JP6090339B2 - 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. In particular, when such a change to the neutral range occurs when the vehicle is powering up an uphill road (when running on an uphill road with the accelerator pedal depressed), As the vehicle comes off, the vehicle decelerates unexpectedly, which is not preferable.

  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, the switch operation determination unit that determines ON / OFF of the switch unit, and the operation member are displaced in the first direction or the second direction, A displacement operation determination unit that determines an operation state of the operation member based on a predetermined parameter that increases as the intention of the operated occupant becomes clear, and the operation unit Is moved in the first direction, the drive range is selected, and when the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned off, the neutral range is selected, and the switch portion is turned on. In this state, the shift range of the vehicle is switched and controlled based on the determination results of the switch operation determination unit and the displacement operation determination unit so that the reverse range is selected when the operation member is displaced in the second direction. A range controller, and when the operating member is displaced in the second direction while the switch is OFF, the parameter relating to the displacement operation exceeds a first threshold value. On the condition that switching to the neutral range is permitted, the operation member is operated to be displaced in the second direction while the switch portion is ON. In this case, switching to the reverse range is permitted on condition that the parameter relating to the displacement operation exceeds a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. ).

  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 the threshold value of the parameter for determining whether or not the neutral range can be switched is too small, for example, even if the occupant's hand accidentally touches the operation member, the shift range is switched, contrary to the intention of the driver. The situation where the neutral range is selected is more likely to occur. In particular, when such a sudden change to the neutral range occurs when the vehicle is powering up an uphill road (when running on an uphill road with the accelerator pedal depressed), the driving torque is lost. As a result, the vehicle decelerates unexpectedly, which is not preferable. With respect to such a problem, in the present invention, a parameter threshold value (first threshold value) for determining whether or not to switch to the neutral range is set to a parameter threshold value (second threshold value) for determining whether or not to switch to the reverse range. ), The neutral range is not selected unless the operation member is clearly displaced in the second direction. 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 displace the operation member in the second direction with the switch unit turned on. As described above, when the reverse range for moving the vehicle backward is selected, an ON operation of the switch unit and a displacement operation of the operation member are required at the same time, which effectively prevents an erroneous operation that causes the driver to select the reverse range unintentionally. Can be prevented and safety can be further improved. Moreover, since the parameter threshold value (second threshold value) for determining whether to switch to the reverse range is shorter than the parameter threshold value (first threshold value) for determining whether to switch to the neutral range, the reverse range is set. The driver's burden when selecting is not excessively increased, and both the operability and safety of the shift device can be achieved.

  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.

  The parameter may be an operation holding time that is a time during which the displacement operation of the operation member in the first direction or the second direction is continued. In this case, when the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch unit turned off, the range control unit determines that the operation holding time of the displacement operation has exceeded the first reference time. When switching to the neutral range is permitted as a condition, and the operation member is displaced in the second direction while the switch is on, the operation holding time of the displacement operation is the first reference time. The switching to the reverse range is permitted on the condition that the second reference time shorter than the second reference time is exceeded (claim 2).

  According to this configuration, when selecting the neutral range, it is required to maintain the operation of the operation member for a longer time than when the reverse range is selected. Can be prevented from switching to the neutral range. Further, since it is not necessary to hold the operation member for a long time when the reverse range is selected, it is possible to reduce the operation burden at the time of selecting the reverse range, in which the ON operation of the switch unit and the displacement operation of the operation member are required at the same time.

  In the above configuration, more preferably, the range control unit is configured on the condition that when the operation member is displaced in the first direction, the operation holding time of the displacement operation exceeds a third reference time. Switching to the drive range is permitted, and the third reference time is the same as the second reference time.

  According to this configuration, the operation holding time of the operation member required when selecting the drive range and the reverse range is made equal, and the operation holding time of the operation member required when selecting the neutral range is longer than that time. Is done. For this reason, the operability at the time of selecting the drive range and the reverse range can be ensured in a well-balanced manner while preventing an unexpected switch to the neutral range.

