Switch device for shift operation

Abstract

A switch device 1 comprises a plurality of switch parts (10), the plurality of switch parts (10) including at least one first switch part (10a, 10c, 10d) and a second switch part (10b). A first operation button (20a, 20c, 20d) of the at least one first switch part (10a, 10c, 10d) moves in parallel with a first direction in response to a first operation of pressing the first operation button (20a, 20c, 20d) and a second operation button (20b) of the second switch part (10b) turns about a support shaft (26) in response to a second operation of pressing down or lifting up the second operation button (20b).

Description

Shift operation switch device

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device for shifting.

[0002] The shift switch device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a switch unit, a linear encoder, and a control unit. The switch unit selects a shift position of a vehicle shift device using a push button. The linear encoder detects the push operation state of the switch unit. The control unit controls the presentation of a reaction force against the push operation of the switch unit in a reaction force presentation state different from the reaction force presentation during normal operation, depending on the shift position.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-216113

[0004] In a by-wire shift device that electrically performs a shift operation to change the vehicle's transmission gears, the shift operation is performed by operating multiple switches disposed in predetermined positions inside the vehicle cabin. However, if the operation method of each of the multiple switches is configured to be the same, there is a risk of incorrect shift operation.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a shift operation switch device that can prevent erroneous shift operations.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shift operation switch device includes a plurality of switch units, the plurality of switch units including at least one first switch unit and a second switch unit, wherein a first operation button of the at least one first switch unit translates in a first direction in response to a first operation of pressing down the first operation button, and a second operation button of the second switch unit pivots around a support shaft in response to a second operation of pressing down or lifting up the second operation button.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shift operation switch device that can suppress erroneous shift operations.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of a vehicle instrument panel, showing an example of an arrangement position of a shift operation switch device according to an embodiment in a vehicle cabin. 2 is a partial plan view of the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment, showing a connection relationship between the shift operation switch device, a shift ECU, and the shift device. 3 is a partial perspective view of the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment, showing an arrangement relationship between a first operation button and a second operation button that can be pressed down. 4 is a partial perspective view of the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment, showing an arrangement relationship between the first operation button and a second operation button that can be pulled up. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a behavior of the first switch unit when the first operation button is pressed down, in the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment, showing a structure of a second switch unit including a second operation button that can be pressed down, in the shift operation switch device according to an embodiment. 7A and 7B are partial cross-sectional views corresponding to FIG. 7A and 7B, respectively, showing the behavior of the second switch unit when the second operation button is pressed down in the shift operation switch device according to the embodiment. Also, FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 4A, showing the structure of the second switch unit provided with a second operation button that can be operated by pulling up in the shift operation switch device according to the embodiment. Also, FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9A, showing the behavior of the second switch unit when the second operation button is pulled up in the shift operation switch device according to the embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a shift operation switch device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, elements having the same functions in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] The longitudinal direction of the switch device 1 shown in FIG. 2 , which is the direction from left to right of the switch device 1, is defined as the X-axis positive direction. The direction opposite to the X-axis positive direction is defined as the X-axis negative direction. The lateral direction of the switch device 1, which is perpendicular to the X-axis positive direction, and which runs from bottom to top in FIG. 2 , is defined as the Y-axis positive direction. The direction opposite to the Y-axis positive direction is defined as the Y-axis negative direction. The direction perpendicular to the X-axis positive direction and the Y-axis positive direction, which runs from the back to the front of the page in FIG. 2 , is defined as the Z-axis positive direction. The direction opposite to the Z-axis positive direction is defined as the Z-axis negative direction. In the following description, the X-axis positive direction and the X-axis negative direction will be collectively referred to simply as the "X-axis direction," the Y-axis positive direction and the Y-axis negative direction will be collectively referred to simply as the "Y-axis direction," and the Z-axis positive direction and the Z-axis negative direction will be collectively referred to simply as the "Z-axis direction." The Z-axis direction corresponds to the first direction, and the X-axis direction corresponds to the second direction.

