JP2008018736A - Shift lever device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shift lever device enabling exact specifying of a shift position of a shift lever, sure operation of a shift operation of a vehicle, and simplification and miniaturization of the device. <P>SOLUTION: This device is provided with a housing 11 provided in the vehicle, the shift lever 12 supported by the housing 11 to make a driver perform the shift operation of the vehicle, magnet members 14a and 14b arranged in the vicinity of a guide slit 11e for guiding the shift lever 12, and MRE (Magneto-resistance effect) sensors 15a and 15b for detecting magnetism of a prescribed direction. By arranging the MRE sensors 15a and 15b between the shift lever 12 and the magnet members 14a and 14b, respectively, magnetism generated between the shift lever 12 and the magnet members 14a and 14b is detected, and a shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is specified based on a change of the magnetism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift lever device that allows a driver to perform a vehicle shift operation, and more particularly to a so-called by-wire type shift lever device.

  Conventionally, shift change means using a mechanical link mechanism have been used in shift lever devices for automatic automobiles (vehicles). However, in recent years, in order to meet the demand for computerization of in-vehicle devices, which is rapidly progressing, the shift position where the shift lever is located is specified using a sensor, and a predetermined actuator is driven according to the output signal of the sensor, A so-called by-wire type shift lever device for performing a shift change has been proposed.

  According to this shift lever device, it is not necessary to provide a large and complicated link mechanism between the driver's seat and the engine room, and it is only necessary to provide electrical wiring, so that the degree of freedom in designing an automatic vehicle is greatly increased. .

In such a shift lever device, a rotating member is connected to a base end portion of the shift lever via a clutch member, and magnetism generated from the rotating member is detected by an MRE (Magneto-resistance effect) sensor. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a technique in which a shift position of a shift lever is specified based on the intensity of the magnetism.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-154869, FIG. 1, 35th paragraph, etc.

  However, according to the shift lever device described above, since the detection target of the MRE sensor is a magnet connected to the shift lever via the rotation member, the shift lever, the rotation member, and the assembly error between the rotation member and the magnet There is a possibility that an error may occur in specifying the shift position of the shift lever. Further, the structure is complicated by the magnet separated from the rotating member and the shift lever, and it is difficult to simplify and miniaturize the shift lever device. Further, since the shift lever and the rotating member are usually made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, the presence of the ferromagnetic material may hinder the detection of magnetism from the magnet by the MRE sensor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to accurately identify the shift position of the shift lever based on the magnetism emitted from the shift lever and detected by the magnetic detection sensor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a shift lever device that can be simplified and miniaturized.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided in a vehicle, and has a first magnetic member integrally and is operated to switch the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle. And a housing for supporting the shift lever, and a magnetic detection sensor for detecting a shift position of the shift lever. The housing is formed in a predetermined pattern, and the shift lever is disposed at the shift position of the vehicle. In the shift lever device provided with the guide means for guiding and positioning the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, the shift lever device further includes a second magnetic member disposed in the vicinity of the guide means. At least one is constituted by a magnet, and the magnetic detection sensor is positioned between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, so that the first and second magnetic members are located. It is detected magnetism generated between the members, that the shift lever based on a change in the detected magnetism was such that the shift position is located is identified, and the gist.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the magnetic detection sensor is located between the shift lever (first magnetic member) and the second magnetic member (between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member). Thus, the shift position is specified directly based on the position of the shift lever without using an intervening member such as a magnet separated from the rotating member or the shift lever. As a result, the error regarding the specification of the shift position resulting from the assembly error between the shift lever and the interposition member is effectively eliminated, and the shift position can be specified accurately (the accuracy of specifying the shift position is increased). ). According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the shift lever integrally includes the first magnetic member that is a detection target of the magnetic detection sensor, the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are separated by the shift lever. The detection of the magnetism formed between the shift levers is not hindered, and this also increases the specific accuracy of the shift position of the shift lever. In addition, since the first magnetic member is integrated with the shift lever and does not include a rotating member or magnet separated from the shift lever, the structure of the device is simplified and the size is reduced. Will come to be. Moreover, according to the configuration of the first aspect, the shift position of the shift lever can be obtained only by arranging the magnetic detection sensor so as to be positioned between the shift lever (first magnetic member) and the second magnetic member. Can be accurately specified, so that it can flexibly cope with various shift patterns (shift lever guide patterns) set in the housing, and the shift lever device can be simplified and downsized. The degree of freedom in design can be increased.

The gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that the shift lever device according to claim 1 is provided with an MRE sensor or a hall element sensor as the magnetic detection sensor.
According to the configuration of the second aspect, the magnetic detection sensor for detecting the magnetism generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is configured by the MRE sensor or the Hall element sensor. By disposing between the first and second magnetic members, the shift position of the shift lever can be easily and accurately specified based on the magnetism generated between the two members.

The invention according to claim 3 is summarized in that, in the shift lever device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the shift lever is the first magnetic member by itself.
According to the configuration of the third aspect, since the shift lever is a first magnetic member by itself, the number of parts to be used is higher than that in the case where the first magnetic member is provided in a part of the shift lever. As a result, the manufacture of the shift lever device is simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the shift lever device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a support member that is provided in the vicinity of the housing and rotatably supports the shift lever; A circuit board on which the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member are disposed, the shift lever being provided in the vehicle so as to be substantially orthogonal at all times, and the circuit board being more shifted than the support member. The gist is that the lever is provided at a position near the operating tip of the lever.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the position where the magnetism generated from the shift lever is detected is set closer to the operation tip of the shift lever than the support member serving as the rotation center of the shift lever. As the amount of movement of the lever increases, the distance between the shift positions at which the shift lever is positioned is apparently increased, and the angle formed by the magnetism passing through the magnetic detection sensor (MRE sensor) with respect to the magnetic detection sensor at each shift position. Since the difference between them becomes clear, the shift position of the shift lever can be specified more accurately.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the shift lever device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the shift positions are arranged in a matrix composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal directions. In addition, the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member are arranged in a total of two sets, one set for each direction, along each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix. The gist is that the shift position where the shift lever is located is specified.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, when the shift positions where the shift lever is located are arranged in a matrix composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal directions, the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member are The total number of parts used for the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member is minimized by arranging a total of two sets, one for each direction, along each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix. In addition, the shift position of the shift lever can be reliably specified.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a shift lever device capable of accurately specifying the shift position of the shift lever based on the magnetism emitted from the shift lever and detected by the magnetic detection sensor and simplifying and miniaturizing the device. become able to.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The shift lever device of the present embodiment is provided in an automatic vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as “vehicle”), and as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the vehicle instrument is provided. A shift lever 12 is provided on the panel and is operated to switch the shift range of the transmission of the vehicle, and a housing 11 that supports the shift lever 12 and displays the shift position 11c.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a) or FIG. 1 (b), the housing 11 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and includes a first guide gate 101 arranged on the upper side and a lower side. The second guide gate 102 is formed. The first guide gate 101 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a rectangular shift position display surface 11a extending along each side in the shift direction and the select direction of the shift lever 12, and the shift position display surface 11a. And a bottom surface 11b facing vertically. On the above-mentioned shift position display surface 11a, “R (reverse)”, “N (neutral)”, “D (drive)”, “displays the shift position 11c of the vehicle (see FIG. 1A). The decorative characters 11c ′ of “P (parking)” and “B (regenerative brake)” are printed. Further, the shift position display surface 11a and the bottom surface 11b are formed in a predetermined shift pattern (gate pattern), and the shift lever 12 is loosely inserted, and the shift lever 12 is guided to be positioned at each shift position 11c. A pair of upper and lower guide slits (guide means) 11d and 11e are provided. In FIG. 1A, the “predetermined shift pattern” is formed as an “H” -shaped pattern composed of vertical and horizontal line segments extending in the shift direction and the select direction, respectively. In FIG. 1B, the second guide gate 102 described above is formed in a bottomed rectangular tube shape, and the rectangular opening 102a matches the outer shape of the bottom surface 11b of the first guide gate 101. Thus, it is joined to the first guide gate 101.