  For example, in a situation where the gear range is frequently switched between the drive range and the reverse range, such as when turning the vehicle in a narrow place, the operation holding time of the operation member required when selecting the drive range is reversed. If it is different from that at the time of range selection, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to the difference in the operation holding time. On the other hand, in the above configuration, it is only necessary to hold the operation member operation for the same period of time when selecting the drive range and when selecting the reverse range. It becomes possible to select the drive range or the reverse range smoothly under a simple operation feeling.

  The third reference time may be shorter than the second reference time.

  According to this configuration, the required operation holding time of the operation member becomes longer in the order of selecting the drive range, selecting the reverse range, and selecting the neutral range. In this way, if the operation holding time when selecting the neutral range is the longest and the operation holding time when selecting the reverse range is longer than the operation holding time when the drive range is selected, the switch to the neutral range is abrupt. There is an advantage that the driver can be urged to be more careful when selecting the reverse range that reverses the vehicle, and safety can be further improved.

  The third reference time may be longer than the second reference time and shorter than the first reference time.

  According to this configuration, the required operation holding time of the operation member becomes longer in the order of selecting the reverse range, selecting the drive range, and selecting the neutral range. In this way, if the operation holding time when selecting the neutral range is maximized and the operation holding time when selecting the reverse range is shorter than the operation holding time when selecting the drive range, the switch to the neutral range unexpectedly occurs. There is an advantage that the operation load at the time of selecting the reverse range in which the ON operation of the switch unit and the displacement operation of the operation member are required at the same time can be reduced.

  The parameter may be a displacement amount of the operation member in the first direction or the second direction. In this case, when the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch unit being OFF, the range control unit determines that the displacement amount due to the displacement operation exceeds the first reference displacement amount. In the condition, when switching to the neutral range is permitted, and the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned on, the displacement amount by the displacement operation is the first reference displacement amount. Switching to the reverse range is permitted on condition that the second reference displacement amount smaller than the second reference displacement amount is exceeded.

  According to this configuration, when the neutral range is selected, the operation member is required to be displaced in the second direction to a greater extent than when the reverse range is selected. It is possible to prevent a situation such as switching to the range. Further, since it is not necessary to displace the operation member so much at the time of selecting the reverse range, it is possible to reduce the operation burden at the time of selecting the reverse range in which the ON operation of the switch unit and the tilting operation of the operation member are required at the same time.

  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 flowchart which shows how the shift range is switched and controlled during driving of the vehicle. 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. FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 for describing a modification of the present invention.

(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 the present embodiment, the vehicle includes an engine (not shown) formed of an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and an automatic transmission 50 (FIG. 8) that transmits the driving force of the engine to the wheels while decelerating. Yes. 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.

  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, D) are displayed.

  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 is electrically connected to the parking switch 8, the displacement sensor 28, the push switch 19, the meter unit 3, the indicator 9, and the automatic transmission 50 (more specifically, the shift actuator 50a) described above. 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 an operation determination unit 60a and a range control unit 60b.

  The operation determination unit 60 a determines the operation states of the parking switch 8, the shift lever 10, and the push switch 19. For example, the operation determination unit 60a 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. Such an operation determination unit 60a corresponds to a “switch operation determination unit” and a “displacement operation determination unit” in the claims.

  The range control unit 60b performs shift range switching control of the automatic transmission 50, display control of the indicator 9 and the meter unit 3, and the like based on the operation state of the shift device 1 determined by the determination unit 60a. is there.

(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.

(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.

  In the shift patterns from the parking, reverse, neutral, and drive ranges as described above, the shift lever 10 is tilted backward 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.

  Here, the “operation holding time” shown at the bottom of FIG. 9 is a time for holding the state in which the shift lever 10 is tilted forward or backward, and “long” and “short” of the time. Indicates that the operation holding time required at the time of range switching differs depending on the combination of ON / OFF of the push switch 19 and the operation direction of the shift lever 10. The details will be clarified in the next item (4).

