Shift device
The shift device addresses the challenge of adjusting rotation angles by using a gap between engaging parts to independently rotate the driven and output shafts, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing part complexity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AISIN CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
Smart Images
Figure 2026114010000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a shift device has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a parking lock device (shift device). This parking lock device includes a motor, a worm wheel (rotating body), a cylindrical sliding body, a driven lever, a rotating shaft (output shaft), and a positioning plate.
[0004] In the parking lock device of Patent Document 1, when the positioning plate is rotated from the parking unlock position to the parking lock position, the worm wheel and the sliding body rotate by the driving force of the motor, and the driven lever rotates. By the rotation of the rotating shaft integrally with the rotation of the driven lever, the positioning plate is switched to the parking lock position. Also, when the positioning plate is rotated from the parking lock position to the parking unlock position, the worm wheel and the sliding body rotate by the driving force of the motor, and the driven lever rotates. By the rotation of the rotating shaft integrally with the rotation of the driven lever, the positioning plate is switched to the parking unlock position.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] However, in the parking lock device described in Patent Document 1, the driven lever and the pivot shaft rotate together regardless of whether the switch is from the parking lock position to the parking unlock position or from the parking unlock position to the parking lock position. Therefore, when adjusting the rotation angle of the pivot shaft relative to the driven lever, it is necessary to manufacture a dedicated parking lock device by making design changes to the dimensions of the worm wheel, the arrangement position of the cylindrical sliding body, the dimensions of the driven lever, and the diameter of the rotating shaft. As a result, it is not easy to adjust the rotation angle of the pivot shaft relative to the driven lever, and productivity decreases. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes, while also suppressing the decrease in productivity of the shift device for each vehicle model that is caused by the increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes.
[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one objective of this invention is to provide a shift device that can suppress the increase in the number of types of parts that undergo design changes, while also suppressing the decrease in productivity of shift devices for each vehicle model that occurs due to the increase in the number of types of parts that undergo design changes. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] To achieve the above objective, a shift device in one aspect of this invention includes a drive unit including a motor and a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the motor; a driven lever connected to the rotating body of the drive unit and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body of the drive unit; an output shaft rotatably connected to the driven lever and rotating by the rotation of the driven lever; an engaging part that rotates by the driven lever; and an engaged part that, when the shift is switched by rotating the output shaft, engages with the engaging part and rotates integrally with the engaging part to rotate the output shaft, wherein a circumferential gap is provided between the engaging part and the engaged part around the rotational axis of the output shaft so that the driven lever and the output shaft do not rotate integrally.
[0009] In one aspect of this invention, a shift device is provided, as described above, with a circumferential gap around the rotational axis of the output shaft between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, so that the driven lever and the output shaft do not rotate together. If there is no gap between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, the driven lever and the output shaft rotate together throughout the entire range of the driven lever's rotation angle. If a gap is provided between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, the engaged portion and the engaged portion do not engage even though the driven lever rotates, so the rotation of the driven lever is not transmitted to the output shaft. Therefore, the driven lever and the output shaft do not rotate together for the amount of rotation angle corresponding to the gap between the engaging portion and the engaged portion within the range of the driven lever's rotation angle. As a result, by adjusting the size of the gap to match the required rotation angle of the output shaft, which differs for each vehicle model, the rotation angle of the output shaft can be adjusted without changing the range of the driven lever's rotation angle. Therefore, since the rotation angle of the output shaft can be adjusted simply by adjusting the gap between the engaging part and the engaged part, it is possible to easily manufacture shift devices with different required output shaft rotation angles, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes, while suppressing the decrease in productivity of shift devices for each vehicle model that would result from an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes.
[0010] In the shift device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the engaging portion is provided on the driven lever and the engaged portion is provided on the output shaft, or the engaging portion is provided on the output shaft and the engaged portion is provided on the shaft connected to the output shaft.
[0011] With this configuration, the gap between the engaging and engaged parts can be adjusted, making it easy to create shift devices with different required rotation angles for the output shaft.
[0012] In the shift device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the engaging portion is provided on the driven lever and the engaged portion is provided on the output shaft, the engaged portion includes a projection that protrudes in the axial direction of the rotational center axis of the output shaft, and the engaging portion includes a projection contact portion that abuts against the projection when rotating integrally with the projection and has a gap between it and the projection in the circumferential direction around the rotational center axis of the output shaft.
