JP6060942B2 - Vehicle shift device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle shift device for switching a shift range of a vehicle, and more particularly to a momentary vehicle shift device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a shift device for a vehicle such as an automobile, a so-called electric lifter device that performs a shift by electrically detecting the position of a shift lever is known. The electric lifter device was often installed in electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that do not have a mechanical transmission, but because there is no need for mechanical connection between the shift lever and the transmission, the design freedom is high. It is gradually being installed in a vehicle equipped with a mechanical transmission, for example, a conventional automobile using only an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source.

  Since there is no restriction on the operation stroke of the shift lever, the mechanism called a momentary type is widely used from the viewpoint of achieving compactness and improving operability. For example, a momentary type electric lifter device changes the range of the transmission when the shift lever is moved in a predetermined direction from the home position where the shift lever stands upright, and then changes the range when the hand is released from the shift lever. The shift lever automatically returns to the home position while maintaining the above range. Such a momentary type electric lifter device may cause the range to be switched unexpectedly when a driver or another passenger's hand or baggage accidentally touches the shift lever (erroneous operation).

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when the shift lever is operated from the home position in the first direction, the range is switched to the neutral range, and the lever position (neutral position) at that time is used as a starting point in another direction (second direction). ) Discloses a technique in which the range is switched to the travel range (drive range or reverse range) when the shift lever is operated. According to this configuration, even if an occupant accidentally touches the shift lever, the neutral range is selected and only the engine driving force transmission is cut off, and the range does not switch to the travel range. The effect can be minimized.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when the shift lever is moved upward or downward from the home position by a short first distance to the first stopper, the range is switched to the neutral range, and the shift lever is first or upward from the home position. A technique is disclosed in which a range is switched to a travel range when a long second distance is moved to the second stopper by jumping over the stopper. According to this configuration, even if an occupant accidentally touches the shift lever, the shift lever stops at the first stopper and only the neutral range is selected, and the range does not switch to the travel range. The effect can be minimized.

  Also, in Patent Document 3, a button switch is provided on the shift lever, and when the button switch is pressed, the range is switched to the neutral range, and the shift lever is moved while the button switch is pressed. Then, a technique for switching the range to the traveling range is disclosed. According to this configuration, the range is not switched to the travel range unless the button switch pressing operation and the shift lever moving operation are performed at the same time, so that the travel range is selected against the driver's will. Can be prevented.

Japanese Patent No. 4373212 Japanese Patent No. 4009405 WO2011 / 090011 Publication

  Each of the above technologies is a technology that can ensure safety against erroneous operation, but each has the following problems to be solved.

  In the case of Patent Document 1, in order to select the travel range, the shift lever must be operated in the second direction after the shift lever is operated in the first direction. The total stroke becomes longer. This is a factor that causes annoyance for a driver who wants to select a travel range quickly and easily. In addition, the range of movement of the shift lever is increased, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus.

  The same applies to Patent Document 2. That is, in order to select the travel range, the shift lever must be moved by the long second distance by jumping over the first stopper, and the total stroke of the shift lever becomes long. This is a factor that causes annoyance for a driver who wants to select a travel range quickly and easily. In addition, the range of movement of the shift lever is increased, leading to an increase in the size of the apparatus. In addition, in order to select the neutral range, the shift lever must be securely stopped by the first stopper, and also in this respect, it is difficult to operate the shift lever quickly.

  In the case of Patent Document 3, in order to select the travel range, the shift lever must be moved while the button switch is pressed, and the lightness of lever operation is impaired. This is also a factor that causes annoyance for a driver who wants to select a travel range quickly and easily.

  On the other hand, when selecting the drive range, which is the forward travel range, and when selecting the reverse range, which is the reverse travel range, the driver is more careful when selecting the reverse range where the vehicle moves backward. It is necessary to promote safety and improve safety.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation in momentary-type vehicle shift devices, and ensures safety against erroneous operation, quick and simple range selection, suppression of device enlargement, and safety during reverse range selection. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle shift device capable of improving the performance.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an operation member operated by a driver, the operation member with a home position, a first movement limit position separated from the home position in a first direction, A main body that movably supports the second movement limit position away from the home position in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and automatically returns the operation member after movement to the home position; A gripping part supported rotatably at the tip of the operating member in the first direction and the second direction, and a range of a transmission mounted on the vehicle based on the operation of the operating member and the gripping part The control means switches the range to the neutral range when the operation member is moved from the home position to the first movement limit position, and further from the state, the control means The grip is on the top When the rotation operation is performed in the first direction, the range is switched to a drive range that is a traveling range in the forward direction, and when the operation member is operated to move from the home position to the second movement limit position, The range is switched to the neutral range, and when the gripping part is rotated in the second direction from that state, the range is switched to the reverse range that is the traveling range in the reverse direction, and The force required to rotate the gripping part in the first direction by applying a force to the gripping part when switching to the drive range is F1, and the force is applied to the gripping part when switching to the reverse range. In the vehicle shift device, wherein F1 <F2 is set, where F2 is the force required to rotate the grip portion in the second direction. That.

  According to the present invention, in order to select the neutral range, the driver moves the operation member from the home position to the first or second direction in the first or second direction without pressing the button switch, for example. Just move to the position. At that time, the operation member cannot move beyond the first or second movement limit position, and stops reliably at the first or second movement limit position, so that the operation member can be easily moved quickly and the operability is good. It becomes.

  In order to select the drive range, the driver only needs to rotate the grip portion in the first direction while the operation member is stopped at the first movement limit position. At that time, since the rotation direction of the gripping part and the movement direction of the operation member are the same first direction, the direction of movement operation of the operation member and the direction of rotation operation of the gripping part are aligned in a straight line. The part can be quickly and easily rotated following the operation of moving the operation member.

  Similarly, in order to select the reverse range, the driver only needs to rotate the grip portion in the second direction while the operation member is stopped at the second movement limit position. At this time, since the rotation direction of the gripping portion and the movement direction of the operation member are the same second direction, the direction of movement operation of the operation member and the direction of rotation operation of the gripping portion are aligned in a straight line. The part can be quickly and easily rotated following the operation of moving the operation member.

  Further, since the movement range of the operation member is only between the first movement limit position and the second movement limit position for selecting the neutral range arranged across the home position, the movement range of the operation member is small. The device can be made compact.

  Moreover, even if the occupant inadvertently touches the operating member, the neutral range is selected and only the driving force transmission of the engine is cut off, so that safety against erroneous operation is ensured.

