JP6070727B2 - Vehicle shift device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift device for switching a shift range of a vehicle.

  As a vehicular shift device, in recent years, a so-called electric lifter is known that shifts by electrically detecting the position of a shift lever. Electric lifters have often been used in electric or hybrid vehicles that do not have a mechanical transmission. However, an elevator that does not require a mechanical connection between a shift lever and a transmission has a high degree of freedom in design, and uses only a vehicle equipped with a mechanical transmission, for example, an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source. It is gradually being used for conventional vehicles.

  In addition, in an elevator with no restriction on the operation stroke of the shift lever, a mechanism called a momentary type is often adopted from the viewpoint of compactness and improvement in operability. Specifically, in a momentary-type elevator, the shift range is changed when the shift lever is tilted in a predetermined direction from the home position, and when the hand is released from the shift lever, the changed shift range is changed. The shift lever is automatically returned to the home position while maintaining it.

  Although the momentary-type electric lifter has advantages in terms of downsizing as described above, the shift range may be changed unexpectedly by accidentally touching the shift lever by a driver or other occupants (possibility of erroneous operation) ).

  As an electric lifter devised in consideration of such disadvantages, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The electric lifter of this patent document 1 has a shift lever and a button switch provided on the shift lever. When the button switch is pressed, the neutral range is selected, and the shift pattern is set so that the travel range is selected when the shift lever is tilted while the button switch is pressed. Yes. As described above, in Patent Document 1, since the travel range is not selected unless the operation of pressing the button switch and the operation of tilting the shift lever are performed simultaneously, the travel range is selected against the driver's intention. The situation can be prevented.

WO2011 / 090011 Publication

  However, in Patent Document 1, the neutral range is selected by simply pressing a button switch. For example, when the vehicle is traveling with the travel range selected, the occupant's hand accidentally touches the button switch. If this happens, the shift range may switch from the travel range to the neutral range against the occupant's will.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to adopt a shift pattern that does not switch to the neutral range unless a complicated operation is performed simply by pressing a button switch. However, if this is done, the burden of operation when selecting the neutral range increases, and the driver may feel that the operation is troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicular shift device that has both excellent operability and high safety.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is for a vehicle capable of switching the shift range of a vehicle between a drive range that is a forward travel range, a reverse range that is a reverse travel range, and a neutral range. A shift device, wherein the operation member, a switch portion provided on the operation member, and the operation member are supported to be displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite thereto, and the operation member after the displacement is When the main body that automatically returns to a predetermined home position and the operation member are displaced in the first direction, the drive range is selected, and the operation member is moved in the second direction when the switch is on. When the displacement operation is performed, the reverse range is selected, the operation member is displaced in the second direction in a state where the switch portion is OFF, and the operation is predetermined. And a range control unit that switches and controls the shift range of the vehicle in accordance with the operation of the operation member and the switch unit so that the neutral range is selected when held for more than a period of time. (Claim 1).

  According to the present invention, the operation required when selecting the neutral range can be performed simply by moving the operation member in the second direction while keeping the switch portion OFF, so that the neutral range can be easily selected. can do. However, in this case, if switching to the neutral range is permitted regardless of the holding time of the displacement operation, there is a risk that, for example, even if the occupant's hand accidentally touches the operation member, the shift range may be switched to the neutral range. is there. Such switching of the shift range is contrary to the will of the driver and is not preferable in terms of vehicle safety. In order to deal with such a problem, in the present invention, even if the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion being OFF, the operation is not switched to the neutral range unless the operation is held for a predetermined time or longer. Contrary to the intention, a situation in which the neutral range is selected is less likely to occur, and the safety of the traveling vehicle can be improved.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to select the reverse range, it is necessary to displace the operation member forward with the switch portion turned on. In this way, when the reverse range is selected for reversing the vehicle (and therefore more cautious), the ON operation of the switch part and the displacement operation of the operation member are required at the same time. Occurrence of an erroneous operation to be selected can be effectively prevented, and safety can be further improved.

  Furthermore, since the displacement direction of the operating member is set to two directions (first direction and second direction) on a straight line, the structure of the shift device can be simplified, and the shift in the direction orthogonal to the displacement direction of the operating member is possible. The size of the device can be shortened.

  In the vehicle shift device according to the present invention, preferably, when the current shift range is the drive range, the operation holding time of the operation member that is displaced in the second direction with the switch unit being OFF is Further provided is a notification means for performing a predetermined notification to the driver when an inadequate operation is performed in less than a predetermined time.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to call attention when there is a possibility that the driver has mistaken the shift range, and safety can be further improved.

  That is, even when the operation member is originally operated to select the neutral range, in which the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned OFF, the operation holding time of the operation member is a predetermined time. If shorter, the driver's action may be intended to switch to the reverse range instead of the neutral range. However, since the switch section is OFF, the switch does not actually switch to the reverse range, and the operation holding time of the operation member is short, so the switch does not switch to the neutral range (that is, the drive range remains the same). Maintained). In this state, for example, when the brake pedal is released, the vehicle starts to move to the opposite side (forward) from the direction intended by the driver. On the other hand, in the above configuration, the notification by the notification means is performed in order to call the driver's attention, so that the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved.

  The vehicle shift device according to the present invention is preferably configured such that when the current shift range is a neutral range and the road surface is a downhill, the switch unit is operated to be displaced in the second direction with the switch unit turned off. The apparatus further includes notification means for performing predetermined notification to the driver when an insufficient operation is performed in which the operation holding time of the member is less than the predetermined time.

  Also in this case, the driver may intend to switch to the reverse range, but the actual shift range is maintained at the neutral range because the switch unit is OFF. Moreover, since the road surface is a downhill, for example, when the brake pedal is released in this state, the vehicle starts to move to the opposite side (forward) from the direction intended by the driver. On the other hand, in the above configuration, the notification by the notification means is performed in order to call the driver's attention, so that the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved.

  The notification unit may perform the notification even when the insufficient operation is performed when the current shift range is the reverse range.

  That is, the insufficient operation during the selection of the reverse range may be an operation performed with the intention of selecting the neutral range. If the neutral range is intended to be selected, for example, when the brake pedal is released, the vehicle moves backward against the driver's intention. Therefore, in such a case, safety can be further improved by notifying the driver by notifying by the notifying means.

