JPH0524857Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Purpose of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a switching device for an automatic transmission provided in a vehicle such as an automobile.

(Prior Art) In addition to multiple forward and reverse travel positions, a typical automatic transmission for an automobile has a neutral position where the input and output shafts are disconnected, and a neutral position where the output shaft is in the disconnected state. Locked parking positions are set, and each position is selected by operating a select lever. When parking the vehicle, the automatic transmission is switched to the parking position by manual operation of a select lever.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) In the conventional configuration, switching the automatic transmission to the parking position relies on manual operation, so there is a possibility of forgetting the above switching operation when parking the car. There is.

The present invention was developed in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to automatically move the automatic transmission to the parking position when the driver exits the vehicle with the vehicle engine still running. An object of the present invention is to provide a switching device for an automatic transmission that can switch to the automatic transmission.

[Structure of the invention] (Means for solving the problem) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a shift position detection device that is in a detection state when the automatic transmission is in the driving position, and a shift position detection device that detects when the automatic transmission is in the driving position. The present invention is equipped with an alighting detection device that detects when a person gets out of the vehicle, an automatic switching mechanism that automatically switches the automatic transmission to a parking position, and a vehicle engine that maintains the driving state of the vehicle engine. A switching control circuit that switches the automatic transmission to the parking position by the automatic switching mechanism when the shift position detection device and the exit detection device both exhibit a detection state with the ignition switch turned on. The configuration is such that the

In this case, the shift position detection device may be configured to be in the detection state not only when the automatic transmission is in the traveling position but also when it is in the neutral position.

(Function) When the driver gets out of the vehicle with the vehicle engine still running, if the automatic transmission is in the driving position, the ignition is activated to maintain the driving state of the vehicle engine. When the shift switch is turned on, both the alighting detection device and the shift position detection device are in a detection state. Therefore, in this case, the switching control circuit automatically switches the automatic transmission to the parking position using the automatic switching mechanism, and the driver forgets to switch the automatic transmission to the parking position. can be dealt with reliably.

Additionally, if the shift position detection device is configured to be in the detection state even when the automatic transmission is in the neutral position, the driver may get off the vehicle while the vehicle engine is still running. When the automatic transmission is located at a position other than the parking position, the switching control circuit automatically switches the automatic transmission to the parking position using the automatic switching mechanism.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to an automatic transmission for an automobile will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, in FIGS. 2 to 5 showing the mechanical configuration, numeral 1 is a select lever for changing the shift position of an automatic transmission (not shown). It is provided so as to be swingable in the left-right direction in FIG. 2. In this case, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the select lever 1 is at the parking position "P" where it is swung forward by the maximum amount, and from this state the select lever 1 is rotated rearward. The vehicle is sequentially positioned to a reverse position "R" which is a traveling position, a neutral position "N", a drive position "D" which is a traveling position, a second position "2" and a low position "L". 4 is a detent plate, which is placed on the front surface of the base end of the select lever 1, as shown in FIG.
The selector lever 1 is integrally protruded parallel to the swing locus plane of the selector lever 1, and is provided to swing together with the select lever 1. On the end face of the detent plate 4 along the swinging direction of the select lever 1, the select lever 1 is positioned at each of the positions "P", "R", "N", "D", "2", " An uneven engagement portion 5 having an engagement surface for selectively positioning the engagement portion 5 in the “L” position is formed. At this time, the engaging portion 5
As shown in FIG. 3, locking rising portions 5a and 5b are formed at the switching position from the parking position "P" to the reverse position "R" and at the switching position in the opposite direction, respectively. , a locking rising portion 5c is formed at the switching position from the neutral position "N" to the reverse position "R" direction, and a locking rising part 5c is formed at the switching position from the second position "2" to the low position "L" direction. A rising portion 5b is formed.

6 is a pair of left and right support plates 6a, 6b (see Figure 4)
This is a support member integrally having a support member, which is erected on the machine frame 2 so as to straddle the detent plate 4. As shown in FIG. 4, between the support plates 6a and 6b of the support member 6, the arm 7
It is supported so as to be able to swing in the front and rear directions via.
At the upper end of this arm 7, there is a detent pin 9 that is engaged with the engaging portion 5 of the detent plate 4.
It is supported so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the swing trajectory plane of the arm 7. Moreover, the support plate 6
Guide grooves 6c and 6d into which both ends of the detent pin 9 are inserted are formed along the moving direction of the detent pin 9 in the upper parts of the detent pins 6a and 6b, and the guide grooves 6c and 6d are connected to the detent pin 9. The amount of swing of the arm 7 is regulated by the locking action between the pins 9. 10 is a torsion spring consisting of a torsion coil spring, which is connected to the arm 7 and the support plate 6.
is provided to apply a spring force between a and a,
Thus, the arm 7 is always urged in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 (the direction in which the detent pin 9 is engaged with the engaging portion 5 of the detent plate 4).

