Shift device

Abstract

To determine a shift range of a transmission when an intermediate position between shift positions is selected.SOLUTION: In a shift device 10, when an occupant touches a PR position 20PR between a P position 20P and an R position 20R on a panel 16 with his or her finger F, and it is determined that the PR position 20PR has been selected, a transmission is changed to a P range, which has higher priority than an R range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device in which a shift position can be selected.

Background Art

[0002] In the input device described in Patent Document 1 below, a function recess is contacted to change the shift range of an automatic transmission.

[0003] Here, in this shift device, when a connection portion between function recesses is contacted, the shift range of the automatic transmission is not determined.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a shift device capable of determining a shift range of a transmission when an intermediate position between shift positions is selected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of shift positions that can be selected, and a detection unit that detects the selection of the shift position to change the shift range of a transmission of a vehicle, and detects the selection of an intermediate position between the shift positions to determine the shift range of the transmission.

[0007] The shift device according to the second aspect of the present invention is the shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the detection unit includes a shift detection unit that detects the selection of the shift position and an intermediate detection unit that detects the selection of the intermediate position.

[0008] In the shift device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the transmission is changed to the shift range with the higher priority among the shift ranges corresponding to the shift positions on both sides of the intermediate position.

[0009] In the shift device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the third aspect of the present invention, a threshold value for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the higher priority over the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the lower priority is reduced.

[0010] In the shift device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the shift range in which the vehicle is not driven has a higher priority than the shift range in which the vehicle is driven.

[0011] In the shift device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the shift devices according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, when the detection unit detects that the selection value of the first shift position is equal to or greater than the difference threshold value with respect to the selection value of the second shift position, the transmission is changed to the shift range corresponding to the first shift position.

[0012] In the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the shift devices according to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the shift range of the transmission is maintained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] In the shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of shift positions can be selected. Further, when the detection unit detects the selection of the shift position, the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle is changed.

[0014] Here, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position between the shift positions and determines the shift range of the transmission. Therefore, when the intermediate position between the shift positions is selected, the shift range of the transmission can be determined.

[0015] In the shift device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the detection unit includes a shift detection unit and an intermediate detection unit. The shift detection unit detects the selection of the shift position, and the intermediate detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position. Therefore, by providing the intermediate detection unit separately from the shift detection unit, the selection of the intermediate position can be detected favorably.

[0016] In the shift device according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the transmission is changed to the shift range with the higher priority among the shift ranges corresponding to the shift positions on both sides of the intermediate position. Therefore, the transmission can be changed to the shift range with the higher priority.

[0017] In the shift device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the threshold value for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the higher priority is made smaller than the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the lower priority. Therefore, the transmission can be appropriately changed to the shift range with the higher priority.

[0018] In the shift device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the shift range in which the vehicle is not driven has a higher priority than the shift range in which the vehicle is driven. Therefore, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the driving of the vehicle can be restricted.

[0019] In the shift device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the detection unit detects that the selection value of the first shift position is equal to or greater than the difference threshold value with respect to the selection value of the second shift position, the transmission is changed to the shift range corresponding to the first shift position. Therefore, the transmission can be appropriately changed to the shift range corresponding to the first shift position.

[0020] In the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the shift range of the transmission is maintained. Therefore, when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the change of the shift range of the transmission can be restricted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] [First Embodiment] In FIG. 1, the shift device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view seen from the front side, and in FIG. 2, the shift device 10 is shown in a cross-sectional view seen from below. In the drawings, the front side of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow SF, the right side of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the upper side of the shift device 10 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shift device 10 according to the present embodiment is installed at the center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 12 of a vehicle (automobile) and is arranged inside the vehicle width direction of the steering wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. Also, the front side, the right side, and the upper side of the shift device 10 are respectively directed toward the rear side, the right side, and the upper side of the vehicle.

