Vehicle shift operation device

Abstract

To allow an occupant to easily switch a transmission to a desired shift stage by using a touch operation type operation unit even when a steering angle of a steering wheel is changed.SOLUTION: A vehicle shift operation device includes: a steering wheel 14 which changes a steering angle of the steering wheel of a vehicle by being rotationally operated; and a touch operation type operation unit 20 which is provided in the steering wheel and switches a transmission provided in the vehicle to a predetermined shift stage when a first operation which is a touch operation in a predetermined direction relative to the vehicle as a reference is performed regardless of magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift operation device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with a transmission having multiple gear stages and a touch panel display mounted on the steering wheel that allows the transmission to be shifted to a predetermined gear stage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] In the vehicle of Patent Document 1, when the steering angle of the steering wheel changes, it is difficult for the occupant to perform a desired shift operation using the display.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a shift operation device for a vehicle that allows an occupant to easily shift the transmission to the desired gear using a touch-operated operation unit, even when the steering angle of the steering wheel changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a shift operation device for a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel mounted on a vehicle, which is rotated to change the steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle; and a touch-operated operation unit mounted on the steering wheel, which, when a first operation is performed, which is a touch operation in a predetermined direction relative to the vehicle, shifts a transmission mounted on the vehicle to a predetermined gear position, regardless of the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which includes an operation permission unit that is provided on the steering wheel so as to be positioned on the outer periphery of the operation unit, and that, when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed, permits control of shifting the gear positions of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device in which, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the second operation is performed simultaneously on two locations of the operation permission unit, control of shifting of the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit is permitted.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle shift operation device according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the steering wheel is provided with a plurality of the operation permission portions.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operation permission units are two, and when the second operation is performed simultaneously on all of the operation permission units, control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation units is permitted.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operation permitting portion has an annular shape.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, which includes a plurality of operation permission units provided on the steering wheel, which, when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed, permits control of shifting of the gear positions of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device in which, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, there are two operation permission units, and when the second operation is performed on one of the operation permission units, the other operation permission unit functions as the operation unit.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein control of shifting of the gear position of the transmission by the first operation to the operation unit is permitted until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation to the operation permission unit is performed.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle shift operation device including: a steering wheel mounted on a vehicle, which is rotated to change the steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle; a touch-operated operating unit mounted on the steering wheel, which, when a first operation that is a touch operation is performed, shifts a transmission mounted on the vehicle to a predetermined gear; and a plurality of operation permission units mounted on the steering wheel, which, when a second operation that is a touch operation is performed, permit control of the gear shift of the transmission by the first operation on the operating unit.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the operation permission units are two, and when the second operation is performed simultaneously on all of the operation permission units, control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation units is permitted.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device in which, in the vehicle shift operation device of the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, there are two operation permission units, and when the second operation is performed on one of the operation permission units, the other operation permission unit functions as the operation unit.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle shift operation device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein control of shifting of the gear position of the transmission by the first operation to the operation unit is permitted until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation to the operation permission unit is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle shift operation device shifts a transmission to a predetermined gear when a first operation, which is a touch operation in a predetermined direction relative to the vehicle, is performed on a touch operation-type operation unit provided on a steering wheel. That is, the direction of the first operation remains unchanged regardless of the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel. Therefore, even if the steering angle of the steering wheel changes, it is easy for the occupant to perform the first operation on the touch operation-type operation unit. Therefore, the occupant can easily shift the transmission to a desired gear using the touch operation-type operation unit.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle shift operation device that includes an operation permission unit that is provided on a steering wheel so as to be positioned on the outer periphery of the operation unit and that, when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed, permits control of shifting of gears in the transmission by a first operation on the operation unit. Therefore, unless the second operation is performed on the operation permission unit, the gears in the transmission will not be shifted even if the first operation is performed on the operation unit. Therefore, the vehicle shift operation device of the second aspect can prevent a passenger from erroneously shifting gears using the operation unit.

[0021] In a third aspect of the present invention, when a second operation is simultaneously performed on two operation permitting portions, the first operation on the operating portion executes gear shift control. Therefore, the third aspect of the vehicle shift operating device can reduce the risk of the operating portion unexpectedly becoming capable of shifting gears of the transmission due to an occupant erroneously operating the operation permitting portion.

[0022] The vehicle shift operation device of the fourth aspect of the present invention includes multiple operation permission units, making it easier for an occupant to operate the operation permission units compared to a device in which only one operation permission unit is provided on the steering wheel.

[0023] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the second operations are performed simultaneously on two operation permitting portions, the first operation on the operating portions executes gear shift control. Therefore, the fifth aspect of the vehicle shift operation device can reduce the risk of the operating portions unexpectedly becoming capable of shifting gears of the transmission due to an occupant erroneously operating an operation permitting portion.

[0024] In the vehicle shift operation device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operation permission portion has an annular shape, so that the occupant can easily perform a touch operation on the operation permission portion regardless of the steering angle of the steering wheel.