[0011] The switch device 1, which serves as a shift operation switch device according to the embodiment, is a device operated by a vehicle occupant when the occupant performs a shift operation. The occupant can use the switch device 1 to switch the shift range of the shift device 3 (see FIG. 2 ). The shift device 3 may be, for example, an automatic transmission, and the shift range is switched in response to an operation performed on the switch device 1. The shift range refers to the arrangement or state of a transmission gear (not shown) in the shift device 3 of the vehicle, and is also referred to as a shift position. The shift range may include, for example, a parking range, a reverse range, a neutral range, and a drive range. The shift device 3 illustrated in the figure is a by-wire device that electrically performs a shift operation to switch the transmission gear of the vehicle in response to an operation by the occupant. In the following description, the parking range, reverse range, neutral range, and drive range are referred to as the "P range," "R range," "N range," and "D range," respectively. The P range is the shift range set when parking the vehicle. The R range is the shift range set when reversing the vehicle. The N range is a shift range that is set when the power of the vehicle engine is not transmitted to the drive wheels, and the D range is a shift range that is set when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the switch device 1 is provided on an instrument panel 4 arranged in the vehicle cabin. The instrument panel 4 constitutes the interior of the vehicle cabin at the front side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The location of the switch device 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and the switch device 1 may be arranged, for example, in a center console (not shown). As shown in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the switch device 1 is electrically connected to a shift ECU 2 (Electronic Control Unit), and the shift ECU 2 is electrically connected to a shift device 3. The shift ECU 2 is a general-purpose microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, input / output units, etc. A computer program including predetermined rules or instructions for controlling the shift device 3 is installed in the memory of the microcomputer. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer can control the shift device 3.

[0013] When an occupant operates any of switch units 10a to 10d (described later), a signal corresponding to the operated switch unit is output from switch device 1 to shift ECU 2. Upon receiving this signal, shift ECU 2 outputs a signal to shift device 3 instructing it to switch the shift range. Upon receiving this signal output from shift ECU 2, shift device 3 switches the position of the transmission gear to an arrangement corresponding to the specified shift range. In this way, an occupant of the vehicle can perform a shift operation of the vehicle by operating switch device 1.

[0014] The switch device 1 includes a plurality of switch units 10. The plurality of switch units 10 are arranged in the vehicle interior and are operated by a vehicle occupant during a shift operation. At least a portion of the surface of each of the plurality of switch units 10 facing the vehicle interior is configured as an operation button. The operation button is a portion that the occupant presses during a shift operation. The plurality of switch units 10 may include at least one first switch unit and a second switch unit. The second switch unit is disposed adjacent to the first switch unit. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the plurality of switch units 10 include switch unit 10a, switch unit 10c, and switch unit 10d as first switch units, and switch unit 10b as second switch unit. Switch unit 10b is disposed directly adjacent to switch unit 10a on the positive side of the X-axis. Switch unit 10b is disposed directly adjacent to switch unit 10c on the negative side of the X-axis. Switch unit 10d is disposed directly adjacent to switch unit 10c on the positive side of the X-axis. That is, the switch unit 10b as the second switch unit is directly adjacent to the switch units 10a and 10c of the first switch unit. In this way, the multiple switch units 10 may be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, which is the second direction. Note that the switch units 10a to 10d may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0015] Each of the switch units 10a to 10d is configured to be able to set the shift device 3 to a different shift range. For example, the switch unit 10a may be configured to be able to perform a shift operation to set the shift range to the P range. The switch unit 10b may be configured to be able to perform a shift operation to set the shift range to the R range. The switch unit 10c may be configured to be able to perform a shift operation to set the shift range to the N range. The switch unit 10d may be configured to be able to perform a shift operation to set the shift range to the D range.

[0016] The number of switch units included in the switch device 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, the switch device 1 may include additional switch units in addition to the switch units 10a to 10d. The switch device 1 may also be configured with two or three switch units. In the example shown in the figure, the switch units 10a to 10d are arranged adjacent to each other in this order in the positive direction of the X-axis, but the order in which the switch units included in the multiple switch units 10 are arranged is not limited to this. For example, the switch units 10a to 10d may be arranged adjacent to each other in this order in the negative direction of the X-axis. The multiple switch units 10 may also be arranged in the Y-axis direction. For example, the switch units 10a to 10d may be arranged adjacent to each other in this order in the negative direction of the Y-axis.

