Shift device

Abstract

This shift device is configured so that a first shift mechanism is disposed on a disposition surface of a handle, and by operating the first shift mechanism, the shift position of a transmission is changed. The disposition surface is inclined with respect to a surface that is perpendicular to the rotational-axis direction of the handle. Consequently, the disposition surface can be easily recognized and erroneous operation of the first shift mechanism on the disposition surface can be prevented.

Description

Shift device

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device in which an operating unit is disposed on a steering element.

[0002] In the shift device described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0011042, an operating unit is arranged on the screen of a touch-sensitive display on the steering wheel, and the operating state of the vehicle is changed by operating the operating unit.

[0003] Here, in this shift device, the screen of the touch detection display is arranged perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis of the steering wheel.

[0004] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a shift device that can suppress erroneous operation of an operating portion.

[0005] A first aspect of the shift device of the present invention includes a steering body that is rotated to steer a vehicle, and an arrangement surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the steering body, and an operating unit that is arranged on the arrangement surface and operated to change the shift position of the vehicle's transmission.

[0006] A second aspect of the shift device of the present invention is the shift device of the first aspect of the present invention, and further comprises an additional arrangement surface provided on the steering element, and an additional operating unit that is arranged on the additional arrangement surface and is operated to operate the vehicle's operating device.

[0007] A shift device of a third aspect of the present invention is the shift device of the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the arrangement surface is arranged on the opposite side of the additional arrangement surface from a gripping portion of the steering body that is gripped by a rider.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a shift device according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the operating direction of the operating unit and the operating direction of the additional operating unit are different.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the shift device of any one of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operating device is a vehicle driving mode changing device.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the shift device of the present invention is a shift device of any one of the second to fifth aspects of the present invention, in which the operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission to a traveling system shift position, and the additional operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission, which is the operating device, to a stopping system shift position.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a shift device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the operating unit is operated to cause the vehicle to travel in the operating direction of the operating unit.

[0012] In the shift device of the first aspect of the present invention, a steering element is provided with a mounting surface, an operating unit is mounted on the mounting surface, and the operating unit is operated to change the shift position of a vehicle transmission. Also, the steering element is rotated to steer the vehicle.

[0013] Here, the arrangement surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis of the steering body, which makes it possible to easily recognize the arrangement surface and to prevent erroneous operation of the operating part.

[0014] In the shift device of the second aspect of the present invention, an additional arrangement surface is provided on the steering body, and an additional operation unit is arranged on the additional arrangement surface, and the additional operation unit is operated to operate the vehicle operation device. Therefore, the operation device can be operated at the steering body.

[0015] In the shift device of the third aspect of the present invention, the arrangement surface is arranged on the opposite side of the additional arrangement surface from the grip portion of the steering body that is gripped by the occupant. Therefore, by separating the arrangement surface from the grip portion of the steering body with respect to the additional arrangement surface, it is possible to effectively prevent erroneous operation of the operating unit.

[0016] In the shift device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating direction of the operating unit and the operating direction of the additional operating unit are different, which makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operating unit and the additional operating unit.

[0017] In the shift device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operating device is a vehicle driving mode changing device, so that the vehicle driving mode can be changed by operating the additional operating portion.

[0018] In the shift device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission to the traveling system shift position. Furthermore, the additional operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission (operating device). Therefore, by separately arranging the operating unit and the additional operating unit, it is possible to improve the operability of the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission to the traveling system shift position and the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission to the stopping system shift position.

[0019] In the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operating unit is operated, the vehicle travels in the direction in which the operating unit is operated, which makes it easy to recognize the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0020] 3A ; FIG. 3C is a front view of a handlebar according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4A is a top view of a handlebar according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5A is a front view of a first shift mechanism of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6A is a front view of a first switch mechanism of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7A is a front view of a second switch mechanism of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8A is a front view of a second shift mechanism of a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9A is a front view of a third shift mechanism of a shift device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A; FIG. 11A is a front view of a portion of a first modified first shift mechanism of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3D-3D of FIG. 3C; FIG. 13A is a front view of a second modified first shift mechanism of a shift device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 15A; 6A )。 English: A cross-sectional view taken along line 4D-4D in FIG. 4C. A front view of a handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A front view of a handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A ) of a handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above ... main portion of a first modified example of a handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. A cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A ) of a main portion of a handle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A ) of a main portion of a handle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the right. A front view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B in FIG. 9A ) of a main portion of a handle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken from the right) of a main portion of a handle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B in FIG. 9A ) of a main portion of a handle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the right. A front view (front side) of a main portion of a handle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. A front view (front side) of a handle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front, showing a10 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the handlebar is rotated to the left, as viewed from the front, a front view of a right portion of the handlebar in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and a front view of a shift device in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side.

