JP6162588B2 - Shift device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a by-wire shift device having a dial knob.

  Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a by-wire type shift device that switches a shift range of a transmission by operating a dial knob has been proposed. The dial knob is operated to operation positions of a parking position “P”, a reverse position “R”, a neutral position “N”, and a drive position “D”. A so-called stationery type is adopted as the operation method of the dial knob. That is, after the dial knob is operated to each operation position, the dial knob is held at the operation position even when the operating force is released. The shift device has a so-called shift lock mechanism. The shift lock mechanism is a mechanism for suppressing erroneous operation of the shift knob. For example, when the engine is started, the shift knob cannot be moved from the parking position “P” to another position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

JP 2002-254946 A

  In a shift device having a stationery type dial knob, it is conceivable that the dial knob forgets to return from the drive position “D” to the parking position “P” when getting off, for example. For this reason, providing the shift device with a dial knob automatic return mechanism has been studied. The automatic return mechanism is a shift range of the transmission when, for example, the engine is stopped with the dial knob held at any one of the drive position “D”, the reverse position “R”, and the neutral position “N”. Is a mechanism for automatically returning the position of the shift knob to the parking position “P” in accordance with execution of control for automatically switching to the parking range. However, when an automatic return mechanism is provided in the shift device in addition to the shift lock mechanism, there is a concern about an increase in the number of parts. The increase in the number of parts leads to an increase in the assembly man-hour of the shift device or an increase in the size of the physique.

  The objective of this invention is providing the shift apparatus which can increase a function, suppressing the number of parts.

  A shift device that can achieve the above-described object is a position holding type knob that is rotated to select a shift range of a transmission of a vehicle, an actuator, and a knob from a parking position to another position in conjunction with the actuator. A push member that moves between a first position that permits the operation of the knob and a second position that engages a part of the knob and restricts the operation of the knob from the parking position to another position, and the actuator. A control circuit. Further, as a part of the knob, when the knob is held at the other position, the knob exists on the movement locus of the push member and is pushed through the engagement with the push member from the first position toward the second position. A receiving member is provided for converting the movement of the member into the rotation of the knob. Then, the control circuit drives the actuator to move the push member from the first position to the second position when a specific event that is preset as the shift range should be switched to the parking range is detected. . The control circuit drives the actuator to move the push member from the second position to the first position when the restriction release condition is satisfied when the vehicle driving source is started.

  According to this configuration, when a specific event that is preset as the shift range should be switched to the parking range is detected, the control circuit moves the push member from the first position to the second position through driving of the actuator. . In this case, when the knob is located at the parking position, the push member is moved to the second position as it is, and engages with a receiving member as a part of the knob. Thereby, operation from the parking position of the knob to another position is restricted (shift lock). On the other hand, when the knob is located at another position, the knob rotates from the other position toward the parking position through the engagement of the push member and the receiving member toward the second position. The knob returns to the parking position at the timing when the push member reaches the second position (automatic return function). In addition, when a driving source for driving the vehicle is started, when a condition for canceling a state where the operation of the knob from the parking position to another position is restricted is established, the control circuit drives the actuator through the driving of the actuator. Is moved from the second position to the first position. Thereby, the engagement between the push member and the receiving member is released, and the operation of the knob from the parking position to another position is allowed (shift lock release). Thus, both the so-called shift lock function and automatic return function can be realized through the operation of a single actuator. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where these two functions are realized using separate actuators. The structure of the shift device is also simplified.

  In the shift device, the receiving member may protrude in a direction intersecting with the rotation direction of the knob. As the receiving member protrudes, the push member is easily engaged with the receiving member. Further, it is possible to adjust the range in which the pressing member and the receiving member are engaged through adjustment of the protruding length of the receiving member and the movement range of the pressing member.

  The shift device may include a sensor that detects the position of the push member. In this case, the control circuit preferably stops the motor when it is detected through the sensor that the push member has reached the first position or the second position. In this way, the pressing member can be more accurately stopped at the first position and the second position, respectively.

  In the shift device, the push member may be linearly moved in conjunction with the actuator, or may be rotated about an axis extending parallel to the rotation center axis of the knob. What is necessary is just to select the operation | movement method of a pushing member suitably according to product specifications.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase functions while suppressing the number of parts.

