JPH11227487A - Shift operation input device for automatic transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: In an automatic transmission having a manual shift range in which a shift is performed by a driver's swing operation of a shift lever, a switch for detecting a shift operation of the shift lever in the manual shift range, and a mounting position thereof. The variation in the shift operation start timing and the like due to the operation of the switch is suppressed without requiring high accuracy. SOLUTION: As a member fixed to a vehicle body and supporting the speed change operation device, a base member 6 for swingably supporting a lower end portion of a shift lever 3, and a shift lever disposed above the base member 6 to be provided. And a shift-up switch 61 for detecting a shift operation of the shift lever 3 at a selected position of the manual shift range, and a shift-down switch. A switch is provided on the upper member 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic transmission, and more particularly, to an automatic transmission range in which a gear is automatically switched based on a preset shift characteristic, and a gear shift by a driver's swing operation of a shift lever. The present invention relates to a shift operation input device of an automatic transmission provided with a manual shift range to be switched.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an automatic transmission for a vehicle, in addition to an automatic shift range such as a D range in which a shift speed is automatically switched based on a preset shift characteristic, a shift lever swing by a driver. An automatic transmission having a manual shift range called an M range or the like in which a gear is switched by operation is being put into practical use. As such an automatic transmission, for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-280072 is there.

[0003] In this automatic transmission, P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (drive) are operated by swinging a shift lever in a first shift gate extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. A second shift gate parallel to the first shift gate is provided for the M range through a gate extending in the lateral direction from the selected position of the D range. If the shift lever is operated forward from the neutral position in the shift gate, the shift speed becomes 1
When the gear is shifted up and operated backward, the gear shifts down by one gear.

[0004] In this type of automatic transmission, in order to shift up or down the shift speed by swinging the shift lever within the above-mentioned selected position of the M range, the front of the shift lever and the shift lever are shifted. A switch for detecting the backward swing operation is required.

Therefore, in the automatic transmission disclosed in the above publication, a shift-up operation detection switch and a shift-down operation detection switch are arranged in front of and behind a shift lever at a position selected in the M range, respectively. When the lever is pivoted forward, a shift-up operation detection switch is turned on, and when the shift lever is pivoted backward, a shift-down operation detection switch is turned on.

[0006]

However, in an automatic transmission of this type, including the automatic transmission disclosed in this publication, a shift-up operation is carried out forward and rearward of a shift lever at a selected position of an M range. When the detection switch and the shift-down operation detection switch are respectively arranged, it is preferable that these switches be attached to a member (lower frame in the above-mentioned publication) which is fixed to the vehicle body and supports the lower end of the shift lever in a swingable manner. Usually, in this case, the following inconvenience may occur.

In other words, in this case, since the two switches are located near the pivot point of the shift lever, the shift lever has a constant swing from the neutral position in the selected position of the M range to the shift-up position and the shift-down position. The stroke of the part where the switch of the lever is operated becomes shorter with respect to the movement angle, and the switch must be turned on and off within the range of the short stroke. Therefore, a high-precision switch that can be reliably turned on and off with a small external operation amount is required as a switch, and a high mounting accuracy of the switch is required.

[0008] In addition, even when the switch itself or the mounting position thereof is slightly varied due to the variation of the on / off position, the on / off position of the switch within the stroke range of the operating portion at the upper end of the shift lever operated by the driver is not changed. It will vary greatly,
There is a possibility that the start timing and the like of the shift operation in response to the swing operation of the shift lever in the selected position of the M range may not be constant for each vehicle.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem in an automatic transmission having a manual shift range in addition to the automatic shift range, and solves the problem of the accuracy of the switch itself for detecting the swing operation of the shift lever in the manual shift range and its accuracy. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic transmission which does not require particularly high mounting accuracy or the like, and in which variations in a shift operation start timing or the like due to variations in ON / OFF positions of the switch are suppressed.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention uses the following means.

First, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application (hereinafter referred to as "first invention"), a plurality of swing positions of the shift lever are set based on a preset shift characteristic. A selection position of an automatic shift range for automatically shifting gears and a selection position of a manual shift range for shifting gears by swinging a shift lever are set, and swinging of the shift lever in the first direction causes a shift between the two positions. A shift operation input device for an automatic transmission in which a shift is performed and a gear is switched by swinging a shift lever in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction at a selected position of a manual shift range. A base member for swingably supporting a lower end portion of the shift lever as a member fixed to the vehicle body, and a base member disposed above the base member,
An upper member provided with a shift gate that regulates a swing path of the shift lever, and abuts on the shift lever at a selected position of the manual shift range, thereby causing the shift lever to swing in the second direction. A switch mechanism for detection is provided on the upper member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the switch mechanism is attached to a lower surface of the upper member, and the shift lever is provided in a manual shift range. A cam member which is provided with an engagement portion which engages with the lever when the lever is in the selected position, the cam member being rotated by swinging the lever in the second position within the selected position of the manual shift range; A switch member for detecting swinging of the shift lever in the second direction by contacting the cam member during rotation.

Further, according to a third aspect of the invention (hereinafter referred to as a "third invention"), in the second aspect of the invention, a cam member is provided on the upper member, and an engagement portion of the upper member is provided with an automatic transmission range of the shift lever. A biasing means is provided for biasing to a neutral position corresponding to a swing path in the first direction between the selected position and the selected position of the manual shift range.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth invention"), in the third aspect, the biasing means has one end attached to the upper member and the other end provided to the cam member. And a spring engaged with the recessed portion.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, in any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the shift lever is swung from the selected position of the automatic transmission range in the first direction to switch to the selected position of the manual transmission range, and the manual transmission is selected. The gear is shifted up or down by the swing operation of the shift lever in the second direction at the selected position of the range. However, the swing of the shift lever in the second direction is detected to change the gear position. Since the switching mechanism for switching is provided on the upper member disposed above the base member that supports the shift lever in a swingable manner, the switch mechanism is capable of swinging the shift lever at a constant angle in the second direction. On the other hand, the on / off operation is performed with a large stroke.

Therefore, even if the accuracy of the structure and the mounting position of the switch mechanism is somewhat low, it is possible to reliably detect the swing of the shift lever and to reduce the variation of the switch mechanism itself and its mounting position. Accordingly, even if the on / off position slightly fluctuates, the on / off position of the switch mechanism in the operating portion at the upper end of the shift lever gripped by the driver hardly changes within the entire stroke range, and therefore, within the selected position of the manual shift range. , The start timing of the speed change operation for the swing operation of the shift lever and the like become constant.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the switch mechanism is mounted on the lower surface of the upper member, and the cam member engages with the shift lever when the shift lever is at the position selected by the manual shift range. A switch member that is turned on and off by the rotation of the shift lever of the cam member due to the swing of the shift lever, and the swing of the shift lever is indirectly detected by the switch member via the cam member. Thus, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the switch member is ensured, and it is possible to arrange the switch member at an optimum position such as not to interfere with the shift gate provided on the upper member.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the urging means for urging the cam member to the predetermined neutral position is provided, the shift lever is moved from the selected position of the automatic transmission range to the selected position of the manual transmission range. When the swing lever is swung in the direction, the shift lever is securely engaged with the engagement portion of the cam member.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the urging means is constituted by a spring having one end attached to the upper member and the other end engaged with a concave portion provided in the cam member. When the member is held at the neutral position and the cam member is rotated in any direction from the neutral position with the swing of the shift lever in the second direction within the selected position of the manual shift range, The other end of the spring is displaced from the recess and bends, and an appropriate restoring force is applied to the shift lever via the cam member by the elastic restoring force.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of a shift operation input device 1 according to the present embodiment that appears in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
2 is a schematic plan view of the device 1 including a portion that does not appear in the passenger compartment, FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view of the device 1 as viewed from the left side, and FIG. 4 is along an air line in FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device 1, wherein the speed change operation input device 1 is provided in a console X between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, and the device 1 is installed in an opening Y provided on an upper surface of the console X. Cover 2 is disposed. The cover 2 is provided with a vehicle front-rear direction (FIG. 1).
2 and the left and right directions in FIGS. 3 and 4, and are also simply referred to as “front and rear directions”. ) And the width direction of the vehicle (refers to the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the direction between the front and back in FIGS. 3 and 4, and is also simply referred to as the “width direction” or “left-right direction”).
A plurality of short straight through grooves extending respectively to each other are combined to form an opening 2a having a zigzag shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and an upper portion of the shift lever 3 protrudes upward through the opening 2a. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the shift lever 3 is formed by integrating a cylindrical member 4 constituting an upper half thereof and a resin base member 5 constituting a lower half thereof by insert molding. A knob 4a, which is gripped when the driver operates the lever, is attached to the upper end of the cylindrical member 4 constituting the upper end of the lever 3 to form an operating section. The detailed shape of the base member 5 will be described later.

