JP4036979B2 - Shift lock structure of automatic transmission - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the structure of a shift lock mechanism provided in an automatic transmission, and belongs to the technical field of arrangement or mounting of a transmission control device in a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a so-called AT (automatic transmission) vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, a selection position of a plurality of ranges such as P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), and the like is, for example, a vehicle body A single line is arranged in the front-rear direction, and when switching between these ranges or selecting a range, the shift lever has been swung only in one direction along the above-mentioned line. The (lever swing position) is also deployed and displaced in a direction (select direction) perpendicular to the row direction (shift direction), so that the shift lever is shifted in the shift direction (for example, longitudinal direction of the vehicle body) and the select direction (for example, vehicle body). A so-called saddle-shaped shift gate that is swung in two directions (width direction) has been widely adopted.
[0003]
In general, an automatic transmission is normally provided with a shift lock mechanism that prohibits the shift lever from being swung to another range selection position if a predetermined condition is not satisfied. In particular, when the saddle type shift gate as described above is provided, the P range shift lock for prohibiting the shift operation from the P range and the N range arranged between the R range and the D range are included. A technique for realizing shift lock at a plurality of different range selection positions with an N range shift lock that prohibits a shift operation in the R range direction is disclosed.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 20, both the shift operation from the P range selection position and the shift operation from the N range selection position to the R range selection position are accompanied by the swings a and b in the selection direction of the shift lever x. In addition, when both the swings a and b in the select direction are swings in the same direction (the right direction in the figure), in either the shift operation from the P range or the shift operation from the N range A restricting member is provided that prohibits each shift operation by abutting the lever x and preventing the swings a and b in the select direction.
[0005]
In the same publication, as the restricting member, as shown in FIG. 20, the P range shift that advances on the swing path of the shift lever x and prevents the swing a of the shift lever x from the P range. The P range moves between the lock position c and the P range shift unlocking position d that retracts in the shift direction from the swing path of the shift lever x and permits the swing a of the shift lever x from the P range. And the N range shift lock position e that moves forward on the swing path of the shift lever x and blocks the swing b of the shift lever x from the N range, and the swing of the shift lever x. A single unit having a locking portion y2 for the N range that moves in the shift direction from the moving path and moves between the N range shift lock release position f that permits the swing b of the shift lever x from the N range. No V-shaped Tsu path z1 is disclosed.
[0006]
The entire V-shaped stopper z1 is swung in the shift direction by switching the solenoid on and off in accordance with the operating state of the brake pedal and the vehicle speed. Accordingly, the two locking portions y1 and y2 are locked at the locking positions c and e. And the release positions d and f, thereby prohibiting the shift lever x from being swung from the P range to other travel ranges unless the brake pedal is depressed after the engine is started. (P-range shift lock), prevent unexpected start of the vehicle, or if the vehicle speed does not drop below the predetermined value, move the shift lever x from the forward travel range such as D range to the R range direction via the N range. In order to avoid shocks at the time of forward / reverse switching, damage to the transmission gear mechanism, and the like.
[0007]
In the case of the V-shaped stopper z1, since the stopper z1 is a single member and swings as a whole, when one of the locking portions y1 or y2 is located at the lock position c or e, When the other locking portion y2 or y1 is positioned at the release position f or d, and conversely when one locking portion y1 or y2 is positioned at the release position d or f, the other locking portion y2 or y1 is locked position e. Or c. That is, when the shift lock of one range of the P range or the N range is released, the other range is shift locked. For example, after releasing the P range shift lock, it is also disclosed in the same publication. As described above, if it is detected that the shift lever x has exited the P range selection position and the condition for releasing the N range shift lock (shifting the P range) is not added, the shift lever x is moved from the P range selection position to the R range. It becomes impossible to operate in the N range direction via.
[0008]
In this publication, as another example of the restricting member, as shown in FIG. 21, for P range having a P range locking portion y1 that moves between the P range shift lock position c and the release position d. An interlocking stopper in which a stopper z21 and an N-range stopper z22 having an N-range locking portion y2 that moves between the N-range shift lock position e and the release position f are interlocked with each other. z2 is disclosed, and when the locking portion y1 or y2 of one stopper z21 or z22 is located at the lock position c or e or the release position d or f, the other stopper z22 or z21 The locking portion y2 or y1 is also configured to be located at the lock position e or c or the release position f or d.
[0009]
However, in the case of this interlocking stopper z2, since the stopper z2 is composed of a plurality of members engaged so as to interlock with each other, more specifically, it is the same as a plurality of range selection positions to be shift-locked. Since only the number of stopper members is required, the number of parts increases and the structure of the shift lock mechanism becomes complicated.
[0010]
In this publication, as still another example of the regulating member, a single plate-like stopper as indicated by reference numeral z3 in FIG. 22 is disclosed. This plate-like stopper z3 is provided so as to be swingable in the select direction, and this plate x side edge portion y3 on the lever x side as a locking portion that comes into contact with the shift lever x is advanced on the swing path. The shaped stopper z3 is always energized.
[0011]
When the brake pedal is not depressed or when the vehicle speed is not lower than the predetermined value, the plate-like stopper z3 is locked with the side edge portion y3 positioned at the shift lock position g where the side edge portion y3 is most advanced on the swing path. Thus, the swing a of the shift lever x from the P range or the swing b of the shift lever x from the N range is prevented, while the brake pedal is depressed or the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value. When the lock of the plate-shaped stopper z3 is released and the stopper z3 is allowed to swing in the select direction, when the shift lever x is in the N range, the stopper z3 is moved from the N range to the position of the shift lever x. N range shift lock release position h where the side edge y3 is slightly retracted in the select direction from the swing path when pressed by the swing b. When the shift lever x is in the P range, the stopper z3 is pressed by the swing a of the shift lever x from the P range, and the side edge portion y3 is further moved in the select direction from the swing path. It is located at the retracted P range shift lock release position i.
[0012]
In this case, the plate-like stopper z3 is constituted by a single member, and when one of the P range and the N range is shift-locked, the other range is also shift-locked, and conversely, the shift of one range is performed. When the lock is released, the shift lock of the other range is also released.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in any technique disclosed in the above publication, the shift lock positions c, e, g and the release positions d, f, h, i are arranged in the shift direction or select direction, which is the operation direction of the shift lever x. Therefore, the restricting members z1, z2, and z3 also swing in the shift direction or the select direction so that the locking portions y1, y2, and y3 move between these two positions. Therefore, the above-mentioned position, in particular, the shift lock release position that retracts from the swinging path of the shift lever is ensured in the shift direction or the select direction, and the area as much as possible can be shifted by moving the latching portion to this position without hindrance. It is necessary to secure in the direction or select direction. This leads to an increase in the size of the shift lock mechanism in the same direction, and consequently an increase in the size of the shift lever device (shift operation input device) incorporating the shift lock mechanism. The degree of freedom of assembly to the vehicle body is narrowed and the layout of the assembly is impaired.
[0014]
In particular, in the case of an automatic transmission equipped with a saddle-type shift gate, the shift lever is swung in two directions, ie, the shift direction and the select direction. However, the increase in size in the same direction of the shift lock mechanism or the shift operation input device is an important problem that cannot be overlooked.
[0015]
In view of the above situation, the present invention improves the structure of a shift lock mechanism that performs shift lock at a plurality of mutually different lever swing positions in an automatic transmission equipped with a saddle type shift gate. It is an object of the present invention to improve the degree of freedom of assembly and layout of these mechanisms or devices by suppressing the size expansion in the shift direction or select direction of the lock mechanism and thus the shift operation input device.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, in order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 in the scope of claims of the present application (hereinafter referred to as “first invention”) intersects the axial direction of the shift lever and is orthogonal to each other. A shift lock mechanism that is provided in an automatic transmission in which the lever is swung in a second direction and prohibits a shift operation from a plurality of lever swing positions different from each other. The shifting direction of the shift lever during shift operation from the position is The select direction is the first direction. And The direction Restriction that is movable between a shift lock position that abuts on a shift lever that is swung and restricts the movement of each lever, and a shift lock release position that does not abut on the shift lever and permits the rocking of each lever A member, and a moving means that moves the restricting member to the shift lock position when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and moves to the release position when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and The shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged along the axial direction of the shift lever, and the first lever swing position and the second lever swing position are the lever swing positions to be shift locked. When the third lever swing position is disposed between these lever swing positions and the restricting member is moved to the shift lock position, the shift lever contact portion and the restricting member Facing surfaces to each other in contact from the first or second lever rocking position of the lever to the third lever rocking position side the above While the swing in the select direction is restricted, when the restricting member is moved to the shift lock release position, the opposed surfaces do not come into contact with each other and the shift lever is allowed to swing in the select direction. When the shift lever is in the third lever swinging position, the opposed surfaces of the lever contacting portion and the regulating member along the direction intersecting the opposed surface are in contact with each other, and the regulating member moves to the shift lock position. Is configured to be prevented.
[0017]
According to the first aspect of the invention, first, when the regulating member does not satisfy the predetermined condition based on the operation state of the brake pedal, the vehicle speed, or the like as described above, and thus has moved to the shift lock position, The restricting member abuts against a shift lever that is swung from any of the plurality of lever swing positions where the shift lock is performed, and restricts the lever swing. When the predetermined condition is satisfied and, therefore, when moving to the shift lock release position, the restricting member is swung from any of the plurality of lever swing positions where the shift lock is performed. Since the lever is allowed to swing without contacting with the shift lever, the restricting member is constituted by a single member and any one of the lever swing positions is locked. In this case, the shift lock of the other lever swing position is also performed. Conversely, when the shift lock of any lever swing position is released, the shift lock of the other lever swing position is also released. Thus, the number of parts does not increase and the shift lock structure does not become complicated unlike the interlocking stopper z2 in the above-described conventional technology, and the shift lock or the same as in the V-shaped stopper z1 in the above-described conventional technology. There is no need to add a release condition item.
[0018]
Then, with such a configuration, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position where the restriction member moves are arranged in the first or second direction, which is the operation direction of the shift lever as in the above-described conventional technology. Rather, it is arranged along the axial direction of the shift lever crossing the first and second directions, so that these positions are secured in the operation direction of the shift lever, or these positions Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a region where the restricting member can be moved and positioned without any problem in the same direction of the operation of the shift lever, and the size increase in the same direction of the shift lock mechanism or the speed change operation input device is avoided. The degree of freedom of assembly of the equipment to the vehicle body and the layout are improved, and from the aspect of the operating area of the shift lever in the vertical shift gate With compactness requirements would be to keep pace.
[0019]
Further, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged along the axial direction of the shift lever in this way, and thus the restriction member is also configured to move along the axial direction of the shift lever. The driving amount of the moving means such as the above-described solenoid for moving the member between both positions can be reduced.
[0020]
That is, when the shift lock is released, the restricting member needs to be surely retracted to a position where it does not contact the shift lever and does not interfere with the lever swing. From this point of view, the shift lock release position is determined. At this time, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged in the first direction or the second direction (shift direction or select direction) as in the prior art described above, so that the restricting member moves in the same direction. In this case, since the direction is the operation direction of the shift lever, it is necessary to dispose the shift lock release position farther away from the shift lock position and retract as the shift lever swing amount during the shift operation increases. Arise.