(4) Range switching determination logic Next, when an operation is attempted to switch the shift range to one of the reverse, neutral, and drive ranges, it is determined whether or not to permit the switching. Explain what will be done.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control operation at the time of range switching. When the process shown in this flowchart starts, the operation determination unit 60a of the controller 60 determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted backward (step S1). Specifically, the operation determination unit 60a determines the amount of displacement of the shift lever 10 to the rear based on a signal input from the displacement sensor 28 (a signal indicating the rotation angle of the support shaft 15). It is determined whether or not Y (see FIG. 11B) has been exceeded, and if it has exceeded, it is determined that the shift lever 10 has been tilted backward. Note that the threshold value Y here is slightly larger than the limit displacement amount Q corresponding to the rearward displacement limit of the shift lever 10 (the position contacting the rear edge of the guide groove 21a), as shown in FIG. 11B. It is set to a small value. Of course, the threshold value Y can be set to be the same as the limit displacement amount Q.

  When it is determined YES in Step S1 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted backward, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the flag F3 is “0” (Step S2). . The flag F3 is set to “1” after the timer starts counting in step S3 described later, and the initial value is “0”. Therefore, the first determination in step S2 is YES.

  When it is determined YES in step S2 and it is confirmed that F3 = 0, the operation determination unit 60a starts counting the timer (step S3) and inputs "1" to the flag F3 ( Step S4).

  Here, the count of the timer in step S3 starts from the time point d when the amount of backward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value Y, as shown in FIG. The count time increases as long as the exceeded condition continues. Therefore, the count time here means the time during which the state in which the shift lever 10 is tilted backward is continued, in other words, the operation holding time to the rear of the shift lever 10.

  Next, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether the count time after step S3, that is, the operation holding time behind the shift lever 10, has exceeded a predetermined third reference time T3 (see FIG. 11B). Is determined (step S5).

  Immediately after the shift lever 10 is tilted backward, the operation holding time is naturally less than the third reference time T3. Therefore, at least the first determination in step S5 is NO. If the determination is NO, the subsequent processing is skipped and the process returns. When returning to step S2 after returning, the flag F3 has already been rewritten to “1”, and the determination in step S2 is NO. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S5 and the operation holding time is the third reference time. It is determined again whether or not T3 has been exceeded, and thereafter it is repeated.

  When it is determined YES in step S5 and it is confirmed that the operation holding time behind the shift lever 10 exceeds the third reference time T3, the range control unit 60b of the controller 60 shifts the automatic transmission 50. The range is switched to the drive range (step S6). That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, at the time point e immediately after the third reference time T3 has elapsed from the time point d at which the shift amount of the shift lever 10 to the rear exceeds the threshold value Y, the shift range becomes the drive range. Can be switched.

  If the drive range has already been selected before step S6, the shift range is not switched and the drive range is maintained. Further, as can be understood from the contents of steps S1 to S6, in this embodiment, whether or not switching to the drive range is permitted is determined based only on the state of the shift lever 10. Therefore, regardless of whether the push switch 19 is ON or OFF, the shift range is switched to the drive range as long as the operation holding time behind the shift lever 10 exceeds the third reference time T3.

  After switching to the drive range, the operation determination unit 60a resets the count value of the timer (step S7) and rewrites the value of the flag F3 from “1” to “0” (step S8).

  Next, the control operation when the determination in step S1 is NO, that is, when the shift lever 10 is not tilted backward will be described. In this case, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the push switch 19 is in an ON state in which the push switch 19 is pressed based on a signal from the contact point of the push switch 19 (step S10).

  When it is determined YES in Step S10 and it is confirmed that the push switch 19 is in the ON state, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward (Step S11). . Specifically, the operation determination unit 60a, based on the signal input from the displacement sensor 28, has the amount of forward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeded a predetermined threshold value X (see FIG. 11A). It is determined whether or not the shift lever 10 has been tilted forward. Here, the threshold value X is slightly larger than the limit displacement amount P corresponding to the forward displacement limit of the shift lever 10 (the position contacting the front edge of the guide groove 21a), as shown in FIG. It is set to a small value. Of course, the threshold value X can be set to be the same as the limit displacement amount P.

  When it is determined as YES in Step S11 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the flag F2 is “0” (Step S12). . The flag F2 is set to “1” after the timer starts counting in step S13 described later, and the initial value is “0”. Therefore, the first determination in step S12 is YES.