  The shift lever 12 is made of a magnetic iron-chromium alloy and has a cylindrical bar shape as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). And it constitutes a magnetic member (first magnetic member) having magnetism alone. In addition, a truncated cone-shaped knob 12a is integrally attached to the operation tip of the shift lever 12 shown in FIG. 1A, and the upper surface of the knob 12a (the surface facing the driver) is “ Decorative characters corresponding to the shift positions 11c of “R”, “N”, “D”, “P”, and “B” are printed together with an arrow indicating the operation direction of the shift lever 12. 1B is supported by a cylindrical support member 16a (support member) provided inside (near) the housing 11, and the cylindrical support member 16a serves as a fulcrum (rotation center). ) Is rotatable with respect to the housing 11 (first guide gate 101). More specifically, a cylindrical rod-shaped shaft member 16 is inserted into the side plates 102b, 102c provided in the second guide gate 102 and arranged to face the shift direction so as to be rotatable in the select direction. The cylindrical support member 16 a is externally attached to the central portion of the shaft member 16. A semi-columnar member 16b is integrally fixed to the upper side surface of the cylindrical support member 16a, and a base end member 12b attached to the base end portion of the shift lever 12 is attached to the semi-columnar member 16b. The shaft member 16 is pivotally mounted so as to be rotatable in the axial direction (select direction). With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A, the shift lever 12 can be rotated in the select direction with respect to the housing 11 via the shaft member 16 and the cylindrical support member 16a. The housing 11 can be rotated in the shift direction via a semi-columnar member 16b fixed to the cylindrical support member 16a. Further, when the shift lever 12 is operated in accordance with the display of decorative characters and arrows printed on the upper surface of the knob 12a, the shift lever 12 is moved to the desired shift positions 11c,. It can be made to.

  Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first guide gate 101 is attached with a circuit board 13 made of epoxy resin (nonmagnetic material) on which electronic components are disposed. Yes. More specifically, the circuit board 13 has an angular U shape as a whole, and includes a pair of left and right plate members extending in the shift direction and a plate member extending in the select direction. And from the lower surface 11b of the guide gate 101 through screw members 13a,... (In FIG. 1A, one screw member 13a is used corresponding to the four corners of the bottom surface 11b). It is attached so as to surround the guide slit 11e. The circuit board 13 is completely accommodated in a space closed by the bottom surface 11b of the first guide gate 101 and the second guide gate 102 (see FIG. 1B). Note that the shift lever 12 shown in FIG. 1B is always moved in a substantially orthogonal state with respect to the circuit board 13 provided in the housing 11 (vehicle) as described above. Further, the circuit board 13 is provided at a position closer to the operation tip (knob 12a) of the shift lever 12 than the semi-cylindrical member 16b described above. Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the circuit board 13 includes first and second magnet members 14a and 14b (first ones) that are positioned in the vicinity of the guide slit 11e. 2 magnetic members) are disposed. More specifically, the first magnet member 14a is formed on the plate member on the side along the decorative characters 11c ',... "R", "N", and "D" of the pair of left and right plate members extending in the shift direction. The second magnet member 14b is disposed on a plate member extending in the select direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the plurality of shift positions 11c,... Are arranged in a matrix composed of a plurality in the vertical direction (shift direction) and the horizontal direction (select direction). Specifically, the shift positions 11c,... Are surrounded by the above-described square U-shaped circuit board 13 and are disposed in the guide slit 11e having an “H” -shaped pattern, and are arranged in the horizontal direction (selection). In a matrix of 2 rows and 3 columns in the vertical direction (shift direction). That is, the shift positions 11c and 11c of “P” (horizontal direction (select direction) first column) and “B” (horizontal direction (select direction) third column) are displayed in the first row in the vertical direction (shift direction). Has been placed. In the second row in the vertical direction (shift direction), “R” (horizontal direction (select direction) first column), “N” (second direction (select direction) second column), “D” (horizontal direction ( The shift positions 11c, 11c, 11c in the select direction (third column) are arranged.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 2, the shift lever device according to the present embodiment includes first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b, respectively, It is characterized in that it is arranged on the circuit board 13 so as to be positioned between the second magnet members 14a and 14b. With respect to the circuit configuration of the circuit board 13, as shown in FIG. 3, the output sides of the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are electrically connected to the input side of the shift position ECU 17. As a result, output voltages (voltage values Vout) from the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are input to the shift position ECU 17, and the output voltage values Vout are compared and evaluated in the shift position ECU 17. Further, the output side of the shift position ECU 17 is connected to the power control ECU 18, and the output side of the power control ECU 18 is electrically connected to the automatic transmission 19 and the engine 20. As a result, output information including the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 specified based on the comparison / evaluation result by the shift position ECU 17 is input to the power control ECU 18, and an automatic shift is performed by the power control ECU 18 according to the output information. The machine 19 is controlled and the shift range is changed mechanically.