[0021] [First embodiment] Fig. 1A shows a front view of a steering wheel 12 as a steering body to which a shift device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Fig. 1B shows a top view of the steering wheel 12. In the drawings, the front of the steering wheel 12 is indicated by an arrow FR, the right side of the steering wheel 12 is indicated by an arrow RH, and the top of the steering wheel 12 is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0022] In this embodiment, the steering wheel 12 is installed on the front side of the driver's seat (not shown) of the vehicle (automobile), and the front, right and top of the steering wheel 12 are directed diagonally upward and rearward, right and upward and forward, respectively, of the vehicle.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , a generally rectangular, columnar boss 12A is provided at the center of the handlebar 12, extending vertically. A generally U-shaped rim 12B, serving as a gripping portion, is provided on the outer periphery of the handlebar 12. The center of the lower portion of the rim 12B is connected to the boss 12A. A generally rectangular, plate-shaped spoke 12C is provided between the upper left and right sides of the rim 12B and the boss 12A, respectively, as a connecting portion. The spoke 12C connects the rim 12B to the boss 12A. The rear side of the boss 12A is fixed to a generally cylindrical handlebar shaft 14 (steering shaft), the axial direction of which is aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the rim 12B and the front faces of the spokes 12C are aligned along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the handlebar shaft 14 (the rotational axis direction of the handlebar 12).

[0024] The steering wheel 12 is located in front of the vehicle occupant (driver) seated in the driver's seat, and the steering wheel 12 is rotated in the circumferential direction by gripping the left and right sides of the rim 12B with the occupant's left and right hands, respectively, causing the steering wheel shaft 14 to rotate integrally with the steering wheel 12, thereby steering the vehicle.

[0025] The shift device 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the boss 12A.

[0026] A roughly triangular prism-shaped arrangement member 16 is fixed to the left and right sides of the lower portion of the boss 12A. The arrangement member 16 extends vertically below the spoke 12C. The front surface of the arrangement member 16 is an arrangement surface 16A, which is inclined rearward as it extends outward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12. The arrangement member 16 is provided with a first shift mechanism 18 (see FIG. 2A ). The first shift mechanism 18 is provided with a P switch 18P, an R switch 18R, an N switch 18N, and a D switch 18D, each of which has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, as operating units. The P switch 18P, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the D switch 18D are arranged on the arrangement surface 16A, with their respective front surfaces parallel to the arrangement surface 16A. The P switch 18P, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the D switch 18D are arranged in this order from top to bottom. The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D are mechanical switches (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), and can be pressed by the occupant, with the operation direction being rearward, perpendicular to the arrangement surface 16A (front surface). The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the left first shift mechanism 18 can be operated by the thumb of the occupant's left hand gripping the left side of the rim 12B and stretching it out to the right, and the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the right first shift mechanism 18 can be operated by the thumb of the occupant's right hand gripping the right side of the rim 12B and stretching it out to the left.

[0027] The first shift mechanism 18 is electrically connected to a vehicle control device 20, which is electrically connected to a transmission 22 (automatic transmission) of the vehicle. When the P switch 18P, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the D switch 18D are operated, the shift positions of the transmission 22 are changed to a P position (park position, stop system shift position), an R position (reverse position, drive system shift position), an N position (neutral position, stop system shift position), and a D position (drive position, drive system shift position), respectively, under the control of the control device 20.

[0028] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0029] In the shift device 10 configured as described above, the first shift mechanism 18 is provided on the arrangement body 16 of the handlebar 12, and the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 are arranged on the arrangement surface 16A of the arrangement body 16. The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D are operated to change the shift position of the transmission 22.

[0030] Here, the arrangement surface 16A is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis direction (front-rear direction) of the handle 12. Therefore, unlike when the arrangement surface 16A is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the handle 12, the arrangement surface 16A can be easily recognized, and erroneous operation of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D on the arrangement surface 16A can be prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, when the occupant grips the left side of the rim 12B with all of the fingers of their left hand, the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the left-side first shift mechanism 18 are rendered inoperable. Moreover, when the occupant grips the right side of the rim 12B with all of the fingers of their right hand, the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the right-side first shift mechanism 18 are rendered inoperable. This allows for appropriate placement of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18, which are operated less frequently.