  When it is determined YES in step S12 and it is confirmed that F2 = 0, the operation determination unit 60a starts counting the timer (step S13) and inputs “1” to the flag F2 (step S13). Step S14).

  Here, the count of the timer in step S13 starts from time point a when the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X, as shown in FIG. The count time increases as long as the exceeded condition continues. Therefore, the count time here means the time during which the state in which the shift lever 10 is tilted forward is continued, in other words, the operation holding time to the front of the shift lever 10.

  Next, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the counting time after step S13, that is, the operation holding time in front of the shift lever 10, has exceeded a predetermined second reference time T2 (step S15). . The second reference time T2 used in the determination here may be at least shorter than the first reference time T1 described later, and may take various values. However, the second reference time T2 in the present embodiment is the above-described value. The third reference time T3 (step S5) is set to the same value.

  When it is determined as YES in step S15, that is, when it is confirmed that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 that is tilted forward with the push switch 19 turned on exceeds the second reference time T2. The range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 to the reverse range (step S16). That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, at the time point b immediately after the second reference time T2 has elapsed from the time point a when the forward displacement amount of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X, the shift range is set to the reverse range. Can be switched. If the reverse range has already been selected before step S16, the shift range is not switched and the reverse range is maintained.

  After switching to the reverse range, the operation determination unit 60a resets the count value of the timer (step S17) and rewrites the value of the flag F2 from “1” to “0” (step S18).

  Next, the control operation when the determination at step S10 is NO, that is, when the state of the push switch 19 is OFF will be described. In this case, the operation determination unit 60a shows whether or not the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, that is, the amount of forward displacement of the shift lever 10 specified by the displacement amount sensor 28 is shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the threshold value X has been exceeded (step S21).

  When it is determined as YES in Step S21 and it is confirmed that the shift lever 10 is tilted forward, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the flag F1 is “0” (Step S22). . The flag F1 is set to “1” after the timer starts counting in step S23 described later, and the initial value is “0”. Therefore, the first determination in step S22 is YES.

  When it is determined YES in Step S22 and it is confirmed that F1 = 0, the operation determination unit 60a starts counting the timer (Step S23) and inputs “1” to the flag F1 (Step S23). Step S24). In addition, the count time after step S23 means the operation holding time to the front of the shift lever 10 as in step S13 described above.

  Next, the operation determination unit 60a determines whether or not the count time, that is, the operation holding time in front of the shift lever 10, has exceeded a predetermined first reference time T1 (step S25). As shown in FIG. 11A, the first reference time T1 used in the determination here is set longer than the above-described second reference time T2 (step S15).

  When it is determined YES in step S25, that is, when it is confirmed that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 that is tilted forward with the push switch 19 being OFF exceeds the first reference time T1, The range control unit 60b switches the shift range of the automatic transmission 50 to the neutral range (step S26). That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, at the time point c immediately after the first reference time T1 has elapsed from the time point a when the amount of forward displacement of the shift lever 10 exceeds the threshold value X, the shift range becomes the neutral range. Can be switched. If the neutral range has already been selected before step S26, the shift range is not switched, and the neutral range is maintained.

  After switching to the reverse range, the operation determination unit 60a resets the count value of the timer (step S27) and rewrites the value of the flag F1 from “1” to “0” (step S28).

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the threshold values related to the operation holding time of the shift lever 10, that is, the first, second, and third reference times T1, T2, and T3 used in steps S5, S15, and S25. The values are set so as to satisfy the relationship of T1> T2 = T3. That is, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the drive / reverse range becomes the same value (T2 = T3), and the operation of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the neutral range. The threshold values are set so that the holding time becomes a value (T1) longer than that in the drive / reverse range. Note that “short” and “long” in the bottom row (operation holding time) in FIG. 9 indicate this, “short” means T2 and T3, and “long” means T1. Represents each.

