JPH07301310A - Automatic transmission operation lever device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide an operation lever device which gives a feeling of moderation in selection operation and mode switching operation in each shift path by one mechanism. According to the present invention, one side of the shift lever 17 and the frame 4 is provided with a plurality of recesses 48 corresponding to respective lever operation positions in the shift paths 10 and 11 for automatic gear shift operation and manual gear shift operation. Is provided with a detent plate 41 and a ball 42 which is spring-biased on the other side.
2 is engaged with the recess 48 corresponding to the operating position of the shift lever. As a result, when the shift lever 17 is operated in the shift direction and the select direction, the ball 42 moves in and out of the recess 48 at each lever operation position, and the lever 42 is engaged at the lever operation position after the operation, whereby the shift lever 17 is engaged. -17 is retained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation lever device for an automatic transmission, which has a function of manually shifting up and down a gear stage as desired.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronically controlled automatic transmission mounted on a passenger car not only performs automatic gear shifting according to a preset gear shifting mode but also runs on snowy roads, engine brakes, etc. For this reason, there is one that makes it possible to hold a specific gear stage manually.

Recently, in electronically controlled automatic transmissions,
In order to enable a gear shift operation close to a manual operation such as a manual transmission, instead of such a gear stage hold, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2-8545 and 3-8906
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-89075 and the like, a manual operation-type shift lever is used to quickly shift up and down a shift stage by a quick operation of rotating the wrist in the front-rear direction. There has been proposed an automatic transmission having an operation lever device for lowering.

This type of operation lever device includes P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive), 2 (second), 1 (low), etc. A shift path (corresponding to the first shift path) for automatic shift operation in which each position is set in a straight line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and a manual operation that separates from the D position and extends in parallel with the shift path And a shift path for shifting (corresponding to a second shift path). A shift lever is movably provided on these shift paths for the driver to operate.

Thus, when operating in the automatic transmission mode, the shift lever may be operated at the desired position by lever operation in the shift path for the automatic transmission operation, or in the manual transmission mode. When operating with, the shift lever is moved from the shift path for automatic shift operation to the shift path for manual shift operation, and then the shift lever is swung to the front and rear ends of the shift path by turning operation with the wrist. For example, the shift stage can be selected as desired, in the same manner as a manually operated shift lever.

[0006]

In such an operation lever device, in order to ensure good operability, a selection operation, a mode switching operation, and a manual gear shifting operation in a shift path for automatic gear shifting operation are performed. It is desirable that there is a sense of moderation at each operation such as a selection operation in the shift road for the vehicle.

Therefore, in the automatic transmission disclosed in the above publication, a roller mechanism is provided at the lower end of the shift lever and a leaf spring mechanism having a bent portion on the frame side is used for mode switching. By adopting an engaging mechanism such as elastically holding the shift lever on the shift path for automatic gear shift operation or the shift path for manual gear shift by elastic engagement obtained by the roller and the leaf spring, Also, for manual gear shift operation, a structure that holds the shift lever at a neutral position in the shift path for manual gear shift operation by a holding mechanism using a pin is adopted.
Further, for automatic gear shift operation, a structure is adopted in which the movement of the operating position of the shift lever is restricted by an engagement / disengagement mechanism having a leaf spring, and a moderation feeling is generated at each operation.

However, the structure that imparts such a feeling of moderation requires three types of mechanisms. This not only complicates the structure of the operation lever device, but also increases the cost.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a situation, and the purpose thereof is one mechanism.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation lever device for an automatic transmission that can give a feeling of moderation in the selection operation and the mode switching operation in each shift path.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an operation lever device according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with a first shift path for automatic shift operation having a plurality of selected positions, and the first shift path.
A second shift path for manual shift operation arranged in parallel with the shift path, a shift lever provided so as to be movable in both shift paths, and when the shift lever is on the first shift path, The shift lever engages with and interlocks with the shift lever, and the shift lever has the second lever.
When the vehicle is on the shift path, the engagement with the shift lever is released, and the interlocking member mechanically connected to the automatic transmission main body and the shift lever in the second shift path are provided. A switch that outputs a detection signal to the control device of the automatic transmission in order to detect an operation and achieve a manual shift based on the operation, and a switch provided on one side of the shift lever and the non-moving member and provided on each shift path -A detent pre having a plurality of concave portions formed corresponding to each operation position-
And a spherical engagement element that is provided on the other side of the shift lever and the immovable member and that is spring-biased so as to engage with the recess corresponding to the operating position of the shift lever. Especially.

