JP4955510B2 - Shift device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shift device capable of reliably suppressing any unexpected speed change operation. <P>SOLUTION: Three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d corresponding to the turning operation positions of a knob are formed on an outer circumferential surface of a shaft member 31. A first fitting projecting part 52a to be fitted in the fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d is formed on an inner circumferential surface of an insertion hole 32 of a housing 21. When the knob is turned to each turning position, the fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d are opposite to the first fitting projecting part 52a. The sliding operation to the side of the knob is permitted as the operation for defining the change to the speed change position corresponding to one turning position only when being subjected to any one turning operation out of a plurality of turning positions set corresponding to the speed change position of an automatic transmission through the operation of the knob. In other words, when changing the speed change position of the automatic transmission, the operations in two different directions of the turning operation and the sliding operation to the side of the knob are necessary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a shift device that switches a shift position of an automatic transmission.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called by-wire shift device in which an automatic transmission and a shift device of a vehicle are mechanically separated is becoming popular. In the shift device, an operation position of a shift lever as a shift operation means operated by a user when switching a shift position (connection state) of the automatic transmission is detected as an electric signal, and automatically based on the detection signal. Since the shift position of the transmission is electronically switched, a mechanical configuration such as a link mechanism is not necessary. For this reason, there is an advantage that the restriction of the arrangement position of the shift device is eased and the size can be easily reduced.

In recent years, there has been a demand for further downsizing of the shift device from the viewpoint of securing the vehicle interior space or saving the installation space of the shift device. In response to such a request, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is considered that a rotary shift knob provided so as to be rotatable with respect to an installation target is employed as the shift operation means instead of the shift lever described above. Has been. Since the knob is only rotated about a single axis, the installation space for the shift device can be saved as compared with the case where the above-described shift lever is employed. That is, when a shift lever is employed, a shift gate for guiding the lever in a predetermined operation direction needs to be provided, whereas when a rotary shift knob is employed, such a guide means is not necessary. It becomes.
JP 2002-254946 A

  The shift device of Document 1 is provided with a lock device that restricts the rotation operation of the shift knob as an erroneous operation prevention device that prevents erroneous operation of the shift knob. This locking device is interlocked with the advance / retreat operation of the plunger of the solenoid, between the engagement position for engaging with the engaged portion provided on the shift knob and the release position for releasing the engagement with the engaged portion. And an engaging member for displacing. In a state where the engagement member is held at the engagement position, the rotation operation of the shift knob is restricted by the engagement of the engagement member with the engaged portion. In addition, when the engagement member is held at the release position, the shift knob is allowed to rotate by releasing the engagement of the engagement member with the engaged portion.

  For example, in a state where the shift knob is held at the parking position, the rotation operation of the shift knob is restricted by holding the engagement member at the engagement position. Then, when the vehicle is traveling, the restriction on the rotation operation of the shift knob is released as follows. That is, when the engine is started, the solenoid is driven when the depression of the brake pedal is detected, and the engagement member is displaced from the engagement position to the release position. Thereafter, the operation position of the knob is switched through a rotation operation of the shift knob, whereby the shift position of the automatic transmission is switched to a position corresponding to the operation position of the knob.

  However, in the shift device of the document 1, the following problems are concerned. That is, in the shift device of the document 1, although the restriction of the rotation operation of the knob is not released simply by operating the shift knob, for example, the brake pedal is inadvertently depressed, It is assumed that the shift knob is operated without rotation. In addition, there is a possibility that an unintended rotation operation of the shift knob may be performed even when the rotation of the shift knob cannot be restricted due to a solenoid malfunction or the like. Thus, in the shift device of the above-mentioned document 1, there was still a risk of erroneous operation of the shift knob. In this respect, there is still room for improvement.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a shift device that can more reliably suppress an unintended shift operation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the by-wire type shift device that switches the shift position of the automatic transmission of the vehicle, a part of the shift device is exposed to the outside of the housing that is fixed to the mounting target on the vehicle side and A shaft-like shift operation member that can be rotationally operated and is slidable to the side that is a direction intersecting with its own rotation center axis, and is provided between the shift operation member and the housing. Only when the shift operation member is rotated to any one of a plurality of rotation operation positions set corresponding to the shift position of the automatic transmission, the shift operation member is moved to the shift position corresponding to the one rotation operation position. As an operation for confirming the switching, a slide restricting means that allows a side slide operation of the shift operation member, and the shift operation member has a specific rotational operation position. Detecting means for detecting that the slide operation is performed to the side in the state of being operated to rotate, and outputting a detection signal thereof, and when the operation force in the slide operation direction with respect to the shift operation member is released, the shift operation member Slide return means for returning the shift operation member to the original position in the slide operation direction, and rotation for returning the shift operation member to the original position in the rotation operation direction when the operation force in the rotation operation direction on the shift operation member is released. A return means; and a control means for generating a shift control signal for switching to a shift position corresponding to the specific rotational operation position based on a detection signal from the detection means and outputting the shift control signal to the automatic transmission , After setting three forward operation positions, neutral positions, and reverse drive positions as rotational operation positions, all of the three rotational operation positions are The slide restricting means can perform a slide operation to the side of the shift operation member regardless of which of the three rotation operation positions is selected. The gist is to allow a common operation for confirming switching to a shift position corresponding to each of the two rotational operation positions .

  According to the present invention, when the shift position of the automatic transmission is switched, the operation in two different directions of the rotation operation of the shift operation member and the slide operation to the side is necessary. The speed change operation can be suitably suppressed. Further, when the operation force on the shift operation member is released, the shift operation member is returned to the original position in the slide operation direction and the original position in the rotation operation direction by the slide return means and the rotation return means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the first aspect, the shift operation member is engaged with a part of the shift operation member through the operation of the drive unit based on the operation control signal from the control unit. Rotation comprising a locking member that displaces between a rotation regulating position that regulates the rotation operation of the member and a rotation permission position that disengages the shift operation member and allows the rotation operation of the shift operation member. The control means further includes a restricting means, and the control means rotates the locking member when detecting a vehicle state determined to restrict the rotation operation of the shift operation member through a state detecting means provided on the vehicle side. The gist of the invention is to output the operation control signal to the rotation restricting means so as to be displaced from the allowable position to the rotation restricting position.

  According to the present invention, when the vehicle state that is determined as the rotational operation of the shift operation member should be restricted is detected through the state detection means provided on the vehicle side, the locking member is operated by the operation of the drive means. It is displaced to a rotation restricting position that engages with a part of the member. Since the rotation operation of the shift operation member is mechanically restricted, a shift operation unintended by the user can be more reliably suppressed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to the second aspect, the locking member engages with a part of the shift operation member through the operation of the driving unit based on the operation control signal. A first rotation restricting position that restricts the rotation operation of the shift operation member in the forward direction and a first rotation restricting position that engages with another part of the shift operation member and restricts the rotation operation of the shift operation member in the reverse direction. The gist is to displace between the rotation restriction position 2 and the rotation allowable position where the engagement with the shift operation member is released and the shift operation member is allowed to rotate in the forward and reverse directions.

According to the present invention, the forward / reverse rotation of the shift operation member is preferably restricted, so that a shift operation unintended by the user can be more reliably suppressed.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, as a rotation position of the shift operating member, the particular actuated during advancement of vehicles with further sets the manual operation position corresponding to the vehicle function, the neutral position to the original position in the rotational operation direction of the shift operating member, the slide regulating unit, the rotational operation position of the shift operating member is in the neutral position Only when the shift operation member is held, it is different from the slide operation direction for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward position of the shift operation member as an operation for confirming the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position. A sliding operation in another direction is allowed, and the control means changes the position corresponding to the forward movement position in a state where the shift operation member is rotated to the forward movement position. Based on the detection signal from the detection means indicating that the slide operation has been performed to the other side after the detection signal from the detection means indicating that the slide operation to confirm switching to the position has been performed, The gist is to activate the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position.

  As described above, when the operation force on the shift operation member is released, the shift operation member is returned to the original position in the slide operation direction and the original position in the rotation operation direction by the slide return means and the rotation return means. . According to the present invention, the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position is performed only when the shift operation member is held at the neutral position that is the original position in the rotation operation direction of the shift operation member. Both sliding operations in other directions to be confirmed are allowed. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform a sliding operation in another direction for confirming the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position. Actually, after the shift operation member is rotated to the forward position, a slide operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward position is performed, and then the slide operation is performed to the other side. Thus, the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position is activated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the slide restricting means has a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the shift operating member. And the same number of fitting recesses as the rotation operation positions of the shift operation member, each fitting recess being The gist is that the shift operation member is provided so as to be capable of being fitted to the fitting member only when the shift operation member is in each rotation operation position.

  According to the present invention, the shift operation member is provided with a fitting recess corresponding to each rotational operation position, and the housing side is provided with a fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting recess of the shift operation member. Thus, the sliding operation of the shift operation member can be suitably restricted.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a groove extending in a circumferential direction is formed in the shift operation member, and the detection means Comprises a plurality of microswitches arranged corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the groove of the shift operation member, and each microswitch has an outer periphery of the shift operation member according to the rotation operation position of the shift operation member. When the shift operation member is slid in response to the surface, the shift operation member is slid in response to a state in which the shift operation member is pressed on by the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member and the groove of the shift operation member. The control means is arranged so as to be in two states of being kept off without being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member. In accordance with the combination of the ON signal and the OFF signal that has been performed, whether the slide operation, which is an operation for confirming the shift operation member to switch to the speed change position corresponding to the rotation operation position, has been performed in any of the rotation operation positions The gist of this is to judge.

  According to the present invention, the control means only needs to determine which of the rotational operation positions of the shift operation member is determined based on the combination of the on signal and the off signal input from each micro switch. It is not necessary to perform complicated signal processing when detecting the operation position of the shift operation member. Therefore, the calculation load of the control means is suppressed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the rotation operation direction and the slide of the shift operation member are arranged in the vicinity of the shift operation member. A plurality of indicators that indicate the operation direction and are controlled to be lit by the control means are provided, and the control means controls only the indicator that indicates the direction in which the shift operation member can be operated according to the rotational operation position of the shift operation member. This is the gist.

  According to the present invention, the user can visually recognize the operable direction of the shift operation member. And it is suppressed that the shift operation member is wastefully operated in the direction shown by the indicator which is not lit.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the shift device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member is engaged with a part of the housing. The gist of the invention is that stopper means for restricting the rotation operation range of the shift operation member to a predetermined rotation angle range is provided, and each rotation operation position of the shift operation member is set within the rotation angle range. .

  According to the present invention, an operation exceeding the rotational operation range of the shift operation member can be restricted with a simple configuration. In addition, since the excessive rotation of the shift operation member is restricted, the operability of the shift operation member is also ensured.

  According to the present invention, an unintended shift operation can be more reliably suppressed.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a by-wire shift device according to the present invention is applied to a hybrid vehicle using an engine and a motor as a driving source for traveling is based on FIGS. I will explain. First, an outline of operation of the shift device will be described.

<Overview of shift device operation>
As shown in FIG. 1, a shift device 11 that switches a shift position (gear stage) of an automatic transmission through a user's operation is provided in a part of the vehicle interior, for example, in the instrument panel 10 that is located on the left front side of the driver's seat. It has been. As shown in FIG. 2, the shift device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 21 that is attached to an accommodation portion 10 a as an attachment site that is formed by opening an instrument panel 10 that is an attachment target, and the housing 21. A columnar knob 22 is provided on the design surface 21a which is one side surface exposed from the portion 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the knob 22 is provided so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis O with respect to the design surface 21 a and to be slidable in two directions intersecting the rotation center axis O. In the present embodiment, the knob 22 can be displaced in two directions orthogonal to each other, as indicated by arrows X and Y in FIG.

  The knob 22 includes a reverse drive position “R”, a neutral position “N”, and a forward drive position “D” as a plurality of rotational operation positions corresponding to the shift position of the automatic transmission, as well as a specific function of the vehicle (here, A manual operation position “B” is set as a rotation operation position corresponding to a regenerative brake by a motor. On the surface of the knob 22, four indicators showing a reverse position “R”, a neutral position “N”, a forward position “D”, and a manual operation position “B” set as the rotational operation position of the knob 22. 22r, 22n, 22d, and 22b are provided. These indicators 22r, 22n, 22d, and 22b are formed in the shapes of alpha beds “R”, “N”, “D”, and “B”.

  The indicator 22n indicating the neutral position “N” is provided on a center axis On that is orthogonal to the rotation center axis O and extends in the horizontal direction of the knob 22 when the knob 22 is viewed from the rotation center axis O side. . Similarly, the indicator 22r indicating the reverse position “R” is provided on the central axis Or forming a predetermined angle θ1 in the counterclockwise rotation direction of the knob 22 with respect to the central axis On. Similarly, the indicator 22d indicating the forward position “D” is provided on the central axis Od that forms a predetermined angle θ2 in the clockwise rotation direction of the knob 22 with respect to the central axis On. Similarly, the indicator 22b indicating the manual operation position “B” forms a predetermined angle θ3 in the clockwise rotation direction of the knob 22 with respect to the central axis Od, and extends on the central axis Op perpendicular to the central axis On. Is provided.

