Abstract:
A shift lever device includes a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation and which is rotatably supported by a structure that breaks when an axial impact force above a preselected magnitude is applied to the shift lever. The breakage of the supporting structure allows safer absorption of an impact force applied to the shift lever. The breakable supporting structure may take the form of a portion of a thin portion of a circular wall forming a bearing that rotatably supports the shift lever, or a frangible pin or bracket that pivotably supports the shift lever.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a shift lever device having a shock absorbing structure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     As shown in FIG. 25, a lower end of a shift lever  202  is mounted on a control shaft  204  and the control shaft  204  is axially supported by a shaft  208  whose both ends are supported by bearings  206 . As a result, when a shift operation of the shift lever  202  is effected, the control shaft  204  rotates to allow selection of a desired shift range. 
     However, when a strong force is applied to the shift lever  202  in the axial direction, the shift lever  202  does not have sufficient absorbing ability to the force. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above-described circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shift lever device having an improved absorbing ability to a strong force acting in the axial direction. 
     A first aspect of the present invention comprises a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation, and supporting means which rotatably supports the shift lever outside an interior of a vehicle, wherein when axial impact force is applied to the shift lever, the supporting means is broken. 
     In the shift lever device according to the first aspect, usually, the shift lever is supported rotatably by the supporting means and an arbitrary shift range can be selected by shift operation. 
     When impact force (strong force) is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the supporting means is broken. Due to the breakage of the supporting means, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. Namely, in the shift lever device of the present invention, since the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed by breakage of the supporting means. For this reason, as compared with a conventional shift lever device, the absorbing ability to the impact force is improved. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft to which a lower end of the shift lever is connected so as to allow the shift lever to be rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a bearing portion in which a shaft supporting hole by which the control shaft is supported is formed; and a thin-walled portion formed between the shaft supporting hole and an escape hole formed in the bearing portion. 
     In the shift lever device according to the second aspect, usually, the control shaft is supported by the shaft supporting hole of the bearing portion, and therefore, the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft and an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the thin-walled portion of the bearing portion is pressed by the control shaft and is thereby broken. Due to the breakage of the thin-walled portion, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. After the thin-walled portion is broken, the control shaft comes into the escape hole and moves in the direction in which the impact force acts. 
     As described above, the thin-walled portion is provided between the shaft supporting hole and the escape hole formed in the bearing portion, and therefore, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed without increase in the number of parts. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the second aspect, the transverse dimension of an opening of a hole wall forming the escape hole is made smaller than the diameter of the control shaft and is gradually made smaller in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole. 
     In the shift lever device according to the third aspect, after the control shaft breaks the thin-walled portion and comes into the escape hole, the control shaft abuts against the hall wall of the escape hole and moves while widening the escape hole in the transverse direction. For this reason, the decay time of impact force becomes longer and the impact force can be effectively absorbed. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, a fragile portion is formed in a breaking portion of the supporting means which is broken due to axial impact force applied to the shift lever so as to partially lower strength of the breaking portion. 
     In the shift lever device according to the fourth aspect, when impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, first, breakage is caused in the fragile portion, and subsequently, the supporting means is broken. With the breakage being caused in the fragile portion as described above, the impact force can be effectively absorbed. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, a fragile portion is formed in a breaking portion of the supporting means which is broken due to axial impact force applied to the shift lever so as to partially lower strength of the breaking portion, and at least one pair of wall surfaces is formed further at the front side than the breaking portion in a direction in which the impact force acts so that the space therebetween is gradually made smaller in a direction away from the shaft supporting hole. 
     In the shift lever device according to the fifth aspect, when impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, first, breakage is caused in the fragile portion, and subsequently, the thin-walled portion is broken. With the breakage being caused in the fragile portion as described above, the impact force can be effectively absorbed. Further, after breaking the thin-walled portion, the control shaft abuts against the wall surfaces and moves while widening the space of the wall surfaces in the transverse direction. For this reason, the decay time of impact force becomes longer and the impact force can be effectively absorbed. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft supported by a bearing portion of a shift lever device main body; a bracket mounted on the control shaft; a pin which is inserted in and passes through a through hole formed in the bracket and an axial hole formed in the shift lever so as to support the shift lever in a rotatable manner; a thin-walled portion formed in the bracket, wherein when axial impact force is applied to the shift lever, the thin-walled portion is broken; and a breaking portion formed in the pin at the side of the thin-walled portion and provided to be broken due to axial impact force being applied to the shift lever. 
     In the shift lever device according to the sixth aspect, usually, the shift lever is rotatably supported on the bracket by the pin. When the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the thin-walled portion is pressed and broken by the shift lever and the breaking portion of the pin is also broken. Due to this breakage, the shift lever and a portion of the bracket are removed from the control shaft together with the pin and moves in the direction in which the impact force acts, thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. 
     As described above, by providing a simple structure in which the thin-walled portion is formed in the bracket and the breaking portion is formed in the pin, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the sixth aspect, the bracket includes a rotating bracket which rotates together with the control shaft, and a supporting bracket which projects from the rotating bracket and supports the control shaft, wherein the thin-walled portion is formed in the supporting bracket at a position where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket. 
     In the shift lever device according to the seventh aspect, the thin-walled portion is formed in the supporting bracket at the location where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket. Due to the impact force applied to the shift lever, bending moment acts on the location where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket, and the thin-walled portion is thereby broken. 
     An eighth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the sixth aspect, the breaking portion is formed by making a hole in the pin along an axial direction of the pin. 