  Furthermore, it is necessary when selecting the reverse range when the driver holds the gripping part in his hand and applies force in the first or second direction to rotate the gripping part in the first or second direction. Since the operation force F2 for the rotation operation in the second direction is set to a value larger than the operation force F1 for the rotation operation in the first direction required when selecting the drive range, the vehicle moves backward. When the reverse range is selected, the driver is required to reliably rotate the grip portion with a relatively large force. As a result, the driver's attention at the time of selecting the reverse range is enhanced, the driver is strongly conscious of selecting the reverse range, and the driver can be urged to operate more carefully. Therefore, the safety when selecting the reverse range is improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle shift device capable of ensuring safety against an erroneous operation, quickly and easily selecting a range, suppressing an increase in size of the device, and improving safety when selecting a reverse range.

  In the present invention, the force required to move the operating member from the home position to the first movement limit position by applying a force to the gripping portion is F3, and the force is applied to the gripping portion to move the operating member to the home position. When the force required to move from the position to the second movement limit position is F4, F3 = F4 <F1 <F2, F3 <F4 <F1 <F2, or F3 <F1 <F4 <F2 is set. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, in any of the above three patterns, F3 (operation force necessary for movement in the first direction) <F1 (operation force necessary for rotation in the first direction), F4 ( Since the operation force necessary for movement in the second direction) <F2 (operation force necessary for rotation in the second direction), the driver holds the grip portion in his / her hand in the first or second direction. When the operating member is moved by applying force to the operating member, the gripping portion is prevented from rotating with respect to the operating member during the moving operation. As a result, the driver can adjust the operation sequence required when selecting the drive range or the reverse range, that is, the operation sequence in which the gripping portion is rotated after the operation member is moved to the movement limit position. We can protect naturally without being conscious. Therefore, the operability when selecting the travel range is improved.

  In particular, when F3 <F4 <F1 <F2 or F3 <F1 <F4 <F2, F3 (operating force necessary for movement in the first direction) <F4 (operation necessary for movement in the second direction) Therefore, when the reverse range where the vehicle moves backward is selected at the stage of moving the operating member before the gripping part is rotated, the operating member is reliably moved with a relatively large force. The driver is required to do this. As a result, the driver's attention at the time of reverse range selection is enhanced from a relatively early stage, and the driver is strongly conscious of selecting the reverse range, so that the driver is more cautious. Can be urged. Therefore, the safety when selecting the reverse range is further ensured.

  In the present invention, biasing means for biasing the gripping portion to an initial position before the turning operation is provided, and the biasing force of the biasing means acting on the gripping portion that is turned in the second direction is provided. Is set to a value larger than the urging force of the urging means that acts on the gripping part that is rotated in the first direction, so that F1 <F2 is preferably set.

  According to this configuration, by adjusting the urging force of the urging means, the operation force F2 required for rotation in the second direction is larger than the operation force F1 required for rotation in the first direction. Can be easily set to a value.

  In the present invention, the first position detecting means and the second position detecting means for detecting that the operating member is at the first movement limit position or the second movement limit position, and the gripping portion in the first direction or First rotation detection means and second rotation detection means for detecting rotation in the second direction are provided, and the control means includes the first / second position detection means and the first / second position detection means. When the first position detection unit is in the detection state from the state in which all of the rotation detection units are in the non-detection state, the range is switched to the neutral range, and from that state, the first rotation detection unit is in the detection state. When the range becomes the drive range, the first and second position detecting means and the first and second rotation detecting means are all in a non-detected state, and the second position detecting means is in a detected state. When the When the second rotation detection means is in the detection state from that state, the range is switched to the reverse range, and the first / second position detection means and the first / second rotation detection are performed. When the first rotation detection unit or the second rotation detection unit is in the detection state first after all the units are in the non-detection state, it is preferable that the range is not switched at that time.

  According to this configuration, based on the detection results of the first or second position detection unit and the first or second rotation detection unit, the operation of the operation member and the grip portion is recognized, and the range is controlled. In addition, when the detection order of the detection means is different, it is determined that the operation is incorrect, and erroneous range switching is avoided.

  In the present invention, the pressing force necessary for pressing the second rotation detecting means by the gripping portion to bring the second rotation detecting means into a detection state is the first rotation by the gripping portion. It is preferable that F1 <F2 is set by setting it to a value larger than the pressing force required for pressing the detecting means to bring the first rotation detecting means into a detection state.

  According to this configuration, the operating force F2 necessary for rotation in the second direction is adjusted in the first direction by adjusting the pressing force required to set the rotation detection means to the detection state. It can be easily set to a value larger than the operating force F1 required for movement.

  The present invention is a momentary type vehicle shift device, which can ensure safety against erroneous operation, quickly and easily select a range, suppress the enlargement of the device, and improve safety when selecting a reverse range. Contributes to the improvement of device reliability and merchantability.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the compartment front part of the vehicle to which the shift apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a top view of the part by which the said shift apparatus was arrange | positioned in the center console of the said vehicle. It is the disassembled perspective view of the notch which looked at the said shift apparatus from the left back. It is the perspective view of a part notch which looked at the said shift apparatus from the left rear. It is the perspective view of a part notch which looked at the said shift apparatus from the right rear. It is a plane sectional view for demonstrating the detent mechanism employ | adopted as the said shift apparatus. It is a left longitudinal section for explaining operation when selecting the drive range of the above-mentioned shift lever, (a) is a state when a shift lever is in a home position, (b) is a shift lever tilting back. The state when operated, (c) shows the state when the knob is rotated backward. It is a left longitudinal section for explaining operation when selecting the reverse range of the above-mentioned shift lever, (a) is a state when a shift lever is in a home position, (b) is a shift lever tilting forward. The state when operated, (c) shows the state when the knob is rotated forward. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the said shift apparatus. It is a diagram for demonstrating the shift pattern of the said shift apparatus, Comprising: (a) is a shift pattern from a parking range, (b) is a shift pattern from a reverse range, (c) is a shift pattern from a neutral range, ( d) shows a shift pattern from the drive range. It is the figure which put together the shift pattern shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the range switching operation | movement which the controller of the said shift apparatus performs.