Below the cover 2, a base member 6 constituting a lower layer portion of the speed change operation input device 1 is disposed. The base member 6 is inserted into four front and rear bolt holes 7,. 8 (see FIG. 2) which are inserted into the vehicle body, and the base member 6
An upper plate 9 constituting an upper layer portion of the speed change operation input device 1 is disposed above the upper portion, and the upper plate 9 is provided with screws 10...
(See FIGS. 2 and 3). Projections 11... 11 (see FIG. 2) provided at four front and rear portions on both sides of the upper plate 9 and hooks provided at four front and rear portions on both sides of the cover 2 corresponding thereto (see FIG. 2). The cover 2 is engaged with the upper plate 9 from above via engagement with the cover 2 (not shown), and the upper plate 9 is covered by the cover 2.

At the center of the base member 6, there is provided a hollow box-shaped projection 12 projecting downward.
As will be described later in detail, inside the protruding portion 12, the first case member 13 and the second case member 14 are supported so as to be swingable in the vehicle body front-rear direction and the vehicle body width direction. A shift gate 15 is formed on the plate 9 so that the shift lever 3 extending upward from the pivot point and projecting from the cover 2 is inserted therethrough.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the shift gate 15 includes a first communication path G1 extending a predetermined length to the left from a position shown in FIG. A second communication path G2 extending rearward from the terminal end of the first communication path G1; and a third communication path extending rightward from the terminal end of the second communication path G2 by a length shorter than the length of the first communication path G1.
A communication path G3, a fourth communication path G4 extending further rearward from the terminal end of the third communication path G3, and a starting end of the first communication path G1 extending further rightward from the terminal end of the fourth communication path G4 A fifth communication path G5 returning to the same position in the width direction, a sixth communication path G6 extending a predetermined length further rearward from the terminal end of the fifth communication path G5, and a terminal end of the sixth communication path G6. To the left again from the end of the first communication path G1 to the third communication path G3 by the same length as the length of the first communication path G1.
Communication path G reaching the same position in the width direction as the start end of
7 and an eighth communication path G8 extending forward from the end of the seventh communication path G7 by a length shorter than the length of the sixth communication path G6.
And a ninth communication path G9 extending from the end of the seventh communication path G7 to the rear by substantially the same length as the length of the eighth communication path G8.
And like the opening 2a of the cover 2,
The overall shape is a zigzag shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

The shift gate 15 of the upper plate 9 and the opening 2a of the cover 2 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that their shapes correspond to each other. As shown in FIG. Shift gate 15
And the opening 2a are inserted at the same time, and when the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth and left and right,
Is in contact with only the shift gate 15, more specifically, the edge of the shift gate 15, but not with the opening 2 a of the cover 2. Therefore, the swing of the shift lever 3 is restricted by the contact between the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15, whereby the swing path of the shift lever 3 is substantially determined by the shape of the shift gate 15. The swing path of this shift lever 3 is
It is along the ninth communication paths G1 to G9.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the position of the shift lever 3 in the figure, that is, the start end of the first communication path G1 is P
The selection positions of the R range, the N range, and the D range are arranged along the swing path of the shift gate 15 or the lever 3 in the order from the rear to the rear. The end of the third communication path G3 and the start end of the fourth communication path G4 are at the R range selection position, the end of the fifth communication path G5 and the start end of the sixth communication path G6 are at the N range selection position, End of sixth communication path G6 and seventh communication path G
The start end of 7 is a selection position of the D range.

Here, when the D range is selected, the automatic transmission of the vehicle equipped with the shift operation input device 1 has a shift characteristic preset according to the vehicle speed, the engine load (throttle opening) and the like. The automatic forward speed is changed by switching the gear position based on the following range. However, an M range is provided separately from the D range as the same forward travel range.
When the M range is selected, a manual shift for changing the gear position according to the swing of the shift lever 3 is achieved. The position for selecting the M range is also disposed along the swing path of the shift gate 15 or the lever 3, and specifically, as shown in FIG. The end of the seventh communication path G7 and the start ends of the eighth and ninth communication paths G8, G9 are in the neutral position of the M range, and the end of the eighth communication path G8 is shifted up in the M range to shift the gear by one step. Position, ninth
The terminal end of the communication path G9 is a shift-down position in the M range for shifting down the shift speed by one step.

As described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shift lever 3 at the P range selection position is moved to the first communication path G.
After swinging to the left along 1 (hereinafter referred to as shift lever 3
This direction in which is rocked is called the “selection direction” as appropriate,
The swing operation of the shift lever 3 in the “select direction” is appropriately referred to as “select operation”. ), And swing back along the second communication path G2 (hereinafter, shift lever 3).
This direction in which is pivoted is appropriately referred to as a “shift direction”, and the swing operation of the shift lever 3 in the “shift direction” is appropriately referred to as a “shift operation”. Then, the R range is selected by swinging to the right in the select direction along the third communication path G3, and after further swinging backward in the shift direction along the fourth communication path G4, The N range is selected by swinging to the right in the select direction along the fifth communication path G5, and the D range is selected by further swinging back in the shift direction along the sixth communication path G6. The M range is selected by further swinging to the left in the select direction along the seventh communication path G7 from here, and the selected position of the M range is constituted as a whole, and the manual shift within the M range selected position is performed. Shift lever 3 for
Eighth and Ninth Communicating Paths G Constructing the Swinging Passage as a Whole
By shifting the shift lever 3 forward from the neutral position in the shift direction along G8 and G9, the shift speed is shifted up by one step, and swinging backward in the shift direction is shifted down by one step. Will be.

As will be described later, the shift lever 3 is always biased rightward in the select direction. Therefore, for example, when switching from the P range to the R range
The operation performed by the driver is to swing the shift lever 3 leftward in the select direction against the above-mentioned biasing force, and then swing backward in the shift direction. When reaching the terminal end of the passage G2, the urging force causes the third communication passage G3 to swing alone to the terminal end.

As described above, in the shift operation input device 1, the shift lever 3 is used as the swing position of the shift lever 3.
The five range selection positions of P, R, N, D, and M by
Four positions in the shift direction and three positions in the select direction (the second position through which the shift lever 3 passes when the switching operation is performed between the P range selection position and the R range selection position).
Consider including the communication path G2. ). In particular, the second position through which the shift lever 3 passes when the M range selection position is switched to the R range selection position or between the R range selection position and the P range selection position.
Similar to the communication path G2, by arranging it at the left side of the P range selection position, the N range selection position, and the D range selection position arranged in a line at the same position in the selection direction,
When only the range selection position is arranged on the right side,
Four positions in the shift direction and four positions in the select direction (similarly, including the second communication path G2 through which the shift lever 3 passes when switching between the P range selection position and the R range selection position). The operation width of the lever 3 in the select direction is shorter and more compact than in the conventional case, so that the driver does not feel cramped in the swinging operation of the shift lever 3, and in particular, the manual shift operation in the M range selection position. Feeling cramped during operation is avoided.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a slide sheet 16 is sandwiched between the cover 2 and the upper plate 9 so as to close the opening 2a and the shift gate 15. The slide sheet 16 is used for the cover 2
And a guide recess extending in the front-rear direction on the upper plate 9 (see FIG. 2 to FIG. 4).
(Only the guide concave portion 17 is shown) so that the sliding movement is possible only in the front-rear direction, and is engaged with the shift lever 3 through the elongated hole 18 (see FIG. 1) extending in the width direction. When the shift lever 3 is swung in the select direction, the lever 3 only moves within the long hole 18, but when the lever 3 is swung in the shift direction, it is interlocked with the swing. Then, the slide sheet 16 slides in the front-rear direction along the guide recess.

Next, the structure of a portion of the speed change operation input device 1 disposed below the cover 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the speed change operation input device 1 as viewed from the right side, and FIG. 6 is a view immediately before the shift lever 3 from a front side of the cut surface along the lever 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the device 1 on a cut surface along the lever 3 immediately after the shift lever 3 as viewed from the rear side of the device 1, and FIG. FIG.
First, the mounting structure of the shift lever 3 to the base member 6 will be described. As described above, the shift lever 3 is attached to the base member 6 via the first case member 13 and the second case member 14 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. It is swingably supported in the vehicle width direction.