[0032] Furthermore, the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the left-side first shift mechanism 18 can be operated by the thumb of the left hand of the occupant gripping the left side of the rim 12B and stretching it out to the right. Moreover, the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the right-side first shift mechanism 18 can be operated by the thumb of the right hand of the occupant gripping the right side of the rim 12B and stretching it out to the left. This improves the operability of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18.

[0033] In this embodiment, the P switch 18P, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 are mechanical switches that can be operated by pressing them. However, as a first modified example of the first shift mechanism 18, the P switch 18P, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 may be capacitance switches (see FIGS. 3C and 3D) that can be operated by touching them.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shift mechanism 18 is provided with a P switch 18P, an R switch 18R, an N switch 18N, and a D switch 18D. However, as a second modification of the first shift mechanism 18, the first shift mechanism 18 may be provided with a long, plate-shaped rotating body 24 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ) as an operating unit. In this case, the rotating body 24 extends in the width direction (substantially the left-right direction) of the mounting surface 16A, is rotatably supported by the mounting body 16 at its base end (rear side), and protrudes forward from the mounting surface 16A. When the rotating body 24 is rotated up or down, the shift position of the transmission 22 is changed under the control of the control device 20.

[0035] Moreover, in this embodiment, the first shift mechanism 18 is provided with a P switch 18P, an R switch 18R, an N switch 18N, and a D switch 18D. However, as a third modified example of the first shift mechanism 18, the first shift mechanism 18 may be provided with a disk-shaped rotating body 26 (see FIGS. 4C and 4D ) as an operating unit. In this case, the axial direction of the rotating body 26 is aligned with the width direction (approximately the left-right direction) of the mounting surface 16A, the rotating body 26 is rotatably supported by the mounting body 16 at its central axis, and its front portion protrudes forward of the mounting surface 16A. Then, by rotating the rotating body 26 in the up-down direction, the shift position of the transmission 22 is changed under the control of the control device 20.

[0036] In this embodiment, the left and right arrangement bodies 16 are provided with the first shift mechanisms 18. However, the left or right arrangement body 16 may be provided with a first switch mechanism 28 (see FIG. 2B ). In this case, the first switch mechanism 28 includes additional operating units, such as a middle switch 28A, an upper switch 28B, a lower switch 28C, a left switch 28D, and a right switch 28E, which are mechanical or capacitance switches and are arranged on the arrangement surface 16A (additional arrangement surface). The first switch mechanism 28 is electrically connected to the control device 20, which is electrically connected to an audio device 28F (see FIG. 1A ) serving as an operating device. The audio device 28F is operated by pressing or touching the middle switch 28A, the upper switch 28B, the lower switch 28C, the left switch 28D, and the right switch 28E under the control of the control device 20.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left and right arrangement bodies 16 are provided with the first shift mechanism 18. However, a second switch mechanism 30 (see FIG. 2C) may be provided in either the left or right arrangement body 16. In this case, the second switch mechanism 30 is used for ACC (adaptive crease control), and in the second switch mechanism 30, mechanical or capacitance switches serving as additional operating devices, a + / RES switch 30A, a CANCEL switch 30B, and a − / SET switch 30C, are arranged on the arrangement surface 16A (additional arrangement surface). Furthermore, the second switch mechanism 30 is electrically connected to the control device 20, and a driving mode change device 30D (see FIG. 1A) serving as an operating device, is electrically connected to the control device 20. Then, when the + / RES switch 30A, the CANCEL switch 30B, and the - / SET switch 30C are pressed or touched, the driving mode change device 30D changes the vehicle's driving mode (for example, to ACC mode or normal mode) under the control of the control device 20.

[0038] Second Embodiment FIG. 5 shows a front view of a handlebar 12 to which a shift device 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0039] The handle 12 in this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that in the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, the rim 12B is annular in front view, and the left and right ends of the rim 12B are connected to the boss 12A by spokes 12C.

[0041] The shift device 40 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

[0042] Here, the shift device 40 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0043] In this embodiment, instead of the first shift mechanism 18, a first modified example (see Figures 3C and 3D), a second modified example (see Figures 4A and 4B), a third modified example (see Figures 4C and 4D) of the first shift mechanism 18, a first switch mechanism 28 (see Figure 2B), or a second switch mechanism 30 (see Figure 2C) may be provided.