  On the design surface 21 a of the housing 21, in the vicinity of the knob 22, two indicators 23 a and 23 b indicating the rotation operation direction of the knob 22 and indicators 24 a and 24 b indicating the slide operation direction of the knob 22 are provided. . The indicator 23 a is formed in an arrow shape indicating the right rotation direction of the knob 22, and the indicator 23 b is formed in an arrow shape indicating the left rotation direction of the knob 22. The indicator 24a has an arrow shape indicating the arrow X direction (rightward in FIG. 3) as the sliding operation direction of the knob 22, and the indicator 24b is an arrow indicating the arrow Y direction (downward in FIG. 3) as the sliding operation direction of the knob 22. It is formed into a shape. The indicators 23a and 23b and the indicators 24a and 24b are lit when the knob 22 is in a state in which the operation in the direction indicated by the knob 22 is possible.

  The two indicators 23a and 23b indicating the rotation operation direction of the knob 22 are disposed so as to face each other with the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction therebetween when the shift device 11 is viewed from the knob 22 side. Yes. The indicator 24a indicating the direction of the rightward sliding operation of the knob 22 is disposed so as to be positioned on the central axis Or extending in the horizontal direction when the shift device 11 is viewed from the knob 22 side. Further, the indicator 24b indicating the sliding operation direction downward of the knob 22 is disposed so as to be positioned on the central axis Op extending in the vertical direction when the shift device 11 is viewed from the knob 22 side.

  When the user switches the shift position of the automatic transmission, the knob 22 is rotated to a specific rotation operation position corresponding to a desired shift position (gear stage), and the knob 22 is held while the rotation operation position is held. Is slid to the side indicated by the arrow X in FIG. Thereby, switching to a desired shift position is executed in the automatic transmission. In the present embodiment, the knob 22 is moved to the forward position “D” when the vehicle is moved forward, and to the neutral position “N” when the power transmission of the drive source of the vehicle is cut off. Is switched to the reverse position “R”. That is, the knob 22 is rotated so that the indicators 22r, 22n, and 22d indicating the respective rotation operation positions are positioned on the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction, and the knob 22 is slid in the arrow X direction at that position.

  Here, as described above, when the indicator 22n indicating the neutral position “N” is located on the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction and corresponds to the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction, the manual operation position “B”. The indicator 22b indicating the position is on the central axis Op extending in the vertical direction and is at a position corresponding to the indicator 24b indicating the arrow Y direction. Only in this position, the knob 22 can be slid in the arrow Y direction. When the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction, the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is activated. In the present embodiment, a regenerative brake is applied by a motor that constitutes a driving source for driving the vehicle.

<Detailed configuration of shift device>
Next, the configuration of the shift device that allows the operation of the knob 22 as described above will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a columnar shaft member 31 extending in the direction along the rotation center axis O of the knob 22 is coaxially provided on the side surface of the knob 22 on the housing 21 side. The outer diameter of the shaft member 31 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the knob 22. The shaft member 31 constitutes the shift operation member of the present invention together with the knob 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in the housing 21, the design surface 21 a that is the attachment portion of the knob 22 is formed with an insertion hole 32 having a circular cross section that allows the shaft member 31 to be inserted. Yes. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 32 is set larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 31 and smaller than the outer diameter of the knob 22. The shaft member 31 is inserted into the insertion hole 32 from the outside. The shaft member 31 is held with respect to the housing 21 so as to be rotatable and slidable in the radial direction of the shaft member 31 by the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32. ing. Further, when the operating force in the rotational operation direction of the knob 22 and the operating force in the slide operation direction are released, the shaft member 31 rotates the knob 22 indicated by a solid line in FIG. It is held so as to automatically return to the original position in the operation direction and the slide operation direction.

<Return mechanism>
Next, the return mechanism 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, an engagement member 41 that protrudes in the direction of arrow X is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 on the distal end side. The engaging member 41 is a flat arm member 41a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 so as to protrude in the direction of the arrow X, and a columnar locking provided on the side surface of the arm member 41a on the knob 22 side. The protrusion 41b is provided. A torsion coil spring 42 is inserted through the shaft member 31. The torsion coil spring 42 is located on the knob 22 side of the arm member 41 a that constitutes the engaging member 41. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the knob 22 side and its axial direction, both end portions 42a and 42b of the torsion coil spring 42 intersect with each other and open in the arrow X direction. It is curved to form a letter shape. Between the base end portions of both end portions 42a and 42b of the torsion coil spring 42, the above-described locking projection 41b of the engaging member 41 is interposed.

<Outside slide member>
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), a rectangular parallelepiped slide member accommodating portion 43 is inserted into the insertion hole in the portion of the housing 21 corresponding to the engaging member 41 of the shaft member 31. 32 is formed in communication. In the slide member accommodating portion 43, a square frame-shaped outer slide member 44 is accommodated so as to be slidable in the arrow Y direction. That is, a gap dy is formed between the lower surface of the outer slide member 44 and the inner bottom surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43. In the gap dy, a compression coil spring 45 is interposed between the lower surface of the outer slide member 44 and the inner bottom surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43. The outer slide member 44 is always urged upward (on the side opposite to the slide operation direction indicated by the arrow Y) by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45. The upward displacement of the outer slide member 44 is restricted by the upper surface of the outer slide member 44 coming into contact with the inner top surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43. Therefore, when a force in the arrow Y direction acts on the outer slide member 44, the outer slide member 44 is displaced in the arrow Y direction against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45. At this time, the two side surfaces of the outer slide member 44 that are opposite to each other in the arrow X direction are slid and guided by the two inner side surfaces of the slide member housing portion 43 that are opposed to each other in the arrow X direction. That is, when the outer slide member 44 is slid in the direction of the arrow X and in the direction opposite to the arrow X, the side of the outer slide member 44 on the side of the arrow X and the side opposite to the arrow X is It is regulated by contacting the inner surface and the inner surface opposite to the arrow X.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the outer slide member 44, guide members 44a and 44b are formed on the two inner surfaces facing each other in the vertical direction over the entire length in the arrow X direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, a step d1 is formed between the side surface of the guide members 44a and 44b on the knob 22 side and the side surface of the outer slide member 44 on the knob 22 side.

<Inner slide member>
A square plate-like inner slide member 46 is slidable in the direction of the arrow X on the inner side of the outer slide member 44 configured as described above. That is, the thickness of the inner slide member 46 is set to be substantially the same as the thickness of the outer slide member 44 described above. Further, protrusions 46 a and 46 b are formed over the entire length in the arrow X direction on two side surfaces located on opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface of the inner slide member 46. As shown in FIG. 6B, a step d2 is formed between the side surface of the protrusions 46a and 46b opposite to the knob 22 and the side surface of the inner slide member 46 opposite to the knob 22. . The step d2 is substantially the same as the step d1 described above. The inner slide member 46 is overlapped so that the side surfaces of the protrusions 46a and 46b opposite to the knob 22 are in close contact with the side surfaces of the outer slide member 44 on the knob 22 side of the guide members 44a and 44b. . The side surface of the inner slide member 46 on the knob 22 side is flush with the side surface of the outer slide member 44 on the knob 22 side.

  Further, a gap dx is formed between the outer surface on the arrow X side of the inner slide member 46 and the inner surface on the arrow X side of the slide member housing portion 43. In the gap dx, a compression coil spring 47 is interposed between the side surface on the arrow X side of the inner slide member 46 and the inner side surface on the arrow X side of the slide member accommodating portion 43. The inner slide member 46 is always urged to the left (opposite to the slide operation direction indicated by the arrow X) by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47. The leftward displacement of the inner slide member 46 is restricted by the left outer surface of the inner slide member 46 coming into contact with the left inner surface of the outer slide member 44. Therefore, when a force in the arrow X direction acts on the inner slide member 46, the inner slide member 46 is displaced in the arrow X direction against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47. At this time, the side surface of the inner slide member 46 opposite to the knob 22 of the protrusions 46a and 46b slides and is guided by the side surface of the outer slide member 44 on the knob 22 side of the guide members 44a and 44b.

  Further, the inner slide member 46 is formed with a circular insertion hole 46c through which the shaft member 31 can be inserted, and a fan-shaped escape hole 46d communicates with the inner side of the insertion hole 46c on the arrow X side. Is formed. The above-described locking projection 41b is inserted into the escape hole 46d from the opposite side to the knob 22, and the locking projection 41b is the base end portion of both end portions 42a and 42b of the torsion coil spring 42 as described above. Is intervening. Further, on the side surface of the inner slide member 46 on the knob 22 side, a rectangular parallelepiped spring receiving projection 48 is provided at the center of the side edge portion on the opposite side to the insertion hole 46c of the escape hole 46d. The spring receiving projection 48 is interposed between the tip portions of both end portions 42 a and 42 b of the torsion coil spring 42.

  In a normal time when the knob 22 is not rotated, the locking protrusion 41b is held at the center of the escape hole 46d as shown by a solid line in FIG. As the knob 22 rotates, the locking protrusion 41b is in the same position as the upper position where it engages with the left rotation side inner surface of the escape hole 46d, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Displacement between the lower position engaged with the inner surface of the right rotation side. That is, when the knob 22 is rotated from the neutral position “N” to the retracted position “R”, the locking projection 41b resists the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42 and is shown by a solid line in FIG. The center position is shifted to a lower position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. When the knob 22 is rotationally operated from the neutral position “N” to the forward movement position “R”, the locking protrusion 41b resists the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42, and the center shown by the solid line in FIG. The position is displaced from the position to the upper position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. When the rotational operation force on the knob 22 is released, the locking projection 41b returns to the center position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6A due to the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42. Along with this, the rotational operation position of the knob 22 also returns to the neutral position.

  Further, when the shaft member 31 is displaced in the arrow X direction through the sliding operation of the knob 22 in the arrow X direction, the inner slide member 46 is displaced in the arrow X direction against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47. To do. At this time, the outer slide member 44 is not displaced in the arrow X direction. As described above, the displacement of the outer slide member 44 in the direction of the arrow X is restricted when the outer surface on the right side of the outer slide member 44 contacts the inner surface on the right side of the slide member housing portion 43. Because. When the operating force of the knob 22 in the arrow X direction is released, the inner slide member 46 is displaced in the direction opposite to the arrow X by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47, and the left outer surface of the inner slide member 46 is moved. Returns to the original position in contact with the left inner surface of the outer slide member 44.

  Further, when the shaft member 31 is displaced in the arrow Y direction through the sliding operation of the knob 22 in the arrow Y direction, the inner slide member 46 and the outer slide member 44 resist the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45. Displacement integrally in the direction of arrow Y. When the operating force of the knob 22 in the arrow Y direction is released, the inner slide member 46 and the outer slide member 44 are integrally displaced in the direction opposite to the arrow Y by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45, and the outer slide The upper side surface of the member 44 returns to the original position where it abuts against the inner top surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43.

  Thus, the return mechanism 40 functions as a rotation return means that returns the knob 22 to the original position in the rotation operation direction when the operation force in the rotation operation direction on the knob 22 is released. The return mechanism 40 functions as a slide return means for returning the knob 22 to the original position in the slide operation direction when the operation force in the slide operation direction indicated by the arrows X and Y with respect to the knob 22 is released. . The shaft member 31 is pressed in the horizontal direction inside the insertion hole 32 by pressing the left outer surface of the inner slide member 46 against the left inner surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47. Positioning is done. The shaft member 31 is positioned in the vertical direction inside the insertion hole 32 by pressing the upper outer surface of the outer slide member 44 against the inner top surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45. Is made. In this way, the shaft member 31 is held in the insertion hole 32.

<Slide control means>
Further, the shaft member 31 is an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the one rotation operation position only when the knob 22 is rotated to any one of the plurality of rotation operation positions described above. As a slide restricting means that allows the slide operation of the knob 22 to the side, the following configuration is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the same number (four in this case) of fitting operations as the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 at a position closer to the knob 22 than the engaging member 41. Recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, and 51b are formed. In FIG. 5, only three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, and 51d are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the four fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, and 51b are provided with the reverse position “R”, the neutral position “N”, the forward position “D”, and the manual operation, which are the rotational operation positions of the knob 22 described above. It is formed corresponding to the operation position “B”.

  The fitting recess 51n corresponding to the neutral position “N” is located on the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction of the shaft member 31 when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction, and is indicated by the arrow X. In the horizontal direction in FIG. 7 (right side portion in FIG. 7). The fitting recess 51r corresponding to the reverse movement position “R” is located on the central axis Or that forms a predetermined angle θ1 in the counterclockwise rotation direction of the shaft member 31 when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction. Is provided adjacent to the fitting recess 51n. The fitting recess 51d corresponding to the forward movement position “D” is located on the central axis Od that forms a predetermined angle θ2 in the clockwise rotation direction of the shaft member 31 with respect to the central axis On when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction. Is provided adjacent to the fitting recess 51n. The fitting recess 51b corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is provided adjacent to the fitting recess 51d on the central axis Op perpendicular to the central axis On when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction. ing.

  On the other hand, when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32, the slide operation in the horizontal direction of the knob 22 indicated by the arrow X in FIG. A first fitting protrusion 52a that fits into the three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, and 51d is formed on the side portion (the right inner portion in FIG. 7). Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32, when the shaft member 31 is viewed from its axial direction, the slide operation in the vertical direction of the knob 22 indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. A second fitting protrusion 52b that fits into the fitting recess 51b is formed on the side portion (lower inner portion in FIG. 7).

  Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32, first and second protrusions 53 a and 53 b are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction at a portion corresponding to the central portion in the axial direction of the shaft member 31. Yes. The first and second protrusions 53 a and 53 b are formed with a predetermined length in the axial direction of the shaft member 31. When the insertion hole 32 is viewed from the axial direction, the first protrusion 53a is on the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 and is indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 22 is formed at a portion opposite to the slide operation direction in the horizontal direction. Similarly, the second protrusion 53b is on the central axis Op extending in the vertical direction on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 and opposite to the sliding operation direction in the vertical direction of the knob 22 indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. It is formed in the part of.

  Here, the upper surface of the outer slide member 44 is in contact with the inner top surface of the slide member housing portion 43, and the left side surface of the inner slide member 46 is in contact with the left inner surface of the slide member housing portion 43, as shown in FIG. In a normal state, the tip portions of the first and second protrusions 53a and 53b described above are slidably in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. The protrusion height of the first and second fitting protrusions 52a and 52b from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 is such that the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is the first and second protrusions 53a and 53b. It is set smaller than the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 in a state where the front end of the shaft member 31 is in contact.

  Therefore, when the rotation of the knob 22 rotates any one of the three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d described above to a position facing the first fitting protrusion 52a, the shaft member 31 is A slide operation can be performed in the direction (right side in FIG. 7) indicated by the arrow X along the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction. That is, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow X direction in a state where any one of the three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d faces the first fitting protrusion 52a, the shaft member 31 is moved. Is displaced in the direction of arrow X against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47 constituting the return mechanism 40 described above. At this time, the first fitting protrusion 52a is fitted into any one of the three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, thereby allowing the shaft member 31 to be displaced to the right. When none of the three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d corresponds to the first fitting protrusion 52a, the tip of the first fitting protrusion 52a abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. Thus, the displacement of the shaft member 31 in the arrow X direction is restricted. When the sliding operation force in the arrow X direction with respect to the knob 22 is released, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 has the first protrusion 53a by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47 constituting the return mechanism 40. It returns to the original position in the horizontal direction that is in contact with the tip of the head.

  Further, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction in a state where the fitting recess 51n corresponding to the neutral position “N” faces the first fitting protrusion 52a, the shaft member 31 moves to the return mechanism. 40 is displaced in the direction of the arrow Y against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45 constituting 40. At this time, when the second fitting protrusion 52b is fitted into the fitting recess 51d, displacement of the shaft member 31 in the arrow Y direction is allowed. When the shaft member 31 is displaced in the arrow Y direction in a state in which the fitting recess 51b corresponding to the manual operation position “B” does not correspond to the second fitting projection 52b, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is When the tip of the second fitting protrusion 52b comes into contact, the displacement of the shaft member 31 in the arrow Y direction is restricted. When the sliding operation force in the direction of the arrow Y with respect to the knob 22 is released, the shaft member 31 is elastically applied by the compression coil spring 45 constituting the return mechanism 40, so that the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is the second protrusion 53b. It returns to the original position in the vertical direction that comes into contact with the tip of the head.

  In a normal time when the knob 22 is not operated, the indicator 22n corresponding to the neutral position “N” is held at a position corresponding to the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction. At this time, the shaft member 31 has a fitting recess 51n corresponding to the neutral position “N” as the first fitting protrusion 52a, and a fitting recess 51b corresponding to the manual operation position “B” as the second fitting. It is held in a neutral state facing the protrusion 52b. In this neutral state, when the shaft member 31 is rotated rightward by a predetermined angle θ1 through the clockwise rotation operation of the knob 22, the fitting recess 51r corresponding to the reverse movement position “R” becomes the first fitting protrusion. It faces the part 52a. Further, in the neutral state described above, when the shaft member 31 is rotated leftward by a predetermined angle θ2, the fitting recess 51d corresponding to the forward movement position “D” faces the first fitting protrusion 52a.

  Thus, only when the knob 22 is rotated to any one of the plurality of rotation operation positions “R”, “N”, and “D”, the sliding operation of the knob 22 in the arrow X direction is performed. When the knob 22 is rotated to the rotation operation position “N”, a sliding operation in the arrow Y direction is also permitted.

<Stopper means>
Here, on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, the first contact wall 54a is provided at the opening edge on the left rotation side of the fitting recess 51r, and the opening edge on the right rotation side of the fitting recess 51d is provided at the opening edge. Two abutting walls 54 b are projected in the radial direction of the shaft member 31. The side surface of the first contact wall 54a on the fitting recess 51r side is flush with the inner surface of the fitting recess 51r. The side surface of the second contact wall 54b on the fitting recess 51d side is flush with the inner surface of the fitting recess 51d. The protrusion height of the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is such that the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is at the tip of the first and second protrusions 53a and 53b described above. The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and the front end surfaces of the first and second fitting protrusions 52a and 52b in the contacted state is set to be larger.

  Accordingly, the rotation of the shaft member 31 in the right direction is restricted by the side surface of the first contact wall 54a on the side of the fitting recess 51r coming into contact with the first fitting protrusion 52a. Further, the leftward rotation of the shaft member 31 is restricted by the side surface of the second contact wall 54b on the fitting recess 51d side coming into contact with the first fitting protrusion 52a. That is, the shaft member 31 has a position where the first abutment wall 54a abuts on the first fitting protrusion 52a, and a position where the second abutment wall 54b abuts on the first fitting protrusion 52a. It is possible to rotate between. Thus, the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b function as stopper means for restricting the rotational operation range of the shaft member 31, and thus the knob 22, to a predetermined rotational angle range.

  When the first abutment wall 54a is in a position where it abuts on the first fitting projection 52a, the locking projection 41b of the engagement member 41 described above is shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. As shown, the inner slide member 46 is in an upper position that engages with the inner surface of the escape hole 46d on the left rotation side. When the second abutment wall 54b is in a position where it abuts on the first fitting projection 52a, the locking projection 41b of the engagement member 41 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Thus, it exists in the downward position engaged with the inner surface of the right rotation side. As described above, the locking projection 41b of the engaging member 41 cooperates with the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b described above to define the rotational operation range of the shaft member 31 and eventually the knob 22. It also functions as stopper means for restricting the rotation angle range.

<Rotation restricting means>
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, the first and second portions are located further on the knob 22 side than the portion where the fitting recesses 51 r, 51 n, 51 d, 51 b are formed. Engaging recesses 61 and 62 are formed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first engagement recess 61 is located above the center axis On extending in the arrow X direction and in the arrow Y direction when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction. It is provided on the right side of the central axis Op extending to the right. The inner bottom surface of the first engaging recess 61 is a locking surface 61a that is parallel to the central axis On. The inner surface of the first engagement recess 61 opposite to the arrow X is a vertical surface 61b that is parallel to the central axis Op.

  Further, the second engaging recess 62 is located above the central axis On extending in the arrow X direction and on the left side from the central axis Op extending in the arrow Y direction when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction. Is provided. The inner bottom surface of the second engaging recess 62 is a locking surface 62a that is parallel to the central axis On. The inner surface of the second engagement recess 62 on the arrow X side is a curved surface 62b that curves toward the arrow X side toward the top and extends to the first engagement recess 61 described above. The curved surface 62 b is a circular arc surface that is centered on the rotation axis O of the shaft member 31, that is, the knob 22 and has a smaller diameter than the shaft member 31.

  Further, when the shaft member 31 is viewed from the axial direction, two concave portions 63a and 63b are formed symmetrically with the central axis Op interposed between the concave portions 63a and 63b below the central axis On. A wall 64 is formed. The two locking surfaces 61a and 62a described above are on the same virtual plane.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped locking member accommodating portion 65 is inserted into the insertion hole in the portion corresponding to the first and second engaging recesses 61 and 62 of the shaft member 31 inside the housing 21. 32 is formed in communication. In this locking member accommodating portion 65, a rectangular frame-shaped locking member 66 is accommodated so as to be slidable in the arrow Y direction with the shaft member 31 inserted therethrough. That is, a gap dx1 is formed between the side surface opposite to the arrow X of the locking member 66 and the inner side surface on the left side of the locking member housing portion 65, and the side surface on the arrow X side and the right side of the locking member housing portion 65 are the same. A gap dx2 is formed between the inner surface and the inner surface. Further, the upper surface of the locking member 66 is in close contact with the inner top surface of the locking member accommodating portion 65 and the lower surface is also in close contact with the inner bottom surface of the locking member accommodating portion 65 so as to be slidable in the arrow X direction. . In the locking member 66, two side surfaces positioned on opposite sides in the axial direction of the shaft member 31 slide on two inner side surfaces facing each other in the axial direction of the shaft member 31 in the locking member accommodating portion 65. Guided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the locking member 66 is viewed from the axial direction of the shaft member 31, on the inner surface of the rectangular frame shape of the locking member 66, the upper right inner corner has a quadrangular first engagement. The stopper piece 67 is also formed with a square-shaped second locking piece 68 at the upper left inner corner. The lower surfaces (side surfaces on the arrow Y side) of the first and second locking pieces 67 and 68 are connected to the locking surfaces 61a and 62a of the first and second engaging recesses 61 and 62 formed on the shaft member 31, respectively. Be on the same virtual plane.

  Therefore, when a force in the direction opposite to the arrow X acts on the locking member 66, the locking member 66 is displaced to the side opposite to the arrow X. The displacement of the locking member 66 in the direction opposite to the arrow X is allowed when the first locking piece 67 enters the first engaging recess 61. At this time, the lower surface of the first locking piece 67 slides on the locking surface 61 a that is the inner bottom surface of the first engaging recess 61. At this time, the inner bottom surface of the first engaging recess 61 is locked to the lower surface of the first locking piece 67, whereby the shaft member 31 rotates counterclockwise, and in the direction indicated by the indicator 23b of the knob 22. Rotation operation is restricted.

  When a force in the arrow X direction is applied to the locking member 66, the locking member 66 is displaced to the arrow X side. The displacement of the locking member 66 in the direction of the arrow X is allowed when the second locking piece 68 enters the second engaging recess 62. At this time, the lower surface of the second locking piece 68 slides on the locking surface 62 a that is the inner bottom surface of the second engaging recess 62. Further, at this time, the inner bottom surface of the second engaging recess 62 is locked to the lower surface of the second locking piece 68, whereby the shaft member 31 rotates clockwise, and in the direction indicated by the indicator 23a of the knob 22. Rotation operation is restricted.

  Further, on the inner bottom surface of the locking member 66, a notch 69 extending in the arrow Y direction is formed at a portion near the lower left inner corner. The width of the notch 69 in the arrow X direction is set to be slightly larger than the width of the locking wall 64 of the shaft member 31 described above in the arrow X direction. For this reason, when the shaft member 31 is displaced in the arrow Y direction in a state where the locking member 66 is displaced in the arrow X direction and the notch 69 corresponds to the locking wall 64, the locking wall 64 of the shaft member 31 is displaced. Enters the notch 69. Thereby, the displacement of the shaft member 31 in the arrow Y direction is allowed.

  Further, an engagement hole 70 is formed in the right outer surface of the locking member 66 so as to open to the arrow X side. The engagement hole 70 is formed by opening the alphabet “T” 90 ° to the left from an opening hole 70a that opens to the arrow X side of the locking member 66 and an engagement hole 70b that communicates with the opening hole 70a and extends in the vertical direction. The shape is only rotated.

<Solenoid mechanism>
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a solenoid accommodating portion 71 is formed in a portion corresponding to the engaging member accommodating portion 65 in the housing 21 so as to communicate with the engaging member accommodating portion 65. The solenoid housing portion 71 houses a solenoid mechanism 72 that slides the locking member 66 in the arrow X direction. The solenoid mechanism 72 includes an exciting coil 73 accommodated in the solenoid accommodating portion 71 and a plunger 74 whose amount of protrusion in the arrow X direction with respect to the exciting coil 73 changes based on the exciting state of the exciting coil 73.

  The front surface of the plunger 74 is formed with two planes 74a and 74b opposite to each other in the direction of the arrow Y, and the engagement pin 75 penetrates vertically so as to be orthogonal to the planes 74a and 74b. It is fixed. The plunger 74 protrudes into the locking member accommodating portion 65. The distal end portion of the plunger 74 is inserted into the engagement hole 70b through the opening hole 70a, and the distal end surface of the plunger 74 is in contact with the inner surface on the left side (opposite to the arrow X) of the engagement hole 70b. It is kept. The engagement pin 75 is held inside the engagement hole 70b and can be engaged with the inner surface on the right side (arrow X side) of the engagement hole 70b.

  In the present embodiment, the plunger 74 is displaced between three positions: an intermediate position shown in FIG. 8, a protruding position shown in FIG. 9, and a retracted position shown in FIG. The plunger 74 is held at the intermediate position shown in FIG. 8 when the exciting coil 73 is not energized. At this time, since the shaft member 31 is not engaged with any part of the inner surface of the locking member 66, the rotation of the shaft member 31 is allowed. That is, the locking member 66 is held at a rotation allowable position (rotation allowable state) that allows the shaft member 31 and thus the knob 22 to rotate.

  Further, when an exciting current having a positive polarity is supplied to the exciting coil 73, the plunger 74 is displaced in the direction opposite to the arrow X direction and reaches the protruding position shown in FIG. 9 from the intermediate position. At this time, when the inner surface on the left side of the engagement hole 70 b is pressed in the direction opposite to the arrow X direction by the distal end surface of the plunger 74, the locking member 66 slides in the direction opposite to the arrow X direction together with the plunger 74. As shown in FIG. 9, when the plunger 74 reaches the protruding position, the first locking piece 67 of the locking member 66 is located inside the first engagement recess 61 of the shaft member 31. Is kept in the state of entering. Then, when the inner bottom surface of the first engaging recess 61 is locked to the lower surface of the first locking piece 67, the shaft member 31 is rotated counterclockwise, and further rotated in the direction indicated by the indicator 23b of the knob 22. Is regulated. That is, the rotation operation of the knob 22 to the drive position “D” is restricted.