Here, the base member 5 constituting the lower half of the shift lever 3 is, as shown in FIG. A front plate-like body 23 protruding slightly upward from a block-shaped portion 22 provided on the front surface of the main body 21;
The main body 21 has a columnar boss 25 extending in the front-rear direction at a lower end thereof.

Further, the first and second case members 13 and 14
Have front, rear, left and right side surfaces, respectively, of which the first case member 13 is relatively large in size compared to the second case member 14, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, At the front left position, an upper extending portion 27 to which an operation cable 26 for shift control and the like to be described later is connected, and as shown in FIGS. The second case member 14 has a relatively small size as compared with the first case member 13. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, substantially T-shaped locking portions 29, 29 each formed of a front-rear projection and a notch are formed at the upper end portions of the left and right side surfaces, respectively. ,
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the rear surface has a bulging portion 30 bulging rearward in order to avoid interference with the rear plate-like body 24 of the shift lever 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the above-mentioned lower projecting portion 12 of the base member 6 is provided with a support shaft 31 inserted between the left and right side surfaces of the projecting portion 12. In a state where the second case member 14 is accommodated in the first case member 13 on the support shaft 31, the two case members 13, 14 are rotatable at the lower end portions of the left and right side surfaces. Are supported by these two case members 13, 1
4 are provided so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction with respect to the base member 6, and as shown in FIG. 4, the second support shaft 32 extends between both front and rear side surfaces of the second case member 13. When the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 is inserted into the support shaft 32 and
Is rotatably supported at its lower end boss 25,
The shift lever 3 is provided to be swingable in the left-right direction with respect to the second case member 14.

Therefore, the first case member 13 and the second
The case members 14 are both swingable only in the front-back direction with respect to the base member 6, and in this case, the two case members 13, 14 are relatively swingable with each other in the front-back direction. At the same time, the shift lever 3
The shift lever 3 is swingable integrally with the second case member 14 in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction with respect to the two case members 13 and 14. As a result, the shift lever 3 is supported by the base member 6 so as to be swingable in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction.

For example, when the lever 3 is swung in the shift direction, the second case member 14 is also moved back and forth around the first support shaft 31 which is provided in the left-right direction with the swing. While the lever 3
Is pivoted in the select direction, only the lever 3 pivots in the left-right direction about the second support shaft 32 erected in the front-rear direction, and the first and second case members 1 are pivoted.
3 and 14 are configured not to swing in the left-right direction in conjunction with each other.

In the speed change operation input device 1, between the base member 6 and the upper plate 9,
A lever urging mechanism that urges the shift lever 3 rightward in the select direction, a lever operation moderation mechanism that gives a sense of moderation to the swing operation of the shift lever 3, and an operation that urges the shift lever 3 to the neutral position within the M range selection position. Neutral biasing mechanism, M
An operation mechanism of a shift-up switch and a shift-down switch for detecting a shift-up operation and a shift-down operation of the shift lever 3 within the range selection position, and a key in a key operation section of a driver's seat when the shift lever 3 is not at the P range selection position A key interlock mechanism for restricting removal of the engine start key from the cylinder, and more specifically, a cable moving mechanism for moving the lock cable in conjunction with the movement of the shift lever 3 to the P range selection position in the key interlock mechanism. , A shift lock mechanism for restricting the selection operation of the shift lever 3 from the P range selection position and the N range selection position, a cable disconnection mechanism for disconnecting the link between the shift lever 3 and the operation cable 26, and a D range selection of the shift lever 3. M by select operation from position M for detecting that Nji is selected
An operation mechanism of the range switch, a load receiving mechanism for suppressing an impact force at the time of contact between the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15, and the like are provided. The configuration of each of these mechanisms will be described in order, and the actions obtained by each mechanism will also be described in connection with the operation of the shift gate 15 or the shift lever 3 along the swing path.

First, a description will be given of the lever biasing mechanism. As shown in FIGS.
A wall portion 41 erected on the upper surface of the base member 6 so as to extend in the front-rear direction on the right side of the base member; It is composed of

The surface of the upright wall portion 41 on the side of the shift lever 3 is a flat surface that is continuous with the inner surface on the right side of the above-mentioned downward protruding portion 12, but the surface of the wall portion 41 on the side opposite to the shift lever 3. In other words, the right outer surface is a bent surface 41a having a narrow width upward and a wide width downward in the front half thereof.

The leaf spring member 42 is connected to the shift lever 3.
The front end extends through the opening 43 formed on the right side surface of the first case member 13 from the front block-shaped portion 22 and the distal end thereof is stopped by the bent surface 41a on the right outer surface of the standing wall portion 41. I have.

In this case, the bent surface 41a of the upright wall portion 41 to which the leaf spring member 42 is locked is shifted to the left in the select direction by the shift lever 3, and the leaf spring member 42 is accordingly When moving away from the standing wall portion 41 in the left direction, the distal end of the leaf spring member 42 is lifted up along the bent surface 41a, and as a result, the leaf spring member 42 tries to be pushed back downward by the leaf spring member 42. The upright wall 41 and the leaf spring member 42 are engaged so that a rightward urging force always acts on the shift lever 3 by the engagement between the upright wall 41 and the leaf spring member 42. Has become. The bent surface 41a formed in such a shape is erected so that the leaf spring member 42 is locked within a range where the shift lever 3 is between the P range selection position and the N range selection position. It is provided in the front half of the wall 41.

Therefore, when the shift lever 3 is at the P range selection position located at the rightmost end of the shift gate 15 or the swing path, the lever 3 is stably operated by the rightward urging force. When the shift lever 3 is moved to the R range selection position from the P range selection position, the first communication path G1, the second communication path G2, and the third communication path which are mutually orthogonal between these range selection positions. Passage G
3, it is necessary to first select the lever 3 to the left along the first communication path G1 against the urging force, and the shift lever 3 is operated while the urging force is acting.
Is shifted backward along the second communication path G2. Thereafter, the rightward swing of the lever 3 along the third communication path G3 is performed by the above-described urging force. When the shift lever 3 is located at the R range selection position, the lever 3 is still in a state where a slight urging force is still applied to the right.

On the other hand, the shift lever 3 is moved from the R range selection position to the N range selection position by moving the fourth communication path G4 and the fifth communication path G orthogonal to each other between these range selection positions.
However, since the swing of the lever 3 along the fifth communication path G5 is performed by the above-described urging force, the operation is simply that the lever 3 is still somewhat applied with the urging force. The shift lever 3 can be shifted rearward along the fourth communication path G4 in the state in which the shift lever 3 is moved from the N range selection position to the D range selection position in the shift direction between these range selection positions. Since there is only the sixth communication path G6 extending, the shift lever 3 may be simply shifted backward. When the shift lever 3 is swung to the D range selection position, the leaf spring member 42 of the lever 3 and the bent surface 41a of the front half of the wall 41 are formed.
Has been engaged.

Next, the lever operation moderation mechanism will be described. This mechanism includes, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, a fan-shaped extending portion 28 provided to extend rearward at the right end of the rear surface of the first case member 13, and as shown in FIG. And a second leaf spring member 44 provided so as to extend forward on a support portion 43 erected on the upper surface of the base member 6 at a position on the rear right side of the shift lever 3.

The upper surface of the fan-shaped extending portion 28 has a substantially arc-shaped surface centered on a first support shaft 31 which is a pivotal support point of the shift lever 3 in the front-rear direction. Detent recesses p, r, n, and d for positioning for R, R, N, and D / M ranges
Is provided.

The second leaf spring member 44 has a rear end portion fixed to the support portion 43 by using a bolt 45 and a detent pin 46 and extends forward, and its front end portion is bent. As a molded engaging portion, the engaging portion is engaged with the concave portion corresponding to the swing position of the shift lever 3 among the range concave portions p, r, n, and d of the fan-shaped extending portion 28. As a result, the shift lever 3 is positioned at each range selection position, and the shift lever 3 is shifted to the P range selection position and D position.
When swinging in the shift direction within the range between the range selection position, a sense of moderation is given to the range selection operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the rear half of the upright wall portion 41 constituting the shift lever urging mechanism has the bent surface 41a of the front half for urging the lever interrupted. Instead, there is formed a second bent surface 41b which is also a bent surface, but whose upper end is set to be lower than the upper end of the bent surface 41a of the front half for urging the lever. ing. When the shift lever 3 is swung to the D range selection position, the first leaf spring member 42 provided on the lever 3 is moved to the second bent surface 41b.
And the shift lever 3 is moved to the D range position and the D range.
When the first leaf spring member 42 is swung in the select direction between an M range selection position disposed on the left side of the range position and the first leaf spring member 42, the first leaf spring member 42 resists the elastic restoring force, and The second bent surface 41b is configured to get over the middle mountainous part. As a result, the shift lever 3
When swinging in the select direction between the range selection position and the M range selection position, a sense of moderation is given to the range selection operation.