[0024] The shift device 10 is provided with a case 14 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box as an installation body, and the case 14 is fixed to the vehicle front side of the instrument panel 12. The case 14 is elongated in the left-right direction, and the inside of the case 14 is open to the front side. A rectangular opening 12A is formed in the instrument panel 12 on the vehicle rear side of the case 14, and the inside of the case 14 faces the opening 12A. A plurality of fixing columns 14A are provided in the case 14, and the fixing columns 14A protrude from the back wall of the case 14 to the front side.

[0025] A rectangular plate-shaped panel 16 as a selection body is provided on the front side of the case 14. The panel 16 is fixed to the front side of the fixing column 14A of the case 14 and is fitted into the opening 12A of the instrument panel 12.

[0026] A rectangular plate-shaped plate 18 as a selection member is provided on the front side portion of the panel 16. The plate 18 is made of, for example, resin and is an insulator. The front surface of the plate 18 is flush with the vehicle rear side surface of the instrument panel 12, and the front surface of the plate 18, together with the vehicle rear side surface of the instrument panel 12, constitutes the design surface of the vehicle cabin. For this reason, the front surface of the plate 18 can be contacted by the fingers F of the vehicle occupant (especially the driver).

[0027] A rectangular P position 20P (parking position), R position 20R (reverse position), N position 20N (neutral position), and D position 20D (drive position) as shift positions are provided on the front surface of the plate 18. The P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, and D position 20D are arranged at equal intervals in this order from the left side to the right side. Also, "P" display 18P, "R" display 18R, "N" display 18N, and "D" display 18D are respectively displayed at the central portions of the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, and D position 20D.

[0028] On the front surface of the plate 18, between the P position 20P and the R position 20R, between the R position 20R and the N position 20N, and between the N position 20N and the D position 20D, there are provided PR positions 20PR, RN positions 20RN, and ND positions 20ND as intermediate positions, respectively. The lateral dimensions of the PR positions 20PR, RN positions 20RN, and ND positions 20ND are smaller than the lateral dimensions of the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, and D position 20D.

[0029] On the back side of the plate 18, a rectangular sheet-shaped electrostatic sheet 22 as a detection unit is fixed. The electrostatic sheet 22 covers the back surface of the plate 18. On the front side of the electrostatic sheet 22, rectangular film-shaped P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D as shift detection units are provided. The P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D are arranged at equal intervals in this order from the left side to the right side. The lateral dimensions of the P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D are larger than the lateral dimension of the width direction of the passenger's finger F. The lateral dimensions of the gaps between the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R, between the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N, and between the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D are smaller than the lateral dimension of the width direction of the passenger's finger F. The entireties of the P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D are respectively opposed to the entireties of the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, and D position 20D in the front-back direction (the thickness direction of the plate 18). The P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D are made of, for example, metal and have conductivity.

[0030] The P electrodes 24P, R electrodes 24R, N electrodes 24N, and D electrodes 24D of the electrostatic sheet 22 are electrically connected to the vehicle control device 26. The control device 26 is electrically connected to a transmission 28 (automatic transmission) of the vehicle. The control device 26 is provided with a microcomputer in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory (storage), etc. are connected by a bus. In the control device 26, various functions are realized by the CPU reading the programs stored in the ROM and the storage and expanding them in the RAM for execution.

[0031] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0032] In the shift device 10 configured as described above, when the occupant touches the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, or D position 20D of the panel 16 (plate 18) with the finger F, a capacitance is generated between the finger F and the P electrode 24P, R electrode 24R, N electrode 24N, or D electrode 24D of the panel 16 (electrostatic sheet 22), respectively. When the capacitance between the finger F and the P electrode 24P, R electrode 24R, N electrode 24N, or D electrode 24D (for example, a selected value detected as a voltage obtained by converting a current) is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold (for example, 0.5 seconds), the control device 26 determines that the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, or D position 20D has been selected (the selection of the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, or D position 20D is detected), and the shift range of the transmission 28 is changed to the corresponding P range (park range), R range (reverse range), N range (neutral range), or D range (drive range) under the control of the control device 26.

[0033] By the way, in the control device 26, a priority order is set for the shift ranges of the transmission 28, and the order from the shift range with the highest priority to the lowest priority is the order of the P range, N range, D range, and R range.