[0044] In the first and second embodiments, the shift devices 10, 40 are provided on the left and right sides of the boss 12A. However, the shift devices 10, 40 may be provided on the left or right side of the boss 12A.

[0045] [Third embodiment] Figure 6A shows a front view of a handlebar 12 to which a shift device 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the handlebar 12 from above (cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B in Figure 6A).

[0046] The handle 12 in this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that in the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0047] 6A and 6B, in the steering wheel 12 of this embodiment, the boss 12A is cylindrical, and the central axis of the boss 12A is arranged coaxially with the steering shaft 14. The rim 12B is annular in front view, and the left end, right end, and bottom end of the rim 12B are connected to the boss 12A by spokes 12C.

[0048] The shift device 50 according to this embodiment is mounted on the left and right spokes 12C, and the front surfaces of the left and right spokes 12C are concave in the left-right direction. The front surfaces of the boss 12A-side portions of the left and right spokes 12C (the inner portions of the handlebars 12 in the left-right direction) form mounting surfaces 16A, which are inclined rearward as they extend outward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12. The front surfaces of the rim 12B-side portions of the left and right spokes 12C (the outer portions of the handlebars 12 in the left-right direction) form additional mounting surfaces 16B, which are inclined rearward as they extend inward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12.

[0049] The first shift mechanism 18 (see Figures 2A, 3A and 3B) is provided on the boss 12A side of the left and right spokes 12C, and the first switch mechanism 28 (see Figure 2B) is provided on the rim 12B side of the left and right spokes 12C.

[0050] The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 on the left side and the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 can be operated by the thumb of the left hand of the occupant gripping the left end of the rim 12B and extending it to the right. The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 on the right side and the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 can be operated by the thumb of the right hand of the occupant gripping the right end of the rim 12B and extending it to the left.

[0051] Here, the shift device 50 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0052] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the handlebars 12, the first shift mechanism 18 (P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D) is disposed on the opposite side of the rim 12B (toward the boss 12A) from the first switch mechanism 28 (middle switch 28A, up switch 28B, down switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E). This makes it relatively difficult to operate the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18, which are operated less frequently, and reduces erroneous operation of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D. Furthermore, the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28, which are operated frequently, can be operated relatively easily, thereby improving the operability of the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D and right switch 28E.

[0053] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the handlebars 12, the operation direction of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 is toward the rear side (the opposite side from the rim 12B) in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface 16A, and the operation direction of the middle switch 28A, up switch 28B, down switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 is toward the rear side (the rim 12B side) in the direction perpendicular to the additional arrangement surface 16B. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D and the middle switch 28A, up switch 28B, down switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E.

[0054] In this embodiment, the front surfaces (arrangement surfaces 16A) of the spokes 12C on the boss 12A side are inclined rearward as they extend outward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12. However, as shown in Figure 7A, for example, the front surfaces (arrangement surfaces 16A) of the spokes 12C on the boss 12A side may be inclined rearward as they extend inward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front surfaces (additional placement surfaces 16B) of the spokes 12C on the rim 12B side are inclined rearward as they extend inward in the left-right direction of the handlebars 12. However, as shown in Figure 7B, for example, the front surfaces (additional placement surfaces 16B) of the spokes 12C on the rim 12B side may be disposed vertically in the front-to-rear direction.

[0056] [Fourth embodiment] Figure 8A shows a front view of a handlebar 12 to which a shift device 60 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the handlebar 12 from the right (cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B in Figure 8A).

[0057] The handle 12 in this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that in the third embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0058] 8A and 8B , the shift device 60 according to this embodiment is mounted on the left and right spokes 12C, and the front surfaces of the left and right spokes 12C are concave in the vertical direction. The front surfaces of the upper portions of the left and right spokes 12C are arrangement surfaces 16A, which are inclined downward and toward the rear. The front surfaces of the lower portions of the left and right spokes 12C are additional arrangement surfaces 16B, which are inclined upward and toward the rear.

[0059] The first shift mechanism 18 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, and 3B) is provided on the upper portion of the left and right spokes 12C, and the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 are arranged, for example, from left to right in this order. Furthermore, the first switch mechanism 28 (see FIG. 2B) is provided on the lower portion of the left and right spokes 12C.

