Shift lever device

Abstract

A shift lever device (1) comprises: a lever block (2) that forms the base of a shift lever (21); a magnet that is disposed on the lever block (2) and rotates about a rotation axis (12) in response to the operation of the shift lever (21) in the X-axis direction; a base block (3) that rotatably supports the lever block (2); and a magnetic sensor (11) that is disposed on the base block (3). The magnet is disposed such that, regardless of the operation position of the shift lever (21) in the X-axis direction, the magnetic axis passing through the centers of the N pole and the S pole is oriented in the rotation axis (12). The magnetic sensor (11) is disposed so as to be positioned intermediately between the magnet and the rotation axis (12) when positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis in response to the operation of the shift lever (21). A magnetic pole surface of the magnet facing the magnetic sensor (11) side is formed in a protrusion-shape. Accordingly, design miniaturization can be achieved.

Description

Shift lever device

[0001] The present invention relates to a device mounted in a vehicle for selecting a shift range of the vehicle, and more particularly to a shift lever device that outputs an electrical signal in response to an operation of a shift lever.

[0002] Conventionally, a shift change means employing a mechanical link mechanism has been used for a shift lever device of a vehicle. In recent years, a shift lever device that electrically detects an operation of a shift lever has been proposed in order to meet the demand for the电子化 of in-vehicle devices. This shift lever device converts the detected operation of the shift lever into an electrical signal and outputs it.

[0003] Such a shift lever device is called a so-called by-wire type shift lever device that can realize a shift change by driving an actuator according to its output signal. In a by-wire type shift lever device, there is no need to arrange a complex link mechanism between the driver's seat and the engine room, and only electrical wiring needs to be laid. By adopting a by-wire type shift lever device, the design freedom and installation freedom of the shift operation mechanism in a vehicle can be significantly improved.

[0004] As a by-wire type shift lever device, a device including a guide rod extending in the axial direction of the shift lever, a magnet member disposed at the tip of the guide rod, and a magnetic sensor disposed to face the magnet member has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The guide rod is provided on the opposite side of the shift lever beyond a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the shift lever. This shift lever device detects the operation position of the shift lever by detecting the displacement of the guide rod. In this shift lever device, there is a need to arrange a magnetic sensor at a position beyond the rotation shaft of the shift lever in the axial direction of the shift lever. Therefore, there is a problem that the device dimensions become large in the axial direction of the shift lever, and miniaturization design is not easy.

[0005] To address these challenges, a shift lever device has been proposed that features an ingenious arrangement of magnets and magnetic sensors (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below). In this shift lever device, a magnet is mounted on a lever block that rotates integrally with the shift lever. A magnetic sensor is positioned at an intermediate location between the pivot axis that rotatably supports the lever block and the rotational trajectory of the magnet. With this shift lever device, it is not necessary to position the magnet or magnetic sensor beyond the pivot axis of the shift lever in the axial direction of the shift lever, thus enabling a miniaturized design.

[0006] Furthermore, the shift lever device described in Patent Document 2 below is characterized by the change in the direction of magnetic action on the magnetic sensor when the magnet rotates, with the position of the magnet being the reference point when the magnet is positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis passing through the centers of the north and south poles. When the magnet is in the reference position described above, linear magnetic field lines along the magnetic axis act on the magnetic sensor. At this time, the direction of magnetic action on the magnetic sensor coincides with the direction of the magnetic axis of the magnet. When the magnet rotates, magnetic field lines that curve outward as they try to wrap around to the opposite magnetic pole begin to act on the magnetic sensor. At this time, the direction of magnetic action on the magnetic sensor becomes tilted compared to the direction of the magnetic axis of the magnet. As a result, the sensor detection angle, which is the detection angle of the direction of magnetic action by the magnetic sensor, becomes larger than the rotation angle of the magnet.

[0007] As described below, in the shift lever device of Patent Document 2, when the shift lever is operated between adjacent operating positions, the magnetic sensor outputs a sensor detection angle that is larger than the rotation angle of the magnet associated with the operation of the shift lever. Therefore, this shift lever device makes it easy to distinguish between adjacent operating positions. This shift lever device makes it possible to bring adjacent operating positions closer together, enabling a miniaturized design.

[0008] However, even with the shift lever device described in Patent Document 2, which can achieve significant miniaturization compared to the shift lever device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to ensure a certain distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor, and this necessity is a constraint on further miniaturization.

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-223384 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-230581

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a shift lever device that can be further miniaturized to improve vehicle mountability.