[0013] With this configuration, the circumferential dimensions of the gap can be adjusted simply by adjusting the position of the projection and the projection contact portion in the circumferential direction, making it easy to manufacture a shift device with the required output shaft rotation angle. As a result, it is possible to easily manufacture a shift device with the required output shaft rotation angle while suppressing an increase in the number of parts that need to be changed in the shift device.
[0014] In the shift device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, a biasing member is further provided that biases the output shaft in a direction that increases the pressing force between the engaging portion and the engaged portion at the rotational angle position in the parking unlock state.
[0015] With this configuration, even if an external force is applied to the output shaft due to vibrations associated with vehicle movement, the biasing force of the biasing member prevents the output shaft from rotating. This prevents the output shaft from unintentionally rotating from the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking unlock state.
[0016] Furthermore, the shift device in the above-mentioned first phase is thought to have the following configuration.
[0017] (Additional note 1) In a shift device in which the engaged portion includes a projection and the engaging portion includes a projection contact portion, the projection contact portion is provided on the driven lever and includes two protrusions with a gap between them and the projection, the projection is provided on the output shaft and inserted between the two protrusions, and is configured to allow the attachment of multiple types of driven levers having different circumferential dimensions of the gap formed between the two protrusions.
[0018] With this configuration, the rotation angle of the output shaft can be adjusted to the required angle simply by replacing the driven lever attached to the shift device with a driven lever whose circumferential spacing between two protrusions is adjusted to match the required rotation angle of the output shaft, which differs for each vehicle model. This makes it easy to manufacture a shift device with the required rotation angle of the output shaft.
[0019] (Additional note 2) In a shift device in which the engaged portion includes a projection and the engaging portion includes a projection contact portion, the device is configured to allow mounting of multiple types of output shafts, each including projections with different circumferential dimensions.
[0020] With this configuration, the rotation angle of the output shaft can be adjusted to the required angle simply by replacing the output shaft attached to the shift device with an output shaft whose circumferential dimensions of the protrusion have been adjusted to match the required rotation angle of the output shaft for each vehicle model. This makes it easy to manufacture a shift device with the required rotation angle of the output shaft.
[0021] (Additional note 3) In a shift device in which the engaged portion includes a projection and the engaging portion includes a projection contact portion, the engaging portion is provided on a driven lever and includes a circumferentially extending elongated hole into which the projection is inserted and a gap is provided between the projection and the elongated hole, and is configured to allow attachment of multiple types of driven levers, including elongated holes with different circumferential dimensions.
[0022] With this configuration, the rotation angle of the output shaft can be adjusted to the required angle simply by replacing the driven lever attached to the shift device with a driven lever whose circumferential dimensions in the elongated hole have been adjusted to match the required rotation angle of the output shaft, which differs for each vehicle model. This makes it easy to manufacture a shift device with the required rotation angle of the output shaft. Furthermore, since a member is provided around the elongated hole in the driven lever, the rigidity against load when the projection and the inner surface of the elongated hole come into contact can be increased.
[0023] (Additional note 4) In a shift device in which the engaged portion includes a protrusion and the engaging portion includes a protrusion contact portion, the protrusion includes a pin that is detachably attached to the output shaft, and the output shaft is configured to be able to attach a plurality of types of pins having different sizes in the circumferential direction.
[0024] With such a configuration, the gap between the protrusion contact portion can be adjusted simply by replacing the pin, so that the adjustment of the gap can be easily performed.
[0025] (Appended Claim 5) In a shift device in which the engaged portion includes a protrusion and the engaging portion includes a protrusion contact portion, a plurality of pairs of protrusions and protrusion contact portions are provided.
[0026] With such a configuration, the load transmitted from the driven lever to the output shaft can be dispersed, so that the durability of the protrusion and the protrusion contact portion can be improved.