[0060] The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 on the left side and the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 can be operated by the thumb of the left hand of the occupant gripping the left end of the rim 12B and extending it to the right. The P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 on the right side and the middle switch 28A, upper switch 28B, lower switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 can be operated by the thumb of the right hand of the occupant gripping the right end of the rim 12B and extending it to the left.

[0061] Here, the shift device 60 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the handlebars 12, the operation direction of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D of the first shift mechanism 18 is rearward in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement surface 16A, and the operation direction of the middle switch 28A, up switch 28B, down switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E of the first switch mechanism 28 is rearward in the direction perpendicular to the additional arrangement surface 16B. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the P switch 18P, R switch 18R, N switch 18N, and D switch 18D and the middle switch 28A, up switch 28B, down switch 28C, left switch 28D, and right switch 28E.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first shift mechanism 18 (including the positioning surface 16A) is provided on the upper portion of the spoke 12C, and the first switch mechanism 28 (including the additional positioning surface 16B) is provided on the lower portion of the spoke 12C. However, the first shift mechanism 18 (including the positioning surface 16A) may be provided on the upper portion of the spoke 12C, and the first switch mechanism 28 (including the additional positioning surface 16B) may be provided on the lower portion of the spoke 12C.

[0064] In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, the first shift mechanism 18 may be replaced by a first modified example (see FIGS. 3C and 3D), a second modified example (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), or a third modified example (see FIGS. 4C and 4D) of the first shift mechanism 18, and the first switch mechanism 28 may be replaced by a second switch mechanism 30 (see FIG. 2C).

[0065] Furthermore, in the third and fourth embodiments, a second shift mechanism 32 (see FIG. 2D ) may be provided instead of the first shift mechanism 18, and a third shift mechanism 34 (see FIG. 2E ) may be provided instead of the first switch mechanism 28. In this case, in the second shift mechanism 32, the R switch 18R and the D switch 18D serving as operation units may be mechanical switches or capacitance switches and arranged on the arrangement surface 16A (in the fourth embodiment, the R switch 18R and the D switch 18D may be arranged in the left-right direction). When the R switch 18R and the D switch 18D are pressed or touched, the shift positions of the transmission 22 are changed to the R position and the D position (travel-system shift positions), respectively, under the control of the control device 20. In addition, in the third shift mechanism 34, the P switch 18P and the N switch 18N serving as additional operating units are mechanical switches or capacitance switches and are arranged on the additional arrangement surface 16B (in the fourth embodiment, the P switch 18P and the N switch 18N may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction). When the P switch 18P and the N switch 18N are pressed or touched, the shift position of the transmission 22 (operating device) is changed to the P position and the N position (stop-system shift position) under the control of the control device 20. Therefore, by separately arranging the R switch 18R and the D switch 18D and the P switch 18P and the N switch 18N, the operability of the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission 22 to the R position and the D position and the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission 22 to the P position and the N position can be improved.

[0066] [Fifth embodiment] Figure 9A shows a front view of a handlebar 12 to which a shift device 70 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the main part of the handlebar 12 from the right (cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B in Figure 9A).

[0067] The handle 12 in this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that in the fourth embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0068] 9A and 9B , in the shift device 70 according to this embodiment, the front surfaces of the upper and lower portions of the left and right spokes 12C are arrangement surfaces 16A, with the upper arrangement surface 16A inclined rearward as it extends downward, and the lower arrangement surface 16A inclined rearward as it extends upward. Furthermore, the front surfaces of the middle portions (middle portions in the up-down direction) of the left and right spokes 12C are additional arrangement surfaces 16B, which are arranged perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0069] The second shift mechanism 32 (see FIG. 2D) is provided at the top and bottom of the left and right spokes 12C, with the D switch 18D of the second shift mechanism 32 located on the upper arrangement surface 16A and the R switch 18R of the second shift mechanism 32 located on the lower arrangement surface 16A (see FIG. 9C). The third shift mechanism 34 (see FIG. 2E) is provided in the middle of the left and right spokes 12C, with the N switch 18N of the third shift mechanism 34 located on the left side of the additional arrangement surface 16B and the P switch 18P of the third shift mechanism 34 located on the right side of the additional arrangement surface 16B.

[0070] Here, the shift device 70 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0071] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the handlebars 12, the operation directions of the D switch 18D and the R switch 18R of the second shift mechanism 32 are rearward in a direction perpendicular to the upper and lower arrangement surfaces 16A, respectively, and the operation directions of the N switch 18N and the P switch 18P of the third shift mechanism 34 are rearward in a direction perpendicular to the additional arrangement surface 16B. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the D switch 18D, the R switch 18R, the N switch 18N, and the P switch 18P.