[0011] The present invention relates to a shift lever device including a shift lever operated to select a shift range of a vehicle, comprising: a lever block forming the base of the shift lever and rotating integrally with the operation of the shift lever; a magnetic source disposed on the lever block, which rotates about a first pivot axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in a predetermined first direction; a base block supporting the lever block in a rotatable state; and a magnetic sensor disposed on the base block for detecting the operating position of the shift lever in the first direction, wherein the magnetic source is configured such that, regardless of the operating position of the shift lever in the first direction, the magnetic axis passing through the centers of the N and S poles is directed toward the first pivot axis; the magnetic sensor is capable of detecting the direction of action of at least the magnetic field in a first plane along the first direction among the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic source, and is positioned intermediately between the magnetic source and the first pivot axis when positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in the first direction. The shift lever device is characterized in that, among the magnetic pole surfaces of the magnetic generating unit, the magnetic pole surface facing the magnetic sensor has a convex cross-sectional shape along the first plane.

[0012] In the shift lever device of the present invention, the magnetic field generating unit rotates around a first pivot axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in a first direction. In this shift lever device, the magnetic axis of the magnetic field generating unit is configured to face the first pivot axis regardless of the operating position of the shift lever in the first direction.

[0013] In the shift lever device of the present invention, the magnetic sensor is positioned intermediately between the magnetic generating unit and the first pivot axis when it is positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis of the magnetic generating unit. With this arrangement of the magnetic sensor, the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic sensor can be changed in response to the rotation of the magnetic detection unit accompanying the operation of the shift lever in the first direction.

[0014] In the shift lever device of the present invention, when the shift lever is operated in the first direction, in addition to the change in the tilt of the magnetic axis of the magnetic field generating unit, the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic sensor also changes. Therefore, the amount of change in the direction of magnetic force acting on the magnetic sensor becomes greater than the amount of shift lever operation. Consequently, in the shift lever device of the present invention, the difference in the direction of magnetic force acting on the magnetic sensor is amplified between adjacent operating positions in the first direction, thereby making it easier to distinguish between adjacent operating positions.

[0015] Here, in a magnetic field facing a magnetic pole surface, the magnetic field lines are more linear closer to the pole surface, while as you move away from the pole surface, the magnetic field lines spread outward and become more curved. Therefore, as mentioned above in the challenges of conventional technology, in order to actively utilize the curvature of magnetic field lines, it is necessary to ensure a certain distance between the magnetic field generating unit and the magnetic sensor, and this necessity is a constraint on miniaturization design.

[0016] In response to these circumstances, the shift lever device of the present invention has a convex cross-sectional shape along the first plane of the magnetic pole surface of the magnetic pole surface of the magnetic generation unit that faces the magnetic sensor. With such a convex magnetic pole surface, the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines in the first plane can be increased. As a result, according to the present invention, the distance between the magnetic generation unit and the magnetic sensor, which is necessary to utilize the curvature of the magnetic field lines, can be shortened, and the constraints on miniaturization design can be alleviated.

[0017] A perspective view showing the shift lever device in Example 1. A cross-sectional view 1 showing the structure of the shift lever device in Example 1. A cross-sectional view 2 showing the structure of the shift lever device in Example 1. A cross-sectional view 3 showing the structure of the shift lever device in Example 1. An explanatory diagram illustrating the detection principle of the magnetic sensor in Example 1. An explanatory diagram showing how the magnetic component in the X-axis (Y-axis) direction acts on the magnetic sensor in Example 1. An explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor detection angle θsh in the XZ plane in Example 1. An explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor detection angle θsl in the YZ plane in Example 1. A diagram 1 illustrating the advantages of the arrangement of the magnetic sensor in Example 1. A diagram 2 illustrating the advantages of the arrangement of the magnetic sensor in Example 1. A diagram 3 illustrating the advantages of the arrangement of the magnetic sensor in Example 1. (a) Front view and (b) perspective view of the magnet in Example 1. A diagram 1 illustrating the advantages of the shape of the magnetic pole surface in Example 1. A diagram 2 illustrating the advantages of the shape of the magnetic pole surface in Example 1. (a) Front view and (b) Perspective view of other magnet #1 in Example 1. (a) Front view and (b) Perspective view of other magnet #2 in Example 1. (a) Front view and (b) Perspective view of other magnet #3 in Example 1. (a) Front view and (b) Perspective view of other magnet #4 in Example 1. Diagram illustrating the configuration of the magnetic field generating unit in Example 2.

[0018] In this invention, the first pivot axis is the axis that forms the virtual center of rotational movement when the shift lever is operated in the first direction. The plane on which the magnetic generation unit rotates around this first pivot axis and the plane on which the shift lever rotates may be the same plane or different planes. These planes only need to be parallel to each other.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. (Example 1) This example relates to a vehicle shift lever device 1, which includes a shift lever 21 operated to select a shift range such as drive range or reverse range. This will be explained using Figures 1 to 18.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shift lever device 1 in this example is constructed by combining a lever block 2 which forms the base of the shift lever 21 and a base block 3 which pivotally supports the lever block 2. The base block 3 pivotally supports the lever block 2 so that it can rotate in response to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction (an example of a predetermined first direction).