     In the shift lever device according to the eighth aspect, the breaking portion can be formed in the pin without alteration of the appearance of the pin, no alteration in the shape of a mounting portion of the pin is required. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the sixth aspect, the bracket includes a rotating bracket which rotates together with the control shaft, and a supporting bracket which projects from the rotating bracket and supports the control shaft, wherein the thin-walled portion is formed in the supporting bracket at a position where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket, and the breaking portion is formed by making a hole in the pin along an axial direction of the pin. 
     In the shift lever device according to the ninth aspect, the thin-walled portion is formed in the supporting bracket at the location where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket. Due to the impact force applied to the shift lever, bending moment acts on the location where the supporting bracket is connected to the rotating bracket and the thin-walled portion is thereby broken. The breaking portion can be formed without alteration of the appearance of the pin, no alteration in the shape of a mounting portion of the pin is required. 
     A tenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft supported by a bearing portion of a shift lever device main body; a bracket mounted on the control shaft; and a pin which is inserted in and passes through a through hole formed in the bracket and an axial hole formed in the shift lever so as to support the shift lever in a rotatable manner, the pin being pressed and broken by the shift lever when axial impact force is applied to the shift lever. 
     In the shift lever device according to the tenth aspect, usually, the shift lever is rotatably supported on the bracket by the pin. When the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the pin is pressed and broken by the shift lever and the shift lever is removed from the bracket together with the pin and moves in the direction in which the impact force acts, thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. 
     As described above, by providing a simple structure in which the shift lever is rotatably supported on the bracket by the pin which is pressed and broken by the shift lever due to the axial impact force applied to the shift lever, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft to which a lower end of the shift lever is connected so as to allow the shift lever to be rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a bearing portion in which a shaft supporting hole by which the control shaft is supported is formed; and a diameter-reduced portion formed in the control shaft and provided to be pressed and broken by the shift lever device due to axial impact force being applied to the shift lever. 
     In the shift lever device according to the eleventh aspect, usually, the control shaft is supported by the shaft supporting hole of the bearing portion. For this reason, when the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the control shaft is pressed by the shift lever and the diameter-reduced portion is broken. Due to this breakage, the shift lever and the control shaft are separated from the bearing portion and move in the direction in which the impact force acts, thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. 
     As described above, the impact force applied to the shift lever device is absorbed due to the breakage of the diameter-reduced portion formed in the control shaft, and therefore, the structure of the device becomes simple without increase in the number of parts. 
     A twelfth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the eleventh aspect, a hollow portion is formed in the control shaft along an axial direction of the control shaft. 
     In the shift lever device according to the twelfth aspect, the control shaft is lightened by forming the hollow portion therein. By changing the shape of the hollow portion in the axial direction of the control shaft, the breaking strength of the diameter-reduced portion can be varied. 
     A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the eleventh aspect, a plurality of diameter-reduced portions is provided at different positions along the axial direction of the control shaft and at least one of the plurality of diameter-reduced portions has a different breaking strength than those of other diameter-reduced portions. 
     In the shift lever device according to the thirteenth aspect, the difference in time of breakage is caused between the diameter-reduced portions, and therefore, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be effectively absorbed. 
     A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft to which a lower end of the shift lever is connected so as to allow the shift lever to be rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a connecting plate on which a shaft supporting hole by which the control shaft is supported is formed; and a shear plate which is inserted in and passes through a supporting hole formed in the connecting plate and a fixed hole formed in a main body frame of the shift lever device so as to allow the connecting plate to be fixed to the main body frame, the shear plate being pressed and broken by the connecting plate when axial impact force is applied to the shift lever. 
     In the shift lever device according to the fourteenth aspect, usually, the control shaft is supported by the shaft supporting hole of the connecting plate and the connecting plate is fixed to the main body plate by the shear plate. For this reason, when the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the connecting plate by which the control shaft is supported is provided to move in the direction in which the impact force acts. As a result, the shear plate is pressed and broken by the connecting plate, and therefore, the connecting plate is separated from the main body frame and moves in the direction in which the impact force acts, thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. 
     Further, the shift lever and the connecting plate can be disposed on a straight line, and therefore, no space for installation is required. 
     A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the fourteenth aspect, the shear plate is formed of a material whose strength is lower than those of the connecting plate and the main body frame of the shift lever device. 
     In the shift lever device according to the fifteenth aspect, only the shear plate is broken without breaking the connecting plate and the main body frame so that the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. 
     A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a control shaft supported by a bearing portion of a shift lever device main body and having an insertion through hole formed therein; a bracket provided in a lower portion of the shift lever and having a shaft supporting hole formed therein; a pin which is inserted in and passes through the through hole and the supporting hole; and a thin-walled portion formed between the shaft supporting hole and an escape hole formed in the bracket. 
     In the shift lever device according to the sixteenth aspect, usually, the pin is inserted in and passes through the shaft supporting hole of the bracket and the insertion through hole of the control shaft. When the shift lever is operated to rotate the control shaft, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the bracket formed at the lower end of the shift lever is pushed against the pin, and therefore, the thin-walled portion of the bracket is pressed due to this reaction and is thereby broken. Due to the breakage of the thin-walled portion, the pin moves in such a manner as to come into the escape hole, and therefore, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed. 
     As described above, the thin-walled portion is provided between the shaft supporting hole and the escape hole formed in the bracket of the shift lever, and therefore, the impact force applied to the shift lever can be absorbed without increase in the number of parts. 
     A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the sixteenth aspect, the transverse dimension of an opening of a hole wall forming the escape hole is made smaller than the diameter of the pin and is gradually made smaller in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole. 