(1) Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle compartment front portion of a vehicle according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 2 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the front part of the passenger compartment. A meter unit 3 is provided on the driver's seat side (left side in FIG. 1) of the instrument panel 2, and a steering handle 4 is provided behind the meter unit 3. A center console 5 is provided from the center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 2 toward the rear of the vehicle, and the shift device 1 is provided on the center console 5.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle uses only an engine (not shown) composed of an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine as a power source, and automatically shifts the driving force of the engine according to the vehicle speed, engine load, or the like. In addition, a mechanical automatic transmission (AT) 50 (see FIG. 9) for transmission to the wheels is provided. As a range (shift range) of the automatic transmission 50, a neutral range in which the transmission of the driving force is cut off, a parking range in which the transmission of the driving force is cut and the output shaft is locked, and a direction in which the vehicle moves forward A drive range in which the driving force is transmitted (forward travel range) and a reverse range (reverse travel range) in which the driving force is transmitted in the direction in which the vehicle moves backward are provided. Here, the neutral range and the parking range are non-traveling ranges, and the drive range and reverse range are traveling ranges. The shift device 1 is operated by the driver to select a desired range from the plurality of ranges.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing an arrangement portion of the shift device 1 in the center console 5. 2 and other figures after FIG. 2, the arrow F indicates the front of the vehicle, and the arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shift device 1 includes a parking switch 8 and an indicator 9.

  The parking switch 8 is a push button switch, and is operated when the range is switched to the parking range. On the upper surface of the parking switch 8, there is provided a dial with a letter “P” representing the parking range. When the parking range is selected, the letter “P” is highlighted by a light source such as an LED. The The parking switch 8 has both a function as a switch for switching the range to the parking range and a function as an indicator for displaying that the parking range is selected.

  The indicator 9 displays a currently selected range other than the parking range. The indicator 9 has a dial in which characters “R” representing the reverse range, “N” representing the neutral range, and “D” representing the drive range are arranged in order from the front in the vicinity of the parking switch 8. When a reverse, neutral, or drive range is selected according to the operation of the main operation unit 7 to be described next, an “R” corresponding to the selected range is selected by a light source such as an LED. , “N”, or “D” are highlighted.

  In the present embodiment, the currently selected range is also displayed on the meter unit 3 (see FIG. 1). The meter unit 3 has a display section between, for example, a speedometer and a tachometer, and the display section displays “P”, “R”, “N”, “D” corresponding to the currently selected range. One of the characters is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shift device 1 further includes a main operation unit 7. The main operation unit 7 is operated when the range is switched to any of reverse, neutral, and drive other than the parking range.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the main operation portion 7 includes a shift lever (corresponding to an “operation member” of the present invention) 10 and a main body portion 20 that supports the shift lever 10 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction. Including.

  The shift lever 10 includes a lever portion 12 extending in the vertical direction, a columnar tilting shaft portion 13 provided at the lower end portion of the lever portion 12 and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a tilting shaft provided at the upper end portion of the lever portion 12. A column-shaped rotation shaft portion 14 that extends shorter in the vehicle width direction than the portion 13, a block body 15 provided at a position slightly below the intermediate portion of the lever portion 12, and a left side from the left side surface of the block body 15. A bar-shaped detent leg 16 projecting in the right direction and a bar-shaped sensor leg 17 projecting rightward from the right side surface of the block body 15.

  The main body 20 is provided on a housing 21 formed on the upper surface and front, back, left, and right side surfaces (the left side surface and the rear side surface are cut out in FIGS. 3 to 5), and on the inner surface of the left side surface of the housing 21. The detent guiding member 24 and the lever rotation angle sensor (the “first position detecting means” and the “second position detecting means” of the present invention) provided on the right side surface of the casing 21 via the arc-shaped opening 25. 29).

  An oval gate 22 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the housing 21, and the lever portion 12 of the shift lever 10 is inserted through the gate 22. The block body 15 of the lever portion 12 is disposed inside the housing 21. Circular openings 23 are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the housing 21, and the left and right ends of the tilting shaft portion 13 of the shift lever 10 are rotatably fitted in the circular openings 23. Thereby, the shift lever 10 is supported by the main body part 20 via the tilting shaft part 13 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction.

  With the shift lever 10 supported by the main body 20, the detent leg 16 provided on the left side surface of the block body 15 and the detent guide member 24 provided on the left side surface of the housing 21 come into contact with each other. . The detent legs 16 are movable in the left-right direction with respect to the block body 15 and are always urged to the left by a compression spring (not shown) built in the block body 15. As is apparent from FIG. 5, the contact surface of the detent guiding member 24 with the detent leg 16 is formed as a partially concave spherical receiving surface 24a recessed leftward. The tip of the detent leg 16 is always pressed by the leftward biasing force of the compression spring.

  As shown by a solid line in FIG. 6, the detent leg portion 16 advances most from the block body 15 when it is in contact with the central portion (bottom portion of the concave spherical surface) of the spherical receiving surface 24 a. At this time, the compression spring stretches most and the urging force decreases. On the other hand, as shown by a chain line in FIG. 6, the detent leg 16 is retracted into the block body 15 as the distance from the center of the spherical receiving surface 24 a increases. At this time, the compression spring contracts and the urging force increases. Therefore, the retracted detent leg 16 is strongly pressed against the spherical receiving surface 24a, and the pressing force is converted into a force for returning the detent leg 16 to the center of the spherical receiving surface 24a. Therefore, when the operating force in the front-rear direction is not applied to the shift lever 10, the shift lever 10 is held at a position where the detent leg portion 16 is located at the center of the spherical receiving surface 24a. The position of the shift lever 10 at this time is referred to as “home position”. At the home position, the shift lever 10 is in a vertical position.

  When the shift lever 10 at the home position receives an operation force and tilts in the front-rear direction, the detent leg 16 is separated from the center of the spherical receiving surface 24a, and accordingly, the detent leg 16 is moved to the center of the spherical receiving surface 24a. Force to return to the part is generated. Therefore, when the operating force for the shift lever 10 is released, the shift lever 10 automatically returns to the home position. That is, the shift device 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 20 that supports the shift lever 10 so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction and automatically returns the tilted shift lever 10 to the home position. Device.

  When the shift lever 10 tilts backward from the home position (corresponding to the “first direction” of the present invention) and the lever portion 12 contacts the rear end portion of the gate 22, the shift lever 10 exceeds the position. Cannot tilt backwards. The position of the shift lever 10 at this time is referred to as a “backward tilt limit position” (corresponding to the “first movement limit position” of the present invention). Similarly, when the shift lever 10 tilts forward (corresponding to the “second direction” of the present invention) from the home position, and the lever portion 12 contacts the front end portion of the gate 22, the shift lever 10 changes its position. Cannot tilt forward beyond. The position of the shift lever 10 at this time is referred to as “forward tilt limit position” (corresponding to “second movement limit position” of the present invention). That is, the shift lever 10 can be tilted between the home position and the rearward tilt limit position away from the home position, and between the home position and the forward tilt limit position away from the home position. Is possible.

  3 to 5, the sensor leg 17 provided on the right side surface of the block body 15 and the lever provided on the right side surface of the housing 21 in a state where the shift lever 10 is supported by the main body 20. The rotation angle sensor 29 is engaged. The lever rotation angle sensor 29 detects the rotation angle of the shift lever 10 when the shift lever 10 is tilted back and forth from the home position by detecting the position of the sensor leg 17.