[0021] A magnet 230 is mounted on the lever block 2 so as to rotate around a first pivot axis 12, which forms a virtual center, in response to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction. A magnetic sensor 11 is mounted on the base block 3 for detecting the magnetism of the magnet 230.

[0022] The magnet 230 is positioned such that its magnetic axis 23A, passing through the centers of its north and south poles, points toward the first pivot axis 12, regardless of the operating position of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction. The magnetic sensor 11 is positioned intermediately between the magnet 230 and the first pivot axis 12 when it is positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis 23A of the magnet 230. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the shift lever device 1 is installed on the center console between the driver's and passenger's seats of the vehicle, or on the dashboard facing the driver, so that the driver can operate the shift lever 21. The shift lever device 1 in this example is a gate-type shift lever device that allows the shift lever 21 to be operated in the X-axis direction (an example of a predetermined first direction) and the Y-axis direction (an example of a predetermined second direction), which are substantially perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction is the operating direction in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the driver, and the Y-axis direction is the operating direction in the left-to-right direction. The cross-sectional view of the shift lever device 1 in Figure 2 shows the structure of the cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction and along the Y-axis direction. Figures 3 and 4, which will be referenced in the later explanation, are cross-sectional views similar to those in Figure 2.

[0024] In the shift lever device 1, as shown in Figure 1, the combination of the lever block 2 and the base block 3 is housed in a protective cover 15. The base block 3 is configured to allow the protective cover 15 to be assembled. A gate 150, which forms the movement path of the shift lever 21, is provided on the upper surface of the protective cover 15. Symbols indicating the shift range, such as "D" for drive range and "R" for reverse range, are displayed at each shift position.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the shift lever device 1 has three rows of operating directions in the X-axis direction, and the row can be switched by operating the shift lever 21 in the Y-axis direction. In this example of the shift lever device 1, the center position where the gates 150 intersect in a cross shape is the home position 151 (H position). The shift lever 21 is always biased toward the H position 151.

[0026] For example, if the shift lever 21, which is located in the H position 151 (see Figures 1 and 2), is operated to the right (Y-axis direction) in Figure 1, and then pulled towards the driver (X-axis direction) in the same figure, it can be operated to the D position and the D range can be selected (see Figure 3). Here, the right side in Figure 1 is one direction of the Y-axis. The front side in Figure 1 is one direction of the X-axis. As described above, the shift lever 21 is biased toward the H position 151. Therefore, after selecting the D range, if the driver releases their hand from the shift lever 21, the shift lever 21 will return to the H position 151 while the D range remains selected.

[0027] For example, when the D range is selected, pulling the shift lever 21 in the H position 151 (see Figures 1 and 2) towards you (in the X-axis direction) will operate it to the - (minus) position, allowing you to shift down one gear. For example, when the D range is selected, tilting the shift lever 21 in the H position 151 to the left (in the Y-axis direction) will operate it to the N position, allowing you to select the N range (see Figures 1 and 4). Furthermore, for example, pushing the shift lever 21 away from you (in the X-axis direction) will operate it to the R position, allowing you to select the R range. Note that the operation patterns of the shift lever 21 are not limited to this example. The method for detecting the operation position in the shift lever device 1 in this example can accommodate operation in any direction, front, back, left, or right.

[0028] The base block 3 consists of a base 31 and a swinging base 32 pivotally supported on the base 31 via a select shaft 30. The lever block 2 is pivotally supported on the swinging base 32 via a shift shaft 20. As the swinging base 32 swings while pivotally supported on the select shaft 30, the lever block 2 can rotate in the Y-axis direction in response to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the Y-axis direction.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base 31 is the bottom surface of the device. A base portion 312 is erected in the center of the rectangular bottom surface. A sensor board 10 on which a magnetic sensor 11 is mounted is fixed to the upper surface of the base portion 312. Screw holes 318 for attaching protective covers 15 are drilled in the four corners of the base 31. A pair of support pieces 311 are erected on the outer circumference of the base 31, facing each other with the base portion 312 in between. Each of the pair of support pieces 311 has an axial hole drilled through it for inserting the select shaft 30.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rocking base 32 is a member of a constant thickness with a roughly rectangular ring shape. Of the two sets of outer surfaces that are parallel to each other, one set of outer surfaces facing the support piece 311 of the base 31 is provided with a base 321 that protrudes outward. The end face of the base 321 is the surface to which the select shaft 30, which is positioned through the shaft hole of the support piece 311, is erected and fixed. The shift shaft 20 is erected on the remaining set of outer surfaces.