[0021]
On the other hand, in the first invention, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged in the direction in which the shift lever is not swung, so that the shift lever is affected by the swing amount of the shift lever during the shift operation. Without restricting the restricting member to a position where it does not come into contact with the shift lever, the distance between the shift lock position and the shift lock releasing position can be kept small, and the solenoid moves the restricting member between the two positions. The driving amount of the moving means can be small, and as a result, a small-sized moving means can be adopted.
[0023]
this 1st invention In particular, once the predetermined condition for releasing the shift lock is satisfied and the shift lever is swung from the first lever swing position or the second lever swing position to the third lever swing position, Even if the predetermined condition for releasing the shift lock is not satisfied, the restricting member is held at the shift lock release position. In this state, the shift lever is moved from the third lever swing position to the first or second lever swing position. A shift operation can be performed.
[0024]
For example, when the P, R, and N range selection positions are arranged in this order, the P range selection position (first lever swing position or second lever swing position) to R range selection position (third lever swing position). When the shift lever is swung in the direction of the N range selection position (2nd lever swing position or 1st lever swing position) via the (moving position), the brake pedal is depressed once and the P range shift lock is released. Then, even if the depression of the brake pedal is stopped while the shift lever is pulled out to the N range selection position, the shift lever can be swung to the N range selection position without any trouble.
[0025]
next, Claim 2 Described in the above (hereinafter referred to as “ Second invention " ) Provided in an automatic transmission in which the lever is swung in first and second directions that intersect with and perpendicular to the axial direction of the shift lever, and shift operation from a plurality of different lever swing positions is prohibited The shift lock mechanism has a structure in which the swinging direction of the shift lever at the time of the shift operation from the lever swinging positions is the same in the first direction or the second direction. Is movable between a shift lock position that abuts on a shift lever that is swung in the direction and restricts the swing of each lever, and a shift lock release position that does not abut on the shift lever and allows the lever to swing. A restricting member; and a moving means for moving the restricting member to the shift lock position when a predetermined condition is not satisfied and moving the restricting member to the release position when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged on the side where the lever extends from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever along the axial direction of the shift lever. A shift lock forced release mechanism is provided that is disposed at a position farther from the swing fulcrum than the lock position and forcibly moves the restricting member from the shift lock position to the shift lock release position. A pressing operation member disposed on a side where the lever extends from a swinging fulcrum of the lever and disposed at a position farther from the swinging fulcrum than the shift lock releasing position and receiving a pressing operation toward the swinging fulcrum; and a shift lock A forcible moving member that moves the restricting member from the shift lock position to the release position by moving from the position side to the release position side, And a second end is pressed is engaged with the forced movement member by pressure operation member, and a rotatable pivot member to pivot around which is located between these ends It is characterized by that.
[0026]
Generally, when the shift lever is swung and tilted, each point of the lever moves in the direction of the swing fulcrum of the lever. So this Second invention In this way, the shift lock release position is arranged farther from the swing fulcrum so that each point of the lever moves away from the shift lock release position during the swing operation of the shift lever. The retreat distance from the shift lock position of the shift lock release position can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the restricting member between the shift lock position and the shift lock releasing position, and this also reduces the drive amount of a moving means such as a solenoid that moves the restricting member between the two positions. As a result, a small one can be adopted as the moving means.
[0028]
Generally, in an automatic transmission having a shift lock mechanism, in order to cope with a case where a moving means such as a solenoid provided for moving the restriction member in the mechanism fails, the restriction member is manually pressed. A shift lock forced release mechanism for forcibly moving the shift lock position to the shift lock release position is provided. Here, the manual pressing operation is usually performed from the swing end portion side of the shift lever toward the swing fulcrum, and in particular, This second invention As described above, when the shift lock is released, when the restriction member is configured to move from the shift lock position near the swing fulcrum of the shift lever to the shift lock release position far from the swing fulcrum, the manual pressing operation is performed. And the direction of movement of the restricting member are reversed, and the problem is how to configure the shift lock forced release mechanism to solve this problem.
[0029]
this Second invention According to the present invention, the rotating member is disposed between the pressing operation member that receives the manual pressing operation and the forcible moving member that is movable in the same direction to move the regulating member between the shift lock position and the shift lock release position. A force point where a manual pressing operation is applied via the pressing operation member at both ends located between the rotating fulcrums of the rotating member, and a pressing operation force acts on the forced moving member. Therefore, the direction of the manual pressing operation is reversed by the rotation of the rotating member with a simple configuration, and the pressing operation force is transmitted to the forcible moving member.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[0031]
(A) Shift gate shape and shift operation
First, based on FIGS. 1 to 4, the shape of the shift gate in the shift operation input device incorporating the shift lock mechanism according to this embodiment, and the swing path of the shift lever defined by the shift gate or the A shift operation performed along the swing path will be described. 1 is a plan view of a portion of the shift operation input device 1 that appears in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the device 1 that includes a portion that does not appear in the passenger compartment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view seen from the side, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device 1 along the line of FIG.
[0032]
The shift operation input device 1 is provided in a console X between a driver seat and a passenger seat, and a cover 2 of the device 1 is located in an opening Y provided on the upper surface of the console X. The cover 2 has a vehicle body longitudinal direction (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the horizontal direction in FIGS. 3 and 4; hereinafter, also simply referred to as “front-rear direction”) and the vehicle body width direction (FIGS. 1 and 2). 2 and the right and left directions in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and a plurality of short linear through-grooves extending respectively in the “width direction” or “left and right direction”. An opening 2a having a bowl shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is formed as a whole, and the upper portion of the shift lever 3 protrudes upward through the opening 2a.
[0033]
The shift lever 3 is formed by integrating a cylindrical member 4 constituting the upper half portion thereof and a resin base member 5 constituting the lower half portion thereof by insert molding, and constitutes an upper end portion of the lever 3. A knob 4a for gripping when the driver operates the lever is attached to the upper end portion of the cylindrical member 4, and the upper end portion is used as an operation portion. The detailed shape of the base member 5 will be described later.
[0034]
A base member 6 constituting a lower layer portion of the speed change operation input device 1 is disposed below the cover 2, and the base member 6 is attached to the vehicle body by bolts 8 ... 8 inserted through four bolt holes 7 ... 7 at the front and rear. In addition, an upper plate 9 constituting an upper layer portion of the speed change operation input device 1 is disposed above the base member 6, and the upper plate 9 is inserted into screws 10. Is attached to the base member 6. The cover 2 is locked to the upper plate 9 by a hook (not shown) so as to cover the upper plate 9 from above.
[0035]
A hollow box-like projecting portion 12 projecting downward is provided at the central portion of the base member 6, and the shift lever 3 includes a first case member 13 and a second case in the projecting portion 12 as will be described in detail later. The member 14 is supported so as to be swingable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and in the width direction of the vehicle body via the member 14, and the shift lever 3 extending upward from the swing fulcrum and protruding from the cover 2 is inserted into the upper plate 9. A shift gate 15 is formed.
[0036]
The shift gate 15 includes a first communication path G1 extending a predetermined length to the left from the illustrated position of the shift lever 3 represented by the cylindrical member 4 in FIG. 2, and a rear side from the terminal portion of the first communication path G1. A second communication path G2 extending to the right, a third communication path G3 extending rightward from the terminal portion of the second communication path G2 by a length shorter than the length of the first communication path G1, and the third communication path G3 A fourth communication path G4 extending further rearward from the end portion, and a fifth communication path extending further rightward from the end portion of the fourth communication path G4 and returning to the same position in the width direction as the start end portion of the first communication path G1. A passage G5, a sixth communication passage G6 extending a predetermined length further rearward from the end portion of the fifth communication passage G5, and the first communication passage G1 to the left again from the end portion of the sixth communication passage G6 The end of the first communication path G1 or the third communication extends by the same length as A seventh communication path G7 that reaches the same position in the width direction as the start end of G3, and an eighth communication path G8 that extends forward from the terminal end of the seventh communication path G7 by a length shorter than the length of the sixth communication path G6. And a ninth communication passage G9 extending rearward from the terminal end of the seventh communication passage G7 by a length substantially the same as the length of the eighth communication passage G8, and the same as the opening 2a of the cover 2 As a long bowl shape in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
[0037]
The shift gate 15 of the upper plate 9 and the opening 2a of the cover 2 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the shapes thereof correspond to each other, and the shift lever 3 is inserted through the shift gate 15 and the opening 2a simultaneously. When the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth and left and right, the lever 3 abuts only on the shift gate 15, more specifically on the edge of the shift gate 15. Does not come into contact. Accordingly, the abutment of the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15 restricts the swinging of the lever 3, whereby the swinging path of the shift lever 3 is substantially determined by the shape of the shift gate 15, The swing path of the shift lever 3 is along the first to ninth communication paths G1 to G9.
[0038]
Then, the starting end of the first communication path G1 is set as the selected position of the P range, and the selected positions of the R range, the N range, and the D range are sequentially set from the shift gate 15 or the shift lever 3 in this order from the rear to the rear. Specifically, the end portion of the third communication passage G3 and the start end portion of the fourth communication passage G4 are selected at the R range, the end portion of the fifth communication passage G5, and the sixth end of the fifth communication passage G5. The start end of the communication path G6 is the N range selection position, and the end of the sixth communication path G6 and the start end of the seventh communication path G7 are the D range selection position.
[0039]
Here, the automatic transmission of the vehicle equipped with this shift operation input device 1 is based on the shift characteristics set in advance according to the vehicle speed, the engine load (throttle opening), etc., when the D range is selected. An automatic shift for changing the gear position is achieved, but the M range is provided as the same forward travel range in addition to the D range. When this M range is selected, the shift lever 3 is swung according to the swing of the shift lever 3. A manual shift for changing the gear position is achieved. The selected position of the M range is also disposed along the swing path of the shift gate 15 or the lever 3, and specifically, the end of the seventh communication path G7 on the left side of the D range selected position. And the start end of the eighth and ninth communication passages G8 and G9 are the neutral position of the M range, and the end of the eighth communication passage G8 is the shift up position of the M range for shifting up the shift stage by one step, the ninth communication passage G9. Is the M range shift down position for shifting down the shift stage by one stage.
[0040]
As described above, after the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position is swung to the left along the first communication path G1, this direction in which the shift lever 3 is swung to the left and right is appropriately referred to as a “select direction”. In addition, the swinging operation of the shift lever 3 in the “select direction” is appropriately referred to as “selecting operation”) and swings backward along the second communication path G2 (hereinafter, the shift lever 3 swings back and forth). This direction is appropriately referred to as “shift direction”, and the swinging operation of the shift lever 3 in this “shift direction” is appropriately referred to as “shift operation”), and then right in the select direction along the third communication path G3. The R range is selected by swinging in the direction, and further swinging backward in the shift direction along the fourth communication path G4 from here, and then in the select direction along the fifth communication path G5. The N range is selected by swinging in the direction, and the D range is selected by swinging backward in the shift direction along the sixth communication path G6 from here, and further along the seventh communication path G7. By swinging leftward in the select direction, the M range is selected, and the selected position of the M range is configured as a whole, and the swing path of the shift lever 3 for manual shifting within the M range selected position is provided. By shifting the shift lever 3 forward in the shift direction from the neutral position along the eighth and ninth communication passages G8 and G9 as a whole, the shift stage is shifted up by one stage, and similarly swings backward in the shift direction. As a result, the shift stage is shifted down by one stage.