Advantages of the Invention
[0027] According to the present invention, as described above, while suppressing an increase in the number of types of parts for which design changes are made, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the shift device for each vehicle type accompanying an increase in the number of types of parts for which design changes are made.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0028] [Figure 1] It is an exploded perspective view of the shift device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the parking rod portion of the shift device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of the driven lever and the output shaft of the shift device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing the parking unlock state of the driven lever and the output shaft of the shift device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the parking lock state of the driven lever and the output shaft of the shift device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a plan view showing the state in which the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of the first embodiment are rotated to the parking lock state. [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) to 7(F) are plan views showing, in order, the state in which the shift device of the first embodiment is rotated to the parking lock state. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the state in which the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of the first embodiment are rotated to the parking unlock state. [Figure 9] Figures 9(A) to 9(F) are plan views showing, in order, the state in which the shift device of the first embodiment is rotated to the parking unlock state. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of the first comparative example. [Figure 11] This is a plan view showing the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of the second comparative example. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the output shaft of the shift device of the first modified example of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the output shaft of the shift device of a second modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing the driven lever and output shaft of a shift device in a third modified example of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing the driven lever and output shaft of the shift device of a fourth modified example of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 17] Figure 17(A) is a plan view of a shift device of the fifth modification of the first and second embodiments, in which two pairs of driven levers and output shafts with elongated holes are provided, and Figure 17(B) is a plan view of a shift device of the fifth modification of the first and second embodiments, in which a driven lever with a first projection contact portion, a second projection contact portion, a third projection contact portion, and a fourth projection contact portion are provided, and an output shaft including a pair of projections is provided. [Figure 18]This is a plan view showing the output shaft and shaft of a sixth modified example of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 19] Figure 19(A) is a plan view showing a two-sided output shaft and a two-sided shaft of the seventh modification of the first and second embodiments, and Figure 19(B) is a plan view showing a configuration in which the two-sided output shaft and the two-sided shaft of Figure 19(A) are each reduced in size in the seventh modification of the first and second embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0029] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.
[0030] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the configuration of the shift device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The shift device 100 is a device installed in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle.
[0031] In vehicles equipped with the shift device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, when an occupant (driver) performs a shift change operation via an operating unit such as a shift switch, electrical shift change control is performed on the transmission mechanism. Specifically, the position of the shift lever is input to the shift device 100 via a shift sensor provided on the operating unit. Then, based on a control signal transmitted from a dedicated control board 7 provided on the shift device 100, the transmission mechanism is switched to either the parking lock position or the parking unlock position corresponding to the occupant's shift operation. This type of shift change control is called shift-by-wire.
[0032] The shift device 100 comprises an actuator 101, a parking rod 102, a cam section 103, and a parking gear 104. The actuator 101 is a drive device that drives the parking rod 102 based on the shift switching operation of the occupant (driver). The actuator 101 will be described in detail later.
[0033] The parking rod 102 is driven by the actuator 101 and is configured to switch between a parking unlock state, in which the cam portion 103 is disengaged from the parking gear 104, and a parking lock state, in which the cam portion 103 is engaged with the parking gear 104. The parking lock state is a state in which the rotation of the parking gear 104 is restricted by the parking rod 102 and the cam portion 103 so that the parking gear 104 does not rotate. The parking unlock state is a state in which the restriction on the rotation of the parking gear 104 by the parking rod 102 and the cam portion 103 is released.
[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the actuator 101 includes a motor 1, a worm gear 2, a worm wheel 3, a pivot pin 4, a driven lever 5, an output shaft 6, a control board 7, a cover member 8, a lower housing 9, and a partition wall 10. The configuration of the motor 1, worm gear 2, and worm wheel 3 together is an example of the "drive unit" in the claims. The configuration of the worm wheel 3 and pivot pin 4 together is an example of the "rotating body" in the claims.
[0035] In each figure, the axial direction of the output shaft 6 of the actuator 101 is indicated by the Z direction. Furthermore, the direction from the parking rod 102 side toward the actuator 101 side is indicated by the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction is indicated by the Z2 direction.
[0036] In each figure, the rotational direction of the worm wheel 3 around its central axis C1 is indicated by the R direction. One of the R directions is indicated by the R1 direction, and the other by the R2 direction. In each figure, the rotational direction of the output shaft 6 (driven lever 5) around its central axis C2 is indicated by the r direction. The direction along the R1 direction is indicated by the r1 direction, and the direction along the R2 direction is indicated by the r2 direction.