[0072] Moreover, on the left and right sides of the handlebars 12, the D switch 18D is arranged on the upper arrangement surface 16A, the R switch 18R is arranged on the lower arrangement surface 16A, and the N switch 18N and the P switch 18P are arranged on the additional arrangement surface 16B. Therefore, by separately arranging the D switch 18D, the R switch 18R, the P switch 18P, and the N switch 18N, it is possible to improve the operability of the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission 22 to the D position (traveling system shift position), the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission 22 to the R position (traveling system shift position), and the operation for changing the shift position of the transmission 22 to the P position and the N position (stop system shift position).

[0073] In the third to fifth embodiments, the shift devices 50, 60, 70 are provided on the left and right spokes 12C. However, the shift devices 50, 60, 70 may be provided on either the left or right spokes 12C.

[0074] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 10A shows a front view of a handlebar 12 to which a shift device 80 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0075] The handle 12 in this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that in the first embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0076] 10A, in the handlebar 12 of this embodiment, the rim 12B is roughly C-shaped when viewed from the front, and the upper left and upper right portions of the rim 12B (both longitudinal ends) are connected to the upper portion of the boss 12A, and the center of the lower portion in the left-right direction (longitudinal center) is connected to the lower end of the boss 12A. Note that the handlebar 12 does not have spokes 12C.

[0077] A shift device 80 according to this embodiment (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) is mounted on the right side of the rim 12B.

[0078] A substantially rectangular columnar arrangement member 16 is fixed to the inner periphery (left side) of the right side of the rim 12B. The arrangement member 16 extends substantially vertically along the right side of the rim 12B, rearward of the front end of the rim 12B. The front surface of the upper portion (one longitudinal side) of the arrangement member 16 is inclined upward and rearward, while the front surface of the lower portion (the other longitudinal side) of the arrangement member 16 is inclined downward and rearward. The front surface of the middle portion (middle portion in the vertical direction) of the arrangement member 16 is concave, and the front surfaces of the upper and lower portions of the middle portion of the arrangement member 16 are arrangement surface 16A and additional arrangement surface 16B, respectively. The arrangement surface 16A is inclined upward and forward, while the additional arrangement surface 16B is inclined downward and forward.

[0079] An operating body 82 is supported at the middle of the arrangement body 16, and is rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the approximate left-right direction (the width direction of the arrangement body 16). The operating body 82 is rotatable within a predetermined range, and is biased toward the center of the rotatable range. The upper portion of the operating body 82 is a D button 82D serving as an operating unit, and the D button 82D is disposed on the arrangement surface 16A of the arrangement body 16. The front surface of the D button 82D is inclined in a forward direction as it extends upward, and is parallel to the arrangement surface 16A. The lower portion of the operating body 82 is an R button 82R serving as an additional operating unit, and the R button 82R is disposed on the additional arrangement surface 16B of the arrangement body 16. The front surface of the R button 82R is inclined in a forward direction as it extends downward, and is parallel to the additional arrangement surface 16B. The D button 82D and the R button 82R can be operated by the occupant by pressing their respective front surfaces, and when the D button 82D or the R button 82R is operated, the operating body 82 is rotated against the biasing force. The thumb of the occupant's right hand, which grips the right side of the rim 12B, can move to the front surfaces of the D button 82D and the R button 82R, and the D button 82D and the R button 82R can be operated by the thumb. The D button 82D is operated in the rearward direction (toward the front of the vehicle), and the R button 82R is operated in the downward direction (the other longitudinal side of the arrangement body 16).

[0080] The operating body 82 is electrically connected to the control device 20, and when the D button 82D and the R button 82R are operated, the shift position of the transmission 22 (operating device) is changed to the D position and the R position, respectively, under the control of the control device 20.

[0081] Here, the shift device 80 according to this embodiment can also achieve the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, the operating direction of the D button 82D of the operating body 82 is set rearward, and the operating direction of the R button 82R of the operating body 82 is set downward. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation of the D button 82D and the R button 82R.

[0083] Furthermore, when the steering wheel 12 is rotated (see FIG. 10B ), the operating direction of the D button 82D of the operating body 82 is maintained rearward, while the operating direction of the R button 82R of the operating body 82 (the other side in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement body 16) is changed (toward the right side of the vehicle in FIG. 10B ), but the difference between the operating directions of the D button 82D and the R button 82R is maintained. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent erroneous operation of the D button 82D and the R button 82R.

