Shifting device

A shifting device includes a housing, a shift lever, and a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved along frontward or rearward and leftward or rightward to select one of shift positions. The sensor unit is of a non-contact type and detects the selected shift position. The sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a magnet. The relative positions of the sensors and the magnet are variable. The sensor unit detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. According to movement of the shift lever, at least one of the group of the sensors and the magnet is moved along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shifting device for changing a shift position.

A typical vehicle having an automatic transmission has a floor shifting device. A shifting device has a shift lever for switching the gear position of the automatic transmission. Some shifting devices provide manual gear selection as well as automatic gear selection. Such a shifting device typically has a several gates formed in a panel. For example, such a shifting device has a first gate for automatic gear selection, a second gate for manual gear selection, and a third gate for switching between the automatic and manual gear selections.

In the automatic gear selection, a driver moves the shift lever to the first gate and shifts the shift lever to one of a P (parking) position, an R (reverse) position, an N (neutral) position, and a D (advance) position. Accordingly, the gear position of the automatic transmission is changed. In the manual gear selection, the driver moves the shift lever from the first gate to the second gate via the third gate, and selectively moves the shift lever toward M+ position (shift up position) and M− position (shift down position). Accordingly, the gear position of the automatic transmission is manually shifted by one gear at a time.

FIG. 12is a block diagram of an electrical circuit of a shifting device disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-89676. The shifting device includes a switch main body51mounted on a vehicle body. The switch main body51has a P contact52, an R contact53, an N contact54, a D contact55, a shift-up contact56, and a shift-down contact57. A negative electrode58extends arcuately along the switch main body51. A shift lever (not shown) has a contact electrode59, which electrically connects one of the contacts52to57with the negative electrode58.

For example, when the shift lever is at the P position, the contact electrode59contacts the P contact52and the negative electrode58, thereby electrically connecting the P contact52and the negative electrode58to each other. Accordingly, a controller60determines that the shift lever is at the P position, and switches the gear position of the automatic transmission to the P position. When the shift lever is at any of the R, N, D positions, the controller60operates in a similar manner.

When the driver moves the shift lever to the second gate, a position detecting switch (not shown) is turned on. The position detecting switch continues to be on during the manual gear selection. During the manual gear selection, the contact electrode59contacts one of the shift-up contact56and the shift-down contact57, and the negative electrode58. Based on the contacting state of the negative electrode58with one of the shift-up and shift-down contacts56,57, and an ON signal from the position detecting switch, the controller60detects one of a shift-up manipulation and a shift-down manipulation. The controller60then changes the gear position of the automatic transmission according to the shift position.

This shifting device is of a contact type, in which the position of the shift lever is detected based on the contact state of the negative electrode58with the contacts52to57with the contact electrode59. However, if the shifting device is used for an extended period, the contact electrode59and the contacts52to59deteriorate with time due to wear. Therefore, the method using this shifting device has low reliability as a method for detecting the position of the shift lever.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a shifting device that improves the reliability of detection of the position of a shift lever.

To achieve the foregoing and other objectives and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, a shifting device having a housing, a shift lever supported by the-housing, a non-contact type position detection mechanism, and a moving mechanism is provided. The shift lever is moved at least along a first manipulation axis and a second manipulation axis to select one of shift positions. The first and second manipulation axes extend in different directions. The non-contact type position detecting mechanism detects a shift position selected by the shift lever. The position detecting mechanism includes a plurality of detecting devices and a detection objective device. The relative positions between the detecting devices and the detection objective device are variable. The position detecting mechanism detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. According to movement of the shift lever, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the group of the detecting devices and the detection objective device at least along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.

The present invention also provides a shifting device having a housing, a shift lever supported by the housing, a position detecting mechanism, a reflector member, and a moving mechanism. The shift lever is moved at least along a first manipulation axis and a second manipulation axis to select one of shift positions. The first and second manipulation axes extend in different directions. The position detecting mechanism has a plurality of light emitting portions and a plurality of photoreceptor portions for detecting light emitted by the light emitting portions. Each photoreceptor portion forms a pair with one of the light emitting portions. The relative positions between the light emitting portions and the photoreceptor portions are variable. The position detecting mechanism detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. The reflector member reflects light emitted by the light emitting portions so that the reflected light is detected by the photoreceptor portions. A plurality of holes are formed in the reflector member such that the photoreceptor portions detect signals corresponding to the selected shift position. According to movement of the shift lever, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the group of the light emitting portions and the group of the photoreceptor portions at least along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A shifting device1according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 7. The front, the rear, the left, and the right of the shifting device1are defined as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2in this embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, the shift lever2includes the knob8, a lever main body9, and a retainer10. The lever main body9is pivotally coupled to the retainer10with a pin11. Thus, the shift lever2is supported by the retainer10to be pivotable leftward and rightward about the pin11. The torsion spring12is engaged with a shaft of the pin11. The torsion spring12urges the shift lever2toward the F position when the shift lever2is in the first gate7a.A nut13is threaded to the distal portion of the pin11to prevent the pin11from falling off.