During the selection operation between the D and M ranges, the shift lever 3 is swung in the select direction as described above.
Does not swing together in the select direction, so that the engagement between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 of the first case member 13 and the second leaf spring member 44 is a detent for both the D and M ranges. It stays in the recess d.

As described above, for the range selection operation in the shift direction within the range between the P range selection position and the D range selection position, the fan-shaped extending portion 28 and the second leaf spring member 44 The engagement gives a sense of moderation, and the range selection operation between the D range selection position and the M range selection position in the selection direction orthogonal to the shift direction is bent in the rear half of the upright wall portion 41. The moderation feeling is given by the engagement between the surface 41b and the first leaf spring member 42.

Next, a description will be given of a neutral biasing mechanism of the shift lever 3 within the M range selection position, and a mechanism for operating both the shift up and shift down switches by the lever 3.

First, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7,
On the lower surface of the upper plate 9, a support shaft 51 protruding downward is provided on the left side of the M range selection position.
A cam member 53 having a pair of front and rear arms 52, 52 which respectively advance into an eighth communication passage G8 and a ninth communication passage G9 which constitute a range selection position as a whole, is rotatably supported, and also has an upper. On the lower surface of the plate 9, a support portion 54 protruding downward is provided on the right side of the M range selection position, and a third leaf spring member 55 extending leftward is attached to the support portion 54. hand,
The tip of the third leaf spring member 55 is connected to the cam member 53.
Is engaged with a positioning concave portion 56 provided on the rear surface of the optical disc. In this state, the semicircular concave portion 57 formed between the pair of front and rear arms 52 formed on the cam member 53 is in the neutral position of the M range, that is, the shift lever 3 is selected from the D range select position. It is located in accordance with the position that can be taken when it is swung to the left in the direction.

On the other hand, a pin 58 extending downward is provided at the front end of the left side of the cam member 53, and a switch for shifting up is shifted to the left side of the cam member 53 with the pin 58 interposed therebetween. A downshift switch 62 is attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 9 at a position 61 in front of the cam member 53.

Thus, when the shift lever 3 is operated to switch from the D range to the M range along the seventh communication path G7, as shown in FIG. The shift lever 3 is biased and held at the neutral position of the M range by the engagement between the cam member 53 and the third leaf spring member 55 at this neutral position. If the shift lever 3 is swung forward along the eighth communication path G8 from the neutral position against the urging force of the third leaf spring member 55, the cam member 5
2 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, whereby the pin 58 of the left front protruding end of the cam member 53 presses the section of the shift-up switch 61 to turn on the switch 61. The shift lever 3 is moved from the neutral position to the ninth communication path G9 against the urging force of the third leaf spring member 55.
2, the cam member 53 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2, whereby the pin 58 at the left front end of the cam member 53 causes the shift-down switch 62 to rotate.
Is pressed and the switch 62 is turned on.

In this case, the cam member 53, the shift-up switch 61 or the shift-down switch 6
2 are attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 9, and the attachment position is relatively far upward from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever 3 for operating the switch mechanism as compared with the position on the base member 6, for example. Since this is a place, the switch mechanism is turned on and off with a large stroke with respect to the swing of the lever 3 at a fixed angle in the shift direction.

Thus, even if a slight error occurs in the dimensional accuracy and the mounting position of the cam member 53 and the switches 61 and 62, the swing of the shift lever 3 can be reliably detected, and such an error can be detected. Switches 61 and 62
Even if the position for turning on / off varies, the influence of the driver on the swing operation for manual shifting is small, and the shifting operation always starts at a substantially constant timing.

The switch 6 is directly operated by the shift lever 3.
Since the on / off operation is performed via the cam member 53 instead of operating the switches 1 and 62, the switch 6
The degree of freedom of the layouts 1 and 62 is increased, and it is possible to arrange them at optimal positions, for example, at a position that does not interfere with the shift gate 15.

When the shift lever 3 is operated from D to M by the urging force of the third leaf spring member 55 to the neutral position, the semicircular shape of the cam member 53 is surely at the neutral position in the M range. With the concave portion 57 of
The shift lever 3 has a moderate resistance even in the manual shifting operation.
Will be given to

When the shift lever 3 swings back and forth for manual shifting in the M range, the engagement portion between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 of the lever operation moderating mechanism and the second leaf spring member 44 is set. Also moves forward and backward in the detent recess d for both the D and M ranges, whereby the lever 3 is urged to the neutral position of the M range, and the shift lever 3 is moved during the shift-up operation and the shift-down operation. The drag force of the second leaf spring member 44 acts on the first spring.

Next, the key interlock mechanism will be described. In this embodiment, the key interlock mechanism and the shift lock mechanism are provided under substantially the same configuration. Will be explained.

That is, in the driver's seat of the vehicle on which the shift operation input device 1 is mounted, the steering wheel 1
The engine start key K is LOCK (shift lock), Acc (accessory), ON (engine electric system on), START on the relatively lower surface of the steering column 102 which rotatably supports the steering column 01.
A key operation unit 100 that is rotated at a plurality of rotation positions such as (engine start) is disposed. A lock cable 70 is provided between the key operation unit 100 and the shift operation input device 1 by arrows A and B. As shown, it is arranged so as to be movable in the axial direction.

When the shift lever 3 of the speed change operation input device 1 is shifted from another range selection position to the P range selection position, the lock cable 70 moves in the direction of arrow A (forward for the speed change operation input device 1). Conversely, when the shift lever 3 is shifted from the P range selection position to another range selection position, the arrow B direction (the speed change operation input device 1
Move backward).

The lock cable 70 is connected to the arrow A.
When the start key K is moved from the other rotation position by the key operation unit 100, the key K can be removed from the key operation unit 100.
When the lock cable 70 moves in the direction of the arrow B, the start key K is moved from the other rotation position to the LOCK position by the key operation unit 100.
It cannot rotate to the position.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the key operation section 100 is
2 and a cylinder housing case 10 for housing a key cylinder 103 which is operated in accordance with the turning operation of the start key K.
4 and a cable storage case 105 for storing one end of the lock cable 70.
A cam member 106 that rotates in accordance with the rotation operation of the start key K, and a moving body 108 that has one end abutting on the cam surface of the cam member 106 by the urging force of a spring 107.
And the cable storage case 105
One end of the cable 70 housed in the
09 is attached. A projection 110 is formed on the surface of the moving body 108 on the cable 70 side.

When the start key K is turned to the LOCK position, the cam member 106 is turned to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 11, and accordingly the moving body 108 resists the urging force of the spring 107. Counter key K direction (FIGS. 10 and 1
1 slightly to the left) and the projection 1
10 advances to a position where it comes into contact with the block body 109 at one end of the cable 70, while the start key K
When the cam member 106 is rotated to a rotation position other than the position, the cam member 106 is rotated to a position shown by a chain line, and accordingly, the moving body 108 is moved in the key K direction by the urging force of the spring 107 (see FIGS. 10 and 10). 11 slightly to the upper side), and at this time, the protrusion 110 retreats to a position where it does not come into contact with the block body 109 at one end of the cable 70.

When the shift lever 3 is swung from the P range selection position to another range selection position, the cable 70 stops moving in the direction B, and the cable 70 stops.
The block body 109 in 5 stops at a position where it comes into contact with the projection 110 of the moving body 108 in the storage case 105 as shown by a chain line in FIG.

As a result, if the shift lever 3 is not put into the P range selection position, a key interlock that inhibits removal of the start key K is realized, and the start key K
In the state in which the shift lever 3 is removed, a shift lock that prevents the shift lever 3 from swinging from the P range selection position to another range selection position is realized.

The speed change operation input device 1 is provided with a cable moving mechanism for moving the cable in the A and B directions in the key interlock mechanism. As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG.
And the front plate 23 of the lever 3.