[0017] The first switch unit includes a first operation button. The first operation button constitutes a portion of the first switch unit that is pressed by an occupant when performing a shift operation. The first operation button constitutes at least a portion of the surface of the first switch unit facing the passenger compartment. By pressing the first operation button, an occupant can switch the shift range of the shift device 3 via the first switch unit. Furthermore, the second switch unit includes a second operation button. The second operation button constitutes a portion of the second switch unit that is operated by an occupant when performing a shift operation. The second operation button constitutes at least a portion of the surface of the second switch unit facing the passenger compartment. For example, by operating the second operation button, an occupant can switch the shift range of the shift device 3 via the second switch unit.

[0018] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4, switch unit 10a, switch unit 10c, and switch unit 10d may each have a button 20a, button 20c, and button 20d as a first operation button. Switch unit 10b may also have a button 20b as a second operation button. As shown in the examples, the interior-facing surfaces of buttons 20a to 20d may be substantially flush with the interior-facing surface of peripheral portion 11. Peripheral portion 11 is a resin or metal panel material that surrounds the peripheries of buttons 20a to 20d and may constitute part of the interior-facing surface of instrument panel 4 (see FIG. 1).

[0019] As illustrated in the figure, each of buttons 20a to 20d has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the axial direction parallel to the negative Z-axis direction, and may be made of, for example, resin. Dimensions 60a to 60d shown in FIG. 2 are the dimensions of each of buttons 20a to 20d in the X-axis direction. Dimension 60a of button 20a and dimension 60c of button 20c may be substantially equal. Dimension 60b of button 20b and dimension 60d of button 20d may be substantially equal.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the dimensions 60a and 60c are set to be smaller than the dimensions 60b and 60d. That is, the switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d may include buttons 20a and 20c having dimensions 60a and 60c smaller than the dimension 60b of the button 20b. This allows a frequently used shift operation to be associated with the switch unit 10b, thereby providing a switch device 1 that allows for easier shift operation. Note that the operation button for which a larger dimension is set is not limited to the button 20b. As illustrated in the figure, the dimension 60d of the button 20d may be set to be larger than the dimensions 60a and 60c. Furthermore, a frequently used shift operation may be associated with the switch unit 10d.

[0021] Furthermore, the operation button of the first switch unit having a dimension smaller than the dimension 60b of button 20b may be the operation button of the switch unit arranged directly adjacent to switch unit 10b. In the illustrated example, the dimensions 60a and 60c of buttons 20a and 20c arranged directly adjacent to button 20b are set smaller than dimension 60b. The dimensions of buttons 20a to 20d in the Y-axis direction may be configured to be approximately the same. This reduces the dimension of the switch device 1 in the negative Y-axis direction, allowing for more flexible positioning of the switch device 1 within the vehicle cabin. The shape and dimensions of each operation button are not limited to the illustrated example and may be set according to, for example, the dimensions and shape of the switch device 1, the functions assigned to each switch unit, etc.

[0022] Next, the manner of operation performed during a shift operation in each of the plurality of switch sections 10 and the structure thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] The buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d behave differently from the button 20b in response to a shift operation by the occupant. Therefore, when performing a shift operation, the occupant can easily distinguish between the switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d and the switch unit 10b. In the illustrated example, the switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d have substantially the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, the structure of the switch unit 10a will be described as a representative example, and descriptions of the structures of the switch units 10c and 10d will be omitted.

[0024] First, the switch unit 10a will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. For example, when setting the shift range of the shift device 3 to the P range, the occupant performs a pressing operation as a first operation. The pressing operation is an operation of pressing the button 20a in the negative direction of the Z axis. That is, the button 20a may be an operation button operated when setting the shift range of the vehicle to the P range. The first operation moves the button 20a in the negative direction of the Z axis. That is, the button 20a moves parallel to the first direction, the Z axis, in response to the pressing operation by the occupant. Note that the button 20c may be an operation button operated when setting the shift range of the vehicle to the N range. Also, the button 20d may be an operation button operated when setting the shift range of the vehicle to the D range.