[0025] The vehicle shift operation device of the seventh aspect of the present invention includes multiple operation permission units, making it easier for an occupant to operate the operation permission units compared to a device in which only one operation permission unit is provided on a steering wheel.

[0026] In the vehicle shift operation device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, any one of the two operation permission units can be made to function as the operation unit, so that the occupant can use the operation permission unit that is easiest for the occupant to perform the first operation as the operation unit.

[0027] The ninth aspect of the vehicle shift operation device of the present invention makes it easier to prevent an occupant from erroneously using the operating unit to change gears, compared to a case in which gear shift control is permitted by the first operation of the operating unit at any time after the second operation of the operation permission unit is performed.

[0028] The vehicle shift operation device of the tenth aspect of the present invention includes multiple operation permission units, making it easier for an occupant to operate the operation permission units compared to a device in which only one operation permission unit is provided on a steering wheel.

[0029] In the vehicular shift operation device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the second operations are performed simultaneously on two operation permitting portions, the first operation on the operating portions executes gear shift control. Therefore, the vehicular shift operation device of the eleventh aspect can reduce the risk of the operating portions unexpectedly becoming capable of shifting gears of the transmission due to an occupant erroneously operating an operation permitting portion.

[0030] In the vehicle shift operation device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, any one of the two operation permitting units can be made to function as the operation unit, so that the occupant can use the operation permitting unit that is easiest for the occupant to perform the first operation as the operation unit.

[0031] The 13th aspect of the vehicle shift operation device of the present invention makes it easier to prevent an occupant from erroneously shifting gears using the operation unit, compared to a case in which gear shift control is permitted by the first operation on the operation unit at any time after the second operation on the operation permission unit has been performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a view showing the front part of the interior of a vehicle to which a vehicle shift operation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and an enlarged view of a hub portion. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steering wheel rotated counterclockwise from the neutral position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an ECU mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the ECU. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU of an ECU. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are views showing a steering wheel and an enlarged view of a hub portion of a vehicle shift operation device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a CPU. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a view showing a steering wheel of a vehicle shift operation device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] A vehicle 10 to which a vehicle shift operation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In each drawing, the left side of the vehicle 10 is indicated by an arrow LH, and the upper side of the vehicle 10 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 includes an instrument panel 12. The instrument panel 12 is provided with a steering wheel 14. The steering wheel 14 includes a hub portion 16, three spokes 17A, 17B, and 17C extending radially from the hub portion 16, and a substantially circular outer peripheral grip portion 18 connected to the outer peripheral ends of each of the spokes 17A, 17B, and 17C. The hub portion 16 is fixed to the rear end of a steering shaft (not shown) that is parallel to the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. The steering wheel 14 is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the steering shaft. When the occupant is not applying force to the steering wheel 14, the steering wheel 14 is located in a neutral position shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the spokes 17A and 17B, which are located approximately 180° apart from each other around the hub portion 16, are substantially parallel to the left-to-right direction. When the steering wheel 14 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise from the neutral position, the steering angle of the left and right front wheels (steered wheels) (not shown) provided on the vehicle 10 changes. As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a steering angle sensor 19 for detecting the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

[0035] A touch panel display (operation unit) 20 is provided on the rear end surface of the hub portion 16. The display 20 is capable of displaying various images. Furthermore, a P range operation member 29 is provided on the instrument panel 12. The P range operation member 29 is movable between an initial position relative to the instrument panel 12 and an operation position moved from the initial position toward the front of the vehicle relative to the instrument panel 12. When no external force is applied to the P range operation member 29, the P range operation member 29 is located in the initial position. When a forward external force is applied to the P range operation member 29, the P range operation member 29 moves to the operation position.

[0036] 3, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a transmission 22. The transmission 22 has a plurality of gear stages (gear stages). As will be described later, the gear stages of the transmission 22 are changed using the display 20 and the P range operating member 29.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30 as a hardware configuration.

[0038] The ECU 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30C, a storage 30D, a communication I / F 30E, and an input / output I / F 30F. The CPU 30A, the ROM 30B, the RAM 30C, the storage 30D, the communication I / F 30E, and the input / output I / F 30F are connected to each other via an internal bus 30Z so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0039] The CPU 30A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. The CPU 30A reads programs from the ROM 30B or the storage 30D and executes the programs using the RAM 30C as a work area. The CPU 30A controls each component and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 30B or the storage 30D.

[0040] The ROM 30B stores various programs and various data. The RAM 30C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 30D is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and various data.

[0041] The communication I / F 30E is an interface for connecting via an external bus (not shown) to an ECU (not shown) other than the ECU 30. The interface uses a communication standard such as the CAN protocol.

[0042] The input / output I / F 30F is an interface for communicating with various devices, including a steering angle sensor 19, a display 20, a transmission 22 (control mechanism), and a P-range operating member 29.

