Shift change control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a shift switching device that can suppress unintended shifting to a different gear range and improve the safety of driving operations. [Solution] The shift switching operation device comprises: a cylindrical first member having a detected portion and an operated portion protruding outward, which moves in accordance with the range switching operation; a second member inserted through the inner circumference of the first member, with a guide path formed on its outer surface that moves the first member along a first movement direction and a second movement direction perpendicular to the first movement direction, and a plurality of sensor portions arranged at predetermined positions corresponding to the guide path to detect the proximity of the detected portion; and a third member that holds the second member through which the first member is inserted, which has an opening along the first and second movement directions in which the first member moves, through which the operated portion is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shift switching operation device.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, generally, a shift lever of a shift device is operated to select one position from a plurality of shift positions (for example, a parking position (P), a reverse position (R), a neutral position (N), and a forward position (D)) to switch the range.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching the range of an automatic transmission by arranging a shift lever at the intersection position (origin position) of a cross-shaped shift gate and operating the shift lever in substantially four directions of up, down, left, and right from the origin position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the range can be switched only by operating the shift lever in one direction from the origin position, there is a possibility of leading to an unintended operation by the driver (for example, an operation caused by contacting the shift lever).

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a shift switching operation device that can suppress an unintended switching to a range by the driver and improve the safety of driving operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems and can be implemented in the following embodiments or applications.

[0008] The shift switching operation device according to this application example is characterized by comprising: a cylindrical first member having a detected portion and an operated portion protruding outward, and moving in accordance with a range switching operation; a second member inserted through the inner circumference of the first member, with a guide path formed on its outer surface that moves the first member along a first movement direction and a second movement direction perpendicular to the first movement direction, and a plurality of sensor portions arranged at predetermined positions corresponding to the guide path to detect the proximity of the detected portion; and a third member that holds the second member through which the first member is inserted, has an opening along the first and second movement directions in which the first member moves, and through which the operated portion is inserted.

[0009] In this application example, the range is switched by moving the first member in a first and second movement direction. That is, multiple sensor units are arranged in the first and second movement directions, and the range is switched when it is detected that the detected part of the first member is close to one of the sensor units. Furthermore, a guide path is formed in the second member for the movement of the first member, and the first member moves along this guide path. Therefore, the range can be switched by moving the first member rather than by moving the lever in the up, down, left, or right directions. In addition, because the first member moves along the guide path, the range can be easily switched. This suppresses unintended range switching by the driver and improves the safety of driving operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a partial perspective view showing the area around the steering column equipped with the shift switching device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the shift switching operation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 1 is an enlarged view (1) of the main part I of the shift switching operation device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the shift switching operation device according to this embodiment, shown as XX' in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the shift switching operation device according to this embodiment, shown as YY' in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the shift switching operation device according to this embodiment, shown as ZZ' in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows an enlarged view (2) of the main part I of the shift switching operation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to what is described below, and can be modified and implemented as such without altering its essence. Hereinafter, "vehicle height direction" refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle, and "vehicle width direction" refers to the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0012] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view showing the area around the steering column 1 in front of the driver's seat, equipped with the shift switching operation device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shift switching operation device 10. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main part I of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view XX' of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view YY', and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view ZZ'.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the steering column 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a steering wheel 2 and a shift switching operation device 10. The steering wheel 2 has the function of controlling the direction of travel of the vehicle via the steering device through steering by the driver. The steering wheel 2 has spokes 2b inside a substantially circular rim 2a and is connected to the steering device.

[0014] The shift switching operation device 10 has a function of switching the range of an automatic transmission. The shift switching operation device 10 is provided outward in the vehicle width direction from the steering column 1. Note that the shift switching operation device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided on the left side in the traveling direction of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the shift switching operation device 10 includes a first member 11, a second member 12, and a third member 13.

[0015] (First member) The first member 11 includes a main body portion 111, an operating portion 112, and a guide portion 113 (see FIG. 4). The main body portion 111 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends open.