[0034] When the occupant touches the PR position 20PR of the panel 16 with the finger F (see FIG. 1), and the capacitance between the finger F and each of the P electrode 24P and R electrode 24R of the panel 16 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR has been selected (the selection of the PR position 20PR is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the P range, which has a higher priority than the R range, under the control of the control device 26.

[0035] When the occupant touches the RN position 20RN of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and each of the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the RN position 20RN has been selected (the selection of the RN position 20RN is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range with a higher priority than the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0036] When the occupant touches the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and each of the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the ND position 20ND has been selected (the selection of the ND position 20ND is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range with a higher priority than the D range under the control of the control device 26.

[0037] When the occupant touches a plurality of shift positions among the P position 20P, R position 20R, N position 20N, and D position 20D of the panel 16 with a plurality of fingers F and the capacitance between each of the plurality of fingers F and a plurality of electrodes among the P electrode 24P, R electrode 24R, N electrode 24N, and D electrode 24D is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that a plurality of shift positions have been selected (the selection of the plurality of shift positions is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the shift range with the highest priority among the plurality of shift ranges corresponding to the plurality of shift positions under the control of the control device 26.

[0038] Here, in the control device 26, the priority of the shift range of the transmission 28 is set higher for the P range and the N range in which the vehicle is not driven than for the R range and the D range in which the vehicle is driven. When the PR position 20PR, RN position 20RN, or ND position 20ND is selected, the transmission 28 is changed to the P range, N range, or N range in which the vehicle is not driven, respectively. Therefore, when the PR position 20PR, RN position 20RN, or ND position 20ND is selected, the driving of the vehicle can be restricted, and the safety of the vehicle can be improved.

[0039] Further, in the control device 26, the priority order of the shift ranges of the transmission 28 is set such that the one with higher vehicle safety is higher. When a plurality of shift positions are selected, the transmission 28 is changed to the shift range with the highest priority order. Therefore, when a plurality of shift positions are selected, the vehicle safety can be increased.

[0040] In this embodiment, the priority order of the shift ranges of the transmission 28 is preset in the control device 26. However, the capacitance threshold for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with higher priority is made smaller than the capacitance threshold for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with lower priority, so that a priority order may be set for the shift ranges of the transmission 28. Further, the time threshold (for example, 0.2 seconds) for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with higher priority is made smaller than the time threshold (for example, 0.5 seconds) for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with lower priority, so that a priority order may be set for the shift ranges of the transmission 28.

[0041] (First Modification Example) In a modification example (first modification example) of this embodiment, when the occupant touches the PR position 20PR of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and one of the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold and the difference from the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R is equal to or greater than the difference threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR is selected (the selection of the PR position 20PR is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the P range and the R range corresponding to one of the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R under the control of the control device 26.

[0042] When the occupant touches the RN position 20RN of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and one of the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold value and the difference threshold value or more with respect to the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold value, the control device 26 determines that the RN position 20RN has been selected (the selection of the RN position 20RN is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the R range and the N range corresponding to one of the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N under the control of the control device 26.

[0043] When the occupant touches the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and one of the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold value and the difference threshold value or more with respect to the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold value, the control device 26 determines that the ND position 20ND has been selected (the selection of the ND position 20ND is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the N range and the D range corresponding to one of the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D under the control of the control device 26.

[0044] When the occupant touches a plurality of intermediate positions among the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, and the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with a plurality of fingers F, and when the largest capacitance among the capacitances between the plurality of fingers F and the P electrode 24P, the R electrode 24R, the N electrode 24N, and the D electrode 24D is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold value and the difference threshold value or more with respect to the second largest capacitance between the plurality of fingers F and the P electrode 24P, the R electrode 24R, the N electrode 24N, and the D electrode 24D for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold value, the control device 26 determines that the plurality of intermediate positions have been selected (the selection of the plurality of intermediate positions is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the shift range corresponding to the electrode with the largest capacitance under the control of the control device 26.

