JP4563832B2 - Shift lever device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift lever device used for a transmission of a vehicle.

  Of the shift lever device for shifting the automatic transmission, any shift range can be selected by selecting the shift lever (operating lever) along the pattern of the guide groove that opens in the housing and shifting it in the direction perpendicular thereto. There are things that can be selected. There are various types of guide groove patterns of this type of shift lever device such as so-called straight type, so-called H pattern type, and so-called gate type. Depending on the position, it is necessary to detect movement in the vertical direction), and for this reason, sensors are provided corresponding to each of the select operation and the shift operation. Each of these sensors is configured to be operated by an operating link or an operating lever that operates in conjunction with the shift lever.

  By the way, when operating the shift lever, there is a problem that a collision sound is generated when the shift lever collides with the guide groove of the housing. Therefore, in order to prevent the collision noise as described above, a configuration in which a shift lever is provided with a resin cushioning material has been proposed (see Patent Document 1 as an example).

  In this shift lever device, even if the shift lever tries to collide with the guide groove, the shock-absorbing material collides (contacts) prior to this, so that the collision sound (battering sound) caused by the collision between the shift lever and the guide groove is prevented and suppressed. Is done.

However, since the buffer structure applied to such a conventional shift lever device has a structure in which a resin cushioning material is provided in the guide groove or the shift lever itself that opens in the housing, the shift lever operation position detection is performed as described above. This is not compatible with shift lever devices that are equipped with operating links and operating levers corresponding to multiple sensors, and prevents and suppresses the impact sound (striking sound) caused by the collision between the shift lever and the guide groove. Even if it was done, the collision sound of the operation link and the operation lever was still generated. In particular, in a shift lever device in which the shift lever automatically returns to the home position, the collision noise that occurs when the occupant releases the hand from the shift lever and the shift lever automatically returns to the home position is prominent. It was.
JP-A-9-196154

  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention is configured such that a sensor for detecting the operation position of the shift lever is configured to be operated by an operation link or an operation lever that operates in conjunction with the shift lever, and the shift lever automatically returns to the home position. It is an object of the present invention to provide a shift lever device that can prevent and suppress not only a shift lever but also a collision sound (striking sound) caused by a collision of the operation link and the operation lever as well as the shift lever. To do.

  A shift lever device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a shift lever device capable of selecting an arbitrary shift range by a select operation and a shift operation in a direction orthogonal thereto, and a shaft shift disposed along the select operation direction. A retainer that is rotatably supported by the position and can swing around the shaft shift position, and a shaft select position orthogonal to the shaft shift position, the lower end portion is rotatably connected to the lower end portion of the retainer, An operation lever that rotates around the shaft select position and is operated to select, and that rotates together with the retainer to rotate around the shaft shift position, and that is operated to shift to a predetermined home position. , Select the control lever A case provided with a select position sensor for detecting a position, and supported by the case in a swingable manner corresponding to the operation lever, and always in conjunction with the select operation of the operation lever, the select position A link sensor for operating the sensor, and buffer means for buffering an impact between the link sensor and the case when the operation lever returns to the home position are provided.

  In the shift lever device according to the first aspect, an arbitrary shift range is selected by selecting and shifting the operation lever. That is, when the operating lever is selected, only the operating lever rotates around the shaft select position connecting the operating lever to the retainer, and the selecting operation is performed. Further, when the operation lever is shifted, the operation lever rotates around the shaft shift position together with the retainer, and the shift operation is performed. When the operation lever is selected, the link sensor operates in conjunction with the operation lever, the select position sensor is activated, and the position (select position) of the operation lever is detected. Further, when the occupant releases his hand from the operation lever, the operation lever automatically returns to a predetermined home position.

  Here, when the operation lever automatically returns to the predetermined home position, the shock between the link sensor and the case is buffered by the buffer means. Therefore, a collision sound (striking sound) resulting from a collision of the link sensor with the case is prevented / suppressed. Moreover, since the link sensor is always interlocked with the operation lever, the shock between the link sensor and the case is buffered by the buffer means, so that the operation lever and other members (for example, a guide groove opened in the housing) Is also buffered, and a collision sound (striking sound) caused by the collision of the operation lever itself is prevented and suppressed.

