Shift device

Abstract

To provide a shift device which can effectively suppress improper operation.SOLUTION: A shift device 10 includes a selection part 22 which is provided on a steering wheel 20 and selects a shift position of a transmission by operating with fingers; and a permission part 32 which is provided on a surface different from a surface where the selection part 22 is provided, and permits change to the selected shift position of the transmission by operating with fingers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device for changing the shift position of a vehicle transmission. [Background technology]

[0002] A shift device has been proposed in the past in which an actuator is operated to display a shift pattern on a contact detection display, and the shift pattern is then operated to change the shift position of a vehicle transmission (see Patent Document 1). In this shift device, the actuator and the contact detection display are provided on the same surface facing the occupant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0011042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as described above, if the two operating systems are provided on the same surface facing the occupant, when operating the steering wheel while gripping it with the fingers, both operating systems must be operated with the thumb, which can be difficult to do and can lead to incorrect operation. As such, there is still room for improvement in terms of preventing incorrect operation of the shift device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a shift device that can effectively prevent erroneous operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the shift device according to the present invention comprises a selection unit provided on a steering wheel or steering column and operated with a finger to select a shift position of the transmission, and an authorization unit provided on a surface different from the surface on which the selection unit is provided and operated with a finger to permit the transmission to be changed to the selected shift position.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the invention, a steering wheel or steering column is provided with a selection unit that is operated with a finger to select a shift position of the transmission, and an enabling unit that is operated with a finger to enable changing the transmission to the selected shift position is provided on a surface different from the surface on which the selection unit is provided. Therefore, if the selection unit is operated with, for example, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger of the right hand, the enabling unit will be operated with other fingers, such as the thumb of the right hand or the fingers of the left hand. This effectively prevents erroneous operation of the shift device.

[0008] Furthermore, a second aspect of the shift device according to the present invention is the shift device of the first aspect, wherein the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or steering column, and the permission unit is provided on the same side as the selection unit.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the invention, the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or steering column, and the permission unit is provided on the same side as the selection unit, thereby improving operability compared to when the permission unit is provided on the opposite side of the selection unit.

[0010] A third aspect of the shift device according to the present invention is a shift device according to the first or second aspect, in which a display unit that displays the selected shift position is provided on the passenger side surface of the steering wheel.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the invention, a display unit that displays the selected shift position is provided on the face of the steering wheel facing the occupant, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the shift position compared to when the face of the steering wheel facing the occupant does not have a display unit that displays the selected shift position.

[0012] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the shift device according to the present invention is the shift device of the third aspect, wherein the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or steering column, and the permission unit and the display unit are provided on the same side as the selection unit.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or steering column, and the permission unit and display unit are provided on the same side as the selection unit. This makes it easier for the occupant to recognize the shift position, and improves operability, compared to when the permission unit and display unit are provided on the opposite side of the selection unit.

[0014] Furthermore, a fifth aspect of the shift device according to the present invention is a shift device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the operation direction of the selection unit and the operation direction of the permission unit are directions that intersect with each other.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the operating direction of the selector and the operating direction of the permission unit intersect with each other, which more effectively suppresses erroneous operation of the shift device than when the operating direction of the selector and the operating direction of the permission unit are the same.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the shift device according to the present invention is the shift device of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the permission unit is provided on an instrument panel or a center console.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the permission section is provided on the instrument panel or the center console, which more effectively prevents erroneous operation of the shift device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, erroneous operation of the shift device can be effectively suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a handle device including a shift device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view showing a handle provided with a shift device in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A is a schematic perspective view showing the side opposite to the occupant's side of a steering wheel equipped with a shift device in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing a steering wheel equipped with a shift device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the side opposite to the occupant's side of a steering wheel equipped with a shift device in the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of a steering wheel equipped with a shift device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A is a schematic front view showing a steering wheel equipped with a shift device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing the side opposite to the rider's side of the steering wheel equipped with a shift device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing positions where button switches of a shift device according to a third embodiment can be installed. [Figure 7] 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the side opposite to the occupant's side of a steering wheel equipped with a shift device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of an operating body of the shift device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the side opposite to the occupant's side of a handle equipped with a shift device according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of an operating body of the shift device according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the arrow UP shown in each drawing indicates the upward direction of the vehicle, the arrow RE indicates the rearward direction of the vehicle, and the arrow RH indicates the rightward direction of the vehicle. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the directions of up / down, front / rear, and left / right are mentioned, they refer to up / down in the vertical direction of the vehicle, front / rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and left / right in the lateral direction of the vehicle (vehicle width direction).