[0031] The shift axis 20 constitutes the first pivot axis 12. The first pivot axis 12 is a virtual axis that forms the center of rotation when the magnet 230 rotates along the X-axis direction (first direction). The select axis 30 constitutes the second pivot axis 13. The second pivot axis 13 is a virtual axis that forms the center of rotation when the magnet 230 rotates along the Y-axis direction (second direction). The shift axis 20 and the select axis 30 are located at the same position in the thickness direction of the rocking base 32. Therefore, in the shift lever device 1 of this example, the axial directions of the shift axis 20 and the select axis 30 belong to the same plane, and the first pivot axis 12 and the second pivot axis 13 intersect (are orthogonal).

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a cylindrical pin holder 323 is erected on the upper surface of one of the two outer surfaces of the four sides surrounding the inner space of the rocking base 32 on which the shift shaft 20 is erected. The cylindrical pin holder 323 holds the plunger 322 in a state where it can move forward and backward. The plunger 322 is biased in the protruding direction by the biasing force of a spring 324 housed inside the pin holder 323. The plunger 322, in combination with a stopper member 325 (Figure 1) arranged in the protruding direction, provides a click sensation when operating the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction. The stopper member 325 is a member with concave recesses corresponding to each shift position arranged in the X-axis direction. The stopper member 325 is attached to the lever block 2.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lever block 2 comprises a magnet holder portion 23H extending along the axial direction of the shift lever 21, and a pair of arm portions 22 facing each other on either side of the magnet holder portion 23H. Each arm portion 22 has a shaft hole drilled at its tip for accommodating a shift shaft 20. The lever block 2 is connected to the swing base 32 via the shift shaft 20, which is accommodated through the shaft holes in the arm portions 22. A cylindrical magnet 230 with a diameter of 10 mm is mounted at the tip of the magnet holder portion 23H.

[0034] In this example, a ferrite magnet is used as magnet 230. Alternatively, a magnet made of alnico, neodymium, or the like can be used. Furthermore, a plastic magnet, in which magnetic powder is bound to resin, can also be used. Additionally, an electromagnetic magnet can be used instead of a permanent magnet.

[0035] An example of a magnetic field generating unit 23 is a magnet 230, which is a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole. In this example, the magnetic field generating unit 23 is a magnetic field generating source composed only of the magnet 230. In the magnet 230, the magnetic axis 23A passing through the centers of the north and south poles substantially coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical shape. The magnetic axis 23A of the magnet 230 coincides with the axial direction of the shift lever 21. In this configuration, regardless of the rotational position of the magnet 230, the magnetic axis 23A of the magnet 230 is always directed toward the first rotation axis 12 and the second rotation axis 13.

[0036] In this example, the end face of the north pole of the magnet 230 is the magnetic pole surface 231 facing the magnetic sensor 11. The magnetic pole surface 231 of the north pole facing the magnetic sensor 11 is not a plane, but a convex sphere. When the magnetic pole surface 231 is a convex sphere, the curvature of the magnetic field lines is stronger compared to when the magnetic pole surface is a plane. The shape of the magnetic pole surface of the south pole on the side not facing the magnetic sensor 11 may be a convex sphere similar to the north pole, or it may be a plane like a cut cylinder.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the sensor board 10 is a board on which a single-chip magnetic sensor 11 is mounted, in addition to a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown). The CPU performs data processing based on the detection results of the magnetic sensor 11 and outputs an electrical signal that reflects the operation of the shift lever 21. The ROM stores software programs and the like that are executed by the CPU.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the magnetic sensor 11 is an IC chip incorporating magnetic detection elements 111 to 114 that detect magnetic components acting in the vertical direction. The magnetic detection elements 111 to 114 are magnetic detection elements of the same specifications. The magnetic sensor 11 has a disc-shaped magnetic plate 115 made of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic detection elements 111 to 114 are arranged at four locations on the outer circumference of the magnetic plate 115. In the magnetic sensor 11, the substantially circular area where the magnetic plate 115 and magnetic detection elements 111 to 114 are arranged constitutes the magnetic detection section 110. Magnetic detection elements 111 and 112 are arranged opposite each other along the X-axis direction, and magnetic detection elements 113 and 114 are arranged opposite each other along the Y-axis direction. In this example, the size of the magnetic detection section 110 is set to a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm relative to the front shape of the magnetic pole surface (N pole) facing the magnetic sensor 11, which has a diameter of 10 mm.