[0016] The operating portion 112 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided so as to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111. On the substantially central position of the outer surface on the opposite side of the surface of the operating portion 112 that abuts on the main body portion 111, an elliptical concave portion 112a having a long axis along the central axis R direction is formed. Note that the axis Q is an axis orthogonal to the central axis R and, in the present embodiment, faces substantially the vehicle height direction of the vehicle.

[0017] The concave portion 112a is a depression for anti-slip. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the operating portion 112 has a rectangular detection portion 112b inside the operating portion 112 on the side of the main body portion 111. The detection portion 112b is a magnetic body such as a magnet, for example.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the guide portion 113 is provided on the main body portion 111 that is substantially symmetric to the operating portion 112 with respect to the axis Q. The guide portion 113 has a function of smoothly moving the first member 11 along a guide path 121 described later.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the guide portion 113 includes a pedestal portion 113a fixed in a state of penetrating in the radial direction of the main body portion 111, a cover portion 113b provided on one end side of the pedestal portion 113a, a mounting seat 113c provided on the other end side of the pedestal portion 113a, and a rotating body 113d held in sliding contact with the mounting seat 113c.

[0020] The pedestal portion 113a has a side wall on one end side and is cylindrical with an open end on the other end side. Inside the pedestal portion 113a, there is an elastic member 113e such as a coil spring. One side of the elastic member 113e is fixed to the proximal end side of the mounting seat 113c, and the other side is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall.

[0021] The cover portion 113b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111 so as to cover one end side of the pedestal portion 113a that protrudes radially outward of the main body portion 111. The cover portion 113b has a function of protecting one end side of the pedestal portion 113a.

[0022] The mounting seat 113c is formed to have a smaller diameter than the opening at the other end side of the pedestal portion 113a and is provided so as to close the opening. The proximal end side of the mounting seat 113c is fixed to the elastic member 113e, and a pressing force is applied toward the radially inner side of the first member 11. And the mounting seat 113c is movable in the radial direction by the elastic force of the elastic member 113e. For example, in a state where the elastic member 113e is extended (for example, points A and B in FIG. 5), the mounting seat 113c moves radially inward of the first member 11, and in a contracted state (for example, point C in FIG. 5), the mounting seat 113c moves radially outward of the first member 11. When the elastic member 113e is most contracted, the mounting seat 113c is in a state of entering the inside of the pedestal portion 113a.

[0023] The rotating body 113d is spherical and is rotatably held on the distal end side of the mounting seat 113c. The rotating body 113d receives a pressing force from the elastic member 113e via the mounting seat 113c and abuts against the bottom surface of a guide path 121 described later.

[0024] (Second member) The second member 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends open, is formed to have a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the first member 11, and is inserted through the first member 11. The second member 12 includes a guide path 121, a detection unit 122, and a drive device 123.​​​The guide path 121 is formed as a groove that is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the second member 12. The guide path 121 is positioned opposite the guide portion 113 of the first member 11. The guide path 121 is a guide rail for the rotating body 113d of the guide portion 113 to move while rotating.

[0026] The guide path 121 has a first movement path 121a extending in the direction of the central axis R (first movement direction) and a second movement path 121b extending in a direction perpendicular to the first movement path 121a, that is, in the circumferential direction of the central axis R (second movement direction). In this embodiment, the second movement path 121b extending downward in the vehicle height direction from the first movement path 121a is designated as the second movement path lower side 121bD, and the second movement path 121b extending upward in the vehicle height direction is designated as the second movement path upper side 121bU.

[0027] The bottom surface of the guide path 121 is formed to be located radially inward at predetermined positions where multiple sensor units 122a, described later, are arranged. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first movement path 121a of the guide path 121 is located radially inward at points A and B. The second movement path 121b of the guide path 121 is located radially inward at point D, as shown in Figure 6.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the first movement path 121a is slightly convex outward in the radial direction from point A to point B. Similarly, the lower part of the second movement path 121bD is slightly convex outward in the radial direction from point B to point D, as shown in Figure 6. The upper part of the second movement path 121bU is similarly slightly convex outward in the radial direction from point C to point E.