[0041]
As will be described later, the shift lever 3 is always urged rightward in the select direction. Therefore, for example, when switching from the P range to the R range, the shift lever 3 is operated as described above. The shift lever 3 may be swung to the left in the select direction and then to the rear in the shift direction against the urging force. When the shift lever 3 reaches the end of the second communication path G2, the urging force It swings alone to the right until the end of the third communication path G3.
[0042]
Thus, in this shift operation input device 1, the five range selection positions of P, R, N, D, and M by the lever 3 as the swing position of the shift lever 3 are 4 positions in the shift direction and in the select direction. It is deployed and arranged so as to be 3 positions (including the second communication path G2 through which the shift lever 3 passes during switching operation between the P range selection position and the R range selection position). In particular, the M range selection position is selected in the same direction as the R range selection position, or the second communication path G2 through which the shift lever 3 passes when switching between the R range selection position and the P range selection position. When the P-range selection position, the N-range selection position, and the D-range selection position, which are arranged in a row at the same position, are arranged on the right side, that is, four positions in the shift direction. Compared with the 4 position in the select direction (also including the second communication path G2 through which the shift lever 3 passes during the switching operation between the P range selection position and the R range selection position). The operation range in the select direction of the lever 3 is short and compact, and the driver can feel tightness in the swinging operation of the shift lever 3. There is avoided, inter alia avoids feel cramped when the manual shift operation in M range selecting position within.
[0043]
Here, a slide sheet 16 is sandwiched between the cover 2 and the upper plate 9 so as to close the opening 2 a and the shift gate 15. The slide sheet 16 is disposed in a guide recess 17 formed so as to extend in the front-rear direction at the central portion of the upper plate 9, and the slide movement is possible only in the front-rear direction and extends in the width direction. When engaged with the shift lever 3 through the long hole 18 (see FIG. 1) and the shift lever 3 is swung in the select direction, the lever 3 only moves in the long hole 18. When the lever 3 is swung in the shift direction, the slide sheet 16 slides in the front-rear direction along the guide recess 17 in conjunction with the swing.
[0044]
(B) Shift lever mounting structure
Next, a structure for attaching the shift lever 3 to the base member 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a side view of the main part of the speed change operation input device 1 viewed from the right side, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part from the back side of the device 1 at a cut surface along the lever 3 immediately after the shift lever 3, and FIG. 8 is a plan sectional view showing a peripheral structure of the shift lever 3. .
[0045]
As described above, the shift lever 3 is supported by the base member 6 via the first case member 13 and the second case member 14 so as to be swingable in the vehicle body longitudinal direction and the vehicle body width direction.
[0046]
The base member 5 constituting the lower half portion of the shift lever 3 has a substantially square columnar main body 21 into which the columnar member 4 constituting the upper half portion enters, and a block-like portion 22 provided on the front surface of the main body 21. A front plate-like body 23 that protrudes forward after extending to the left, a contact protrusion 99 that also extends leftward from the left side surface of the main body 21, and also protrudes upward after extending rearward from the rear surface of the main body 21. A cylindrical boss portion 25 extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the lower end portion of the main body 21 in a configuration having the rear plate-like body 24.
[0047]
The first and second case members 13 and 14 have front, rear, left and right side surfaces, respectively, and the first case member 13 is relatively larger than the second case member 14. An upper extension 27 to which an operation cable 26 to be described later is connected at the front left position, and a plurality of detent recesses at the right rear position are fan-shaped in a side view. The second case member 14 has a relatively small size as compared with the first case member 13 and is provided at the upper end portions of the left and right side surfaces, respectively. Approximate T-shaped locking portions 29, 29 composed of directional protrusions and notches are formed, and the rear surface is retracted backward to avoid interference with the rear plate 24 in the shift lever 3 It is made into a shape.
[0048]
The above-described downward projecting portion 12 of the base member 6 is provided with a support shaft 31 inserted between the left and right side surfaces of the projecting portion 12, and the second case member 14 is provided on the support shaft 31. Are accommodated in the first case member 13 so that both the case members 13 and 14 are rotatably supported at the lower end portions of the left and right side surfaces of the two case members 13 and 14. Are slidably movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the base member 6, and the second support shaft 32 is inserted between the front and rear side surfaces of the second case member 13. In a state where the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 is accommodated in the second case member 14, the lever 3 is rotatably supported at the lower end boss portion 25, and the shift lever 3 is supported by the second case member. 14 is provided so as to be swingable in the horizontal direction with respect to There.
[0049]
Accordingly, both the first case member 13 and the second case member 14 are swingable only in the front-rear direction with respect to the base member 6, and in this case, both the case members 13, 14 are in the front-rear direction. The shift lever 3 is swingable relative to each other, and the shift lever 3 is swingable in the left-right direction with respect to both the case members 13, 14. In this case, the shift lever 3 is The shift lever 3 is supported by the base member 6 so as to be swingable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and in the width direction of the vehicle body. .
[0050]
For example, when the lever 3 is swung in the shift direction, the second case member 14 is also swung in the front-rear direction around the first support shaft 31 installed in the left-right direction. On the other hand, when the lever 3 is swung in the select direction, only the lever 3 is swung in the left-right direction around the second support shaft 32 installed in the front-rear direction. The two case members 13 and 14 are configured not to swing in the left-right direction in conjunction with each other.
[0051]
(C) Structure of each mechanism
The shift operation input device 1 includes (1) a lever urging mechanism that urges the shift lever 3 to the right in the select direction, and (2) a lever operation moderation mechanism that gives a sense of moderation to the swing operation of the shift lever 3; (3) Neutral urging mechanism for urging the shift lever 3 to the neutral position within the M range selection position, (4) Shift up switch for detecting shift up operation and shift down operation of the shift lever 3 within the M range selection position And (5) a cable moving mechanism for moving the lock cable for the key interlock mechanism in conjunction with the movement of the shift lever 3 with respect to the P range selection position, and (6) a feature of the present invention. The shift is configured to restrict the selection operation of the shift lever 3 from the P range selection position and the N range selection position, that is, the shift operation. A lock mechanism, (7) a shift lock forcibly releasing mechanism for manually releasing the shift lock when the shift lock mechanism malfunctions, and (8) a shift lock by the shift lock mechanism. Shift lock load receiving mechanism for receiving the swinging load of the shift lever 3 at the time, (9) a cable disconnecting mechanism for disconnecting the linkage between the shift lever 3 and the operation cable 26, and (10) from the D range selection position of the shift lever 3 An operation mechanism of an M range switch for detecting that the M range is selected by the selection operation, and (11) a shift operation load receiving mechanism for suppressing an impact force when the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15 are brought into contact with each other. Etc. are provided. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each of these mechanisms will be described in order in association with the operation of the shift lever 3 along the saddle-type shift gate 15 or the swing path as necessary.
[0052]
(1) Lever biasing mechanism
The mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. This mechanism includes a wall portion 41 erected on the upper surface of the base member 6 so as to extend in the front-rear direction on the right side of the shift lever 3 and a front block-like portion 22 formed on the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 with screws. The plate spring member 42 is stopped.
[0053]
The surface on the shift lever 3 side of the standing wall 41 is a flat surface that is continuous with the inner surface on the right side of the downward projecting portion 12 described above. In the front half of the outer surface, the outer surface is a bent surface 41a that is narrower in the upper part and wider in the lower part.
[0054]
The leaf spring member 42 extends rightward from the front block-like portion 22 of the shift lever 3, passes through an opening 43 formed on the right side surface of the first case member 13, and the tip portion thereof is the standing wall portion 41. The bent surface 41a on the right outer surface is engaged with.
[0055]
In this case, the bent surface 41a of the standing wall 41 that the leaf spring member 42 engages with the shift lever 3 is swung to the left in the select direction. When moving away from the standing wall 41 in the left direction, the tip of the leaf spring member 42 is lifted upward along the bent surface 41a, and as a result, the elasticity that tends to push back to the leaf spring member 42 downward. It is formed in a shape that generates a restoring force. By such engagement of the standing wall 41 and the leaf spring member 42, a biasing force in the right direction always acts on the shift lever 3. Yes. The bent surface 41a formed in such a shape is erected so that the leaf spring member 42 is locked in a range where the shift lever 3 is between the P range selection position and the N range selection position. It is provided in the front half of the wall 41.
[0056]
Therefore, when the shift lever 3 is in the P range selection position located at the right end of the shift gate 15 or the swing path, the lever 3 is stably moved to the P range by the urging force in the right direction. When the shift lever 3 is moved to the R range selection position from the selected position, the first communication path G1, the second communication path G2, and the third communication path G3 are orthogonal to each other between the range selection positions. Therefore, first, it is necessary to select the lever 3 to the left along the first communication path G1 against the urging force, and the shift lever 3 is moved to the first position while the urging force is applied. A shift operation is performed rearward along the two communication paths G2. Thereafter, the lever 3 is swung to the right along the third communication path G3 by the biasing force. When the shift lever 3 is at the R range selection position, the lever 3 is still in a state where a slight urging force is acting in the right direction.
[0057]
On the other hand, the movement of the shift lever 3 from the R range selection position to the N range selection position includes a fourth communication path G4 and a fifth communication path G5 that are orthogonal to each other between these range selection positions. Since the lever 3 swings along the passage G5 by the urging force, the operation is simply to move the lever 3 to the fourth communication passage G4 while the urging force is still somewhat applied. And the shift lever 3 is moved from the N range selection position to the D range selection position only by the sixth communication path G6 extending in the shift direction between these range selection positions. Therefore, it is only necessary to shift the shift lever 3 backward. When the shift lever 3 is swung to the D range selection position, the engagement between the leaf spring member 42 of the lever 3 and the bent surface 41a of the front half of the wall portion 41 is completed.
[0058]
(2) Lever operation moderation mechanism
The mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 to 9. This mechanism includes a fan-shaped extending portion 28 provided so as to extend rearward at the rear right side end portion of the first case member 13 and a support erected on the upper surface of the base member 6 at a position to the rear right of the shift lever 3. It is comprised with the 2nd leaf | plate spring member 44 with which the part 43 was equipped so that it might extend ahead.
[0059]
The upper surface of the fan-shaped extending portion 28 is a substantially arc surface centered on the first support shaft 31 that is the pivot point of the shift lever 3 in the front-rear direction. Detent recesses p, r, n, and d are provided for positioning for use in the N range and for both the D and M ranges.
[0060]
The second leaf spring member 44 has a rear end portion fixed to the support portion 43 by using a bolt 45 and a non-rotating pin 46 and extends forward, and its front end portion is bent. The engaging portion is engaged with a concave portion corresponding to the swing position of the shift lever 3 among the concave portions p, r, n, and d for each range of the fan-shaped extending portion 28. Thus, when the shift lever 3 is positioned at each range selection position and the shift lever 3 is swung in the shift direction in the range between the P range selection position and the D range selection position, the range selection operation is performed. A moderation is given.