[0084] Furthermore, the operating direction of the D button 82D of the operating body 82 is maintained rearward regardless of the rotational position of the handle 12. This makes it possible to prevent the D button 82D from being operated erroneously.

[0085] Additionally, the operation direction of the D button 82D of the operating body 82 is set to the front of the vehicle. Moreover, even when the steering wheel 12 is turned, the operation direction of the D button 82D is maintained to the front of the vehicle. Then, by operating the D button 82D, the shift position of the transmission 22 is set to the D position, and the vehicle moves forward (travels in the direction of operation of the D button 82D). Therefore, the occupant can easily recognize the traveling direction of the vehicle due to the operation of the D button 82D.

[0086] Furthermore, a D button 82D and an R button 82R are provided on the rim 12B of the steering wheel 12. This allows the D button 82D and the R button 82R to be operated with the fingers of the occupant gripping the rim 12B, making it easy to operate the D button 82D and the R button 82R.

[0087] In addition, the D button 82D and the R button 82R are disposed rearward of the front end of the rim 12B, which prevents the D button 82D and the R button 82R from being unnecessarily operated by the hands of an occupant gripping the rim 12B.

[0088] In this embodiment, the D button 82D and the R button 82R may be capacitive switches arranged on the arrangement surface 16A and the additional arrangement surface 16B of the arrangement body 16, respectively.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the arrangement 16 (including the operating body 82) is provided on the inner periphery of the right side of the rim 12B of the handlebars 12. However, the arrangement 16 (including the operating body 82) may be provided on a portion of the right side of the rim 12B of the handlebars 12 other than the inner periphery. For example, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the arrangement 16 (including the operating body 82) may be provided on the outer periphery of the upper right part of the rim 12B, or the arrangement 16 (including the operating body 82) may be provided on the front side of the lower right part of the boss 12A. Moreover, the arrangement 16 (including the operating body 82) may be provided on the left side of the handlebars 12.

[0090] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-99906, filed on June 20, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0091] 10...shift device, 12...handle (steering element), 12B...rim (grip), 16A...arrangement surface, 16B...additional arrangement surface, 18P...P switch (operation unit, additional operation unit), 18R...R switch (operation unit), 18N...N switch (operation unit, additional operation unit), 18D...D switch (operation unit), 22...transmission (operation device), 24...rotating body (operation unit), 26...rotating body (operation unit), 28A...middle switch (additional operation unit), 28B...upper switch (additional operation unit), 28C...lower switch (additional operation unit) unit), 28D...left switch (additional operation unit), 28E...right switch (additional operation unit), 28F...audio (operation device), 30A...+ / RES switch (additional operation unit), 30B...CANCEL switch (additional operation unit), 30C...- / SET switch (additional operation unit), 30D...driving mode change device (operation device), 40...shift device, 50...shift device, 60...shift device, 70...shift device, 80...shift device, 82D...D button (operation unit), 82R...R button (additional operation unit)

Claims

1. A shift device comprising: a mounting surface provided on a steering body that is rotated to steer a vehicle, the mounting surface being inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the steering body; and an operating unit that is disposed on the mounting surface and is operated to change the shift position of a vehicle transmission.

2. A shift device according to claim 1, comprising: an additional arrangement surface provided on the steering body; and an additional operation unit arranged on the additional arrangement surface and operated to operate an operating device of the vehicle.

3. A shift device according to claim 2, wherein the arrangement surface is arranged on the opposite side of the additional arrangement surface from the gripping portion of the steering body that is gripped by the driver.

4. A shift device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the operating direction of the operating portion is different from the operating direction of the additional operating portion.

5. A shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the operating device is a driving mode changing device for a vehicle.

6. A shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission to a traveling system shift position, and the additional operating unit is operated to change the shift position of the transmission, which is the operating device, to a stopping system shift position.

7. A shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the arrangement surface and the additional arrangement surface form a recess.

8. A shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the arrangement surface is arranged at least one of above and below the additional arrangement surface.

9. A shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operating unit is operated to cause the vehicle to travel in the operating direction of the operating unit.

10. A shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the arrangement surface is inclined in a direction toward the occupant as it moves toward the opposite side of the steering body from the grip portion held by the occupant, or in a direction toward the occupant as it moves toward the grip portion.

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