  The first and second MRE sensors 15 a and 15 b are sensor elements that detect magnetism, and are sensor elements that detect the shift position 11 c of the shift lever 12. Specifically, the MRE sensors 15a and 15b are sensor elements that detect magnetic changes in a predetermined direction. In such an MRE sensor, as is conventionally known, a single linear thin-film ferromagnetic metal (hereinafter referred to as “element”) whose resistance value r [Ω] changes according to the magnetic strength in a predetermined direction. Alternatively, a plurality of (two or four, or four, in the form of a bridge) are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. The resistance value r [Ω] is electrically converted to an output voltage value Vout [V] and output to the outside (shift position ECU 17).

More specifically, the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b have two first and second elements 105a and 105b having basically the same characteristics as shown in FIG. Combined and connected in series while being orthogonal to each other. In this case, the perpendicular magnetism that causes the largest change in resistance value with respect to the first element 105a (resistance value r ₁ ) causes the smallest change in resistance value with respect to the second element 105b (resistance value r ₂ ). It will be the direction of the resulting magnetism. Specifically, the resistance values of the first and second elements 105a and 105b without magnetism are both r ₀ [Ω], the resistance change amounts are Δr ₁ [Ω] and Δr ₂ [Ω], respectively, The maximum amount of change is Δr _max [Ω], and the angle (direction angle) formed by the direction of the current flowing through each element 105a, 105b with respect to (direction) is represented by φ [°]. . Then, the resistance values r ₁ and r ₂ [Ω] of the first and second elements 105a and 105b are calculated by the following equations (1) and (2), respectively.

r ₁ = r ₀ −Δr ₁ = r ₀ −Δr _max × sin ² φ Equation (1)
r ₂ = r ₀ −Δr ₂ = r ₀ −Δr _max × cos ² φ Equation (2)
The equivalent circuit (half bridge) of each MRE sensor 15a, 15b is as shown in FIG. 4B, and its output voltage value Vout [V] is expressed by the following formula (3 ).

Vout = r ₁ / (r ₁ + r ₂ ) × Vcc Expression (3)
Substituting the above formulas (1) and (2) into the above formula (3) and rearranging,
Vout = (r ₀ −Δr _max × sin ² φ) / (2 × r ₀ −Δr) (4)
= Vcc / 2 + K × cos (2 × φ) (5)
Here, K = Δr _max / {2 × (2 × r ₀ −Δr _max )} × Vcc.

  Regarding the above equation (5), the horizontal axis represents the direction angle φ [°], the vertical axis represents the output voltage value Vout [V], and FIG. Thus, since the output voltage value Vout changes when the magnetic intensity in a predetermined direction (direction angle φ [°]) changes, the direction angle φ [°] is detected by measuring the output voltage value Vout. Will come to be.