[0061]
On the other hand, in the rear half of the standing wall 41 constituting the shift lever biasing mechanism described above, the bent surface 41a of the front half for lever biasing is interrupted, and instead, it is also a curved surface. A second bent surface 41b is formed so that the upper end portion thereof is set lower than the upper end portion of the bent surface 41a of the front half portion for urging the lever. When the shift lever 3 is swung to the D range selection position, the first leaf spring member 42 provided on the lever 3 is engaged with the second bent surface 41b, and the shift lever 3 Is swung in the select direction between the D range position and the M range select position arranged on the left side of the D range position, the first leaf spring member 42 resists its elastic restoring force. Thus, the second bent surface 41b of the latter half part is ridden over the intermediate high part. Thus, when the shift lever 3 is swung in the selection direction between the D range selection position and the M range selection position, a sense of moderation is given to the range selection operation.
[0062]
In the selection operation between the D and M ranges, the shift lever 3 is swung in the select direction as described above. However, the lever 3 and the first case member 13 are integrated in the select direction. Therefore, the engagement between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 of the first case member 13 and the second leaf spring member 44 remains in the D and M range combined detent recess d.
[0063]
Thus, with respect to the range selection operation in the shift direction within the range between the P range selection position and the D range selection position, the engagement between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 and the second leaf spring member 44 is performed. With respect to the range selection operation between the D range selection position and the M range selection position in the selection direction orthogonal to the shift direction, a bent surface 41b in the latter half of the standing wall 41 is provided. A moderation feeling is given by the engagement with the first leaf spring member 42.
[0064]
(3) Neutral biasing mechanism
(4) Operation mechanism of shift up switch and shift down switch
Reference is made to FIGS. 2, 7, and 10 to 12 for description of these mechanisms. On the lower surface of the upper plate 9, a support shaft 51 protruding downward is provided on the left side of the M range selection position, and the M range selection position of the shift gate 15 is configured as a whole on this support shaft 51. A cam member 53 having a pair of front and rear arm portions 52, 52 that advance into the eighth communication path G8 and the ninth communication path G9 is rotatably supported. Similarly, on the lower surface of the upper plate 9, a support portion 54 protruding downward is provided on the right rear side of the D range selection position, and a third leaf spring member extending leftward is provided on the support portion 54. 55 is attached, and the tip of the third leaf spring member 55 is engaged with a positioning recess 56 provided on the rear surface of the cam member 53. In this state, the semicircular recess 57 between the pair of front and rear arms 52, 52 formed on the cam member 53 is in the neutral position of the M range, that is, the shift lever 3 is selected from the D range selection position. It corresponds to the position that can be taken when it is swung to the left in the direction.
[0065]
On the other hand, a plate-like protrusion 58 is projected upward at substantially the center of the cam member 53, and a switch 61 for upshifting is located at a front position across the protrusion 58 and downshifted to a rear position. Each switch 62 is attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 9.
[0066]
Thus, when the shift lever 3 is switched from the D range to the M range along the seventh communication path G7, the cylindrical member 4 of the lever 3 is fitted into the semicircular recess 57 of the cam member 53, and this neutral The shift lever 3 is biased and held at the neutral position of the M range by the engagement of the cam member 53 and the third leaf spring member 55 at the position, and from the neutral position, as shown in FIG. If the shift lever 3 is swung forward along the eighth communication path G8 against the urging force of the leaf spring member 55, the section of the upshift switch 61 is pressed by the plate-like protrusion 58 of the cam member 53. On the other hand, when the switch 61 is turned on, on the contrary, if the shift lever 3 is swung back along the ninth communication path G9 against the urging force of the third leaf spring member 55 from the neutral position, the cam Plate-like protrusion of member 53 Sections of the shift down switch 62 by 58 so that the switch 62 is pressed is turned on.
[0067]
In this case, the cam member 53, the shift-up switch 61, or the shift-down switch 62 are respectively attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 9, and this attachment position is compared with the position on the base member 6, for example. The switch mechanism is turned on and off with a large stroke with respect to a constant angle swing in the shift direction of the lever 3 because it is located relatively far from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever 3 for operating the mechanism. It will be.
[0068]
As a result, even if some errors occur in the dimensional accuracy and mounting positions of the cam member 53 and the switches 61 and 62, the swing of the shift lever 3 can be reliably detected, and the switch is caused by such errors. Even if the positions for turning on and off 61 and 62 vary, there is little influence on the swing operation for the manual shift of the driver, and the shift operation is always started at a substantially constant timing.
[0069]
Further, since the switches 61 and 62 are not directly operated by the shift lever 3, but are configured to be turned on / off via the cam member 53, the degree of freedom of layout of the switches 61 and 62 is increased. For example, it can be arranged at an optimal position, for example, at a position where it does not interfere with 15.
[0070]
When the shift lever 3 is operated from D to M by the biasing force to the neutral position of the third leaf spring member 55, the semicircular recess 57 of the cam member 53 is surely at the neutral position in the M range. And an appropriate resistance force is given to the shift lever 3 even in the manual shift operation.
[0071]
Note that when the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth for manual shifting in the M range, the engagement portion between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 of the lever operating moderation mechanism and the second leaf spring member 44 is also D, It moves back and forth in the M-range dual-purpose detent recess d. This also urges the lever 3 to the neutral position of the M range, and causes the shift lever 3 to move to the second position during the shift-up operation and the shift-down operation. The drag force by the leaf spring member 44 acts.
[0072]
(5) Cable moving mechanism
The mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 to 6, 8, 9, and 13. When the shift lever 3 is not in the P range selection position, this mechanism connects the lock cable for the key interlock mechanism that restricts the extraction of the engine start key from the key cylinder in the key operation portion of the driver's seat to the P of the shift lever 3. It is moved in conjunction with the movement with respect to the range selection position.
[0073]
First, the key interlock mechanism will be briefly described. The engine start key is set to LOCK (shift lock), Acc by the driver on the steering column (not shown) in the driver's seat of the vehicle on which the shift operation input device 1 is mounted. (Accessory), ON (engine electric system on), START (engine start), and the like, a key operation unit that is rotated at a plurality of rotation positions is arranged, and between this key operation unit and the shift operation input device 1 The lock cable 70 is disposed so as to be movable in the axial direction as indicated by arrows A and B.
[0074]
When the lock cable 70 is moved in the direction of arrow A, the start key can be rotated from the other rotation position to the LOCK position where the key can be removed by the key operation unit. When the cable 70 moves in the direction of arrow B, the start key cannot be rotated from the other rotation position to the LOCK position by the key operation unit. Thereby, if the shift lever 3 is not put into the P range selection position, a key interlock that prohibits the removal of the start key is realized.
[0075]
The cable moving mechanism moves the lock cable 70 in the direction of arrow A when the shift lever 3 is inserted from the other range selection position to the P range selection position in the speed change operation input device 1 (forward for the speed change operation input device 1). On the contrary, when the shift lever 3 is moved from the P range selection position to another range selection position, the shift lever 3 is moved in the direction of arrow B (rearward with respect to the shift operation input device 1). It is composed of a columnar member 81 extending in the vertical direction in front and the front plate-like body 23 of the lever 3.
[0076]
The columnar member 81 is rotatably supported at both upper and lower ends by a support shaft (not shown) protruding from the upper surface of the base member 6 and a boss portion 82 formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 9. An upper extending portion 83 extending over the base member 6 and the upper plate 9 and extending rearward to the shift lever 3 side is also provided at the upper portion near the upper plate 9. A lower extension 84 that extends to the right is provided in the lower part near the member 6, and the other end of the lock cable 70 is connected to the horizontally extending end of the lower extension 84. .
[0077]
The columnar member 81 is always urged clockwise in plan view by a vine spring 85 having both ends locked to the lower extending portion 84 and the base member 6, respectively. As shown by a chain line, the upper extending portion 83 is moved leftward and the lower extending portion 84 is moved rearward.
[0078]
When the shift lever 3 is swung from the range selection position other than the P range to the P range selection position, the rightward swing in the selection direction is performed along the first communication path. The front plate-like body 23 projecting forward from the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 presses the upper extending portion 83 in the right direction, and as a result, receives the pressing force, as shown by a solid line in FIG. The columnar member 81 rotates counterclockwise in plan view against the urging force of the helical spring 85, whereby the cable 70 moves forward, that is, in the direction A, and the start key is operated in the key operation unit. On the other hand, when the shift lever 3 is swung from the P range selection position to another range selection position, the selection direction performed along the first communication path at that time is reversed. As a result, the pressing force applied to the upper extending portion 83 of the front plate-like body 23 is removed. As a result, as shown by the chain line in FIG. Thus, the columnar member 81 rotates clockwise in plan view, whereby the cable 70 moves rearward, that is, in the B direction, and the start key cannot be removed at the key operation portion.
[0079]
In this case, the columnar member 81 that moves the lock cable 70 between the position where the start key can be removed and the position where the start key cannot be removed is extended in the vertical direction by rotating, and the shift lever 3 is pushed. The rear extending portion 83 that constitutes the input portion to which pressure is input is disposed at the upper portion, and the right extending portion 84 that constitutes the connecting portion to which the cable 70 is coupled is disposed at the lower portion, so that they are separated from each other. The cable 70 can be arranged between the key operation unit with good layout without interfering with the front end of the upper plate 9 and other members such as the slide sheet 16, and the pressing force of the shift lever 3 can be reduced. Since the input extending portion 83 is disposed at a position close to the upper plate 9 that is relatively far upward from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever 3, the extension portion 83 in the M range described above. As with pitch mechanism, the upper extension portion 83 is pressed with a large stroke to the pivoting movement of a predetermined angle in the select direction of the lever 3, will be rotating operation.
[0080]
Therefore, even if some dimensional accuracy or mounting position error occurs in the columnar member 81 or the extending portions 83 and 84 above and below the columnar member 81, the columnar member 81 is sure to have a large swing width by the swing of the shift lever 3. Thus, the lock cable 70 can be reliably moved in the A and B directions by an effective length, and the reliability of the key interlock mechanism can be achieved. Thus, mutually different purposes in the two extending portions 83 and 84 are achieved, respectively, so that each purpose is compatible.
[0081]
Further, the columnar member 81 is supported by the upper plate 9 and the base member 6 at the upper and lower ends thereof, and is extended over the two members 6 and 9 so that the support rigidity thereof is enhanced. In addition, since the cover 2 is provided above the upper plate 9 and the columnar member 81 is disposed below the place where the two members 2 and 9 overlap, for example, a drink may be accidentally taken in the passenger compartment. Even if it spills and enters the inside from the opening Y of the console X, the beverage falls on the base member 6 along the upper surface of the cover 2 or the upper plate 9 and is contaminated by the columnar member 81. Bugs are avoided.
[0082]
(6) Shift lock mechanism
Next, the shift lock mechanism constituting the characteristic part of the present invention will be described. Reference is made to FIG. 3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. A rectangular bulging portion 91 is erected upward at a position almost directly above the first support shaft 31 of the shift lever 3 at the left edge of the base member 6. The inner wall is provided with a cylindrical boss portion 92 having a through hole in the vertical direction, and a regulating member 95 having an upper half portion as a contact block portion 93 and a lower half portion as a sliding shaft portion 94. The shaft portion 94 is inserted slidably with a slight play in the horizontal direction.