The perspective view of the vehicle interior in which the shift apparatus was installed. Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the shift apparatus in 1st Embodiment in the plane orthogonal to the axis line of a dial knob. Sectional drawing of the shift apparatus which shows the state in which operation of the dial knob in 1st Embodiment was controlled. Sectional drawing of the shift apparatus which shows the state by which the restriction | limiting of the operation of the dial knob in 1st Embodiment was cancelled | released. The perspective view of the shift apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the shift apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the shift lock operation | movement and automatic return operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the shift lock release operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. The top view which shows the structure of the shift apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the shift apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the shift apparatus which shows the state by which operation of the dial knob in 2nd Embodiment was controlled. Sectional drawing of the shift apparatus which shows the state by which the restriction | limiting of the operation of the dial knob in 2nd Embodiment was cancelled | released. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the shift lock operation | movement or automatic return operation | movement in other embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the shift device will be described.
<Mechanical configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the shift device 11 is provided in a center console 12 of a vehicle, for example. The shift device 11 includes a case 13 and a columnar dial knob 14 that is rotatably provided to the case 13. The case 13 is provided inside the center console 12. The dial knob 14 is exposed to the outside of the center console 12. When the dial knob 14 is rotated, a shift range of a transmission (not shown) is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 2, four operation positions are set on the dial knob 14. The parking position “P”, the reverse position “R”, the neutral position “N”, and the drive position “D”. When the dial knob 14 is viewed from the direction along the axis, a drive position “D” is set near the 12 o'clock position. When the drive position “D” is used as a reference, a neutral position “N”, a reverse position “R”, and a parking position “P” are set in the counterclockwise direction. The operation positions “P”, “R”, “N”, and “D” are set at equal intervals along the rotation direction of the dial knob 14.

  A detent mechanism (detent mechanism) 20 and a feed mechanism 30 are provided inside the case 13. In FIG. 2, the detent mechanism 20 is provided at the upper part of the case 13, and the feed mechanism 30 is provided at the lower part of the case 13. A dial knob 14 is rotatably supported between the detent mechanism 20 and the feed mechanism 30.

The detent mechanism 20 includes a guide member 21 that is curved in an arc shape and a pin 22 that rotates together with the dial knob 14.
The guide member 21 is attached to an accommodation portion 23 provided in a state of being recessed upward in FIG. The inner surface of the guide member 21 is exposed inside the case 13 and functions as a guide surface for the pin 22. Four concave portions 24p, 24r, 24n, and 24d are provided on the guide surface along the rotation direction of the dial knob 14. The recesses 24p, 24r, 24n, and 24d correspond to the operation positions “P”, “R”, “N”, and “D” of the dial knob 14, respectively. Further, the recesses 24p, 24r, 24n, and 24d are smoothly continuous in the rotation direction of the dial knob 14.

  The pin 22 is attached to a fan-shaped protrusion 25 provided on the peripheral surface of the dial knob 14. The pin 22 is accommodated in a retaining hole 26 provided on the arc surface of the protrusion 25 via a compression coil spring 27 in a retaining state. The tip of the pin 22 is formed in a spherical shape and protrudes from the arc surface of the protrusion 25. The pin 22 can move inward of the accommodation hole 26 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 27. The tip of the pin 22 slides with respect to the guide surface of the guide member 21 and is locked to the recesses 24p, 24r, 24n, and 24d. In FIG. 2, the pin 22 is locked in the recess 24 d corresponding to the drive position “D”.

The feed mechanism 30 includes a motor 31, a feed screw 32, and a nut 33.
The motor 31 is fixed to the lower part of the case 13. The output shaft 31a of the motor 31 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the dial knob 14 (left and right direction in FIG. 2). A first gear 34 is attached to the output shaft 31a.

  The feed screw 32 is provided between the motor 31 and the dial knob 14. The feed screw 32 extends parallel to the output shaft 31 a of the motor 31. A second gear 35 is attached to a portion near the first end (left end in FIG. 2) of the feed screw 32. The second gear 35 meshes with the first gear 34. Therefore, when the motor 31 rotates, the feed screw 32 also rotates. A portion near the second end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the feed screw 32 is along a wall 36 provided inside the case 13. The wall 36 is located on the opposite side of the feed screw 32 from the dial knob 14.