Returning to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are composed of a plurality of shift positions 11c,. A total of two sets are arranged, one for each direction, along each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix of three columns, and the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is determined by their combination. It has become. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the magnet member 14a and the MRE sensor 15a have a straight line l1 along the shift direction when the shift lever 12 is at the shift position 11c indicated by “D”. An inclination angle θ (hereinafter, simply referred to as “inclination angle θ”) between a line segment connecting the first magnet member 14a (center) and each shift position 11c (center) through the first MRE sensor 15a. Is arranged to be θ ₁ . Similarly, when the shift lever 12 is at each of the shift positions 11c and 11c indicated by “N” and “R”, the inclination angle θ = θ ₂ and the inclination angle θ = θ ₃ are set, respectively, When the lever 12 is at each of the shift positions 11c and 11c indicated by “B” and “P”, they are arranged so that the inclination angle θ = θa and the inclination angle θ = θb, respectively. Here, the relationship between the inclination angles θ is ψ ₁ <θ ₁ <θa <θ ₂ <θb <θ ₃ <ψ ₄ and θ ₂ −θ ₁ = θ ₃ −θ ₂ = Δθ (constant). , Θa <(θ ₁ + θ ₂ ) / 2 (= ψ ₂ ), θb> (θ ₂ + θ ₃ ) / 2 (= ψ ₃ ). Here, in FIG. 5A, the inclination angle θ = ψ ₁ = 90 °, the inclination angle θ = ψ ₄ = 180 °, and the inclination angle θ = θ ₂ = 135 °. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the MRE sensor 15b and the magnet member 14b are arranged such that when the shift lever 12 is in the shift position 11c indicated by "D", the straight line l2 along the shift direction and the second An inclination angle α (hereinafter simply referred to as “inclination angle α”) between a line segment connecting the second magnet member 14b (center) and each shift position 11c (center) through the MRE sensor 15b is α. ₁ is arranged. Similarly, when the shift lever 12 is in each of the shift positions 11c and 11c indicated by “N” and “R”, the inclination angle α = α ₂ and the inclination angle α = α ₃ respectively, and the shift is performed. When the lever 12 is in each of the shift positions 11c and 11c indicated by “B” and “P”, they are arranged so that the inclination angle α = α ₄ and the inclination angle α = α ₅ respectively. Here, the relationship between the inclination angles α is ψ ₁ ′ (= 90 °) <α ₄ <α ₅ <α ₃ <α ₂ <α ₁ <ψ ₂ ′ (= 180 °), and α ₁ + Α ₄ = α ₃ + α ₅ = 180 °.

The shift lever device of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the elements according to the strength of the magnetism passing through the first and second elements 105a and 105b of the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b. The resistance values r ₁ and r _{2 of} 105a and 105b change. Furthermore, each shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is specified using the characteristic that the output voltage value Vout of each MRE sensor 15a, 15b changes accordingly. Specifically, the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b have the above-described inclination angles θ and α (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The elements 105a and 105b are arranged on the circuit board 13 so that the direction of the current flowing through the elements 105a and 105b coincides with a direction angle φ (see FIG. 4C) that is an angle formed with respect to the magnetic direction. As a result, the magnetism generated between the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the shift lever 12 and passing through the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b is detected by the MRE sensors 15a and 15b. The direction angle φ [°], that is, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is specified based on the magnetic strength. In this embodiment, in the graph of the relationship between the direction angle φ and the output voltage value Vout shown in FIG. 4C, the substantially linear region in the range of 90 ° <φ <180 ° ), That is, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is specified.

This specifying method will be described in more detail. Referring to FIG. 2, the driver holds the knob 12a (see FIG. 1 (a)), operates the shift lever 12, and shifts each shift position through the guide slit 11e (11d). 11c. For example, when the shift lever 12 is positioned from the shift position 11c indicated by “N” to the shift position 11c indicated by “D”, the inclination angle is referred to with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) and 6 (a). θ changes from θ ₂ to θ ₁ , and the output voltage value Vout of the first MRE sensor 15a changes from Vout ₂ to Vout ₁ . At this time, referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, the inclination angle α is changed from α ₂ to α ₁ , and the output voltage value Vout of the second MRE sensor 15b is changed from Vout ₂ ′ to Vout _1. '.