     In the shift lever device according to the seventeenth aspect, after the pin breaks the thin-walled portion and comes into the escape hole, the pin abuts against the hole wall of the escape hole and moves while widening the escape hole in the transverse direction. For this reason, the decay time of impact force becomes longer and the impact force can be effectively absorbed. 
     An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the first aspect, the supporting means includes: a spherical body to which a lower end of the shift lever is connected; a spherical body receiver which holds the spherical body; a receiving pedestal which supports the spherical body receiver in a rotatable manner; and a bearing portion by which the receiving pedestal is mounted to the shift lever device main body and which is broken due to impact force applied to the shift lever. 
     In the shift lever device according to the eighteenth aspect, usually, the spherical body receiver for holding the spherical body is supported on the receiving pedestal in a rotatable manner and the receiving pedestal is mounted to the main body by the bearing portion. For this reason, when the shift lever is operated to rotate the spherical body, an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When impact force is applied to the shift lever in the axial direction, the spherical body presses the spherical body receiver. As a result, the receiving pedestal is also pressed and the bearing portion is broken, the spherical body receiver is separated from the shift lever device main body, and further, the shift lever moves in the direction in which the impact force acts, thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. 
     As described above, the impact force acts on the bearing portion via the spherical body, and therefore, even if the direction in which the impact force acts is in an unfixed or eccentric state, the impact force can be reliably absorbed. 
     A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is constructed such that, in the eighteenth aspect, a supporting portion for supporting the spherical body receiver of the receiving pedestal is formed in the shape of a cone whose diameter is reduced in a direction away from the spherical body receiver. 
     In the shift lever device according to the nineteenth aspect, even if the direction in which the impact force acts is in an unfixed or eccentric state, the spherical body receiver moves along the cone-shaped supporting portion to the center thereof and the impact force can be reliably absorbed accordingly. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line  2 — 2  in FIG. 1 of the principal portion of the shift lever device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a partially broken front view of the principal portion of the shift lever device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line  4 — 4  in FIG. 3 of the principal portion, after a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line  8 — 8  in FIG. 7 of the principal portion of the shift lever device according to the second embodiment of the present invention drawn in an assembled state. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the principal portion, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a shift lever device according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line  11 — 11  in FIG. 10 of the shift lever device according to the modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention drawn in an assembled state. 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a bracket of the shift lever device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the principal portion, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a side view of a connecting plate of the shift lever device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the principal portion, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the principal portion, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a principal portion of a shift lever device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along the line  22 — 22  in FIG. 21 of the principal portion of the shift lever device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention drawn in an assembled state. 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the principal portion, which shows a state in which impact force is applied to the shift lever device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24A is a diagram which illustrates the relationship between impact force and the direction of force acting parallel to the axial line of a shift lever; and 
     FIG. 24B is a diagram which illustrates the relationship between impact force and the direction of force acting obliquely with respect to the axial line of the shift lever. 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional shift lever device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 through 3 each show a shift lever device  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The shift lever device  10  has a shift lever  12  for a shift operation and the lower end of the shift lever  12  is mounted on a supporting mechanism  13  comprising a lever holder  14 , a cylindrical control shaft  18  and support plates  24 . 
     A bracket  16  is formed at the lower end of the lever holder  14  and is mounted on the cylindrical control shaft  18 . The bracket  16  is connected by a pin  22  to a control shaft  18  and the lever holder  14  is provided to be rotatable along the axial line of the control shaft  18 . 
     The control shaft  18  is axially supported by a shaft  20 . The shaft  20  is supported by bearing portions  23  defined by the circular walls  25  of shaft supporting holes  26  in a pair of parallel shaft supporting plates  24  formed upright from a main body of the shift lever device  10 . As a result, the shift lever  12  is provided to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle with the shaft  20  serving as an axis and is also provided to be rotatable in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the pin  22  serving as an axis. The pair of shaft supporting plates  24  is provided outside an interior of the vehicle. 
     A strength gate is provided in the main body of the shift lever device  10 . When the shift lever  12  located in the D-range (according to circumstances, the 2-range or L-range) rotates in the direction of N-range, the shift lever  12  abuts against an N wall  34  of the strength gate and is stopped at the position of N-range (i.e., the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.  2 ). As a result, the shift lever  12  does not inadvertently come into the R-range or the P-range (i.e., the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.  2 ). When the shift lever  12  is rotated in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the pin  22  serving as an axis, the shift lever  12  does not abut against the N wall  34  and can thereby be moved into the R-range or the P-range. 
     A control lever (not shown) overhangs from the control shaft  18  and a pin of the control lever is connected to an automatic transmission via a transmission mechanism. In this state, the operation of the shift lever  12  allows shift of the automatic transmission. 
     The shaft  20  supported by the shaft supporting holes  26  is prevented from being drawn out with a push nut  21  being disposed at one end of the shaft  20 . A diameter-enlarged portion  20 A is formed at the other end of the shaft  20  to prevent drawing of the shaft  20 . Further, a reinforcing rib  38  is formed between the pair of shaft supporting plates  24  to reinforce the shaft supporting plates  24 . 
     A slot-shaped escape hole  30  is formed in each of the shaft supporting plates  24  with a predetermined thin-walled portion  28  being formed in the circular walls  25  between the shaft supporting hole  26  and the escape hole  30  (see FIG.  2 ). Respective thin-walled portions  28  of the shaft supporting plates  24  are provided to have the same thickness. Further, the escape hole  30  is formed parallel to the axial line of the shift lever  12  located in the N-range. The space of a hole wall which forms the escape hole  30  is set such that the transverse dimension of the escape hole  30  gradually decreases as it goes away from the shaft supporting hole  26  so that the escape hole  30  has the same transverse dimension as the diameter of the shaft  20  at the substantially intermediate portion thereof. For this reason, a wall surface  35  is formed at a front side in a direction in which axial impact force acts on the shift lever  12  such that the width thereof is made smaller than the diameter of the shaft  12  and gradually decreases in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole  26 . 