[0043] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ECU 30. The ECU 30 has, as its functional components, a display control unit 301 and a shift control unit 302. The display control unit 301 and the shift control unit 302 are realized by the CPU 30A reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 30B.

[0044] Display control unit 301 controls display 20. Display 20 controlled by display control unit 301 displays shift position image 21 as shown in FIG. 1. Note that in FIG. 2 and subsequent drawings, illustration of shift position image 21 on each of displays 20, 40, 43, first display 47, second display 48, and displays 65, 67, 70 is omitted. Shift position image 21 has P range image 21P, N range image 21N1, D range image 21D, N range image 21N2, R range image 21R, first direction display image 21D1, and second direction display image 21D2. On display 20, N range image 21N1 is located above P range image 21P, R range image 21R is located above N range image 21N1, N range image 21N2 is located below P range image 21P, and D range image 21D is located below N range image 21N2. That is, when the steering wheel 14 in the neutral position is viewed from behind along the axis of the steering shaft, the P range image 21P, N range image 21N1, R range image 21R, N range image 21N2, and D range image 21D are aligned on an imaginary straight line IML that is perpendicular to the left-right direction. That is, the imaginary straight line IML is a direction based on the vehicle 10. The first direction display image 21D1, which has an image of two triangles, represents a first direction (predetermined direction), which is the direction from the P range image 21P to the D range image 21D. Similarly, the second direction display image 21D2, which has an image of two triangles, represents a second direction (predetermined direction), which is the direction from the P range image 21P to the R range image 21R.

[0045] Furthermore, the display control unit 301 has a shift position image rotation display function. That is, the display control unit 301 executes shift position image rotation display control to display the shift position image 21 on the display 20 while moving the relative position (relative angle) of the shift position image 21 with respect to the display 20 (steering wheel 14) in the direction opposite to the steering direction by the magnitude of the steering angle, based on the magnitude and steering direction of the steering wheel 14 detected by the steering angle sensor 19. In other words, the display control unit 301 controls the display 20 so that the imaginary line IML coincides with the direction shown in FIG. 1, regardless of the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel 14. Therefore, for example, even when the steering wheel 14 is steered counterclockwise from the neutral position by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. 2, the shift position image 21 is displayed on the display 20 in such a manner that the imaginary line IML coincides with the direction shown in FIG. 1.

[0046] Furthermore, as will be described later, when the gear position of the transmission 22 is changed, the display control unit 301 displays the image representing the selected gear position in a different manner from the other images. For example, the display control unit 301 displays the color of the image representing the selected gear position in a different color from the other images, or makes only the image representing the selected gear position flash. For example, as will be described later, when the P range is selected as the gear position of the transmission 22, the display control unit 301 controls the display 20 so that the P range image 21P is displayed in red and the images of the shift position image 21 other than the P range image 21P are displayed in white.

[0047] The shift control unit 302 has a function of changing the gear position of the transmission 22 by controlling a control mechanism (not shown) of the transmission 22 when the occupant performs a touch operation on the display 20 (first operation) and an operation on the P range operation member 29 (shift operation). For example, when the occupant presses the P range operation member 29 from the initial position to the operation position, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to the P range. In other words, the transmission 22 is changed to the parking state.

[0048] Furthermore, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to N range, D range, or R range based on a touch operation with a part of the occupant's body on the display 20 displaying the shift position image 21. More specifically, when a flick operation (touch operation) is performed on the display 20 in a direction along the imaginary line IML using a hand Hd or the like, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to N range, D range, or R range.

[0049] For example, when the occupant's hand Hd performs a flick operation once in a direction along the first directional display image 21D1 or the second directional display image 21D2, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to N range. That is, the transmission 22 is shifted to a neutral state. Also, when the occupant's hand Hd performs a flick operation twice in a direction along the first directional display image 21D1 within a predetermined time, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to D range. That is, the gear position of the transmission 22 is shifted to a forward gear. Also, when the occupant's hand Hd performs a flick operation twice in a direction along the second directional display image 21D2 within a predetermined time, the shift control unit 302 changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to R range. That is, the gear position of the transmission 22 is shifted to a reverse gear. This predetermined time is, for example, two seconds.

[0050] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 14, the steering angle sensor 19, the display 20, the P-range operation member 29, and the ECU 30 are components of a vehicle shift operation device 35.

[0051] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0052] The flow of processing performed by the CPU 30A of the ECU 30 of the vehicle 10 will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6. The CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6 every time a predetermined time elapses. First, the processing of the flowchart of Figure 5 will be described.

[0053] First, in step S10 (hereinafter, the letter "step" will be omitted), the CPU 30A determines based on the detection value of the steering angle sensor 19 whether or not the steering wheel 14 has been rotated.

[0054] If the determination in S10 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S11 and executes shift position image rotation display control.

[0055] When the determination in S10 is No or when the process of S11 is completed, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0056] Next, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0057] First, in S20, the CPU 30A determines whether the P-range operating member 29 has moved from the initial position to the operating position.