  It is preferable that the shift device further includes a brake control unit that fastens an electric parking brake provided in the vehicle under a condition that the notification is performed by the notification unit.

  According to this configuration, even if the driver releases the brake pedal without noticing the notification, the vehicle does not start to move, so safety can be further improved.

  Preferably, the shift device further includes a cancel switch that accepts an operation for prohibiting notification by the notification means.

  According to this configuration, for example, a driver who is proficient in the operation of the shift device can prohibit notification using the cancel switch, so that the driver can be prevented from feeling troublesome.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular shift device that has both excellent operability and high safety.

It is a figure which shows the compartment front part of the vehicle to which the shift apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a perspective view of the shift device. It is a perspective view which shows the main operation part of the said shift apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of the said main operation part. It is a partially cutaway perspective view of the main operation unit. It is side surface sectional drawing of the said main operation part. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the shift lever of the said main operation part, (a) is a state when a shift lever is tilted back, (b) is when a shift lever is tilted forward. Each state is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the said shift apparatus. It is a table | surface which shows the shift pattern of the said shift apparatus. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the change of the displacement amount of the said shift lever, and a range switching timing, (a) when a shift lever is tilted forward, (b) is a shift lever tilted back. It is a thing when. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the countermeasure control performed when the present range is a drive range. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the countermeasure control performed when the present range is a reverse range. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the countermeasure control performed when the present range is a neutral range. 11 is a table in which the control operations shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 are summarized for each shift operation pattern, where (a) corresponds to FIG. 11, (b) corresponds to FIG. 12, and (c) corresponds to FIG. doing. FIG. 15B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 14B for describing a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 for describing another modified example of the embodiment.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a view showing a front part of a vehicle compartment to which a shift device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, an instrument panel 2 provided with a meter unit 3, a steering handle 4 and the like is provided at the front part of the passenger compartment, and a center console extending from the center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 2 toward the rear of the vehicle. 5 are installed. The shift device 1 is provided on the upper surface of the center console 5.

  In this embodiment, the vehicle is an automobile that uses an engine (not shown) made of an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine as a power source. For this reason, the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission 50 (FIG. 8) that transmits the driving force of the engine to the wheels while decelerating. The automatic transmission 50 includes a planetary gear mechanism, and a stepped transmission that automatically selects an appropriate reduction ratio according to a vehicle speed, an engine load, and the like from a plurality of reduction ratios realized by the gear mechanism. (AT). The automatic transmission 50 has a shift range in which a neutral range in which transmission of driving force is cut off, a parking range in which transmission of driving force is cut off and an output shaft is locked, and driving in a direction in which the vehicle moves forward. A drive range (forward travel range) for transmitting force and a reverse range (reverse travel range) for transmitting driving force in the direction of reversing the vehicle are included. The shift device 1 is operated to select a desired range from the plurality of shift ranges.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle according to the present embodiment includes an electric parking brake 52 that holds wheels by a driving force of an electric actuator, a vehicle speed sensor 56 that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a vehicle (road surface). And a gradient sensor 57 for detecting the inclination angle.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the shift device 1. As shown in FIG. 2 and the previous FIG. 1, the shift device 1 includes a main operation unit 7, a parking switch 8, and an indicator 9. In FIG. 2, the arrow F indicates the front of the vehicle, and the arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle (in other words, the opposite side of the arrow F is the rear side of the vehicle and the opposite side of the arrow L is the right side). The same applies to other drawings after FIG.

  The parking switch 8 is an ON / OFF type button switch that is operated when the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 is switched to the parking range. Further, a dial “P” representing the parking range is provided on the upper surface of the parking switch 8, and when the parking range is selected, the letter “P” is highlighted by a light source such as an LED. Yes.

  The main operation unit 7 is operated when the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 is switched to a range other than the parking range (that is, any one of drive, reverse, and neutral ranges).

  The indicator 9 displays the currently selected shift range. Although not shown in detail, the indicator 9 has a dial “R” representing the reverse range, “N” representing the neutral range, and “D” representing the drive range arranged in a predetermined pattern. When one of the drive, reverse, and neutral ranges is selected by operating the operation unit 7, a character (any one of R, N, and D) corresponding to the selected range is highlighted. Yes.

  Further, in addition to the display of the shift range by the indicator 9 as described above, the shift range is also displayed on the meter unit 3 in this embodiment. That is, the meter unit 3 has a display unit made up of a liquid crystal screen or the like at a predetermined location (for example, between the speedometer and the tachometer), and a character (P) corresponding to the selected shift range is displayed on the display unit. , R, N, or D) is displayed.

  Although the details will be described later, the display unit of the meter unit 3 has a function of displaying a predetermined message for alerting the driver as needed when the shift device 1 is operated. Yes. In addition, in order to make the driver visually recognize this caution message, in the present embodiment, for example, an alarm sound including a predetermined pattern of sound is emitted toward the vehicle interior. That is, the vehicle of the present embodiment has an alarm sound generation unit 54 (FIG. 8) that generates an alarm sound as needed when the shift device 1 is operated. The display unit and the alarm sound generation unit 54 of the meter unit 3 correspond to “notification means” in the claims.

  Next, a specific structure of the main operation unit 7 of the shift device 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. As shown in these drawings, the main operation unit 7 includes a shift lever 10, a push switch 19, a main body unit 20, a displacement sensor 28, and a detent mechanism 30.

  The shift lever 10 corresponds to an “operation member” in the claims. Specifically, the shift lever 10 of this embodiment includes a shift knob 11 that is gripped by a driver, a rod-shaped lever portion 12 that extends downward from the shift knob 11, and a spherical base portion 13 that is provided at the lower end of the lever portion 12. And a conical cylindrical downward extension 14 projecting downward from the base 13 and a pair of support shafts 15 extending left and right from the base 13.

  The push switch 19 corresponds to a “switch unit” in the claims, and is an ON / OFF type button switch in this embodiment. The push switch 19 is provided on the upper end portion of the shift lever 10 (the upper surface of the shift knob 11). That is, a recess is formed on the upper surface of the shift knob 11, and the push switch 19 is supported in the recess while being pressed upward by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring. Such a push switch 19 sinks downward in response to the pressing operation, and automatically returns to the original position when the pressing operation is released. A driver who operates the shift lever 10 can press the push switch 19 using the thumb or the like of the hand while holding the shift knob 11.