     Accordingly, when axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  12  located in the N-range, the impact force causes the thin-walled portion  28  to be pressed and broken by the shaft  20 . The breakage of the thin-walled portion  28  allows absorption of impact force and also causes the shaft  20  to move to come into the escape hole  30 . Further, the transverse dimension of the escape hole  30  gradually decreases as it goes away from the shaft supporting hole  26 . For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4, the shaft  20  abuts against the hole wall (the wall surface  35 ) of the escape hole  30  during movement of the shaft  20  and further moves to widen the escape hole  30  in the transverse direction. As a result, resistance to movement of the shaft  20  is generated and a decay time of impact force becomes longer, thereby allowing more effective absorption of impact force. 
     Further, when the shaft  20  moving within the escape hole  30  stops moving, as shown in FIG. 5, the shift lever  12  comes into a center console  36  so that a head portion of the shift lever  12  is made substantially at the same plane as a seat surface of a seat  32 . For this reason, there is a small possibility that a vehicle occupant or baggage hits against the shift lever  12  once again. 
     Meanwhile, the above-described impact force means force F which acts on the shift lever  12  along the axial line J as illustrated in FIG.  24 A. When force F acts obliquely with respect to axial line J of the shift lever  12  as illustrated in FIG. 24B, the impact force means component Fy of the direction of axial line J among component Fy of the direction of axial line J and component Fx of the direction perpendicular to the axial line J (in the following description as well, the impact force will be thus defined). Accordingly, not only when force F acts along axial line J of the shift lever  12 , but also when force F acts obliquely with respect to axial line J, the above force F can be absorbed. 
     Next, an operation of the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment will be described. 
     In an ordinary state, the shaft  20  is supported by the shaft supporting holes  26 . For this reason, when the shift lever  12  is operated to rotate the lever holder  14 , the control shaft  18  also rotates to allow selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     At the time of a vehicle running, the shift lever  12  is located in the D-range (as occasion demands, the 2-range or the L-range). When the impact force is applied to the shift lever  12  at the time of sudden deceleration of a vehicle, the shift lever  12  moves from the D-range to the N-range. In the N-range, the shift lever  12  abuts against the N wall  34 , and therefore, the shift lever  12  does not move inadvertently to the R-range or the P-range. 
     Subsequently, since the thin-walled portions  28  are pressed by the shaft  20  due to the impact force and is thereby broken, absorption of the impact force is achieved. 
     After breakage of the thin-walled portions  28 , as shown in FIG. 4, the shaft  20  moves in such a manner as to come into the escape holes  30 . The transverse dimension of each of the escape holes  30  gradually decreases in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole  26  so as to have the same dimension as the diameter of the shaft  20  at the substantially intermediate portion of the escape hole  30 . For this reason, the shaft  20  abuts against the hole wall (the wall surface  35 ) of the escape hole  30  during movement thereof and further moves to widen the escape holes  30  in the transverse direction. As a result, resistance to the movement of the shaft  20  is generated and the decay time of impact force becomes longer, thereby allowing more effective absorption of the impact force. 
     As described above, in the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment, when the impact force is applied to the shift lever  12 , the shaft  20  is provided to break the thin-walled portions  28 . For this reason, as compared with a conventional shift lever device, absorbing ability to the impact force is improved. Further, with no increase in the number of parts, the impact force applied to the shift lever  12  can be absorbed. 
     Meanwhile, the shift lever device  10  can arbitrarily adjust, by varying the thickness of each of the thin-walled portions  28 , the magnitude of impact force by which the thin-walled portions  28  are broken. 
     The shape of the escape hole  30  is not limited to the aforementioned. For example, the escape hole  30  may be formed to be curved gently. Further, the space of the hole wall (the wall surface  35 ) which forms the escape hole  30  may be set such that the transverse dimension thereof at an end portion of the escape hole  30  on the side of the thin-walled portion  28  has the same dimension as the diameter of the shaft  20  and gradually decreases in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole  26 . As a result, the shaft  20  having broken the thin-walled portions  28  to come into the escape holes  30  abuts against the hole walls of the escape holes  30  from the beginning of the movement thereof and further moves to widen the escape holes  30  in the transverse direction. For this reason, as compared with the above case in which the space of the hole wall which forms the escape hole  30  is set so as to have the same dimension as the diameter of the shaft  20  substantially at the intermediate portion thereof, more effective absorption of the impact force applied to the shift lever  12  can be achieved. 
     FIG. 6 shows a shift lever device  31  according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the same members as those of the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. 
     The shift lever device  31  is different from the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment in that a notch  29  is formed substantially at the center of the thin-walled portion  28 . The notch  29  has a wedge-shaped configuration and is formed from the side of the escape hole  30  (from the lower side on the paper shown in FIG. 6) substantially to the center of the thin-walled portion  28 . The region with the notch  29  formed therein serves as a fragile portion  33  having a low breaking strength for the thin-walled portion  28 . 
     Accordingly, in the shift lever device  31 , when the thin-walled portion  28  is pressed by the shaft  20  due to axial impact force applied to the shift lever  12 , first, breakage is caused in the fragile portion  33 . Subsequently, the shaft  20  moves to come into the escape hole  30  while widening divided portions of the thin-walled portion  28  (i.e., both side portions with the fragile portion  33  disposed therebetween in FIG.  6 ). Thereafter, in the same way as in the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment, the shaft  20  abuts against the hole surface (i.e. the wall surface  35 ) of the escape hole  30  during the movement thereof and further moves while widening the escape holes  30  in the transverse direction. Thus, due to breakage being caused in the fragile portion  33 , the impact force applied to the shift lever  12  can be effectively absorbed. 