[0058] If the determination in S20 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S21, where it changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to the P range and causes the display 20 to display the P range image 21P in red.

[0059] When the result of S20 is No or when the processing of S21 is completed, the CPU 30A proceeds to S22 and determines whether a single flick operation has been performed on the display 20 in the first direction, which is the direction along the first direction display image 21D1, or in the second direction, which is the direction along the second direction display image 21D2.

[0060] If the determination in S22 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S23, where it changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to the N range and causes the display 20 to display the N range image 21N in red.

[0061] When determining No in S22 or completing the process of S23, the CPU 30A proceeds to S24 and determines whether or not a flick operation on the display 20 in the first direction has been performed twice within a predetermined time period.

[0062] If the determination in S24 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S25, where it changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to D range and causes the display 20 to display the D range image 21D in red.

[0063] When determining No in S24 or completing the process of S25, the CPU 30A proceeds to S26 and determines whether or not a flick operation in the second direction on the display 20 has been performed twice within a predetermined time period.

[0064] If the determination in S26 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S27, where it changes the gear position of the transmission 22 to the R range and causes the display 20 to display the R range image 21R in red.

[0065] When the determination in S26 is No or when the process of S27 is completed, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0066] As described above, the vehicle shift operation device 35 of the first embodiment shifts the gear position of the transmission 22 to D range, N range, or R range when a flick operation (first operation) is performed on the display 20 provided on the steering wheel 14 in a direction along the imaginary straight line IML. The direction of the imaginary straight line IML remains unchanged regardless of the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel 14. Therefore, even when the steering angle of the steering wheel 14 changes, the occupant can easily perform a flick operation on the display 20 in the direction of the imaginary straight line IML while viewing the shift position image 21 displayed on the display 20. Therefore, the occupant can easily shift the transmission 22 to the desired gear position using the touch panel display 20.

[0067] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Note that the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] 7, a touch panel display 40 is provided on the rear end surface of the hub portion 16 of the steering wheel 14 of a vehicle shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment. The display 40 has a circular first area (operation portion) 41 located on an extension of the axis of the steering shaft, and an annular second area (operation permission portion) 42 located on the outer periphery of the first area 41. The first area 41 is a portion corresponding to the display 20 of the first embodiment.

[0069] The display control unit 301 of the second embodiment is capable of displaying various images in the second area 42. Furthermore, when a touch operation (second operation) is performed on the second area 42 with a part of the occupant's body, the display control unit 301 displays the shift position image 21 in the first area 41 for a predetermined permitted time from the time the touch operation is performed. This permitted time is, for example, any time between 3 and 5 seconds. When no touch operation is performed on the second area 42 or when the permitted time has elapsed, the shift position image 21 is erased from the first area 41 by control of the display control unit 301. In this case, various images different from the shift position image 21 can be displayed in the first area 41. Furthermore, the display control unit 301 executes shift position image rotation display control when the shift position image 21 is displayed in the first area 41.

[0070] When the occupant performs a flick operation (first operation) along the imaginary straight line IML on the first area 41 during the permitted time, the shift control unit 302 switches the gear position of the transmission 22 to the D range, R range, or N range.

[0071] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 14, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, and the display 40 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 35A.

[0072] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0073] The flow of processing performed by the CPU 30A will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 8 to 10. The CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 8 to 10 every time a predetermined time period has elapsed.

[0074] First, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 will be described.

[0075] In S30, CPU 30A determines whether or not a touch operation (second operation) has been performed on second area .

[0076] If the determination in S30 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S31 and sets the value of the permission flag to "1." The initial value of the permission flag is "0."

[0077] When the process of S31 is completed, the CPU 30A proceeds to S32 and determines whether the permitted time has elapsed.

[0078] If the determination in S32 is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S33 and sets the value of the permission flag to 0. On the other hand, if the determination in S32 is No, the CPU 30A repeats the process of S32.

[0079] When the determination in S30 is No or when the process of S33 is completed, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0080] Next, a description will be given of the processing in the flowchart of Fig. 9. The flowchart of Fig. 9 is the same as the flowchart of Fig. 5 except that S10A is included before S10.

[0081] In S10A, CPU 30A determines whether the value of the permission flag is "1" or not.

[0082] If the determination in S10A is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S10.

[0083] On the other hand, if the determination in S10A is No, CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of the processing in the flowchart of Fig. 10. The flowchart of Fig. 10 is the same as the flowchart of Fig. 6 except that S20A is included before S20.

[0085] First, in S20A, CPU 30A determines whether the value of the permission flag is "1" or not.

[0086] If the determination in S20A is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S20.

[0087] On the other hand, if the determination in S20A is No, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0088] As described above, the vehicle shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment is provided on the steering wheel 14 so as to be located on the outer periphery of the first area 41, and includes the second area 42 that provides the first area 41 with the function of shifting the gear position of the transmission 22 when a touch operation (second operation) is performed. Therefore, unless a touch operation is performed on the second area 42, the gear position of the transmission 22 will not be shifted even if a flick operation is performed on the first area 41. Therefore, the vehicle shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment can prevent the occupant from accidentally flicking the first area 41 and causing the gear position of the transmission 22 to be accidentally shifted.