[0025] The button 20a is attached to the case 5 of the switch device 1 so as to be movable in parallel in the Z-axis direction. The internal structure of the switch unit 10a is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the switch unit 10a may include an intermediate member 21a, an elastic member 50, a magnet 51, and a magnetic sensor 52. The case 5 is a member that forms the exterior of the switch device 1 and may be made of, for example, resin. The case 5 may be configured to separate each of the multiple switch units 10.

[0026] The intermediate member 21a illustrated in Fig. 5 is a member disposed in an area on the negative Z-axis direction side of the button 20a. The intermediate member 21a may have a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The intermediate member 21a is disposed in the internal space of the switch unit 10a so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction, for example, along a guide portion 22. The guide portion 22 may be a groove-shaped portion formed at a predetermined location on the inner surface of the case 5 and extending in the Z-axis direction. The end of the intermediate member 21a on the positive Z-axis direction side is in contact with the button 20a.

[0027] The magnet 51 is attached to the intermediate member 21a, and in the illustrated example, is located at the end of the intermediate member 21a on the positive Y-axis side and the negative Z-axis side. A magnetic sensor 52 is disposed in a predetermined area on the negative Z-axis side of the magnet 51 in the internal space of the switch unit 10a. The magnet 51 and the magnetic sensor 52 are disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction. The magnetic sensor 52 is a sensor capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet 51.

[0028] When the occupant presses down the button 20a, the button 20a moves parallel to the negative direction of the Z axis, as shown by arrow A in Figure 6. The intermediate member 21a moves in the negative direction of the Z axis in response to the movement of the button 20a. The magnet 51 also moves in the negative direction of the Z axis together with the movement of the intermediate member 21a. Therefore, when the occupant presses down the button 20a, the magnet 51 moves closer to the magnetic force sensor 52. When the magnet 51 approaches the magnetic force sensor 52 by more than a predetermined distance, the magnetic force sensor 52 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 51, and a signal indicating that the switch unit 10a has been operated is output from the switch unit 10a to the shift ECU 2.

[0029] An elastic member 50 is disposed in a predetermined region on the negative Z-axis side of the intermediate member 21a in the internal space of the switch unit 10a (see FIG. 5 ). While the intermediate member 21a and the elastic member 50 are in contact in the state shown in FIG. 5 , this is not limiting. For example, the intermediate member 21a and the elastic member 50 may be disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction. When the occupant presses the button 20a, as shown in FIG. 6 , the elastic member 50 is compressed in the negative Z-axis direction by the intermediate member 21a. The repulsive force generated in the elastic member 50 is input to the button 20a via the intermediate member 21a. Therefore, when the occupant stops pressing the button 20a, the button 20a returns to its original position. The elastic member 50 illustrated in the figure has a hollow dome shape and is made of, for example, elastic resin, but is not limited thereto. The elastic member 50 may also be, for example, a metal coil spring.

[0030] Next, the switch unit 10b will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 7 to 10. For example, when setting the shift range of the shift device 3 to the R range, the occupant performs a second operation, which is an operation of pressing or pulling up the button 20b. That is, the button 20b may be an operation button that is operated when setting the shift range of the vehicle to the R range. The second operation causes the button 20b to pivot around a support shaft 26, which will be described later. That is, the button 20b pivots around the support shaft 26 in response to the second operation by the occupant.