  As described above, in the shift lever device according to the first aspect, the select position sensor for detecting the position of the operation lever is configured to be operated by the link sensor that operates in conjunction with the operation lever, and the operation lever is the home. Even if it is configured to automatically return to the position, it is possible to prevent / suppress a collision sound (striking sound) caused by the collision of the link sensor as well as the operation lever.

  A shift lever device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the shift lever device according to the first aspect, wherein the buffer means is wound around a swing support shaft portion of the link sensor and one end thereof is connected to the link sensor. The other end is engaged with the case, and the spring is buffered by a torsional force.

  In the shift lever device according to the second aspect, one end of the spring wound around the swing support shaft portion of the link sensor is locked to the link sensor, and the other end is engaged with the case. For this reason, when the operation lever automatically returns to the predetermined home position, the buffering is performed by the torsional force of the spring, and the collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the link sensor with the case and the operation lever itself The collision sound (battering sound) resulting from the collision is also prevented and suppressed. Further, since the spring is applied as the buffering means, the structure becomes simple.

  A shift lever device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the shift lever device according to the first aspect, wherein the buffer means is a protruding piece that is formed on the link sensor and engages with the case to form the buffer by elastic force. It is said that it is said.

  In the shift lever device according to the third aspect, the protruding piece formed on the link sensor is engaged with the case. For this reason, when the operation lever automatically returns to the predetermined home position, the buffering is made by the elastic force of the protruding piece, and the collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the link sensor with the case and the operation lever Collision noise (battering sound) resulting from the collision of itself is also prevented and suppressed. Further, since the protruding piece is formed on the link sensor as the buffering means, the structure is simplified.

  A shift lever device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the shift lever device according to the first aspect, wherein the buffer means is formed to be inclined to the case and engages with the link sensor to absorb the buffer by frictional force. It is characterized by the fact that it is an inclined convex portion.

  In the shift lever device according to the fourth aspect, the inclined convex portion is formed to be inclined to the case. For this reason, when the operation lever automatically returns to the predetermined home position, the buffer sensor is buffered by the frictional force caused by the link sensor engaging with the inclined convex portion, resulting from the collision of the link sensor with the case. The collision sound (striking sound) and the collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the operation lever itself are also prevented and suppressed. Further, since the inclined convex portion is formed in the case as the buffer means, the structure is simplified.

  As described above, the shift lever device according to the present invention is configured such that the select position sensor for detecting the position of the operation lever is operated by the link sensor operating in conjunction with the operation lever, and the operation lever is in the home position. Even when it is configured to automatically return to the position, it has an excellent effect that it is possible to prevent / suppress a collision sound (striking sound) caused by the collision of the link sensor as well as the operation lever.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of a shift lever device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The shift lever device 10 includes a plate sub-assembly 12 serving as a device main body (outer frame). A retainer 16 is supported on the plate / sub-assembly 12 by a shaft shift position 14, and the retainer 16 can swing and rotate around the shaft shift position 14 (along with the shaft shift position 14). The shaft shift position 14 is fastened by a nut 22 with a bush 18 and a washer 20 interposed.

  An operating lever 26 is connected to the lower end of the retainer 16 by a shaft select position 24. The shaft select position 24 is provided orthogonal to the shaft shift position 14, and is further prevented by a clip 28. As a result, the operation lever 26 can rotate around the shaft select position 24 and can also rotate around the shaft shift position 14 together with the retainer 16. Here, the rotation of the operation lever 26 around the shaft / select position 24 is taken as the select operation direction (arrow X direction in FIG. 1), and the rotation of the operation lever 26 around the shaft / shift position 14 is the shift operation direction (arrow Y in FIG. 1). Direction).

  A detent rod 30 and a spring 32 are accommodated in the rod hole 34 in the operation lever 26. The detent rod 30 is made of resin and corresponds to a detent groove 42 of a housing / lever guide 36 described later.