The columnar member 81 includes a support shaft (not shown) projecting from the upper surface of the base member 6 and an upper plate 9.
The upper and lower ends are rotatably supported by a boss 82 formed on the lower surface of the base member 6, and extend over the base member 6 and the upper plate 9 and are close to the upper plate 9. An upper extension 83 extending rearward toward the shift lever 3 is provided above the base member 6.
A lower extension 84 extending rightward is provided at a lower portion near the lower end, and the other end of the lock cable 70 is connected to a horizontally extending end of the lower extension 84.

The columnar member 81 is always urged in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 by a helical spring 85 having both ends locked to the lower extending portion 84 and the base member 6, respectively. As shown by a chain line in FIG. 12, the upper extension 83 moves leftward, and the lower extension 84 moves rearward.

When the shift lever 3 is swung from the range selection position other than the P range to the P range selection position, at this time, the shift lever 3 swings rightward in the select direction along the first communication path. By the movement, the front plate-like body 23 protruding forward from the base member 5 of the shift lever 3 presses the upper extending portion 83 rightward, and as a result, receives the pressing force, and is shown by a solid line in FIG. As described above, the columnar member 81 rotates counterclockwise against the urging force of the vine winding spring 85, whereby the cable 70 moves forward, that is, in the direction A, and the starting key K can be extracted, and conversely, shift lever 3
Is swung from the P range selection position to another range selection position, a leftward swing in the select direction along the first communication path at this time causes
The pressing force against the upper extending portion 83 of the front plate 23 is removed, and as a result, as shown by the chain line in FIG. As a result, the cable 70 moves backward, that is, in the direction B, so that the starting key K cannot be removed from the key operation unit 100.

In this case, the columnar member 81 for rotating the lock cable 70 between a position where the key K can be removed and a position where the key K cannot be removed is vertically extended, The extension part 83 constituting the input part to which the pressing force of No. 3 is input is arranged at the upper part, and the extension part 84 constituting the coupling part to which the cable 70 is coupled is arranged at the lower part, and are separated from each other. , Lock cable 70
To the front end of the upper plate 9 or the slide sheet 16
The extension portion 8 to which the pressing force of the shift lever 3 is input can be disposed between the key operation portion 100 and the key operation portion 100 with good layout without causing interference with other members.
3 is arranged at a position relatively close to the upper plate 9 which is relatively distant upward from the pivot point of the shift lever 3, and like the switch mechanism in the aforementioned M range, the upper extension portion 83 Pressing and turning operations are performed with a large stroke in response to the swing at a certain angle in the select direction of No. 3.

Therefore, even if a slight dimensional accuracy error occurs in the columnar member 81 and the upper and lower extending portions 83 and 84, the columnar member 81 is surely large due to the swing of the shift lever 3. By rotating the lock cable 70 by the swing width, the lock cable 70 can be reliably moved in the A and B directions by an effective length, and the reliability of the key interlock mechanism is achieved. Then, the mutually different purposes in the two extending portions 83 and 84 are respectively achieved in this way, and both of the purposes are achieved.

The upper and lower ends of the columnar member 81 are supported by the upper plate 9 and the base member 6.
Since these two members 6 and 9 are erected vertically, the support rigidity is enhanced, and the cover 2 is further provided above the upper plate 9. Since the beverage is spilled in the passenger compartment, for example, and accidentally enters the interior through the opening Y of the console X, the beverage travels along the upper surface of the cover 2 because it is disposed below the overlapped area of the consoles 2 and 9. It is possible to avoid such a problem that the columnar member 81 is contaminated by dropping on the base member 6.

On the other hand, as described above, while the start key K is in the LOCK position, the movement of the cable 70 in the direction B is prevented, so that the shift lever 3 is moved from the front P range selection position to the other position. Is restricted in the shift direction to the range selection position, but in addition to this, as shown in FIG. 9, a detection unit 112 for detecting depression of the brake pedal 111, and the detection unit 112 When the depression of the brake pedal 111 is detected, a solenoid 113 which is excited by an ON signal from the unit 112 is provided. When the brake pedal 111 is not depressed, the solenoid 113 is not turned on. Swing from the position to the left in the select direction is prevented. .

Next, the shift lock mechanism linked to the foot brake will be described. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 13, on the upper surface of the base member 6, on the left side of the shift lever 3, a second vertical wall 91 extending front and rear is provided.
A pair of front and rear support shafts 92, 92 protrude inward at a relatively forward portion on the inner surface of the vertical wall 91, and the support shafts 92, 92 have an upwardly extending rod-shaped portion 93. A pair of front and rear lever members 95 and 98 of a front lever member 95 having a rear extending rod portion 94 and a rear lever member 98 having an upper extending rod portion 96 and a front extending rod portion 97 respectively rotate. It is freely supported.

The rear and front extending rod portions 94 and 97 of the lever members 95 and 98 are rotatably engaged with each other at their distal ends to form a link mechanism. A plunger 114 of the solenoid 113 provided on the upper surface of the base member 6 is connected to a substantially middle portion of the upper extending rod-shaped portion 93. When the solenoid 113 is not excited, the plunger 114 pops out, and The upper extending rod portion 93 of the lever member 95 is swung rearward about the support shaft 92, and the rear lever member 9 is engaged through the engagement between the rear and front extending rod portions 94 and 97.
When the solenoid 113 is excited, the plunger 114 is retracted, and the upper lever member 9 of the front lever member 9 is swung forward.
5 is pivoted forward about the support shaft 92, and the rear lever member 98 is engaged through the engagement.
The upwardly extending rod-like portion 96 is pivoted rearward about the support shaft 92.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 6 in particular, the plunger 114 of the solenoid 113 and the upwardly extending rod portion 93 of the front lever member 95 are connected to each other in a state of being overlapped with each other in the width direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, in the connecting portion where the two members 93 and 114 are overlapped, the thickness in the vehicle body width direction is large. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS.
At the front edge portion of the second vertical wall 91 on which the fifth and fifth members 98 are rotatably supported, a concave portion 91a cut rearward is formed above the rotation support shaft 92 of the front lever member 95. The connection between the two members 93 and 114 is arranged in the recess 91a. Thereby, the second vertical wall 91
The interference between the vertical wall 91 and the connecting portion can be avoided without erecting the vertical wall 91 particularly to the left in the width direction.

In the connection portion, a hole formed in the upper extending rod portion 93 of the front lever member 95 is engaged with a pin on the plunger 114 side. The hole is formed as an elongated hole 95a as shown in FIG.
No twisting occurs between the forward and backward linear motion and the swinging motion of the upwardly extending rod portion 93.

In the shift lock mechanism, as described above, when the shift lever 3 is at the P range selection position, when the brake pedal 111 is depressed, the solenoid 113 is excited, and In addition, when the shift lever is at the N range selection position, the solenoid 113 is excited when the vehicle speed falls below a predetermined speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 15, in a state in which the upper extending rod portion 93 of the front lever member 95 is swinging backward, the upper extending rod portion 93 becomes the first communication passage of the shift gate 15. G1
In the state of moving upward and swinging forward as shown in FIG. 14, the upwardly extending rod-like portion 93 is retracted from above the first communication path G1, and as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. In the state where the upper extending bar portion 96 of the rear lever member 98 is swinging forward, the upper extending bar portion 96 advances onto the fifth communication path G5 of the shift gate 15, and FIG. As shown, in the state of swinging rearward, the upwardly extending rod-like portion 96 is retracted from above the fifth communication path G5.

Thus, in the P range shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, unless the brake pedal 111 is depressed,
Since the shift lever 3 cannot be selected from the P range, the shift lever 3 cannot be swung in the direction of the rearward travel range. If the vehicle speed does not drop below the predetermined speed, the shift lever 3 cannot be selected from the N range shown in FIG. 15. You will not be able to do it. In particular, when the former P-range shift lock operation is combined with the above-described key interlock operation, the engine cannot be started unless the range is in the P range at the time of starting. Unless is stepped on, the lever 3 cannot be moved to the travel range. As a result, unexpected sudden jumping at the time of starting can be effectively avoided.