In addition to the above object, the operation lever device according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided with a space-saving structure for imparting a feeling of moderation and for utilizing the detent plate as a reinforcing member. The spherical engagement element according to claim 1 is provided on a shift lever to provide the detent plate.
Both ends of the lever are fixed to a frame that extends in both shift path directions and supports the shift lever.

In the operation lever device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above object, the shift lever according to the second aspect is moved in both shift paths in order to obtain a smooth moderation. The detent plate is formed in an arc shape whose center is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation in each shift path direction.
The spherical engagement element is engaged with the inner surface side of this detent plate.

In addition to the above-mentioned object, the operation lever device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to effectively utilize the dead space and to install a structure for imparting a moderation feeling, the detent pre-aspect according to the second aspect. The switch is arranged on the opposite side of the interlocking member with the shift lever interposed therebetween.

In addition to the above-mentioned object, the operation lever device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides the shift lever according to the first aspect between both shifts in order to easily secure an installation space and obtain a smooth operation. In the structure having an oscillating shaft that serves as the oscillating center of the switching operation, the spherical engagement element is provided on a cylinder fixed to the shift lever and located on the side of the shift lever with a built-in spring. The direction of the spring biasing force with respect to the swing axis is inclined from the axis of the shift lever, and the extension line of the biasing force direction is substantially aligned with the swing axis.

[0015]

According to the operation lever device described in claim 1,
When performing the automatic shift operation, the shift lever is moved to the first shift path for automatic shift. According to this operation, the interlocking member engages with the shift lever.

Then, the shift lever may be moved to a desired selected position. At this time, since the spherical engaging element is pressed against the concave portion of the detent plate, the spherical engaging element moves in and out of the concave portion each time the operation position is changed according to the operation of the shift lever, and the lever which has finished the operation.
The spherical engaging element engages with the concave portion located at the operating position.

The reaction force generated when the spherical engagement element moves in and out of this recess becomes a moderation feeling and is transmitted to the driver.
When performing a manual shift operation, first, the shift lever existing in the first shift path is moved to the second shift path for manual shift operation.

Also at this time, the spherical engagement element also moves in and out of the concave portion in accordance with the operation of the shift lever, and the spherical engagement element engages with the concave portion at the lever operation position which is the neutral position of the manual shift operation.

That is, also in the mode switching operation, the reaction force generated when the spherical engagement element moves in and out of the concave portion becomes a moderation sensation.
Then, the shift lever is moved from the lever operation position to the second position.
When the operation position is set to the shift-up side or the shift-down side of the shift path, a reaction force generated when the spherical engagement element moves in and out of the concave portion, that is, a sense of moderation is felt.

That is, the selection operation in each shift path is performed by one mechanism such as engaging the spherical engagement element with the recess.
A moderation feeling is given in the mode switching operation. According to the operation lever device of the second aspect, the detent plate is fixed to the frame and the spherical engaging element is the shift lever.
Since it is configured to move with it, it can be installed in a small space.

Moreover, since both ends of the detent plate extending in the shift road direction are fixed to the frame supporting the shift lever, the detent plate also serves as a member for reinforcing the frame.

According to the operation lever device of the third aspect, since the detent plate has an arcuate shape that substantially coincides with the rotation axis that forms the center of rotation of the shift lever in each shift path direction,
A smooth shift lever operation feeling can be obtained.

According to the operation lever device of the fourth aspect, the detent plate is arranged on the side opposite to the interlocking member sandwiching the shift lever which was the dead space, so that the dead space is effective. The structure that gives a feeling of moderation will be installed.

According to the operation lever device of the fifth aspect, even if the lever operation of any shift lever is performed, the urging force is similarly applied from the spherical engagement element to each recess, so that the spherical engagement element is always operated. The smooth entry and exit of each of the recesses. Moreover, the spherical engagement element may be provided on the cylinder fixed to the shift lever in the above arrangement, and it is easy to secure the mounting space for the spherical engagement element.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on an embodiment shown in FIGS. Reference numeral 1 in the figure shows an operation lever device of an electronically controlled automatic transmission to which the present invention is applied. The operation lever device 1 is a device that is installed and installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a passenger car. This device has two types of automatic shift and manual shift similar to a normal manual operation type.
It has two shift modes.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the operation lever device 1, FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the same, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the structure of the main part. Explaining the configuration of the operation lever device 1, reference numeral 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a frame.
The frame 2 is composed of a base plate 3 and an upper frame 4 which is fitted on the base plate 3.