[0037] Motor 1 is a three-phase surface magnet motor (SPM (Surface Permanent Magnet Motor)) incorporating permanent magnets. Motor 1 has a stator 11, a rotor 12, and a motor shaft 13.
[0038] The worm gear 2 is connected to the motor shaft 13. As a result, the worm gear 2 rotates integrally with the rotation of the rotor 12. The worm wheel 3 is connected to the worm gear 2. Since the number of teeth on the worm wheel 3 is greater than the number of teeth on the worm gear 2, the rotation of the worm gear 2 is reduced. The worm wheel 3 rotates in the R1 and R2 directions in conjunction with the rotation of the worm gear 2. The rotation angle θi of the worm wheel 3 (see Figure 6) is, for example, between 200 degrees and 230 degrees.
[0039] The pivot pin 4 rotates in the R1 and R2 directions together with the worm wheel 3 as the worm gear 2 rotates. The pivot pin 4 is mounted on the motor 1 side (Z1 direction side) of the worm wheel 3. The pivot pin 4 protrudes in the Z1 direction from the motor 1 side (Z1 direction side) of the worm wheel 3.
[0040] A pivot pin 4 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 52 of the driven lever 5. The driven lever 5 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the pivot pin 4. The output shaft 6 is rotatably connected to the driven lever 5. The output shaft 6 is configured to rotate in the r1 and r2 directions as the driven lever 5 rotates. The rotation angle θo of the output shaft 6 (see Figure 6) is, for example, between 18 and 25 degrees. The driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 will be described in detail later.
[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the worm wheel 3 rotates in the R1 direction, the parking rod 102 switches from the parking unlocked position to the parking locked position. Also, when the worm wheel 3 rotates in the R2 direction, the parking rod 102 switches from the parking locked position to the parking unlocked position.
[0042] Furthermore, in the transitional state where the worm wheel 3 is rotating in the R1 direction and transitioning from the parking unlocked state to the parking locked state, the driven lever 5 rotates in the r1 direction. In the transitional state where the worm wheel 3 is rotating in the R2 direction and transitioning from the parking locked state to the parking unlocked state, the driven lever 5 rotates in the r2 direction.
[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the control board 7 is configured to control the drive of the motor 1. The control board 7 is a circuit board component with electronic components mounted on it. The control board 7 is fixed to the partition wall 10. The lid member 8, the lower housing 9, and the partition wall 10 are assembled together with the partition wall 10 positioned between the lid member 8 and the lower housing 9. The lid member 8, the lower housing 9, and the partition wall 10 house the above-mentioned components of the actuator 101 (motor 1, worm gear 2, worm wheel 3, rotation pin 4, driven lever 5, output shaft 6, control board 7, and partition wall 10).
[0044] (Detailed configuration of the driven lever and output shaft) As shown in Figure 3, the output shaft 6 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the driven lever 5. In the first embodiment, the output shaft 6 rotates independently of the driven lever 5 within the rotation angle range in which the driven lever 5 rotates, and then rotates integrally with the driven lever 5.
[0045] (Driven lever) As shown in Figure 3, the driven lever 5 has a lever body 51, a pin insertion hole 52, a worm gear insertion hole 53, an output shaft insertion hole 54, a first projection contact portion 55, and a second projection contact portion 56. The first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 are examples of the "engaging portion," "projection contact portion," and "two protrusions" as defined in the claims.
[0046] The lever body 51 has a tapered shape that extends radially outward from the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6. The lever body 51 is made of metal.
[0047] The pin insertion hole 52 is a hole into which the pivot pin 4 is inserted. The pin insertion hole 52 is an elongated hole that penetrates the lever body 51 in the Z direction and extends radially outward from the pivot center axis C2 of the output shaft 6. The pivot pin 4 abuts against the inner surface of the pin insertion hole 52 on the r1 direction side when it rotates in the R1 direction. As a result, the driven lever 5 rotates in the R2 direction.
[0048] When the rotating pin 4 rotates in the R2 direction, it comes into contact with the inner surface of the pin insertion hole 52 on the r2 direction side. This causes the driven lever 5 to rotate in the R1 direction.