In this case, in particular, FIG. 6 and FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a protrusion 99 is provided on the left side surface of the base member 5 of the shift lever 3. Specifically, the protrusion 99 and the upper rod-shaped extending portions 93 of the pair of front and rear lever members 95 and 98 are provided.
The contact of the shift lever 96 prevents the select operation of the shift lever 3 from being performed. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper bar-shaped extending portions 93 and 96 are made thinner in the select direction, and the pair of lever members 95 and 98 themselves are erected on the base member 6. Since it is supported by the vertical wall 91 on the left side, the impact at the time of abutment at the time of the shift lock is caused by these lever members 95, 9
8, these lever members 95, 9
8 is supported from the rear side by the left vertical wall 91, and the impact force is received by the vertical wall 91, whereby the lever members 95, 98 are supported by the support shaft 9.
The problem of deterioration in durability, such as outward bending around 2,92 and, as a result, breakage, is suppressed.

Particularly, the rod-like members 93, 96 extending from the support shafts 92, 92 and abutting on the projections 99 of the shift lever 3 and having a shape easily damaged by an impact force are provided. The effect of suppressing the problem of the decrease in sex is great.

Further, two lever members, a shift lock lever 95 for the P range and a shift lock lever 98 for the N range, are connected by a link, and a single solenoid 113 is connected.
As the lever members 95 and 98 are operated in conjunction with each other, the number of parts or the weight of the speed change operation input device 1 is reduced as compared with the case where each of the lever members 95 and 98 is provided with a dedicated solenoid. Can be reduced.

Next, the mechanism for disconnecting the operation cable will be described. As described above, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second case member 14 that directly supports the shift lever 3 with the second support shaft 32 is substantially the base member 5 of the lever 3.
The left and right walls 201 and 202 are developed in a range along the prism-shaped main body 21 in FIG. Each of the upper ends of the left and right walls 201 and 202 has two upper and lower protruding portions t... T and a notch portion k. The locking portions 29 have substantially T-shaped stepped shapes (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 13).
See also). In this case, the overall width of the right locking portion 29 in the front-rear direction is set smaller than that of the left locking portion 29.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 17, the stoppers 29, 29, that is, the upper ends of the left and right walls 201, 202 of the second case member 14, are moved. The block body 203 is fitted and assembled. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, the moving block body 203 has a polygonal outer shape in a plan view, and has an opening 204 in the inside thereof also having a polygonal shape in a plan view. Then, the opening 204 is composed of three large parts, the rightmost part 205 in plan view having the narrowest width in the front-rear direction, and a central part 206 having a width in the front-rear direction larger than the width, The leftmost portion 207 has a width in the front-rear direction larger than that width.

In this case, the width of the rightmost portion 205 is
The width between the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the right side wall portion 202 of the second case member 14 is substantially the same, and the width of the central portion 206 is four Prismatic part 2
1, the width between the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall 201, and the width between the protrusions t, t of the locking portion 29 of the right side wall 202. The width of the leftmost portion 207 is substantially the same as the width between the protruding portions t of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall portion 201.

The movable block body 203 is provided with the main body square pillar portion 21 of the base member 5 of the lever 3 and the protruding portions t, t And the leftmost opening 2
07 is inserted into the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 from above so that the protruding portions t, t of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall portion 201 are inserted therethrough, and in this state, is slid rightward. As a result, the locking portion 29 of the right side wall 202
Notches k, k and the rightmost opening 205 are engaged with each other,
The main body quadrangular prism portion 21 of the base member 5 of the lever 3 stays in the opening 206 at the center as it is, and these two are engaged,
In addition, the notches k, k of the locking portion 29 of the left side wall portion 201 and the opening portion 206 at the center are engaged with each other.
Of the moving block body 20
3 is a second case member 1 in the vehicle width direction through the engagement between the left and right locking portions 29, 29 and the opening 204.
4 and is also movable relative to the shift lever 3 in the vehicle width direction. When the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 swing together in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the moving block body 203 is integrated with the lever 3 and the second case member 14 in the longitudinal direction. Will be moved to.

Further, the moving block body 203 is constantly urged leftward by a spring 210 interposed between the moving block body 203 and the outer surface of the left side wall 201 of the second case member 14. Front and rear step portions 21 formed at the boundary between the opening portion 206 at the center and the opening portion 205 at the rightmost side.
The right and left front and rear corners of the main body quadrangular prism portion 21 of the lever 3 abut against each other to prevent the moving block 203 from moving leftward due to the urging force of the spring 210.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the shift lever 3 is in, for example, the P range, the N range or the D range, the lever 3 is biased rightward by the biasing mechanism.
In the state where it is located on the rightmost side in the select direction, the corner of the lever 3 and the step 21
1 and 211, the block body 203
Is also moved to the rightmost side, and at this time, the left vertical wall 91 extending in the front-rear direction of the base member 6 supporting the lever members 95 and 98 of the shift lock mechanism.
The left end of the block body 203 is close to the inner surface of the block body 203.

When, for example, the shift lever 3 is swung to the left in the select direction from this position against the right urging force of the urging mechanism, the corner of the lever 3 and the step The abutment positions of the portions 211 and 211 also move to the left, and the block body 203 moves to the left by the urging force of the spring 210, and the left end of the block body 203 contacts the inner surface of the second vertical wall 91. Abut At this time, the second case member 14 is not swung in the left-right direction as described above.

Further, even if the lever 3 is further swung to the left, the block body 203 is prevented from moving further to the left by contact with the second vertical wall 91. It does not move to the left beyond the second vertical wall 91. Further, since the second case member 14 is not swung in the left-right direction, the spring 210 is further compressed as the shift lever 3 further swings to the left, and as a result, an excessively large urging force is applied to the block body 203 or the second There is no such thing as acting on the two vertical walls 91. That is, the shift lever 3
Of the shift lever 3 is not transmitted to the block body 203 in the widthwise direction only against the rightward urging force of the lever urging mechanism.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the first case member 13, one end of an operation cable 26 is connected to the front left side, and a thick portion in the vehicle width direction is connected to the connection portion 27. In addition to the above, the front end portion of the above-described rearward fan-shaped extending portion 28 at the rear right end portion is a thick portion in the vehicle width direction. As the outer shape of the block body 203, a portion 220 protruding forward at the left front portion and a portion 221 protruding rearward at the right rear portion are formed so as to correspond thereto. A length in the front-rear direction between the protruding portions 220 and 221;
The length in the front-rear direction between the rear end of the connecting portion 27 and the front end of the fan-shaped extending portion 28 in the first case member 13 is substantially the same.

During the period in which the moving block 203 is prevented from moving to the left by the second vertical wall 91 on the left side as described above, in other words, the block 203
During the period in which the left front protruding portion 220 of the block body 203 is relatively right of the first case member 13, the left front protruding portion 220 of the first case member 13 Along with the thick part,
The above-mentioned right rear protruding portion 221 of the block body 203
Comes into contact with the thick portion of the fan-shaped extending portion 28 at the right rear portion of the first case member 13, whereby the block 20
3 moves relative to the first case member 13 in the vehicle width direction, but is integrated in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Therefore, when the shift lever 3 is swung back and forth in this state, not only the second case member 14 originally integrated with the lever 3 in this direction but also these shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 is not only moved in the front-back direction, but also the first case member 1 integrated with the block body 203 through the above-mentioned contact relationship.
3 also swings in the front-back direction.

Accordingly, the operation cable 26 connected to the first case member 13 moves in the front-rear direction with the swing of the shift lever 3 in the shift direction, and interlocks with the movement of the cable to move the vehicle. The manual valve arranged in the hydraulic control circuit in the automatic transmission moves to the position for each range, and the oil passage of the hydraulic control circuit is switched for each range.

That is, the hydraulic control circuit in the automatic transmission of the vehicle equipped with the shift operation input device 1 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, a manual valve V is provided. In this circuit, the operating pressure discharged from an oil pump (not shown) is regulated to a predetermined line pressure by a regulator valve, and the regulated predetermined line pressure is supplied to the main line L1. On the other hand, in this circuit, an oil passage L2 that supplies operating pressure to a friction element (not shown) such as a clutch or a brake that is engaged in the D range, the M range, and the R range, and is connected in the D range and the M range. An oil passage L3 for supplying an operating pressure to a friction element (not shown);
An oil passage L4 to which the operating pressure is supplied in the R range and the N range (or P range) is provided.
4 and the main line L1, the manual valve V (more specifically, the spool of the valve) is shown in a forward travel range such as a D range or an M range. The main line L1 and the oil passages L2 and L3 communicate with each other through the valve V, and the operating pressure is supplied to these oil passages L2 and L3 to be fastened during forward running. The predetermined friction element to be applied will be fastened.