  The nut 33 is screwed to the feed screw 32 (more precisely, the screw portion 32a) so as to be able to advance and retreat. A pressing member 37 is integrally provided on the peripheral surface of the nut 33. The pressing member 37 extends along the axial direction of the feed screw 32 and protrudes from the side surface of the nut 33 opposite to the second gear 35. The front end of the pressing member 37 (the part protruding from the nut 33) abuts on a receiving member 38 provided on the peripheral surface of the dial knob 14.

  The receiving member 38 is provided on the opposite side of the protrusion 25 in the radial direction of the dial knob 14. The protrusion 25 is provided in the upper part in FIG. 2, and the receiving member 38 is provided in the lower part in FIG. The receiving member 38 extends along the radial direction of the dial knob 14 and crosses the linear movement locus of the pressing member 37. As the receiving member 38 is pushed by the pushing member 37, the dial knob 14 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. As the dial knob 14 rotates counterclockwise, the pin 22 is guided by the guide surface of the guide member 21 and moves in the order of the recess 24d, the recess 24n, the recess 24r, and the recess 24p. In this way, the receiving member 38 converts the linear motion of the nut 33 and thus the push member 37 into the rotational motion of the dial knob 14. The receiving member 38 can be pushed by the pushing member 37 until the dial knob 14 reaches the parking position “P” from the drive position “D”, in other words, the pin 22 extends from the recessed portion 24d to the recessed portion 24p. The protrusion length with respect to the peripheral surface of the dial knob 14 is set.

  The push member 37 moves between a first position P1 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 and a second position P2 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The first position P1 is a position where the distal end of the pressing member 37 abuts on the distal end side surface of the receiving member 38 when the pin 22 is engaged with the recess 24d. The second position P2 is such that when the pin 22 is engaged with the recess 24p, the front end of the receiving member 38 gets over the front end of the pressing member 37 and contacts the side surface of the pressing member 37 (the side surface opposite to the wall 36). It is a position to touch.

  As indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. 3, when the dial knob 14 is positioned at the parking position “P”, the push member 37 is moved from the first position P1 toward the second position P2 to When the position P2 is reached, the tip of the receiving member 38 is maintained in contact with the side surface of the pressing member 37 opposite to the wall 36. At this time, rotating the dial knob 14 clockwise, that is, operating the dial knob 14 from the parking position “P” to the other operating positions “R”, “N”, “D” is restricted ( Shift lock operation). At this time, the side surface of the pressing member 37 opposite to the receiving member 38 is maintained in contact with the wall 36.

  When the dial knob 14 is located at a position other than the parking position “P”, that is, at the reverse position “R”, the neutral position “N” or the drive position “D”, the push member 37 is moved from the first position P1. In the process of moving to the second position P2, the receiving member 38 is pushed rightward in FIG. As a result, the dial knob 14 rotates counterclockwise and returns to the parking position “P” (automatic return operation). At this time, the front end portion of the receiving member 38 gets over the front end portion of the push member 37 and comes into contact with the side surface of the push member 37.

  As indicated by an arrow A2 in FIG. 4, when the dial knob 14 is located at the parking position “P”, the push member 37 is retracted from the second position P2 to the first position P1, thereby receiving member. The state where the tip end portion of 38 is in contact with the side surface opposite to the wall 36 of the pressing member 37 is released. At this time, as indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. 4, the dial knob 14 is rotated clockwise, that is, the dial knob 14 is moved from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “ Operation to “D” is allowed (shift lock release operation).

  As shown in FIG. 5, a substrate 40 is provided below the dial knob 14 and the feed mechanism 30 in the drawing. A first position sensor 41 and a second position sensor 42 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 40 so as to face the feed screw 32. The first position sensor 41 has a nut 33 when the push member 37 is present at the first position P1, and the second position sensor 42 has a nut 33 when the push member 37 is present at the second position P2. To detect. As the first and second position sensors 41 and 42, for example, magnetic sensors that detect a magnetic field of a magnet provided in the nut 33 may be adopted.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the shift device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the shift device 11 includes a knob position sensor 51 and a control circuit 52 in addition to the motor 31, the first position sensor 41, and the second position sensor 42. A knob position sensor 51, a first position sensor 41, a second position sensor 42 and a motor 31 are connected to the control circuit 52. The control circuit 52 is also connected to an engine switch 53, a foot brake switch 54, and a transmission 55 provided in the vehicle.