[0049] The worm gear insertion hole 53 is a hole into which the worm gear 2 is inserted. The worm gear insertion hole 53 is an elongated hole that penetrates the lever body 51 in the Z direction and extends in the circumferential direction (R direction) around the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6. The worm gear insertion hole 53 has dimensions in the R direction and a radial width around the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6 so as not to interfere when the driven lever 5 rotates in the R1 and R2 directions.
[0050] The output shaft insertion hole 54 is the hole into which the output shaft 6 is inserted. The output shaft insertion hole 54 penetrates the lever body portion 51 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z1 direction side, the output shaft insertion hole 54 has a circular shape. The diameter of the output shaft insertion hole 54 is slightly larger than the diameter of the insertion shaft portion 61 of the output shaft 6, which will be described later.
[0051] <First projection contact area and second projection contact area> Each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 is configured to contact a projection 63 of the output shaft 6, which will be described later. Each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 is provided on the outer surface of the lever body portion 51 near the output shaft 6. Each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 protrudes from the outer surface of the lever body portion 51 in a direction radially outward from the rotational center axis C2 of the output shaft 6.
[0052] The first projection contact portion 55 has a contact surface 55a that contacts the projection 63 on the circumferential direction (r direction) around the rotational axis C2. The contact surface 55a on the r1 direction side of the first projection contact portion 55 is a contact surface that extends along the radial direction of the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6 when viewed from the Z1 direction side. The second projection contact portion 56 has a contact surface 56a that contacts the projection 63 on the circumferential direction (r direction) around the rotational axis C2. The contact surface 56a on the r2 direction side of the second projection contact portion 56 extends along the radial direction of the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6 when viewed from the Z1 direction side. Each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the Z1 direction side. When viewed from the Z1 direction, the distances between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 and the pivot axis C2 are equal to each other.
[0053] Each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 is configured to rotate by the driven lever 5. That is, each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 is provided integrally with the lever body portion 51. As a result, each of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 rotates integrally with the driven lever 5.
[0054] (Output axis) As shown in Figure 3, the output shaft 6 has an insertion shaft portion 61, a protruding portion 62, and a projection portion 63.
[0055] The insertion shaft portion 61 is a shaft-shaped portion that is inserted into the output shaft insertion hole 54 of the lever body portion 51. The insertion shaft portion 61 extends in the Z direction. The projection portion 62 protrudes from the Z1 direction end portion of the insertion shaft portion 61 in a radially outward direction relative to the rotational center axis C2 of the output shaft 6. When viewed from the Z1 direction side, the projection portion 62 has a tapered shape.
[0056] <Protrusion> The projection 63 protrudes in the Z2 direction from the outer portion of the projection 62 in the radial direction of the rotational center axis C2 of the output shaft 6. The projection 63 has a cylindrical shape. In the r direction, the projection 63 is positioned to be inserted between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56. The projection 63 is configured to rotate by the output shaft 6. That is, the projection 63 is provided integrally with the projection 62. As a result, the projection 63 rotates integrally with the output shaft 6.
[0057] (gap) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a gap 57 is formed between the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6. In the r-direction, the rotation angle corresponding to the length of the gap 57 is the first rotation angle range. That is, in the first rotation angle range, only the driven lever 5 rotates, and the output shaft 6 and the driven lever 5 do not rotate together. The gap 57 extends in the r-direction around the rotation center axis C2 of the output shaft 6. The gap 57 is provided to prevent the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 from rotating together in order to adjust the rotation angle θo of the output shaft 6 (see Figure 6). In the parking unlock state shown in Figure 4, the gap 57 is provided between the projection 63 and the first projection contact portion 55 in the r-direction. Also, in the parking lock state shown in Figure 5, the gap 57 is provided between the projection 63 and the second projection contact portion 56 in the r-direction.
[0058] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, when the driven lever 5 rotates from the parking unlocked state (shown by a dotted line) to the parking locked state (shown by a solid line), the driven lever 5 rotates in the r1 direction (see Figure 7(A)). Therefore, the first projection contact portion 55 also rotates integrally with the driven lever 5 in the r1 direction, but the driven lever 5 rotates in the r1 direction by the amount of the gap 57, while the output shaft 6 does not rotate integrally (see Figure 7(B)). Then, after the driven lever 5 rotates by the amount of the rotation angle of the gap 57 (first rotation angle range), the first projection contact portion 55 contacts the projection portion 63 of the output shaft 6 from the r2 direction side (see Figure 7(C)). As a result, the first projection contact portion 55 and the projection portion 63 of the output shaft 6 rotate integrally in the r1 direction (see Figures 7(D) and 7(E)), causing the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 to rotate integrally to reach the rotation angle position for the parking lock state (see Figure 7(F)). This range of integral rotation is the second rotation angle range. In this way, when switching the shift by rotating the output shaft 6, the output shaft 6 rotates integrally with the projection portion 63 by engaging with the first projection contact portion 55.