A shaft14extends through a lower portion of the pin11. The shaft14extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the pin11. The shaft14is supported by the housing16. The retainer10pivots about the shaft14. The shift lever2is moved in the shift direction about the shaft14. A nut15is threaded to the distal portion of the shaft14to prevent the shaft14from falling off. A dome-shaped slide cover17is located between the cover plate6and the housing16. The slide cover17moves synchronously with the shift lever2.

A sensor recess18is formed on the outer surface of a right sidewall16aof the housing16. A sensor unit19is attached to the sensor recess18. The sensor unit19functions to detect the position of the shift lever2. The sensor unit19has an outer case20and a cover21. The outer case20accommodates a resin inner case22, a first holder23, and a second holder24. The first holder23holds a magnet25, and the second holder24holds the first holder23. The sensor unit19is of a slide type in which the magnet25is moved along crossing directions in accordance with manipulation of the shift lever2.

A rectangular first window26is formed in the upper portion of the right sidewall16aof the housing16. A second window27is formed in the upper portion of the outer case20of the sensor unit19. The second window27faces the first window26and has substantially the same area as the first window26. A coupler portion28is integrally formed with the lever main body9. The coupler portion28extends from the lower portion of the lever main body9toward the sensor unit19. When the shift lever2is assembled, the coupler portion28protrudes to the interior of the outer case20through the first and second windows26,27. A distal end29of the coupler portion28, which is substantially spherical, is engaged with a hole30formed in the inner case22(seeFIG. 3). In this embodiment, the inner case22, the first holder23, the second holder24, and the coupler portion28form a moving mechanism.

A detected member, which is the magnet25, is engaged with the inner case22such that part of the magnet25is exposed. The magnet25is a shaped as a flat plate and is made of a magnetic material (ferrite, neodymium). The magnet25has north poles and south poles. The inner case22has a guide portion31extending along the shift direction. In this embodiment, the magnet25forms a part of the position detecting mechanism.

The first holder23is substantially shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped and has an opening. A guide groove32is formed in an inner surface of the first holder23. The guide groove32corresponds to the guide portion31and extends in the front-rear direction, or in a first movement axis. The inner case22is accommodated in the first holder23with the guide portion31of the inner case22engaged with the guide groove32of the first holder23. The guide portion31of the inner case22moves along the guide groove32of the first holder23.

The second holder24has vertically extending two rails33, a coupling plate36for coupling the rails33to each other, and a base plate37attached to the coupling plate36. The vertical direction in this embodiment is a direction parallel to the axial direction of the lever9(seeFIG. 1), or a direction along which the magnet25is moved when the shift lever2is moved leftward or rightward, or in a second movement direction. As shown inFIG. 3, each rail33has two extension plate34extending along the vertical direction. The first holder23is accommodated in the second holder24while being held between the extension plates34of each rail33. In this state, the first holder23is movable in the vertical direction. An installation plate35is attached to the second holder24. The installation plate35is fixed to the outer case20(seeFIG. 1).

As shown inFIG. 2, the shifting device1includes a shift lever2and a housing16. The housing16has flanges4at the lower end. The housing16is fixed to a floor console5by fastening the flanges4to the floor console5with screws (not shown). The upper portion of the housing16is covered with a cover plate6. A shift gate opening7is formed in the cover plate6. A shift lever2extends upward through the shift gate opening7. A spherical shift knob8is attached to the upper end of the shift lever2.