[0083]
Similarly, a solenoid 96 is installed at the left edge of the base member 6 and in front of the bulging portion 91, and the plunger 97 of the solenoid 96 is inclined slightly upward, ie, rearward, that is, the bulging. Projecting toward the portion 91. A support shaft 99 projecting inward is provided on the inner surface of the shelf-shaped wall portion 98 formed between the position where the solenoid 96 is disposed and the bulging portion 91, and a lever member is provided on the support shaft 99. 100 is rotatably supported, and both end portions thereof are connected to the plunger 97 of the solenoid 96 and the lower end portion of the sliding shaft portion 94 of the regulating member 95 protruding downward from the boss portion 92, respectively.
[0084]
Here, the solenoid 96 is turned off (de-energized) while the brake pedal (not shown) is not depressed, and is turned on (excited) when the depression of the brake pedal is detected. When 96 is off and de-energized, the plunger 97 pops out. As a result, the entire regulating member 95 is moved downward along the through hole of the boss portion 92 through the rotation of the lever 100, while the solenoid 96 is moved. When excited by being turned on, the plunger 97 is pulled in, so that the entire regulating member 95 is moved upward.
[0085]
A contact protrusion 99 provided on the left side surface of the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 extends to the left side where the bulging portion 91 or the regulating member 95 is disposed, and the brake pedal is depressed. Therefore, when the solenoid 96 is off and the restricting member 95 is moving downward as shown by a solid line in FIG. 18, the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position is moved backward from the P range selection position. When the lever 3 is swung to the left in the select direction along the first communication path G1 of the saddle type shift gate 15 in an attempt to shift to another range selection position, as shown in FIG. 3 is in contact with the inner surface of the contact block portion 93 of the restricting member 95, more specifically, the inner surface 93a of the front half of the block portion 93. Sealed, as a result, the shift operation of the shift lever 3 from the P range selecting position to the other range selection position behind is inhibited (P-range shift lock).
[0086]
On the contrary, when the brake pedal is depressed, and therefore the solenoid 96 is on and the restricting member 95 is moving upward as shown by a chain line in FIG. 18, the shift lever 3 in the P range selection position is moved to the P range. When the lever 3 is swung to the left in the select direction along the first communication path G1 in an attempt to shift from the range selection position to another range selection position behind, as shown in FIG. The front end surface of the contact protrusion 99 of the lever 3 does not contact the inner surface 93 a of the front half of the contact block 93 of the restriction member 95, and the front end of the contact protrusion 99 is the contact block 93. The selection operation is allowed in the form of being submerged below, and as a result, the shift operation of the shift lever 3 from the P range selection position is permitted (release of the P range shift lock).
[0087]
In addition, when the shift lever 3 at the N range selection position is shifted to the R range selection position or to the P range selection position via the R range selection position, or the D range or M range behind the N range selection position. Even when the shift lever 3 at the selected position is shifted to the R range selected position or the P range selected position via the N range selected position, the brake pedal is not depressed, as shown by the solid line in FIG. When the restricting member 95 is moved to the lower shift lock position, the shift lever 3 is swung to the left in the select direction along the fifth communication path G5 of the saddle type shift gate 15 from the N range selection position. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the tip surface of the contact protrusion 99 of the lever 3 is more specifically the inner surface of the contact block 93 of the restriction member 95. Is in contact with the inner surface 93b of the rear half of the block portion 93 to prevent the selection operation, and as a result, the shift operation of the shift lever 3 from the N range selection position to the front range selection position is prohibited (N Range shift lock).
[0088]
Conversely, when the brake pedal is depressed and the regulating member 95 is moved to the upper shift lock release position as shown by the chain line in FIG. 18, the shift lever 3 is moved from the N range selection position to the fifth communication path G1. 17, the tip end surface of the contact protrusion 99 of the lever 3 is the latter half of the contact block 93 of the restriction member 95 as shown in FIG. The selection operation is allowed in such a manner that the tip end portion of the abutting projection portion 99 does not come into contact with the inner surface 93b of the inner surface 93b and sinks below the abutting block portion 93. As a result, from the N range selection position to the front range selection position. The shift operation of the shift lever 3 is permitted (release of the N-range shift lock).
[0089]
Thus, in the P range, the shift lever 3 cannot be selected from the P range selection position unless the brake pedal is depressed, and more specifically, it is prevented from swinging leftward in the selection direction. Eventually, the shift lever 3 cannot be swung in the rear traveling range direction. When this is combined with the operation of the key interlock mechanism described above, when the engine is started, the engine cannot be started unless the range is set to the P range, and then the brake pedal is not depressed. Therefore, the shift lever 3 cannot be moved to the forward or reverse travel range. As a result, it is effectively avoided that the vehicle unexpectedly jumps out at the same time as the engine is started or that the vehicle unexpectedly starts at the same time as the range is switched to the traveling range.
[0090]
Further, even in the N range, if the brake pedal is not depressed, the shift lever 3 cannot be selected from the N range selection position. More specifically, in the same selection direction as in the P range, the leftward direction is the same. As a result, the shift lever 3 cannot be swung from the D range direction to the front and the rear of the R range via the N range. This effectively avoids shocks during forward / reverse switching, damage to the transmission gear mechanism in the automatic transmission, and the like.
[0091]
In this way, by making the release condition of the P range shift lock and the N range shift lock as one common condition of depression of the brake pedal, on / off control of the solenoid 96, that is, simplification of the shift lock control is achieved. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for the P range shift lock, the depression of the brake pedal may be a condition for releasing the shift lock, and for the N range shift lock, the condition for releasing the shift lock may be that the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined vehicle speed. . By doing so, it is possible to avoid shocks at the time of forward / reverse switching, damage to the transmission gear mechanism, and the like, and it may be advantageous to repeat the forward / reverse switching without stepping on the brake pedal each time.
[0092]
Thus, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position where the restricting member 95 is moved by switching the solenoid 96 on and off are the shift direction (front-rear direction) or select direction (the operation direction of the shift lever 3). The shift lock position and the shift lock release position are secured in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, which is the operation direction of the shift lever 3, because the shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged in the vertical direction intersecting these directions. Alternatively, it is no longer necessary to secure an area in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, which is the operation direction of the shift lever 3, as long as the restriction member 95 can be moved to the shift lock position and the shift lock release position without hindrance. This avoids an increase in the size of the shift lock mechanism or the shift operation input device 1 in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, avoids an increase in the size of the console X, widens the passenger compartment, and increases the size of the mechanism or the device 1. The degree of freedom in assembling to the vehicle body and the layout are improved, and the operation area of the shift lever 3 in the vertical shift gate 15 is made compact.
[0093]
Further, the shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged along the up-down direction, which is the direction in which the shift lever 3 is not swung, so that the restricting member 95 is also in the up-down direction between these two positions. Therefore, when releasing the shift lock, the restricting member 95 is extended to the left side of the shift lever 3 regardless of the amount of rocking of the shift lever 3 in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction during the shift operation. It is only necessary to retreat upward to a position where it does not come into contact. As a result, the shift lock release position can be disposed relatively close to the shift lock position, and the drive amount of the solenoid 96 for moving the regulating member 95 between the two positions can be reduced, resulting in a smaller size. A compact solenoid can be used. Also, less power is consumed to turn on the solenoid.
[0094]
Further, in this shift lock mechanism, the shift lock position is arranged downward and the shift lock release position is arranged upward, and the restriction member 95 moves upward when the shift lock is released. This is because the rocking fulcrum of the shift lever 3 (especially the second fulcrum 32 which is the rocking fulcrum in the select direction) is located further below both of these positions, and the shift is supported around the rocking fulcrum 32. When the lever 3 swings in the select direction and the lever 3 is further tilted, the protrusion 99 of the lever 3 moves downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the shift lock is released, the regulating member 95 is in contact with the protrusion 99. This is because, in order to avoid the contact, the movement amount in the opposite direction, that is, the upward movement is smaller. This also makes it possible to arrange the shift lock release position relatively close to the shift lock position, and the drive amount of the solenoid 96 for moving the restricting member 95 between the two positions can be reduced. A compact solenoid can be used. Also, less power is consumed to turn on the solenoid.
[0095]
The restricting member 95 is in contact with the inner surface 93a of the front half that contacts the left-side extending protrusion 99 of the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position and the protrusion 99 of the shift lever 3 at the N range selection position. Since it is a single member for both P-range shift lock and N-range shift lock having the inner surface 93b of the rear half, it is provided with a restriction member dedicated to each range, and each shift member has a shift lock position. Compared to the case where the shift lock release position is set, an increase in the number of parts is suppressed and the structure of the shift lock mechanism is not complicated.
[0096]
Further, when the restriction member 95 is positioned at the lower shift lock position and shift-locks either the P range or the N range, the other range is also shift-locked, and conversely is positioned at the upper shift lock release position. When one of the shift locks is released, the shift lock of the other range is also released. Therefore, after the shift lock of the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position or the N range selection position is released, the distance between these two ranges is unchanged. It is possible to move to the N range selection position or the P range selection position, which is the other shift lock target range, via the R range selection position located at. Therefore, when one of the ranges is shift-locked, the other range is unlocked, and conversely, when one of the ranges is unlocked, the other range is shift-locked compared to the other range. The shift lever 3 can be smoothly operated after the shift lock is released.
[0097]
Here, the inner surface of the contact block portion 93 of the regulating member 95 with which the contact protrusion portion 99 of the shift lever 3 contacts is a two-step surface, and the inner surface of the rear half portion with which the protrusion portion 99 contacts when the N-range shift lock is applied. 93b protrudes more inward than the inner surface 93a of the front half portion with which the protrusion 99 abuts when the P-range shift is locked. This is because the fifth communication path G5 through which the shift lever 3 passes during the shift operation from the N range selection position is shorter than the first communication path G1 through which the shift lever 3 passes through the shift operation from the P range selection position. Therefore, when the N range shift is locked, the contact protrusion 99 is brought into contact with the restricting member 95 at an early stage in order to reliably prevent the lever 3 from moving from the N range to the R range.
[0098]
Further, in this shift operation input device 1, the difference between the tilt angle in the shift direction of the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position and the tilt angle in the shift direction of the shift lever 3 at the N range selection position, As described above, the inclination angle in the select direction of the lever 3 when the contact protrusion 99 of the shift lever 3 in the P range selection position contacts the restriction member 95 and the contact of the shift lever 3 in the N range selection position. As shown in FIG. 18, due to the difference in the inclination angle in the select direction of the lever 3 when the protrusion 99 abuts on the restricting member 95, the protrusion 99 is restricted when the P range shift is locked. 95, the abutment portion 93 is in contact with the inner surface 93a of the front half portion at a relatively low position. Contact at a relatively high position and the second half portion inner surface 93b of the abutment block portion 93. Therefore, in order to release the N range shift lock, in order to avoid contact between the protrusion 99 and the restriction member 95 at the high position, the restriction member 95 is compared with the case where the P range shift lock is released. Therefore, it is necessary to move more upwards.