Specifically, the base plate 3 is composed of a belt-shaped metal plate extending in the front-rear direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper frame 4 is a detent plate for controlling the automatic gear shift operation position, which is erected on the upper surface of the base plate 3 on one side in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction. From the center of the upper part of the part 5 and this detent plate part 5,
A substantially rectangular plate portion 7 protruding at a right angle toward the center side of the plate 3 and the front and rear back surfaces of the projecting end of the plate portion 7 on the other side in the width direction of the base plate 3. It is composed of a structure in which a pair of strip-shaped leg portions 8 projecting toward the upper surface portion are combined. The legs 8 are arranged so that their side surfaces face each other, and their lower ends are attached to the upper surface of the base plate 3.

An arch-shaped opening is formed at the center of the lower portion of the detent plate portion 5, and P (part) is formed at the upper edge portion of the opening.
King), R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D
A detent groove 9 having a predetermined groove shape that defines each position (selection position) of automatic shifting such as (drive) is continuously formed along the front-rear direction (in the embodiment,
Free between N and D).

On the plate surface portion on the side of the dent plate 5 which is one side in the width direction of the plate portion 7, the above-mentioned P (parking),
R (reverse), N (neutral), D (drive)
That is, a shift path 10 (corresponding to a first shift path) for automatic speed change operation, which is formed of a long hole continuous at each position (selected position), is provided extending in the front-rear direction. The shift path 10 and the detent plate portion 5 are parallel to each other.

Further, on the plate surface portion on the opposite side of the plate portion 16, the shift path 1 for manual shift operation is provided in parallel with the shift path 10.
1 (corresponding to the second shift path) is provided. The shift path 11 is configured to have elongated holes that are evenly extending in the front-rear direction and have a front end at a shift-up shift position and a rear end at a shift-down shift position. The intermediate position of the shift path 10 is connected to the position of the D position of the shift path 10 via the connection path 12.

The frame 2 is equipped with the equipment necessary for automatic and manual shift operations. That is, bearing portions 13 made of, for example, a plate are formed on the upper surface portions on both sides of the base plate 3 that sandwich the opening of the detent plate portion 5.
a to 13c are provided. These bearing portions 13a to 1
A shaft 14 made up of bolts is inserted between 3c. The shaft 14 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the shift paths 10 and 11. A nut 15 is provided at the bolt end.

A cable lever 16 (corresponding to an interlocking member) is provided on a shaft portion of the shaft 14 opposite to the shift paths 10 and 11 with the detent plate portion 5 interposed therebetween. A shift lever 17 is provided on the shaft portion on the other side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cable lever 17 has a pipe-shaped support opening 18 which opens at the lower end in the left-right direction, and a pre-extension which extends upward from the outer peripheral portion of the support opening 18. And a lever portion 19 having a tongue shape. The lever portion 19 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the support opening 18.

The support port portion 18 is fitted into the shaft portion exposed between the bearing portions 13b and 13c on the lateral side of the detent plate portion 5, and the entire cable lever 16 is attached to the shaft 14. Forward and backward as a fulcrum (shift road direction)
It is rotatably supported. An inner pipe 18a is provided inside the support port portion 18.

At a portion of the cable lever 16 facing the opening of the detent plate portion 5, for example, a point facing the center of the opening, a concave groove portion 2 for connecting the shift lever 2 is formed.
0 (locking groove) is formed.

A pin 21 protruding outward is provided at the tip of the cable lever 16. A shift cable 23 (a cable for shifting control of the automatic transmission mode) extending from a main body 22 of the automatic transmission is connected to the pin 21. Through this mechanically connected shift cable 23, the displacement required for the automatic shift selection operation can be output to the main body 22 of the automatic transmission.

The end portion of the shift cable 23 is attached to the front portion of the base plate 3 by a cable bracket portion 24.
It is held at. On the other hand, the body of the shift lever 17 is
A cylindrical rod 26 having a large diameter on the lower side and a small diameter on the upper side.
And a solid rod 27 slidably accommodated in the rod 26. The rod 27 is the rod 2.
A return spring 28 housed in the lower end portion of 6 is biased upward.

