, for example, an electric locking mechanism 68 (shown as a block in the figure) and a controller 66A (shown as a block in the figure) electrically connected to the failure detection unit 22. The locking mechanism 68 is configured to be switchable between a locked state in which the operation unit 62 is inoperable when the operation unit 62 is in the stored position, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. The controller 66A has a hardware configuration similar to that of the controller 36A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The controller 66A also functions as a switching control unit, and when the failure detection unit 22 has not detected a failure of the touch panel display 20, the controller 66A locks the operation unit 62 to an inoperable locked state using the locking mechanism 68, and when the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure of the touch panel display 20, the controller 66A releases the locked state set by the locking mechanism 68 and makes the operation unit 62 operable.

[0057] The shift device 50 according to the third embodiment described above can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the shift device 50 according to the third embodiment, the operating unit 62 is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 on which the operating unit 62 is disposed, and therefore the operating unit 62 can be retracted to a position where it will not get in the way when it is not necessary to use the operating unit 62.

[0058] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a shift device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) show a handle device 72 provided with a shift device 70 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 6(A) is a front view of the handle device 72 as seen from the rider's side, and Fig. 6(B) is a side view of the handle device 72 as seen from the right.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the shift device 70 includes an operation unit 60 (for convenience, designated by the same reference numerals as in the third embodiment) having a similar basic configuration to that of the third embodiment, instead of the operation unit 30 (see FIG. 3) of the second embodiment, and an operation control unit 24E instead of the operation control unit 24C (see FIG. 3). The other configurations of the fourth embodiment are substantially similar to those of the second embodiment. Therefore, components in the fourth embodiment that are substantially similar to those in the second embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] 6(A) and 6(B), the operation unit 60 of the shift device 70 is built into the upper part of the steering column 14. The operation portion 62 of the operation unit 60 is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 (the member in which the operation portion 62 is arranged).

[0061] Control device 24 differs from control device 24 of the second embodiment in that it includes operation control unit 24E instead of operation control unit 24C (see FIG. 3) of the second embodiment, but is otherwise similar to control device 24 of the second embodiment, and therefore is given the reference numeral 24 for convenience. Operation control unit 24E disables the operation when operation unit 62 is operated while fault detection unit 22 has not detected a fault in touch panel display 20, and enables the operation when operation unit 62 is operated while fault detection unit 22 has detected a fault in touch panel display 20.

[0062] The shift device 70 according to the fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the second embodiment (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, in the shift device 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the operating unit 62 is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 on which the operating unit 62 is disposed, so that the operating unit 62 can be retracted to a position where it does not get in the way when it is not necessary to use the operating unit. Furthermore, in the shift device 70 according to the fourth embodiment, if the occupant accidentally operates the operating unit, the operation can be invalidated if the touch panel display 20 is not malfunctioning.

[0063] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a shift device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Figs. 7(A) and (B) show a handle device 82 provided with a shift device 80 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 7(A) is a front view of the handle device 82 as seen from the rider's side, and Fig. 7(B) is a side view of the handle device 82 as seen from the right.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, this embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a permission switch 74 is provided, that a permission unit 76 is provided instead of the switching unit 66 (see Fig. 4) of the third embodiment, and that an operation unit 60 (shown simply in the figure) is provided below the handle column 14. Other configurations of the fifth embodiment are substantially similar to those of the third embodiment. Therefore, components in the fifth embodiment that are substantially similar to those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0065] The shift device 80 includes a permission switch 74 that is operated in a predetermined manner (here, pressed) to permit operation of the operating unit 62. As one example, the permission switch 74 is provided on the front right portion of the boss 18A of the handlebar 18. Furthermore, the permission unit 76 renders the operating unit 62 inoperable when the permission switch 74 is not operated in the predetermined manner, and renders the operating unit 62 operable when the permission switch 74 is operated in the predetermined manner.

[0066] The permission unit 76 includes, for example, an electric locking mechanism 68 and a controller 76A (shown as a block in the figure) electrically connected to the permission switch 74. The controller 76A has the same hardware configuration as the controller 66A of the third embodiment (see FIG. 4). The controller 76A also functions as a permission control unit, and when the permission switch 74 is not operated in the predetermined manner, the locking mechanism 68 locks the operation unit 62 so that it is inoperable, and when the permission switch 74 is operated in the predetermined manner, the controller 76A releases the locking mechanism 68 from the locked state, making the operation unit 62 operable.

[0067] The shift device 80 according to the fifth embodiment described above can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the shift device 80 according to the fifth embodiment, the operating unit 62 is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 on which the operating unit 62 is disposed, so that the operating unit 62 can be retracted to a position that does not get in the way when it is not necessary to use the operating unit 62. Furthermore, in the shift device 80 according to the fifth embodiment, even if the occupant accidentally touches the operating unit 62 when the permission switch 74 has not been operated in the specified manner, erroneous operation of the operating unit 62 can be prevented.

[0068] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a shift device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Figs. 8(A) and (B) show a handle device 92 provided with a shift device 90 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 8(A) is a front view of the handle device 92 as seen from the rider's side, and Fig. 8(B) is a side view of the handle device 92 as seen from the right.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that it does not include the operation control unit 24E (see FIG. 6) of the fourth embodiment, but instead includes a protrusion mechanism 94, and in that the operation unit 60 is provided below the handle column 14. Other configurations of the sixth embodiment are substantially similar to those of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, components in the sixth embodiment that are substantially similar to those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Note that the operation unit 60 differs from the operation unit 60 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 4) in that it includes a spring 94B (shown in a simplified form in the drawing), as will be described later. However, for convenience, the operation unit 60 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as the operation unit 60 of the third embodiment.