  The push switch 19 incorporates a contact not shown in the figure, and as the push switch 19 is pressed, the contact is closed and a predetermined signal is transmitted. In the following, the state in which the push switch 19 is pressed is represented as “ON”, and the state in which the push operation is released is represented as “OFF”.

  The main body 20 supports the shift lever 10 so that it can be tilted and displaced in the front-rear direction. The main body 20 includes a box-shaped housing 22 having an upper surface opened at least, and a cover portion 21 attached to cover the upper surface of the housing 22. In the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, the housing 22 is illustrated in a state of being cut so as to be divided into approximately two equal parts in the vehicle width direction.

  The cover part 21 has a guide groove 21a composed of a long hole extending in the front-rear direction, and the lever part 12 of the shift lever 10 is inserted into the guide groove 21a. The guide groove 21 a serves to define the displacement direction of the shift lever 10 and the movable range of the shift lever 10. That is, the shift lever 10 can be tilted and displaced in the front-rear direction only within a range from a position where the lever portion 12 contacts the front edge of the guide groove 21a to a position where the lever portion 12 contacts the rear edge of the guide groove 21a. .

  Support holes 23 a for inserting the left and right support shaft portions 15 of the shift lever 10 are formed in the left and right side walls 23 of the housing 22, respectively. The shift lever 10 is supported in a state in which the support shaft portion 15 is inserted into the support hole 23 a, and can be tilted and displaced in the front-rear direction around the shaft center of the support shaft portion 15.

  The displacement amount sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting the displacement amount of the shift lever 10 in the front-rear direction. The displacement sensor 28 is attached to a position corresponding to the support hole 23 a on the outer surface of the housing 22, more specifically, the outer surface of the left side wall 23 of the housing 22. On the other hand, the left support shaft portion 15 of the shift lever 10 is provided so as to pass through the support hole 23 a of the left wall 23 and reach the displacement amount sensor 28. When the shift lever 10 is tilted and displaced in the front-rear direction, the support shaft portion 15 rotates by an angle proportional to the displacement amount, and the rotation angle is electrically detected by the displacement amount sensor 28. That is, the displacement amount sensor 28 of the present embodiment detects the rotation angle of the support shaft portion 15 of the shift lever 10 as the displacement amount of the shift lever 10 in the front-rear direction.

  The detent mechanism 30 is a mechanism for automatically returning the shift lever 10 after the tilt displacement to the original position (home position described later). The detent mechanism 30 includes a pressing member 31 provided in the downward extension 14 of the shift lever 10 and a guide member 32 provided in the housing 22.

  The pressing member 31 is provided such that a part of the base end side is accommodated in the lower extension part 14 and a part of the distal end side is exposed to the outside from the lower extension part 14. Further, a compression spring (not shown) is provided in the lower extension portion 14, and this compression spring always presses the pressing member 31 downward. Thereby, the pressing member 31 is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the downward extension portion 14 such that it rises in response to an upward force that pushes back the compression spring and descends when the force decreases.

  The guide member 32 has a concave surface 33 that is recessed in an arc shape when viewed from the side. The tip of the pressing member 31 protruding from the lower end of the shift lever 10 is constantly pressed against the concave surface 33 under the pressing force of the compression spring described above. The pressing member 31 advances most from the downward extension 14 of the shift lever 10 when the pressing member 31 is in contact with the central portion of the concave surface 33 that has the largest amount of downward dent. On the other hand, as the contact position of the pressing member 31 moves away from the center of the concave surface 33 forward or backward, the pressing member 31 moves backward against the pressing force of the compression spring (pushed back upward). The retracted pressing member 31 is strongly pressed against the concave surface 33 by the compression spring, and the pressing force is converted into a force for returning the pressing member 31 to the central portion of the concave surface 33. For this reason, in the state where the operating force (force for tilting the shift lever 10) by the occupant's hand is not applied to the shift lever 10, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. It is held in a state where it is located at the center of the concave surface 33. Thus, when the pressing member 31 is located at the center of the concave surface 33, the shift lever 10 is in a posture in which the shift lever 10 stands substantially in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the position of the shift lever 10 in this state (the state of FIGS. 5 and 6) is referred to as a “home position”.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (a) or (b), when the shift lever 10 in the home position is tilted and displaced forward or backward by receiving an operating force, the front-rear position of the pressing member 31 is the concave surface 33. By moving away from the center, the pressing member 31 is pushed back upward. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward, the pressing member 31 is pushed back upward while moving forward along the front half of the concave surface 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the pressing member 31 is pushed back upward while moving backward along the rear half of the concave surface 33. 7A and 7B, a force for returning the pressing member 31 to the central portion of the concave surface 33 is generated by increasing the pressing force of the compression spring. For this reason, the shift lever 10 tilted forward or backward naturally returns to the home position as the operating force is released.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the shift lever 10 after displacement is automatically set to the home position by the guide member 32 having the concave surface 33 that is arc-shaped in side view and the pressing member 31 that is elastically pressed against the concave surface 33. A detent mechanism 30 for returning to the above is configured. In other words, the shift device 1 of this embodiment provided with such a detent mechanism 30 belongs to a class of so-called momentary shift devices.

(2) Control System FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system related to the shift device 1 of the present embodiment. The controller 60 shown in the figure is composed of a microcomputer including a well-known CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and has a function of controlling the shift operation of the automatic transmission 50 in accordance with the operation state of the shift device 1. doing. In FIG. 8, the controller 60 is shown as an integral block, but the controller 60 is composed of, for example, a plurality of microcomputers provided separately on the vehicle body side and the automatic transmission 50 side. There may be.

  The controller 60 includes the parking switch 8, the displacement sensor 28, the push switch 19, the vehicle speed sensor 56, the gradient sensor 57, the meter unit 3, the indicator 9, the automatic transmission 50 (more specifically, the shift actuator 50a), the parking brake. 52 and the alarm sound generator 54 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.

  The controller 60 logically includes a determination unit 60a, a range control unit 60b, a display control unit 60c, a notification control unit 60d, and a brake control unit 60e.

  The determination unit 60 a performs various determinations including determination of the operation states of the parking switch 8, the shift lever 10, and the push switch 19. For example, the determination unit 60 a determines whether the parking switch 8 is in an ON / OFF state based on a signal from a contact built in the parking switch 8. Further, based on a signal from a contact built in the push switch 19, it is determined whether the push switch 19 is in an ON / OFF state. Further, based on the signal from the displacement sensor 28, it is determined how much the shift lever 10 is tilted in either the front or rear direction.