The lower end of the rod 26 has a universal joint 29.
It is rotatably supported on the shaft 14 via. Specifically, the universal joint 29 is, for example, a joint in which a long-length pipe body 29a and a short-length pipe body 29b are attached so as to cross each other in a cross shape.

Of these, the pipe body 29a is the bearing portion 13
The shaft 14 is slidably inserted into the portions of the shaft 14 exposed on both sides of the detent plate portion 5 from between a and 13b.
The pipe body 29b is housed in a U-shaped bracket 30 attached to the lower end of the rod 26. Both the pipe body 29b and the bracket 30 are rotatably coupled by a pair of side walls of the bracket 30 and a bolt 31 slidably inserted in the pipe body 29b. In addition, 32 shows the nut connected to the same bolt end.

As a result, the shift lever 17 is moved in the front-rear direction about the shaft 14 (corresponding to the rotation axis which forms the rotation center of the moving operation in both shift paths), that is, in the direction of both shift paths 10 and 11. In addition, a bolt 31 (corresponding to a swing shaft that serves as a swing center of a switching operation between both shift paths) is movably supported in the left-right direction, that is, in the direction of the connection path 12. An inner pipe 29c is provided in each pipe body 29a, 29b.

The upper end of the rod 26, together with the end of the rod 27, passes through the side of the detent plate portion 5,
The elongated holes forming the shift paths 10 and 11 and the gate 25a of the operation panel 25 provided so as to cover the upper portion of the plate portion 7 penetrate through and extend above the operation panel 25. The gate 25a has the same shape as the shift paths 10 and 11.

As a result, the shift lever 17 can freely perform the lever operation in the shift path 10 and the shift path 11 and in the connection path 12 connecting the shift paths. For example, starting from the D position position defined at the rearmost position in the detent groove 9, the shift lever 17 can be pivotally operated from the same position in the forward direction and in the lateral direction toward the shift path 11.

A shift knob 36 is provided on the upper end of the rod 26.
Is attached. An operation button 37 attached to the shift knob 36 is connected to the upper end of the rod 27. The bracket 30 has a switch bracket 38.
Is bolted. This switch bracket 3
8, the pipe body 29a follows the axis of the pipe body 29a.
A vertical switch mount 38a is formed so as to project directly above a.

A shift mode detection switch 39 is mounted on the side surface of a switch mount 38 that faces the direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe 29a. The armature 39a of the shift mode detection switch 39 extends so as to come into contact with the upper portion of the pipe body 29a, and when the shift lever 17 is inserted from the shift path 10 to the shift path 11, the shift lever 17 tilts. Accordingly, the armature 39a is pressed and displaced by the outer peripheral portion of the pipe body 29a to turn on and off the shift mode detection switch 39.

From the operation of the shift mode detection switch 39, whether the shift mode is the automatic shift mode or the manual shift mode.
I'm trying to detect if there is a dead. A pair of slit holes 3 extending in the axial direction are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the shift lever 17 facing the detent groove 9 and the outer peripheral portion on the opposite side.
3 is formed. A pin 34 penetrating the rod 27 projects from the slit holes 33 to the outside.

Of these, the end portion of the pin 34 protruding toward the detent plate portion 5 extends to a position intersecting with the detent groove 9. A roller 35 that engages with the detent groove 9 under the spring force of the return spring 28 is fitted into the end of the pin 34. As a result, when the operation button 37 is pressed, the roller 35 causes the detent groove 9 to move.
Leave from.

By utilizing the engagement and disengagement of the roller 35 with respect to the detent groove 9, the switching operation in the shift path 10 is performed.
It is defined as a position switching operation only by lever operation and a position switching operation by lever operation while also operating a button.

On the outer peripheral portion of the rod 26 corresponding to the groove portion 20 facing the opening of the detent plate portion 5, a strip-shaped engaging projection 26a is projected toward the groove portion 20 of the cable lever 16. ing. The tip portion of the engaging projection 26a engages with the groove portion 20 of the cable lever 16 when the shift lever 17 is in the shift path 10 and comes out of the groove portion 20 when the shift lever 17 is in the shift path 11. It is formed in such an outer shape.

As a result, when the shift lever 17 is in the shift path 10, the shift lever 17 and the cable lever 16 are engaged with each other via the engagement protrusion 26a.
When the shift lever 17 is on the shift path 11, the engagement is released.