  As described above, when the exciting coil 73 is energized with a positive polarity, the locking member 66 regulates the left rotation operation of the shaft member 31 and thus the knob 22 from the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. To the left rotation restriction position (rotation restriction state) shown in FIG. Thereby, the rotation operation position of the knob 22 is held. Further, when the locking member 66 is in the left rotation restricting position shown in FIG. 9, the notch 69 does not correspond to the locking wall 64 of the shaft member 31. For this reason, when the front end surface of the locking wall 64 contacts the lower inner surface of the locking member 66, the displacement of the shaft member 31 in the arrow Y direction is restricted.

  Further, when an exciting current having a negative polarity is supplied to the exciting coil 73, the plunger 74 is displaced in the arrow X direction and reaches the retracted position shown in FIG. 10 from the intermediate position. At this time, the engaging pin 75 engages with the inner surface on the right side of the engaging hole 70 b, so that the locking member 66 slides in the arrow X direction together with the plunger 74. As shown in FIG. 10, when the plunger 74 reaches the retracted position, the second locking piece 68 of the locking member 66 is inside the second engaging recess 62 of the shaft member 31. Is kept in the state of entering. Then, when the inner bottom surface of the second engaging recess 62 is locked to the lower surface of the second locking piece 68, the shaft member 31 is rotated to the right, and further rotated in the direction indicated by the indicator 23a of the knob 22. Is regulated. That is, the rotation operation to the reverse position “R” of the knob 22 is restricted.

  As described above, when the exciting coil 73 is energized with a negative polarity, the locking member 66 regulates the right rotation operation of the shaft member 31 and thus the knob 22 from the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. To the right rotation restriction position (rotation restriction state) shown in FIG. Thereby, the rotation operation position of the knob 22 is held. When the locking member 66 is in the right rotation restricting position shown in FIG. 10, the notch 69 corresponds to be able to enter relative to the locking wall 64 of the shaft member 31. Displacement in the arrow Y direction is allowed.

<Detection means>
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, the portion around the engagement recesses 51 r, 51 n, 51 d, 51 b and the engagement member 41 are arranged between the periphery of the shaft member 31. A long groove 81 extending in the direction is formed so as to open in the sliding operation direction indicated by the arrow X. The length of the long groove 81 in the circumferential direction of the shaft member 31 is determined based on the engagement relationship between the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b and the first fitting protrusion 52a. It is set corresponding to 31 rotation operation ranges. Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, the long groove 81 is configured such that when the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is the neutral position “N”, the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction is in the direction in which the long groove 81 extends. It is formed to pass through the center.

  A switch housing (not shown) formed inside the housing 21, more precisely, on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32, rotates the shaft member 31, and thus the knob 22, to the respective rotational operation positions. As means for detecting a slide operation in the directions of the arrows X and Y at the rotation operation position, first to third micro switches 82a, 82b, and 82c are provided. These first to third micro switches 82 a to 82 c are sized so as to be able to enter the aforementioned long groove 81.

  The first and second micro switches 82a and 82b are provided on the slide operation side of the knob 22 indicated by the arrow X, as shown in FIG. Further, the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b have two inner surfaces facing each other in the extending direction of the long groove 81 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 when the knob 22 is in the neutral position “N”. It is provided so as to correspond to the two corners 83a, 83b formed at the boundary portion. Therefore, the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b are pressed by the two corners 83a and 83b when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow X direction while being held at the neutral position “N”. Has been turned on.

  11B, when the knob 22 is rotated from the neutral position “N” to the reverse position “R”, the long groove 81 is disengaged from the first micro switch 82a, and the first 2 is held at a position corresponding to the micro switch 82b. Accordingly, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow X direction while being held at the reverse position “R”, the first micro switch 82 a is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 to be turned on. The second micro switch 82b is not pressed by entering relatively to the long groove 81, and is kept off.

  11C, when the knob 22 is rotated from the neutral position “N” to the forward position “D”, the long groove 81 corresponds to the first micro switch 82a, and The second micro switch 82b is held at a position away from the second micro switch 82b. Therefore, when the knob 22 is slid in the direction of the arrow X while being held at the forward movement position “D”, the first micro switch 82 a is not pressed by entering relatively to the long groove 81. Without being kept off. The second micro switch 82 b is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and is turned on.

  Note that the third micro switch 82c is provided on the central axis Op extending in the vertical direction and facing the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 on the slide operation side indicated by the arrow Y. As described above, the knob 22 can be slid in the direction indicated by the arrow Y only when the knob 22 is in the neutral position “N” (precisely, the locking member 66 is restricted to the right rotation shown in FIG. 10). It must also be in position.) Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction while the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”, the third micro switch 82c is pivoted. The member 31 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the member 31 to be turned on.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the shift device configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic control device 91 of the shift device 11 has four indicators 22r, 22n, 22d, 22b, 2 indicating the rotational operation positions of the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c and the knob 22. Two arrow-shaped indicators 24a and 24b and a solenoid mechanism 72 are connected. In addition, a vehicle speed sensor 92 and an automatic transmission 93 are connected to the electronic control device 91. The vehicle speed sensor 92 detects the traveling speed of the vehicle and outputs a vehicle speed signal as the detection signal.

  When the electronic control unit 91 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle has not reached the predetermined speed determination threshold based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92, the electronic control unit 91 generates an operation control signal indicating that the excitation current to the excitation coil 73 is cut off. Output to the solenoid mechanism 72. As a result, the supply of the excitation current to the excitation coil 73 is interrupted, and the locking member 66 is held at the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92, the electronic control unit 91 outputs an operation control signal indicating that an excitation current is supplied to the excitation coil 73. Output to the solenoid mechanism 72. As a result, an excitation current having a positive or negative polarity is supplied to the excitation coil 73, and the locking member 66 is held at the left rotation restriction position shown in FIG. 9 or the right rotation restriction position shown in FIG. The predetermined speed determination threshold value is set to a value in a so-called low speed range, for example, about 0 km / h to about 10 km / h. In this embodiment, the speed determination threshold is set to 10 km / h.

  The electronic control device 91 determines the rotational operation position of the knob 22 based on a combination of an on signal and an off signal that are detection signals from the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c. That is, when the ON signal is input from both the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b, the electronic control device 91 has the knob 22 in the neutral position “N” and the neutral position “N”. It is determined that a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position (gear stage) corresponding to "." Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. In this case, the electronic control unit 91 holds the locking member 66 at the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. 8 by keeping the exciting coil 73 in a non-excited state.

  Further, when the electronic control device 91 receives an ON signal from the first micro switch 82a and an OFF signal from the second micro switch 82b, the knob 22 is in the reverse position “R” and the It is determined that a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the reverse position “R”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the reverse position “R” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. Further, in this case, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the vehicle traveling speed has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold value through the vehicle speed sensor 92, the electronic control unit 91 supplies an exciting current having a positive polarity to the exciting coil 73. The stop member 66 is displaced from the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. 8 to the left rotation restricting position shown in FIG.

  Further, when the electronic control device 91 receives an OFF signal from the first micro switch 82a and an ON signal from the second micro switch 82b, the knob 22 is in the forward movement position “D” and the electronic control device 91 It is determined that a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. Further, in this case, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the vehicle traveling speed has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold value through the vehicle speed sensor 92, the electronic control unit 91 supplies an exciting current having a negative polarity to the exciting coil 73. The stop member 66 is displaced from the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. 8 to the right rotation restricting position shown in FIG.

  Further, when an ON signal is input from the third micro switch 82c, the electronic control unit 91 has the knob 22 in the neutral position “N”, that is, the manual operation position “B”, and the manual operation position. It is determined that a slide operation in the direction of arrow Y has been performed as an operation for confirming the operation of the vehicle function corresponding to “B”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 activates the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B”. In the present embodiment, the electronic control unit 91 controls a motor that constitutes a driving source for driving the vehicle so as to apply a regenerative brake.

  It should be noted that the operation of the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is detected as a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X, which is an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D”. It is a premise. In other words, the operation of the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is not performed unless the slide operation in the direction of the arrow X is performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward position “D”. Even if a slide operation in the direction of the arrow Y is performed as an operation to be confirmed, the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is not activated. In this case, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. Incidentally, a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X was performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D” in a state where the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is operating. In this case, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the neutral position “N” and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93.

  Further, the electronic control device 91 turns on the four indicators 22r, 22n, 22d, and 22b indicating the rotational operation position of the knob 22 when the vehicle is powered by operating a start switch (not shown). The electronic control device 91 controls lighting of the arrow-shaped indicators 23a and 23b indicating the rotation operation direction of the knob 22 and the arrow-shaped indicators 24a and 24b indicating the slide operation direction of the knob 22. That is, the electronic control unit 91 lights only the indicator indicating the operable direction among the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicators 24a and 24b according to the rotational operation position of the knob 22 and the state of the vehicle. Thereby, it becomes possible to appeal to the user's vision and suggest the direction in which the knob 22 can be operated.

  Specifically, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the sliding operation in the arrow X direction has been performed as an operation for confirming the switching to the shift position corresponding to the neutral position “N” of the knob 22, Lighting control as shown in 13 (a) is performed. That is, the electronic control unit 91 turns on the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicator 24a, and keeps the indicator 24b indicating the arrow Y direction of the knob 22 in the off state.

  In addition, the electronic control unit 91 indicates that a slide operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming the switch to the shift position corresponding to the reverse drive position “R” of the knob 22, and that the traveling speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed. When it is determined that the determination threshold has been reached, lighting control as shown in FIG. 13B is performed. That is, the electronic control unit 91 turns off all the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicators 24a and 24b.

  Further, the electronic control unit 91 indicates that the slide operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming the switch to the shift position corresponding to the reverse drive position “R” of the knob 22, and that the traveling speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed. When it is determined that the determination threshold has not been reached, lighting control as shown in FIG. 13C is performed. That is, the electronic control unit 91 turns on only the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction of the knob 22 and turns off the remaining indicators 23a and 23b and the indicator 24b.

  Further, the electronic control unit 91 indicates that the sliding operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming the switch to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D” of the knob 22, and the traveling speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed. When it is determined that the determination threshold has been reached, lighting control as shown in FIG. 13 (d) is performed. That is, the electronic control unit 91 turns on only the indicator 24b indicating the arrow Y direction, and turns off the remaining indicators 23a and 23b and the indicator 24a.

  Further, the electronic control unit 91 indicates that the sliding operation in the direction of the arrow X has been performed as an operation for confirming the switch to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D” of the knob 22, and the traveling speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed. When it is determined that the determination threshold value has not been reached, lighting control as shown in FIG. That is, the electronic control unit 91 turns on the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction and the indicator 24b indicating the arrow Y direction, and turns off the remaining indicators 23a and 23b.

  As described above, when the operation force in the rotation operation direction and the slide operation direction is released, the knob 22 is caused by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42 and the compression coil springs 45 and 47 constituting the return mechanism 40. Then, it is elastically returned to the original position in the rotation operation direction and the slide operation direction. For this reason, in FIGS. 13A to 13E, all the rotational operation positions of the knob 22 are shown in a state of being held at the neutral position “N”.

<Operation of the embodiment>
Next, the operation of the shift device 11 configured as described above will be described. Here, in the parked vehicle, the driving source for traveling is in a stopped state, and the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 is held at the parking position. In this parking state, the shift device 11 is held in the following state as its initial state. That is, the rotation operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”. Further, the supply of the excitation current to the solenoid mechanism 72 is cut off, and the locking member 66 is held at the rotation allowable position shown in FIG.

<Drive source start>
Now, when a parked vehicle is driven, the user first operates a start switch (not shown) to start a driving source for driving the vehicle in a state where the brake pedal is depressed. When the power of the vehicle is turned on, the electronic control unit 91 turns on the four indicators 22r, 22n, 22d, and 22b that indicate the rotational operation positions of the knob 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, the electronic control device 91 lights two indicators 23 a and 23 b indicating the rotation operation direction of the knob 22 and an indicator 24 a indicating the slide operation direction of the knob 22. Here, since the locking member 66 is in the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. 8 and the sliding operation to the lower side of the knob 22 is restricted, the electronic control unit 91 keeps the indicator 24b in the extinguished state. Then, the user switches the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 to a desired shift position through the operation of the knob 22.

<Backward>
Here, the case where the vehicle is moved backward will be described first. In this case, the user rotates the knob 22 from the neutral position “N” to the reverse position “R”. Thus, the fitting recess 51r of the shaft member 31 faces the first fitting projection 52a on the housing 21 side, and the shaft member 31 can be displaced toward the first fitting projection 52a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the long groove 81 of the shaft member 31 is removed from the first micro switch 82a and held at a position corresponding to the second micro switch 82b.

  When the knob 22 is slid to the side indicated by the indicator 24a to confirm the switching to the shift position (gear stage) of the automatic transmission 93 corresponding to the reverse drive position “R”, this is the first. Detected by the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b. That is, the first micro switch 82a is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 to turn on and outputs an on signal. The second micro switch 82b is not pressed by entering relatively with respect to the long groove 81, and is kept off and outputs an off signal.