[0089] Furthermore, since the second area 42 has an annular shape, the occupant can easily perform touch operations on the second area 42 with the left and right hands Hd, regardless of the steering angle of the steering wheel 14.

[0090] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the same members as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] 11, a touch panel display 43 is provided on the rear end surface of the hub portion 16 of the steering wheel 14 of a vehicle shift operation device 35B of the third embodiment. The display 43 has a substantially rectangular first area (operation portion) 43A, a substantially rectangular second area (operation permission portion) 43B, and a third area 43C which is the area excluding the first area 43A and the second area 43B. The first area 43A is an area corresponding to the first area 41 of the second embodiment, and the second area 43B is an area corresponding to the second area 42 of the second embodiment.

[0092] The display control unit 301 of the third embodiment can display various images in the first area 43A, the second area 43B, and the third area 43C. Furthermore, when a touch operation (second operation) is performed on the second area 43B with a part of the occupant's body, the display control unit 301 displays the shift position image 21 in the first area 43A for an allowed time from the time the touch operation was performed. When no touch operation is performed on the second area 43B or when the allowed time has elapsed, the shift position image 21 is erased from the first area 43A by control of the display control unit 301. In this case, various images different from the shift position image 21 can be displayed in the first area 43A. Furthermore, when the shift position image 21 is displayed in the first area 43A, the display control unit 301 executes shift position image rotation display control for the first area 43A.

[0093] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the third embodiment will be described.

[0094] As described above, the vehicular shift operation device 35B of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the vehicular shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the display 43 of the vehicular shift operation device 35B has the third area 43C in addition to the first area 43A and the second area 43B, so it can display a wider variety of images than the display 40 of the vehicular shift operation device 35A.

[0095] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Note that the same members as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] 12, the configuration and functions of each component of the vehicular shift operation device 35C of the fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the vehicular shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment. However, the function of the display control unit 301 is different from that of the second embodiment.

[0097] When a touch operation (second operation) is performed simultaneously on two locations in the second area 42, the display control unit 301 of the fourth embodiment displays the shift position image 21 in the first area 41 for the permitted time from the time the touch operation is performed. In other words, even if a touch operation is performed on only one location in the second area 42, the shift position image 21 will not be displayed in the first area 41. Other than this, the functions of the display control unit 301 are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0098] The steering wheel 14, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, and the display 40 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 35C.

[0099] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0100] The flow of processing performed by CPU 30A will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10, and 13. CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10, and 13 every time a predetermined time elapses. Description of the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9 and 10 will be omitted.

[0101] The process of the flowchart in Fig. 13 will now be described. The flowchart in Fig. 13 is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 8 except for S30A, which corresponds to S30 in Fig. 8.

[0102] First, in S30A, the CPU 30A determines whether or not touch operations (second operations) using the left and right hands Hd or the like have been performed simultaneously on two locations in the second area 42.

[0103] If the determination in S30A is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S31.

[0104] On the other hand, if the determination in S30A is No, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0105] As described above, in the vehicle shift operation device 35C of the fourth embodiment, when two touch operations are performed simultaneously in two locations in the second area 42, shift control of the gear 22 is executed by a flick operation along the imaginary line IML in the first area 41. Therefore, the vehicle shift operation device 35C can reduce the risk that the first area 41 will suddenly enter a state where the gear of the transmission 22 can be shifted due to the occupant erroneously operating the second area 42.

[0106] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Note that the same members as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 14, approximately rectangular touch panel type permission operation displays (operation permission units) 45A, 45B are provided on spoke portions 17A, 17B of a steering wheel 14 of a vehicle shift operation device 35D of the fifth embodiment, respectively.

[0108] The display control unit 301 of the fifth embodiment is capable of displaying various images on the permission operation displays 45A and 45B. Furthermore, when a touch operation (second operation) is performed with a part of the occupant's body on the permission operation display 45A or the permission operation display 45B, the display control unit 301 displays the shift position image 21 on the display 20 provided in the hub unit 16 for the permission time from the time the touch operation is performed. When no touch operation is performed on the permission operation display 45A or the permission operation display 45B or when the permission time has elapsed, the shift position image 21 is erased from the display 20 by control of the display control unit 301. In this case, the display 20 can display various images different from the shift position image 21. Furthermore, the display control unit 301 executes shift position image rotation display control for the display 20 when the shift position image 21 is displayed on the display 20.

[0109] If the occupant performs a flick operation (first operation) on the display 20 along the imaginary straight line IML within the permitted time, the shift control section 302 switches the gear position of the transmission 22 to the D range, R range, or N range.

[0110] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 14, steering angle sensor 19, display 20, P-range operation member 29, ECU 30, and permission operation displays 45A and 45B are components of a vehicle shift operation device 35D.