Reference numeral 11 denotes an electromagnetic solenoid for swinging the arm 7, which is fixed on the machine frame 2 so as to be located between the support plates 6a and 6b. In such an electromagnetic solenoid 11, the plunger 11a is swingably connected to the lower end of the arm 7 via a pin 11b, and when the plunger 11a performs a suction operation in response to the energization, The arm 7 is swung in the opposite direction of the arrow A against the torsion spring 10, so that the detent pin 9 is disengaged from the engagement portion 5.

As a result of the above configuration, when the electromagnetic solenoid 11 is de-energized, the detent pin 9 is engaged with the engaging portion 5 of the detent plate 4, so that the detent pin 9 is Movement over each of the lock rising portions 5a to 5d is restricted. In other words, the electromagnetic solenoid 11
In the state where the power is cut off, each movement of the select lever 1 to the parking position "P" and the reverse position "R" is caused by the lock rising portions 5a to 5.
At the same time, movement of the select lever 1 to the low position "L" is restricted by the locking rising portion 5d. When the electromagnetic solenoid 11 is energized, the detent pin 9 is disengaged from the engaging portion 5, so the select lever 1 can be moved to any desired shift position.

Reference numeral 12 designates an operating knob for controlling the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 11 as described above, and this knob is rotatably provided on the handle portion 1a of the select lever 1 about a pin 13 as a fulcrum. When the operation knob 12 is pressed, a lock release switch 14 provided within the handle portion 1a is turned on. Although not shown, the operating knob 12 is always urged by a spring means in the direction of turning off the lock release switch 14.

Now, an extension arm 1b is integrally provided at the lower end of the select lever 1, and this extension arm 1b is connected via a link 15 to an automatic switching mechanism 16 shown in FIG. It is connected to switch 17. The neutral start switch 17 is
This is a well-known configuration for automobiles equipped with automatic transmissions, with select lever 1
link 15 when operated to parking position "P" and neutral position "N"
and a parking position detection switch and a neutral position detection switch (indicated by reference numerals 19 and 20, respectively, in FIG. 1) which are turned on via the auxiliary ring 18. In the neutral start switch 17, a state in which both the parking position detection switch 19 and the neutral position detection switch 20 are turned off corresponds to a state in which the driving position is detected. Further, the automatic switching mechanism 16 has the following general configuration.

That is, in FIG. 5, reference numeral 21 denotes a gear motor with a built-in speed reduction mechanism, which rotates an output shaft 21a in the direction of arrow B in the figure when energized. 22 is gear motor 2
A sector gear 23 fixed to the output shaft 21a of 1
is a spur gear provided so as to mesh with the sector gear 22 when it rotates, and is rotatably supported at an appropriate stationary portion via a support shaft (not shown). 24 is a drive arm whose one end is fixed to the spur gear 23, and the auxiliary link 18 is attached to the other end.
A presser 24a facing the free end of is bent. At this time, the sector gear 22 is
When the spur gear 23 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C, the spur gear 23 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C only during the meshing period with the sector gear 22, and along with this, the drive arm 24 is also rotated in the direction of the arrow C.
In response to such rotation, the presser 24a presses the auxiliary link 18 and displaces the link 15 in the direction of arrow D. When the link 15 is pressed and displaced in this manner, the select lever 1 is swung toward the parking position "P". In this case, when the select lever 1 is swung to the parking position "P", the meshing state between the sector gear 22 and the spur gear 23 is released. Reference numeral 25 denotes a tension coil spring adjusted between the lower end of the drive arm 24 and a suitable stationary portion, which always biases the drive arm 24 in the opposite direction of arrow C. Further, 26 is a limit switch provided to be turned on and off by being pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft 21a of the gear motor 21. This limit switch is turned on only while the sector gear 22 and the spur gear 23 are in meshing state, and is turned on when the sector gear 22 and spur gear 23 are engaged. The period is configured to turn off. still,
A planar cam portion 21b is provided by cutting the output shaft 21a, and the limit switch 26 is turned off by this cam portion 21b.

FIG. 1 shows an electric circuit configuration, which will be explained below.