     Meanwhile, it is not necessary that the above fragile portion be formed by the notch  29  provided in the thin-walled portion  28  as described above. In other words, it suffices that the thin-walled portion  28  be partially made weak. Accordingly, for example, in the same way as in the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment, the fragile portion may also be provided in such a manner that the thin-walled portion  28  is formed to have a uniform thickness, and thereafter, a reinforcing member is fixed to a portion of the thin-walled portion  28  other than the central portion of the thin-walled portion  28 . Namely, in this case, the portion of the thin-walled portion  28  with no reinforcing member being fixed thereto functions as a fragile portion having a low strength. 
     Further, each breaking strength of the fragile portions  33  of the two thin-walled portions  28  needs not to be set at the same value and may be set differently by, for example, varying respective sizes of the notches  29 . In this case, when any one of the fragile portions  33  having a low breaking strength is first broken by a small impact force and further impact force is applied, the remaining fragile portion  33  (having a high breaking strength) can be broken. In this way, the impact force applied to the shift lever  12  can be effectively absorbed in two stages. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 each show a shift lever device  40  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     The shift lever device  40  has a supporting mechanism  41  for supporting the lower end of the shift lever  60  comprising a substantially U-shaped rotating bracket  42  outside the interior of the vehicle, and a pin  62 . A through hole  46  is formed in each of facing end plates  44  of the rotating bracket  42 . A control shaft  48  passes through the through holes  46  and is thereby provided to be rotatable together with the bracket  42 . A diameter-enlarged portion  48 A is formed at each of both end portions of the control shaft  48  to prevent the control shaft  48  from being drawn out from the through holes  46 . 
     Further, in the same way as in the first embodiment, the control shaft  48  is supported by a pair of parallel shaft supporting plates (not shown) formed upright from a main body of the shift lever device  40 . 
     A supporting bracket  50  having a substantially U-shaped configuration in side view is provided at a substantially intermediate portion of the rotating bracket  42  in the longitudinal direction. A thin-walled portion  52  is formed in the supporting bracket  50  at a location where the supporting bracket  50  is connected to the rotating bracket  42 , thereby resulting in lowering of strength of the supporting bracket  50 . When force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the supporting bracket  50  from the upper side, as shown in FIG. 9, bending moment acts on the thin-walled portion  52 . The thin-walled portion  52  is broken due to the bending moment and the supporting bracket  50  is thereby separated from the rotating bracket  42 . 
     Further, a supporting hole  54  (see FIG. 8) and a supporting hole  56  are formed coaxially in the rotating bracket  42  and the supporting bracket  50 , respectively. The lower end of a shift lever  60  in which a shaft hole  58  (see FIG. 8) is formed is provided between the rotating bracket  42  and the supporting bracket  50  and pin  62  passes through the supporting hole  54 , the shaft hole  58 , and the supporting hole  56  so as to allow the shift lever  60  to be supported. As a result, the shift lever  60  is provided to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the control shaft  48  serving as an axis and is also provided to be rotatable in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the pin  62  serving as an axis. 
     The pin  62  has a diameter-enlarged portion  66  formed at one end thereof and made thicker than the diameter of the pin  62 . When the pin  62  passes through the supporting hole  54 , the shaft hole  58 , and the supporting hole  56 , the diameter-enlarged portion  66  is positioned in such a manner as to abut against the rotating bracket  42 . 
     Further, a breaking portion  65  is formed in the pin  62  in such a manner that a breaking hole  64  having a predetermined length is formed from one end of the pin  62  along the axial direction, thereby resulting in lowering of strength of the pin  62 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when force of a predetermined value or more is applied perpendicularly with respect to the axial direction of the pin  62 , the pin  62  is broken at the breaking portion  65 . 
     A caulked portion  68  whose diameter is made smaller than the diameter of the pin  62  is formed at the other end of the pin  62 . After the pin  62  has passed through the supporting hole  54 , the shaft hole  58 , and the supporting hole  56 , the caulked portion  68  is caulked to increase the diameter thereof and the pin  62  is prevented from being drawn out from the supporting hole  56 . 
     In the shift lever device  40  in an ordinary state, the lower end of the shift lever  60  is, as shown in FIG. 8, provided between the rotating bracket  42  and the supporting bracket  50  and is supported by the pin  62 . For this reason, the shift lever  60  is operated to rotate the control shaft  48  and an arbitrary shift range can be selected. 
     When axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  60  at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, or the like, as shown in FIG. 9, the pin  62  is pressed by the shift lever  60  and is broken at the breaking portion  65 . Further, the thin-walled portion  52  of the rotating bracket  42  is also broken. As a result, the impact force applied to the shift lever  60  is absorbed. In addition, the shift lever  60  and the supporting bracket  50  in the state of being integrated with each other by the pin  62  are moved downward. 