(5) Operation As described above, in this embodiment, when the shift lever 10 is tilted backward while the push switch 19 is ON or OFF, the drive range is changed. When the push switch 19 is turned OFF, the shift lever 10 is turned OFF. Is required when the reverse range is selected in the shift device 1 in which the reverse range is selected when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward with the push switch 19 turned on. Since the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 forward of the lever 10 is set shorter than the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 forward of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral 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 up an uphill road (when running on an uphill road with the accelerator pedal depressed), the driving torque is lost. As a result, the vehicle decelerates unexpectedly, which is not preferable. For such a problem, in the above embodiment, the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected is equal to the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected ( Since it is longer than the second reference time T2, the neutral range cannot be selected unless the operation of pushing the shift lever 10 forward 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 selecting the reverse range for reversing the vehicle, the switch ON operation and the lever tilt operation are required at the same time, which effectively prevents the driver from unintentionally selecting the reverse range. Can be prevented and safety can be further enhanced. In addition, the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected is made shorter than the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 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.

  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, the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 forward of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected is set to be the longest, and the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected. The backward operation holding time (third reference time) T3 and the forward operation holding time (second reference time) T2 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected are set to the same value. According to such a configuration, there is an advantage that the operability at the time of selecting the drive range and the reverse range can be secured in a well-balanced manner while preventing an unexpected change to the neutral range.

  For example, in a situation where the shift range is frequently switched between the drive range and the reverse range, such as when the vehicle is turned back in a narrow place, the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected is assumed. If it is different from that when the reverse range is selected, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to the difference in the operation holding time. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, it is only necessary to hold the operation of the shift lever 10 for the same time when selecting the drive range and when selecting the reverse range (T2 = T3). It is possible to select the drive range or the reverse range smoothly under a more natural operation feeling.

(6) Modification In the above embodiment, the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 required when the neutral range is selected and the operation holding time (first reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected ( The magnitude relationship between the second reference time) T2 and the operation holding time (third holding time) T3 of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected is set so that T1> T2 = T3. It is sufficient that the relationship of> T2 is maintained, and it is possible to set a relationship other than this.

  For example, the operation holding time (third holding time) T3 of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected is set shorter than the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 of the shift lever 10 required when the reverse range is selected. May be. That is, the magnitude relationship of T1> T2> T3 is set so that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 becomes longer in the order of selecting the drive range, selecting the reverse range, and selecting the neutral range. In this way, it is possible to prompt the driver to be more careful when selecting the reverse range for reversing the vehicle, while preventing unexpected switching to the neutral range, thereby further improving safety.

  Further, the operation holding time (third holding time) T3 of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the drive range is longer than the operation holding time (second reference time) T2 of the shift lever 10 required when selecting the reverse range, And you may set shorter than the operation holding time (1st reference time) T1 of the shift lever 10 requested | required at the time of neutral range selection. That is, the magnitude relationship of T1> T3> T2 is set so that the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 becomes longer in the order of reverse range selection, drive range selection, and neutral range selection. In this way, it is possible to reduce the operation burden when selecting the reverse range in which the ON operation of the push switch 19 and the tilting operation of the shift lever 10 are simultaneously required while preventing the switch to the neutral range.

  In the above-described embodiment, the required operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is made different at least when the neutral range is selected and when the reverse range is selected, for the purpose of preventing an unexpected switch to the neutral range. However, a similar object can be achieved by adjusting parameters other than the operation holding time.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, it is conceivable to adjust the amount of displacement of the shift lever 10 forward or backward (see “large” and “small” of the amount of displacement at the lowest stage in FIG. 12). Specifically, when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is OFF, the neutral range is obtained on the condition that the displacement amount of the shift lever 10 at that time exceeds the first reference displacement amount. When the shift lever 10 is tilted forward while the push switch 19 is ON, the second reference displacement is smaller than the first reference displacement when the shift lever 10 is tilted forward. Allow switching to the reverse range on condition that the amount has been exceeded. In this case, it is preferable that the first reference displacement amount is set to a value substantially the same as the limit displacement amount P forward of the shift lever 10 (FIG. 11A). On the other hand, the second reference displacement amount is set to a value smaller than the limit displacement amount P.