That is, 27 is an on-vehicle battery whose negative terminal is connected to a ground terminal, and a series circuit of the lock release switch 14 and the electromagnetic solenoid 11 is connected between the positive terminal and the ground terminal. Reference numeral 28 denotes an ignition switch connected between the positive terminal of the vehicle battery 27 and the power supply line 29. Although not shown, the driving state of the automobile engine is changed only when this ignition switch 28 is turned on. It is starting to be retained. Also,
The gear motor 21 of the automatic switching mechanism 16 is connected between the power line 29 and the ground terminal, between the normally closed contacts (c-b) of the relay switch 30, and between the normally open contacts (c-a) of the relay switch 31. A buzzer 32 is connected in parallel with the motor 21. The relay coil 33 for the relay 30 has one end connected to the power supply line 29, and is connected to a stop lamp switch 34a, a vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b, a parking position detection switch 19 of the neutral start switch 17, and a neutral position detection switch 20.
are connected via a parallel circuit, and the other end is connected to a ground terminal. The stop lamp switch 34a has a well-known configuration that is turned on when the brake pedal is depressed. In addition, the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34
b is provided so that a signal Sv corresponding to the vehicle speed is input, and the terminals α and β are connected when the vehicle speed indicated by the signal Sv is above a predetermined value (this is set relatively low). In other states, the terminals α and β are disconnected.

Also, a relay coil 35 for the relay 31
One end is connected to the power supply line 29 via the alighting detection device 36, and the other end is connected to the ground terminal. The above alighting detection device 3
6 is constituted by a series circuit of a seat switch 37, a seat belt buckle switch 38, and a door switch 39. In this case, the seat switch 37 is turned on when the driver is not sitting on the driver's seat, the seat belt buckle switch 38 is turned on when the driver's seat belt buckle is released, and the door switch 39 is turned on. It is configured to be turned on when the driver's side door is opened. Therefore, in the alighting detection device 36, when all of the switches 37 to 39 are turned on, that is, the driver's seat belt buckle is released, the driver's side door is opened, and the driver is not driving. When the driver leaves the seat, it is detected that the driver has exited the vehicle. Then, the relay switch 3 mentioned above
0 and 31 and the relay coils 33 and 35 constitute a switching control circuit 40 in the present invention.

On the other hand, the limit switch 26 is connected to a power line 29 and a terminal of the gear motor 21 on the opposite side from the ground terminal. Further, a backflow element diode 41 of the polarity shown is connected between a common connection point between the limit switch 26 and the gear motor 21 and a common connection point between the lock release switch 14 and the electromagnetic solenoid 11.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be explained. Now, while the car is running, the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b is in a state where the terminals α and β are connected. Therefore, in this state, the relay coil 33 is activated through the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b.
Since the relay switch 30 is energized, the relay switch 30 is turned off between the contacts (c and b). As a result, the gear motor 21 remains de-energized, and the automatic switching mechanism 16 does not function.

On the other hand, when the driver of the vehicle leaves the vehicle with the engine still running (ignition switch 28 turned on), the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b is connected between terminals α and β. At the same time, the alighting detection device 3
No. 6 indicates an exit detection state in which the seat switch 37, seat belt buckle switch 38, and door switch 39 are all turned on. Therefore, each of the switches 37 to 39 is connected to the relay coil 35.
energized via the ignition switch 28 and the relay switch 31 contacts (c
-a) switches to the on state;

When exiting the vehicle with the engine still running, if the select lever 1 has been moved to the non-driving position, parking position "P" or neutral position "N", the parking position Since some of the neutral position detection switch 19 and the neutral position detection switch 20 are turned on, the relay coil 33 is energized, and the relay switch 30 is switched to a state where the contacts (c and b) are turned off. Therefore, the gear motor 21 remains de-energized, the automatic switching mechanism 16 is held in a stopped state, and the buzzer 32 also remains de-energized. Further, at this time, the electromagnetic solenoid 11 also remains de-energized.

On the other hand, when getting off the train as mentioned above,
Move select lever 1 to parking position "P"
If you forget to move to the neutral position "N", that is, if the select lever 1 has been moved to a driving position other than the above-mentioned positions, the parking position detection switch 19 and the neutral position Both of the switch detection switches 20 are turned off,
Also, at this time, the stop lamp switch 34
a is also turned off, and the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b
Since the terminals α and β are disconnected, the relay coil 33 is cut off and the relay switch 30 is in a state where the contact (c-b) is turned off. For this reason,
The gear motor 21 is energized to start driving the automatic switching mechanism 16, and the buzzer 32 is sounded to notify that the select lever 1 has been forgotten to be in the non-traveling position and that the automatic switching mechanism 16 has started driving. Also, at this time, the electromagnetic solenoid 11 is energized and the engagement between the detent pin 9 and the engagement portion 5 of the detent plate 4 is released.
The select lever 1 is now in a state where it can freely swing.