[0099]
In this shift lock mechanism, in order to cope with the above problem, a notch 93c is provided at the lower part of the rear inner surface 93b of the restricting member 95 with which the protrusion 99 abuts when the N range shift lock is engaged, and the P range shift lock is The N-range shift lock is released by the upward movement amount of the smaller restricting member 95 as in the case of releasing. As a result, the amount of movement of the restricting member 95 can be unified, and also by this, the shift lock release position can be arranged relatively close to the shift lock position, and the solenoid that moves the restricting member 95 between both positions. The drive amount of 96 is small, and as a result, a smaller and more compact solenoid can be used. Also, less power is consumed to turn on the solenoid.
[0100]
As described above, the contact projection 99 of the shift lever 3 moves to the upper shift lock release position when the P range shift lock is released or the N range shift lock is released. The control member 95 enters the lower part of the contact block portion 93, thereby avoiding contact between the tip surface of the projecting portion 99 and the inner surfaces 93 a and 93 b of the block portion 93. Select operation to the left is possible. Here, the selected position of the R range arranged between the P range and the N range is located further left than the selected position of the P range or the N range. The second communication path G2 disposed between the two is also located further to the left than the selected position of the P range or N range. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19 in particular, once the brake pedal is depressed and the P range shift lock is released, the shift lever 3 that has exited from the P range selection position selects the N range via the R range selection position. During the period of swinging to the position just before the position, the state in which the protrusion 99 of the lever 3 is kept under the contact block portion 93 of the restricting member 95 that has moved upward is continuously maintained. After the brake pedal is depressed or the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined vehicle speed and the N-range shift lock is released, the shift lever 3 that has exited from the N-range selection position moves to the P-range selection position via the R-range selection position. During the period of swinging to just before, the protrusion 99 of the lever 3 sinks below the contact block 93 of the regulating member 95 that has moved upward. It states so that is continuously maintained.
[0101]
Accordingly, when the shift lever 3 is in the R range selection position or during the period, for example, the depression of the brake pedal, which is the condition for releasing the shift lock, is stopped, and as a result, the solenoid 96 is turned off and the regulating member 95 is Even when trying to move to the lower shift lock position, the lower surface of the contact block portion 93 of the restriction member 95 and the upper surface of the projection 99 of the shift lever 3 that are opposed to each other come into contact with each other and move downward. Therefore, even after the shift lock release condition is not satisfied in the middle of the shift operation, the restricting member 95 is held in the upper shift lock release position. The shift lever 3 can be swung from the R range selection position to the P range selection position or the N range selection position without any trouble. It is possible.
[0102]
A return spring 101 is interposed between the one end portion of the lever member 100 whose one end portion is connected to the plunger 97 of the solenoid 96 and the bulging portion 91, so that the lever member 100 is always a regulating member 95. Is biased to move upward to the shift lock release position. This is to assist the pull-in force of the plunger 97 that gradually decreases as the solenoid 96 continues to be turned on.
[0103]
(7) Shift lock forced release mechanism
(8) Shift lock load receiving mechanism
Next, a description will be given of a shift lock forcibly releasing mechanism that constitutes a characteristic part of the present invention together with a shift lock load receiving mechanism. Reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6, and 15 to 19 for description of these mechanisms. First, the shift lock forced release mechanism is, for example, a manual press as a measure in the case where the solenoid 96 in the shift lock mechanism malfunctions or the plunger 97 sticks and the shift lock is not released. By operation, the regulating member 95 in the shift lock mechanism is forcibly moved upward to the shift lock release position.
[0104]
This forcible release mechanism includes a forcible moving member 111 slidably accommodated in the above-described rectangular bulging portion 91 erected on the left edge of the base member 6. In this case, the moving member 111 is located immediately behind the restricting member 95 in the shift lock mechanism with respect to the shift lever 3, and the inner surface facing the restricting member 95 and the restricting member 95 are more specifically described. The upper half block portion 93 of the regulating member 95 is in contact with the regulating member 95. In addition, a pair of support plates 112 and 112 project inwardly on the inner surface of the forcible moving member 111 with the cylindrical boss portion 92 for slidably fitting the regulating member 95 interposed therebetween. The support plates 112, 112 are located directly below the block portion 93 of the restriction member 95.
[0105]
On the other hand, the upper plate 9 is provided with a garden portion 113 extending leftward from a guide recess 17 formed at the center thereof, and a vertical cross section having a U-shaped horizontal section from the left edge of the garden portion 113. The wall 114 extends downward, and the projections 115, 115 having a horizontal section L-shape provided at the lower end of the vertical wall 114 are formed on the bulging portion 91 of the base member 6. The vertical wall portion 114 and the bulging portion 91 are in contact with each other in the vertical direction in a state in which the groove portions 116 and 116 are loosely fitted. As a result, the upper plate 9 and the base member 6 are supported in the vertical direction at the left front portion that is not fastened by the screws 10. It should be noted that the upper plate 9 and the base member 6 are not fastened by the screw 10 at the left front part between the upper plate 9 and the base member 6 after being fastened. This is to ensure the workability of assembling various members, for example, the workability of connecting the operation cable 26 to the upwardly extending portion 27 of the first case member 13.
[0106]
In this case, a gap is left in the horizontal direction between the U-shaped vertical wall portion 114 of the upper plate 9 and the forcible moving member 111, and the bulging portion 91 of the base member 6 is forcibly moved. While the lower portion of the member 111 is fitted snugly, the vertical wall portion 114 covers the upper portion of the moving member 111 but does not come into contact with the moving member 111 in the horizontal direction. ing.
[0107]
Further, a columnar portion 121 extending upward is provided on the upper surface of the forced moving member 111, and this columnar portion 121 penetrates the bottom surface of the concave portion 113 a formed in the garden portion 113 of the upper plate 9 and faces upward. Yes. On the other hand, a seesaw-type lever 123 that rotates about a support shaft 122 is locked in the recess 113a, and the upper end of the columnar portion 121 is engaged with one end portion on the outer side of the lever 123. At the same time, the other inner end of the lever 123 is positioned directly below the shift lock release button 125 provided on the cover 2 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
[0108]
A return spring 126 is interposed between the bottom surface of the recess 113a and the forced movement member 111. Under normal conditions, the forced movement member 111 is positioned downward by the urging force of the spring 126, and therefore the lever. One end portion on the outer side of 123 is lowered, the other end portion on the inner side is raised, and the shift lock release button 125 is pushed up to the upper inoperative position by the other end portion. In this state, the vertical movement between the shift lock position and the shift lock release position of the restricting member 95 in the shift lock mechanism is performed without any trouble, and the original function of the shift lock mechanism by switching the solenoid 96 on and off is exhibited. The
[0109]
On the other hand, when the shift lock release button 125 is pushed down, as shown by a chain line in FIGS. 16 and 18, the other end portion on the inner side of the lever 123 is lowered and the one end portion on the outer side is lowered by the manual pressing force. The forcible moving member 111 moves upward against the urging force of the spring 126 by the one end, and the support plates 112 and 112 projecting from the inner surface of the forcible moving member 111 are regulated accordingly. The member 95, more specifically, the contact block portion 93 of the restricting member 95 is forcibly moved to the upper shift lock release position while being supported from below. As a result, when the shift lock mechanism malfunctions, the restriction member 95 that restricts the selection operation of the shift lever 3 from the P range selection position or the N range selection position is forcibly moved upward to the shift lock release position. Therefore, the shift lock is released, and the shift lever 3 can be shifted from the P range selection position or the N range selection position toward the R range selection position while the release button 125 is pressed downward. .
[0110]
It should be noted that after the shift lever 3 is shifted in the direction of the R range selection position, the pressing operation of the shift lock release button 125 may be terminated there. In this case, the above-described shift lock mechanism functions inherently. In the same manner as described above, the contact protrusion 99 of the shift lever 3 is in a state of being under the block 93 of the restricting member 95 that has been forcibly moved upward. Even if the forcible upward movement of the member 111 or the restriction member 95 is released, as shown in FIG. 17, only the forced movement member 111 is lowered downward, and the restriction member 95 by the support plates 112, 112 of the movement member 111. In a state in which the support from below is released, the downward movement of the restricting member 95 to the shift lock position is prevented.
[0111]
In this way, the pressing operation of the shift lock release button 125 for manually releasing the shift lock is performed downward, whereas the restriction member 95 for releasing the shift lock moves to the shift lock release position. Even if the forcible moving member 111 for moving the restricting member 95 to the shift lock releasing position is moved upward in the opposite direction, the release button 125 and the forcible moving member 111 By the simple operation of turning the seesaw type lever 123 interposed between them, the above-mentioned downward pressing force is reversed, so that the forcible moving member 111 or the regulating member 95 cannot be moved upward. Will be transmitted smoothly.
[0112]
Further, when the shift lever 3 is selected to the left from the P range selection position or the N range selection position while the restriction member 95 is moved to the lower shift lock position, the contact protrusion of the lever 3 The tip end surface of 99 comes into contact with the inner surfaces 93a and 93b of the contact block portion 93 of the restricting member 95 to prevent the rocking thereof, and the impact load at the time of contact accompanying the rocking of the shift lever 3 at that time is Although acting on the restricting member 95, the forcible moving member 111 belonging to the shift lock forcible release mechanism is located immediately behind the restricting member 95 with respect to the lever 3. Since the contact block portion 93 of the member 95 is in contact with each other, the forcible moving member 111 receives the impact load in the horizontal direction of the shift lever 3 described above. As a result, a load receiving mechanism at the time of shift lock is realized, and coupled with the fact that the sliding shaft portion 94 of the restricting member 95 is slightly inserted in the cylindrical boss portion 92 in the horizontal direction. The problem of a decrease in the durability of the restricting member 95 such that the abutting block portion 93 is bent outwardly with respect to the sliding shaft portion 94 or damaged when the shift lock is applied is suppressed.
[0113]
In this case, the forcible moving member 111 itself that supports the restriction member 95 from behind and receives the impact load of the shift lever 3 is fitted into the rectangular bulging portion 91 erected upward on the base member 6. Therefore, the impact load of the shift lever 3 is further firmly received by the bulging portion 91 or the base member 6 and eventually by the vehicle body. The problem of reduced durability will also be reduced.
[0114]
In this way, the shift lock forced release mechanism, in addition to its original function, also has a function as an impact load receiving mechanism of the shift lever 3 at the time of shift lock. For example, it is not necessary to form a wall or the like exclusively on the base member 6 or the like, and the overall structure of the shift operation input device 1 is further simplified.
[0115]
Here, because of the operation cable 26 connected to the upper extending portion 27 of the first case member 13 and the key interlock mechanism, the shift lock mechanism (also serving as the shift lock load receiving mechanism) is disposed in front of the position. The above-described cable moving mechanism for moving the lock cable 70 is disposed, and a number of various mechanisms and members such as a cable detaching mechanism described below are disposed behind. Therefore, by arranging the shift lock forcible release mechanism so as to overlap with the arrangement position of the shift lock mechanism in the front-rear direction as described above, interference with the other mechanisms and members can be avoided, and By improving the layout and avoiding such interference with other mechanisms and members, it is possible to secure a degree of freedom with respect to the arrangement position of the shift lock release button 125 on the forced movement member 111, the lever 123, or the cover 2. Thus, the release button 125 can be disposed at a position where the driver can easily press the release button 125.