[0039] The case where a magnetic vector B, consisting of magnetic components Bx, By, and Bz along the X, Y, and Z axes, acts on the magnetic sensor 11 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Of the magnetic components, Bz, which acts in the vertical direction, acts almost equally on all magnetic detection elements 111 to 114. On the other hand, when the magnetic component Bx along the X axis acts on the magnetic sensor 11, as shown in Figure 6, it is magnetically induced in the magnetic plate 115, which is a magnetic material, causing the magnetic field lines to curve. As a result, a magnetic force αBx (α is a constant) acting in the opposite direction vertically acts on the magnetic detection elements 111 and 112 arranged in the X-axis direction. Similarly, a magnetic force αBy acting in the opposite direction vertically acts on the magnetic detection elements 113 and 114 arranged in the Y-axis direction with the same specifications as in the X-axis direction, due to the magnetic component By along the Y-axis.

[0040] At this time, the magnetic forces B1 to B4 acting on each magnetic detection element 111 to 114 are given by the following equations: B1 = αBx + Bz B2 = -αBx + Bz B3 = αBy + Bz B4 = -αBy + Bz

[0041] Bx, By, and Bz are calculated as follows based on the above simultaneous equations. Bx = (B1 - B2) / 2α By = (B3 - B4) / 2α Bz = (B1 + B2 + B3 + B4) / 4 According to the magnetic sensor 11, it is possible to detect an arbitrary acting direction in three dimensions for the magnetic field acting on the magnetic detection unit 110.

[0042] In the shift lever device 1 of this example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inner space of the swing base 32 forms a sensor space 100 for magnetic detection. In this sensor space 100, the pedestal portion 312 of the pedestal 31 to which the sensor substrate 10 is fixed protrudes.

[0043] In the shift lever device 1, according to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction (first direction) (see FIG. 1), the magnet 230 rotates on the outer peripheral side of the magnetic sensor 11. As a result, the acting direction of the magnetic field on the magnetic detection unit 110 changes. Based on the magnetic component Bx along the X-axis and the magnetic component Bz along the Z-axis detected by the magnetic sensor 11, as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination θsh of the magnetic vector (magnetic acting direction) in the plane (first plane) belonging to the X-axis direction (first direction) and orthogonal to the Y-axis can be calculated as the sensor detection angle.

[0044] Based on the inclination θsh (FIG. 7) of the magnetic vector, it is possible to know the rotation angle of the magnet 230, that is, the lever angle which is the operation angle of the shift lever 21. By using that lever angle, it is possible to detect the operation position of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0045] Regarding the operation in the Y-axis direction (second direction), similarly to the above, the acting direction of the magnetic field acting on the magnetic detection unit 110 changes according to the operation. Based on the magnetic component By along the Y-axis and the magnetic component Bz along the Z-axis, as shown in FIG. 8, the inclination θsl of the magnetic vector in the plane (second plane) belonging to the Y-axis direction (second direction) and orthogonal to the X-axis can be calculated as the sensor detection angle, and thereby the operation position of the shift lever 21 in the Y-axis direction can be detected.

[0046] In the shift lever device 1 of this example, the reliability of detecting the operation position of the shift lever 21 and the possibility of miniaturization design are compatible with each other by (1) the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and (2) the shape of the magnetic pole surface. Hereinafter, the technical advantages of (1) the arrangement of the magnetic sensors and (2) the shape of the magnetic pole surface will be described.

[0047] (1) Arrangement of magnetic sensorsIn this example, the magnetic sensor 11 positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis 23A of the magnet 230 is configured to be positioned intermediate between the magnet 230 and the rotation axes 12 and 13. Taking the rotation of the magnet 230 corresponding to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction (first direction) as an example, the technical advantage of (1) the arrangement of the magnetic sensors in this example will be described. For the sake of clear distinction from the advantage due to (2) the shape of the magnetic pole surface, the advantage due to (1) the arrangement of the magnetic sensors will be described using a flat magnetic pole surface as an example.

[0048] When the shift lever 21 is positioned at the H position 151, as shown in FIG. 9, the magnetic force lines extending linearly along the magnetic axis 23A from the magnetic pole surface (N pole) 231 of the magnet 230 act on the magnetic detection unit 110. On the other hand, when the shift lever 21 is operated in the X-axis direction as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the magnetic force lines that curve outward act on the magnetic detection unit 110. In FIGS. 9 to 11, for the sake of space, the illustration of the magnetic field formed around the opposite magnetic pole surface 232 is omitted.

[0049] In the magnetic field around the magnetic pole surface 231 facing the magnetic sensor 11, magnetic force lines that curve outward are formed centering around the magnetic force lines extending linearly along the magnetic axis 23A. The magnetic force lines on the outer side deviated from the magnetic axis 23A have a stronger degree of curvature. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, based on the position of the magnet 230 when the magnetic sensor 11 is positioned on the magnetic axis 23A, the larger the rotation angle of the magnet 230 (referred to as the lever angle), the larger the deviation from the magnetic axis 23A and the stronger the degree of curvature of the outer magnetic force lines acting on the magnetic detection unit 110.