[0070] The protrusion mechanism 94 is a mechanism that protrudes the operation unit 62 when the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure of the touch panel display 20. The protrusion mechanism 94, for example, includes a controller 94A (shown as a block in the figure) electrically connected to the failure detection unit 22, a spring 94B that biases the operation unit 62 from the storage position toward the protruding position, and an electric locking mechanism 68 that can lock the operation unit 62 in the storage position so that it cannot be operated, and can release the locked state. The controller 94A has a hardware configuration similar to that of the controller 36A (see FIG. 1 ) of the first embodiment. When the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure of the touch panel display 20, the controller 94A releases the locking state set by the locking mechanism 68. When the locking state set by the locking mechanism 68 is released, the spring 94B causes the operation unit 62 to protrude.

[0071] The shift device 90 according to the sixth embodiment described above can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the shift device 90 according to the sixth embodiment, the operating unit 62 is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within the steering column 14 on which the operating unit 62 is disposed, so that the operating unit 62 can be retracted to a position where it will not get in the way when it is not necessary to use the operating unit 62. Furthermore, in the shift device 90 according to the sixth embodiment, when the failure detection unit 22 detects a failure in the touch panel display 20, the protrusion mechanism 94 can automatically protrude the operating unit 62.

[0072] [Modifications, etc.] 1 to 8, the operating units 32, 62 are provided on the steering wheel 18, 44 or the steering column 14 as a steering element, but as a modification of the above embodiments, the operating units may be provided on, for example, a protruding member that protrudes laterally from the steering column, or on the instrument panel, or on the center console. Furthermore, when the operating units are provided on the protruding members, as an example, the operating units may be provided on the protruding member on the side opposite to the occupant side.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above first to sixth embodiments, the touch panel display 20 is provided on the steering wheel 18, 44 as a steering element, but as a variation of the above embodiments, the touch panel display may be provided, for example, on a protruding member that protrudes laterally from the steering column, or on an instrument panel, or on a center console.

[0074] A modification of the first embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the switching unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 1(A)), and a modification of the second embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the operation control unit 24C (see FIG. 3(A)). Furthermore, a modification of the third embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the switching unit 66 (see FIG. 4(A)), and a modification of the fourth embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the operation control unit 24E (see FIG. 6(A)). Furthermore, a modification of the fifth embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the permission switch 74 and the permission unit 76 (both see FIG. 7(A)), and a modification of the sixth embodiment may be a configuration that does not include the protrusion mechanism 94 (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0075] As another modification of the fifth embodiment, for example, an enabling switch that is operated in a predetermined manner to enable the operation of the operating unit (62) may be provided instead of the permission switch (74), and the enabling switch may be electrically connected to the control device (24). The control device (24) may also include an enabling control unit that disables the operation when the operating unit (62) is operated without the predetermined operation of the enabling switch, and enables the operation when the operating unit (62) is operated with the predetermined operation of the enabling switch.

[0076] The above-described embodiment and the above-described modified examples can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0077] The above describes one example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10, 40, 50, 70, 80, 90... shift device, 14... steering column, 18, 44... steering wheel (steering element), 20... touch panel display, 20A... screen, 22... fault detection unit, 24C, 24E... operation control unit, 26... transmission, 32, 62... operation unit, 36, 66... ​​switching unit, 74... permission switch, 76... permission unit, 94... protruding mechanism

Claims

1. a touch panel display whose screen is operated to change the shift position of the vehicle's transmission; an operation unit that is provided separately from the touch panel display and that is operated to change the shift position of the transmission when the touch panel display fails; Shift device provided.

2. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the operating portion is provided on a steering element or a steering column for steering a vehicle.

3. The shift device according to claim 1 , wherein the operating portion is provided on a member on which the operating portion is disposed, on a side opposite to a passenger side.

4. The shift device according to claim 1 , wherein the operating portion is installed so as to be able to appear and disappear within a member in which the operating portion is disposed.

5. a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the touch panel display; a protrusion mechanism that protrudes the operation unit when the failure detection unit detects a failure of the touch panel display; The shifting device of claim 4 .

6. a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the touch panel display; a switching unit that makes the operation unit inoperable when the failure detection unit has not detected a failure of the touch panel display, and that makes the operation unit operable when the failure detection unit has detected a failure of the touch panel display; The shifting device of claim 1 , comprising:

7. a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the touch panel display; an operation control unit that invalidates the operation of the operation unit when the operation unit is operated while the failure detection unit has not detected a failure of the touch panel display, and that validates the operation of the operation unit when the operation unit is operated while the failure detection unit has detected a failure of the touch panel display; The shifting device of claim 1 , comprising:

8. an authorization switch that is operated in a predetermined manner to authorize operation of the operation unit; an enabling unit that disables the operation unit when the permission switch is not operated in the predetermined manner and enables the operation unit when the permission switch is operated in the predetermined manner; The shifting device of claim 1 , comprising:

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