[0021] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, a steering wheel device 12 to which a shift device 10 according to the first embodiment is applied is mounted on an automobile (not shown) as a vehicle. The steering wheel device 12 is mounted on an installation stand 14, and the installation stand 14 is provided in front of a driver's seat (not shown) of the automobile.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a steering column 16 is provided at the upper end of the installation base 14. The steering column 16 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending approximately in the front-to-rear direction, and is coaxially supported by a steering shaft 18 (see Figure 3) which serves as a steering shaft. The steering shaft 18 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward (toward the driver's seat), and is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around its axis.

[0023] A steering wheel 20 is provided on the rear side (driver's seat side) of the steering wheel shaft 18. A boss 20A having a generally rectangular columnar shape with its axial direction extending generally in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the center of the steering wheel 20, and the front portion of the boss 20A is fixed to the rear portion of the steering wheel shaft 18. A rim 20B having a generally U-shape in front view is provided on the outer periphery of the steering wheel 20 as a grip, and the central portion in the left-to-right direction at the lower end of the rim 20B is bent upward and is integrally connected to the lower end of the boss 20A.

[0024] A roughly rectangular plate-shaped spoke 20C is integrally installed between the upper end of the inner surface of the left rim 20B and the left side surface of the boss 20A, and a roughly rectangular plate-shaped spoke 20D is integrally installed between the upper end of the inner surface of the right rim 20B and the right side surface of the boss 20A. Spokes 20C and 20D are each configured so that their thickness increases toward the center in the left-right direction of the handlebars 20 in a plan view, and the front and rear surfaces of spokes 20C and 20D are each configured so that their width in the roughly vertical direction increases toward the center in the left-right direction of the handlebars 20 in a front view and a rear view.

[0025] The steering wheel 20 configured as described above is disposed in front of the occupant (driver: not shown) seated in the driver's seat, and the left and right rims 20B are gripped and rotated by the occupant's (driver's) left and right hands, respectively. That is, the steering wheel shaft 18 rotates integrally with the steering wheel 20, and the front wheels of the vehicle are steered leftward or rightward. The shift device 10 is provided, for example, on the right side of the boss 20A of the steering wheel 20.

[0026] The shift device 10 has two operating bodies 22 each having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape as a selection section, and the operating bodies 22 are provided vertically side by side at approximately the center and bottom of the right side surface (a surface other than the passenger-side surface of the handlebar 20) of the boss 20A, forward of the right rim 20B and spokes 20D, with their normal direction facing substantially in the front-to-rear direction. The base end (left end) of each operating body 22 is rotatably supported within the boss 20A, and the tip side (right side) of each operating body 22 extends rightward from the right side surface of the boss 20A.

[0027] Each operating body 22 is formed in a paddle shape and is configured to be rotatable rearward (toward the occupant) around its base end (with the axial direction being approximately vertical). Specifically, each operating body 22 is normally positioned in an initial position, which is a forward position, and is biased to remain in that initial position. This prevents the right hand of the occupant (driver) holding the right rim 20B from accidentally coming into contact with each operating body 22 under normal circumstances.

[0028] Further, a substantially flat separator 30 is provided on the right side surface of the boss 20A to separate the upper operating body 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "upper operating body 22A") from the lower operating body 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "lower operating body 22B"). The separator 30 is disposed between the upper operating body 22A and the lower operating body 22B with its normal direction oriented substantially vertically, and protrudes to the right, front, and rear relative to the upper operating body 22A and the lower operating body 22B.