  Assuming that the rotation angle of the shift lever 10 when the shift lever 10 is at the home position is zero, the rotation angle (rear limit angle) of the shift lever 10 when the shift lever 10 is at the rearward tilt limit position and the front The rotation angle (front limit angle) of the shift lever 10 at the tilt limit position is determined in advance. Therefore, when the rear limit angle is detected by the lever rotation angle sensor 29, it is detected that the shift lever 10 is at the rear tilt limit position (operation as the “first position detecting means” of the present invention), and the lever When the forward limit angle is detected by the rotation angle sensor 29, it is detected that the shift lever 10 is at the forward tilt limit position (operation as the “second position detecting means” of the present invention). When it is detected that the shift lever 10 is at the rearward tilt limit position or the forward tilt limit position, the lever rotation angle sensor 29 is ON (detection state), and otherwise, it is OFF (non-detection state). It is.

  A shift knob (corresponding to a “gripping portion” of the present invention) 11 that is gripped by the driver when the shift lever 10 is operated is supported on the upper end portion of the shift lever 10 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the knob 11 is formed in an egg shape so that the driver can easily grasp it from above or from behind. The knob 11 includes a right half portion 11a and a left half portion 11b that are mirror images of each other, and the right half portion 11a is rotatably fitted to the right end portion of the turning shaft portion 14 of the shift lever 10 to the left. The half part 11b is rotatably fitted to the left end part of the turning shaft part 14 of the shift lever 10.

  A space 11x having a predetermined shape is formed in the lower portion of both halves 11a and 11b, and a right half torsion coil spring (hereinafter abbreviated as “right spring”) 26a and a left half torsion coil spring are formed in the space 11x. 26b (also abbreviated as “left spring”) is accommodated. That is, a right spring 26a and a left spring 26b are wound around the right portion and the left portion of the rotating shaft portion 14, respectively, and one arm of each spring 26a, 26b is formed in the upper portion of the lever portion 12. 12y (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), and the other arm is fitted into a fitting hole 11y formed in the space 11x of the corresponding half part 11a, 11b. In this state, the right half portion 11a and the left half portion 11b are coupled to each other to form the knob 11. As a result, the knob 11 is supported by the shift lever 10 via the pivot shaft portion 14 so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction. At this time, each spring 26a, 26b is accommodated in the space part 11x of the corresponding half part 11a, 11b. Moreover, the upper part of the lever part 12 penetrates the lower part of the space part 11x.

  Both springs 26a, 26b have different specifications. Specifically, the coil diameter of the right spring 26a is formed larger than the coil diameter of the left spring 26b. The length of the arm is the same. Accordingly, the right spring 26a may be deformed (reduced diameter) in the winding direction in which the coil diameter is reduced, or may be deformed (expanded diameter) in the rewind direction in which the coil diameter is increased, compared to the left spring 26b. Greater moment force is required. Both springs 26a and 26b are accommodated in the space portion 11x in a state where the diameter is slightly reduced from a natural state in which no torsional moment is received around the coil axis. As a result, both springs 26a and 26b generate a biasing force in the diameter increasing direction. In this state, when the operation force in the front-rear direction is not applied to the knob 11, for example, the diameters of both the springs 26 a and 26 b are reduced so that the knob 11 has a posture in which the axial direction coincides with the shift lever 10. The degree is adjusted (more specifically, the left spring 26b is contracted to a larger diameter than the right spring 26a and accommodated in the space portion 11x). The position of the knob 11 at this time is referred to as an “initial position”. The knob 11 is held at the initial position when the operating force in the front-rear direction is not applied.

  As apparent from FIG. 3, when the knob 11 in the initial position receives the operating force and rotates backward, the right spring 26a is deformed in the diameter increasing direction in which the coil diameter increases. This is in the same direction as the urging force of the right spring 26a, and the moment force for the right spring 26a to return to the natural state is relatively large. Therefore, the turning operation of the knob 11 to the rear is a relatively large force. Helped. On the other hand, the left spring 26b is deformed in the diameter reducing direction in which the coil diameter decreases. This is a direction in which the diameter of the left spring 26b is further reduced, and since the moment force that deforms the left spring 26b is relatively small, the turning operation of the knob 11 to the rear receives resistance with a relatively small force. As a result, the force required to apply the force to the knob 11 in the initial position to rotate the knob 11 backward is relatively small resistance force—relatively large assisting force → relatively small backward turning operation force. Just do it. Further, as the knob 11 rotates backward, an elastic restoring force that urges the knob 11 to the initial position before the rotating operation is generated (this urging force is also relatively small). Therefore, when the operating force on the knob 11 is released, the knob 11 naturally returns to the initial position.

  On the other hand, when the knob 11 in the initial position receives an operating force and rotates forward, the right spring 26a is deformed in a diameter reducing direction in which the coil diameter decreases. This is a direction in which the diameter of the right spring 26a is further reduced, and since the moment force that deforms the right spring 26a is relatively large, the turning operation of the knob 11 forward receives resistance with a relatively large force. On the other hand, the left spring 26b is deformed in the diameter increasing direction in which the coil diameter increases. This is in the same direction as the urging force of the left spring 26b, and the moment force for the left spring 26b to return to the natural state is relatively small. Therefore, the turning operation of the knob 11 forward is assisted by a relatively small force. The As a result, the force required to rotate the knob 11 forward by applying a force to the knob 11 in the initial position is a relatively large resistance force—a relatively small assisting force → a relatively large forward turning operation force. Is required. Further, as the knob 11 rotates forward, an elastic restoring force that urges the knob 11 to the initial position before the rotating operation is generated (this urging force also becomes relatively large). Therefore, when the operating force on the knob 11 is released, the knob 11 naturally returns to the initial position.

  As described above, in either case, the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b urge the knob 11 to the initial position before the turning operation, and thus correspond to the “biasing means” of the present invention.

  A drive knob rotation sensor 31 (corresponding to the “first rotation detection means” of the present invention) and a reverse knob rotation sensor 32 (“second rotation detection means of the present invention”) are provided on the upper portion of the lever portion 12. Is equivalent). Both sensors 31 and 32 are touch sensors, and the pressing portions 31 a and 32 a protrude rearward and forward from the rear surface and front surface of the upper portion of the lever portion 12.