That is, the shift lever 17 shifts the shift path 10
When it is inside, that is, during the automatic shift operation, the cable lever 16 is operated in the shift direction in conjunction with the lever operation of the shift lever 17.

On the lower side of the shift lever 17, a moderation imparting mechanism 40 is arranged. This moderation imparting mechanism 40 is one of the frame supporting the shift lever 17 and the shift lever 17, and the shift lever 17 is provided.
A detent plate 41 fixed between the leg portions 8 serving as a frame for supporting the shift lever 17 and the other shift lever 17
42 as a spherical engaging element attached to the lower part of the rod
And have.

More specifically, the detent plate 41 is in the form of a strip extending in the direction of both shift paths 10 and 11. At both ends of the detent plate 41, a mounting portion 43 is formed by bending to form a vertical wall portion overlapping the side surface of the leg portion 8. A slit hole 44 extending in the vertical direction is formed on the plate surface of each installation portion 43.

Both ends of the detent plate 41 are fixed to the leg portion 8 so that the position can be adjusted by passing bolts 46 through the slit hole 43 and the support hole 45 formed in the leg portion 8. Reference numeral 47 indicates a nut screwed into the bolt end.

With this installation, the detent plate 4
1 is arranged on the side of the shift lever 17 which is a dead space with the shift lever 17 sandwiched between the shift lever 17 and the cable lever 16.

The installation section 4 of the detent plate 41
The portion between 3 and 43 is formed in an arc shape which is determined by the rotation center of the shift lever 17 in the shift direction, that is, the rotation trajectory of the shift lever 17 in the shift direction about the axis of the shaft 14. And this detent plate 41
The detent plate 41 is fixed while the mounting position is adjusted by the slit hole 43 so that the center of the arc shape and the rotation fulcrum of the shaft 14 coincide (substantially).

Further, the detent plate 41 is the center of rotation of the shift lever 17 in the select direction (direction between the shift paths 10 and 11), that is, the bolt 3 of the shift lever 17.
It is attached so as to be inclined outward (on the side opposite to the shift lever 17) so as to follow an arc shape determined by a turning locus in the select direction centered on the axis center of 0. Reference numeral 41a is a lateral slit for this positioning.

On the arcuate inner surface (lower surface) of the detent plate 41, for each lever operation position on each of the shift paths 10 and 11, for example, on the shift path 10, there are P position, R position, N position, D position, and shift position. Road 11
In this case, a substantially hemispherical concave portion 48 having an upper convex side as shown in FIG. 4 is formed corresponding to each position such as the neutral position. Each of the recesses 48 has a ball 42.
It has almost the same shape that can be engaged and disengaged with.

On the other hand, the ball 42 is built in the poppet 49, and the detent plate portion 5 (cable lever 16) is provided.
It is attached to the side of the rod 26 facing the open space of the detent plate 41, which is the opposite side to the side).

Specifically, the poppet 49 has pins 50, 5
It has a cylindrical cylinder 51 whose lower opening is closed at 0. Inside the cylinder 51, a tappet 52 and a coil spring 5 for urging the tappet 52 toward the upper opening side.
3 is slidably accommodated. The ball 42 is supported on the upper end of the tappet 52 protruding from the upper opening of the cylinder 51.

In the cylinder 51, the point where the axis of the shift lever 17 intersects with the bolt 31 (the swing axis that forms the swing axis for the switching operation between the shift paths of the shift lever 17) coincides with the lever operation position. It is obliquely arranged along an inclined extension line connecting the recessed portion 48. This makes the ball 4
2 is urged by the coil spring 53,
The shift lever 17 is tilted around the swing axis from the shift lever 17 axis, and the extension line in the biasing direction is the bolt 3
It is specified so as to substantially coincide with the axis of 1.

This cylinder 51 is mounted on the rod 26, which is directly below the detent plate 41, by the bracket 54.
It is installed in the part. By this installation, the ball 42 existing at the tip of the cylinder 51 is moved to the detent plate 4
Among the recesses 48 on the inner surface of the first member 1, the recesses 48 that are coincident with the lever operation position are releasably engaged.

By utilizing the reaction force generated when the ball 42 moves in and out of the recess 48, at the time of lever operation, at each lever operation position (at each position) of each shift path 10, 11.
I try to get a sense of moderation.