  When an ON signal is input from the first micro switch 82a and an OFF signal is input from the second micro switch 82b, the electronic control unit 91 switches the knob 22 to the reverse position “R” and performs the reverse operation. It is determined that a side slide operation indicated by the indicator 24a has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the position “R”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the reverse position “R” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93.

  Thereafter, the user can reverse the vehicle by releasing the parking brake through an operation of a parking brake switch (not shown) and depressing an accelerator pedal (not shown).

  When the operation force on the knob 22 is released after the knob 22 is slid to the side indicated by the indicator 24a while the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the reverse drive position “R”, the shaft member 31 is Due to the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47 constituting the return mechanism 40, it is displaced in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the indicator 24a and returns to the original position in the slide operation direction. Further, the shaft member 31 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the indicator 23a by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42 and returns to the original position in the rotational operation direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the shaft member 31 has the first and second protrusions 53 a and 53 b with the tips abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and the fitting recess 51 r having the first fitting. It is held at a position corresponding to the mating protrusion 52a. Accordingly, the knob 22 is displaced in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the indicator 24a, and returns to the original position in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction indicated by solid lines in FIG. While the vehicle is moving backward, the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”.

  While the vehicle is moving backward, the electronic control unit 91 recognizes the traveling speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92, and determines that the speed has not reached the predetermined speed determination threshold value. The supply of the excitation current to 73 is kept in the cut-off state, and the locking member 66 is kept in the rotation allowable state shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 13C, the electronic control unit 91 lights only the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction. The user can visually recognize that the knob 22 can be operated only in the direction indicated by the indicator 24a.

  When the electronic control unit 91 recognizes the traveling speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92 and determines that the speed has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold, the electronic control unit 91 applies a positive value to the excitation coil 73. An operation control signal is output to the solenoid mechanism 72 so as to supply an exciting current having polarity. Then, the plunger 74 of the solenoid mechanism 72 is displaced from the intermediate position shown in FIG. 8 to the protruding position shown in FIG. 9, and the locking member 66 has a first locking piece 67 of the first shaft member 31. Displacement to a left rotation restriction position (first rotation restriction position) that engages with the engagement recess 61. As a result, the left rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the left rotation operation of the knob 22 is restricted. This restricts the rotational operation position of the knob 22 from being switched from the neutral position “N” to the forward movement position “D” while the vehicle is moving backward, thereby suppressing a speed change operation unintended by the user.

  Further, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle has reached the predetermined speed determination threshold, as shown in FIG. 13B, the electronic control unit 91 sets the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicators 24a and 24b. Turn off everything. The user can visually recognize that the knob 22 cannot be operated in any direction indicated by these indicators. For this reason, it is suppressed that the knob 22 is operated wastefully while the vehicle is moving backward.

  When the brake pedal is depressed and the vehicle is stopped, more precisely, when the traveling speed of the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed determination threshold, the electronic control unit 91 determines the excitation current to the excitation coil 73. An operation control signal is output to the solenoid mechanism 72 to cut off the supply. Then, the plunger 74 of the solenoid mechanism 72 is displaced from the protruding position shown in FIG. 9 to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 8, and the locking member 66 rotates from the left rotation restricting position shown in FIG. 9 to the rotation shown in FIG. Displace to the allowable position (unlock position). As a result, rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, rotation of the knob 22 is allowed. Thereafter, the user stops the drive source of the vehicle and gets off the vehicle, or switches the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 through operation of the knob 22 and runs the vehicle again.

<When moving forward>
Next, a case where the vehicle is moved forward after the above-described vehicle reverses will be described. In this case, the user rotates the knob 22 from the neutral position “N” to the forward movement position “D”. Thereby, the fitting recess 51d of the shaft member 31 faces the first fitting projection 52a on the housing 21 side, and the shaft member 31 can be displaced toward the first fitting projection 52a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11C, the long groove 81 of the shaft member 31 is held at a position corresponding to the first micro switch 82a and out of the second micro switch 82b.

  When the knob 22 is slid to the side indicated by the indicator 24a to confirm the switching to the shift position (gear stage) of the automatic transmission 93 corresponding to the forward movement position “D”, this is the first. Detected by the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b. That is, the first micro switch 82a is not pressed by entering relatively with respect to the long groove 81, and is maintained in an off state and outputs an off signal. The second micro switch 82 b is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 to turn on and outputs an on signal.

  When the electronic control device 91 receives an OFF signal from the first micro switch 82a and an ON signal from the second micro switch 82b, the knob 22 is switched to the forward movement position “D” and the forward movement is performed. It is determined that a side slide operation indicated by the indicator 24a has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the position “D”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. Thereafter, the user can release the parking brake through the operation of the parking brake switch and advance the vehicle by depressing the accelerator pedal.

  When the operating force on the knob 22 is released, the knob 22 returns to the original position in the horizontal and vertical directions indicated by the solid lines in FIG. Further, while the vehicle is moving forward, the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”.

  While the vehicle is moving forward, the electronic control unit 91 recognizes the traveling speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92 and determines that the speed has not reached the predetermined speed determination threshold value. The supply of the excitation current to 73 is kept in the cut-off state, and the locking member 66 is kept in the rotation allowable state shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 13E, the electronic control device 91 lights only the indicator 24a indicating the arrow X direction and the indicator 24b indicating the arrow Y direction. The user can visually recognize that the knob 22 can be operated only in the direction indicated by the indicators 24a and 24b.

  When the electronic control unit 91 recognizes the traveling speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 92 and determines that the speed has reached the predetermined speed determination threshold value, the electronic control unit 91 applies a negative value to the excitation coil 73. An operation control signal is output to the solenoid mechanism 72 so as to supply an exciting current having polarity. Then, the plunger 74 of the solenoid mechanism 72 is displaced from the intermediate position shown in FIG. 8 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 10, and the locking member 66 has a second locking piece 68 of the second shaft member 31. Displacement to the right rotation restriction position (second rotation restriction position) that engages with the engagement recess 62. As a result, the right rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the right rotation operation of the knob 22 is restricted. This restricts the rotational operation position of the knob 22 from being switched from the neutral position “N” to the reverse position “R” while the vehicle is moving forward, thereby suppressing a shift operation unintended by the user. At this time, since the locking wall 64 of the shaft member 31 corresponds to the notch 69 of the locking member 66, only the downward displacement of the shaft member 31, and thus the knob 22, is allowed. As shown in FIG. 13D, the electronic control unit 91 turns off the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicator 24a and turns on only the indicator 24b. The user can visually recognize that the knob 22 can be operated only in the direction indicated by the indicator 24b. For this reason, it is suppressed that the knob 22 is operated wastefully while the vehicle is moving backward.

  When the knob 22 is slid to the side indicated by the indicator 24b while the vehicle is moving forward, the third micro switch 82c is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and is turned on. Is output. When the operating force on the knob 22 is released, the knob 22 returns to the original position in the vertical direction indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 45 that constitutes the return mechanism 40. The rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”.

  When an ON signal is input from the third micro switch 82c, the electronic control device 91 is the side indicated by the indicator 24b as an operation for the knob 22 to confirm execution of the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B”. It is determined that a slide operation toward the user has been performed. Note that, as described above, the determination is performed by the third micro switch 82c after the slide operation in the arrow X direction is performed as an operation for confirming the switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D”. It is assumed that a signal has been input. In the present embodiment, as a function corresponding to the manual operation position “B”, a switch function for operating a regenerative brake by a power generation operation of a motor that constitutes a driving source for traveling of the vehicle is assigned. For this reason, the regenerative brake is applied by the side sliding operation indicated by the indicator 24b of the knob 22.

  When the vehicle is stopped due to the operation of depressing the brake pedal, if the vehicle traveling speed falls below a predetermined speed determination threshold, the electronic control unit 91 detects the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 92. Based on the signal, the supply of the excitation current to the solenoid mechanism 72 is cut off. As a result, the locking member 66 is displaced from the right rotation restricting position shown in FIG. 10 to the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. By allowing the knob 22 to be rotated, the user can switch the knob 22 to an arbitrary rotation position.

<Neutral state>
Next, the case where the automatic transmission 93 is set to the neutral state will be described. This shifting operation, that is, the sliding operation in the direction of the arrow X in the state where the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”, as described above, is performed when the drive source of the vehicle is started in the parking state. In addition, it is permitted when the traveling speed falls below a predetermined speed determination threshold value when the vehicle is moving backward and forward.

  At this time, the locking member 66 is held at the rotation allowable position shown in FIG. The fitting recess 51n of the shaft member 31 faces the first fitting projection 52a on the housing 21 side, and displacement of the shaft member 31 toward the first fitting projection 52a is allowed. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, the long groove 81 of the shaft member 31 is held at a position deviated from both the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b. In other words, the first and second micro switches 82 a and 82 b have two corners 83 a and 83 b formed at the boundary between the two inner side surfaces facing each other in the extending direction of the long groove 81 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. Corresponding to.

  In this state, when the knob 22 is slid to the side indicated by the indicator 24a to confirm the switching to the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 corresponding to the neutral position “N”, this is the first and It is detected by the second microswitches 82a and 82b. That is, the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b are turned on by being pressed by the two corners 83a and 83b described above, and output an on signal.

  When the ON signal is input from both the first and second micro switches 82a and 82b, the electronic control device 91 is in a state where the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N” and the neutral position “ It is determined that a side slide operation indicated by the indicator 24a has been performed as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to “N”. Then, the electronic control unit 91 generates a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 and outputs it to the automatic transmission 93. As a result, the automatic transmission 93 enters a state in which the power transmission of the driving source for driving the vehicle is cut off.

  When the operation force on the knob 22 is released, the knob 22 is shown by a solid line in FIG. Return to the original horizontal position shown. In addition, the indicators 23a and 23b and the indicator 24a are kept in a lighting state, and the indicator 24b is kept in a light-off state.

<Effect of Embodiment>
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Three fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d corresponding to the rotational operation position of the knob 22 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. A first fitting protrusion 52a that fits into each of the fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 of the housing 21. When the knob 22 is rotated to each rotation operation position, each fitting recess 51r, 51n, 51d is made to face the first fitting protrusion 52a. For this reason, only when a rotation operation is performed to any one of a plurality of rotation operation positions set corresponding to the shift position of the automatic transmission through the operation of the knob 22, a shift corresponding to the one rotation operation position is performed. A sliding operation to the side of the knob 22 is allowed as an operation for confirming the switching to the position. That is, when switching the shift position of the automatic transmission 93, operations in two different directions, that is, the rotation operation of the knob 22 and the slide operation to the side, are necessary. The erroneous operation of the device 11 can be suitably suppressed.

  (2) Further, as described above, the knobs 51a, 51n, 51d of the shaft member 31 and the first fitting protrusions 52a provided on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32 have a corresponding relationship. 22 slide operations were restricted. For this reason, the shaft member 31 is provided with a fitting recess 51r, 51n, 51d corresponding to each rotational operation position of the knob 22, and the insertion hole 32 is provided with a first fitting protrusion 52a. The sliding operation of the knob 22 can be suitably controlled.

  (3) The knob 22 is engaged with the first and second engaging recesses 61 and 62 as a part of the shaft member 31, and the knob 22 in the one rotation operation position is rotated to another rotation operation position. A locking member 66 is provided as a rotation regulating means for regulating. Since the rotation operation of the knob 22 is mechanically restricted by the locking member 66, an unintended shift operation can be more reliably suppressed. Here, a situation where the restriction of the rotation of the shaft member 31 is not suitably performed due to a malfunction of the solenoid mechanism 72 employed as a driving unit that displaces the locking member 66 is assumed. However, as described above, when the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 is switched, operations in two different directions, that is, the rotation operation of the knob 22 and the slide operation to the side are necessary. Can be suppressed.

  (4) Further, a solenoid mechanism 72 is employed as a driving means for displacing the locking member 66. Then, based on the excitation state of the excitation coil 73 of the solenoid mechanism 72, the locking member 66 permits the same rotation as the rotation restriction position (right rotation restriction position and left rotation restriction position) that restricts the rotation of the shaft member 31. It was made to displace between the rotation permissible positions. For this reason, the forward / reverse rotation of the shaft member 31 is preferably restricted, so that a shifting operation unintended by the user can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, since the electronic control device 91 only needs to control on and off of the energization to the exciting coil 73, complicated control is not required when the rotation of the knob 22 is restricted. That is, the rotation of the knob 22 can be suitably restricted by simple control. An increase in calculation load of the electronic control device 91 is also suppressed.

  (5) The locking member 66 is held in a state where the shaft member 31 is inserted. When the locking member 66 is in the rotation restricting position, the first and second locking pieces 67 and 68 that are part of the inner peripheral surface of the locking member 66 are part of the shaft member 31. By engaging with certain first and second engaging recesses 61, 62, the rotation of the shaft member 31 is restricted. Thus, since the locking member 66 is formed by inserting the shaft member 31, unlike the case where the locking member 66 is engaged from the outside of the shaft member 31, the locking member 66 in the radial direction of the shaft member 31. Increase in size is suppressed.

  (6) As the rotational operation position of the knob 22, the forward position “D”, the neutral position “N” and the reverse position “R” corresponding to each shift position of the automatic transmission 93, and the identification performed during forward traveling of the vehicle The manual operation position “B” corresponding to the above function is set, and the neutral position “N” is set as the original position in the rotational operation direction of the knob 22. A fitting recess 51 b corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, and a second fitting is fitted on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 32. The protrusion 52b was provided. Further, only when the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”, the fitting recess 51b faces the second fitting protrusion 52b.