  When the knob 11 is rotated rearward from the initial position and the rear surface of the inner wall portion of the knob 11 forming the space portion 11x comes into contact with the lever portion 12, the knob 11 cannot be rotated further rearward (FIG. 7C). reference). At this time, the pressing portion 31a of the drive knob rotation sensor 31 protruding rearward from the rear surface of the lever portion 12 is pressed by the rear surface of the inner wall portion of the knob 11, and the drive knob rotation sensor 31 is turned OFF (non-detected state). ) To ON (detection state). That is, it is detected that the knob 11 is rotated backward from the initial position. Similarly, when the knob 11 is rotated forward from the initial position and the front surface of the inner wall portion of the knob 11 forming the space portion 11x comes into contact with the lever portion 12, the knob 11 cannot be rotated further forward (FIG. 8). (See (c)). At this time, the pressing portion 32a of the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 protruding forward from the front surface of the lever portion 12 is pressed on the front surface of the inner wall portion of the knob 11, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 is turned off (non-detected state). ) To ON (detection state). That is, it is detected that the knob 11 is rotated forward from the initial position.

  FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram of the shift lever 10 and the knob 11 when selecting a drive range, and FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the shift lever 10 and the knob 11, respectively. In the figure, the driver holds the knob 11, applies a force to the knob 11, and moves the knob 11 back and forth, thereby tilting the shift lever 10 back and forth and rotating the knob 11 back and forth. Shall.

  FIGS. 7A and 8A show a default state in which the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. The shift lever 10 is in an upright posture at the center portion of the gate 22 extending in the front-rear direction, and the knob 11 is also in an upright posture because the axial direction of the knob 11 is the same.

  When the drive range is selected, the shift lever 10 is tilted backward from this state, and as shown in FIG. 7B, when the shift lever 10 comes into contact with the rear end of the gate 22, that is, the shift lever 10 Is tilted from the home position to the rearward tilt limit position, the lever rotation angle sensor 29 is turned on.

  Further, from this state, the knob 11 in the initial position is rotated backward, and when the rear surface of the inner wall of the knob 11 comes into contact with the rear surface of the shift lever 10 as shown in FIG. The knob rotation sensor 31 is turned on. As described above, the backward rotation operation force F1 at this time may be a relatively small force.

  On the other hand, when the reverse range is selected, the shift lever 10 is tilted forward from the state of FIG. 8A, and the shift lever 10 contacts the front end of the gate 22 as shown in FIG. 8B. In other words, when the shift lever 10 is tilted from the home position to the forward tilt limit position, the lever rotation angle sensor 29 is turned on.

  Further, from this state, the knob 11 at the initial position is rotated forward, and when the front surface of the inner wall of the knob 11 comes into contact with the front surface of the shift lever 10 as shown in FIG. The knob rotation sensor 32 is turned on. As described above, the forward turning operation force F2 at this time requires a relatively large force.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the operation force F3 required to tilt the shift lever 10 from the home position to the rearward tilt limit position by applying a force to the knob 11 is shown in FIG. 7 (c). As shown, the force is applied to the knob 11 and set to a value smaller than the operation force F1 required to rotate the knob 11 backward from the initial position (backward tilting operation force F3 <rearward turning operation). Force F1).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), an operation force F4 required for tilting the shift lever 10 from the home position to the forward tilt limit position by applying a force to the knob 11 is shown in FIG. 8 (c). As described above, the force is applied to the knob 11 and set to a value smaller than the operation force F2 required to rotate the knob 11 forward from the initial position (forward tilt operation force F4 <forward rotation operation force). F2).

  Such setting includes the elastic restoring force of the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b that urges the knob 11 to the initial position, the urging force of the compression spring that presses the detent leg 16 against the spherical receiving surface 24a, and the spherical receiving surface 24a. This is possible by adjusting the curvature of the lens. Accordingly, the knob 11 is prevented from rotating backward or forward while the knob 11 is gripped and the shift lever 10 is tilted backward or forward.

  It should be noted that the backward tilt operation force F3 necessary for tilting the shift lever 10 from the home position to the backward tilt limit position and the forward tilt operation necessary for tilting the shift lever 10 from the home position to the forward tilt limit position. The force F4 is set to the same value (backward tilt operating force F3 = forward tilt operating force F4). On the other hand, as described above, the forward rotation operation force F2 required when selecting the reverse range is set to a value larger than the rear rotation operation force F1 required when selecting the drive range (rear rotation operation force). F1 <forward turning operation force F2). In particular, in the present embodiment, the backward tilt operation force F3 = the forward tilt operation force F4 <the backward rotation operation force F1 <the forward rotation operation force F2.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, when the shift lever 10 comes into contact with the rear end portion or the front end portion of the gate 22, all the force applied to the knob 11 thereafter is applied to the knob 11. Used for backward or forward rotation. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 8C, only the knob 11 is further tilted backward or forward while the shift lever 10 is tilted rearward or forward.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the shift device 1. In the figure, the controller 60 is composed of a microcomputer including a well-known CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and corresponds to the “control means” of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the controller 60 is represented as an integral block. However, the controller 60 may be composed of a plurality of microcomputers provided separately on the vehicle body side and the automatic transmission 50 side, for example.

  The controller 60 detects whether or not a brake pedal (not shown) is depressed, in addition to the sensors 29, 31, and 32 of the meter unit 3, the parking switch 8, the indicator 9, and the main operation unit 7 described above. The brake sensor 42 and the shift actuator 50a of the automatic transmission 50 are electrically connected. The transmission actuator 50a of the automatic transmission 50 is, for example, a solenoid valve or the like that switches between engagement and disengagement of friction engagement elements such as a clutch and a brake built in the automatic transmission 50. That is, the controller 60 also has a function of controlling the shift operation of the automatic transmission 50 based on the operation state of the shift device 1.

  The controller 60 determines whether or not the parking switch 8 has been pressed according to a signal from a contact built in the parking switch 8. Further, in accordance with a signal from the lever rotation angle sensor 29, it is determined whether the shift lever 10 is tilted in the front or rear direction. Further, it is determined whether or not the knob rotation sensors 31 and 32 are pressed according to a signal from a contact built in the knob rotation sensors 31 and 32. Then, based on the operation state of the shift device 1 determined as described above, the controller 60 controls the range change of the automatic transmission 50 and the display control of the meter unit 3 and the indicator 9 (the currently selected range). And control to display warnings such as invalid operation).

  The controller 60 has a so-called shift lock function. That is, when it is confirmed that the brake pedal is not depressed on the basis of a signal from the brake sensor 42 when the currently selected range is the parking range, the controller 60 changes the other range from the parking range. Prohibits switching to the range.

  Under the control of the controller 60 as described above, in this embodiment, the shift pattern of the shift device 1 is set as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d) and FIG.