  The range control unit 60b performs shift range switching control of the automatic transmission 50 based on the operation state of the shift device 1 determined by the determination unit 60a.

  The display control unit 60c controls the display unit of the meter unit 3 to display characters (P, R, N, or D) corresponding to the currently selected shift range, or corresponds to the current shift range. Control for highlighting the dial of the indicator 9 is executed.

  The notification control unit 60d displays a predetermined message on the display unit of the meter unit 3 and alerts the alarm sound generation unit 54 to alert the driver when an inappropriate operation is performed on the shift device 1. Control for generating a predetermined alarm sound is executed.

  The brake control unit 60e executes control for driving the electric parking brake 52 in the fastening direction to hold the wheel when the notification is performed by the notification control unit 60d.

(3) Shift Pattern Next, with reference to the table of FIG. 9, it will be described what pattern the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 is controlled by the range control unit 60b.

(Shift pattern from parking range)
When the current shift range is the parking range and the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is pressed, the shift range is switched to the reverse range. On the other hand, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is not pressed, the shift range is switched to the neutral range.

  Further, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is OFF, and when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is the drive range. Can be switched to.

To summarize the above, the shift pattern when the current shift range is the parking range is as shown in the column “current range” = “P” in FIG.
・ Switch ON & lever forward → Reverse range ・ Switch OFF & forward lever → Neutral range ・ Back lever operation (regardless of switch ON / OFF) → Drive range.

(Shift pattern from reverse range)
If the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON when the current shift range is the reverse range, the shift range is not switched and the reverse range is maintained. On the other hand, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the shift range is switched to the neutral range.

  Further, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is OFF, and when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is the drive range. Can be switched to.

To summarize the above, the shift pattern when the current shift range is the reverse range is as shown in the column “current range” = “R” in FIG.
・ Switch ON & lever operation forward → Maintain current status (reverse range)
・ Switch off & lever forward → neutral range ・ Rear lever operation (regardless of switch ON / OFF) → Drive range.

(Shift pattern from neutral range)
When the current shift range is the neutral range and the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is switched to the reverse range. On the other hand, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the shift range is not switched and the neutral range is maintained.

  Further, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is OFF, and when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is the drive range. Can be switched to.

In summary, the shift pattern when the current shift range is the neutral range is as shown in the column “current range” = “N” in FIG.
・ Switch ON & lever operation forward → Reverse range ・ Switch OFF & lever operation forward → Maintain current status (neutral range)
・ Lever operation backward (regardless of switch ON / OFF) → Drive range.

  However, switching from the neutral range to the reverse range is permitted only when the vehicle is substantially stopped. For this reason, when the neutral range is selected and the vehicle is traveling (inertia traveling), even if an operation for selecting the reverse range (switch ON & forward lever operation) is performed, the operation is invalidated. .

(Shift pattern from drive range)
When the current shift range is the drive range and the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is switched to the reverse range. On the other hand, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the shift range is switched to the neutral range.

  When the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is OFF, and when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON, the shift range is switched. Instead, the drive range is maintained.

To summarize the above, the shift pattern when the current shift range is the drive range is as shown in the column “current range” = “D” in FIG.
・ Switch ON & forward lever operation → Reverse range ・ Switch OFF & forward lever operation → Neutral range ・ Backward lever operation (regardless of switch ON / OFF) → Maintain current status (drive range)
become that way.

  However, switching from the drive range to the reverse range is allowed only when the vehicle is substantially stopped. For this reason, when the drive range is selected and the vehicle is traveling (advancing), even if an operation for selecting the reverse range (switch ON & forward lever operation) is performed, the operation is invalidated.

  In the shift patterns from the parking, reverse, neutral, and drive ranges as described above, the shift lever 10 is tilted “backward” in order to select the drive range. It corresponds to a displacement operation in “one direction”, and tilting the shift lever 10 to “forward” in order to select a neutral range or a reverse range is equivalent to a displacement operation in “second direction” in the claims. To do.

(Operation holding time)
Here, the “operation holding time” shown at the bottom of the shift pattern table in FIG. 9 is a time for holding the shift lever 10 tilted forward or backward, and the “T1 ( “Short” and “T2 (long)” indicate that two types of time are set as operation holding times required at the time of range switching. Specifically, in this embodiment, the operation holding of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the neutral range, compared to the operation holding time T1 of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the drive range or the reverse range. The time T2 is set longer. In the following, the shorter required operation holding time T1 is referred to as a “first reference time”, and the longer required operation holding time T2 is referred to as a “second reference time”.

  FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the change in the displacement amount of the shift lever 10 and the range switching timing. FIG. 10A is a graph when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, and FIG. 10B is the shift lever 10. Is when it is tilted backward. In FIG. 10A, the forward displacement amount (vertical axis) value P of the shift lever 10 is a value corresponding to the forward displacement limit of the shift lever 10 (position where it abuts against the front edge of the guide groove 21a). It is. The value X is a threshold value for recognizing the forward tilting operation of the shift lever 10. That is, the shift lever 10 is recognized to be tilted forward when the forward displacement amount specified by the displacement amount sensor 28 exceeds the threshold value X. For this reason, the operation holding time when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward is the time during which the amount of forward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X. Similarly, in FIG. 10B, the value Q of the rearward displacement amount (vertical axis) of the shift lever 10 is the rearward displacement limit of the shift lever 10 (position where it abuts against the rear edge of the guide groove 21a). Corresponding value. The value Y is a threshold value for recognizing the backward tilting operation of the shift lever 10. That is, the shift lever 10 is recognized to be tilted backward when the backward displacement amount specified by the displacement amount sensor 28 exceeds the threshold value Y. For this reason, the operation holding time when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward is the time during which the amount of backward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value Y. In the present embodiment, the threshold values X and Y are set to values slightly smaller than the limit displacement amounts P and Q, respectively, but can be set to be the same as the limit displacement amounts P and Q.

  When switching the shift range from a range other than the reverse range to the reverse range, it is necessary to tilt the shift lever 10 forward while turning on the push switch 19 as described above. At this time, the timing at which the shift range is switched to the reverse range in accordance with the operation is the first reference time T1 when the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X as shown in FIG. This is a timing when the operation holding time for the forward direction of the shift lever 10 reaches the first reference time T1.