[0029] Here, the upper operating body 22A or the lower operating body 22B can be operated by the fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) other than the thumb of the right hand of the occupant (driver) who is gripping the right rim 20B. In other words, the upper operating body 22A or the lower operating body 22B is rotated from the initial position toward the rear (occupant side) against the biasing force by the fingers other than the thumb of the right hand of the occupant (driver).

[0030] After each operating body 22 is rotated backward (toward the occupant) from its initial position against the biasing force (after the operation force acting on each operating body 22 is released), the operating body 22 automatically rotates back to its initial position due to the biasing force. The operation angle (rotation angle) of each operating body 22 from its initial position is, for example, about 20 degrees in plan view. Each operating body 22 is electrically connected to a control device 24 mounted on the automobile, and a transmission 26 (automatic transmission) is electrically connected to the control device 24.

[0031] A display panel 28 (see FIG. 2) serving as a display device (display unit) and an operating device is provided on the surface (passenger side) of the right spoke 20D of the handlebars 20. The display panel 28 is a generally flat touch panel, and is electrically connected to the control device 24. The right end (rim 20B side end) of the display panel 28 serves as a shift display unit 28A, and the shift position of the transmission 26 (the letters "R," "N," or "D") is illuminated (displayed in color) on the shift display unit 28A under the control of the control device 24.

[0032] The shift display section 28A also displays the planned shift position selected by each operating body 22. This planned shift position is the shift position to which the shift change is scheduled to occur after operating a button switch 32, which will be described later, and immediately after operating each operating body 22, it is displayed as a light (color display) in a color different from the light (color display) that indicates the current shift position, for example.

[0033] A plurality of operation switches 28B are displayed to the left of the right end of display panel 28 (toward boss 20A), and when an occupant (driver) touches operation switch 28B, devices other than vehicle shift device 10, such as the air conditioner and audio, are activated under the control of control device 24. A button switch 32 is provided as an enabling unit on the surface of spoke 20D below display panel 28 (the surface facing the occupant, which is different from the surface on which each operation body 22 is provided).

[0034] As described above, when a shift position is selected by each operating body 22, the selected intended shift position is displayed on the display panel 28. When the selected shift position is the desired shift position, the button switch 32 is pressed (operated) to permit a shift change to that shift position. Therefore, the button switch 32 is also electrically connected to the control device 24.

[0035] In other words, each operating body 22, button switch 32, and transmission 26 (automatic transmission) are electrically connected to the control device 24, so by operating the upper operating body 22A or the lower operating body 22B and then operating the button switch 32, the shift position of the transmission 26 is changed (shifted) via the control device 24.

[0036] More specifically, when it is desired to change the shift position of transmission 26 to the R position (reverse position), for example, upper operating body 22A is operated, and then button switch 32 is operated. This changes the shift position of transmission 26 to the R position (reverse position). When it is desired to change the shift position of transmission 26 to the D position (drive position), for example, lower operating body 22B is operated, and then button switch 32 is operated. This changes the shift position of transmission 26 to the D position (drive position).

[0037] Furthermore, when it is desired to change the shift position of the transmission 26 to the N position (neutral position), for example, the upper operating body 22A and the lower operating body 22B are operated simultaneously, and then the button switch 32 is operated. This changes the shift position of the transmission 26 to the N position (neutral position). Note that the operation of each operating body 22 and button switch 32 may be configured to change the driving mode of the automobile to, for example, an auto-cruise mode (driving assistance mode) or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, the button switch 32 is not limited to being provided on the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the spoke 20D below the display panel 28. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it may be provided on the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the left-hand spoke 20C of the handlebars 20, or it may be provided in the center of the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the boss 20A or in the center in the left-right direction of the lower end of the rim 20B. In other words, it is sufficient that the button switch 32 is provided in at least one location as shown in the drawings.