Here, the output range of the first MRE sensor 15a (the output region corresponds to the substantially linear region in FIG. 4C) is referred to with reference to FIG. 6A. Three ranges according to the output voltage value Vout of the output voltage, that is, a range of “L (low voltage)” where V ₀ ≦ Vout <V ₁ , a range of “M (medium voltage)” where V ₁ ≦ Vout <V ₂ , Each is divided into a range of “H (high voltage)” in which V ₂ ≦ Vout <V ₃ . Here, V ₀ , V ₁ , V ₃ , and V ₃ have inclination angles θ of ψ ₁ (= 90 °), ψ ₂ (= (θ ₁ + θ ₂ ) / 2), ψ ₃ (= (θ ₂ ), respectively. This is the output voltage value of the first MRE sensor 15a when + θ ₃ ) / 2) and ψ ₄ (= 180 °).

On the other hand, the output range of the second MRE sensor 15b (the output region corresponds to the substantially linear region of FIG. 4C) is referred to FIG. According to the output voltage value Vout, there are two ranges, that is, a range of “L (low voltage)” where V ₀ ′ ≦ Vout <Vs, and a range of “H (high voltage)” where Vs ≦ Vout <V ₁ ′. It is divided. Here, V ₀ ′, Vs, and V ₁ ′ are when the inclination angles α are ψ ₁ ′ (= 90 °), ψ ₂ ′ (= 135 °), and ψ ₃ ′ (= 180 °), respectively. The output voltage value of the second MRE sensor 15b.

Therefore, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at the shift position 11c of “D”, ψ ₁ ≦ θ ₁ <ψ ₂ (V ₀ ≦ Vout <V ₁ ) and ψ ₂ ′ ≦ α ₁ <ψ ₃ ′ ( V _s ≦ Vout <V ₁ ′). Therefore, in the output range of the first MRE sensor 15a, the range is “L (low voltage)” (see FIG. 6A), and in the output range of the second MRE sensor 15b, “H (high voltage)”. ”(See FIG. 6B).

  Similarly, when the shift lever 12 is positioned at each shift position 11c indicated by "B", "N", "P", "R", the first and second belonging to each case. A combination of output ranges of the MRE sensors 15a and 15b is determined. The results are summarized in Table 1 below.

上表１より、「Ｒ」、「Ｎ」、「Ｄ」、「Ｐ」、及び「Ｂ」のシフト位置１１ｃ，…については、各シフト位置１１ｃが属する第１及び第２のＭＲＥセンサ１５ａ，１５ｂの出力範囲の組み合わせがそれぞれ異なるので、該出力範囲の組み合わせに基づいてシフトレバー１２のシフト位置１１ｃが特定されるようになる。例えば、当該ＭＲＥセンサ１５ａ，１５ｂの出力電圧値ＶｏｕｔがそれぞれＶ_１≦Ｖｏｕｔ＜Ｖ_２、Ｖｓ≦Ｖｏｕｔ＜Ｖ_１´となり、該出力範囲の組み合わせが「Ｍ（中電圧）」、「Ｈ（高電圧）」と決定されれば、シフトレバー１２のシフト位置１１ｃが「Ｎ（ニュートラル）」であることが特定されることになる。

From Table 1 above, regarding the shift positions 11c,... Of “R”, “N”, “D”, “P”, and “B”, the first and second MRE sensors 15a to which each shift position 11c belongs, Since the combinations of the output ranges 15b are different, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is specified based on the combinations of the output ranges. For example, the output voltage values Vout of the MRE sensors 15a and 15b are V ₁ ≦ Vout <V ₂ and Vs ≦ Vout <V ₁ ′, respectively, and the combinations of the output ranges are “M (medium voltage)” and “H (high). Voltage) ”, it is specified that the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 is“ N (neutral) ”.