[0045] As described above, the transmission 28 can be appropriately changed to the shift range corresponding to the electrode with a large capacitance.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] Figure 3(A) shows a front view of the shift device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.

[0047] The shift device 50 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, but is different in the following points.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(A), in the shift device 50 according to the present embodiment, the P electrode 24P of the electrostatic sheet 22 is divided into a left first P electrode 24P1 and a right second P electrode 24P2. The first P electrode 24P1 and the second P electrode 24P2 are formed in the same rectangular film shape, and a rectangular gap is formed therebetween. The R electrode 24R of the electrostatic sheet 22 is divided into a left first R electrode 24R1 and a right second R electrode 24R2. The first R electrode 24R1 and the second R electrode 24R2 are formed in the same rectangular film shape, and a rectangular gap is formed therebetween. The N electrode 24N of the electrostatic sheet 22 is divided into a left first N electrode 24N1 and a right second N electrode 24N2. The first N electrode 24N1 and the second N electrode 24N2 are formed in the same rectangular film shape, and a rectangular gap is formed therebetween. The D electrode 24D of the electrostatic sheet 22 is divided into a left first D electrode 24D1 and a right second D electrode 24D2. The first D electrode 24D1 and the second D electrode 24D2 are formed in the same rectangular film shape, and a rectangular gap is formed therebetween.

[0049] The left - right dimensions of the first P electrode 24P1, the second P electrode 24P2, the first R electrode 24R1, the second R electrode 24R2, the first N electrode 24N1, the second N electrode 24N2, the first D electrode 24D1, and the second D electrode 24D2 are made larger than the width - direction dimension of the finger F of the occupant. The left - right dimensions of the gap between the first P electrode 24P1 and the second P electrode 24P2, the gap between the first R electrode 24R1 and the second R electrode 24R2, the gap between the first N electrode 24N1 and the second N electrode 24N2, and the gap between the first D electrode 24D1 and the second D electrode 24D2 are made smaller than the width - direction dimension of the finger F of the occupant.

[0050] Incidentally, when the occupant touches the P position 20P of the panel 16 with the finger F (see Fig. 3(A)), and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the first P electrode 24P1 and the second P electrode 24P2 of the P electrode 24P is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the P position 20P has been selected (the selection of the P position 20P is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the P range under the control of the control device 26.

[0051] When the occupant touches the R position 20R of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the first R electrode 24R1 and the second R electrode 24R2 of the R electrode 24R is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the R position 20R has been selected (the selection of the R position 20R is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0052] When the occupant touches the N position 20N of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the first N electrode 24N1 and the second N electrode 24N2 of the N electrode 24N is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the N position 20N has been selected (the selection of the N position 20N is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range under the control of the control device 26.

[0053] When the occupant touches the D position 20D of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the first D electrode 24D1 and the second D electrode 24D2 of the D electrode 24D is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the D position 20D has been selected (the selection of the D position 20D is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the D range under the control of the control device 26.

[0054] When the occupant touches the PR position 20PR of the panel 16 with the finger F (see Fig. 3(B)), and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the second P electrode 24P2 and the first R electrode 24R1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR has been selected (the selection of the PR position 20PR is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the P range with a higher priority than the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0055] When the occupant touches the RN position 20RN of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the second R electrode 24R2 and the first N electrode 24N1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the RN position 20RN has been selected (the selection of the RN position 20RN is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range with a higher priority than the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0056] When the occupant touches the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with the finger F, and when the capacitance between the finger F and each of the second N electrode 24N2 and the first D electrode 24D1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the ND position 20ND has been selected (the selection of the ND position 20ND is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range with a higher priority than the D range under the control of the control device 26.

[0057] Here, also in the present embodiment, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0058] (Second Modified Example) In a modification (second modification) of the present embodiment, when the occupant touches the PR position 20PR of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and one of the second P electrode 24P2 and the first R electrode 24R1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold, and the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the second P electrode 24P2 and the first R electrode 24R1 is equal to or greater than the differential threshold, the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR has been selected (the selection of the PR position 20PR is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the P range and the R range corresponding to one of the second P electrode 24P2 and the first R electrode 24R1 under the control of the control device 26.