On the other hand, in the plate portion 7, the shift path 11
A neutral biasing mechanism 56 using a toggle spring 55 is installed on the back surface portion corresponding to the neutral position of the shift lever 17 so that the shift lever 17 reaching the neutral position of the shift path 11 is neutrally biased from both sides. .

Further, in the plate portion 7, the shift path 11
A shift-up detection switch 57 is installed on the upper surface portion on the front side, and a shift-down detection switch 58 is installed on the upper surface portion on the rear side. The armatures 57a and 58a of the switches 57 and 58 project into the end portion of the shift path 11 (the end portion at which the shift-up shift position / shift-down shift position is located), and
The switches 57 and 58 are turned on and off by a shift lever 17 that moves back and forth in the No. 1 unit.

As a result, the displacement of the shift lever 17 corresponding to the shift up / down operation is detected. The shift mode detection switch 39, the upshift detection switch 57, and the downshift detection switch 58 are
T / M control device 5 connected to the main body 22 of the automatic transmission
9 is connected.

The T / M control unit 59 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer. This T / M control device 5
In 9, a manual shift mode is set in addition to the automatic shift mode. Further, the T / M control device 59 has a function of switching the mode by a detection signal from the shift mode detection switch 39,
A function of operating the shift stage of the automatic transmission to the shift up side by the detection signal from the shift up detection switch 57, and operating the shift stage of the automatic transmission to the shift down side by the detection signal from the shift down detection switch 58. Functions and the like are set, and desired gear shifting is performed in conjunction with front and rear lever operations in the shift path 11.

On the other hand, a shift cam lock cam 60 for locking and unlocking the shift lever 17 in the P position is rotatable on the side surface of the detent plate portion 5 which is located in front of the P position position. It is provided in. A key interlock cable 61 extending from an ignition key device (not shown) is connected to the lock cam 60. The connection with the cable 61 prevents the shift lever 17 from being operated from the P position unless the ignition key is operated in a predetermined manner (key interlock).

Further, the lock cam 60 is provided with a shift lock pin 63 connected to a shift lock cable 62 from a brake pedal device (not shown), and unless the brake pedal is depressed, the shift lever 17 is shifted from the P position. It is set so that it cannot be operated (shift lock).

Next, the operation will be described. First, the state in which the shift lever 17 is in the P position will be described. At the P position, the shift lever 17 is controlled by the key interlock cable 61 and the shift lock pin 63 so that the movement of the lock cam 60 is restricted.
Operation is not possible.

From this state, the driver who got in the vehicle inserted the ignition key into the ignition key device (neither shown) in order to start the engine.
Operate to LOCK position and ACC to START position.
As a result, the engine starts.

With the operation of the ignition key, the key interlock is released. After that, the driver
In order to perform a gear shift operation, a brake pedal (not shown) is depressed to apply braking to the automobile.

By depressing the brake pedal, the shift lock is released and the shift lever 17 in the P position can be freely operated. Then, in order to drive the automobile in the automatic shift mode, the D position may be selected from the selected positions and the shift lever 17 may be operated from the P position to the D position.

That is, since the shift lever 17 and the cable lever 16 are connected to each other through the engaging projection 26a and the groove portion 20, they are interlocked with the rotating operation of the shift lever 17 toward the D position. Cable Lever-16
Is rotated and displaced.

Then, the shift lever reaching the D position
The displacement of 17 is output to the main body 22 of the automatic transmission through the shift cable 23, and the main body 22 is switched to the D range of the automatic transmission mode.

At this time, the ball 42 engaged with the recess 48 corresponding to the P position of the detent plate 41.
Shifts on the inner surface of the detent plate 41 in conjunction with the lever operation of the shift lever 17, so that the ball 42 corresponds to the P position, the R position, and the N position each time the shift position changes. Finally, the concave portion 4 corresponding to the D position while moving in and out of the concave portion 48
8 is engaged and the shift lever 17 is held.

The reaction force generated when the ball 42 moves in and out of the concave portion 48 is given to the driver as a moderation feeling. In addition to the above, when the shift lever 17 is operated from the D position to other N position, R position, and P position, the ball 42 attached to the shift lever 17 is a concave portion at the lever operation position. 48 is put in and out, and similarly, the driver is given a sense of moderation.