The manual valve V is linked with the movement of the operation cable 26 in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG.
When the cable 26 moves forward along with the swinging of the first case member 13 forward, the valve V moves rightward in FIG. When the cable 26 moves rearward due to the swing of the first case member 13 rearward, the valve V moves leftward in FIG. When the shift lever 3 is swung forward from the D range selection position to switch the range to the N range, the manual valve V moves rightward by a predetermined distance in FIG. Then, the main line L1 and the oil passages L4 and L5 communicate with each other via the valve V, and the operating pressure supplied to the oil passages L2 and L3 is drained and fastened up to that point to reduce the plate friction element. Released and a neutral state is realized.

The circuit further includes a D range, M
An oil passage L5 to which the operating pressure is supplied in the range and the N range is provided in parallel. When the operating pressure is supplied to the oil passage L5, the operating pressure is fed back to the regulator valve, and the line pressure is reduced.

As described above, the first case member 13 is integrated with the shift lever 3 and the second case member 14 via the block body 203 and swings in the front-rear direction, thereby being connected to the first case member 13. The manual valve V moves to the position for each range in conjunction with the movement of the operating cable 26, and the oil passage of the hydraulic control circuit is switched for each range.

The vertical wall 91 is provided on the vertical wall 91 as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 17, when the shift lever 3 is located at the selected position of the D range, the opening 240 having a size through which the block body 203 can be inserted corresponds to the position where the block body 203 is located. Are formed. Therefore, at this position, the left end of the block body 203 does not come into contact with anything, and the block body 203 can move to the left beyond the vertical wall 91. In this case, the biasing force to the right by the lever biasing mechanism is set to be larger than the biasing force of the spring 210 for biasing the block body 203 to the left. Therefore, shift lever 3
When the block is swung from the front and reaches the D range selection position, the block body 203 does not move to the left through the opening 240 at that moment, and the shift lever 3 is mounted with the lever. Only when a selection operation is performed to the left against the urging force to the right by the urging mechanism, the block body 203 passes through the opening 240 and moves to the left over the second vertical wall 91.

When the shift lever 3 is thus operated to the left from the D range, that is, when the shift lever 3 is switched to the M range selection position, the lever 3 reaches the neutral position of the M range. When the block body 203 moves to the left, at this point, the block body 2
03 is disengaged from the first case member 13, and the integration between them is thereby released. That is, in the state after the shift to the M range, when the shift lever 3 is rocked back and forth for manual shifting,
The lever 3, the block body 203, and the second case member 14 are integrally rocked or moved in the front-rear direction.
The swing in the front-rear direction is not transmitted to the case member 13. As a result, even if the shift lever 3 is shifted for manual shifting within the M range, the first case member 13 is not swung in the front-rear direction, and therefore, the operation cable 26 does not move. As a result, the manual valve V does not move in the hydraulic control circuit, and stays at the position where the forward travel range from the D range to the M range is selected. Therefore, the oil passage for forward traveling
For example, it does not approach or switch to another range oil passage such as an N range oil passage, and the operating pressure on the friction element that is fastened during forward running is reduced by the drain, which is necessary for fastening. Problems such as insufficient hydraulic pressure can be reliably avoided.

When the shift lever 3 is swung to the right again from the M range to the D range, the block body 203 is similarly moved to the right via the contact of the lever 3 with the step and the corner. At this time, the contact with the first case member 13 and the integrated state are restored again, and thereafter, as the shift lever 3 swings forward, the cable 26 also moves.

In this case, the block 203 and the first
During the period in which the integration with the case member 13 is released, that is, during the period when the M range is selected, the engagement between the fan-shaped extending portion 28 at the rear of the first case member 13 and the second leaf spring 44 is performed. As a result, the first case member 13 becomes D range or M range.
Since it is held in the range position, during the period,
The disadvantage that the first case member 13 freely swings in the front-rear direction and that the block body 203 and the first case member 13 are not integrated when switching from M to D is avoided.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. A switch 250 is provided via a small wall 251;
The movement of the block body 203 to the left when the shift lever 3 is operated from the D range to the M range constitutes an operation mechanism of the M range switch 250. That is, as described above, the block body 203 is
The left end of the block body 203 presses the section of the M range switch 250 and turns on the switch 250 when the block body 203 moves leftward beyond the vertical wall 91. is there. In this case, the left end of the block body 230 has a sufficient length in the front-rear direction, and when the shift lever 3 is operated in the shift direction at the time of manual shifting as shown by a chain line in FIG. In this case, the block 203 always keeps the M range switch 250 on.

As described above, in this operating cable disconnecting mechanism, only when the shift lever 3 is swung from the D range position to the M range position, the link between the shift lever 3 and the operating cable 26 is cut off. When the shift lever 3 is again swung from the M range position to the D range position, the linkage between the shift lever 3 and the operation cable 26 is connected.

Then, the connection between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is cut off by the block body 203 and the first case member 13.
The movement in the select direction of the block body 203 for canceling the integration is enabled only in the D range position or the M range position. At the range position, the movement of the block body 203 in the select direction is prevented by the vertical wall 91. However, at this time, since the lever 3 and the block body 203 are in a relationship in which the lever 3 and the block body 203 can relatively swing or relatively move in the select direction, as described above, even if the shift lever 3 is largely swung in the select direction, it is accompanied by this. Excessive pressing force or the like is not transmitted to the block body 203, the vertical wall 91, or the like.

Therefore, even when the shift lever 3 is swung to the leftmost side of the swing path along the first communication path G1 when switching from the P range to the R range, the link between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is disconnected. Not only that, the block body 203 breaks the vertical wall 91 and effectively moves to a position where the link between the lever 3 and the cable 26 is cut off beyond the vertical wall 91. Will be done.

In this case, the moving block 203
Are the upper end portions of the second case member 14, and the left and right walls 201,
02, the two ends of the block body 203 are in contact with the vertical wall 91 and the first case member 13, and even if a stress centering on the shift lever 3 acts, The body 203 is stably supported without being twisted.

Further, the movable block body 203 and the second case member 14 are provided with the left and right locking portions 2 having different dimensions.
9, 29 and three types of openings 205, 2 of the block body 203
06 and 207, the workability of assembling the block body 203 is improved.

Next, the shift lever 3 and the shift gate 15
The load receiving mechanism for suppressing the contact impact force with the load will be described.

This mechanism is, as shown in FIGS. 4, 15 and 18 to 20, the main body 2 of the base member 5 of the shift lever 3.
1 a rear plate-like body 24 projecting slightly rearward from the rear surface
And a lower projection 301 provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 9 behind the lever 3.

As described above, when the shift lever 3 comes into contact with the shift gate 15 formed on the upper plate 9, the swing in the front-rear and left-right directions is regulated, and thereby, the swing path of the shift lever 3. Is determined by the shape of the shift gate 15. Therefore, each time the range selection operation is performed, the shift gate 15 is brought into contact with the lever 3 and a contact impact force is applied at that time.
The shift gate 15 is required to be durable enough to withstand the impact of the lever 3 swinging countless times.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, in the shift gate 15 of the speed change operation input device 1,
An M range selection position is provided. As a result, the sixth communication path G6 between the N range selection position and the D range selection position and the eighth communication path G8 forming a part of the M range selection position are both provided. The shift gate 15 is set in a zigzag shape while being arranged in parallel so as to extend in the shift direction,
As a result, the end of the fourth communication path G4, which constitutes a part of the switching operation path from the R range selection position to the N range selection position, and the end of the eighth communication path G8 (shift up position) are mutually reciprocated. , The shape of the shift gate 15 at a portion surrounded by the fifth communication path G5, the sixth communication path G6, the seventh communication path G7, and the eighth communication path G8 (more specifically, The shape of the portion of the upper plate 9 for forming the shift gate 15) has a thin base. Therefore, when the contact force of the lever 3 is applied to this portion from the four directions of front, rear, left and right, the problem of the durability becomes remarkable.

This mechanism particularly improves the durability of this portion. As shown by an arrow C in FIG. 19, when the column member 4 of the shift lever 3 is operated from R to N, the shift gate 15 is moved. When the front end of the plate-shaped body 24 and the front end of the lower protrusion 301 abut against each other at the front end of the above-mentioned portion in FIG. As indicated by an arrow E in FIG. 20, when the cylindrical member 4 of the shift lever 3 is swung rightward from the shift-up position of the M range, when the cylindrical member 4 comes into contact with the left portion of the above-mentioned portion of the shift gate 15, The right side of the shape body 24 and the left side of the lower protrusion 301 come into contact with each other at a different location as shown by an arrow F.