[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when rotating from the parking locked state (shown by a dotted line) to the parking unlocked state (shown by a solid line), the driven lever 5 rotates in the r2 direction (see Figure 9(A)). Therefore, the second projection contact portion 56 also rotates integrally with the driven lever 5 in the r2 direction, but the driven lever 5 rotates in the r2 direction by the amount of the gap 57, while the output shaft 6 does not rotate integrally (see Figure 9(B)). Then, after the driven lever 5 rotates by the amount of the rotation angle of the gap 57 (first rotation angle range), the first projection contact portion 55 contacts the projection portion 63 of the output shaft 6 from the r1 direction side (see Figure 9(C)). As a result, the first projection contact portion 55 and the projection portion 63 of the output shaft 6 rotate integrally in the r2 direction (see Figures 9(D) and 9(E)), causing the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 to rotate integrally to reach the rotation angle position for the parking lock state (see Figure 9(F)). This range of integral rotation is the second rotation angle range. In this way, when switching the shift by rotating the output shaft 6, the output shaft 6 rotates integrally with the projection portion 63 by engaging with the second projection contact portion 56.
[0060] As described above, when rotating the output shaft 6 from the parking locked state to the parking unlocked state, and when rotating it from the parking unlocked state to the parking locked state, the second rotation angle range is reduced by the amount of the gap 57, because the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 do not rotate together. Therefore, by providing driven levers 5 with different dimensions in the r-direction of the gap 57 formed between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 and attaching them to the shift device 100, it is possible to adjust the rotation angle of the output shaft 6. For this reason, the shift device 100 is configured to accommodate multiple types of driven levers 5 with different dimensions in the r-direction of the gap 57 formed between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56.
[0061] Furthermore, as shown in the first comparative example in Figure 10, the rotation angle of the output shaft can be reduced by increasing the distance L between the center of the output shaft and the center of the worm wheel, but this results in a larger shift device. Also, as shown in the second comparative example in Figure 11, it is conceivable to reduce the rotation radius of the rotation pin 4, but this reduces the torque, so the motor torque must be increased. However, the shift device 100 of the first embodiment makes it possible to reduce the rotation angle of the output shaft 6 without causing the above-mentioned problems.
[0062] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0063] In the first embodiment, as described above, a gap 57 in the r-direction around the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 6 is provided between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) 63 so that the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 do not rotate integrally. If there is no gap 57 between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) 63, the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 rotate integrally over the entire range of the rotational angle of the driven lever 5. Furthermore, if a gap 57 is provided between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) 63, even though the driven lever 5 rotates, the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) 63 do not engage, and therefore the rotation of the driven lever 5 is not transmitted to the output shaft 6. For this reason, within the range of rotation angle of the driven lever 5, the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 6 do not rotate together by the amount of rotation angle corresponding to the gap 57 between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion). As a result, by adjusting the dimensions of the gap 57 to match the required rotation angle of the output shaft 6, which differs for each vehicle model, the rotation angle of the output shaft 6 can be adjusted without changing the range of rotation angle of the driven lever 5. Therefore, by simply adjusting the gap 57 between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion), the rotation angle of the output shaft 6 can be adjusted. This makes it easy to manufacture shift devices 100 with different required rotation angles for the output shaft 6, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes, while also suppressing a decrease in the productivity of shift devices 100 for each vehicle model that would result from an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes.
[0064] In the shift device 100 according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) are provided on the driven lever 5, and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) is provided on the output shaft 6. This allows for adjustment of the gap 57 between the first projection contact portion 55, the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion), making it easy to realize shift devices 100 with different required rotation angles of the output shaft 6.