  A resin-made housing / lever guide 36 is provided at the end opening of the plate / sub-assembly 12. The housing lever guide 36 is attached to the plate subassembly 12 by pins 40. The housing lever guide 36 is formed with a guide groove 38 corresponding to a selection operation and a shift operation of the operation lever 26, and the operation lever 26 is disposed through the guide groove 38. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide groove 38 of the housing lever guide 36 has a plurality of shift ranges of the operation lever 26, that is, “H” home position, “N” range, “D” range, and “R” range. And “B” range are set, and as described above, the operation lever 26 can be moved to a selected position by a selection operation or / and a shift operation. In FIG. 4, each shift range in a housing sub-assembly 78 to be described later is shown for easy understanding of the explanation of the plurality of shift ranges of the operation lever 26.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a detent groove 42 is formed on the back surface of the housing / lever guide 36. Similar to the guide groove 38, the detent groove 42 has a gate shape corresponding to the selection operation and the shift operation of the operation lever 26, and is formed as an inclined surface with continuous irregularities, and the detent rod 30 of the operation lever 26 is formed. Is pressed. As a result, the operation lever 26 can be operated with moderation in the select direction and the shift direction, and is also configured to automatically return to the “H” home position.

  The plate / sub-assembly 12 is provided with a sensor unit 44. The sensor unit 44 includes a case 46, a link sensor 48, and a select position sensor 50. As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the case 46 and the link sensor 48 are configured such that the link sensor 48 is supported by the swing shaft 52 provided at the end of the case 46 so as to be swingable and rotatable. The link sensor 48 can swing at its lower end with the swing shaft 52 as a fulcrum. Further, the tip (lower end) portion of the link sensor 48 enters the inside of the guide beam portion 54 formed integrally with the case 46 to prevent the link sensor 48 from being unnecessarily pulled out and to guide its swinging. ing.

  The pin portion 58 of the operation lever 26 enters the slide hole 56 of the link sensor 48. Therefore, when the operation lever 26 rotates around the shaft select position 24 as described above (when a select operation is performed), the link sensor 48 is always oscillated in conjunction with this.

  Here, a spring 60 as a buffer means is wound around the swing shaft portion 52 that supports the link sensor 48. One end of the spring 60 is locked to the link sensor 48, and the other end is locked to the protrusion 62 of the case 46. Thereby, when the operation lever 26 returns to the “H” home position, that is, when the link sensor 48 swings to the initial position (position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2) in conjunction with the operation lever 26. The structure is such that the impact between the link sensor 48 and the case 46 can be buffered by the torsional force of the spring 60.

  The spring 60 is set to a biasing force weaker than that of the spring 32. When the operation lever 26 automatically returns to the “H” home position (the detent rod 30 returns to the initial position along the detent groove 42). In this case, the movement is not disturbed (to the extent that the return speed of the operation lever 26 is reduced).

  Further, a select position sensor 50 is provided on the back side of the case 46 opposite to the link sensor 48, and a detection piece 64 of the select position sensor 50 is formed in a slide hole 66 formed at the tip of the link sensor 48. I'm stuck in. Thus, when the link sensor 48 is swung, the select position sensor 50 is activated to detect the swing position of the link sensor 48 (that is, the select position of the operation lever 26).

  The plate / sub-assembly 12 is provided with a shift position sensor 68. The shift position sensor 68 is provided corresponding to the shaft shift position 14 and is fastened and fixed to the plate sub-assembly 12 by a screw 72 with a washer 70 interposed therebetween. When the operation lever 26 rotates around the shaft shift position 14 together with the retainer 16 (when a shift operation is performed), the shift position sensor 68 is activated to detect the shift position of the operation lever 26.

  The plate sub-assembly 12 to which the components having the above-described configuration are attached is provided with a housing sub-assembly 78 on the surface side of the housing lever guide 36 with a cover slide 74 and a cover slide 76 interposed therebetween. One end opening portion of the assembly 12 is closed, and a knob 80 is attached to the distal end portion of the operation lever 26 inserted through the housing sub-assembly 78.

  On the other hand, a cover plate 82 is attached to the other end opening portion of the plate sub-assembly 12 to close the other end opening portion of the plate sub-assembly 12.

  Next, the operation of the shift lever device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the shift lever device 10, an arbitrary shift range is selected by selecting and shifting the operation lever 26.

  That is, when the operation lever 26 is selected, only the operation lever 26 rotates around the shaft / select position 24 connecting the operation lever 26 to the retainer 16 and the selection operation is performed. Further, when the operation lever 26 is shifted, the operation lever 26 rotates around the shaft shift position 14 together with the retainer 16 and the shift operation is performed.