[0111] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0112] The flow of processing performed by CPU 30A will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10, and 15. Every time a predetermined time elapses, CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10, and 15. Description of the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9 and 10 will be omitted.

[0113] The process of the flowchart in Fig. 15 will be described below. The flowchart in Fig. 15 is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 8 except for S30B, which corresponds to S30 in Fig. 8.

[0114] First, in S30B, the CPU 30A determines whether or not a touch operation (second operation) has been performed on the permission operation display 45A or the permission operation display 45B.

[0115] If the determination in S30B is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S31.

[0116] On the other hand, if the determination in S30B is No, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0117] As described above, the vehicle shift operation device 35D of the fifth embodiment includes two permission operation displays 45A and 45B that are independent of each other. Therefore, compared to when only one permission operation display (operation permission unit) is provided on the steering wheel 14, it is easier for the occupant to operate the permission operation displays 45A and 45B provided on the steering wheel 14. That is, for example, an occupant who is more adept at touching the permission operation display 45A with their left hand than at touching the permission operation display 45B with their right hand can have the shift position image 21 displayed on the display 20 by touching the permission operation display 45A with their left hand. Also, an occupant who is more adept at touching the permission operation display 45B with their right hand than at touching the permission operation display 45A with their left hand can have the shift position image 21 displayed on the display 20 by touching the permission operation display 45B with their right hand.

[0118] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Note that the same members as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] 16, the configuration and functions of each component of a vehicular shift operation device 35E of the sixth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the vehicular shift operation device 35D of the fifth embodiment. However, the function of a display control unit 301 of the sixth embodiment is different from that of the fifth embodiment.

[0120] When a touch operation (second operation) is performed simultaneously on both the permission operation display 45A and the permission operation display 45B, the display control unit 301 of the sixth embodiment causes the shift position image 21 to be displayed on the display 20 for the permission time from the time when the touch operation is performed. In other words, even if a touch operation is performed only on the permission operation display 45A or the permission operation display 45B, the shift position image 21 will not be displayed on the display 20. Other than this, the functions of the display control unit 301 of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

[0121] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 14, steering angle sensor 19, display 20, P-range operation member 29, ECU 30, and permission operation displays 45A and 45B are components of a vehicle shift operation device 35E.

[0122] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0123] The flow of processing performed by CPU 30A will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10 and 17. Every time a predetermined time elapses, CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10 and 17. Description of the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9 and 10 will be omitted.

[0124] The process of the flowchart in Fig. 17 will be described below. The flowchart in Fig. 17 is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 8 except for S30C, which corresponds to S30 in Fig. 8.

[0125] First, in S30C, the CPU 30A determines whether or not touch operations (second operations) have been performed simultaneously on the permission operation display 45A and the permission operation display 45B.

[0126] If the determination in S30C is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S31.

[0127] On the other hand, if the determination in S30C is No, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0128] As described above, in the vehicle shift operation device 35E of the fifth embodiment, when touch operations are performed simultaneously on the permission operation display 45A and the permission operation display 45B, shift control of the gear position 22 is executed by a flick operation on the display 20. Therefore, the vehicle shift operation device 35E can reduce the risk that the display 20 will suddenly enter a state where the gear position of the transmission 22 can be shifted due to the occupant erroneously operating the permission operation displays 45A, 45B.

[0129] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Note that the same members as those in the first to sixth embodiments are simply given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] As shown in Figure 18, a touch panel type first display (operation unit) (operation permission unit) 47 is provided on the rear surface of the spoke portion 17B of the steering wheel 14 of the vehicle shift operation device 35F of the seventh embodiment, and a touch panel type second display (operation unit) (operation permission unit) 48 is provided on the rear surface of the spoke portion 17A.

[0131] The display control unit 301 of the seventh embodiment can display various images on the first display 47 and the second display 48. For example, the display control unit 301 can display an operation button image 50 shown in FIG. 18 on the first display 47 and the second display 48. The operation button image 50 includes a plurality of images arranged vertically. One of these images is a shift operation display image 51.

[0132] When a flick operation (second operation) to the right is performed with a part of the occupant's body on one of the first display 47 displaying the shift operation display image 51 and the second display 48 displaying the shift operation display image 51, the display control unit 301 erases the operation button image 50 from the other of the first display 47 and the second display 48 and displays the shift position image 21 on the other of the first display 47 and the second display 48 for the permitted time from the time the flick operation was performed. In other words, when a flick operation is performed on one of the first display 47 and the second display 48, the other of the first display 47 and the second display 48 has a function that allows the gear position of the transmission 22 to be changed. When the permitted time has elapsed, the shift position image 21 is erased from the other of the first display 47 and the second display 48 by control of the display control unit 301. Furthermore, the display control unit 301 executes shift position image rotation display control for the first display 47 or the second display 48 displaying the shift position image 21.