  The knob position sensor 51 may include, for example, a plurality of magnetic sensors that detect a magnetic field of a magnet provided on the protrusion 25. Each magnetic sensor is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 40, and detects the magnetic field of the magnet when the dial knob 14 is operated to each operation position "P", "R", "N", "D". The engine switch 53 detects an operation when stopping or starting an engine (not shown) that is a driving source for driving the vehicle. The foot brake switch 54 detects that a brake pedal (not shown) is depressed.

  The control circuit 52 detects the operation positions “P”, “R”, “N”, and “D” of the dial knob 14 based on the electrical signal generated by the knob position sensor 51. Then, the control circuit 52 generates a command signal for switching the shift range of the transmission 55 in accordance with the operation position of the dial knob 14. The control circuit 52 controls the driving of the motor 31 according to the operation position of the dial knob 14 and the on / off states of the engine switch 53, the foot brake switch 54, the first position sensor 41 and the second position sensor 42.

  The control circuit 52 automatically sets the shift range of the transmission 55 regardless of the operation position of the dial knob 14 when a predetermined event is detected that the shift range of the transmission 55 should be switched to the parking range. A command signal for switching to the parking range is generated. As a specific event, for example, the engine is stopped, the mechanical key is pulled out from the key cylinder, or the door is opened. These specific events are detected by various sensors including the engine switch 53.

  Further, when a specific event is detected through various sensors, the control circuit 52 executes control according to the state of the dial knob 14 at that time. That is, an electrical signal generated by a sensor that detects a specific event functions as a trigger signal that triggers execution of control according to the state of the dial knob 14. The trigger signal is, for example, an electrical signal indicating that the engine switch 53 has been turned off, an electrical signal indicating that the mechanical key has been pulled out of the key cylinder, or an electrical signal indicating that the door has been opened.

<Operation of shift device: When a specific event is detected>
Next, the operation of the shift device when a specific event is detected will be described.
When a trigger signal indicating that a specific event has been detected is received, the control circuit 52 executes each process shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the pushing member 37 is maintained at the first position P1.

  The control circuit 52 first determines whether or not the dial knob 14 is positioned at the parking position “P” (step S101). When it is determined that the dial knob 14 is at the parking position “P” (YES in step S101), the control circuit 52 executes a shift lock operation. That is, the control circuit 52 drives the motor 31 to move the push member 37 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (step S102). When it is detected that the push member 37 has reached the second position P2 (step S103), the control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 (step S104) and ends the process.

  When the pressing member 37 reaches the second position P2, the tip of the receiving member 38 is maintained in contact with the side surface of the pressing member 37 opposite to the wall 36. This restricts the dial knob 14 from rotating clockwise, that is, operating the dial knob 14 from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D”.

  In step S101, when it is determined that the dial knob 14 is not in the parking position “P” (NO in step S101), the control circuit 52 executes an automatic return operation. That is, the control circuit 52 drives the motor 31 to return the dial knob 14 to the parking position “P” (step S105). The rotation direction of the motor 31 is the same as when the push member 37 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The control circuit 52 drives the motor 31 until the dial knob 14 reaches the parking position “P” (NO in step S106). When it is detected that the dial knob 14 has reached the parking position “P” (YES in step S106), the control circuit 52 proceeds to the previous step S104 and stops the motor 31.

  When the dial knob 14 reaches the parking position “P”, the push member 37 reaches the second position P2. Therefore, after the dial knob 14 returns to the parking position “P”, the dial knob 14 is rotated clockwise, that is, the dial knob 14 is moved from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”. ”And“ D ”are restricted. In addition, before stopping the motor 31, you may confirm whether the nut 33 has reached the 2nd position P2.

<Operation of shift device: When starting the engine>
Next, the operation of the shift device when the engine is started will be described.
When the engine switch 53 is turned on while the engine is stopped, the control circuit 52 executes each process shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the dial knob 14 is maintained at the parking position “P”, and the push member 37 is maintained at the second position P2.

  First, the control circuit 52 determines whether or not the foot brake switch 54 is on (step S201). When it is determined that the foot brake switch 54 is on (YES in step S201), the control circuit 52 performs a shift lock releasing operation. That is, the control circuit 52 drives the motor 31 to move the push member 37 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (step S202). When it is detected that the push member 37 has reached the first position P1 (step S203), the control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 (step S204) and ends the process.