  When the operation lever 26 is selected, the link sensor 48 operates in conjunction with the operation lever 26, the select position sensor 50 is activated, and the position (select position) of the operation lever 26 is detected. When the operation lever 26 is shifted, the shift position sensor 68 is operated in conjunction with the operation lever 26 to detect the position (shift position) of the operation lever 26.

  Furthermore, when the occupant releases the operation lever 26, the operation lever 26 automatically returns to the predetermined “H” home position together with the link sensor 48.

  Here, when the operation lever 26 automatically returns to the predetermined “H” home position together with the link sensor 48, the shock between the link sensor 48 and the case 46 is buffered by the torsional force of the spring 60 as a buffering means. Is done. Therefore, the collision sound (battering sound) resulting from the collision of the link sensor 48 with the case 46 is prevented / suppressed. Moreover, since the link sensor 48 is always interlocked with the operation lever 26, the shock between the link sensor 48 and the case 46 is buffered by the spring 60, so that the operation lever 26 and other members (for example, housing lever guide) The impact with the guide groove 38) opened to 36 is also buffered, and the collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the operation lever 26 itself is prevented and suppressed.

  As described above, in the shift lever device 10 according to the first embodiment, the select position sensor 50 for detecting the position of the operation lever 26 is operated by the link sensor 48 that operates in conjunction with the operation lever 26. Even if the operation lever 26 is configured to automatically return to the home position, it is possible to prevent / suppress a collision sound (striking sound) caused by the collision of the link sensor 48 as well as the operation lever 26. Can do. Furthermore, since the spring 60 is applied as the buffer means, the structure is simplified.

  In the first embodiment described above, the home position of the operation lever 26 is set to the “H” position as shown in FIG. 4, but the home position is limited to such an “H” position. Instead, it may be configured to be a predetermined position (that is, a starting position) and set the other movement position of the operation lever 26 as the “home position”.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Note that components that are basically the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 shows a front view of a sensor unit 90 applied to the shift lever device 10 according to the second embodiment.

  The sensor unit 90 includes a case 46, a link sensor 92, and a select position sensor 50, as in the first embodiment described above. The link sensor 92 is supported at the end of the case 46 so as to be able to swing and rotate, and the lower end portion thereof can swing.

  Here, the link sensor 92 is integrally formed with a protruding piece 94 as a buffering means. The protruding piece 94 has elasticity (can be elastically deformed), and the tip end portion is engaged with the protrusion 96 of the case 46. Thereby, when the operation lever 26 returns to the home position, that is, when the link sensor 92 swings to the initial position (position shown in FIG. 5) in conjunction with the operation lever 26, the elasticity of the protruding piece 94 is increased. It is configured such that the impact between the link sensor 92 and the case 46 can be buffered by force.

  The protruding piece 94 is also set to an elastic force weaker than the urging force of the spring 32, like the spring 60 according to the first embodiment described above, and the operating lever 26 is set to the “H” home position. It is configured so as not to hinder the movement (when the detent rod 30 returns to the initial position along the detent groove 42) (when the return speed of the operation lever 26 is reduced) when it automatically returns.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the shift lever device 10 (sensor unit 90) according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the protruding piece 94 formed on the link sensor 92 is engaged with the case 46. For this reason, when the operation lever 26 automatically returns to the predetermined “H” home position, the above-described buffering is performed by the elastic force of the projecting piece 94, which is caused by the collision of the link sensor 92 with the case 46. Collision sound (striking sound) and collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the operation lever 26 itself are prevented and suppressed. Further, since the protruding piece 94 is formed on the link sensor 92 as a buffer means, the structure is simplified.

  Next, FIG. 6 (A) shows a front view of the sensor unit 100 applied to the shift lever device 10 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 6 (B) shows FIG. A cross-sectional view along line BB in A) is shown.

  The sensor unit 100 includes a case 46, a link sensor 48, and a select position sensor 50, as in the first embodiment described above. The link sensor 48 can swing at its lower end with the swing shaft 52 as a fulcrum. Further, the distal end portion of the link sensor 48 enters the inside of a guide beam portion 54 formed integrally with the case 46 to prevent unnecessary detachment of the link sensor 48 and guide its swinging.