  According to this example, when the neutral range is selected, the shift lever 10 is required to be tilted and displaced forward much more greatly than when the reverse range is selected. It is possible to prevent a situation such as switching to the range. Further, since it is not necessary to displace the shift lever 10 so much when the reverse range is selected, it is possible to reduce the operation burden at the time of selecting the reverse range where the ON operation of the push switch 19 and the tilting operation of the shift lever 10 are required at the same time. . It should be noted that the amount of displacement of the shift lever 10 required when the drive range is selected can be set as appropriate, and may be smaller than the displacement amount when the reverse range is selected, or the displacement amount when the reverse range is selected. It may be larger and smaller than the displacement amount when the neutral range is selected.

  Furthermore, instead of the above-described embodiment in which the operation holding time of the shift lever 10 is adjusted and the above-described modification in which the amount of displacement of the shift lever 10 is adjusted, the operating force of the shift lever 10 may be adjusted. That is, the operating force of the shift lever 10 is detected by using a pressure sensor or the like, and the threshold of the operating force is different at least when the neutral range is selected and when the reverse range is selected (when the neutral range is selected is larger). Adjustments may be made so that operating forces are required.

  It can be said that all of the above-described operation holding time, displacement amount, and operating force are parameters that increase as the intention of the occupant operating the shift lever 10 becomes clearer. In the case of such a parameter, the threshold value is changed at least when the neutral range is selected and when the reverse range is selected (the threshold value when the neutral range is selected is set to be larger than the threshold value when the reverse range is selected). The same purpose can be achieved.

  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 10 Shift lever (operating member)
19 Push switch (switch part)
20 Main body 60a Operation determination unit (displacement operation determination unit, displacement operation determination unit)
60b Range control unit T1 first reference time T2 second reference time T3 third reference 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;
A switch operation determination unit for determining ON / OFF of the switch unit;
Displacement operation for determining the operation state of the operation member based on a predetermined parameter that increases as the intention of the operated occupant becomes clear when the operation member is displaced in the first direction or the second direction. A determination unit;
When the operation member is displaced in the first direction, the drive range is selected, and when the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion being OFF, the neutral range is selected, and the switch The shift range of the vehicle is set based on the determination results of the switch operation determination unit and the displacement operation determination unit so that the reverse range is selected when the operation member is displaced in the second direction while the unit is ON. A range control unit for switching control,
The range control unit
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch section turned off, switching to the neutral range is permitted on condition that the parameter relating to the displacement operation exceeds the first threshold value. And
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch unit turned on, the parameter relating to the displacement operation exceeds a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. A vehicle shift device characterized in that switching to a reverse range is permitted. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1,
The parameter is an operation holding time which is a time during which the displacement operation of the operation member in the first direction or the second direction is continued,
The range control unit
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch unit turned off, the switch to the neutral range is performed on the condition that the operation holding time of the displacement operation has exceeded the first reference time. Allow
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch part turned on, the operation holding time of the displacement operation exceeds a second reference time shorter than the first reference time. Further, the vehicle shift device is characterized in that switching to the reverse range is permitted. The vehicle shift device according to claim 2,
When the operation member is displaced in the first direction, the range control unit permits switching to the drive range on the condition that the operation holding time of the displacement operation exceeds the third reference time. And
The vehicle shift device, wherein the third reference time is the same as the second reference time. The vehicle shift device according to claim 2,
When the operation member is displaced in the first direction, the range control unit permits switching to the drive range on the condition that the operation holding time of the displacement operation exceeds the third reference time. And
The vehicle shift device, wherein the third reference time is shorter than the second reference time. The vehicle shift device according to claim 2,
When the operation member is displaced in the first direction, the range control unit permits switching to the drive range on the condition that the operation holding time of the displacement operation exceeds the third reference time. And
The vehicle shift device characterized in that the third reference time is longer than the second reference time and shorter than the first reference time. The vehicle shift device according to claim 1,
The parameter is a displacement amount of the operation member in the first direction or the second direction.
The range control unit
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned off, switching to the neutral range is performed on the condition that the displacement amount by the displacement operation exceeds the first reference displacement amount. Allow
When the operation member is displaced in the second direction with the switch portion turned on, the displacement amount by the displacement operation exceeds a second reference displacement amount smaller than the first reference displacement amount. A vehicle shift device characterized by permitting switching to the reverse range as a condition.

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