  When the pressing member 37 is retracted from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the state in which the distal end portion of the receiving member 38 is in contact with the side surface opposite to the wall 36 of the pressing member 37 is released. Further, it is permitted to rotate the dial knob 14 clockwise, that is, to operate the dial knob 14 from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D”.

  In the previous step S201, when it is determined that the foot brake switch 54 is not turned on (NO in step S201), the control circuit 52 maintains the push member 37 at the second position P2 (step S205). That is, the control circuit 52 ends the process without driving the motor 31.

  The dial knob 14 is maintained in the shift lock state in which the clockwise operation, that is, the operation from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D” is restricted.

<Effect of Embodiment>
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The automatic return operation and the shift lock operation can be performed using the single feed mechanism 30. That is, the shift lock mechanism and the automatic return mechanism that have been provided separately are integrated. Compared to the case where two mechanisms are provided separately, the number of parts of the shift device 11 can be reduced, and the product cost can be reduced accordingly. Further, the physique of the shift device 11 can be reduced.

  (2) The feed mechanism 30 has a single motor 31 as its drive source. That is, only the motor 31 is controlled by the control circuit 52. For this reason, the control burden of the motor 31 is reduced. When the automatic return mechanism and the shift lock mechanism are provided separately, it is necessary that each mechanism has a drive source (actuator). Since the control circuit needs to control two drive sources, the control load on the control circuit is increased accordingly.

  (3) The receiving member 38 protrudes in a direction intersecting with the rotation direction of the dial knob 14 (in this example, the radial direction of the dial knob 14). As the receiving member 38 protrudes, the pushing member 37 is easily engaged with the receiving member 38. Further, it is possible to adjust the range in which the pressing member 37 and the receiving member 38 are engaged through the adjustment of the protruding length of the receiving member 38 and the movement range of the pressing member 37.

  (4) The shift device 11 includes first and second position sensors 41 and 42 as sensors for detecting the position of the push member 37. The control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 when it is detected through the first and second position sensors 41, 42 that the push member 37 has reached the first position P1 or the second position P2. For this reason, the pushing member 37 can be more accurately stopped at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively.

  (5) When the dial knob 14 is located at the parking position “P”, when the pushing member 37 is located at the second position P2, the side surface of the pushing member 37 opposite to the receiving member 38 is the wall 36. To touch. In this state, when the dial knob 14 is operated toward the other positions “R”, “N”, “D”, the pushing member 37 is pushed by the receiving member 38 and tries to move in the opposite direction to the receiving member 38. To do. However, the pressing member 37 to be moved is received by being pressed against the wall 36. For this reason, the operation of the dial knob 14 can be more reliably locked.

  (6) The pushing member 37 moves linearly. As will be described later, it is conceivable to rotate the push member 37, so that it is possible to save the installation space compared to the case where the configuration is adopted. In addition, what is necessary is just to select the operation | movement method of a pushing member suitably according to product specifications.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the shift device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the shift device 61 of the present example also has a dial knob 14 as in the first embodiment. A receiving member 38 is also provided on the peripheral surface of the dial knob 14. However, the receiving member 38 may have a rectangular plate shape, and the tip portion may be rounded. Although not shown, the shift device 61 is also provided with the detent mechanism 20 shown in FIG. That is, the shift device 61 is also a stationery type as in the first embodiment.

  The shift device 61 has a rotation mechanism 62 instead of the previous feed mechanism 30. In FIG. 9, the rotation mechanism 62 is provided below the dial knob 14. The rotation mechanism 62 includes a motor 31, a worm 64, a two-stage gear 65, and a gear 66.

  The worm 64 is attached coaxially to the output shaft 31 a of the motor 31. The two-stage gear 65 rotates about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the dial knob 14. The axis of the two-stage gear 65 and the axis of the worm 64 are in a torsional positional relationship orthogonal to each other. A large-diameter gear 65 a that is the lower stage portion of the two-stage gear 65 meshes with the worm 64. The small-diameter gear 65 b that is the upper stage portion of the two-stage gear 65 meshes with the gear 66. Therefore, the rotation of the motor 31 is transmitted to the gear 66 via the worm 64 and the two-stage gear 65.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a support portion 66 a is provided at the center of the lower surface of the gear 66. A pressing member 67 is provided on the peripheral surface of the support portion 66a. The push member 67 extends in the radial direction of the gear 66 and protrudes from the peripheral surface (tooth circle) of the gear 66. The pressing member 67 is preferably, for example, a rectangular plate, and the tip end surface 67a is preferably a flat surface. The two corners at the tip of the push member 67 may be rounded. The pushing member 67 rotates about the axis O2 of the gear 66 extending parallel to the rotation center axis O1 of the dial knob 14.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the shift device 61 also has a substrate 40. The substrate 40 is provided with a first stopper 68 and a second stopper 69. The first and second stoppers 68 and 69 are provided on a concentric circle having a diameter larger than that of the gear 66, in other words, on the rotation locus of the push member 67 with an interval.