When performing a manual gear shift operation, first, the shift lever 17 is pivotally operated (in the select direction) from the shift path 10 to the neutral position of the shift path 11 via the connection path 12.

Then, with the inclination of the shift lever 17,
The engaging projection 26a is disengaged from the groove 20, and the shift mode detection switch 39 is turned on and off to switch from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode.

Also in the mode switching operation for switching from the shift path 10 to the shift path 11, the ball 42 is detented according to the lever operation of the shift lever 17 as in the automatic shift operation. 41 is displaced on the inner surface of the shift path 11 from the recess 48 corresponding to the P position.
The concave portion 48 corresponding to the neutral position inside moves and engages.

That is, even in the mode switching operation, the ball 42 attached to the shift lever 17 moves in and out of the recess 48 located at the lever operating position to similarly give the driver a moderation feeling. To go.

Next, if the shift lever 17 held at the neutral position of the shift path 11 is operated to the shift-up shift position (the front end of the shift path 11) or the shift-down shift position (the rear end of the shift path 11). , The shift-up detection switch 57 in the shift-up shift position or the shift-down detection switch 58 in the shift-down shift position is turned on / off by the shift lever 17, and T /
Through the M control device 59, the shift stage of the automatic transmission is operated up or down.

Also during the selection operation in the shift path 11, the ball 42 is displaced on the inner surface of the detent plate 41 in accordance with the lever operation of the shift lever 17, and the neutral position of the shift path 11 is obtained. Is removed from the concave portion 48 at the position corresponding to.

After the up / down operation,
If the force to operate the shift lever 17 is released, the toggle spring 5
Due to the elastic force accumulated in 5, the shift lever 17 returns to the neutral position, and the ball 42 engages with the recess 48 at the neutral position of the shift path 11 again, and the shift lever-1 returns to the same position.
Hold 7

During the manual shift operation, the driver feels the reaction force generated when the ball 42 moves in and out of the recess 48 as a moderation. Thus, Detent Plate 4
The depression 48 is formed at each lever operation position in FIG. 1 and the spring-biased ball 42 is engaged with the depression 48. It is possible to obtain a feeling of moderation in the operation and the mode switching operation.

Therefore, it is not necessary to use a plurality of kinds of click feeling imparting mechanisms as in the prior art. Moreover, the detent plate 41 having the recess 48 and the ball 42 which is spring-biased.
Since it is a structure that combines with, the structure is simple and the cost is low.

Moreover, since the ball 42 only moves in and out of the recess 41, the operation is smooth. In addition, shift lever
The ball 42 is provided on the side, and the legs 8 and 8 (shift lever 17
The frame for supporting the detent plate 41 is fixed to both ends of the detent plate 41 extending in the shift direction, and the detent plate 41 is slenderly arranged along the shift direction.
Since the ball 42 moves with respect to the detent plate 41, the space is saved and the moderation imparting mechanism 4 is provided.
0 can be installed.

Moreover, since both ends of the detent plate 41 are fixed to the legs 8 supporting the shift lever, the detent plate 41 not only gives a detent feeling but also the upper frame 4 is provided. Since it also functions as a reinforcing member that reinforces, the effect is high.

In addition, the detent plate 41 is formed into an arc shape that substantially coincides with the rotation axis that forms the center of rotation of the shift lever 17 in each shift path direction, and the ball is formed on the inner surface side of the detent plate 41. With the configuration in which 42 is engaged, it is possible to always obtain a smooth operation feeling in the shift lever 17.

Further, the detent plate 41 is connected to the shift lever 17 which is a dead space, and the cable lever is interposed between the detent plate 41 and the shift lever 17.
By adopting the configuration arranged on the side opposite to 16, it is possible to effectively utilize the dead space and install the moderation imparting mechanism 40 in a space-saving manner.

Further, the ball is biased toward the recess 48 of the detent plate 41 from the starting point of the swing shaft of the shift lever 17, which is the swing center of the switching operation between the shift paths 10 and 11. By arranging the cylinder 51 having the coil spring 42 and the coil spring 53 around the swing axis between the shift paths 10 and 11, it is easy to secure a mounting space for the detent feel imparting mechanism 40.

Moreover, with the same structure, the biasing force acts on each recess 48 in the same manner in any lever operation, so that the detent sensation imparting mechanism 40 operates smoothly at all times.