[0050] When outwardly curving magnetic field lines act on the magnetic detection unit 110, a difference is created between the sensor detection angle, which is the detection angle by the magnetic sensor 11, and the lever angle. The stronger the curvature of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic detection unit 110, the larger the difference between the sensor detection angle and the lever angle becomes. If the sensor detection angle becomes larger than the lever angle, the amplification factor, which is the ratio of the sensor detection angle to the lever angle, will exceed 1. This amplification factor increases as the difference between the sensor detection angle and the lever angle increases.

[0051] For example, if the amplification factor is 2, then when the shift lever 21 is operated from the H position 151 to the + position, the change in the sensor detection angle will be twice the change in the lever angle. If, however, linear magnetic field lines along the magnetic axis 23A act on the magnetic sensor 11 regardless of the operating position of the shift lever 21, the amplification factor will be 1, and the sensor detection angle will match the lever angle. In this case, when the shift lever is operated from the H position 151 to the + position, it is not possible to obtain a change in the sensor detection angle that is twice the change in the lever angle. In order to obtain a change equivalent to this twice the change (sensor detection angle), it becomes necessary to set the angular stroke between the H position 151 and the + position to twice the amount, thereby doubling the change in the lever angle itself.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, by positioning the magnetic sensor 11 at an intermediate position between the rotation trajectory of the magnet 230 and the pivot axis 12, which is the center of rotation, the amplification factor, which is the ratio of the sensor detection angle to the lever angle, can be made greater than 1. This allows for an increased change in the sensor detection angle between, for example, the H position 151 and the + position. If the change in the sensor detection angle is large between two adjacent positions in the X-axis direction, it becomes easier to distinguish between the two adjacent positions, improving the reliability of detecting the operating position of the shift lever 21. Furthermore, if the amplification factor, which is the ratio of the sensor detection angle to the lever angle, can be made greater than 1 by positioning the magnetic sensor 11 as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the angular stroke of the shift lever 21 required to obtain a predetermined amount as the change in the sensor detection angle can be reduced. Reducing the angular stroke makes it easier to design a miniaturized shift lever device.

[0053] (2) Shape of the magnetic pole surface In Figures 9 to 11, for the sake of explanation, the magnetic pole surface 231 facing the magnetic sensor 11 is shown as a flat surface. In this example, the magnet 230 illustrated in Figure 12 is used as the magnetic generating unit 23. As shown in the front view in Figure (a) and the perspective view in Figure (b), one of the magnetic pole surfaces of the magnet 230 used in this example is a flat surface, while the other is a dome-shaped convex spherical surface. In this example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the magnet 230 is assembled so that the convex spherical magnetic pole surface 231 faces the magnetic sensor 11. The technical advantages of making the magnetic pole surface 231 a convex spherical surface will be explained below using the rotation of the magnet 230 in response to the operation of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction (first direction) as an example.

[0054] The sensor detection angle for detecting the operating position of the shift lever 21 in the X-axis direction is the slope θsh of the magnetic vector (see Figure 7), as described above. This slope θsh of the magnetic vector is the direction of magnetic action in the first plane along the X-axis direction. The magnetic pole surface 231 is a convex sphere, and the cross-sectional shape along this first plane is also convex.

[0055] When comparing a planar magnetic pole surface 231 (Figure 9) with a convex magnetic pole surface 231 (Figure 13), the magnetic field around the convex magnetic pole surface 231 exhibits a stronger curvature of the magnetic field lines. This is because the magnetic field lines originating from the convex magnetic pole surface 231 have a shorter linear portion closer to the direction of the magnetic axis 23A, resulting in a more pronounced outward curvature closer to the magnetic pole surface 231.

[0056] If the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic detection unit 110 (magnetic sensor 11) increases, the distance between the magnet 230 and the magnetic sensor 11 can be shortened, as will be explained below with reference to Figure 14. Note that the rotational position of the magnet 230 shown in Figure 14 is the position when the same lever angle as in Figure 11 is generated, with the H position (reference numeral 151 in Figure 1) as the reference.

[0057] Figure 14(a) shows the arrangement of the magnetic sensor 11 and the pivot shaft 12 to obtain the same sensor detection angle as in Figure 11. Figure 14(b) is a copy of Figure 11 showing the case of a planar magnetic pole surface 231 for ease of comparison. In Figure 14(b), the dashed line indicating the magnetic sensor 11 shows the position of the magnetic sensor 11 in Figure 14(a) for comparison.

[0058] In Figure 14(a), which shows the case of a convex magnetic pole surface 231, the distance between the magnet 230 and the magnetic sensor 11 is shorter than in Figure 14(b), which shows the case of a planar magnetic pole surface 231, while the direction of action of the magnetic field lines on the magnetic detection unit 110 is almost the same as in Figure 14(b). In other words, in the case of a convex magnetic pole surface 231, even if the distance between the magnet 230 and the magnetic sensor 11 is shortened, the same sensor detection angle as in the case of a planar magnetic pole surface 231 can be obtained.