[0116]
Note that the lower surface of the inner end of the lever 123 that is pushed down by the pressing operation of the release button 125 has a triangular shape so as to contact the bottom surface of the recess 113a of the upper plate 9 within a predetermined length. Further, the pressing force is prevented from concentrating on one point of the bottom surface, and has a stopper function for restricting the release button 125 from being excessively pressed.
[0117]
(9) Cable disconnect mechanism
(10) M range switch operation mechanism
Reference is made to FIGS. 4 to 9 for an explanation of these mechanisms. As described above, the second case member 14 that directly supports the shift lever 3 with the second support shaft 32 has both the left and right wall portions developed in a range along the prismatic main body 21 of the base member 5 of the lever 3. 201, 202. And each upper end part of the right-and-left both wall parts 201 and 202 has the notch part k ... k pinched | interposed into the front-and-rear part by the upper and lower two-stage projections t ... t and the projections t ... t, respectively. It has the approximately T-shaped stepped locking portions 29, 29. In this case, the width of the right-side locking portion 29 is set to be smaller overall in the front-rear direction than the size of the left-side locking portion 29.
[0118]
The moving block body 203 is fitted and assembled to the engaging portions 29, 29, that is, the upper end portions of the left and right wall portions 201, 202 of the second case member 14. The moving block body 203 has a polygonal outer shape in plan view, and an opening 204 having a polygonal shape in plan view is formed therein. The opening 204 is mainly composed of three parts, the rightmost part in the plan view having the narrowest width in the front-rear direction, the central part having a width in the front-rear direction larger than the width, and the width thereof. And the leftmost portion having a larger width in the front-rear direction.
[0119]
In that case, the width of the rightmost opening is substantially the same as the width between the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the right side wall 202 of the second case member 14, and The width is the width in the front-rear direction of the rectangular column portion 21 constituting the main body of the base member 5 of the lever 3, the width between the notches k and k of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall 201, and the right side wall 202. And the width of the leftmost opening is equal to the width between the protrusions t and t of the locking portion 29 of the left wall 201. It is almost the same.
[0120]
In the moving block body 203, the main body quadrangular prism portion 21 of the base member 5 of the lever 3 and the protruding portions t and t of the locking portion 29 of the right side wall portion 202 are inserted into the opening of the center portion. In addition, the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 are fitted from above so that the protrusions t and t of the locking portion 29 of the left wall 201 are inserted into the leftmost opening. In this state, by sliding to the right, the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the right side wall portion 202 are engaged with the rightmost opening, and the main body 4 of the base member 5 of the lever 3 is engaged. The prism portion 21 stays in the central opening as it is, and both engage, and the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall 201 and the central opening engage. This is supported by the second case member 14, and the moving block body 203 is Through the engagement between the left and right engaging portions 29, 29 and the opening 204, the second case member 14 is movable relative to the second case member 14 in the vehicle body width direction. 3 can also be moved relative to each other. When the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 are integrally pivoted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the movable block body 203 is integral with the lever 3 and the second case member 14 in the longitudinal direction. Will be moved to.
[0121]
Furthermore, the moving block body 203 is always urged to the left by a spring 210 interposed between the outer surface of the left side wall 201 of the second case member 14. The front and rear step portions of the moving block body 203 formed at the boundary between the opening portion of the first portion and the rightmost opening portion are in contact with the right and left front and rear corner portions of the main body quadrangular column portion 21 of the lever 3, The movement of the moving block body 203 in the left direction by the urging force of the spring 210 is prevented.
[0122]
The shift lever 3 is in the selected position of, for example, the P range, the N range, or the D range, and the lever 3 is urged to the right by the urging mechanism and is located on the rightmost side in the selection direction. Then, due to the contact between the corner of the lever 3 and the stepped portion of the block body 203, the block body 203 is also moved to the rightmost side. In particular, the shift lever 3 is moved to the P range selection position or the N range selection position. The left end of the block body 203 is close to the inner surface of the hanging wall 211 that hangs down from the lower surface of the recess 113a of the upper plate 9 in which the lever 123 of the shift lock forced release mechanism is accommodated. (See also FIGS. 15 to 17).
[0123]
When the shift lever 3 is swung leftward in the select direction against the rightward biasing force by the biasing mechanism from the P range selection position or the N range selection position, the corner portion of the lever 3 The position of the contact between the block body 203 and the stepped portion of the block body 203 also moves to the left, the block body 203 moves to the left by the urging force of the spring 210, and the left end thereof is in contact with the inner surface of the hanging wall 211. Abut. At this time, the second case member 14 does not swing in the left-right direction as described above.
[0124]
Even when the lever 3 is further swung to the left, the block body 203 is prevented from further moving in the left direction by contact with the hanging wall 211. It does not move to the left beyond the installation position. Further, since the second case member 14 is not swung in the left-right direction, the spring 210 is further compressed as the shift lever 3 is swung further leftward. As a result, an excessively large biasing force is applied to the block body 203 or the like. There is no such thing as acting on the hanging wall 211. That is, only the shift lever 3 is swung to the left against only the rightward biasing force by the lever biasing mechanism, and the widthwise swing of the shift lever 3 is not transmitted to the block body 203. It will be.
[0125]
On the other hand, in the first case member 13, one end of the operation cable 26 is connected to the upper extending portion 27 on the left side of the front surface, and the thick portion in the vehicle body width direction is provided on the upper extending portion 27. The front end portion of the rearward fan-shaped extending portion 28 at the rear right side end portion is also a thick portion in the vehicle body width direction. And as the external shape of the block body 203, the front protrusion part 220 which protrudes ahead is formed in the left front part, and the rear protrusion part 221 which protrudes back is formed in the right rear part to correspond to this, The length in the front-rear direction between the front and rear protrusions 220 and 221 and the length in the front-rear direction between the rear end portion of the upper extension portion 27 and the front end portion of the fan-like extension portion 28 in the first case member 13. Sato is almost the same.
[0126]
In addition, during the period in which the moving block body 203 is prevented from moving to the left side by the left side hanging wall 211 as described above, in other words, the block body 203 is compared with the first case member 13. During the period of being located on the right side, the left front protrusion 220 of the block body 203 is in contact with the thick portion of the cable connecting portion 27 of the left front portion of the first case member 13, and the block body The right rear projecting portion 221 in 203 is in contact with the thick portion of the fan-shaped extending portion 28 at the right rear portion in the first case member 13, whereby the block body 203 is in contact with the first case member 13. Although they move relatively in the vehicle body width direction, they are integrated in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.
[0127]
Therefore, when the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth in this state, not only the second case member 14 that is originally integrated with the lever 3 in this direction but also the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 The block body 203 supported on both sides also moves in the front-rear direction, and the first case member 13 integrated with the block body 203 through the contact relationship also swings in the front-rear direction. Will do.
[0128]
Therefore, the operation cable 26 connected to the first case member 13 moves in the front-rear direction as the shift lever 3 swings in the shift direction, and the automatic transmission of the vehicle is interlocked with the movement of the cable. A manual valve (not shown) disposed in the hydraulic control circuit in FIG. 1 moves to the position for each range, and the oil path of the hydraulic control circuit is switched for each range.
[0129]
As described above, the first case member 13 is integrated with the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 via the block body 203 and swings in the front-rear direction, so that the operation cable connected to the first case member 13 is connected. The manual valve moves to the position for each range in conjunction with the movement of 26, and the oil path of the hydraulic control circuit is switched for each range.
[0130]
The trailing wall 211 is cut off at the rear end corresponding to the position where the block body 203 is located when the shift lever 3 is located at the selected position of the D range. Therefore, at this position, the left end portion of the block body 203 does not come into contact with anything and can move to the left beyond the hanging wall 211. In this case, the urging force to the right by the lever urging mechanism is set larger than the urging force of the spring 210 that urges the block body 203 to the left. Therefore, even if the shift lever 3 is swung from the front and reaches the D range selection position, the block body 203 does not move to the left beyond the hanging wall 211 at that moment. Only when the lever 3 is selected to the left against the rightward biasing force by the lever biasing mechanism, the block body 203 moves to the left beyond the hanging wall 211.
[0131]
When the shift lever 3 is selected to the left from the D range as described above, that is, when the shift lever 3 is switched to the M range selection position, the lever 3 reaches the neutral position of the M range. The body 203 moves to the left. At this point, as shown in FIG. 9, the contact between the block body 203 and the first case member 13 is released, and thus the integration between them is released. . That is, in the state after switching to the M range, when the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth for manual shifting, as shown by the chain line in FIG. Although the two case members 14 are integrated and swing or move in the front-rear direction, the swing in the front-rear direction is not transmitted to the first case member 13. As a result, even if the shift lever 3 is shifted for manual shifting within the M range, the first case member 13 is not swung in the front-rear direction, and thus the operation cable 26 does not move. As a result, the manual valve does not move in the hydraulic control circuit, and remains at the position when the forward travel range of the D range or the M range is selected. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure for the friction element that is fastened during forward traveling does not cause the forward traveling oil path to approach or switch to another range oil path such as the adjacent N-range oil path. However, such a problem that the hydraulic pressure required for fastening is insufficient is surely avoided.
[0132]
When the shift lever 3 is swung to the right again from the M range to the D range, the block body 203 similarly moves to the right through contact of the stepped portion and the corner portion with the lever 3, At this time, the contact and integrated state with the first case member 13 are restored again, and the cable 26 also moves as the shift lever 3 swings forward.
[0133]
In this case, during the period in which the integration of the block body 203 and the first case member 13 is released, that is, during the period in which the M range is selected, the fan-like extending portion at the rear of the first case member 13 Since the first case member 13 is held at the D range or M range position by the engagement of the second plate spring 44 with the second plate spring 44, the first case member 13 is freely swung back and forth during the period. The problem that the integration of the block body 203 and the first case member 13 is not realized at the time of switching from M to D is avoided.
[0134]
On the other hand, an M range switch 250 for detecting that the M range has been selected is provided on the left outer side corresponding to the position at which the rear end of the hanging wall 211 is interrupted. The movement of the block body 203 to the left when the shift lever 3 is operated from the D range to the M range is the operation mechanism of the M range switch 250. Is configured. That is, when the block body 203 moves to the left beyond the hanging wall 211 as described above, the left end portion of the block body 203 presses the segment of the M range switch 250, thereby Turn it on. In this case, the left end portion of the block body 230 has a sufficient length in the front-rear direction, and when the shift lever 3 is operated in the shift direction at the time of manual shifting, as indicated by a chain line in FIG. In this case, the block body 203 always keeps the M range switch 250 on.
[0135]
Thus, in this operation cable disconnection mechanism, the linkage between the shift lever 3 and the operation cable 26 is cut only when the shift lever 3 is swung from the D range position to the M range position, and the shift is performed again. When the lever 3 is swung from the M range position to the D range position, the linkage between the shift lever 3 and the operation cable 26 is connected.
[0136]
The link between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is cut by releasing the integration of the block body 203 and the first case member 13, and the block body 203 for releasing the integration. The movement in the select direction is possible only in the D range position or the M range position, and the movement in the select direction of the block body 203 is blocked by the hanging wall 211 in the other range positions. However, at this time, since the lever 3 and the block body 203 are in a relative swingable or relatively movable relationship in the select direction, even if the shift lever 3 is swung greatly in the select direction as described above, this is accompanied. An excessive pressing force or the like is not transmitted to the block body 203 or the hanging wall 211.