The shift gate opening7includes a first gate7aextending in the front-rear direction, a second gate7bextending leftward from a center of the first gate7a,and a third gate7cextending rearward from the left end of the second gate7b.The shift lever2is capable of moving along the shift gate opening7. As the shift lever2is moved, the engagement condition of an automatic transmission of an A/T vehicle is switched. Specifically, the shift lever2is moved to any of a P (parking) position, an F (free) position, an N (neutral) position, and a D (drive) position. The shift lever2is manipulated frontward or rearward, or in a first manipulation axis (along a shift direction (seeFIG. 2)) either in the first gate7a,which includes the R, N, D positions, or in the third gate7c,which includes the F, P positions. When switched between the first gate7aand the third gate7c,the shift lever is manipulated leftward or rightward, or in a second manipulation axis, (along a select direction (seeFIG. 2)). When manipulated from the P position, the shift lever2is moved to the F position. When manipulated from the P position, the shift lever2is moved to the F position. Also, after being moved to any of the R, N, D positions, the shift lever2is moved back to the F position. Specifically, when the shift lever2is manipulated from the F position to the P position, the shift lever2is held at the P position by a member that is not illustrated. When the shift lever2is manipulated from the F position to any of the R, N, D positions, first to fourth Hall ICs38to41detect the position of the shift lever2. Accordingly, the shifting device1is switched. (The Hall ICs38to41will be described below.) Thereafter, when the driver releases the shift lever2, the shift lever2is returned to the F position by the force of the torsion spring12. That is, the shift lever2is not held at any of the R, N, and D positions. The shift lever2may be designed to return to the F position after being manipulated to the P position.

When the coupler portion28is at a position shown by a solid line inFIG. 4, the shift lever2is in the first gate7a.For example, suppose that the driver moves the shift lever2leftward to the third gate7c.At this time, the distal end29of the coupler portion28is moved upward. Accordingly, the first holder23is moved upward, and the coupler portion28is moved to a position shown by an alternate long and short dash line inFIG. 4. When the shift lever2is moved from the third gate7cto the first gate7a,the first holder23is moved downward and is returned to the position shown by the solid lines.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, detecting members, which are the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41are located on the surface of the base plate37of the second holder24. The first to fourth Hall ICs38to41are arranged along the vertical direction and spaced at substantially equal intervals. When the first holder23is accommodated in the second holder24, the magnet25of the inner case22faces the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41. When detecting a north pole of the magnet25, the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41output an H signal. When detecting a south pole of the magnet25, the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41output an L signal. A connector42is attached to the surface of the installation plate35. A controller43mounted on the vehicle is connected to the connector42. In this embodiment, the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41form part of the position detecting mechanism.

FIG. 5is a plan view showing a magnetization pattern of a magnet. The surface of the magnet25is divided into fifteen magnetic pole sections in three lateral lines and five vertical columns. As the shift lever2is manipulated, some of the magnetic pole sections of the magnet25face the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 6(a) to6(e), the relationship between the magnetic pole sections of the magnet25and the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41is changed according to the position of the shift lever2. As shown inFIG. 7, the signals (H signals and L signals) of the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41form different codes each corresponding to one of the positions of the shift lever2.

Even if any one of the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41malfunctions, the codes of signals from the Hall ICs38to41. are different for each of the R, N, D, F, and P positions. Further, the output values of the Hall ICs38to41for the R position of the shift lever2are the reverse of the output values for the D position. That is, if the output values of the Hall ICs38to41are H, L, L, L signals when the shift lever2is at the R position, the output values are L, H, H, H signals when the shift lever2is at the D position.

An operation of the shifting device1will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6(a) to7. Suppose that the shift lever2is initially at the P position, and then moved to the F position. When the shift lever2is at the P position, the relationship between the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41is in a state shown inFIG. 6(a), and the Hall ICs38to41output an H signal, an H signal, an H signal, and an L signal (seeFIG. 7), respectively.

When the driver moves the shift lever2frontward to the F position, the inner case22and the magnet25are moved frontward relative to the first holder23, accordingly. When the shift lever2is moved to the F position, the relationship between the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41is in a state shown inFIG. 6(b), and the Hall ICs38to41output an H signal, an L signal, an H signal, and an H signal (seeFIG. 7), respectively.

Subsequently, when the driver moves the shift lever2rightward from the F position to the N position, the inner case22, the first holder23, and the magnet25are moved vertically relative to the second holder24, accordingly. When the shift lever2is moved to the D position, the relationship between the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41is in a state shown inFIG. 6(c), and the Hall ICs38to41output an L signal, an H signal, an H signal, and an H signal (seeFIG. 7), respectively.

When the driver moves the shift lever2to the N position or the R position, the relationship between the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41is in a state shown inFIGS. 6(d) and6(e), respectively, and output codes corresponding to the N position and the R position shown inFIG. 7are outputted. Based on the output code of the signals from the Hall ICs38to41, which varies depending on the relationship between the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41, the controller43determines the position of the shift lever2.

This embodiment provides the following advantages.