     As described above, by providing a simple structure in which the thin-walled portion  52  is formed in the bracket  42  and the breaking portion  65  is formed in the pin  62 , the impact force applied to the shift lever  60  can be absorbed. Moreover, the breaking portion  65  is formed in the pin  62  without alteration of the appearance of the pin  62  so as to lower the strength of the pin  62 , and therefore, no alteration in the shape of a mounting portion of the pin  62  is effected. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 each show a shift lever device  70  which is a modified example of the shift lever device  40  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the shift lever device  70 , in the same manner as in the shift lever device  40  according to the second embodiment, a supporting mechanism  71  is included comprising a substantially U-shaped rotating bracket  72  disposed outside the interior of the vehicle and a pin  80 . The rotating bracket has a supporting bracket  74  having a substantially L-shaped configuration in side view. However, a thin-walled portion is not formed in the supporting bracket  74  at a location where the supporting bracket  74  is connected to the rotating bracket  72 . Further, as shown in FIG. 12, two bottom plates  74 A of the supporting bracket  74  are provided to gradually spread out toward the rotating bracket  72  and the space between the bottom plates  74 A is formed as a substantially trapezoidal through hole  78  which is larger than the cross section of the shift lever  76 . 
     Further, in the same manner as in the shift lever device  40 , the lower end of the shift lever  76  is provided between the rotating bracket  72  and the supporting bracket  74  and is supported by pin  80 . A breaking portion  83  is formed in the pin  80  in such a manner that a breaking hole  82  having a predetermined length is formed from one end of the pin  80  along the axial direction, thereby resulting in lowering of the strength of the breaking portion  83 . 
     On the other hand, a rivet hole  84  is formed at the other end of the pin  80  and a region around the rivet hole  84  is formed as a breaking portion  85  having a low strength. Further, a rivet  86  is inserted and caulked in the rivet hole  84 , thereby preventing the pin  80  from being drawn out. 
     Accordingly, in the shift lever device  70 , as shown in FIG. 13, when impact force of a predetermined value or more is applied in the axial direction of the shift lever  72 , the pin  80  is broken at the breaking hole  82  and is also broken at the rivet hole  84  together with the rivet  86 , thereby resulting in absorption of the impact force. Since no thin-walled portion is formed in the supporting bracket  74 , only the shift lever  76  passes through the through hole  78  to move downward in such a state that the supporting bracket  74  and the rotating bracket  72  are integrated with each other. 
     Meanwhile, in the above-described shift lever device  40  according to the second embodiment and also in the shift lever device  70  according to the modified example of the second embodiment, at least one pair of wall surfaces may be formed at the front side in the direction in which impact force is applied to the shift lever  60  and the shift lever  76  in such a manner that the space therebetween is gradually made smaller in the direction away from the supporting holes  54 ,  56 , the breaking hole  82 , and the rivet hole  84 . As a result, the supporting bracket  50  or the lower end of the shift lever  60 , and the lower end of the shift lever  76 , having moved due to the impact force applied thereto, abut against the wall surfaces and moves to widen the space of the wall surfaces, and therefore, the impact force applied to the shift lever  60  and the shift lever  76  can be effectively absorbed. 
     FIG. 14 shows a shift lever device  90  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the shift lever device  90 , the lower end of a shift lever  92  is mounted to a supporting mechanism  91  including a retainer  94 , a control shaft  102 , and a pair of bearing plates  106 . The retainer  94  has a substantially inverted T-shaped configuration and the lower end of the shift lever  92  is inserted in and fixed to a cylindrical mounting portion  96  formed upright substantially at the center of the retainer  94 . 
     Further, a substantially horizontal portion of the retainer  94  is formed as a cylindrical insertion through portion  98  and a bush  100  is fitted in each of both ends of the insertion through portion  98  and control shaft  102  passes through the insertion through portion  98 . 
     On the other hand, the pair of bearing plates  106  extends downward from a main body plate  104  provided in the main body of the shift lever device  90  and a shaft supporting hole  108  by which the control shaft  102  is supported is formed at the center of each of the bearing plates  106 . The main body plate  104  is provided outside the interior of the vehicle. 
     One end of the control shaft  102  is formed as a diameter-enlarged portion  102 A and the other end thereof is reduced in diameter so as to be formed as a male-screw cutting portion  102 B. With the control shaft  102  being supported by the shaft supporting holes  108 , one end of the control shaft  102  is prevented from coming out by the diameter-enlarged portion  102 A and the other end thereof is prevented from coming out with a nut  110  being screwed into the male screw  102 B. In this state, the shift lever  92  is operated to allow selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     A substantially wedge-shaped hollow portion  112  is formed in the control shaft  102  from one end to the other end of the control shaft  102 . Further, a diameter-reduced portion  114  cut from the outer periphery to the center of the control shaft  102  is formed inside the portion where the control shaft  102  is supported by the shaft supporting hole  108 . For this reason, the portion of the control shaft  102  in which the diameter-reduced portion  114  is formed has a low strength. 
     In the shift lever device  90  as well, the control shaft  102  is usually supported by the shaft supporting holes  108 , and therefore, the shift lever  92  is operated to rotate the control shaft  102 , thereby allowing selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     When axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  92 , as shown in FIG. 15, the diameter-reduced portions  114  of the control shaft  102  are broken. Due to the breakage of the diameter-reduced portions  114 , the impact force applied to the shift lever  92  can be absorbed. Then, the portion of the control shaft  102  other than the both end portions falls down. 
     Further, with a simple structure in which the diameter-reduced portions  114  are formed in the control shaft  102 , the impact force applied to the shift lever  92  can be absorbed. 
     As described above, the impact force applied to the shift lever  92  can be absorbed due to the breakage of the diameter-reduced portions  114  formed in the control shaft  102 , and therefore, simplification of the structure is achieved without an increase in number of parts. By forming the hollow portion  1   12  in the control shaft  102 , the control shaft  102  can be lightened. 