  When the shift range is switched from a range other than the neutral range to the neutral range, as described above, the shift lever 10 needs to be tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF. At this time, the timing at which the shift range is switched to the neutral range in accordance with the operation is the second reference time T2 when the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X as shown in FIG. That is, when the operation holding time forward of the shift lever 10 reaches the second reference time T2 longer than the operation holding time (first reference time T1) required when the reverse range is selected. . The second reference time T2 corresponds to “predetermined time” in the claims. The second reference time T2 (predetermined time) can be set to an appropriate value, but is set to, for example, 1 second or more, more specifically, 1 to 2 seconds.

  When the shift range is switched from a range other than the drive range to the drive range, the shift lever 10 needs to be tilted backward as described above. At this time, the timing at which the shift range is switched to the drive range in accordance with the operation is the first reference time T1 when the rearward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold Y as shown in FIG. That is, when the operation holding time behind the shift lever 10 reaches the first reference time T1 that is the same as the operation holding time required when the reverse range is selected.

(4) Countermeasure control during inappropriate operation Here, as in this embodiment, the operation direction of the shift lever 10 when selecting the neutral range is the same as the operation direction of the shift lever 10 when selecting the reverse range. If the required operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is different between the neutral range and the reverse range, for example, an unfamiliar driver operates the shift device 1 (shift lever 10). When doing so, it is assumed that the user will perform an inappropriate operation by mistaking the time. Of course, while the vehicle is running, measures such as switching to the reverse range is prohibited so that the reverse range is not selected by mistake, but when the vehicle is substantially stopped, Since it becomes possible to switch from any range to the reverse range, it can be said that it is easy for the driver to select the reverse range unintentionally. For example, it may happen that the reverse range is actually selected when the driver intended the neutral range. On the other hand, the neutral range may actually be selected even though the driver intended the reverse range. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the driver's operation on the shift device 1 (shift lever 10) is not appropriate and the driver cannot clearly determine whether he wants to select the neutral range or the reverse range, the dangerous situation is determined. Countermeasure control is implemented to prevent it from occurring. Hereinafter, the contents of such countermeasure control will be mainly described with reference to FIGS.

(When the current range is the drive range)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the countermeasure control performed when the current shift range is the drive range. In relation to the countermeasure control, each part of the controller 60 (determination unit 60a, range control unit 60b). The control operation performed by the notification control unit 60d and the brake control unit 60e) is shown. When the process shown in this flowchart starts, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped based on the value of the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 56 (step S1). Note that the determination here is not limited to determining whether the vehicle is completely stopped (that is, whether the vehicle speed is 0 km / h). For example, when switching from the drive range or neutral range to the reverse range is permitted at a predetermined threshold value slightly higher than 0 km / h (for example, 5 km / h) or less, the vehicle speed may be lower than the threshold value. If the vehicle is stopped (substantially stopped), the determination in step S1 is YES.

  When it is determined as YES in Step S1 and it is confirmed that the vehicle is stopped, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the currently selected shift range is the drive range (Step S2).

  When it is determined YES in step S2 and it is confirmed that the drive range is selected, the determination unit 60a determines whether the push switch 19 is pressed based on a signal from the contact of the push switch 19 or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the push switch 19 is in an ON state (step S3).

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S2 is NO, the process proceeds to the flow of FIG.

  When it is determined YES in Step S3 and it is confirmed that the push switch 19 is in the ON state, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward (Step S4). Specifically, the determination unit 60a determines whether the amount of forward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X shown in FIG. 10A based on the signal input from the displacement amount sensor 28 (a value equal to or less than X). It is determined whether or not the shift lever 10 has been tilted forward when the threshold value X is exceeded.

  When it is determined YES in step S4 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a moves the shift lever 10 forward to hold the operation, that is, shifts the shift lever 10 forward. It is determined whether or not the duration of the state where the displacement amount exceeds the threshold value X is equal to or longer than the first reference time T1 shown in FIG. 10A (step S5).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S5 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the first reference time T1, the range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 from the drive range to the reverse range. (Step S6).

  After the reverse range is selected in step S6, the determination unit 60a determines whether the forward tilting operation of the shift lever 10 is still continued, that is, the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X. It is determined whether or not there is (step S7).

  When it is determined YES in Step S7 and it is confirmed that the forward tilting operation of the shift lever 10 is continued, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time for the forward of the shift lever 10 is as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the second reference time T2 shown in a) has been reached (step S8).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S8 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, the notification control unit 60d executes notification control for alerting the driver (Step S9). ). That is, the determination in step S8 is YES indicates that the shift lever 10 is continuously operated excessively beyond the time necessary for selecting the reverse range (first reference time T1), and the duration (operation This means that the holding time has reached the time required for selecting the neutral range (second reference time T2). Hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as an excessive operation. When the shift lever 10 is excessively operated, the shift range that the driver wants to select may actually be the neutral range, not the reverse range. Therefore, in step S9, the notification control unit 60d displays, for example, a message on the display unit of the meter unit 3 that it should be noted that the currently selected shift range is the reverse range (or not the neutral range). In addition to the display, a predetermined alarm sound is generated from the alarm sound generation unit 54.

  Moreover, the brake control part 60e performs control which fastens the parking brake 52 simultaneously with the alerting | reporting control of said step S9 (step S10).

  On the other hand, if it is determined NO in step S7, that is, if the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is equal to or longer than the first reference time T1 and less than the second reference time T2, the control in steps S9 and S10 is performed. (Countermeasure control) is not executed.

  Next, the control operation when the determination in step S3 is NO, that is, when the push switch 19 is in the OFF state will be described. In this case, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward (step S11).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S11 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 forward becomes equal to or longer than the second reference time T2. It is determined whether or not (step S12).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S12 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, the range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 from the drive range to the neutral range. (Step S13).

  On the other hand, when it is determined NO in Step S12 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is less than the second reference time T2, the determination unit 60a determines whether the forward tilting operation of the shift lever 10 has been released. That is, it is determined whether or not the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 has become equal to or less than the threshold value X (step S14).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S14 and it is confirmed that the operation of the shift lever 10 has been released, the notification control unit 60d performs notification control for alerting the driver (Step S15). That is, the determination in step S14 is YES means that the shift lever 10 has been tilted forward, but the duration (operation holding time) is the time required to select the neutral range (second reference time). This means that T2) was not satisfied. Hereinafter, such an operation is referred to as an insufficient operation. When the shift lever 10 is operated insufficiently, the shift range that the driver wants to select may actually be the reverse range instead of the neutral range. Therefore, in step S15, the notification control unit 60d displays, for example, a message on the display unit of the meter unit 3 that it should be noted that the currently selected shift range is the drive range (or not the reverse range). In addition to the display, a predetermined alarm sound is generated from the alarm sound generation unit 54.