[0031] In the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the switch unit 10b includes a button 20b1, which is an example of a button 20b, that is pressed down. That is, the button 20b1 rotates around a support shaft 26 in response to the pressing operation. The button 20b1 is supported by the case 5 via the support shaft 26. Therefore, the button 20b1 can rotate around the support shaft 26 within a predetermined angular range. The support shaft 26 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be formed by projecting a predetermined portion of the wall portion 27 in the X-axis direction. That is, the support shaft 26 may extend in the X-axis direction. The wall portion 27 may form a part of the case 5 of the switch device 1 and extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] Button 20b1 may include a pressing portion 30. Pressing portion 30 is a portion of button 20b1 that rotates around support shaft 26 in the pressing direction in response to a pressing operation by the occupant. Pressing portion 30 may also have a protrusion 31. Protrusion 31 is formed to protrude from the surface of pressing portion 30 on the opposite side to the pressing direction. Note that protrusion 31 may protrude toward the passenger compartment beyond the passenger compartment-side surface of peripheral portion 11. Switch unit 10b may also have a restricting portion (not shown) that restricts rotation of pressing portion 30 so that pressing portion 30 does not rotate around support shaft 26 in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0033] The support shaft 26 may support the end of the button 20b1 on the positive Y-axis direction. The push-in portion 30 may be located at the end of the button 20b1 opposite the end supported by the support shaft 26 in the Y-axis direction. For example, the push-in portion 30 may be located at the end of the button 20b1 on the negative Y-axis direction. By applying a load in the negative Z-axis direction to the push-in portion 30, the occupant can more reliably press down the button 20b1. That is, the push-in portion 30 can be more reliably rotated in the negative Z-axis direction in response to the occupant's operation. Therefore, the switch unit 10b can more reliably switch the shift range of the shift device 3 in response to the occupant's operation. In this case, the protrusion 31 may be formed on the end of the button 20b1 on the passenger compartment side, on the negative Y-axis direction side. The protrusion 31 may extend between both ends of the button 20b1 in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 3 ). Note that the surface of the buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d opposite the pressing direction may not have a portion corresponding to the protrusion 31. That is, among the operation buttons of the plurality of switch sections 10, only the button 20b1 may be formed with the convex portion 31.

[0034] The protrusion 31 may have a peak 31a and an inclined portion 31b. The peak 31a forms the end of the protrusion 31 in the protruding direction. The peak 31a may extend substantially parallel to the main surface 32b. The inclined portion 31b is a surface that slopes downward from the peak 31a toward the main surface 32b and connects the two. The main surface 32b is a surface of the button 20b1 facing the passenger compartment that does not have the protrusion 31 formed thereon, and may be a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The extension direction of the support shaft 26 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the support shaft 26 may extend in the Y-axis direction. In that case, the end of the button 20b1 in the X-axis direction may be set at the pressing portion 30. Furthermore, the extension direction of the support shaft 26 does not have to be perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the support shaft 26 only needs to extend so as to intersect with the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the portion of the button 20b1 that is supported by the support shaft 26 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the support shaft 26 may support the end of the button 20b1 on the positive side of the Y-axis.

[0036] The internal structure of the switch unit 10b is not particularly limited, but as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switch unit 10b may include an intermediate member 21b, an elastic member 50, a magnet 51, and a magnetic sensor 52.

[0037] The intermediate member 21b corresponds to the intermediate member 21a of the switch unit 10a. The illustrated intermediate member 21b is disposed in an area on the negative Z-axis side of the button 20b1. The intermediate member 21b may have a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The intermediate member 21b is disposed in the internal space of the switch unit 10b so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction, for example, along the guide portion 22.

[0038] A contact portion 23 is formed on the intermediate member 21b. The contact portion 23 is a portion of the intermediate member 21b that abuts against and comes into contact with the button 20b1. The contact portion 23 illustrated in the figure is formed on a portion of the intermediate member 21b on the negative Y-axis side and the positive Z-axis side. In a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the contact portion 23 may have a shape that protrudes in the positive Z-axis direction.