When the shift lever2is moved frontward or rearward, the magnet25is moved frontward or rearward, accordingly. When the shift lever2is moved leftward or rightward, the magnet25is moved upward or downward, accordingly. The non-contact type sensor formed of the magnet25and the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41detects changes of the position of the shift lever2in the lateral direction and the front-rear direction. Therefore, if the sensor is used for an extended period, the sensor hardly deteriorates with time. Further, the reliability of the position detection of the shift lever2is improved. Compared to a contact type sensor, the number of components is reduced.

Even if one of the four Hall ICs38to41malfunctions, the controller43is capable of detect the position of the shift lever2based on signals from the other three Hall ICs. That is, the magnetization pattern of the magnet25is determined such that, even if any one of the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41malfunctions, the codes of signals from the Hall ICs38to41are different for each of the R, N, D, A, and P positions. Therefore, even if one of the four Hall ICs38to41malfunctions, the position of the shift lever2is accurately detected, and the reliability of the position detection of the shift lever2is further improved.

In some cases, if the driver slowly manipulates the shift lever2, the output values of the Hall ICs38to41do not change simultaneously due to variations of the magnetization state of the magnet25and the deviation of the position of the Hall ICs38to41from the designed positions. In such cases, the same code may be outputted for different positions of the shift lever2. However, in this embodiment, the magnet25is magnetized such that the output values of the Hall ICs38to41for the R position of the shift lever2are the reverse of the output values for the D position. Therefore, a movement the shift lever2from the N position to the R position is not erroneously detected as a movement from the N position to the D position. Particularly, if the D position is erroneously detected as the R position or vice versa, the vehicle can move in the direction opposite from a desired direction. This embodiment eliminates the possibility of such errors.

The inner case22, to which the magnet25is attached, is accommodated in the first holder23, and the first holder23is accommodated in the second holder24. The size of the sensor unit19is reduced. Accordingly, the size of the shifting device1is reduced.

When the shift lever2is moved frontward of rearward, the magnet25(the first holder23) is moved vertically relative to the second holder24. Thus, the lateral size of the shifting device1is reduced.

The position of the shift lever2is detected with the magnet25and the Hall ICs38to41in this embodiment. Compared to a case where an optical rotary encoder is used, this embodiment has a simpler configuration.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 10. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a method for detecting the position of the shift lever2. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to those components that the same as the corresponding components of the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 8, a reflecting member, which is reflector plate44in this embodiment, is located on the inner case22(seeFIG. 1) instead of the magnet25. Through holes44aare formed in the reflector plate44. The positions of the through holes44acorrespond to the magnetic pole sections of south poles when the magnet25is used. The through holes44aare formed with a press. Instead of the first to fourth Hall ICs38to41, a plurality of position detecting members, which are first to fourth reflecting photosensors47to50, are located on the surface of the base plate37.

The photosensors47to50are packaged photo reflectors, each having the corresponding one of first to fourth light emitting elements47ato50a,and the corresponding one of first to fourth photoreceptors (detecting portions)47bto50b.The light emitting elements47ato50aand the photoreceptors47bto50bare arranged in the same direction. The light emitting elements47ato50amay be inclined relative to the photoreceptors (detecting portions)47bto50b. As shown inFIG. 9, when light from the first light emitting element47ais reflected by the reflector plate44, and the reflected light is detected by the first photoreceptor47bin the same package, the first photosensor47outputs an H signal. As shown inFIG. 10, when light from the first light emitting element47apasses through one of the through holes44a,and the first photoreceptor47bin the same package does not detects the light, the first photosensor47outputs an L signal. The other photosensors48to50operate in the same manner, and detailed description is therefore omitted.

The through holes44aare arranged such that the codes of signals from the photosensors47to50vary according to the position of the shift lever2. Even if any one of the photosensors47to50malfunctions, the codes of signals from the photosensors47to50are different for each of the R, N, D, F, and P positions. Further, the through holes44aare arranged such that the output values of the photosensors47to50for the R position of the shift lever2are the reverse of the output values for the D position.

When the shift lever2is moved to the P position by the driver, the first to third photosensors47to49output H signals, and the fourth photosensor50outputs an L signal. Based on the code of the signal, the controller43determines that the shift lever2is at the P position. When the shift lever2is manipulated to any of the F, D, N, R positions, the photosensors47to49output signals corresponding to the position of the shift lever2. Based on a code formed of the outputted signals, the controller43determines the position of the shift lever2.

In addition to the advantages of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 7, this embodiment provides the following advantages.