  Here, the case 46 is formed with an inclined convex portion 102 as a buffer means corresponding to the inner wall of the guide beam portion 54 (that is, corresponding to the lower end portion of the link sensor 48). The inclined convex portion 102 is inclined from the case 46 toward the guide beam portion 54 so as to protrude in a so-called wedge shape, and can be engaged with the lower end portion of the link sensor 48. Thus, when the operation lever 26 returns to the “H” home position, that is, in conjunction with the operation lever 26, the link sensor 48 is in the initial position (the position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). When swinging to the right, the inclined convex portion 102 engages with the link sensor 48, and the impact between the link sensor 48 and the case 46 can be buffered by the frictional force.

  The inclined convex portion 102 is also set to generate a frictional force that is weaker than the urging force of the spring 32, similarly to the spring 60 according to the first embodiment described above. It is configured so that it does not hinder its movement (when the detent rod 30 returns to the initial position along the detent groove 42) when it automatically returns to the home position (to the extent that the return speed of the operation lever 26 is reduced). Yes.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the shift lever device 10 (sensor unit 100) according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the inclined convex portion 102 is formed to be inclined to the case 46. For this reason, when the operation lever 26 automatically returns to the predetermined “H” home position, the above-described buffering is performed by the frictional force generated by the link sensor 48 engaging the inclined convex portion 102, and the link Collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the sensor 48 with the case 46 and collision sound (striking sound) resulting from the collision of the operation lever 26 itself are prevented and suppressed. Further, since the inclined convex portion 102 is formed on the case 46 as a buffer means, the structure is simplified.

  In the third embodiment described above, the inclined convex portion 102 as the buffer means is formed in the main body portion of the case 46 corresponding to the lower end portion of the link sensor 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the inclined convex portion 102 may be formed on the inner wall of the guide beam portion 54.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the whole structure of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of the case which comprises the sensor unit of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, a link sensor, and a spring. It is the perspective view which looked at the structure of a guide groove and a detent groove provided in the housing lever guide of the shift lever device concerning the 1st embodiment of the present invention, and looked at the housing lever guide from the back. It is a top view of the housing sub-assembly which shows the structure of the some shift range of the operation lever of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of the case which comprises the sensor unit of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, a link sensor, and a protrusion piece. (A) is a front view which shows the structure of the case which comprises the sensor unit of the shift lever apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, a link sensor, and an inclination convex part, (B) is (A It is sectional drawing along the BB line of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Shift lever device 12 Plate sub-assembly 14 Shaft shift position 16 Retainer 24 Shaft select position 26 Operation lever 44 Sensor unit 46 Case 48 Link sensor 50 Select position sensor 60 Spring (buffering means)
68 Shift position sensor

Claims (4)

In a shift lever device capable of selecting an arbitrary shift range by a select operation and a shift operation in a direction orthogonal thereto,
A retainer rotatably supported by a shaft shift position arranged along the select operation direction and swingable around the shaft shift position;
A lower end portion is rotatably connected to a lower end portion of the retainer by a shaft select position orthogonal to the shaft shift position, and the selection operation is performed by rotating around the shaft select position. An operation lever that is operated to shift by rotating around a shaft shift position and that automatically returns to a predetermined home position;
A case provided with a select position sensor for detecting the select position of the operation lever;
A link sensor that is supported by the case in a swingable manner corresponding to the operation lever and that always operates in conjunction with the select operation of the operation lever, and activates the select position sensor;
Buffer means for buffering the impact between the link sensor and the case when the operation lever returns to the home position;
A shift lever device comprising: The buffer means is a spring that is wound around a swing support shaft portion of the link sensor, and has one end locked to the link sensor and the other end engaged with the case to form the buffer by a torsional force. To be
The shift lever device according to claim 1. The buffer means is a protruding piece that is formed on the link sensor and engages the case to form the buffer by elastic force.
The shift lever device according to claim 1. The buffer means is an inclined convex portion that is formed to be inclined on the case, engages with the link sensor, and forms the buffer by friction force.
The shift lever device according to claim 1.

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