[0039] A magnet 51 is attached to the intermediate member 21b. The magnet 51 may be located at the end of the intermediate member 21b on the positive Y-axis side and the negative Z-axis side. A magnetic sensor 52 is disposed in a predetermined region on the negative Z-axis side of the magnet 51 in the internal space of the switch unit 10b. The magnet 51 and the magnetic sensor 52 are disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] When the occupant presses button 20b1, push-in portion 30 pivots around support shaft 26 in the negative direction of the Z axis, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 8 . Intermediate member 21b moves in the negative direction of the Z axis in response to the pivoting of push-in portion 30. At this time, the portion of push-in portion 30 on the negative side of the Z axis may come into contact with contact portion 23 and press down on intermediate member 21b. Furthermore, magnet 51 moves in the negative direction of the Z axis along with the movement of intermediate member 21b. Therefore, when the occupant presses button 20b1, magnet 51 approaches magnetic sensor 52. When magnet 51 approaches magnetic sensor 52 by more than a predetermined distance, switch unit 10b outputs a signal to shift ECU 2 indicating that switch unit 10b has been operated.

[0041] An elastic member 50 is disposed in a predetermined region on the negative Z-axis direction side of the intermediate member 21b in the internal space of the switch unit 10b (see FIG. 7). In the state shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate member 21b and the elastic member 50 are in contact with each other, but this is not limiting. For example, the intermediate member 21b and the elastic member 50 may be disposed at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction. When the occupant presses the button 20b1, the elastic member 50 is compressed in the negative Z-axis direction by the intermediate member 21b. As a result, the repulsive force generated in the elastic member 50 is input to the button 20b1 via the intermediate member 21b. Therefore, when the occupant finishes pressing the button 20b1, the button 20b1 returns to its original position.

[0042] The reaction force generated when pressing the approximate center of button 20b1 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the reaction force generated when pressing the approximate center of buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d in the Y-axis direction. This prevents passengers from accidentally pressing button 20b1 instead of buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d. That is, it is possible to provide a switch device 1 that can more reliably distinguish between switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d and switch unit 10b.

[0043] In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the switch unit 10b includes a button 20b2, which is an example of a button 20b and is operated by pulling up. That is, the button 20b2 rotates around the support shaft 26 in response to the pulling up operation. When the switch unit 10b includes the button 20b2, a recess 12 may be formed in the peripheral portion 11 (see FIG. 4). The recess 12 may be formed by recessing a portion of the peripheral portion 11 in the negative direction of the Z axis. The recess 12 illustrated in the figures is formed directly adjacent to a pull-up portion 35 (described later) of the button 20b2 in the Y axis direction. This allows the occupant to more easily pull up the pull-up portion 35 when performing the pulling up operation. The button 20b2 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is supported by the case 5 via the support shaft 26, and the button 20b2 can rotate around the support shaft 26 within a predetermined angular range.

[0044] The button 20b2 may include a pull-up portion 35. The pull-up portion 35 is a portion of the button 20b2 that rotates in the pull-up direction around the support shaft 26 in response to a pull-up operation by the occupant. The pull-up portion 35 illustrated in the figures is formed at the end of the button 20b2 on the positive Y-axis side. The pull-up portion 35 may have a shape that protrudes in the positive Y-axis direction in a cross section perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The pull-up portion 35 may also extend between both ends of the button 20b2 in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 4). The switch unit 10b may also have a restricting portion (not shown) that restricts the rotation of the pull-up portion 35 so that the pull-up portion 35 does not rotate around the support shaft 26 in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0045] The position in the Y-axis direction where the support shaft 26 supports the button 20b2 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, the position of the support shaft 26 may be determined so that a desired operating force is required when operating the pull-up unit 35. As with the support shaft 26 of the switch unit 10b including the button 20b1, the extending direction of the support shaft 26 of the switch unit 10b including the button 20b2 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0046] Similar to switch unit 10b including button 20b1, switch unit 10b including button 20b2 may include intermediate member 21b, elastic member 50, magnet 51, and magnetic sensor 52 (see FIG. 9). Intermediate member 21b, elastic member 50, magnet 51, and magnetic sensor 52 may be configured similarly to these members in switch unit 10b including button 20b1.