[0039] Next, the operation of the shift device 10 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0040] As described above, an operating body 22 that can be operated with a finger to select the shift position of the transmission 26 is provided on the right side of the boss 20A, which is a surface other than the surface on the occupant (driver) side of the handlebars 20, and a button switch 32 that can be operated with a finger to allow the transmission 26 to be changed to the selected shift position is provided on the surface (occupant side) of the spoke 20D, which is a surface different from the surface on which the operating body 22 is provided.

[0041] Therefore, when the occupant (driver) operates the steering wheel 20 while gripping the rim 20B with his or her left and right hands, the operating body 22 can be operated with, for example, the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger of the right hand, improving operability. Also, because the button switch 32 is provided on the surface of the spoke 20D, which is a surface different from the surface on which the operating body 22 is provided, it must be operated with other fingers, such as the thumb of the right hand or the fingers of the left hand. This effectively reduces or prevents erroneous gear changes.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when the operating body 22 is provided on the right side (either the left or right side) of the boss 20A, which is a surface other than the surface facing the occupant (driver) of the handlebars 20, and the button switch 32 is also provided on the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the right spoke 20D, which is the same as the operating body 22, the occupant (driver) can concentrate on recognizing each operating system on the right side (one side) compared to when the button switch 32 is provided on the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the left spoke 20C, which is the opposite side from the operating body 22, thereby improving operability.

[0043] Furthermore, if a display panel 28 that displays the selected shift position is provided on the surface of the spoke 20D, which is the surface of the steering wheel 20 facing the occupant (driver), it becomes easier for the occupant (driver) to recognize the shift position compared to when the display panel 28 is not provided on the surface of the spoke 20D of the steering wheel 20.

[0044] Furthermore, if the display panel 28 is provided on the same right side (either the left or right side) as the operating body 22 together with the button switch 32, it becomes easier for the occupant (driver) to recognize the shift position, and operability can also be improved, compared to when the display panel 28 and button switch 32 are provided on the left side, opposite the operating body 22.

[0045] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the shift device 10 of this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that an operating body 22 is provided on the surface (the surface facing the occupant) of the right spoke 20D of the handlebars 20, and a button switch 32 is provided on the back surface (the surface other than the surface facing the occupant, the surface opposite the surface facing the occupant) of the spoke 20D.

[0047] Specifically, an operating body 22 in the form of a toggle switch having a generally rectangular, flat plate shape is disposed on the surface (passenger side) of the right spoke 20D of the handlebars 20, with its normal direction facing generally vertically in a home position (initial position) described below. Display panels 28 (shift display units 28A) are disposed on both the left and right sides of the operating body 22.

[0048] The base end of the operating body 22 is supported within the spoke 20D, and the tip side of the operating body 22 from the base end protrudes rearward from the surface of the spoke 20D. The operating body 22 is configured to be rotatable in a substantially vertical direction around the base end (with the left-right direction as the axial direction), and is biased to a home position (initial position) that is substantially in the vertical center.

[0049] Therefore, the operating body 22 is normally located in its home position (initial position).The intended shift position is selected by rotating the operating body 22 against the biasing force, for example, with the thumb of the right hand of the occupant (driver) gripping the right rim 20B.

[0050] After the operating body 22 is operated from the home position against the biasing force (after the operating force acting on the operating body 22 is released), the operating body 22 is automatically rotated back to the home position by the biasing force. After that, for example, by pressing (operating) the button switch 32 with the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger of the right hand of the passenger (driver) gripping the right rim 20B, a shift change to the intended shift position selected by the operating body 22 is executed.

[0051] In this way, when the operating direction of the operating body 22 (approximately up-down direction) and the operating direction of the button switch 32 (approximately front-to-rear direction) are set to directions that intersect with each other, erroneous operation when shifting gears can be more effectively suppressed or prevented than when the operating direction of the operating body 22 and the operating direction of the button switch 32 are set to the same direction.

[0052] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts equivalent to those in the first and second embodiments, and detailed descriptions (including common actions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the shift device 10 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the button switch 32 is provided on the top surface of the left spoke 20C of the handlebars 20, the top surface of the right spoke 20D, the instrument panel 34, or the center console 36.