  Moreover, the brake control part 60e performs control which fastens the parking brake 52 simultaneously with the alerting | reporting control of said step S15 (step S16).

  FIG. 14A summarizes the contents of the control operation as described above in a table. As understood from this table, the control performed when the current shift range is the drive range depends on ON / OFF of the push switch 19 and the length of the operation holding time ahead of the shift lever 10 as follows. There are five types of control.

  For example, in the case where the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON, (i) if the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the first reference time T1, it is maintained in the drive range. (Ii) If the operation holding time is not less than the first reference time T1 and less than the second reference time T2, the operation is switched to the reverse range. (Iii) If the operation holding time is not less than the second reference time T2, the operation is switched to the reverse range. One of the three types of control is to perform countermeasure control (notification & braking).

  The control when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward with the push switch 19 in the OFF state is (iv) maintained in the drive range if the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the second reference time T2. The countermeasure control (notification & braking) is performed above, and (v) if the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, the control is switched to the neutral range.

(When the current range is the reverse range)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the countermeasure control performed when the current shift range is the reverse range, and shows the control operation performed when the determination in step S2 of FIG. 11 is NO. ing. When the process shown in this flowchart starts, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the currently selected shift range is the reverse range (step S20).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S20 and it is confirmed that the reverse range is selected, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the push switch 19 is in an ON state (Step S21).

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S20 is NO, the process proceeds to the flow of FIG.

  When it is determined YES in Step S21 and it is confirmed that the push switch 19 is in the ON state, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward (Step S22).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S22 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 forward becomes equal to or longer than the second reference time T2. It is determined whether or not (step S23).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S23 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, the notification control unit 60d executes notification control for alerting the driver (Step S24). ). That is, when the current shift range is the reverse range, even if the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is turned on, the shift range remains unchanged and remains the reverse range. However, if the determination in step S23 is YES and the excessive operation for continuing the operation of the shift lever 10 for the second reference time T2 or more has been performed, the driver intends to switch the shift lever 10 to the neutral range. It may have been operated. Therefore, in step S24, the notification control unit 60d displays, for example, a message on the display unit of the meter unit 3 that it should be noted that the currently selected shift range is the reverse range (or not the neutral range). In addition to the display, a predetermined alarm sound is generated from the alarm sound generation unit 54.

  Further, the brake control unit 60e executes control for fastening the parking brake 52 simultaneously with the notification control in step S24 (step S25).

  Next, the control operation when the determination at step S21 is NO, that is, when the push switch 19 is in the OFF state will be described. In this case, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 has been tilted forward (step S26).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S26 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 forward becomes equal to or longer than the second reference time T2. It is determined whether or not (step S27).

  When it is determined YES in step S27 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, the range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 from the reverse range to the neutral range. (Step S28).

  FIG. 14B summarizes the contents of the control operation as described above in a table. As can be understood from this table, the control performed when the current shift range is the reverse range depends on ON / OFF of the push switch 19 and the length of the operation holding time to the front of the shift lever 10 as follows. There are four types of control.

  For example, the control when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON is as follows: (i) If the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the second reference time T2, the reverse range is maintained. (Ii) If the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, it is one of two types of control in which countermeasure control (notification & braking) is performed while maintaining the reverse range.

  Further, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the control is performed as follows: (iii) If the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the second reference time T2, the reverse range is maintained. (Iv) One of the two types of control of switching to the neutral range if the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2.

(When the current range is neutral range)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the content of the countermeasure control performed when the current shift range is the neutral range, and shows the control operation performed when the determination in step S20 of FIG. 12 is NO. ing. When the process shown in this flowchart starts, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the currently selected shift range is the neutral range (step S30).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S30 and it is confirmed that the neutral range is selected, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the push switch 19 is in an ON state (Step S31).

  When it is determined YES in Step S31 and it is confirmed that the push switch 19 is in the ON state, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward (Step S32).

  When it is determined as YES in step S32 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 forward becomes equal to or longer than the first reference time T1. It is determined whether or not (step S33).

  When it is determined YES in step S33 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the first reference time T1, the range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 from the neutral range to the reverse range. (Step S34).

  Next, the control operation when the determination in step S31 is NO, that is, when the push switch 19 is in the OFF state will be described. In this case, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 has been tilted forward (step S35).

  When it is determined YES in step S35 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the determination unit 60a determines that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 forward is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2. It is determined whether or not (step S36).

  When it is determined NO in step S36 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time is less than the second reference time T2, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the forward tilting operation of the shift lever 10 is released. (Step S37).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S37 and it is confirmed that the operation of the shift lever 10 is released, the determination unit 60a determines whether or not the road surface is a downhill (Step 38). Specifically, the determination unit 60a determines that the road surface is a downhill when the inclination angle detected by the gradient sensor 57 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value indicating that the vehicle is substantially inclined forward and downward. Is determined.

  When it is determined as YES in Step S38 and it is confirmed that the road surface is a downhill, the notification control unit 60d performs notification control for alerting the driver (Step S39). That is, when the current shift range is the neutral range, even if an operation of tilting the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned off is performed, the shift range remains unchanged and remains the neutral range. However, if the operation of the shift lever 10 is insufficiently performed when the operation is less than the second reference time T2, the driver may have operated the shift lever 10 with the intention of switching to the reverse range. Moreover, at this time, if the road surface is a downhill, the vehicle moves forward as the driver removes his foot from the brake pedal, for example. Therefore, in step S39, the notification control unit 60d displays, for example, a message on the display unit of the meter unit 3 that it should be noted that the currently selected shift range is the neutral range (or not the reverse range). In addition to the display, a predetermined alarm sound is generated from the alarm sound generation unit 54.

  In addition, the brake control unit 60e executes control for fastening the parking brake 52 simultaneously with the notification control in step S39 (step S40).