[0047] The intermediate member 21b illustrated in FIG. 9 is disposed in an area on the negative side of the button 20b2 in the Z-axis direction. The contact portion 23 of the intermediate member 21b abuts and contacts the button 20b2. When the occupant pulls up the button 20b2, the pull-up portion 35 pivots around the support shaft 26 in the positive direction of the Z-axis, as shown by arrow C in FIG. 10. This causes the end portion 36 to pivot around the support shaft 26 in the negative direction of the Z-axis, as shown by arrow D in the figure. The end portion 36 is the end of the button 20b2 located on the opposite side of the support shaft 26 from the pull-up portion 35 in the Y-axis direction. The end portion 36 illustrated in the figure is the portion of the button 20b2 on the negative side of the Y-axis.

[0048] As the end portion 36 turns, the intermediate member 21b moves in the negative direction of the Z axis. At that time, the portion of the end portion 36 on the negative side of the Z axis may come into contact with the contact portion 23 and push down the intermediate member 21b. The magnet 51 also moves in the negative direction of the Z axis along with the movement of the intermediate member 21b. Therefore, when the occupant pulls up the button 20b2, the magnet 51 approaches the magnetic force sensor 52. When the magnetic force sensor 52 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 51, the switch portion 10b outputs a signal to the shift ECU 2 indicating that the switch portion 10b has been operated.

[0049] Furthermore, when the occupant pulls up the button 20b2, the elastic member 50 is compressed in the negative direction of the Z axis by the intermediate member 21b (see FIG. 10). As a result, the repulsive force generated in the elastic member 50 is input to the button 20b2 via the intermediate member 21b. Therefore, when the occupant finishes pulling up the button 20b2, the button 20b2 returns to the position it was in before the pulling up operation.

[0050] The following describes the effects of the shift operation switch device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0051] (1) The shift operation switch device 1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of switch units 10 disposed within the vehicle cabin and operated when performing a shift operation of the vehicle. The plurality of switch units 10 include at least one first switch unit 10a, 10c, or 10d and a second switch unit 10b disposed adjacent to the at least one first switch unit 10a, 10c, or 10d. A first operation button 20a, 20c, or 20d of the at least one first switch unit 10a, 10c, or 10d moves parallel in a first direction in response to a first operation of pressing down the first operation button 20a, 20c, or 20d. A second operation button 20b of the second switch unit 10b pivots about a support shaft 26 extending intersecting the first direction in response to a second operation of pressing down or pulling up the second operation button 20b.

[0052] According to the switch device 1 of this embodiment, during a shift operation, the buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d are pressed down and move parallel to the Z-axis, which is the pressing direction. Meanwhile, the button 20b is pressed down or pulled up during a shift operation and rotates around the support shaft 26. In this manner, the buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d and the button 20b are configured to behave differently during a shift operation. This allows the occupant to more reliably distinguish between the switches 10a, 10c, and 10d and the switch 10b, thereby reducing the occurrence of erroneous shift operations. Consequently, a switch device 1 can be provided that enables more accurate shift operations and further improves the efficiency of shift operations.

[0053] (2) In the second operation, the second operation button 20b may be pressed.

[0054] The switch unit 10b can be operated by pressing the button 20b, similar to the switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch device 1 that is easier to operate. Furthermore, for example, the switch unit 10b can be disposed without having the button 20b protrude from the surface of the peripheral unit 11 facing the passenger compartment or without providing a recess 12 in the peripheral unit 11. Therefore, the structure of the switch device 1 or the peripheral unit 11 can be simplified. Consequently, the design of the switch device 1 or the peripheral unit 11 can be more freely carried out.

[0055] (3) The second operation button 20b may include a push-in portion 30 that rotates around the support shaft 26 in the pressing direction in response to the second operation. The push-in portion 30 may have a protrusion 31 that protrudes from the surface of the push-in portion 30 on the side opposite to the pressing direction.

[0056] The button 20b has the protrusion 31, which allows the occupant to more reliably identify the button 20b when performing a shift operation. This allows the occupant to more reliably distinguish between the switches 10a, 10c, and 10d and the switch 10b. This makes it possible to provide a switch device 1 that more reliably prevents the occurrence of erroneous shift operations.