[0059] In the case of a planar magnetic pole surface 231 (Figure 14(b)), when the magnetic sensor 11 is placed in the same position as in Figure 14(a) (the position of the magnetic sensor 11 shown by the dashed line), the linear portion of the magnetic field lines that is close to the direction of the magnetic axis 23A will act on the magnetic sensor 11. In this case, the amplification factor, which is the ratio of the sensor detection angle to the lever angle, will be close to 1. In this case, in order to obtain the same sensor detection angle as in Figure 14(a), it will be necessary to increase the lever angle, i.e., the angular stroke of the shift lever 21, which is likely to make miniaturization difficult.

[0060] Thus, by making the shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 convex, the distance between the magnet 230 and the magnetic sensor 11 can be shortened, making it easier to design a miniaturized shift lever device 1. In this example, the shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 is a convex sphere, and the cross-sectional shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 along the second plane along the Y-axis is also convex. Therefore, the technical advantages of the convex shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 are realized in the Y-axis direction as in the X-axis direction.

[0061] As described above, the shift lever device 1 in this example has specifications that allow for easy miniaturization while ensuring reliable operation.

[0062] Alternatively, instead of the magnetic sensor in this example, a single-chip IC incorporating three magnetic detection elements arranged along the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes can be used.

[0063] In this example, the diameter of the magnetic pole surface 231 of the magnet 230 is set to approximately 10 mm, while the diameter of the magnetic detection unit 110 is set to 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The size of the magnetic pole surface 231 of the magnet 230 and the magnetic detection unit 110 are not limited to this example. Also, in this example, a circular front shape is used for the magnetic pole surface 231 and the magnetic detection unit 110, but the front shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 and the magnetic detection unit 110 is not limited to a circular shape. The front shape of the magnetic pole surface 231 and the magnetic detection unit 110 can be any shape, such as an ellipse or a polygon such as a square. Naturally, it is also possible to set different shapes, such as a circular front shape for the magnetic pole surface 231 and a square front shape for the magnetic detection unit 110.

[0064] In this example, when comparing the size of the magnetic pole surface 231 with the size of the magnetic detection unit 110, the magnetic detection unit 110 is exemplified as being sized to be contained within the magnetic pole surface 231. If the size of the magnetic detection unit 110 is such that it is contained within the magnetic pole surface 231, the variation in the inclination of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic detection unit 110 can be reduced. However, it is not a mandatory requirement that the relative sizes of the magnetic pole surface 231 of the magnet 230 and the magnetic detection unit 110 be configured as in this example. The magnetic detection unit may be the same size as the magnetic pole surface 231, or even larger than the magnetic pole surface 231. If the configuration allows the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines acting on the magnetic detection unit to change in response to the operation of the shift lever 21, the effect of the present invention can be realized, which is that the amplification factor, which is the ratio of the sensor detection angle to the lever angle, can be made greater than 1, regardless of the relative sizes of the magnetic pole surface 231 and the magnetic detection unit 110.

[0065] In this example, a dome-shaped spherical magnetic pole surface 231 is given as an example of a convex magnetic pole surface (see Figure 12). The shape of the convex magnetic pole surface is not limited to the dome-shaped sphere in this example. Various shapes are possible for the convex shape of the magnetic pole surface, as illustrated in Figures 15 to 18. In these figures, as with Figure 12, (a) a front view and (b) a perspective view are shown side by side to make it easier to understand the shape.

[0066] Figure 15 shows a cone-shaped cone-shaped cone surface 231. As shown in the figure, a small area plane may be provided at the vertex of the cone, or the vertex may be close to a point with an area close to zero. Figure 16 shows a cone-shaped cone surface 231 with a truncated cone shape, obtained by chamfering the corners of the end face of a cylindrical shape all around, and is a shape that can be obtained by enlarging the area of ​​the vertex of the cone shape in Figure 15. Figure 17 shows a cone-shaped cone surface 231 with a first roof shape, as shown in the front view of Figure 17(a). The roof shape in the figure is obtained by greatly chamfering two corners of the end face of a cylindrical shape that are located opposite each other through the center of the end face. In this figure, the cone-shaped cone surface 231 is formed by two slopes, like the roof surface of a gable roof. The slope of each slope may be kept constant, and the ridge corresponding to the ridge of the gable roof may be formed at an acute angle. However, as shown in the figure, the slope near the ridge may be made gentler to form a rounded ridge. Figure 18 shows a convex magnetic pole surface 231 that forms the shape of the second roof type, as shown in the front view of Figure 18(a). The shape of the second roof type in the figure is based on the shape of the first roof type in Figure 17, but the slope at the base of each slope corresponding to the roof surface of the gable roof is made gentler, and the slope of each slope is made into two stages. The convex magnetic pole surfaces in Figures 15 to 18 are merely examples of some of the convex magnetic pole surfaces belonging to the present invention, and a variety of other convex shapes are conceivable. Any shape is acceptable for the convex shape of the magnetic pole surface as long as it can increase the degree of curvature of the magnetic field lines.