  As described above, when the operation force applied to the knob 22 is released, the knob 22 is returned to the original position in the slide operation direction and the original position in the rotation operation direction by the return mechanism 40. Then, only when the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N” that is the original position in the rotational operation direction of the knob 22, the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is determined. Both sliding operations in the direction (arrow Y direction) are allowed. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the slide operation in the arrow Y direction for confirming the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B”. In the present embodiment, as a state in which the sliding operation in the arrow Y direction is allowed, it is necessary that the locking member 66 is held at the right rotation restriction position shown in FIG.

  (7) A long groove 81 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. In addition, as detection means for detecting the rotation operation of the knob 22 to each rotation operation position and the side slide operation at each rotation operation position, first to third elements arranged corresponding to the rotation locus of the long groove 81 are provided. The micro switches 82a, 82b, and 82c were used. Each of the first to third micro switches 82 a to 82 c has a relative position with respect to the shaft member 31 in a position corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 and a long groove 81 of the shaft member 31 according to the rotational operation position of the knob 22. Displace between corresponding positions. When the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c are located at positions corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, when the knob 22 is slid, the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c are connected to the shaft member. It is turned on by being pressed by the outer peripheral surface of 31. When the knob 22 is slid when the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c are located at positions corresponding to the long groove 81 of the shaft member 31, the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c are By entering the inside of the shaft member, it is not pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, and is held in the off state. Then, the electronic control device 91 determines whether the knob 22 is in the rotation operation position in any of the rotation operation positions based on the combination of the on signal and the off signal input from the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c. It is determined whether or not a slide operation, which is an operation for confirming the switching to the shift position corresponding to is performed. For this reason, the electronic control unit 91 does not need to perform complicated signal processing when detecting the operation position of the knob 22. Therefore, the calculation load of the electronic control device 91 is suppressed.

  (8) As a slide return means for returning the knob 22 to the original position in the slide operation direction, the following configuration is adopted. That is, the slide return means is inserted into the slide member accommodating portion 43 so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft member 31 and is displaced sideways (arrow X direction) integrally with the shaft member 31. An allowed inner slide member 46 is provided. The slide return means is disposed between the inner slide member 46 and the inner surface of the slide member accommodating portion 43 (more precisely, the inner peripheral surface of the outer slide member 44), and the inner slide member 46 serves as a shaft member. A compression coil spring 47 is provided as an urging member that constantly urges 31 in the direction opposite to the sliding direction. For this reason, the shaft member 31 and by extension the knob 22 can be easily returned to the original position in the sliding operation direction by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47. In addition, since the elastic force of the compression coil spring 47 is applied to the shaft member 31 via the inner slide member 46, a problem that the compression coil spring 47 interferes with the shaft member 31 rotating is avoided.

  (9) A torsion coil spring 42 mounted on the shaft member 31 is employed as a rotation return means for returning the knob 22 to the original position in the rotational operation direction. Further, both end portions 42a and 42b of the torsion coil spring 42 are formed so as to cross each other, and between these both end portions 42a and 42b, a locking projection 41b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, and an inner slide A spring receiving projection 48 provided on the member 46 is interposed. For this reason, the locking projection 41 b engages with one end of the torsion coil spring 42 as the shaft member 31 rotates. At this time, the rotation of the torsion coil spring 42 is restricted by the other end of the torsion coil spring 42 coming into contact with the spring receiving projection 48. Therefore, as the shaft member 31 rotates, the locking projection 41 b rotates in the same direction as the shaft member 31 in a state of being engaged with one end portion of the torsion coil spring 42. Thereby, the torsion coil spring 42 stores an elastic force in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the shaft member 31. When the rotational operation force to the knob 22 is released, the shaft member 31 returns to the original position in the rotational operation direction by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 42. Thus, the knob 22 can be returned to the original position in the rotational operation direction with a simple configuration.

  (10) In the vicinity of the knob 22 on the design surface 21 a of the housing 21, two indicators 23 a and 24 b that light and display the rotation operation direction of the knob 22, and two indicators 24 a that light and display the slide operation direction of the knob 22, 24b was provided. These indicators 23a and 24b and indicators 24a and 24b are turned on only by indicators indicating the direction in which the knob 22 can be operated depending on the rotational operation position of the knob 22 through lighting control by the electronic control unit 91. For this reason, the user can visually recognize the operable direction of the knob 22. And it can suppress operating the knob 22 wastefully in the direction shown by the indicator which is not lighted.

  (11) First and second contact walls 54a and 54b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 as stopper means for restricting the rotation operation range of the knob 22 to a predetermined rotation angle range. And in this rotation angle range, the rotation operation position of the knob 22 is set. For this reason, the operation exceeding the rotational operation range of the knob 22 can be restricted with a simple configuration. Moreover, the operability of the knob 22 is ensured by restricting the knob 22 from being turned too much.

  (12) The four fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, 51b, the solenoid mechanism 72, the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c, and the electronic control unit 91 are all shifted within the housing 21. The device 11 is a single unit, and the unit is attached to the accommodating portion 10 a of the instrument panel 10. As described above, the shift device 11 is unitized, so that assembly outside the arrangement target is possible. Then, the mounting of the shift device 11 with respect to the arrangement target is completed simply by mounting the unit assembled in advance to the installation target site (here, the accommodating portion 10a of the instrument panel 10). For this reason, when the shift device 11 is assembled, the mounting work of the shift device 11 with respect to the arrangement target is simplified, unlike the case where the components of the shift device 11 are individually assembled with the arrangement target. Note that this does not exclude that the components of the shift device 11 are individually assembled to the instrument panel 10 to be disposed during the assembly operation of the shift device 11. It is also possible to employ such an assembly method.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the rotation restricting means for restricting the rotation operation of the knob 22. Therefore, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 14, an annular plate-shaped locking member 101 is inserted in the shaft member 31 so as to be slidable and rotatable inside the locking member accommodating portion 65 of the housing 21. A restriction notch 102 extending in the circumferential direction of the locking member 101 is formed in a portion on the arrow X side on the inner peripheral surface of the locking member 101. The length of the restriction notch 102 in the circumferential direction of the locking member 101 is the engagement relationship between the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b and the first fitting protrusion 52a shown in FIG. Is set corresponding to the rotational operation range of the shaft member 31 determined based on the above. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”, the restriction notch 102 has a central axis On that extends in the horizontal direction in the direction in which the restriction notch 102 extends. It is formed to pass through the center.

  A restriction protrusion 103 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 is located inside the restriction notch 102. The restricting protrusion 103 is formed so as to be positioned on the central axis On extending in the horizontal direction when the rotational operation position of the knob 22 is held at the neutral position “N”. At this time, the rotation of the shaft member 31 accompanying the rotation operation from the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 to the reverse position “R” or from the neutral position to the forward position “D” causes the restricting protrusion 103 to move inside the restricting notch 102. It is allowed by displacing. Usually, the locking member 101 is held at a rotation allowable position that allows the shaft member 31 to rotate in accordance with the rotation operation of the knob 22.

  The locking member 101 includes a left rotation restricting position where the restricting protrusion 103 held on the central axis On engages with the inner side surface 102a on the upper side of the restricting notch 102, and the restricting protrusion 103 also has the restricting notch 102. It is rotationally displaced between the right rotation restriction position engaged with the lower inner side surface 102b. When the locking member 101 is held at the left rotation restriction position, the left rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the rotation operation from the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 to the forward movement position “D” is restricted. When the locking member 101 is held at the right rotation restriction position, the right rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the rotation operation from the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 to the reverse movement position “R” is restricted. In FIG. 14, the positions of the inner surfaces 102 a and 102 b when the locking member 101 is in the right rotation restriction position and the left rotation restriction position are indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the locking member 101, engagement notches 104 are formed at predetermined intervals on the right rotation side of the restriction notch 102. The engaging notch 104 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the locking member accommodating portion 65 when the locking member 101 is in the right rotation restricting position where the inner side surface 102 b of the restricting notch 102 engages with the restricting protrusion 103. It is arranged so as to correspond to the engaging protrusion 105. The engagement protrusion 105 can be engaged with the engagement notch 104 and is provided so as to be positioned on the central axis Op when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft member 31.

  In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the locking member 101, a large number of teeth 106 are formed over a predetermined angle range at a portion opposite to the regulation notch 102. The teeth 106 are formed so that the tooth traces are slanted in a spiral shape with respect to the rotation center axis of the locking member 101 (coincident with the rotation center axis O of the knob 22). The teeth 106 mesh with a worm 108 that rotates about an axis parallel to the center axis Op as the output shaft 107a of the motor 107 rotates. That is, the worm mechanism is constituted by the locking member 101 (more precisely, the site where the teeth 106 are formed) and the worm 108. Therefore, the rotational force of the motor 107 is converted into the rotational force of the locking member 101 through the worm 108. When the motor 107 rotates forward, the locking member 101 rotates to the right, and when the motor 107 rotates reversely, the locking member 101 rotates to the left.

Note that the above-described locking member 101, motor 107, and worm 108 can be integrally displaced in the directions of arrows X and Y via a support mechanism (not shown).
When the electronic control device 91 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold value when the vehicle is moving forward, the electronic control device 91 rotates the motor 107 in the reverse direction, thereby causing the locking member 101 to move forward. To the right rotation restriction position. When the inner surface 102b of the restriction notch 102 is engaged with the restriction protrusion 103, the right rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the rotation operation from the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 to the reverse position “R” is restricted.

  Further, when the vehicle reverses, when the electronic control unit 91 determines that the traveling speed of the vehicle has reached a predetermined speed determination threshold value, the electronic control device 91 rotates the motor 107 in the forward direction, thereby causing the locking member 101 to move forward. To the left rotation restriction position. When the inner side surface 102a of the restriction notch 102 is engaged with the restriction protrusion 103, the left rotation of the shaft member 31, that is, the rotation operation from the neutral position “N” of the knob 22 to the forward movement position “D” is restricted.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the shaft member 31 is preferably restricted through the operation of the motor 107. For this reason, similarly to the first embodiment, a shift operation unintended by the user can be suppressed.

  Note that the present embodiment can be modified as follows. That is, the tooth trace of the tooth 106 is formed to extend in the same direction as the rotation center axis O of the knob 22. As shown in FIG. 15, each tooth 106 meshes with a spur gear 109 that rotates about an axis parallel to the rotation center axis O of the knob 22 as the motor 107 is driven. Therefore, the rotational force of the motor 107 is converted into the rotational force of the locking member 101 through the spur gear 109. When the motor 107 rotates forward, the locking member 101 rotates right and reaches the left rotation restriction position. When the motor 107 rotates in the reverse direction, the locking member 101 rotates counterclockwise and reaches the right rotation restricting position. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to this Embodiment can be acquired.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a rotary actuator that rotates the locking member 101, for example, a rotary solenoid that takes three rotational positions may be employed in addition to the motor 107.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the shift device shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, and when the operation force of the knob 22 in the sliding operation direction is released, the knob The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of return means for returning 22 to the original position in the slide operation direction. Therefore, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. This embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, a spring accommodating hole 111 is formed on the inner end surface of the shaft member 31. A cylindrical sliding member 113 is housed in the spring housing hole 111 with a compression coil spring 112 interposed therebetween. The front end portion of the sliding member 113 is formed in a spherical shape and protrudes from the inner end surface of the shaft member 31. The sliding member 113 is provided so as to be displaceable inward of the spring accommodating hole 111 against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 112.

  On the other hand, on the inner surface of the housing 21, more precisely on the inner bottom surface of the insertion hole 32, the first portion extending in the two sliding operation directions of the knob 22 indicated by arrows X and Y is provided at a portion facing the tip surface of the shaft member 31. And the 2nd guide groove 114,115 is formed. As shown in FIG. 16B, the first and second guide grooves 114 and 115 are formed so as to overlap each other at one end. Then, as shown in FIG. 16C, the inner bottom surface of the first guide groove 114 extending in the direction indicated by the arrow X is formed inwardly of the housing 21 (the shaft member 31 of the shaft member 31). An inclined surface 114a is formed that is inclined in a direction close to the front end surface. Similarly, the inner bottom surface of the second guide groove 115 extending in the direction indicated by the arrow Y is inclined toward the inner side of the housing 21 (the direction close to the tip end surface of the shaft member 31) in the same direction as the arrow Y. 115a is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, in the state where the operating force in the directions of the arrows X and Y is not applied to the knob 22, the spherical tip of the sliding member 113 is the first and second The guide grooves 114 and 115 are engaged with each other. At this time, the distal end portion of the sliding member 113 is held in a state of being pressed against the overlapping portion of the first and second guide grooves 114 and 115 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 112. In this state, when an operating force in the direction of the arrow X is applied to the knob 22, the sliding member 113 resists the elastic force of the compression coil spring 112 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The slider slides up the slope 114a while being displaced in the direction of immersion with respect to the spring accommodating hole 111. When the operation force in the arrow X direction on the knob 22 is released, the sliding member 113 is slid down the slope 114a while being urged in the protruding direction with respect to the spring accommodating hole 111 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 112. It moves to the part where the first and second guide grooves 114 and 115 overlap. The same applies when an operation force in the direction of arrow Y is applied to the knob 22.