As a result, the contact force between the lever 3 and the gate 15 is dispersed, and the durability of the gate 15 is improved. Further, the plate-like body 24 is
In addition, a lower projection 301 is provided on the upper plate 9,
Further, since the shift gate 15 is also formed on the upper plate 9, the mutual positional relationship between them is accurately determined, so that it is easy to set such that the respective abutments almost simultaneously occur, and the impact force is effectively reduced. Will be distributed.

When switching from N to D, the plate-like body 24 passes through the right side of the lower protrusion 301 without interference, and when switching from D to M, the plate-like body 2
4 passes without interfering behind the lower protrusion 301.

As described above, the portion of the upper plate 9 surrounded by the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth communication paths G5 to G8 is a fragile portion having a small base portion. With regard to the above, not only during the above-described shift operation from R to N and when swinging to the right at the upshift position, there is a possibility that the contact impact force may be applied from other two directions. That is, when the lever is rocked to the left when switching from N to D, and when the lever is rocked to the front when switching from D to M. Is in the middle of switching, and is in the process of crossing the peak of the positioning detent concave portion, so that such operation of the lever 3 is unlikely to occur. However, also in those cases, the plate-like body 24 and the lower protrusion 301 come into contact with each other, so that the durability of the gate 15 is also ensured.

In this case, in the thin portion of the base portion where the durability is problematic, the upper plate 9
For example, a reinforcing material such as a metal plate may be embedded to improve the durability.

Further, in the shift operation input device 1, for example, when the shift lock solenoid 113 fails to operate or the plunger 114 sticks, the shift lock cannot be released. As a measure, there is provided a push bar 400 for forcibly swinging the front and rear lever members 95, 98 of the shift lock mechanism to the release position when pressed.

The push bar 400 is formed in a bar shape extending vertically as shown in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG.
The enlarged upper end portion 400a reaches a circular concave portion 402 provided in the cover 2 and serves as a pressing operation portion. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower end portion 400b is connected to a front lever member 95 of the shift lock mechanism. Almost to the left of.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, an extending portion 401 that passes in front of the front edge of the second vertical wall 91 and extends to the left beyond the vertical wall 91 is integrally provided. The lower end 400b of the push bar 400 is engaged with the tip of the push bar 400 from above.

When the push bar 400 is pressed downward by the driver at the operating section 400a in the cover 2, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower end 400b of the push bar 400 is connected to the front lever member 95. Of the front lever member 95 is rotated downward as if the solenoid was excited. As a result, the upper extending rod portion 93 of the front lever member 95 is moved forward. , The upwardly extending rod portion 96 of the rear lever member 98 is swung to the rear shift lock release position.

In this case, the pushed rolled portion 401 of the front lever member 95 extends to the left beyond the second vertical wall 91, and the push bar pushes the extended portion 401 downward. 400 is also the second vertical wall 9
1, that is, outside the second vertical wall 91. Here, while there is a sufficient space at an outer position with respect to the second vertical wall 91, a number of various mechanisms or members thereof provided in the speed change operation input device 1 are arranged inside. ing. Therefore, by arranging the push bar 400 outside the second vertical wall 91 as described above, the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the push bar 400 is ensured. 400a can be arranged at a position on the cover 2 where the driver can easily press.

In this embodiment, the shift direction is the front-back direction and the select direction is the left-right direction.
It goes without saying that the shift direction or the select direction is irrelevant to the direction of the vehicle body.

[0129]

As described above, according to the present invention, an automatic shift range for automatically shifting gears based on preset shift characteristics and a manual shift range for shifting gears by swinging a shift lever are provided. In the set automatic transmission, a switch mechanism such as a shift-up switch or a shift-down switch that detects a swing operation of the shift lever in the manual shift range is provided by a base member that swingably supports a lower end of the shift lever. Since the switch mechanism is provided on the upper member provided with a shift gate that is disposed above and regulates the swing path of the shift lever, the switch mechanism is operated at a position away from the swing fulcrum of the shift lever. .

Therefore, even if the accuracy of the structure and the mounting position of the switch mechanism is somewhat low, it is possible to reliably detect the swing of the shift lever and to reduce the variation in the switch mechanism itself and its mounting position. Accordingly, even if the on / off position slightly varies, the on / off position of the switch mechanism within the entire stroke range of the operating portion at the upper end of the shift lever gripped by the driver hardly changes.

As a result, while the cost required for the switch mechanism and the mounting structure thereof is reduced, the start timing of the shift operation with respect to the swing operation of the shift lever within the selected position of the manual shift range becomes constant.
Good operability of this type of automatic transmission in the manual shift range is ensured.

According to the second invention of the present application, the switch mechanism is mounted on the lower surface of the upper member and engages with the shift lever when the shift lever is at the position for selecting the manual shift range. Since the cam member is constituted by a switch member which is operated by rotation of the shift lever in accordance with the swing operation of the shift lever, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the switch member is improved, and the switch member is provided on the upper member. It is possible to arrange at an optimal position, for example, to arrange so as not to interfere with the shift gate.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the urging means for urging the cam member to a predetermined neutral position is provided.
When the shift lever is swingably operated from the selected position of the automatic transmission range to the selected position of the manual transmission range, the shift lever is securely engaged with the cam member, and the reliability of the transmission operation device is reduced. Will be improved.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the urging means is constituted by a spring having one end attached to the upper member and the other end engaged with a concave portion provided in the cam member. Is held at the neutral position, and when the cam member rotates in any direction from the neutral position with the swing of the shift lever in the second direction within the selected position of the manual shift range, The other end of the spring is displaced from the concave portion and bends, and the elastic restoring force gives an appropriate resistance to the shift lever via the cam member. A good operation feeling is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of a shift operation input device according to an embodiment of the present invention that appears in a passenger compartment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the same device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic left side view, partially cut away, of the device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic right side view of the same device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged sectional view from the front showing a peripheral structure of a shift lever in the same device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged sectional view of the same seen from the rear.

FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view also from above.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a key interlock mechanism and a shift lock mechanism in the same device.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a key operation unit side in the mechanism.

FIG. 11 is also an explanatory view.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a lock cable moving mechanism in the key interlock mechanism.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and operation of a shift lock mechanism in a P range.

FIG. 14 is also an explanatory view.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and operation of a shift lock mechanism in an N range.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a hydraulic control circuit around a manual valve.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and an operation of an operation cable separating mechanism.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration and an operation of a load receiving mechanism and a switch operation mechanism.

FIG. 19 is also an explanatory view.

FIG. 20 is also an explanatory view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 speed change operation input device 3 shift lever 6 base member 9 upper plate 15 shift gate 53 cam member 55 third leaf spring member 56 neutral position positioning concave portion 57 cam member concave portion 61 shift up switch 62 shift down switch 250 M range switch G1 ~ G9 connecting passage

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of swing positions of a shift lever,
A selection position of an automatic shift range that automatically shifts based on a shift characteristic set in advance and a selection position of a manual shift range that shifts by swinging a shift lever are set.
The switching between the two positions is performed by swinging the shift lever in the first direction, and the shift speed is shifted by swinging the shift lever in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction at the selected position of the manual shift range. A shift operation input device for an automatic transmission, wherein a base member for swingably supporting a lower end of the shift lever is provided as a member fixed to the vehicle body; And an upper member provided with a shift gate that regulates the swing path of the shift lever, and abuts on the shift lever at the selected position of the manual shift range, whereby the shift lever A shift operation input device for an automatic transmission, wherein a switch mechanism for detecting swing in a second direction is provided on the upper member. 2. The switch mechanism is mounted on a lower surface of the upper member and provided with an engagement portion that engages with the shift lever when the shift lever is at a selected position of the manual shift range. And a cam member which is turned by the swing in the second direction within the selected position, and which is in contact with the cam member when the cam member is turned, detects the swing of the shift lever in the second direction. The shift operation input device for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, further comprising a switch member. 3. A cam member of the upper member, the engagement portion of which is coincident with a swing path in a first direction between an automatic shift range selection position and a manual shift range selection position of the shift lever. 3. A shift operation input device for an automatic transmission according to claim 2, further comprising an urging means for urging the neutral position. 4. The automatic urging means according to claim 3, wherein said biasing means is constituted by a spring having one end attached to the upper member and the other end engaged with a concave portion provided in the cam member. Transmission operation input device for transmission.