[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) are provided on the driven lever 5, and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) is provided on the output shaft 6. The engaged portion includes the projection portion 63 which protrudes in the axial direction of the rotational center axis of the output shaft 6. The engaging portion includes the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 which abut against the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) when rotating integrally with the projection portion 63 (engaged portion), and a gap 57 is provided between them and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) in the circumferential direction (r direction) around the rotational center axis of the output shaft 6. As a result, by simply adjusting the circumferential position of the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) and the projection contact portion to which the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) abuts, the circumferential dimension of the gap 57 can be adjusted, making it easy to manufacture a shift device 100 with the required rotation angle of the output shaft 6. As a result, it is possible to easily manufacture a shift device 100 having the required rotation angle of the output shaft 6 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts that need to be changed in the shift device 100.
[0066] [Second Embodiment] Referring to Figure 12, the configuration of the shift device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the shift device 200 is provided with a biasing member 264. In the second embodiment, detailed explanations of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.
[0067] Referring to Figure 12, the configuration of the shift device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described.
[0068] The actuator 101 includes a motor 1, a worm gear 2, a worm wheel 3, a rotating pin 4, a driven lever 5, an output shaft 206, a control board 7, a cover member 8, a lower housing 9, and a partition wall 10. The configuration of the motor 1, worm gear 2, and worm wheel 3 together is an example of the "drive unit" in the claims. The configuration of the worm wheel 3 and rotating pin 4 together is an example of the "rotating body" in the claims.
[0069] (Output axis) As shown in Figure 12, the output shaft 206 has an insertion shaft portion 61, a protruding portion 62, a projection portion 63, and a biasing member 264.
[0070] One end of the biasing member 264 is attached to the output shaft 6. The other end of the biasing member 264 is attached to the lower housing 9. The biasing member 264 is made of a torsion spring. The biasing member 264 is configured to bias the output shaft 206 in a direction that increases the pressing force between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) at the rotational angle position in the parking unlock state. That is, at the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking unlock state, the biasing member 264 is a member that biases the projection portion 63 of the output shaft 6 in the direction (r1 direction) from the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking unlock state to the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking lock state in the circumferential direction (r direction) around the rotational center axis C2 of the output shaft 206. Due to the biasing force of the biasing member 264, the projection portion 63 is biased toward the second projection contact portion 56. As a result, when the parking unlock state is activated, the projection 63 maintains contact with the second projection contact portion 56. The biasing force of the biasing member 264 is small compared to the torque of the output shaft 6.
[0071] Furthermore, the other components of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.
[0072] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0073] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a gap 57 is provided between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) 63 to adjust the rotation angle of the output shaft 206 so that the driven lever 5 and the output shaft 206 do not rotate integrally. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes, while suppressing a decrease in the productivity of the shift device 200 for each vehicle model that would result from an increase in the number of types of parts that require design changes.
[0074] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described above, the shift device 200 includes a biasing member 264 that biases the output shaft 206 in a direction that increases the pressing force between the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaging portion) and the projection portion 63 (engaged portion) at the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking unlock state. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the output shaft 206 due to vibrations associated with the movement of the vehicle, the biasing force of the biasing member 264 prevents the output shaft 206 from rotating, thus preventing the output shaft 206 from unintentionally rotating from the rotational angle position corresponding to the parking unlock state.
[0075] Furthermore, the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so we will omit their explanation.
[0076] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope of the claims.
[0077] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the projection 63 is shown to be cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 13, the output shaft 306 may include elliptical projections 363 with different circumferential dimensions around the pivot axis. The shift device may be configured to accommodate multiple types of output shafts 306 including projections 363.
[0078] Furthermore, although the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the protrusion 62 and the projection 63 are integrated, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the second modified example in Figure 14, separate pins 463a and 463c may be provided on the output shaft 406. That is, the projection may include pins 463a and 463c that are detachably attached to the output shaft 406. Thus, the output shaft 406 may be configured to accommodate multiple types of pins 463a and 463c of different sizes in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis. Here, a fitting hole 462a is formed on the output shaft 406. A protrusion 463b that fits into the fitting hole 462a is formed on the pin 463a. A protrusion 463d that fits into the fitting hole 462a is formed on the pin 463c.
[0079] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the output shaft 6 includes a projection 63, and the driven lever 5 includes a first projection contact portion 55 and a second projection contact portion 56, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the third modified example in Figure 15, the driven lever 505 may include a projection 558, and the output shaft 506 may include a first projection contact portion 552a and a second projection contact portion 562b.