[0133] If the occupant performs a flick operation (first operation) along the virtual straight line IML on the first display 47 or the second display 48 displaying the shift position image 21 during the permitted time, the shift control unit 302 switches the gear position of the transmission 22 to D range, R range or N range.

[0134] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 14, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, the first display 47, and the second display 48 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 35F.

[0135] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0136] The flow of processing performed by CPU 30A will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10 and 19. Every time a predetermined time elapses, CPU 30A repeatedly executes the processing of the flowcharts of Figures 9, 10 and 19. A description of the processing of the flowchart of Figure 9 will be omitted.

[0137] The process of the flowchart in Fig. 19 will be described below. The flowchart in Fig. 19 is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 8 except for S30D, which corresponds to S30 in Fig. 8.

[0138] First, in S30D, CPU 30A determines whether or not a rightward flick operation has been performed on shift operation display image 51 displayed on one of first display 47 and second display .

[0139] If the determination in S30D is Yes, the CPU 30A proceeds to S31.

[0140] On the other hand, if the determination in S30D is No, the CPU 30A temporarily ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0141] Next, a description will be given of the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 10. In the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 10, in S22, S24, and S26, it is determined whether a flick operation along the imaginary straight line IML has been performed on the other of first display 47 and second display 48.

[0142] As described above, in the vehicle shift operation device 35F of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to provide any one of the first display 47 and the second display 48 with a function for changing the gear position of the transmission 22. Therefore, the occupant can use the first display 47 or the second display 48, whichever is easiest for the occupant to perform a flick operation (first operation) along the imaginary straight line IML, as a touch panel display for changing the gear position of the transmission 22.

[0143] Although the vehicle shift operation device according to each embodiment has been described above, the design of the vehicle shift operation device can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description of each modification, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are essentially the same as those in the above-described embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] The first modified example shown in FIG. 20 is a modified example of the first embodiment. A steering wheel 60 is provided on an instrument panel 12 (not shown in FIG. 20) of the first modified example. The steering wheel 60 includes a hub portion 61, two spoke portions 62A and 62B extending radially from the hub portion 61, and a substantially U-shaped outer peripheral grip portion 63 connected to the outer peripheral ends of each of the spoke portions 62A and 62B. The hub portion 61 is fixed to the rear end of a steering shaft that is parallel to the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. The steering wheel 60 is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around the steering shaft. When the occupant is not applying force to the steering wheel 60, the steering wheel 60 is located in a neutral position shown in FIG. 20. At this time, the spoke portions 62A and 62B, which are located approximately 180° apart from each other around the hub portion 61, are substantially parallel to the left-to-right direction. When the steering wheel 60 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise from the neutral position, the steering angle of the left and right front wheels (steered wheels) provided on the vehicle 10 changes.

[0145] A substantially rectangular touch panel display (operation unit) 65 is provided on the rear end surface of the hub unit 61. The display 65 has the same functions as the display 20 of the first embodiment. The display 65 is capable of displaying a variety of images.

[0146] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 60, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, and the display 65 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 55.

[0147] The vehicular shift operation device 55 of this first modified example can achieve the same effects as the vehicular shift operation device 35 of the first embodiment.

[0148] The second modified example shown in Figure 21 is a modified example of the second embodiment. A touch panel display 67 is provided on the rear end surface of a hub portion 61 of a steering wheel 60 of a vehicle shift operation device 55A of the second modified example. The roughly rectangular display 67 has a roughly rectangular first area (operation portion) 68 located on an extension of the axis of the steering shaft, and an annular second area (operation permission portion) 69 located on the outer periphery of the first area 68. The first area 68 corresponds to the first area 41 of the second embodiment, and the second area 69 corresponds to the second area 42 of the second embodiment.

[0149] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 60, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, and the display 67 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 55A.

[0150] The vehicular shift operation device 55A of the second modified example can achieve the same effects as the vehicular shift operation device 35A of the second embodiment.

[0151] The third modified example shown in Fig. 22 is a modified example of the third embodiment. A touch panel display 70 is provided on the rear end surface of a hub portion 61 of a steering wheel 60 of a vehicle shift operation device 55B of the third modified example. The display 70 has a substantially rectangular first area (operation portion) 70A, a substantially rectangular second area (operation permission portion) 70B, and a third area 70C that is the area excluding the first area 70A and the second area 70B. The first area 70A corresponds to the first area 43A of the third embodiment, the second area 70B corresponds to the second area 43B, and the third area 70C corresponds to the third area 43C.

[0152] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 60, the steering angle sensor 19, the P-range operation member 29, the ECU 30, and the display 70 are components of the vehicle shift operation device 55B.

[0153] The vehicular shift operation device 55C of the third modified example can achieve the same effects as the vehicular shift operation device 35B of the third embodiment.

[0154] The fourth modified example shown in Fig. 23 is a modified example of the fifth embodiment. Spoke portions 62A and 62B of the fourth modified example are provided with approximately rectangular touch panel permission operation displays (operation permission portions) 72A and 72B, respectively. The permission operation displays 72A and 72B correspond to the permission operation displays 45A and 45B of the fifth embodiment, respectively.