     Meanwhile, it is not necessary that these diameter-reduced portions  114  be broken simultaneously. For example, a difference in time of breakage may be made between these diameter-reduced portions  114  in such a manner that the size of the hollow portion  112  is adjusted by varying the shape of the hollow portion  112  in the axial direction of the control shaft  102  so as to change cross-sectional areas of the diameter-reduced portions  114  differently. As a result, when any one of the diameter-reduced portions  114  is first broken by a small impact force and thereafter further impact force is applied, the remaining diameter-reduced portion  114  can be broken. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  92  can be effectively absorbed in two stages. 
     Further, in the shift lever device  90  according to the third embodiment, at least one pair of wall surfaces may be formed at the front side in the direction in which the impact force acts on the shift lever  92  so that the space therebetween is gradually made narrow in the direction away from the shaft supporting hole  108 . As a result, the retainer  94  moves due to the impact force applied thereto and abuts against the wall surface, and further moves to widen the space of the wall surfaces in the transverse direction. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  92  can be effectively absorbed. 
     FIG. 16 shows a shift lever device  120  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the shift lever device  120 , the shift lever  138  is mounted onto a supporting mechanism  121  formed from a retainer  140 , and control shaft  134  connected to main body frame  122  via shear plates  132 . The a main body frame  122  provided outside the interior of the vehicle extends downward to form a pair of mounting plates  124 . A connecting plate  126  having a substantially inverted triangular configuration, which is also shown in FIG. 17, is mounted to each of the mounting plates  124 . Namely, a shear plate  132  passes through a horizontally oblong fixed hole  128  formed in the mounting plate  124  and a horizontally oblong supporting hole  130  formed in the upper portion of the connecting plate  126  and the connecting plate  126  is mounted to the mounting plate  124 . After the shear plate  132  has passed through the fixed hole  128  and the supporting hole  130 , both ends thereof in the direction where the shear plate  132  passes through are caulked to prevent drawing of the shear plate  132 . Further, the shear plate  132  is formed of a material whose strength is lower than those of the mounting plate  124  and the connecting plate  126 . 
     On the other hand, the lower end of the shift lever  138  is mounted to the retainer  140  and a control shaft  134  passes through an insertion through portion  142  of the retainer  140 . Further, a shaft supporting hole  136  is formed in the lower portion of the connecting plate  126  and the control shaft  134  is supported by the shaft supporting holes  136 . As a result, the shift lever  138  is operated to rotate so as to allow selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     In the shift lever device  120  as well, usually, the connecting plates  126  are respectively mounted to the mounting plates  124 , the control shaft  134  is supported by the shaft supporting holes  136 , and the insertion through portion  142  of the retainer  140  is supported by the control shaft  134 . For this reason, the shift lever  138  is operated to rotate the control shaft  134  and an arbitrary shift range can be selected accordingly. 
     When axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  138 , the impact force acts on the shear plates  132  via the retainer  140 , the control shaft  134 , and the connecting plates  126  so that the shear plates  132  are broken (see FIG.  18 ). When the shear plates  132  are broken, the connecting plates  126  fall down and the impact force applied to the shift lever  138  can be absorbed. The shear plates  132  are each formed of a material whose strength is lower than that of the mounting plates  124  and the connecting plates  126 , and therefore, the shear plates  132  can be broken with no breaking portion being formed in each of the shear plates  132 . Meanwhile, the difference in time of breakage may be made between these shear plates  132  by setting each strength of the shear plates  132  differently. As a result, when, after breakage of any one of the shear plates  132  due to a small impact force, further impact force is applied, the remaining shear plate  132  can be broken. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  138  can be effectively absorbed in two stages. Further, respective thickness dimensions of the shear plates  132  may also be set at different values to vary each strength of the shear plates  132  differently. Alternatively, for example, a portion in which a notch is formed in any one of the shear plates  132  is provided as a fragile portion. Moreover, each breaking strength of fragile portions formed in the shear plates  132  may be set at different values by forming notches of different sizes in the shear plates  132  respectively. 
     Further, the shift lever  138  and the shear plates  132  are arranged on a straight line and no additional space for installation of the shear plates  132  is thereby required. 
     Meanwhile, in the shift lever device  120  according to the fourth embodiment, at least one pair of wall surfaces may be formed at the front side in the direction in which the impact force acts on the shift lever  138  so that the space therebetween is gradually made narrow in the direction away from the shaft supporting holes  136 . As a result, the retainer  140  moves due to the impact force applied thereto, abuts against the wall surfaces, and further moves to widen the space of the wall surfaces in the transverse direction. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  138  can be effectively absorbed. 
     FIG. 19 shows a shift lever device  150  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the shift lever device  150 , the lower end of the shift lever  152  is mounted to a mounting mechanism  151  including the lever holder  154  control shaft  160 , pin  162  and hole portion  164 . The lever holder  154  is bent at the substantially intermediate portion thereof and a bracket  156  formed by a pair of parallel plates is provided in the lower portion of the lever holder  154 . 
     A shaft supporting hole  158  (see FIG. 20) is formed in the bracket  156 . Pin  162  passes through the shaft supporting hole  158  with the bracket  156  straddling control shaft  160 , and the lever holder  154  is rotatably supported by the control shaft  160 . In the same manner as in the shift lever device  10  according to the first embodiment, the control shaft  160  is supported by a shaft supporting hole formed on a supporting plate (not shown) of the main body of the shift lever device, which is provided outside the interior of the vehicle. As a result, the shift lever  152  is provided to be rotatable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the control shaft  160  serving as an axis and is also provided to be rotatable in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the pin  162  serving as an axis. 
     An oblong escape hole  166  is formed above the shaft supporting hole  158  with a predetermined thin-walled portion  164  formed between the escape hole  166  and the shaft supporting hole  158 . 