[0080] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the output shaft 6 includes a projection 63, and the driven lever 5 includes a first projection contact portion 55 and a second projection contact portion 56, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the fourth modified example in Figure 16, the output shaft 606 may include an elongated hole 662a, and the driven lever 605 may include a projection 551a. Alternatively, the output shaft may include a projection, and the driven lever may include an elongated hole. Thus, the driven lever includes an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction, into which the projection is inserted, and into which a gap is provided between the projection and the hole. As a result, the shift device is configured to be able to accommodate multiple types of driven levers, each including an elongated hole with different circumferential dimensions.
[0081] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the projection 63 and the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 are provided in pairs, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the fifth modified example in Figures 17(A) and 17(B), the projections and projection contact portions may be provided in multiple pairs. Specifically, in the driven lever 705 and output shaft 706 of Figure 17(A), there are pairs of elongated holes 751a and projections 763, and pairs of elongated holes 751b and projections 764. Also, in the driven lever 805 and output shaft 706 of Figure 17(B), there are pairs of the first projection contact portion 55 and the second projection contact portion 56 and projection 763, and pairs of the third projection contact portion 857 and the first projection contact portion 858 and projection 764.
[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the projection 63 (engaged portion) is provided on the output shaft 6 and the first projection contact portion 55 (engaged portion) and the second projection contact portion 56 (engaged portion) are provided on the driven lever 5, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, as shown in the sixth modified example in Figure 18, the engaging portion 961a may be provided on the output shaft 6 and the engaged portion 905a may be provided on the shaft 905 connected to the output shaft 6. Also, as shown in the seventh modified example in Figure 19(A), a two-sided engaging portion 1061 may be provided on the output shaft 6 and a two-sided engaged portion 1005 may be provided on the shaft 905 connected to the output shaft 6. In addition, in the eighth modified example shown in Figure 19(B), the size of the two-sided engaging portion 1161 and the two-sided engaged portion 1105 is smaller than in the example in Figure 19(A). This allows for adjustment of the gap between the engaging and engaged parts, making it easy to create shift devices with different required rotation angles for the output shaft. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0083] 1 Motor, 3 Worm wheel (rotating body), 4 Rotating pin (rotating body), 5, 505, 605, 705, 805 Driven lever, 6, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706 Output shaft, 55, 562a First projection contact part (engaging part, two protrusions), 56, 562b Second projection contact part (engaging part, two protrusions), 57 Gap, 63, 363, 551a, 558, 763, 764 Projection (engaged part), 100, 200 Shift device, 264 Biasing member, 463a, 463b Pin (engaged part), 662a, 751a, 751b Slotted hole (engaged part), 857 Third projection contact part (engaged part), 858 Fourth projection contact portion (engaging portion), 905 Shaft, 905a, 1005, 1105 Engaged portion, 961a, 1061, 1161 Engaging portion, C2 Rotation center axis
Claims
1. A drive unit including a motor and a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the motor, A driven lever connected to the rotating body of the drive unit, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body of the drive unit, An output shaft is rotatably connected to the driven lever and rotates as a result of the rotation of the driven lever, The engaging portion rotated by the driven lever, The output shaft is rotated to switch the shift, and the engaged portion engages with the engaging portion, thereby rotating integrally with the engaging portion and causing the output shaft to rotate. A shift device is provided between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, with a circumferential gap around the rotational axis of the output shaft, such that the driven lever and the output shaft do not rotate integrally.
2. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is provided on the driven lever and the engaged portion is provided on the output shaft, or the engaging portion is provided on the output shaft and the engaged portion is provided on a shaft connected to the output shaft.
3. The engaging portion is provided on the driven lever, and the engaged portion is provided on the output shaft. The engaged portion includes a projection that protrudes in the axial direction of the rotational center axis of the output shaft, The shift device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion abuts against the projection when it rotates integrally with the projection, and the gap between the engaging portion and the projection is provided in the circumferential direction around the rotation center axis of the output shaft.
4. The shift device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that biases the output shaft in a direction that increases the pressing force between the engaging portion and the engaged portion when the rotational angle position is in the parking unlock state.