In a case where photosensors in which light emitting elements and photoreceptors are separately formed, the light emitting elements need to be attached to the inner case22, and the photoreceptors37need to be attached to the base plate37. However, in this embodiment, since the light reflecting type photosensors47to49are used, the light emitting elements and the photoreceptors are attached to one of the inner case22and the base plate37. Therefore, the number of steps of mounting the photosensors is reduced. Each of the first to fourth light emitting elements47ato50aand the corresponding one of the first to fourth photoreceptors47bto50bare accommodated in a single package to form the corresponding one of the first to fourth photosensors47to50. Therefore, each of the photosensors47to50is mounted to the sensor unit19in a single process. This reduces the cost for mounting.

In a case of the magnetic sensor, the magnet25is provided with the magnetization pattern of north poles and south poles. In this case, a magnetization yoke needs to be produced. This increases the costs. However, in this embodiment, it only requires that the through holes44abe formed in the reflector plate44using a press. This reduces the costs. Further, some magnetic type sensors have a magnetic shield to block external magnetic field, which increases the costs. However, the optical sensor as described in this embodiment requires no such increase in the costs.

Compared to magnetic type sensors, optical type sensors are faster in response. Therefore, the position detecting method of this embodiment, which is of an optical type, permits the position of the shift lever2to be quickly detected.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the structure including the second holder24permits the first holder23to move vertically relative to the base plate37. However, a structure without the second holder24may be used. For example, a structure shown inFIG. 11may be used. In this structure, two engaging portions45are formed at each side of the first holder23. Each engaging portion45is bent toward the base plate37. A rail portion46is formed in each side section of the installation plate35. The rail portions46are capable of receiving the engaging portions45. The engaging portions45are engaged with the rail portions46to permit the first holder23to move along the rail portions46. Accordingly, the magnet25(the reflector plate44) is moved vertically.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the magnet25(the reflector plate44) need not be slid along crossing directions. For example, the magnet25(the reflector plate44) may be of rotor type. In this case, the magnet25is shaped arcuate, and, when the shift lever2is manipulated along the shift direction, the magnet25is pivoted about the shaft14.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 7, the magnetization pattern of the magnet25is not limited to the one that is described as long as the code of signals outputted by Hall ICs38to41allows the position of the shift lever2to be detected. Also, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 to 10, the pattern of the through holes44amay be changed as necessary.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 7, the magnetization pattern of the magnet25need not be determined such that, even if one of the Hall ICs38to41malfunctions, the position of the shift lever2is detected. Further, the magnetization pattern of the magnet25need not be determined such that the output values of the Hall ICs38to41for the R position of the shift lever2are the reverse of the output values for the D position. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 to 10, the pattern of the through holes44aneed not be determined such that the output values of the photosensors47to50for the R position of the shift lever2are the reverse of the output values for the D position.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 7, the media for detecting the magnet25are not limited to Hall ICs. For example, magnetic resistance elements such as magneto resistive effect elements or giant magneto resistive elements may be used.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 to 10, each of the light emitting elements47ato50aare accommodated in the same package with the corresponding one of the photoreceptors47bto50bto form the photosensors47to50. However, other configurations may be adapted. For example, an optical encoder may be used. In this case, shielding plate having holes of a predetermined pattern is attached to the shift lever2, and the position of the shift lever2is detected based on light reception pattern through the holes. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the position detecting member is not limited to magnetic type or optical type, but may be a non-contact detecting member that uses sound.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the positions of the shift lever2is not limited to five positions, which are P, F, D, N, and R positions. For example, another shift position may be provided at a position next to the F position opposite from the P position. In this case, the number of the shift position of the shift lever2is six.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the magnet25(the reflector plate44) is attached to the shift lever2, and the Hall ICs38to41(the photosensors47to50) are attached to the vehicle body. However, this arrangement may be reversed.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the inner case22need not be coupled to the lever main body9with the coupler portion28. For example, the magnet (the reflector plate44) may be arranged to move in the same direction as the shift lever2. In this case, the magnet25(the reflector plate44) may be fixed to the lever main body9.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 7, the Hall ICs38to41may output an L signal when detecting a north pole, and output an H signal when detecting a south pole. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 to 10, the photosensors47to50may output an L signal when detecting light, and output an H signal when detecting no light.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the position of the coupler portion28is not limited to a lower portion of the lever main body9. For example, the coupler portion28may be formed at a center of the lever main body9.

In the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 10, the shifting device1is applied to a vehicle. However, as long as applied to a system that uses the shift lever2to determine the shift position, the shifting device1may be applied to any type of system.