[0054] In this way, if the button switch 32 is provided on the top surface of the left spoke 20C of the steering wheel 20, the top surface of the right spoke 20D, the instrument panel 34, or the center console 36, the occupant (driver) has to take his or her fingers off the rim 20B of the steering wheel 20 to operate the button switch 32, which more effectively suppresses or prevents erroneous operation when shifting gears. Note that it is sufficient that the button switch 32 is provided in at least one location as shown in the drawing.

[0055] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the operating body 22 is in the form of a roughly rectangular, flat toggle switch provided in the vertical center of the back surface of the right spoke 20D of the handlebars 20 (the surface other than the surface on the occupant side, the surface opposite the surface on the occupant side).

[0057] Specifically, the operating body 22 is disposed with its normal direction oriented substantially vertically at a home position (initial position) described below. The base end of the operating body 22 is supported within the spoke 20D, and the tip side of the operating body 22 from the base end protrudes forward from the rear surface of the spoke 20D. The operating body 22 is configured to be rotatable substantially vertically around the base end (with the left-right direction as the axial direction), and is biased toward the home position (initial position), which is substantially the center in the vertical direction.

[0058] Therefore, the operating body 22 is normally located in its home position (initial position).The intended shift position is selected by rotating the operating body 22 against the biasing force, for example, with the fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) of the right hand of the occupant (driver) gripping the right rim 20B, other than the thumb.

[0059] After the operating body 22 is operated from the home position against the biasing force (after the operating force acting on the operating body 22 is released), the operating body 22 is automatically rotated back to the home position by the biasing force. After that, for example, by pressing (operating) the button switch 32 with the thumb of the right hand of the passenger (driver) gripping the right rim 20B, a shift change to the intended shift position selected by the operating body 22 is executed.

[0060] Fifth Embodiment Finally, a fifth embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions (including common functions) will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the operating body 22 is a rotatable wheel-shaped (approximately cylindrical) provided with its axial direction in the left-right direction in the vertical center of the back surface of the right-side spoke 20D of the handlebars 20 (the surface other than the surface on the occupant side, the surface opposite the surface on the occupant side).

[0062] Specifically, the central axis that serves as the rotation center of the operating body 22 is supported within the spoke 20D, and a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the operating body 22 protrudes forward from the rear surface of the spoke 20D. The operating body 22 is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the central axis, and is configured to be able to be held at the intended shift position displayed on the display panel 28.

[0063] That is, the intended shift position is selected by rotating the outer peripheral surface of the operating body 22 with the fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger) of the right hand of the occupant (driver) gripping the right rim 20B, for example. Thereafter, the button switch 32 is pressed (operated) with the thumb of the right hand of the occupant (driver) gripping the right rim 20B, for example, to execute a shift change to the intended shift position selected by the operating body 22.

[0064] While the shift device 10 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to the drawings, the shift device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the one shown in the drawings and may be modified in design as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the operating body 22 may be provided on the steering column 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10···Shift device, 16···Steering column, 20···Steering wheel, 22···Operation body (selection unit), 26···Transmission, 28···Display panel (display unit), 32···Button switch (permission unit), 34···Instrument panel, 36···Center console

Claims

1. a selection unit provided on a steering wheel or a steering column and operated by a finger to select a shift position of the transmission; an enabling unit that is provided on a surface different from the surface on which the selection unit is provided and that enables a change to the selected shift position of the transmission when operated by a finger; A shifting device comprising:

2. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or the steering column, and the permission unit is provided on the same side as the selection unit.

3. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein a display unit that displays the selected shift position is provided on a surface of the steering wheel facing the driver.

4. 4. The shift device according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit is provided on either the left or right side of the steering wheel or steering column, and the permission unit and the display unit are provided on the same side as the selection unit.

5. The shift device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation direction of the selection unit and the operation direction of the permission unit intersect with each other.

6. 2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the permission unit is provided on an instrument panel or a center console.

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