  The push member 67 moves between a first position P1 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9 and a second position P2 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The first position P <b> 1 is a position where the first side surface of the pressing member 67 contacts the first stopper 68. The second position P <b> 2 is a position where the second side surface of the push member 67 contacts the second stopper 69. The pushing member 67 can come into contact with the receiving member 38 of the dial knob 14 in the process of moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

  As shown by the arrow B1 in FIG. 11, when the dial knob 14 is in the parking position “P”, the push member 67 has reached the second position P2 from the first position P1 through the rotation of the gear 66. At this time, the front end surface 67 a of the push member 67 contacts the front end side surface of the receiving member 38. When the dial knob 14 is viewed from the axial direction, the center line of the pushing member 67 passing through the center of the gear 66 and the center line of the receiving member 38 passing through the center of the dial knob 14 are orthogonal to each other. At this time, rotating the dial knob 14 clockwise, that is, operating the dial knob 14 from the parking position “P” to the other operating positions “R”, “N”, “D” is restricted ( Shift lock operation).

  When the dial knob 14 is located at a position other than the parking position “P”, that is, the reverse position “R”, the neutral position “N”, or the drive position “D”, the push member 67 is moved from the first position P1. In the process of moving to the second position P2, the receiving member 38 is pushed toward the right in FIG. As a result, the dial knob 14 rotates counterclockwise and returns to the parking position “P” (automatic return operation). After the dial knob 14 returns to the parking position “P”, the front end surface 67 a of the push member 67 is maintained in contact with the front end side surface of the receiving member 38.

  As shown by the arrow B2 in FIG. 12, when the dial knob 14 is located at the parking position “P”, the push member 67 is retracted from the second position P2 to the first position P1, thereby receiving the member. The state where the tip side surface of 38 is in contact with the tip surface 67 a of the push member 67 is released. At this time, as indicated by an arrow B3 in FIG. 12, the dial knob 14 is rotated clockwise, that is, the dial knob 14 is moved from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “ Operation to “D” is allowed (shift lock release operation).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the substrate 40 is provided with first and second position sensors 41 and 42 as in the first embodiment. However, with respect to the pressing member 67 when the first position sensor 41 is located at the first position P1, the second position sensor 42 is against the pressing member 67 when located at the second position P2. Each of them faces in the direction along the axis O2 of the gear 66. The first position sensor 41 detects the push member 67 when it is located at the first position P1, and the second position sensor 42 detects the push member 67 when it is located at the second position P2.

  Further, the shift device 61 has a knob position sensor 51 and a control circuit 52 shown in FIG. The control circuit 52 detects the position of the dial knob 14 through the knob position sensor 51 and generates a command signal for the transmission 55 according to the detected position of the dial knob 14. The control circuit 52 controls the driving of the motor 31 based on the on / off states of the engine switch 53, the foot brake switch 54, the first position sensor 41, and the second position sensor 42.

<Operation of shift device: When a specific event is detected>
Next, the operation of the shift device when a specific event is detected will be described.
When a trigger signal indicating that a specific event has been detected is received, the control circuit 52 executes the same processing as each processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the pushing member 67 is maintained at the first position P1.

  When the dial knob 14 is positioned at the parking position “P” (YES in step S101), the control circuit 52 executes a shift lock operation (steps S102 to S104). The dial knob 14 can be operated from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D” by the front end side surface of the receiving member 38 coming into contact with the front end surface 67 a of the push member 67. Be regulated. Further, when the dial knob 14 is not positioned at the parking position “P” (NO in step S101), the control circuit 52 executes an automatic return operation (steps S105 to S106). When the dial knob 14 reaches the parking position “P” (YES in step S106), the control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 (step S104).