[0059] When the occupant touches the RN position 20RN of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and one of the second R electrode 24R2 and the first N electrode 24N1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold, and the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the second R electrode 24R2 and the first N electrode 24N1 is equal to or greater than the differential threshold, the control device 26 determines that the RN position 20RN has been selected (the selection of the RN position 20RN is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the R range and the N range corresponding to one of the second R electrode 24R2 and the first N electrode 24N1 under the control of the control device 26.

[0060] When the occupant touches the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and one of the second N electrode 24N2 and the first D electrode 24D1 is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or longer than the time threshold, and the capacitance between the finger F and the other of the second N electrode 24N2 and the first D electrode 24D1 is equal to or greater than the differential threshold, the control device 26 determines that the ND position 20ND has been selected (the selection of the ND position 20ND is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to one of the N range and the D range corresponding to one of the second N electrode 24N2 and the first D electrode 24D1 under the control of the control device 26.

[0061] The occupant touches a plurality of intermediate positions among the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, and the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with a plurality of fingers F, and at a time equal to or longer than a time threshold value, the first largest capacitance between the plurality of fingers F and the second P electrode 24P2, the first R electrode 24R1, the second R electrode 24R2, the first N electrode 24N1, the second N electrode 24N2, and the first D electrode 24D1 is equal to or larger than a capacitance threshold value, and the difference between the first largest capacitance and the second largest capacitance between the plurality of fingers F and the second P electrode 24P2, the first R electrode 24R1, the second R electrode 24R2, the first N electrode 24N1, the second N electrode 24N2, and the first D electrode 24D1 is equal to or larger than a difference threshold value. In this case, the control device 26 determines that a plurality of intermediate positions have been selected (the selection of the plurality of intermediate positions is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to a shift range corresponding to the electrode having the first largest capacitance under the control of the control device 26.

[0062] As described above, the transmission 28 can be appropriately changed to a shift range corresponding to an electrode having a large capacitance.

[0063] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the shift device 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side.

[0064] The shift device 70 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, but is different in the following points.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, in the shift device 70 according to the present embodiment, in the electrostatic sheet 22, the lateral dimensions between the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R, between the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N, and between the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D are increased. Between the P electrode 24P and the R electrode 24R, between the R electrode 24R and the N electrode 24N, and between the N electrode 24N and the D electrode 24D, rectangular film-like PR electrodes 24PR, RN electrodes 24RN, and ND electrodes 24ND are provided as intermediate detection portions, respectively. The lateral dimensions of the PR electrode 24PR, the RN electrode 24RN, and the ND electrode 24ND are larger than the lateral dimension of the finger F of the occupant. The PR electrode 24PR, the RN electrode 24RN, and the ND electrode 24ND are made of, for example, metal, have conductivity, and are electrically connected to the control device 26.

[0066] Incidentally, when the occupant touches the PR position 20PR of the panel 16 with the finger F (see FIG. 4) and the capacitance between the finger F and the PR electrode 24PR is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR has been selected (the selection of the PR position 20PR is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the P range having a higher priority than the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0067] When the occupant touches the RN position 20RN of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and the RN electrode 24RN is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the RN position 20RN has been selected (the selection of the RN position 20RN is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range having a higher priority than the R range under the control of the control device 26.

[0068] When the occupant touches the ND position 20ND of the panel 16 with the finger F and the capacitance between the finger F and the ND electrode 24ND is equal to or greater than the capacitance threshold for a time equal to or greater than the time threshold, the control device 26 determines that the ND position 20ND has been selected (the selection of the ND position 20ND is detected), and the transmission 28 is changed to the N range having a higher priority than the D range under the control of the control device 26.