As described above, according to the shift lever device of the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
(1) The first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are positioned between the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the shift lever 12, respectively (the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and The first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are sandwiched between the shift lever 12). As a result, the shift position 11c is specified based on the position of the shift lever 12 directly without using an intervening member such as a magnet separated from the rotating member or the shift lever 12. As a result, the specific error of the shift position 11c resulting from the assembly error between the shift lever 12 and the interposition member is effectively eliminated. As a result, the shift position 11c can be specified accurately (the shift position specifying accuracy is improved). According to the present embodiment, since the shift lever 12 itself is a detection target of the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b, the shift lever 12 shifts the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b. Detection of magnetism formed between the lever 12 and the lever 12 is not hindered, and this also increases the specific accuracy of the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12. Further, since the shift lever 12 itself is a magnetic member and does not include a rotating member or a magnet separated from the shift lever 12, the structure of the device is simplified, and the downsizing is realized. It becomes like this. In addition, according to this embodiment, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 can be accurately set only by arranging the MRE sensors 15a and 15b so as to be positioned between the shift lever 12 and the magnet members 14a and 14b, respectively. Can be specified. For this reason, it becomes possible to flexibly cope with various shift patterns (shift lever guide patterns) set on the housing 11, and the design of the shift lever device can be simplified, such as simplification and miniaturization of the shift lever device. The degree will be raised.

  (2) The first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b constitute a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism generated between the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the shift lever 12. For this reason, by disposing these sensors between the first and second magnetic members, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 can be easily and accurately specified based on the detected magnetic direction.

  (3) Since the shift lever 12 is made of an iron-chromium alloy having magnetism alone, the number of parts to be used is reduced compared to the case where a magnetic member is provided on a part of the shift lever 12, and the shift lever The manufacturing of the apparatus is simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  (4) The position at which the magnetism generated from the shift lever 12 toward the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b is detected is greater than that of the cylindrical support member 16a, which is the center of rotation of the shift lever 12. The position is set closer to the operation tip (knob 12a). For this reason, the distance between the shift positions 11c and 11c where the shift lever 12 is located is apparently increased by the amount of movement of the shift lever 12. And the difference between the angle which the magnetism which passes the 1st and 2nd MRE sensors 15a and 15b makes with respect to a magnetism detection sensor for every shift position 11c becomes clear, and specification of shift position 11c of shift lever 12 becomes more It will be accurate.

  (5) The shift position 11c where the shift lever 12 is located is arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 3 columns in the vertical direction (shift direction) and the horizontal direction (select direction), and the first and second magnet members 14a, Two sets of 14b and the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are arranged, one for each direction, along each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix. As a result, the shift position 11c of the shift lever 12 can be reliably identified while minimizing the number of parts used for the magnet members 14a and 14b and the MRE sensors 15a and 15b.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the housing 11 is described as a separate member from the instrument panel (instrument panel) of the vehicle. However, the housing 11 may be integrated with the instrument panel of the vehicle. That is, a part of the instrument panel of the vehicle may have the function of the housing 11. Also by this, the same effect as the effect of the said embodiment is obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the MRE sensor is used as the magnetic detection sensor. However, similarly to the MRE sensor, a Hall element sensor that detects a change in magnetism in a predetermined direction can be used as the magnetic detection sensor. Also by this, the same effect as the effect of the said embodiment is obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, a total of two sets of MRE sensors (first and second MREs), one set each along each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix constituted by the plurality of shift positions 11c,. Sensors 15a and 15b, magnetic detection sensors) and second magnetic members (first and second magnet members 14a and 14b) are disposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the MRE sensor and the second magnetic member may be disposed one by one corresponding to each shift position 11c, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the shift pattern set in the housing 11 is an “H” -shaped pattern. However, the shift pattern is not limited to this, and a staircase-shaped pattern, an “h-shaped” pattern, etc. Other various patterns may be used.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, although the shift lever apparatus shall be provided in the instrument panel of a vehicle, it is not restricted to this, You may be provided in another location, for example, a steering column.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are arranged in two sets, one for each of the select direction and the shift direction. Set up. However, it does not have to be the same number of pairs in each direction in this way. For example, one set in the select direction and two sets in the shift direction may be arranged.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b and the first and second MRE sensors 15a and 15b are arranged in two sets, one for each of the select direction and the shift direction. However, one set for each of the select direction and the shift direction may not be provided as described above. For example, one set may be provided for only one of the select direction and the shift direction. Furthermore, it may be arranged on both sides as well as on one side in the shift direction as in the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, for example, the ratio of the number of the pair of MRE sensors 15a (magnetic detection sensor) and the first magnet member 14a is 1: 1, but is not limited to this, and the number in the pair The ratio may be such that there is a plurality of magnetic detection sensors and one second magnetic member (eg, the number ratio in the set is 2: 1, 3: 1).