     In the shift lever device  150 , the lever holder  154  is usually supported by the control shaft  160 , and therefore, the shift lever  162  is operated to allow selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     When axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  162 , as shown in FIG. 20, the thin-walled portion  164  presses down the pin  162 . For this reason, the thin-walled portion  164  is pressed and broken by the pin  162  due to the reaction and the impact force applied to the shift lever  162  can be absorbed. Further, the lever holder  154  falls down due to the breakage of the thin-walled portion  164  and the pin  162  comes into the escape hole  166 . 
     As described above, by providing a simple structure in which the escape hole  166  is formed in the bracket  156  of the shift lever  162  with the thin-walled portion  164  being provided between the escape hole  166  and the shaft supporting hole, the impact force applied to the shift lever  162  can be absorbed. 
     Meanwhile, in the shift lever device  150 , the transverse dimension of the escape hole  166  may be set to be gradually decreased in the upper direction so that the pin  162  coming into the escape hole  166  abuts against the hole wall of the escape hole  166 . As a result, when the lever holder  154  is falling down or at an initial stage of the lever holder  154  falling down, the pin  162  moves while widening the escape hole  166  in the transverse direction. For this reason, the decay time of impact force becomes longer and the impact force can be absorbed more effectively. 
     Further, in the same way as in the shift lever device  31  according to the modified example of the first embodiment, a fragile portion having a low breaking strength may be provided in the thin-walled portion  164  in such a manner that a wedge-shaped notch is formed in the thin-walled portion  164 . Namely, when the fragile portion is provided in the thin-walled portion  164 , the thin-walled portion  164  is first broken at the fragile portion. Accordingly, the impact force applied to the shift lever  162  can be effectively absorbed. 
     Moreover, the lever holder  154  is bent substantially at the intermediate portion thereof, and therefore, the impact force applied to the lever holder  154  is not directly transmitted to the control shaft  160 . 
     FIGS. 21 and 22 each show a shift lever device  170  according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the shift lever device  170 , a shift lever  172  is inserted in and passes through a guide hole  176  of a cover plate  174  and the lower end of the shift lever  172  is screwed into a mounting mechanism  171  formed by a cylinder  180  formed upright from a substantially ball-shaped control spherical body  178 , and a shift lever plate  188  supported by pins  194 . The cover plate  174  is screwed to shift lever plate  188 . 
     The inner surface of a substantially semi-spherical control cable  184  contacts the lower part of the control spherical body  178  to hold the control spherical body  178 . The control cable  184  has partially protruding portions at opposite sides thereof and a pair of engaging plates  182  projecting from the control spherical body  178  is engaged with engaging concave portions  186  formed in the protruding portions of the control cable  184 . Accordingly, when the shift lever  172  is operated, the control cable  184  rotates together with the control spherical body  178 . 
     Further, a control lever (not shown) overhangs from the control cable  184  and a pin of the control lever is connected to an automatic transmission via a transmission mechanism and the operation of the shift lever  172  allows shift of the automatic transmission. 
     On the other hand, a substantially square supporting concave portion  190  is formed in the shift lever plate  188  provided outside the interior of the vehicle. A cylindrical supporting cylinder  196  is disposed at the center of the supporting concave portion  190  and is supported by pins  194  each projecting from the substantially center of each of four side walls  192  which form the supporting concave portion  190 . When impact force acts on the supporting cylinder  196  from the upper side, the pins  194  are broken as shown in FIG.  23 . Meanwhile, each pin  194  may be formed integrally with or separately from one side wall  192 . 
     Further, the upper end surface of the supporting cylinder  196  is bent substantially in the shape of a cone to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the control cable  184  and supports the control cable  184  rotatably and smoothly. 
     In the shift lever device  170  as well, usually, as shown in FIG. 22, the supporting cylinder  196  is supported by the pins  194  and the control cable  184  is supported on the supporting cylinder  196 . For this reason, the shift lever  172  is operated to allow selection of an arbitrary shift range. 
     When axial impact force is applied to the shift lever  172 , the impact force acts on the pins  194  via the control spherical body  178 , the control cable  184 , and the supporting cylinder  196 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the pins  194  are broken and the impact force applied to the shift lever  172  can be absorbed. Further, due to breakage of the pins  194 , the supporting cylinder  196 , the control cable  184 , and the control spherical body  178  fall down. 
     Further, the impact force acts on the pins  194  via the substantially ball-shaped control spherical body  178 , and therefore, even if the direction in which the impact force acts is in an unfixed or eccentric state, the pins  194  are reliably broken and the impact force can be absorbed. 
     Meanwhile, it is not necessary that the pins  194  be set to have the same breaking strength, and the pins  194  may be set to have different breaking strength. As a result, as the impact force increases, the pins  194  are broken sequentially from the pin having the lowest breaking strength. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  172  can be effectively absorbed in a multistage manner. 
     Further, in the shift lever device  170  according to the sixth embodiment, wall surfaces may be formed at the front side in the direction in which the impact force acts on the shift lever  172  so that the space therebetween is gradually made narrow in the direction away from the control cable  184 . As a result, the supporting cylinder  196  having moved due to the impact force abuts against the wall surfaces and further moves to widen the space of the wall surfaces. For this reason, the impact force applied to the shift lever  172  can be effectively absorbed. 
     Meanwhile, in each of the above-described embodiments, there was described, as an example, a floor shift-type shift lever device provided in the center console of the vehicle, but the location where a shift lever device is installed is not limited to the same. For example, an instrument panel shift-type shift lever device may also be used in which a shift lever device is provided on an instrument panel.