[0069] Here, also in the present embodiment, the same operations and effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0070] Furthermore, based on the capacitance between the finger F and the PR electrode 24PR, the capacitance between the finger F and the RN electrode 24RN, and the capacitance between the finger F and the ND electrode 24ND, the selection of the PR position 20PR, the selection of the RN position 20RN, and the selection of the ND position 20ND are respectively determined. Therefore, the capacitance for determining the selection of the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, and the ND position 20ND can be increased, and the selection of the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, and the ND position 20ND can be appropriately determined.

[0071] In the first embodiment (including the first modification), the second embodiment (including the second modification), and the third embodiment, when the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, or the ND position 20ND has been selected, the shift range of the transmission 28 is changed under the control of the control device 26. However, when the control device 26 determines that the PR position 20PR, the RN position 20RN, or the ND position 20ND has been selected, the shift range of the transmission 28 may be maintained without being changed under the control of the control device 26.

[0072] In the first embodiment (including the first modification), the second embodiment (including the second modification), and the third embodiment, when the control device 26 determines that a plurality of shift positions have been selected, the transmission 28 is changed to the shift range with the highest priority among the plurality of shift ranges corresponding to the plurality of shift positions under the control of the control device 26. However, when the control device 26 determines that a plurality of shift positions have been selected, the shift range of the transmission 28 may be maintained without being changed under the control of the control device 26.

[0073] Also, in the above-described first embodiment (including the first modification), second embodiment (including the second modification), and third embodiment, for example, the P position 20P of the panel 16 may also have the function of an Electric Parking Brake switch. In this case, when the electric parking brake of the vehicle is electrically connected to the control device 26, the electric parking brake is actuated under the control of the control device 26 when the transmission 28 is changed to the P range, and the operation of the electric parking brake is released under the control of the control device 26 when the transmission 28 is changed from the P range.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment (including the first modification), second embodiment (including the second modification), and third embodiment, the shift devices 10, 50, 70 are installed on the instrument panel. However, the shift devices 10, 50, 70 may be installed in other parts of the vehicle (such as the console or column cover, etc.).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 10... Shift device, 20P... P position (shift position), 20R... R position (shift position), 20N... N position (shift position), 20D... D position (shift position), 20PR... PR position (intermediate position), 20RN... RN position (intermediate position), 20ND... ND position (intermediate position), 22... Electrostatic sheet (detection unit), 24P... P electrode (shift detection unit), 24R... R electrode (shift detection unit), 24N... N electrode (shift detection unit), 24D... D electrode (shift detection unit), 24PR... PR electrode (intermediate detection unit), 24RN... RN electrode (intermediate detection unit), 24ND... ND electrode (intermediate detection unit), 28... Transmission, 50... Shift device, 70... Shift device

Claims

1. A plurality of shift positions that can be selected, a shift detection unit and an intermediate detection unit, wherein when the shift detection unit detects a selection equal to or greater than a threshold value of the shift position, the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle is changed, and when the intermediate detection unit detects a selection equal to or greater than a threshold value of an intermediate position between the shift positions, the shift range of the transmission is determined; a detection unit, A shift device comprising:

2. A plurality of shift positions that can be selected, a detection unit that detects the selection of the shift position and changes the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle, and detects the selection of an intermediate position between the shift positions and determines the shift range of the transmission, The shift device, wherein when the detection unit detects that the selection value of the first shift position is equal to or greater than a difference threshold value with respect to the selection value of the second shift position, the transmission is changed to the shift range corresponding to the first shift position.

3. A plurality of shift positions that can be selected, a detection unit that detects the selection of the shift position and changes the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle, and detects the selection of an intermediate position between the shift positions and determines the shift range of the transmission, The shift device, wherein when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the transmission is changed to the shift range with the higher priority among the shift ranges corresponding to the shift positions on both sides of the intermediate position.

4. The shift device according to claim 3, wherein a threshold value for selecting the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the higher priority is made smaller than the shift position corresponding to the shift range with the lower priority.

5. The shift device according to claim 3, wherein the shift range in which the vehicle is not driven has a higher priority than the shift range in which the vehicle is driven.

6. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein when the detection unit detects the selection of the intermediate position, the shift range of the transmission is maintained.

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