  Therefore, even in the case of the present embodiment, when the operation force in the slide operation direction on the knob 22 is released, it can be returned to the original position in the slide direction. In this case, the compression coil springs 45 and 47, the outer slide member 44, and the inner slide member 46 constituting the return mechanism 40 in the first embodiment can be omitted. Since the rotation return of the shaft member 31 is performed by the torsion coil spring 42 as in the first embodiment, a configuration corresponding to the spring receiving projection 48 is provided inside the housing 21.

  As shown in FIG. 16D, the slopes 114a and 115a have a cross-sectional shape in a virtual plane orthogonal to the direction (arrow X direction and arrow Y direction) in which the tip of the sliding member 113 is guided. It is also possible to form a curved surface that is convex in the direction away from the tip of the shaft member 31. In this case, the distal end portion of the sliding member 113 is guided more stably.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the shift device shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 described above, and the rotation operation position of the knob is detected by a magnetic sensor. Different from the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the long groove 81 of the shaft member 31 is omitted. The present embodiment can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, a magnet 121 is fixed to a portion near the outer periphery of the tip surface (end surface opposite to the knob 22) of the shaft member 31. On the other hand, a substrate 122 is disposed inside the housing 21, more precisely on the inner bottom surface of the insertion hole 32, so as to face the tip surface of the shaft member 31. Three Hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d are provided on the side surface of the substrate 122 on the shaft member 31 side. As shown in FIG. 17B, these Hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d correspond to the movement trajectory of the magnet 121 accompanying the rotation of the shaft member 31, and the knob 22 is in the reverse position “R” and the neutral position “ N ”and the forward movement position“ D ”are arranged so as to face the magnet 121 when rotated. These Hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d are ones in which Hall elements and their signal processing circuits are integrated as a single IC chip, and output detection signals according to the magnetic field strength. The hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d detect a magnetic field generated from the magnet 121 facing the hall sensors 123r, and output the detected magnetic field to the electronic control unit 91 as a detection signal indicating the rotational operation position of the knob 22.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, two micro switches 124 a and 124 b are arranged to face each other on the arrow X and Y sides of the shaft member 31. When the knob 22 is slid in the arrow X direction, the microswitch 124a disposed on the arrow X side is turned on by being pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. Further, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction, the microswitch 124b disposed on the arrow Y side is turned on by being pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31. That is, the sliding operation of the knob 22 in the arrow X direction and the arrow Y direction is detected by the two micro switches 124a and 124b.

  The electronic control device 91 is a shift control signal for switching to a shift position corresponding to the rotational operation position of the knob 22 based on the detection signals from the hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d and the detection signals from both the micro switches 124a and 124b. Sc is output to the automatic transmission 93. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the rotation operation position of the knob 22 is detected by the hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d in a non-contact manner, so that there is no deterioration due to repeated detection, and the rotation of the knob 22 is prevented. The operation position detection reliability is improved. The hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d can be replaced with MR sensors, respectively. In the MR sensor, a magnetoresistive effect element and its signal processing circuit are integrated as a single IC chip, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnetic field direction.

  Further, the rotational operation position of the knob 22 can be obtained as follows. That is, for example, a disc-shaped magnet (not shown) is provided on the distal end surface of the shaft member 31 and a single MR sensor (not shown) is disposed so as to face the magnet. This MR sensor outputs a detection signal corresponding to a change in the direction of magnetic flux emitted from the magnet as the shaft member 31 rotates. For this reason, the electronic control unit 91 can detect the rotation angle of the knob 22, that is, the rotation operation position, based on the detection signal from the MR sensor. The slide operation of the knob 22 is detected by the micro switches 124a and 124b as described above.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sliding operation of the knob 22 can be detected using a magnetic sensor such as the Hall sensor and MR sensor described above. In this case, the micro switches 124a and 124b shown in FIG. 17C are replaced with magnetic sensors. That is, as shown in FIG. 17D, two magnetic sensors 125 a and 125 b are arranged opposite to each other on the arrow X and Y sides of the shaft member 31. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31, an annular magnet 126 that is multipolarly magnetized in the circumferential direction is fitted on a portion corresponding to the magnetic sensors 125 a and 125 b. The magnetic sensors 125a and 125b output an ON signal when the magnet 126 comes close as the knob 22 slides in the arrow X and Y directions. The electronic control unit 91 detects that the knob 22 has been slid based on the ON signals from the magnetic sensors 125a and 125b, and performs a shift to switch to a shift position corresponding to the rotational operation position of the knob 22 when the slid operation is performed. A control signal Sc is generated and output to the automatic transmission 93. As described above, since the slide operation of the knob 22 is also detected by the magnetic sensors 125a and 125b in a non-contact manner, there is no deterioration due to repeated detection of the slide operation, and the detection reliability of the slide operation of the knob 22 is improved. Enhanced. In this embodiment, the annular magnet 126 is used. However, the knob 22 may be opposed to the magnetic sensors 125a and 125b when the knob 22 is rotated to the respective rotation operation positions, and the shape thereof may be changed as appropriate. Good.

  In addition, the present embodiment can employ the following configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 17E, the three hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d provided on the side surface of the substrate 122 on the side of the shaft member 31 have the knob 22 (the shaft member 31) in the reverse position “R” and the neutral position. It is arranged so as to face the magnet 121 when it is slid in the direction of the arrow X or the direction of the arrow Y while being rotated to the position “N” and the forward position “D”. The hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d detect the magnetic field generated from the magnet 121 facing the Hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d, and detect the magnetic field detection signal in which rotational operation position the knob 22 is held and the slide operation is performed. It outputs to the electronic controller 91 as a signal. The electronic control unit 91 outputs a shift control signal Sc for switching to the shift position corresponding to the rotational operation position of the knob 22 to the automatic transmission 93 based on the detection signals from the hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect in a non-contact manner only the three hall sensors 123r, 123n, and 123d at which rotational operation position the knob 22 is slid. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17D, a magnetic sensor is provided for each of two purposes for detecting the rotational operation position of the knob 22 and detecting the slide operation. Unlike the above, the number of required magnetic sensors can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
Each embodiment may be modified as follows.
In each embodiment, the manual operation position “B” is set as the rotation operation position of the knob 22, but this can be omitted. Further, the vehicle function assigned to the manual operation position “B” may be operated by other switches such as a paddle switch and a steering switch.

  Further, a so-called sequential shift function for manually switching the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 may be assigned to the manual operation position “B”. In this case, the knob 22 is configured to allow a sliding operation in the opposite arrow Y direction in addition to a sliding operation in the arrow Y direction. For example, when the knob 22 is switched to the forward position “D” and the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction (downward), the downshift is performed, and the knob 22 is slid in the opposite arrow Y direction (upward). It is configured to shift up when operated.

  Further, when a slide operation in the arrow Y direction is performed again as an operation for confirming the operation of the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B”, when the slide operation in the arrow Y direction is performed again, the manual operation position You may comprise so that the action | operation of the vehicle function corresponding to "B" may be cancelled | released. For example, in the present embodiment, when the knob 22 is slid in the arrow Y direction while the regenerative brake is applied as the vehicle function, the automatic transmission 93 is switched to the shift position corresponding to the forward position “D”. . In this way, the operation of switching from the state in which the vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position “B” is operated to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position “D”, for example, is simplified.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the shift device 11 is configured to include a so-called momentary type (automatic return type) knob 22. For this reason, when the operation force to the knob 22 is released, the knob 22 automatically returns to the original position in the slide operation direction and the rotation operation direction. Therefore, when the operation of the regenerative brake is released and the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 is switched to the position corresponding to the forward movement position “D”, the knob 22 needs to be rotated and further slid in the arrow X direction. There is. According to the modified example described above, it is only necessary to perform a sliding operation in the arrow Y direction.

  In each embodiment, a push button may be incorporated in the knob 22 so that the push button has an operation function of a specific in-vehicle device. For example, a start switch for starting a vehicle drive source by a pressing operation can be incorporated in the knob 22. Further, a parking switch that switches the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 to the parking position may be incorporated in the knob 22. In this way, various switches can be integrated, and the installation space for the various switches can be saved.

  In each embodiment, only one set of return mechanism 40 is provided for returning the knob 22 to the original position in the slide operation direction when the operation force of the knob 22 in the slide operation direction is released. A plurality of sets of return mechanisms 40 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of sets of return mechanisms 40 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction in which the shaft member 31 extends. In this way, since the shaft member 31 is biased to the opposite side to the slide operation direction at a plurality of locations, the shaft member 31 can be stably returned to the original position in the slide operation direction. Further, the shaft member 31 can be supported more stably inside the insertion hole 32.

  In each embodiment, the first and second contact walls 54a and 54b are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 31 as stopper means for restricting the rotation operation range of the knob 22 to a predetermined rotation angle range. However, these can be omitted.

  In each embodiment, the indicators 23a and 23b indicating the rotation operation direction of the knob 22 and the indicators 24a and 24b indicating the slide operation direction are provided, but these may be omitted.

  In each embodiment, the indicators 23a and 23b that indicate the rotational operation direction of the knob 22 and the indicators 24a and 24b that similarly indicate the slide operation direction can be operated at any time according to the rotational operation position of the knob 22, etc. Although only the indicator indicating the above is lit, it is also possible not to perform such display control.

  In each embodiment, the knob 22 can be slid in two directions orthogonal to each other, but does not necessarily need to be orthogonal. If the two slide operation directions are orthogonal to the rotation center axis of the knob 22 and the two slide operation directions are different from each other, the slide operation directions can be appropriately changed.

  In each embodiment, the return mechanism 40, the four fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, 51b, the locking member 66, and the shaft member 31 of the first to third micro switches 82a to 82c are arranged in the axial direction. The installation position can be changed as appropriate. At this time, the arrangement positions of the first and second fitting protrusions 52a and 52b, the solenoid mechanism 72, and the long groove 81 are also changed correspondingly.

  -In each embodiment, although all the structures were provided in the single shaft member 31, the shaft member 31 is divided | segmented into the several division body in the axial direction, and the one shaft member 31 is combined by combining these division bodies. It is also possible to configure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the shaft member 31 is connected to the knob 22 at a position where the four fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, 51b are formed. By dividing the divided body 131 and the second divided body 132 in which the fitting recesses 51r, 51n, 51d, 51b, etc. are formed, and connecting the first and second divided bodies 131, 132, a single unit is obtained. The shaft member 31 is used. A fitting portion 133 including a columnar small-diameter portion 133a and a plurality of protrusions 133b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 133a is provided at the distal end portion of the first divided body 131. The protrusions 133b are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 133a so as to extend in the axial direction at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. In the second divided body 132, a fitting concave portion 134 corresponding to the outer shape of the fitting portion 133 is formed on the side surface on the connection side with respect to the first divided body 131. Then, the first and second divided bodies 131 and 132 are connected by fitting the fitting portion 133 into the fitting recess 134. The rotational operation force of the knob 22 is transmitted to the second divided body 132 via the protrusion 133b of the first divided body 131. For this reason, the 1st and 2nd division bodies 131 and 132 rotate integrally. Note that the fitting portion 133 may be formed on the second divided body 132 side, and the fitting concave portion 134 may be formed on the first divided body 131 side. The shaft member 31 can be divided into three, four, or more.

  In each embodiment, the shaft member 31 is inserted into the rectangular frame-shaped locking member 66 and the rotation of the shaft member 31 is restricted based on the engagement relationship. However, the following may be used. . For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the locking member 66 includes a first locking member 66 a having a first locking piece 67 and a notch 69, and a second locking piece 68. It divides | segments into the 2nd latching member 66b. The plunger of the first solenoid mechanism 73a is provided on the side surface on the arrow X side of the first locking member 66a, and the second solenoid mechanism is provided on the side surface opposite to the arrow X of the second locking member 66b. The plunger of 73b is connected. When the left rotation of the shaft member 31 is restricted, the first engagement piece 67 of the first engagement member 66a is engaged with the first engagement of the shaft member 31 through the operation of the first solenoid mechanism 73a. The recess 61 is engaged from the outside. Further, when the right rotation of the shaft member 31 is restricted, the second engagement piece 68 of the second engagement member 66b is engaged with the second engagement of the shaft member 31 through the operation of the second solenoid mechanism 73b. The recess 62 is engaged from the outside. Thus, even when the locking member is engaged from the outside of the shaft member 31, the rotation of the shaft member 31 can be restricted. Note that the plungers of the first and second solenoid mechanisms 73a and 73b take two positions, a protruding position and a retracted position.

  In each embodiment, the locking member 66 is provided as the rotation restricting means for restricting the rotation operation of the shaft member 31 and, in turn, the knob 22, but it is also possible to omit this configuration. Even in such a case, when the shift position of the automatic transmission 93 is switched, it is necessary to operate the knob 22 in two different directions, that is, the rotation operation of the knob 22 and the sliding operation to the side. Unintentional shifting operation (erroneous operation of the shift device 11) can be suitably suppressed. In this case, the solenoid mechanism 72, the first and second engaging recesses 61 and 62, and the two recesses 63a and 63b can be omitted.

  In each embodiment, the shift device 11 is applied to a hybrid vehicle that uses an engine and a motor as a driving source for driving. However, only a vehicle or motor that uses only the engine as a driving source for driving is used as the driving source for driving. It can also be applied to an electric vehicle or the like.