[0067] (Example 2) This example is based on the configuration of Example 1, but with a modified configuration of the magnetic generation unit 23. This will be explained with reference to Figure 19.

[0068] While the magnetic generation unit in Example 1 is composed solely of a magnet, the magnetic generation unit 23 in this example is composed of a combination of a magnet 230 and a protrusion 233. The magnet 230 is a cylindrical permanent magnet with a diameter of 10 mm, with an N pole and a S pole at both ends. The protrusion 233 is a dome-shaped magnetic member made of a soft magnetic material such as iron or stainless steel. The bottom surface of the protrusion 233 is a flat surface with a diameter of 10 mm. The magnetic generation unit 23 is formed by combining the magnet 230 and the protrusion 233 in a state where the magnetic pole surface of the N pole of the magnet 230 and the bottom surface of the protrusion 233 are in contact, and the outer surface of the dome-shaped protrusion 233 functions as the magnetic surface 231 of the N pole of the magnetic generation unit 23.

[0069] The other configurations and effects are the same as in Example 1.

[0070] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as shown in the examples above, these examples only disclose an example of the technology covered by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively based on the configuration or numerical values ​​of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies obtained by various modifications or changes to the above examples using prior art or the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0071] 1 Shift lever device 10 Sensor substrate 100 Sensor space 11 Magnetic sensor 110 Magnetic detection unit 111-114 Magnetic detection element 115 Magnetic plate 12 First pivot shaft 13 Second pivot shaft 15 Protective cover 150 Gate 151 H position 2 Lever block 20 Shift shaft 21 Shift lever 23 Magnetic generation unit 23A Magnetic shaft 23H Magnet holder unit 230 Magnet 231 Magnetic pole surface (magnetic sensor side) 233 Protrusion (magnetic member) 3 Base block 30 Select shaft 31 Base 32 Rocking base 321 Pedestal

Claims

1. A shift lever device including a shift lever operated to select a shift range of a vehicle, comprising: a lever block forming the base of the shift lever and rotating integrally with the operation of the shift lever; a magnetic source disposed on the lever block, which rotates about a first pivot axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in a predetermined first direction; a base block supporting the lever block in a rotatable state; and a magnetic sensor disposed on the base block for detecting the operating position of the shift lever in the first direction, wherein the magnetic source is configured such that, regardless of the operating position of the shift lever in the first direction, the magnetic axis passing through the centers of the N and S poles is directed toward the first pivot axis; the magnetic sensor is capable of detecting the direction of action of at least the magnetism in a first plane along the first direction among the magnetism generated by the magnetic source, and is positioned intermediate between the magnetic source and the first pivot axis when positioned in the direction of the magnetic axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in the first direction. A shift lever device characterized in that the magnetic pole surface of the magnetic generating unit facing the magnetic sensor has a convex cross-sectional shape along the first plane, at least.

2. The shift lever device according to claim 1, wherein the shift lever is operable in a first direction and also in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the magnetic generating unit rotates about a second pivot axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in the second direction, and is configured such that the magnetic axis faces the second pivot axis regardless of the operating position of the shift lever in the second direction, the magnetic sensor is capable of detecting at least the direction of action of the magnetism in the first plane and the direction of action of the magnetism in the second plane along the second direction, and is positioned intermediately between the magnetic generating unit and the second pivot axis when positioned along the magnetic axis in response to the operation of the shift lever in the second direction, and the magnetic pole surface facing the magnetic sensor has at least a convex cross-sectional shape along the first plane and a convex cross-sectional shape along the second plane.

3. The shift lever device according to claim 2, characterized in that the magnetic sensor is capable of measuring magnetic components in three mutually orthogonal directions.

4. A shift lever device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnetic pole surface facing the magnetic sensor side is a convex spherical surface.

5. The shift lever device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic generating portion includes a permanent magnet and a magnetic member made of a soft magnetic material that is magnetically connected to one of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet, wherein the outer surface of the magnetic member forms a magnetic pole surface facing the magnetic sensor side.

6. The shift lever device according to claim 2, characterized in that the magnetic generating portion includes a permanent magnet and a magnetic member made of a soft magnetic material magnetically connected to one of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet, wherein the outer surface of the magnetic member forms a magnetic pole surface facing the magnetic sensor side.

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