[0029] The detection unit 122 is formed on a substantially rectangular substrate 122b that is elongated in the direction of the central axis R, with a plurality of sensor units 122a arranged at predetermined positions. The detection unit 122 is located on the inside of the second member 12, and the sensor units 122a are provided on the radially outer surface near the surface opposite to the guide path 121 side (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0030] The sensor unit 122a is, for example, a contact or proximity sensor using a magnetic sensor, but other types of sensors such as physical sensors may also be used. As shown in Figure 3, multiple sensor units 122a are arranged at intervals. In this embodiment, four sensor units 122a are provided. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, there are two in the first direction of movement (points A and B) and two in the second direction of movement (point D above point B in the vehicle height direction, and point E below point C in the vehicle height direction).

[0031] When the sensor unit 122a approaches the detected portion 112b of the first member 11, a signal (information) indicating proximity is transmitted to the VCU (vehicle control unit, not shown), and range switching control is performed. Note that proximity includes contact.

[0032] The drive device 123 has the function of restricting the movement of the first member 11 in the direction of the central axis R. The drive device 123 is located inside the second member 12, near the inner circumferential surface between the guide path 121 and the sensor part 122a. The drive device 123 comprises a drive unit 123a and a restricting unit 123b.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive unit 123a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in the direction of the central axis R. The drive unit 123a is, for example, an electric actuator and is rotatable in both directions about an axis parallel to the central axis R.

[0034] The restricting portion 123b is roughly plate-shaped or rod-shaped and is fixed to one end face of the drive portion 123a in a position perpendicular to the restricting portion 123b. As shown in Figure 4, when the restricting portion 123b is in a position that coincides with the axis Q, the restricting portion 123b is formed to a length that extends to a size greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the main body portion 111 of the first member 11. The restricting portion 123b restricts the movement of the first member 11 by contacting the end face of the first member 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the drive device 123 is configured to be rotatable in both directions between a position where the restricting portion 123b coincides with the axis Q (locked position) and a position where it has been rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise in the cross-sectional view of Figure 4 (released position). When the restricting portion 123b is in the locked position, that is, in a restricted state, the movement of the first member 11 in the direction of the central axis R is restricted. On the other hand, when the restricting portion 123b is in the released position, that is, in a state where the restriction is released, the first member 11 can move in the direction of the central axis R.

[0036] The conditions for activating the drive unit 123 are determined, for example, by setting the range to the parking position (P) and not operating the brake pedal (not shown) (not pressing the brake pedal). The conditions for disengaging the drive unit 123 are determined by setting the brake pedal to the operating position (pressing the brake pedal). Furthermore, when the range is set to the forward position (D), neutral position (N), or reverse position (R), the drive unit 123 is maintained in a disengaged, released state.

[0037] (Third component) The third member 13 is cylindrical with open ends and is formed to gradually decrease in diameter towards the side attached to the steering column 1 (the column side). The third member 13 houses and holds the second member 12 through which the first member 11 is inserted. As shown in Figure 2, the third member 13 has an opening 131 that penetrates radially. The operated portion 112 of the first member 11 is provided by being inserted through the opening 131.

[0038] The opening 131 is formed in the first and second movement directions. Specifically, it opens along the direction of movement of the operated part 112 when the guide portion 113 of the first member 11 moves along the guide path 121 of the second member 12. In other words, in Figure 3, it opens from the first movement direction upwards in the second movement direction. Also, point E opens from the column-side end in the first movement direction downwards in the second movement direction. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when the guide portion 113 moves from point B to point D, the operated part 112 can move counterclockwise.

[0039] Next, we will explain how to switch ranges using Figures 3 and 7.

[0040] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the main part I in Figure 1, similar to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the state in which the drive device 123 restricts the first member 11, while Figure 7 shows the state in which the restriction of the drive device 123 is released.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 122a located at point A represents the parking position (P), the sensor unit 122a located at point B represents the neutral position (N), the sensor unit 122a located at point D represents the forward position (D), and the sensor unit 122a located at point E represents the reverse position (R).