  In the above embodiment, the shift lever 12 is formed of a magnetic iron-chromium alloy, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of other iron-based metals or the like as long as it has magnetism.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second magnet members 14a and 14b (second magnetic member) are made of magnets, and the shift lever 12 (first magnetic member) is made of iron without being made of magnets. Made of chromium alloy. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second magnetic member is made of a magnetic metal such as iron-chromium alloy having magnetism, and a part of the shift lever 12 is a magnet (a part of the shift lever 12 is used as the first magnetic member). For example, a magnet may be embedded. Or both the said 1st and 2nd magnetic member can also be comprised with a magnet.

(A) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the shift lever apparatus. The top view which shows the shift pattern (arrangement state of a shift position) of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the arrangement state of a 1st and 2nd MRE sensor and a 1st and 2nd magnet member. The circuit block diagram of the 1st and 2nd MRE sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its related apparatus. (A) is a schematic diagram showing the connection state of the first and second elements in each MRE sensor, (b) is an equivalent circuit diagram of each MRE sensor, and (c) is a direction angle φ of each MRE sensor. The graph which shows the relationship with output voltage value Vout. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows inclination-angle (theta) of each shift position seen from the 1st MRE sensor and the 1st magnet member (shift direction), (b) is the 2nd MRE sensor and the 2nd magnet Explanatory drawing which shows the inclination | tilt angle (alpha) of each shift position seen from the member (select direction). (A) shows the relationship between the direction angle (inclination angle) θ of each shift position as viewed from the first MRE sensor and the first magnet member (shift direction) and the main voltage value Vout output from the MRE sensor. FIG. 5B is a graph showing the direction angle (inclination angle) α of each shift position viewed from the second MRE sensor and the second magnet member (select direction) and the main voltage value Vout output from the MRE sensor. The graph which shows the relationship.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Housing, 11c ... Shift position, 11d, 11e ... Guide slit (guide means), 12 ... Shift lever (1st magnetic member), 14a, 14b ... 1st and 2nd magnet member (2nd magnetic member) ), 15a, 15b... First and second MRE sensors (magnetic detection sensors).

Claims (5)

A shift lever provided in a vehicle and integrally having a first magnetic member and operated to switch a shift range of the transmission of the vehicle, a housing that supports the shift lever, and a shift position of the shift lever are detected. A magnetic detection sensor for
In the shift lever device, the housing is provided with a guide means that is formed in a predetermined pattern and guides and positions the shift lever at a shift position of the vehicle.
A second magnetic member disposed in the vicinity of the guide means;
At least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is constituted by a magnet;
The magnetism detection sensor is located between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, so that magnetism generated between the first and second magnetic members is detected, and the detected magnetic field is detected. A shift lever device characterized in that a shift position where the shift lever is located is specified based on a change. The shift lever device according to claim 1,
A shift lever device comprising an MRE sensor or a Hall element sensor as the magnetic detection sensor. The shift lever device according to claim 1 or 2,
The shift lever device, wherein the shift lever is the first magnetic member by itself. In the shift lever device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A support member provided in the vicinity of the housing and rotatably supporting the shift lever;
The shift lever is provided in the vehicle so as to be substantially orthogonal at all times, and includes a circuit board on which the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member are disposed,
A shift lever device in which the circuit board is provided at a position closer to the operation tip of the shift lever than the support member. In the shift lever device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The shift positions are arranged in a matrix composed of a plurality of vertical and horizontal directions, and the magnetic detection sensor and the second magnetic member are respectively along the vertical and horizontal directions of the matrix. Thus, two sets are arranged in total, one for each direction,
A shift lever device in which a shift position where the shift lever is located is specified by a combination thereof.

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