  FIG. 14C summarizes the contents of the control operation as described above in a table. As can be understood from this table, the control performed when the current shift range is the neutral range includes ON / OFF of the push switch 19 and the length of the operation holding time in front of the shift lever 10 and the inclination of the road surface. Depending on the state, it is classified into the following four types of control.

  For example, the control when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON is as follows: (i) If the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the first reference time T1, the neutral range is maintained. (Ii) If the operation holding time is equal to or longer than the first reference time T1, it is one of two types of control that switches to the reverse range.

  Further, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, (iii) the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the second reference time T2 and the road surface is downhill. (Iv) If the operation holding time is not less than the second reference time T2 or the road surface is not downhill (that is, if it is flat or uphill) ) One of the two types of control to maintain the neutral range.

(5) Operation As described above, in this embodiment, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the neutral range is set, and when the push switch 19 is ON, the shift lever 10 is moved forward. When the neutral range is selected in the shift device 1 in which the reverse range is selected when the shift lever 10 is tilted and the drive range is selected when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON or OFF. The operation holding time (second reference time) T2 forward of the lever 10 is set longer than the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range or drive range is selected. There is an advantage that both good operability and high safety can be achieved.

  That is, in the above-described embodiment, the operation required when selecting the neutral range can be performed simply by tilting the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned off. You can choose. However, in this case, if the required operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is too short, even if the occupant's hand accidentally touches the shift lever 10 and the shift lever 10 is merely tilted forward for a moment, the shift range Will switch to the neutral range. In particular, when such a sudden change to the neutral range occurs when the vehicle is powering uphill (when driving on an uphill with the accelerator pedal depressed), the driving torque is lost. As a result, the vehicle decelerates unexpectedly, which is not preferable. In order to deal with such a problem, in the above embodiment, since the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected is set to be relatively long, the shift lever 10 is moved forward. The neutral range cannot be selected unless the pressing operation is continued to some extent. As a result, a situation in which the neutral range is selected against the will of the driver is less likely to occur, and the safety of the traveling vehicle can be improved.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to select the reverse range, it is necessary to tilt and displace the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned on. In this way, when the reverse range is selected to move the vehicle backward (and therefore more cautious), the switch ON operation and the lever tilt operation are required at the same time, so the driver unintentionally selects the reverse range. Occurrence of erroneous operation can be effectively prevented, and safety can be further enhanced. In addition, the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 required when the reverse range is selected is set shorter than the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 required when the neutral range is selected. Therefore, the burden on the driver when selecting the reverse range does not increase excessively, and both the operability and safety of the shift device 1 can be achieved.

  When it is desired to select the drive range, as long as the shift lever 10 is tilted backward, switching to the drive range is permitted regardless of whether the push switch 19 is on or off. The operation of selecting the range can be performed easily and reliably. In addition, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected is the same time (first reference time) T1 as that when the reverse range is selected, and the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected ( Since it is shorter than the second reference time (T2), the operability when selecting the drive range and the reverse range can be ensured in a well-balanced manner while improving the ease of operation for selecting the drive range.

  Furthermore, since the displacement direction of the shift lever 10 is set to two directions (in this case, forward and backward) on the straight line, the structure of the shift device 1 can be simplified and the size of the shift device 1 in the vehicle width direction is shortened. can do.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when it is not known whether the operation performed on the shift device 1 when the vehicle is substantially stopped is intended for the neutral range or the reverse range, The meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54 perform predetermined notification. According to such a configuration, it is possible to call attention when there is a possibility that the driver has mistaken the shift range, and safety can be further improved.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when an insufficient operation is performed when the current shift range is the drive range, that is, an operation of tilting the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned off is performed. In addition, when the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is less than the second reference time T2, a notification is given by the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54. That is, even when the operation for tilting the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned off is originally performed to select the neutral range, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is originally If it is shorter than the prescribed value (second reference time T2), the operation performed by the driver may be intended to switch to the reverse range instead of the neutral range. However, since the push switch 19 is OFF, it is not actually switched to the reverse range, and since the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is short, it is not switched to the neutral range (that is, the drive range). Is maintained). In this state, for example, when the brake pedal is released, the vehicle starts to move to the opposite side (forward) from the direction intended by the driver. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54 are notified to alert the driver, so that the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved. it can.

  Further, in the above embodiment, even when the insufficient operation is performed when the current shift range is the neutral range and the road surface is downhill, the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54 perform notification. Is called. In this case as well, the driver may intend to switch to the reverse range, but since the push switch 19 is OFF, the actual shift range is maintained at the neutral range. Moreover, since the road surface is a downhill, for example, when the brake pedal is released in this state, the vehicle starts to move to the opposite side (forward) from the direction intended by the driver. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, since a notification is issued to alert the driver, the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when an excessive operation is performed when the current shift range is the drive range, that is, an operation of tilting the shift lever 10 forward with the push switch 19 turned on is performed, and When the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is equal to or longer than the second reference time T2, notification by the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54 is performed. That is, even when the operation for tilting the shift lever 10 forward while turning on the push switch 19 is originally performed to select the reverse range, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is the original time. If the second reference time T2 is longer than the specified value (first reference time T1), the operation performed by the driver may be intended to switch to the neutral range instead of the reverse range. However, since the push switch 19 is ON, it actually switches to the reverse range instead of the neutral range. In this state, for example, when a driver who thinks that the vehicle is in the neutral range accidentally releases the brake pedal or further leaves the vehicle, the vehicle moves backward against the driver's intention. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, since a notification is issued to alert the driver, the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, also when the said excessive operation is performed when the present gear range is a reverse range, the alert | report by the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound production | generation part 54 is performed. In this case as well, there is a possibility that the driver intends to switch to the neutral range, but since the push switch 19 is ON, the actual shift range remains the reverse range. Therefore, for example, when the brake pedal is released or the driver leaves the vehicle in this state, the vehicle moves backward against the driver's intention. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, since a notification is issued to alert the driver, the above situation can be avoided and safety can be further improved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the electric parking brake 52 is engaged when the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generator 54 are informed. According to such a configuration, even if the driver releases the brake pedal without noticing the notification, the vehicle does not start to move, so safety can be further improved.