[0137]
Therefore, at the time of switching from the P range to the R range, even if the shift lever 3 is swung to the leftmost side of the swing path along the first communication path G1, the link between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is disconnected. It is effectively avoided that the block body 203 breaks the hanging wall 211 and moves beyond the hanging wall 211 to a position where the link between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is cut off. become.
[0138]
In this case, since the moving block body 203 is supported at the upper end of the second case member 14 at the two left and right walls 201 and 202, both ends of the block body 203 are suspended at the hanging wall 211 and The block body 203 is stably supported without being twisted in the same direction even when a horizontal stress centering on the axial center of the shift lever 3 acts on the first case member 13.
[0139]
Further, the moving block body 203 and the second case member 14 are engaged in a simple form by the left and right engaging portions 29 and 29 having different dimensions and the three types of openings of the block body 203 on the left, middle, and right. As a result, the assembly workability of the block body 203 can be improved.
[0140]
(11) Shift operation load receiving mechanism
Finally, a load receiving mechanism that softens the impact load at the time of contact between the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15 will be described. The mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 10 to 12. This mechanism includes a rear plate-like body 24 protruding upward from the rear surface of the main body 21 of the base member 5 of the shift lever 3, and a lower protrusion 301 provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 9 behind the lever 3. ing.
[0141]
As described above, the shift lever 3 is brought into contact with the shift gate 15 formed on the upper plate 9 to restrict the swinging of the shift lever 3 in the front-rear and left-right directions. It is determined by the shape of the gate 15. Therefore, each time the range selection operation is performed, the shift gate 15 is brought into contact with the lever 3 and a contact impact force is applied at that time. Durability that can withstand swinging impact is required.
[0142]
The shift gate 15 in the shift operation input device 1 is provided with an M range selection position. As a result, the sixth communication path G6 between the N range selection position and the D range selection position, and the M range selection position. Are arranged in parallel so as to extend in the shift direction, and the shift gate 15 has a zigzag saddle shape, and particularly at the same position in the select direction. By arranging the M range selection position and the R range selection position on the same side with respect to the P range selection position, the N range selection position, and the D range selection position arranged in a line, the N range selection position is changed from the R range selection position. And a terminal portion (shift-up position) of the eighth communication path G8, which constitutes a part of the switching operation path to, and a terminal part (shift-up position) of the eighth communication path G8. Therefore, the shape of the shift gate 15 surrounded by the fifth communication path G5, the sixth communication path G6, the seventh communication path G7, and the eighth communication path G8 (more specifically, to form the shift gate 15). The shape of the portion Z of the upper plate 9) is a protrusion with a thin base. Therefore, when the contact force of the lever 3 is applied to the protrusion Z from the front, rear, left and right directions, the durability problem becomes significant.
[0143]
This mechanism is particularly intended to improve the durability of the protrusion Z as described above. As shown by an arrow C in FIG. 10, the cylindrical member 4 of the shift lever 3 is shifted by a shift gate when operated from R to N. 15, the rear end portion of the plate-like body 24 and the front end portion of the lower protrusion 301 are in contact with each other at a different location as indicated by an arrow D, Further, as shown by an arrow E in FIG. 12, when the cylindrical member 4 of the shift lever 3 is swung to the right from the shift-up position of the M range, the left side of the protrusion Z in the shift gate 15 When contacting, the right side of the plate-like body 24 and the left side of the lower projection 301 are in contact with each other at a different location as indicated by an arrow F.
[0144]
Thereby, the contact force between the lever 3 and the gate 15 is dispersed, and the durability of the gate 15 is improved. Further, since the plate-like body 24 is provided on the shift lever 3, the lower protrusion 301 is provided on the upper plate 9, and the shift gate 15 is also formed on the upper plate 9, the mutual positional relationship between them is accurately illustrated. Therefore, it is easy to set so that the respective abutments occur almost simultaneously, and the impact force is effectively dispersed.
[0145]
Further, when switching from N to D, as indicated by an arrow G in FIG. 10, the plate-like body 24 passes through the right side of the lower protrusion 301 without interfering, and when switching from D to M, 11, the plate-like body 24 passes through the lower protrusion 301 without interfering with it.
[0146]
Thus, the protruding portion Z of the upper plate 9 surrounded by the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth communication paths G5 to G8 is a fragile portion having a thin base, but this portion Z In addition to the above-described shift operation from R to N and when swinging to the right at the shift-up position, there is a possibility that a contact impact force may be applied from two other directions. That is, when the lever is swung to the left when switching from N to D, and when the lever is swung to the front when switching from D to M, both of these are in the range. The operation of the lever 3 is unlikely to occur because it is in the middle of switching and in the middle of exceeding the peak of the positioning detent recess. However, even in these cases, the plate-like body 24 and the lower protrusion 301 are in contact with each other, so that the durability of the gate 15 is also ensured.
[0147]
In this case, the durability may be improved by embedding a reinforcing material such as a metal plate in the upper plate 9 in the portion Z where the base is thin and where there is a problem in durability.
[0148]
In the embodiment described above, the front-rear direction is the shift direction and the left-right direction is the select direction, but it goes without saying that the shift direction or the select direction is independent of the direction of the vehicle body. Nor.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the size of the shift lock mechanism that locks the shift operation from a plurality of ranges can be shortened in the operation direction of the shift lever, the degree of freedom of assembly of the mechanism to the vehicle body is increased. , Layout with other devices and equipment is improved, and the interior of the car can be used widely. Further, coupled with downsizing of the swing region of the shift lever, it contributes to improving the operability of the shift lever. The present invention is preferably applicable particularly to an automatic transmission having a saddle type shift gate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of a speed change operation input device including a shift lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention that appears in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the entire apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway left side view of the apparatus.
4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a right side view showing a peripheral structure of the shift lever of the same device.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the peripheral structure of the shift lever of the apparatus from the front.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view similarly shown from the rear.
FIG. 8 is a partially cut-away plan sectional view, also shown from above.
FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing the peripheral structure of the shift lever of the apparatus from above when the M range is selected.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the movement of the shift lever during the RN shift operation from above.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the shift lever during the DM shift operation from above.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the shift lever during manual shift-up operation from above.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the shift lever during the P range selection operation from above.
FIG. 14 is a left side view of the main part of the same apparatus with an enlarged partial cutout.
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the peripheral structure of the shift lever of the apparatus from the front when the P-range shift lock is performed.
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the peripheral structure of the shift lever of the apparatus when the P-range shift lock is released from the front.
FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway longitudinal sectional view showing the peripheral structure of the shift lever of the apparatus when the N-range shift lock is released from the front.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged side view of the main part of the shift lock mechanism as viewed from the shift lever side.
FIG. 19 is an enlarged plan sectional view of a main part of the shift lock mechanism.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.
FIG. 21 is also an explanatory diagram of the prior art.
FIG. 22 is also an explanatory diagram of the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Shifting operation input device
2 Cover of the device
3 Shift lever
4 Cylindrical member of the lever
5 Base member of the lever
6 Base member
9 Upper plate
15 Vertical shift gate
21 prismatic body of shift lever base member
31 Shifting direction swing support shaft of shift lever
32 Shift lever select direction swing support shaft (shift lever swing support point)
91 Upper bulge of the left side edge of the base member
92 Cylindrical boss on the inner wall of the bulge
93 Abutting block portion of regulating member of shift lock mechanism
93a P-range shift lock front half inner surface of the same abutting block portion (surface facing the abutting portion of the shift lever)
93b The inner surface of the second half portion for N-range shift lock of the contact block portion (the surface facing the contact portion of the shift lever)
94 Sliding shaft of regulating member of shift lock mechanism
95 Restriction member of shift lock mechanism
96 Solenoid of shift lock mechanism (moving means)
97 Plunger of the solenoid
99 Contact protrusion of shift lever base member (contact part of shift lever)
100 Lever member of shift lock mechanism
111 Forced moving member of shift lock forced release mechanism
112 Supporting plate of the forced moving member
121 Columnar part of the forced moving member
122 Lever pivot (fulcrum) of the shift lock forced release mechanism
123 Shift lock forced release mechanism lever (rotating member)
125 Shift lock release button (pressing operation member)
126 Return spring of shift lock forced release mechanism

Claims (2)

Provided in an automatic transmission in which the lever is swung in first and second directions that intersect with and perpendicular to the axial direction of the shift lever, and shift operation from a plurality of different lever swing positions is prohibited The structure of the shift lock mechanism
The shifting direction of the shift lever at the time of shifting operation from each lever swinging position is the select direction which is the first direction, and
Freely movable between a shift lock position that abuts a shift lever that swings in that direction and restricts the swing of each lever, and a shift lock release position that does not contact the shift lever and allows the lever to swing. A restrictive member,
Moving means for moving the restricting member to the shift lock position when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and moving to the release position when the predetermined condition is satisfied; and
The shift lock position and the shift lock release position are arranged along the axial direction of the shift lever,
As the lever rocking position to be shift-locked, a first lever rocking position and a second lever rocking position are provided, and a third lever rocking position is arranged between these lever rocking positions. ,
When the restricting member is moved to the shift lock position, the opposed surfaces of the abutment portion of the shift lever and the restricting member are brought into contact with each other to move the third lever from the first or second lever swinging position of the lever. while the oscillation of the select direction of the lever swing position side is restricted, when the regulating member is moved to the shift lock release position, the opposing faces of the select direction of the shift lever does not abut While swinging is permitted,
When the shift lever is in the third lever swinging position, the opposed surfaces of the lever contacting portion and the regulating member along the direction intersecting the opposed surface are in contact with each other, and the regulating member moves to the shift lock position. A shift lock structure for an automatic transmission, wherein the shift lock structure is configured to prevent the transmission. Provided in an automatic transmission in which the lever is swung in first and second directions that intersect with and perpendicular to the axial direction of the shift lever, and shift operation from a plurality of different lever swing positions is prohibited The structure of the shift lock mechanism
The shifting direction of the shift lever at the time of the shift operation from each lever swinging position is the same direction in the first direction or the second direction,
Moves between a shift lock position that abuts the shift lever that is swung in the same direction and restricts the rocking of each lever, and a shift lock release position that does not abut on the shift lever and allows the lever to swing. A flexible regulating member,
Moving means for moving the restricting member to the shift lock position when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and moving to the release position when the predetermined condition is satisfied; and
The shift lock position and the shift lock release position are disposed on the side where the lever extends from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever along the axial direction of the shift lever. Is disposed at a position far from the swing fulcrum, and
A shift lock forced release mechanism for forcibly moving the restricting member from the shift lock position to the shift lock release position is provided,
The release mechanism is
A pressing operation member that is disposed on the side where the lever extends from the swinging fulcrum of the shift lever and that is disposed at a position farther from the swinging fulcrum than the shift lock release position and receives a pressing operation toward the swinging fulcrum;
A forcible moving member that moves the regulating member from the shift lock position to the release position by moving from the shift lock position side to the release position side;
And a second end one end is pressed by the pressing member is engaged with the forced movement member, characterized by having a rotatable pivot member to pivot around which is located between these ends shift lock structure of the automatic transmission to be.

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