<Operation of shift device: When starting the engine>
Next, the operation of the shift device when the engine is started will be described.
When the engine switch 53 is turned on while the engine is stopped, the control circuit 52 executes the same processes as those shown in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, the dial knob 14 is maintained at the parking position “P”, and the pushing member 67 is maintained at the second position P2.

  When the foot brake switch 54 is on (YES in step S201), the control circuit 52 performs a shift lock releasing operation (steps S202 to S204). When the push member 67 is retracted from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the dial knob 14 is operated from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D”. Is acceptable. Further, when the foot brake switch 54 is not turned on (NO in step S201), the control circuit 52 maintains the push member 67 at the second position P2 (step S205). The dial knob 14 is maintained in a shift lock state in which operation from the parking position “P” to the other operation positions “R”, “N”, “D” is restricted.

<Effect of embodiment>
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (4) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (7) It is also assumed that the dial knob 14 is operated from the parking position “P” to the other positions “R”, “N”, “D” in the shift lock state. In this regard, in this example, when the dial knob 14 is located at the parking position “P”, when the push member 67 is located at the second position P2, the distal end surface 67a of the push member 67 is Abuts on the side of the tip. Further, when viewed from the axial direction of the dial knob 14, the center line of the pushing member 67 passing through the center of the gear 66 and the center line of the receiving member 38 passing through the center of the dial knob 14 are maintained in a state orthogonal to each other. For this reason, even when the dial knob 14 is operated in the shift lock state, the receiving member 38 that is about to move with the operation can be suitably received. Therefore, the operation of the dial knob 14 can be locked more reliably. Further, in the first embodiment, there is no need to separately provide a member corresponding to the wall 36 that supports the pressing member 37 located at the second position P2.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the first and second embodiments may be modified as follows.
In the first and second embodiments, the cylindrical dial knob 14 is adopted, but the shape of the dial knob 14 may be changed as appropriate. For example, a dial knob 14 having a polygonal column shape such as a quadrangular column or a pentagonal column or an elliptic column shape may be employed.

  In the first and second embodiments, the receiving member 38 may be integrally formed with the dial knob 14 or may be provided as a separate member. The receiving member 38 only needs to rotate integrally with the dial knob 14.

  In the first and second embodiments, four operation positions “P”, “R”, “N”, and “D” are set for the dial knob 14. What is necessary is just to change suitably according to the set shift range. The same applies to the number and arrangement interval of the recesses 24p, 24r, 24n, and 24d.

  In the first and second embodiments, the guide member 21 is provided on the case 13 and the pin 22 is provided on the dial knob 14. However, the guide member 21 may be provided on the dial knob 14 and the pin 22 may be provided on the case 13. .

  In the first embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when a trigger signal indicating that a specific event such as engine stop has been detected is received, the dial knob 14 is moved to the parking position “P It is determined whether or not it is located at (step S101). However, a procedure that does not execute the determination may be adopted. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, when receiving a trigger signal indicating that a specific event has been detected, the control circuit 52 moves the push member 37 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Next, the motor 31 is driven (step S301). When it is detected that the push member 37 has reached the second position P2 (step S302), the control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 (step S303) and ends the process. It is the same in that the push member 37 is moved to the second position P2 regardless of whether the shift lock operation or the automatic return operation is executed. Note that the procedure according to the flowchart of FIG. 13 may be employed in the second embodiment. When this procedure is adopted, the processes of Step S101, Step S105, and Step S106 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 may not be executed. In this case, the calculation load on the control circuit 52 can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, the motor 31 is stopped when the push member 67 is detected by the first and second position sensors 41 and 42. However, the following may be used. That is, when the motor 31 continues to be driven even after the pressing member 67 contacts the first stopper 68 or the second stopper 69, the current value of the motor 31 increases as the motor load increases. Utilizing this fact, the current value of the motor 31 is monitored, and the motor 31 is stopped when the current value exceeds a threshold value. In the first embodiment, the motor 31 may be stopped based on the current value of the motor 31. In this case, two stoppers with which the pressing member 37 abuts when the pressing member 67 reaches the first and second positions P1 and P2 are provided. When this configuration is adopted, the first and second position sensors 41 and 42 may be omitted.

  -The structure of the rotation mechanism 62 in 2nd Embodiment may be changed suitably. For example, the two-stage gear 65 may be omitted and the worm 64 may be directly meshed with the gear 66. Conversely, one or more other gears may be further interposed between the worm 64 and the gear 66 in addition to the two-stage gear 65. That is, the rotational force of the motor 31 may be converted into the rotation of the push member 67, and an appropriate configuration may be employed as the power transmission mechanism.