(6) Modification In the above embodiment, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected and the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected are the same first reference time T1. In addition, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected is set to the second reference time T2 longer than the first reference time T1, but the magnitude relationship between these operation holding times is changed as appropriate. Is possible. However, at least the operation holding time at the time of selecting the neutral range is a relatively long time (for example, 1 second or longer) so that the neutral range is not selected, for example, by touching the shift lever 10 by mistake. Must be set to On the other hand, the operation holding time when the drive / neutral range is selected may be the same as or shorter than the operation holding time when the neutral range is selected.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the insufficient operation is performed when the current shift range is the reverse range (that is, the shift lever 10 is operated while the push switch 19 is OFF). When the tilting operation is performed forward and the operation holding time is less than the second reference time T2, the shift range is kept at the reverse range and no countermeasure control such as notification is performed. As shown, countermeasure control including notification may be performed under similar conditions. That is, the insufficient operation during the selection of the reverse range may be an operation performed with the intention of selecting the neutral range. If the neutral range is intended to be selected, for example, when the brake pedal is released, the vehicle moves backward against the driver's intention. Therefore, in such a case, if the driver is alerted to alert the driver, safety can be further improved.

  In the above embodiment, when an insufficient operation or an excessive operation is performed under a specific condition, the meter unit 3 and the alarm sound generation unit 54 are notified and the electric parking brake 52 is automatically engaged. However, such automatic brake control may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, as a notification to the driver, a message is displayed on the display unit of the meter unit 3 and an alarm sound is generated from the alarm sound generation unit 54. It is only necessary to be performed in a manner capable of prompting, and is not limited to the manner as described above. For example, a message may be displayed on a car navigation screen, or the message may be read out by voice.

  Here, there is a possibility that the driver who understands the operation method of the shift device 1 may feel bothered by the notification as described above. Therefore, a cancel switch 58 as shown in FIG. 16 may be provided. The cancel switch 58 is a switch provided in an appropriate place such as the vicinity of the shift device 1 in order to prohibit the notification as described above. For example, when the cancel switch 58 is operated once, the notification is prohibited, and when the cancel switch 58 is operated again in this state, the notification is permitted. When such a cancel switch 58 is provided, for example, a driver who is proficient in the operation of the shift device 1 can use the cancel switch 58 to prohibit notification, so that the driver can feel troublesome. It can be avoided. In the case where the parking brake 52 is automatically engaged together with the notification as in the above embodiment, not only the notification is prohibited but also the automatic engagement of the parking brake 52 is prohibited according to the operation of the cancel switch 58. Good.

  In the above embodiment, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward, switching to the drive range is permitted regardless of whether the push switch 19 is ON or OFF. Only when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON, switching to the drive range is permitted, or the shift lever 10 is tilted backward when the push switch 19 is OFF. Switching to the drive range may be permitted only when it is done.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the shift lever 10 which can be tilt-displaced forward and backward was employ | adopted as an "operation member" said to a claim, the specific example of an operation member is not restricted to this. For example, a part designed to be easily gripped by an occupant (for example, a part having a shape similar to a mouse for a personal computer) is slidable in the front-rear direction, and the slidable design part may be used as the operation member. .

  In the above embodiment, the shift lever 10 as the operation member can be tilted and displaced forward and backward, but the direction in which the operation member can be displaced is not limited thereto. The operation member only needs to be displaceable in at least two directions on the same straight line (the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction). It can be changed variously according to required performance, regulations and the like.

  Moreover, although the shift apparatus 1 of the said embodiment switched the gear shift range between four types of ranges of parking, reverse, neutral, and a drive, another gear shift range other than these four types of ranges is further provided. You may prepare. For example, a manual range that enables an intentional switching of the gear position of the automatic transmission 50 during forward travel is prepared, and a predetermined range that is different from any of the operations when selecting each range of parking, reverse, neutral, and drive When the operation is performed, the shift range may be switched to the manual range. When the manual range is selected, for example, the gear position of the automatic transmission 50 may be reduced or increased as the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward while the push switch 19 is OFF. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the push switch 19 which consists of an ON / OFF type button switch was employ | adopted as a "switch part" said to a claim, the specific example of a switch part is not restricted to this, For example, a toggle switch is employ | adopted. May be. Furthermore, a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the presence or absence of a switch operation based on the magnitude of pressure input from the driver's finger may be used as the “switch unit”.

  Further, the shift device 1 of the above-described embodiment switches the shift range of the stepped automatic transmission 50 interposed between the engine (internal combustion engine) and the wheels. The applicable transmission is not limited to a stepped automatic transmission, and may be, for example, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a device that electrically switches forward / reverse, such as a transmission used in an electric vehicle.

1 Shift device 3 Meter unit 3 (notification means)
10 Shift lever (operation member)
19 Push switch (switch part)
20 Main body 52 Parking brake 54 Alarm sound generator (notification means)
58 cancel switch 60b range control unit 60e brake control unit T2 second reference time (predetermined time)

Claims (6)

A vehicle shift device capable of switching a shift range of a vehicle between a drive range that is a forward travel range, a reverse range that is a reverse travel range, and a neutral range,
An operation member;
A switch portion provided on the operation member;
A main body that supports the operating member so as to be displaceable in a first direction and a second direction opposite thereto, and that automatically returns the displaced operating member to a predetermined home position;
When the operating member is displaced in the first direction, the drive range is selected, and when the operating member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned on, the reverse range is selected, and the switch The vehicle is operated according to the operation of the operation member and the switch unit so that the neutral range is selected when the operation member is displaced in the second direction and the operation is held for a predetermined time or longer with the unit being OFF. A vehicle shift device comprising: a range control unit that switches and controls a shift range of the vehicle. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1,
When the current shift range is the drive range, an insufficient operation has been performed in which the operation holding time of the operation member that has been displaced in the second direction with the switch unit being OFF is less than the predetermined time. In this case, the vehicle shift device further includes notification means for performing predetermined notification to the driver. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1,
When the current shift range is the neutral range and the road surface is a downhill, the operation holding time of the operation member that has been displaced in the second direction with the switch portion being OFF is less than the predetermined time. A vehicular shift device, further comprising a notification unit that performs predetermined notification to a driver when an insufficient operation is performed. The vehicle shift device according to claim 2 or 3,
The vehicle shift device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs the notification even when the insufficient operation is performed when the current shift range is a reverse range. In the vehicle shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A vehicular shift device, further comprising a brake control unit that engages an electric parking brake provided in the vehicle under a condition in which the notification by the notification unit is performed. The vehicle shift device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A vehicle shift device, further comprising a cancel switch that receives an operation for prohibiting notification by the notification means.

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