  FIG. 10A shows a shift pattern when the current range is a parking range. In the figure, “P”, which is outlined in the center, indicates that the parking range is selected in the current default state where the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. It is shown that.

  “N” written in front of and behind “P” indicates that the range is switched to the neutral range when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward from the home position to the tilt limit position. . “R” written in front of “N” in front of “N” is a range when the knob 11 is further rotated forward after the shift lever 10 is tilted forward. Indicates that the shift lever 10 is switched to the reverse range, and “D” written behind the “N” behind the “N” mark indicates that the knob 11 is further moved after the shift lever 10 is tilted backward. It shows that the range is switched to the drive range when it is rotated backward.

  In summary, the shift pattern when the current range is the parking range is as follows, as shown in the column “P” for “current range” in FIG.

-Tilt operation forward of the shift lever 10 → neutral range-Operation above + rotation operation of the knob 11-reverse range-Tilt operation backward of the shift lever 10-neutral range-Operation above-rear of the knob 11 Rotation operation to → Drive range

  FIG. 10B shows a shift pattern when the current range is the reverse range. In the figure, “R” indicated in white in the center indicates that the reverse range is selected in the current default state where the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. It is shown that.

  “N” written in front of and behind “R” indicates that the range is switched to the neutral range when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward from the home position to the tilt limit position. . The “empty” indicated by the “Δ” mark in front of the front “N” indicates that even if the knob 11 is further rotated forward after the shift lever 10 is tilted forward. This indicates that the rotation operation is invalid. When the operation is invalid, the range is not switched and the current range (here, the reverse range) is maintained. Further, a message indicating that the operation is invalid is displayed on the display unit of the meter unit 3 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, “D” written behind the “N” behind the “N” is the operation of tilting the shift lever 10 backward, and the knob 11 is further rotated backward. And the range is switched to the drive range.

  In summary, the shift pattern when the current range is the reverse range is as follows, as shown in the column “R” for “current range” in FIG.

-Tilt operation forward of the shift lever 10 → Neutral range-Operation above + rotational operation of the knob 11 → Invalid (reverse range maintenance)
-Rearward tilting operation of the shift lever 10 → Neutral range-The above operation + rearward turning operation of the knob 11-> Drive range

  FIG. 10C shows a shift pattern when the current range is a neutral range. In the figure, “N” indicated in white in the center indicates that the neutral range is selected in the current default state where the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. It is shown that.

  “N” written in front of and behind “N” means that the range is switched (maintained) to the neutral range when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward from the home position to the tilt limit position. (The tilting operation is effective). “R” written in front of “N” in front of “N” is a range when the knob 11 is further rotated forward after the shift lever 10 is tilted forward. Indicates that the shift lever 10 is switched to the reverse range, and “D” written behind the “N” behind the “N” mark indicates that the knob 11 is further moved after the shift lever 10 is tilted backward. It shows that the range is switched to the drive range when it is rotated backward.

  In summary, the shift pattern when the current range is the neutral range is as follows, as shown in the column “N” for “current range” in FIG.

-Tilt operation forward of the shift lever 10 → neutral range-Operation above + rotation operation of the knob 11-reverse range-Tilt operation backward of the shift lever 10-neutral range-Operation above-rear of the knob 11 Rotation operation to → Drive range

  FIG. 10D shows a shift pattern when the current range is the drive range. In the figure, “D”, which is outlined in the center, indicates that the drive range is selected in the current default state where the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. It is shown that.

  “N” written in front of and behind “D” indicates that the range is switched to the neutral range when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward from the home position to the tilt limit position. . “R” written in front of “N” in front of “N” is a range when the knob 11 is further rotated forward after the shift lever 10 is tilted forward. Indicates switching to the reverse range. On the other hand, the “empty” indicated by the “Δ” mark behind the rear “N” indicates that the knob 11 is further rotated backward after the shift lever 10 is tilted backward. This indicates that the rotation operation is invalid. When the operation is invalid, the range is not switched and the current range (here, the drive range) is maintained. Further, a message indicating that the operation is invalid is displayed on the display unit of the meter unit 3 (see FIG. 1).

  In summary, the shift pattern when the current range is the drive range is as follows, as shown in the column “D” for “current range” in FIG.

-Tilt operation forward of the shift lever 10 → neutral range-Operation above + rotation operation of the knob 11-reverse range-Tilt operation backward of the shift lever 10-neutral range-Operation above-rear of the knob 11 Rotation operation to → Invalid (Driving range maintenance)

  Note that regardless of the current range, when only the knob 11 is rotated back and forth while the shift lever 10 is held at the home position, the rotation operation is invalidated.

  If it is desired to switch from a range other than the parking range to the parking range, the parking switch 8 is pressed without using the shift lever 10. That is, when the parking switch 8 is pressed when the current range is one of the reverse, neutral, and drive ranges, the range switches to the parking range by itself.

  As a summary, the range switching operation performed by the controller 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This range selection operation starts from a default state in which the shift lever 10 is held at the home position and the knob 11 is held at the initial position. In this default state, the lever rotation angle sensor 29, the drive knob rotation sensor 31, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 are all OFF (non-detection state).

  In step S1, the controller 60 determines whether or not the knob rotation sensors 31 and 32 are switched from OFF to ON (detection state). That is, it is determined whether the knob 11 has been rotated backward or forward from the initial position prior to the tilting operation of the shift lever 10. As a result, if YES, the process returns (operation invalid), and if NO, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the controller 60 determines whether or not the lever rotation angle sensor 29 has been switched from OFF to ON by detecting the rear limit angle or the front limit angle. That is, it is determined whether or not the shift lever 10 has been tilted from the home position to the rear tilt limit position or the front tilt limit position with the rear tilt operation force F3 or the front tilt operation force F4. As a result, the process proceeds to step S3 if YES, and returns if NO.

  In step S3, the controller 60 switches the range to the neutral range, and proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the controller 60 determines whether or not the drive knob rotation sensor 31 has been switched from OFF to ON. That is, after the shift lever 10 is tilted from the home position to the rear tilt limit position, it is further determined whether or not the knob 11 is further pivoted backward from the initial position with the rear pivot operation force F1. As a result, when YES, the process proceeds to step S5, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S5, the controller 60 switches the range to the drive range and returns (drive range selection complete).

  In step S6, the controller 60 determines whether or not the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 has been switched from OFF to ON. That is, after the shift lever 10 is tilted from the home position to the forward tilt limit position, it is further determined whether or not the knob 11 is further pivoted forward from the initial position with the forward pivot operation force F2. As a result, if YES, the process proceeds to step S7, and if NO, the process returns (neutral range selection complete).

  In step S7, the controller 60 switches the range to the reverse range and returns (reverse range selection complete).