<Other technical ideas>
Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the embodiment will be described below.
(A) In the shift device according to claim 3, the locking member is provided so as to be relatively displaceable in a linear direction intersecting the rotation center axis with respect to the shaft member, and the control means is the control means. A linear actuator is provided that includes a solenoid that is excited based on an operation control signal from and a plunger that is connected to the locking member and moves forward and backward in the displacement direction of the locking member based on the excitation state of the solenoid. Shift device.

  According to this configuration, since it is only necessary to control the energization of the solenoid, there is no need to perform complicated calculations when restricting the rotation of the shift operation member. Therefore, the calculation load of the control means is suppressed.

  (B) In the shift device according to claim 3, the locking member is provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft member about a rotation center axis thereof, and the drive means is provided from the control means. A shift device employing a rotary actuator comprising an output shaft that rotates based on an operation control signal, and a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force of the output shaft into the rotational force of the locking member and transmits it.

According to this configuration, the rotation of the shift operation member can be suitably restricted through the operation of the rotary actuator.
(C) In the shift device according to any one of claims 2, 3, (a) and (b), the shift operation member is inserted through the locking member. A shift device in which the rotation of the shaft member is restricted by engaging a part of the inner peripheral surface of the engaging member with a part of the shift operating member when the engaging member is in the rotation restricting position.

  According to this configuration, since the locking member is formed by inserting the shift operation member, unlike the case where the locking member is engaged from the outside of the shift operation member, in the radial direction of the shift operation member. Increase in size is suppressed.

  (D) In the shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and (a) to (c), a magnet is provided on an inner end surface of the shift operation member, and the detection means In the housing, the magnet is disposed on the movement trajectory of the magnet and corresponding to each rotation operation position of the shift operation member, and according to the change of the magnetic field generated from the magnet as the shift operation member rotates. Shift device including a plurality of magnetic sensors for outputting detected signals.

  According to this configuration, at least the rotational operation position of the shift operation member is detected in a non-contact state through the magnetic sensor. For this reason, there is no deterioration due to repeated detection, and the detection reliability of at least the rotational operation position of the shift operation member is improved.

  (E) In the shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and (a) to (d), the portion of the housing facing the front end surface of the shaft member includes A guide groove is formed that extends in the slide operation direction of the shift operation member and has an inclined surface that inclines toward the tip surface of the shaft member toward the slide operation direction. A guided member that is provided so as to be displaceable in a protruding direction and a retracting direction with respect to the front end surface of the shaft member, and that is guided while being engaged with the guide groove in accordance with a slide operation of the shift operation member; And a spring member that constantly biases the guide member in a direction in which the guide member protrudes from the front end surface of the shaft member.

  According to this configuration, when an operation force in the slide operation direction is applied to the shift operation member, the guided member is displaced in the immersion direction with respect to the distal end surface of the shift operation member against the elastic force of the spring member. Slide to climb the slope. When the operation force in the sliding operation direction with respect to the shift operation member is released, the guided member slides down the slope while being biased in the protruding direction with respect to the distal end surface of the shift operation member by the elastic force of the spring member. Move to the original position. That is, when the operation force in the slide operation direction with respect to the shift operation member is released, the shift operation member can be returned to the original position in the slide direction.

  (F) The shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and (a) to (e), wherein the slide return means is located inside the housing with respect to the shaft member. A slide member that is inserted in a relatively rotatable manner and is allowed to move laterally integrally with the shaft member; and is disposed between an outer side surface of the slide member and an inner side surface of the housing. A shift device comprising: an urging member that constantly urges the slide member toward a side opposite to the sliding direction of the shaft member.

  According to this configuration, the shift operation member can be easily returned to the original position in the slide operation direction by the urging force of the urging member. Further, since the urging force of the urging member is applied to the shift operation member via the slide member, a problem that the urging member interferes with the shift operation member rotating is avoided.

  (G) In the shift device according to (F), the rotation return means is a torsion coil spring mounted on the shaft member, and both end portions of the torsion coil spring are formed to intersect each other. In addition, a shift device in which a locking projection provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member and a spring receiving projection provided on the slide member are interposed between the both ends.

  According to this configuration, the locking protrusion engages with one end of the torsion coil spring as the shift operation member rotates. At this time, the rotation of the torsion coil spring is restricted by the other end of the torsion coil spring coming into contact with the spring receiving projection. Therefore, with the rotation of the shift operation member, the locking projection rotates in the same direction as the shift operation member in a state of being engaged with one end of the torsion coil spring. Thereby, the torsion coil spring stores an urging force in a direction opposite to the rotation operation direction of the shift operation member. When the rotational operation force to the shift operation member is released, the shift operation member returns to the original position in the rotation operation direction by the elastic force of the torsion coil spring. Thus, with a simple configuration, the shift operation member can be returned to the original position in the rotation operation direction.

  (H) In the shift device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and (a) to (f), the shift device includes the slide restricting means, the detecting means, and the control means. A shift device that is configured as a single unit by assembling all of the components to the housing, and the unit is attached to an attachment site provided in the attachment target.

  According to this configuration, the shift device is unitized, so that assembly outside the object to be arranged becomes possible. Then, the mounting of the shift device with respect to the arrangement target is completed only by mounting a unit assembled in advance on the installation target site. For this reason, compared with the case where the components of the shift device are individually assembled to the arrangement target during the assembly operation of the shift device, the mounting operation to the arrangement target of the shift device is simplified.

The schematic perspective view of the vehicle interior which shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of a shift apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which similarly shows the aspect of attachment of a shift apparatus. The front view which similarly shows the operation position of a knob. (A) is the exploded perspective view which similarly shows the attachment mode with respect to the housing of a knob and a shaft member, (b) is the 1-1 line cross section of Fig.5 (a) which shows the clearance gap between a shaft member and the insertion hole of a housing. Figure. The disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of a shift apparatus similarly. (A) is the 2-2 sectional view taken on the same line of FIG. 5, (b) is the 8-8 sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 6 (a). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 showing the left rotation restriction position of the locking member. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 showing the right rotation restriction position of the locking member. (A), (b), (c) is the 5-5 line sectional view of Drawing 5 similarly. The block diagram which similarly shows the electric structure of a shift apparatus. (A) is a front view showing lighting states of various indicators when the automatic transmission is in a neutral state, and (b) and (c) are front views showing lighting states of various indicators when the vehicle is moving backward. (D), (e) is a front view which similarly shows the lighting state of the various indicators at the time of advance of a vehicle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 illustrating a locking member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5 showing a modification of the second embodiment. (A) is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the shaft member in 3rd Embodiment, (b) is slidably engaged with the sliding member provided in the front-end | tip part of the shaft member. FIG. 16C is a front view of the substrate on which the first and second guide grooves are formed, and FIG. 16C shows an engagement state between the sliding member at the tip of the shaft member and the first and second guide grooves. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 6-6 in FIG. 6B, and FIG. (A) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the shaft member in 4th Embodiment, (b) shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of the magnetic sensor similarly provided corresponding to the rotational locus of the magnet of a shaft member. The front view of the board | substrate shown, (c) is sectional drawing which similarly shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of the microswitch which detects the sliding operation of a knob, (d) is the magnet of the modification of 4th Embodiment, and the magnetic sensor of a magnetic sensor Sectional drawing which shows an arrangement | positioning aspect, (e) is a front view of the board | substrate which shows the other arrangement | positioning aspect of a magnetic sensor similarly. (A) is a principal part perspective view which shows the state which divided | segmented the shaft member in other embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view in the connection part of a division body. The 4-4 sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5 which shows the securing member in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Instrument panel (attachment object), 11 ... Shift apparatus, 21 ... Housing, 22 ... Knob which comprises shift operation member, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b ... Indicator, 31 ... Shaft member which comprises shift operation member, 41b ... locking projection, 48 ... spring receiving projection, 42 ... torsion coil spring constituting rotation return means, 42a, 42b ... end of torsion coil spring, 44 ... outer slide member, 45, 47 ... slide return means , Compression coil spring (biasing member) constituting 46, inner slide member (sliding member) constituting slide return means, 51r, 51n, 51d, 51b, fitting recess (slide regulating means), 52a, 52b, second First and second fitting protrusions (fitting members), 54a, 54b, first and second contact walls constituting stopper means, 66, rotation restriction Locking member constituting step, 72 ... solenoid mechanism (direct acting actuator), 73 ... solenoid (drive means), 81 ... long groove (groove), 82a, 82b, 82c ... first to third constituting detection means Microswitch, 91 ... Electronic control device (control means), 92 ... Vehicle speed sensor (state detection means), 93 ... Automatic transmission, 107 ... Motor (rotary actuator), 107a ... Output shaft, 108 ... Worm constituting a transmission mechanism , 112... Compression coil springs constituting the slide return means, 113. Sliding members (guided members) constituting the slide return means, 114 and 115... First and second guide grooves, 114 a and 115 a. , 126... Magnet, 124a, 124b... Micro switch constituting detection means, 123r, 123n, 123d... Detection means and magnetic sensor Magnetic sensors constituting Hall sensor constituting, 125a, and 125b ... detection means.

Claims (8)

In a by-wire type shift device that switches a shift position of an automatic transmission of a vehicle,
A shaft that is partially exposed to the outside of the housing fixed to the mounting target on the vehicle side, and that can be rotated with respect to the housing and slidable to the side that is a direction intersecting with the rotation center axis. A shift operating member in the shape of
When the shift operation member provided between the shift operation member and the housing is rotated to any one of a plurality of rotation operation positions set corresponding to the shift position of the automatic transmission. Only, a slide restricting means for allowing a side slide operation of the shift operation member as an operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the one rotation operation position;
Detecting means for detecting that the shift operation member has been slid to the side in a state of being rotated to a specific rotation operation position and outputting a detection signal;
Slide return means for returning the shift operation member to the original position in the slide operation direction when the operation force in the slide operation direction on the shift operation member is released;
Rotation return means for returning the shift operation member to the original position in the rotation operation direction when the operation force in the rotation operation direction on the shift operation member is released;
Control means for generating a shift control signal for switching to a shift position corresponding to the specific rotational operation position based on a detection signal from the detection means and outputting the shift control signal to the automatic transmission ,
After setting three forward operation positions, neutral positions, and reverse drive positions as the rotation operation positions, all three rotation operation positions can be selected by rotating the shift operation member,
The slide restricting means switches the slide operation to the side of the shift operation member to a shift position corresponding to each of the three rotation operation positions, regardless of which of the three rotation operation positions is selected. Shift device that allows as a common operation to determine . The shift device according to claim 1, wherein
A rotation restricting position for engaging a part of the shift operation member and restricting a rotation operation of the shift operation member through an operation of the drive means based on an operation control signal from the control means, and an engagement with the shift operation member Is further provided with a rotation restricting means that includes a locking member that is displaced between a rotation allowable position that allows the rotation operation of the shift operation member to be released,
When the control means detects a vehicle state that is determined to restrict the rotation operation of the shift operation member through the state detection means provided on the vehicle side, the control member moves from the rotation allowable position to the rotation restriction position. A shift device that outputs the operation control signal to the rotation restricting means so as to be displaced to the right. The shift device according to claim 2,
The locking member engages with a part of the shift operation member through the operation of the driving means based on the operation control signal to restrict the rotation operation of the shift operation member in the forward direction. A second rotation restricting position that engages with another part of the shift operation member to restrict the rotation operation of the shift operation member in the reverse direction, and the engagement with the shift operation member is released and the second A shift device that displaces between a rotation allowable position that allows a rotation operation of the shift operation member in the forward and reverse directions. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
As the rotational operation position of the shift operating member, together with further sets the manual operation position corresponding to a particular vehicle function is actuated during advancement of the vehicles, the original position in the rotational operation direction of the shift operating member the neutral position age,
The slide restricting means is configured so that the operation of the specific vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position is determined only when the rotational operation position of the shift operation member is held at the neutral position. Permits a slide operation in another direction different from the slide operation direction for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward position,
The control means receives a detection signal from the detection means indicating that a slide operation for confirming switching to the shift position corresponding to the forward movement position is performed in a state where the shift operation member is rotated to the forward movement position. And a shift device that activates a vehicle function corresponding to the manual operation position based on a detection signal from the detection means indicating that the slide operation has been performed to the other side. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The shift operation unit is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, and can be fitted to a fitting member provided to protrude inside the housing. Including the same number of fitting recesses as the rotational operation position of the member,
Each fitting recess is provided so that it can be fitted to the fitting member only when the shift operation member is in each rotation operation position. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5,
A groove extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the shift operation member, and the detection means includes a plurality of micro switches arranged corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the groove of the shift operation member. The switch is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member and turned on when the shift operation member is slid in response to the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member in accordance with the rotational operation position of the shift operation member. Two states: a state that is kept off without being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member when the shift operation member is slid in correspondence with the groove of the shift operation member Arranged in
The control means determines, based on a combination of an on signal and an off signal input from each microswitch, that the shift operation member is switched to a shift position corresponding to the rotation operation position in any state of each rotation operation position. A shift device that determines whether a slide operation, which is an operation, has been performed. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
A plurality of indicators that are disposed in the vicinity of the shift operation member and indicate a rotation operation direction and a slide operation direction of the shift operation member and are controlled to be turned on by the control means;
The said control means is a shift device which controls lighting only the indicator which shows the direction which can be operated at that time according to the rotation operation position of the said shift operation member. In the shift apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-7,
Stopper means for restricting the rotation operation range of the shift operation member to a predetermined rotation angle range by engaging with a part of the housing is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shift operation member. A rotation device in which a rotation operation position is set within the rotation angle range.

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