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the detected portion 112b of the first member 11 is in close proximity to the sensor portion 122a located at point A. In this state, the VCU controls the drive unit 123 on the condition that the brake pedal is not operated, restricting the first member 11 from moving toward the column. Specifically, the VCU rotates the drive unit 123a of the drive unit 123 to restrict the movement by bringing the restricting portion 123b into contact with the end face of the first member 11.

[0043] Then, if the VCU determines that the brake pedal has been operated, it controls the drive unit 123 to release the restriction on the drive unit 123a. Specifically, the VCU rotates the drive unit 123a of the drive unit 123 by about 90 degrees so that the restricting part 123b does not come into contact with the end face of the first member 11. With the restriction on the drive unit 123 released, the detected part 112b of the first member 11 can be moved toward the column.

[0044] The VCU switches the range of the sensor section 122a to the range closest to the detected section 112b of the first member 11. For example, as shown in Figure 7, when the detected section 112b of the first member 11 moves to the neutral position (N) at point B, the VCU switches the range to the neutral state. The same applies to each range.

[0045] The first member 11 can be easily moved because its guide portion 113 is positioned in contact with the bottom surface of the guide path 121 of the second member 12. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the guide path 121 that moves from one sensor portion 122a to another is curved, and the guide path 121 at the predetermined position where each sensor portion 122a is located is formed to be the radially innermost position. This provides a click sensation to the user operating the operated portion 112 of the first member 11, allowing for easy recognition of range switching and completion of switching, and making it easy to maintain the relative position of the first member 11 with respect to the second member 12.

[0046] In this embodiment, the shift switching device 10 switches the range by moving the first member 11 in a first movement direction and a second movement direction. In other words, multiple sensor parts 122a of the second member 12 are arranged in the first movement direction and the second movement direction, and the range switches when it is detected that the detected part 112b of the first member 11 is close to the sensor parts 122a. In addition, a guide path 121 is formed on the second member 12 on which the guide part 113 of the first member 11 moves, and the first member 11 moves along the guide path 121. Therefore, the range can be switched by moving the first member 11, rather than by moving the lever in the up, down, left, or right direction. Also, because the first member 11 moves along the guide path 121, the range can be switched easily. This suppresses switching to a range unintended by the driver (for example, switching to the driving range or the parking range), and improves the safety of driving operations.

[0047] This concludes the description of embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific configurations shown in these embodiments are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those shown in these embodiments.

[0048] For example, in this embodiment, we have described a shift switching operation device in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, but a shift switching operation device in an electric vehicle or the like, which uses only a motor-generator as a drive source and does not have a transmission mechanism, is also acceptable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Steering column 2 Steering Wheel 2a Rim 2b spokes 10 Shift change operation device 11 First component 111 Main body 112 Operated part 112a Recess 112b Detected section 113 Guide Section 113a Base 113b Cover section 113c Mounting base 113d Solid of revolution 113e Elastic member 12 Second Member 121 Guide path 121a 1st travel route 121b 2nd travel route 121bD 2nd moving path lower side 121bU 2nd moving road side 122 Detection unit 122a Sensor section 122b board 123 Drive unit 123a Drive unit 123b Regulatory Department 13 Third Member 131 Aperture Q axis R center axis

Claims

[Claim 1] A cylindrical first member having a detection portion and an operating portion protruding outward, which moves in accordance with the range switching operation, A second member is inserted through the inner circumference of the first member, and a guide path is formed on its outer surface for moving the first member along a first movement direction and a second movement direction perpendicular to the first movement direction, and a plurality of sensor units for detecting proximity to the detected part are arranged at predetermined positions corresponding to the guide path. The first member holds the second member through which it is inserted, and the third member has an opening along the first and second movement directions of the first member, through which the operated portion is inserted, A shift switching operation device characterized by comprising the following features.

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