When the automatic switching mechanism 16 starts to drive as described above, the sector gear 22 is rotated by the gear motor 21 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 5, and the amount of rotation exceeds a predetermined amount. Sometimes it comes to mesh with the spur gear 23. For this reason,
Spur gear 23 is now rotated in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Position "P"
is swung in the direction. At this time, once the sector gear 22 and the spur gear 23 are in mesh, the limit switch 26 is turned on, so a self-maintaining circuit is formed in which the gear motor 21, buzzer 32, and electromagnetic solenoid 11 are energized via the limit switch 26. exhibit a condition. Therefore, once the automatic switching mechanism 16 starts swinging the select lever 1, the swinging of the select lever 1 continues even when the driver's door is closed and the door switch 39 is turned off. be done. And select lever 1 is in parking position "P"
When the sector gear 22 and the spur gear 23 are disengaged, the drive arm 24 is moved in the direction opposite to arrow C by the tension coil spring 25.
At the same time, the limit switch 26 is turned off. When the limit switch 26 is turned off, the contacts (c and a) of the relay switch 30 are turned on as the parking position detection switch 19 is turned on, so the gear motor 21, the buzzer 32, and the electromagnetic solenoid 11 are turned on. The power is now cut off, and the automatic switching mechanism 16 is returned to its initial state. In summary, when the driver gets out of the car with the car engine still running, the select lever 1 of the automatic transmission is set to a driving position such as reverse position "R" or drive position "D". , the select lever 1 is automatically moved to the parking position "P" by the automatic switching mechanism 16.

In the above embodiment, the driving position is detected by the neutral start switch 17, which is a shift position detection device.
The neutral start switch 17 may simultaneously detect the neutral position "N"; in this case, the neutral start switch 20 may be removed from the circuit shown in FIG. Therefore, in such a configuration, when the driver exits the vehicle with the automobile engine still running, the select lever 1 of the automatic transmission may be set to a position other than parking position "P". Sometimes,
The select lever 1 is automatically moved to the parking position "P" by the automatic switching mechanism 16.

Further, the brake lamp switch 34a and the vehicle speed responsive switch circuit 34b in the above embodiment may be used as necessary.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and may be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist, such as a photoelectric switch may be used as the alighting detection device. be able to.

[Effects of the invention] According to the invention, as is clear from the above explanation, when the driver gets out of the vehicle with the vehicle engine still running, the automatic transmission is moved to the parking position. This has the practical advantage of being able to automatically switch to.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is an electric circuit configuration diagram, Fig. 2 is a longitudinal side view of the operating section of the automatic transmission, Fig. 3 is a side view of the select lever portion, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main parts in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the entire mechanical configuration. In the figure, 1 is a select lever, 4 is a detent plate, 9 is a detent pin, 11 is an electromagnetic solenoid, 12 is an operation knob, 14 is a lock release switch, 16 is an automatic switching mechanism, and 17 is a neutral start switch ( shift position detection device),
19 is a parking position detection switch, 20
is a neutral position detection switch, 21 is a gear motor, 26 is a limit switch, 28 is an ignition switch, 30 and 31 are relay switches, 33 and 35 are relay coils, 34a is a stop lamp switch, 34b is a vehicle speed responsive switch circuit, 36 is an alighting detection device, 37 is a seat switch, 38 is a seat belt buckle switch, 39
indicates a door switch, and 40 indicates a switching control circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] 1. Detecting the shift position of the automatic transmission in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission and an ignition switch that maintains the driving state of the vehicle engine in an on state. a shift position detection device that is in a detection state when the shift position detection device is in a driving position; an alighting detection device that is in a detection state when the driver gets out of the vehicle; and a shift position detection device that shifts the automatic transmission to a parking position. an automatic switching mechanism that automatically switches the transmission; and when the ignition switch is turned on and the shift position detection device and the exit detection device both exhibit a detection state, the automatic switching mechanism switches the transmission to the automatic transmission. 1. A switching device for an automatic transmission, comprising a switching control circuit for switching the transmission to a parking position. 2. The automatic transmission switching device according to claim 1, wherein the shift position detection device is configured to enter the detection state even when the automatic transmission is in the neutral position. Device.