(2) Operation As described above, the shift device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the shift lever 10 operated by the driver and the shift lever 10 are tilted backward from the home position and from the home position. A main body 20 that supports the tilting position between a limit position and a forward tilting limit position that is forwardly separated from the home position and that automatically returns the tilted shift lever 10 to the home position, and the shift lever 10. And a controller 60 for controlling the range of the automatic transmission 50 mounted on the vehicle based on the operation of the shift lever 10 and the knob 11. It is done.

  When the shift lever 10 is tilted from the home position to the backward tilt limit position, the controller 60 switches the range to the neutral range, and further, the knob 11 is rotated backward from that state. Sometimes, when the shift lever 10 is tilted from the home position to the forward tilt limit position, the range is switched to the neutral range. When the knob 11 is rotated forward from the state, the range is switched to the reverse range which is the traveling range in the backward direction.

  A force for applying a force to the knob 11 when switching to the drive range to turn the knob 11 backward is F1, and a force for turning the knob 11 to the reverse range is F1. When the forward turning operation force necessary for turning the knob 11 forward by applying force is F2, the backward turning operation force F1 <the forward turning operation force F2.

  According to this configuration, in order to select the neutral range, the driver only needs to tilt the shift lever 10 backward or forward from the home position to the backward tilt limit position or the forward tilt limit position. At that time, the shift lever 10 cannot tilt beyond the rearward tilt limit position or the forward tilt limit position, and stops reliably at the rearward tilt limit position or the forward tilt limit position, so that the shift lever 10 can be easily tilted easily. Operability is improved.

  In order to select the drive range, the driver only has to rotate the knob 11 backward while the shift lever 10 is stopped at the rearward tilt limit position. At this time, since the turning direction of the knob 11 and the tilting direction of the shift lever 10 are the same rearward, the direction of the tilting operation of the shift lever 10 and the direction of the turning operation of the knob 11 are aligned in a straight line. Can be quickly and easily rotated following the tilting operation of the shift lever 10.

  Similarly, in order to select the reverse range, the driver only has to rotate the knob 11 forward while the shift lever 10 is stopped at the forward tilt limit position. At this time, since the turning direction of the knob 11 and the tilting direction of the shift lever 10 are the same front, the direction of the tilting operation of the shift lever 10 and the direction of the turning operation of the knob 11 are aligned in a straight line. Can be quickly and easily rotated following the tilting operation of the shift lever 10.

  Further, since the tilting range of the shift lever 10 is only between the backward tilting limit position and the forward tilting limit position for selecting the neutral range arranged with the home position in between, the tilting range of the shift lever 10 is small. The apparatus 1 can be made compact.

  Moreover, even if the occupant accidentally touches the shift lever 10, the neutral range is selected and only the driving force transmission of the engine is cut off, so that safety against erroneous operation is ensured.

  Further, when the driver holds the knob 11 in his / her hand and applies a force to the rear or the front to rotate the knob 11 to the rear or the front, the forward turning operation force required when the reverse range is selected. Since F2 is set to a value larger than the rearward turning operation force F1 required when the drive range is selected, the knob 11 can be reliably secured with a relatively large force when the reverse range in which the vehicle moves backward is selected. The driver is required to perform the rotation operation. As a result, the driver's attention at the time of selecting the reverse range is enhanced, the driver is strongly conscious of selecting the reverse range, and the driver can be urged to operate more carefully. Therefore, the safety when selecting the reverse range is improved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is provided the vehicle shift device 1 capable of ensuring safety against an erroneous operation, quickly and easily selecting a range, suppressing an increase in the size of the device 1, and improving safety when selecting a reverse range. .

  In the present embodiment, a force applied to the knob 11 to tilt the shift lever 10 from the home position to the rearward tilt limit position is F3, and the force applied to the knob 11 is shifted. When the forward tilting operation force necessary to tilt the lever 10 from the home position to the forward tilt limit position is F4, F3 = F4 <F1 <F2.

  According to this configuration, since the rearward tilting operation force F3 <the rearward rotational operation force F1, and the forward tilting operational force F4 <the forward rotational operation force F2, the driver holds the knob 11 in his hand and applies a force backward or forward. In addition, when the shift lever 10 is tilted, the knob 11 is prevented from rotating with respect to the shift lever 10 during the tilt operation. Thus, the driver can adjust the operation sequence required when selecting the drive range or the reverse range, that is, the operation sequence in which the knob 11 is rotated after the shift lever 10 is tilted to the tilt limit position. We can protect naturally without being conscious of. Therefore, the operability when selecting the travel range is improved.

  In the present embodiment, a right half torsion coil spring 26a and a left half torsion coil spring 26b for urging the knob 11 to the initial position before the turning operation are provided. The urging force of the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b acting is set to a value larger than the urging force of the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b acting on the knob 11 that is rotated backward. Thus, the backward turning operation force F1 <the forward turning operation force F2.

  According to this configuration, by adjusting the urging force of the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b, the front turning operation force F2 can be easily set to a value larger than the rear turning operation force F1.

  In the present embodiment, a lever rotation angle sensor 29 that detects that the shift lever 10 is at the rearward tilt limit position or the forward tilt limit position by detecting the rear limit angle or the front limit angle, and the knob 11. Is provided with a drive knob rotation sensor 31 and a reverse knob rotation sensor 32 for detecting that the motor is rotated rearward or forward. The controller 60 detects the rear limit angle from the state in which all of the lever rotation angle sensor 29, the drive knob rotation sensor 31, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 are OFF, thereby turning the lever rotation angle. When the sensor 29 is turned on (YES in step S2), the range is switched to the neutral range (step S3), and when the drive knob rotation sensor 31 is turned on from that state (in step S4). YES), the range is switched to the drive range (step S5), and the lever limit angle sensor 29, the drive knob rotation sensor 31, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 are all turned off and the front limit angle is changed. When the lever rotation angle sensor 29 is turned ON by detection (YES in step S2), Is switched to the neutral range (step S3), and when the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 is turned on from that state (YES in step S6), the range is switched to the reverse range (step S7), and the lever The drive knob rotation sensor 31 or the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 is turned on first after all of the rotation angle sensor 29, the drive knob rotation sensor 31, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 are OFF. If this happens (YES in step S1), the range is not switched at that time (operation is invalid and return).

  According to this configuration, the operation of the shift lever 10 and the knob 11 is recognized based on the detection results of the lever rotation angle sensor 29, the drive knob rotation sensor 31, and the reverse knob rotation sensor 32, and the range is determined. Be controlled. In addition, when the detection order of the sensors 29, 31, and 32 is different, it is determined that the operation is incorrect, and erroneous range switching is avoided.