  In the first and second embodiments, the motor 31 is stopped when the push member 67 is detected by the first and second position sensors 41 and 42. However, the following may be used. . That is, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, a rotation angle sensor 43 that detects the rotation angle of the motor 31 is provided. Since the push members 37 and 67 move according to the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the motor 31, the control circuit 52 detects the positions of the push members 37 and 67 based on the rotation angle of the motor 31 detected through the rotation angle sensor 43. can do. The control circuit 52 stops the motor 31 when it is detected that the push members 37 and 67 have reached the first position P1 or the second position P2. When this configuration is adopted, the first and second position sensors 41 and 42 may be omitted, or may be used effectively together with the rotation angle sensor 43. For example, when the motor 31 is stopped based on the rotation angle of the motor 31, the pressing members 37 and 67 may be stopped at a position different from the first position P1 or the second position P2 for some reason. In this case, the control circuit 52 detects that the first position sensor 41 or the second position sensor 42 detects that the push members 37 and 67 have moved to the first position P1 or the second position P2. Rotate further.

  In the first and second embodiments, the motor 31 that is a rotary actuator is employed as the drive source of the push members 37 and 67, but a linear actuator may be employed. Examples of the linear actuator include a linear solenoid that moves a plunger linearly.

  In the first and second embodiments, the receiving member 38 protrudes in the radial direction of the dial knob 14, but the protruding direction of the receiving member 38 is not limited to the radial direction. For example, a cam projection corresponding to the receiving member 38 is provided on the lower surface or the upper surface of the dial knob 14 so that the cam projection is pushed by the push members 37 and 67.

<Other technical ideas>
Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be added below.
(A) When the pushing member linearly moves from the first position to the second position, the receiving member is assumed to be in contact with the side surface of the pushing member, and is received by the pushing member located at the second position. It has a support wall which contacts the side surface opposite to the side surface which a member contacts.

(B) When the push member rotates and moves from the first position to the second position, the front end side surface of the receiving member comes into contact with a plane provided at the front end of the push member.
(C) the center line of the receiving member passing through the center of the dial knob when viewed from the direction along the axis of the dial knob in a state where the front end side surface of the receiving member is in contact with the plane provided at the front end of the pressing member; Be perpendicular to the center line of the push member.

  (D) The control circuit is configured to move the push member from the first position to the second position when an operation for stopping the vehicle driving source is detected, and to drive the vehicle driving When the operation for starting the power source is detected, the actuator is driven to move the push member from the second position to the first position when the restriction release condition is satisfied.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11,61 ... Shift device, 14 ... Dial knob, 20 ... Detent mechanism, 31 ... Motor (actuator), 36 ... Wall (support wall), 37 ... Push member, 38 ... Receiving member (part of knob), 41 ... 1st position sensor, 42 ... 2nd position sensor, 52 ... Control circuit, 55 ... Transmission, P1 ... 1st position, P2 ... 2nd position.

Claims (5)

A position-holding knob that is rotated to select a shift range of a vehicle transmission, an actuator, and a first position that allows the knob to be moved from a parking position to another position in conjunction with the actuator. A pressing member that engages with a part of the knob and moves between a second position that regulates the operation of the knob from the parking position to another position, and a control circuit that controls the actuator,
As a part of the knob, when the knob is held at the other position, the knob exists on the movement locus of the pushing member and is engaged with the pushing member from the first position toward the second position. Provide a receiving member that converts the movement to rotation of the knob toward the parking position,
The control circuit is configured to move the push member from the first position to the second position when a specific event that is preset as the shift range should be switched to the parking range is detected. A shift device that drives the actuator to move the push member from the second position to the first position when the restriction release condition is satisfied when the drive source is started. The shift device according to claim 1, wherein
A shift device in which the receiving member protrudes in a direction intersecting with the rotation direction of the knob. The shift device according to claim 1 or 2,
Having a sensor for detecting the position of the push member;
A shift device that stops the actuator when the control circuit detects that the push member has reached the first position or the second position through the sensor.
In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The pusher is a shift device that moves linearly in conjunction with the actuator. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The push member is a shift device that rotates around an axis extending in parallel with the rotation center axis of the knob in conjunction with the actuator.