[0155] Of the above-described configuration, the steering wheel 60, steering angle sensor 19, display 65, P-range operation member 29, ECU 30, and permission operation displays 72A and 72B are components of the vehicle shift operation device 55C.

[0156] The vehicular shift operation device 55C of the third modified example can achieve the same effects as the vehicular shift operation device 35D of the fifth embodiment.

[0157] Furthermore, the types of gear stages of the transmission 22 in the embodiment and each modified example may be different from those described above.

[0158] The shift operation display image 51 does not necessarily have to be displayed on the first display 47 and the second display 48 of the vehicle shift operation device 35F of the seventh embodiment.

[0159] In the embodiment and each modified example, the gear position of the transmission 22 that can be selected by operating a touch-operated operating unit provided on the steering wheel 14, 60 may be any of the D range, N range, R range, and P range. For example, the P range operating member 29 may be omitted from the vehicle 10, and the gear position of the transmission 22 may be changed to the D range, N range, R range, and P range by operating a touch-operated operating unit provided on the steering wheel 14, 60.

[0160] In the embodiment and each modification, the flick direction and the number of times that the operating unit is flicked to shift the transmission 22 to a predetermined gear may be different from the directions and numbers described above.

[0161] In the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, the display control unit 301 does not have to have the function of rotating and displaying the shift position image. That is, in the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments, when the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel 14 changes, the direction (angle) of the imaginary straight line IML may change in accordance with the change in the steering angle of the steering wheel 14. That is, the direction of the first operation (flick operation) on the operation unit may change in accordance with the change in the steering angle of the steering wheel 14.

[0162] The touch-operated operation unit of the embodiment and each modified example may be an operation unit different from a touch panel display. For example, the touch-operated operation unit of the embodiment and each modified example may be a capacitance sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 10 Vehicle, 14 Steering wheel, 20 Display (operation unit), 22 Transmission, 35, 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, 35F Vehicle shift operation device, 41 First area (operation unit), 42 Second area (operation permission unit), 43A First area (operation unit), 43B Second area (operation permission unit), 45A, 45B Display for permitted operation (operation permission unit), 47 First display Ray (operation unit) (operation permission unit), 48... Second display (operation unit) (operation permission unit), 55, 55A, 55B, 55C... Vehicle shift operation device, 60... Steering wheel, 65... Display (operation unit), 68... First area (operation unit), 69... Second area (operation permission unit), 70A... First area (operation unit), 70B... Second area (operation permission unit), 72A, 72B... Display for permitted operation (operation permission unit)

Claims

1. a steering wheel provided in a vehicle, which is rotated to change the steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle; a touch operation type operation unit that is provided on the steering wheel and that shifts a transmission provided in the vehicle to a predetermined gear position when a first operation that is a touch operation in a predetermined direction based on the vehicle is performed regardless of the magnitude of the steering angle of the steering wheel; A shift operation device for a vehicle.

2. 2. The shift operation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an operation permission unit that is provided on the steering wheel so as to be positioned on the outer periphery of the operation unit, and that, when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed, permits control of shifting of the gear positions of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit.

3. 3. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 2, wherein when the second operation is performed simultaneously on two of the operation permission portions, control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation portion is permitted.

4. 3. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the operation permission portions are provided on the steering wheel.

5. The operation permission units are two, 5. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 4, wherein when the second operation is performed simultaneously on all of the operation permission portions, control of shifting of the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation portions is permitted.

6. 4. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 2, wherein the operation permitting portion has an annular shape.

7. 2. The shift operation device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of operation permission units provided on the steering wheel, which, when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed, permits control of shifting of the gear positions of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit.

8. The operation permission units are two, The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 7, wherein when the second operation is performed on one of the operation permission portions, the other operation permission portion functions as the operation portion.

9. 8. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 2, wherein control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit is permitted until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation on the operation permission unit.

10. a steering wheel provided in a vehicle, which is rotated to change the steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle; a touch operation type operation unit that is provided on the steering wheel and that shifts a transmission provided in the vehicle to a predetermined gear position when a first operation that is a touch operation is performed; a plurality of operation permission units provided on the steering wheel, the operation permission units permitting control of shifting of gear positions of the transmission by the first operation on the operation unit when a second operation, which is a touch operation, is performed; A shift operation device for a vehicle.

11. The operation permission units are two, 11. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 10, wherein when the second operation is performed simultaneously on all of the operation permission portions, control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation on the operation portions is permitted.

12. The operation permission units are two, The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein when the second operation is performed on one of the operation permission portions, the other operation permission portion functions as the operation portion.

13. 12. The vehicle shift operation device according to claim 10, wherein control of shifting the gear position of the transmission by the first operation of the operation unit is permitted until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation of the operation permission unit is performed.

Images