(3) Modification In the above embodiment, the rear turning operation force F1 <the front turning operation force F2 is set by adjusting the urging force of the right spring 26a and the left spring 26b. A pressing force (see FIG. 8C) required to turn on the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 by pressing the pressing portion 32a of the reverse knob rotation sensor 32 with the knob 11 is applied to the knob. 11 is set to a value larger than the pressing force (see FIG. 7C) necessary to turn on the drive knob rotation sensor 31 by pressing the pressing portion 31a of the drive knob rotation sensor 31. By doing so, it is also possible to set the backward turning operation force F1 <the forward turning operation force F2.

  According to this configuration, by adjusting the pressing force of the pressing portions 31a and 32a necessary for turning on the knob rotation sensors 31 and 32, the forward rotation operation force F2 is made larger than the rear rotation operation force F1. It can be easily set to a large value.

  In the above embodiment, the backward tilt operation force F3 = the forward tilt operation force F4 <the rear rotation operation force F1 <the front rotation operation force F2 is set. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rear tilt operation force F3 <the front tilt operation force. F4 <rear rotation operation force F1 <forward rotation operation force F2 or rearward tilt operation force F3 <rear rotation operation force F1 <frontward tilt operation force F4 <forward rotation operation force F2 may be set.

  Even in this configuration, the backward tilt operation force F3 <the backward rotation operation force F1 and the forward tilt operation force F4 <the forward rotation operation force F2, so the driver holds the knob 11 in his hand and applies a force to the rear or the front. Thus, when the shift lever 10 is tilted, the knob 11 is prevented from rotating with respect to the shift lever 10 during the tilt operation. Thus, the driver can adjust the operation sequence required when selecting the drive range or the reverse range, that is, the operation sequence in which the knob 11 is rotated after the shift lever 10 is tilted to the tilt limit position. We can protect naturally without being conscious of. Therefore, the operability when selecting the travel range is improved.

  Particularly in these cases, since the backward tilt operation force F3 <the forward tilt operation force F4, the reverse range in which the vehicle moves backward when the shift lever 10 is tilted before the knob 11 is rotated. At the time of selection, the driver is required to reliably tilt the shift lever 10 with a relatively large force. As a result, the driver's attention at the time of reverse range selection is enhanced from a relatively early stage, and the driver is strongly conscious of selecting the reverse range, so that the driver is more cautious. Can be urged. Therefore, the safety when selecting the reverse range is further ensured.

  In the above embodiment, the shift device 1 has the drive range selection direction backward and the reverse range selection direction forward, but conversely, the reverse range selection direction may be backward and the drive range selection direction forward. . Further, although the tilt direction of the shift lever 10 and the rotation direction of the knob 11 are the front-rear direction, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be the left-right direction, for example. Further, the shift lever 10 may be slid instead of tilted, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the shift device 1 switches the range of the stepped automatic transmission (AT) 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a stepless automatic transmission (CVT) It may be one that switches the range.

  In the above embodiment, the shift device 1 is applied to a so-called left-hand drive vehicle (see FIG. 1), but can also be applied to a right-hand drive vehicle. In that case, for example, the arrangement of the parking switch 8, the indicator 9, and the shift lever 10 shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a vehicle equipped with an engine composed of an internal combustion engine. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like that can travel with a travel motor.

1 Shift device 10 Shift lever (operating member)
11 Shift knob (grip)
20 Body 26a, 26b Torsion coil spring (biasing means)
29 Lever rotation angle sensor (first position detection means, second position detection means)
31 Drive knob rotation sensor (first rotation detection means)
32 Reverse knob rotation sensor (second rotation detection means)
50 Automatic transmission 60 Controller (control means)

Claims (5)

An operation member operated by the driver;
The operation member includes a home position, a first movement limit position separated from the home position in the first direction, and a second movement limit position separated from the home position in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A main body that automatically moves the operation member to the home position,
A gripping part rotatably supported in the first direction and the second direction at the tip of the operating member;
Control means for controlling the range of the transmission mounted on the vehicle based on the operation of the operation member and the gripping portion;
The control means includes
When the operation member is moved from the home position to the first movement limit position, the range is switched to the neutral range, and the gripping portion is rotated from the state in the first direction. Then, switch the above range to the drive range that is the traveling range in the forward direction,
When the operation member is moved from the home position to the second movement limit position, the range is switched to the neutral range, and the gripping unit is rotated in the second direction from that state. In addition, the above range is switched to the reverse range, which is the traveling range in the reverse direction, and
The force required to rotate the gripping part in the first direction by applying a force to the gripping part when switching to the drive range is F1, and the force is applied to the gripping part when switching to the reverse range. A shift device for a vehicle, wherein F1 <F2 is set, where F2 is the force required to rotate the grip portion in the second direction. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1,
The force necessary to move the operating member from the home position to the first movement limit position by applying a force to the gripping portion is F3, and the operating member is second moved from the home position by applying a force to the gripping portion. F3 = F4 <F1 <F2, F3 <F4 <F1 <F2, or F3 <F1 <F4 <F2 when F4 is the force required to move to the limit position A vehicle shift device. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1 or 2,
An urging means for urging the grip portion to an initial position before the rotation operation is provided,
The urging force of the urging means acting on the gripping part rotated in the second direction is more than the urging force of the urging means acting on the gripping part rotated in the first direction. A vehicle shift device characterized in that F1 <F2 is set by being set to a large value. The vehicle shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
First position detection means and second position detection means for detecting that the operating member is at the first movement limit position or the second movement limit position;
A first rotation detecting means and a second rotation detecting means for detecting that the gripping portion has rotated in the first direction or the second direction;
The control means includes
When all of the first and second position detection means and the first and second rotation detection means are in a non-detection state and the first position detection means is in a detection state, the range is switched to a neutral range, Furthermore, when the first rotation detection means is in a detection state from that state, the range is switched to the drive range,
When all of the first and second position detection means and the first and second rotation detection means are in a non-detection state and the second position detection means is in a detection state, the range is switched to a neutral range, Furthermore, when the second rotation detection means is in a detection state from that state, the range is switched to the reverse range,
When all of the first and second position detection means and the first and second rotation detection means are in a non-detection state, the first rotation detection means or the second rotation detection means is in a detection state first. Is a vehicle shift device characterized by not switching the range at that time. The vehicle shift device according to claim 4,
The pressing force required to press the second rotation detection means with the gripping portion to bring the second rotation detection means into a detection state presses the first rotation detection means with the gripping portion. Thus, the vehicle shift device is characterized in that F1 <F2 is set by setting a value larger than the pressing force required for setting the first rotation detecting means to the detection state.

Images