[0057] In the second operation, the second operation button 20b may be pulled up. This more reliably distinguishes between the operation of the switches 10a, 10c, and 10d and the operation of the switch 10b when performing a shift operation. This makes it possible to provide the switch device 1 that more reliably prevents erroneous shift operations and further improves the efficiency of shift operations.

[0058] (4) The multiple switch units 10 may be aligned in the second direction. At least one of the first switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d may include a first operation button 20a or 20c having a dimension 60a or 60c in the second direction that is smaller than a dimension 60b in the second direction of the second operation button 20b.

[0059] This allows the occupant to more reliably distinguish between the switch units 10a, 10c, and 10d and the switch unit 10b. Therefore, it is possible to provide the switch device 1 that can more reliably prevent the occurrence of erroneous shift operations. Furthermore, for example, by associating a frequently used shift operation with the switch unit 10b, it is possible to provide the switch device 1 that can make the shift operation easier and improves the efficiency of the shift operation.

[0060] In addition, among at least one first switch unit 10a, 10c, 10d, the switch unit 10a, 10c having the first operation button 20a, 20c having a dimension smaller than the dimension 60b of the second operation button 20b may be disposed directly adjacent to the second switch unit 10b. This allows the button 20b to be more reliably distinguished from the button 20a, 20c adjacent to the button 20b. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch device 1 that can more reliably prevent the occurrence of erroneous shift operations.

[0061] (5) The second operation button 20b may be an operation button for setting the shift range of the vehicle to the reverse range.

[0062] This allows the occupant to more reliably distinguish the operation button for setting the shift range to the reverse range, thereby providing the switch device 1 with improved efficiency in shift operation for moving the vehicle in reverse.

[0063] Of the first operation buttons 20a, 20c, and 20d and the second operation button 20b, only the second operation button 20b may be the operation button for setting the vehicle's shift range to the reverse range, which allows the occupant to more reliably identify the operation button for setting the shift range to the reverse range.

[0064] 1 Switch device (shift operation switch device), 10 Switch portion, 10a, 10c, 10d Switch portion (first switch portion), 10b Switch portion (second switch portion), 20a, 20c, 20d Button (first operation button), 20b Button (second operation button), 26 Support shaft, 30 Push-in portion, 31 Convex portion, 60a, 60b, 60c Dimensions

Claims

1. Comprising a plurality of switch parts arranged in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, which are operated when performing a shift operation of the vehicle, The plurality of switch parts include at least one first switch part and a second switch part arranged adjacent to the at least one first switch part, The first operation button of the at least one first switch part moves parallel in the first direction in response to a first operation of pressing the first operation button, The second operation button of the second switch part rotates around a support shaft extending so as to intersect the first direction in response to a second operation of pressing or pulling up the second operation button, The second switch part outputs a signal indicating that the second switch part has been operated in response to the second operation button rotating around the support shaft, The at least one first switch part is a shift operation switch device including the first operation button for setting the shift range of the vehicle to the drive range.

2. The shift operation switch device according to claim 1, wherein the second operation button is pressed in the second operation.

3. The second operation button includes a pushing part that rotates in the pressing direction around the support shaft in response to the second operation, The shift operation switch device according to claim 2, wherein the pushing part has a convex part protruding from a surface on the side opposite to the pressing direction in the pushing part.

4. The plurality of switch parts are arranged side by side in a second direction, The at least one first switch part includes the first operation button having a dimension in the second direction that is smaller than the dimension of the second operation button in the second direction, according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The shift operation switch device described.

5. The shift operation switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second operation button is an operation button for setting the shift range of the vehicle to the reverse range.

6. The second operation button rotated around the support shaft moves the intermediate member in the first direction while contacting an intermediate member arranged in a region on the first direction side of the second operation button, The second switch part outputs a signal indicating that the second switch part has been operated in response to the movement of the intermediate member in the first direction, according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The shift operation switch device described.

7. The reaction force when pressing the substantially central portion in the first direction of the second operation button is greater than the reaction force when pressing the substantially central portion in the first direction of the first operation button. The shift operation switch device according to claim 5.