In the above embodiment, the shift lever is used.
A ball (spherical engaging element) was provided on the side and a detent plate was provided on the upper frame side (immovable member), but conversely, the detent plate was provided on the shift lever side, and the ball was placed on the upper side. It may be provided on the frame side and the detent plate may be rotationally displaced together with the shift lever. Even if a feeling of moderation is imparted by the structure configured as described above, the same effect can be obtained.

[0093]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a moderation feeling in the selection operation and the mode switching operation in each shift path with one mechanism.

Moreover, since the detent plate having the concave portion is combined with the spring-biased spherical engagement element, the construction is simple and the cost is low. Moreover, since the spherical engaging element only moves in and out of the concave portion of the detent plate, the operation is smooth.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the above effect, it is possible to install a structure that provides a feeling of moderation with a small space. Moreover, the detent plate
It can be used as a reinforcing member for reinforcing the frame.

According to the invention of claim 3, claim 2
In addition to the above effect, it is possible to obtain a smooth shift lever operation feeling. According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 2, it is possible to effectively utilize the dead space to install a structure for imparting a moderation feeling. According to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the installation space
It is easy to secure the space and obtain a smooth operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an operation lever device for an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the operation lever device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of a click feeling imparting mechanism of the operation lever device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view around a moderation imparting mechanism taken along the line AA in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Operation lever device 2 ... Frame 3 ... Base plate 4 ... Upper frame
8 ... Legs (immovable member) 10 ... Shift path (first shift path) 11 ... Shift path (second shift path) 12 ... Connection path 14 ... Shaft (rotating shaft in shift direction) 16 ... Cable lever (Interlocking member) 17 ... Shift lever 22 ... Automatic transmission body 23 ... Shift cable 29 ... Universal joint 33 ... Slit hole 36 ... Shift knob 37 ... Operation button 39 ... Shift mode detection switch 40 ... Modern feeling imparting mechanism 41 ... Detent plate 42 ... Ball (spherical surface engaging element) 48 ... Recess 49 ... Poppet 50 ... Pin 51 ... Cylinder 52 ... Tappet 53 ... Coil spring 54 ... Bracket 57 ... Shift up detection switch 58 ... Shift down detection switch 59 ... T / M control device

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Shunichi Takezawa 5-3-8 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (72) Inventor Masanori Notani 5-33-8 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Within Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first shift path for automatic shift operation having a plurality of selected positions, a second shift path for manual shift operation arranged in parallel to the first shift path, and both of the shift paths. A shift lever movably provided, and when the shift lever is on the first shift path, the shift lever engages with the shift lever to interlock with the shift lever, and the shift lever moves to the second shift path. When present, the engagement with the shift lever is disengaged, and the interlocking member mechanically connected to the automatic transmission main body and the operation of the shift lever in the second shift path are detected. And a switch for outputting a detection signal to the control device of the automatic transmission in order to achieve a manual gear shift based on the above operation, and a lever operation provided on one side of the shift lever and the immovable member for lever operation in each of the shift paths. A detent plate having a plurality of recesses formed corresponding to each position, and provided on the other side of the shift lever and the immovable member, and engaging with the recess corresponding to the operating position of the shift lever. An operation lever device for an automatic transmission, comprising: a spring-loaded spherical engagement element; 2. The operation lever device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the spherical engagement element is provided on a shift lever, and the detent plate extends in both shift path directions. An operating lever device for an automatic transmission, characterized in that both ends are fixed to a frame supporting a shift lever. 3. The operation lever device for an automatic transmission according to claim 2, wherein the shift lever has a rotation shaft that serves as a rotation center of a movement operation in both shift paths, Is formed in an arc shape whose center is substantially aligned with the rotation axis in each shift path direction, and the spherical engagement element engages with the inner surface side of the detent plate. Operation lever device. 4. The operation lever device for an automatic transmission according to claim 2, wherein the detent plate is arranged on the opposite side of the interlocking member with the shift lever interposed therebetween. Operation lever device for automatic transmission. 5. The operation lever device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, wherein the shift lever has a swing shaft serving as a swing center of a switching operation between both shifts, and the spherical engagement element is Provided in a cylinder fixed to the shift lever and located on the side of the shift lever with a built-in spring, inclining the direction of the spring biasing force from the axis of the shift lever about the swing shaft An operation lever device for an automatic transmission, wherein an extension line in a biasing force direction is arranged so as to substantially coincide with the swing shaft.