Patent Description:
A shift-by-wire type gearshift device includes an operation member that is mechanically separated from a transmission. Such type of a gearshift device includes a position sensor that detects an operation position of an operation member. The gearshift device electrically processes the detection signal of the position sensor to shift transmission modes.

<CIT> describes a position sensor that includes a magnet and detection elements. The publication describes a failsafe technique that allows for detection of the position of a shift lever even when one of the detection elements fails to function. The publication also describes the use of a timer to distinguish failure of a detection element from normal transition conditions of each detection element.

However, a failsafe may result in a complicated magnetization process. This increases the cost and size of the magnet.

Document <CIT> discloses to detect a switching position by a shift lever even when two of a plurality of position sensors are failed. The shift lever position detection device detects the switching position of arbitrary three shifting ranges (R, N, D) in an automatic transmission by the shift lever <NUM> by five sensors (position sensors Ps1 to Ps5), respectively. Three of the five sensors (position sensors Ps1 to Ps5) are shifting position detection sensors (position sensors Ps1, Ps3 and Ps5) detecting the shifting ranges. Remaining two of the five sensors (position sensors Ps1 to Ps5) are area detection sensors (position sensors Ps2 and Ps4) outputting a detection signal when the shifting range gets to one of the adjacent two shifting ranges.

Document <CIT> discloses a gearshift device including a gearshift lever adapted to move a plurality of gear selection positions, and a gear selection position detecting unit which detects a gear selection position.

Document <CIT> discloses a selector lever device for a transmission of a motor vehicle having a selector lever which, for the selection of gears, is arranged in or on a housing so as to be adjustable between predetermined shift positions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a position sensor that realizes a failsafe with a single simple detected subject.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gearshift device as defined in claim <NUM>.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are set out in dependent claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, a gearshift device comprising a position sensor that realizes a failsafe with a single simple detected subject is provided.

One embodiment of the gearshift device will now be described. A position sensor is applied to the gearshift device that shifts modes of a transmission. The position sensor detects the operation position of an operation member in the gearshift device.

Referring to <FIG>, a gearshift device <NUM> includes a device body <NUM>, a shift lever <NUM>, and a shift panel <NUM>. The device body <NUM> is arranged on the vehicle body. The shift lever <NUM> serves as an operation member supported by the device body <NUM>. Further, the shift lever <NUM> extends through the shift panel <NUM>. The shift panel <NUM> includes a shift gate <NUM> that guides the operation of the shift lever <NUM>. The shift gate <NUM> extends in the front to rear direction of the vehicle. Operation positions of the shift lever <NUM>, namely, a P position, an R position, an N position, a D position, and an S position are set along the shift gate <NUM> from the front side to the rear side. The P position designates a parking (P) mode, and the R position designates a reverse (R) mode of the transmission. The N position designates a neutral (N) mode of the transmission, and the D position designates a drive (D) mode of the transmission. The S position designates a sequential (S) mode of the transmission.

Referring to <FIG>, the gearshift device <NUM> includes a position sensor S that detects operation positions of the shift lever <NUM>. The position sensor S includes detection elements <NUM> and a detected subject detected by the detection elements <NUM>. The detected subject is a magnet <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is a movable element, and the detection elements <NUM> are fixed elements. The magnet <NUM> is arranged on the shift lever <NUM>. Accordingly, the magnet <NUM> moves in cooperation with the movement of the shift lever <NUM>. The detection elements <NUM> are arranged on a substrate coupled to the device body <NUM>. The position sensor S will now be described in detail.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the position sensor S includes a magnet <NUM> and an element array <NUM> having at least three stages (or columns) and arranged facing a magnet <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the element array <NUM> includes six stages, with each stage including one or more detection elements <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> has, for example, the form of a block. The six stages of the element array <NUM> are arranged from the front side (upstream side) toward the rear side (downstream side) of the vehicle. The frontmost stage of the element array <NUM> is referred to as the first stage, and the following stages are referred to as the second to sixth stages in order toward the rear. The first stage has a single detection element <NUM>, namely, the first detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The second stage has a single detection element <NUM>, namely, the second detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The third stage has two detection elements <NUM>, namely, the third detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>) and the fourth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The fourth stage has two detection elements <NUM>, namely, the fifth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>) and the sixth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The fifth stage has a single detection element <NUM>, namely, the seventh detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The sixth stage has a single detection element <NUM>, namely, the eighth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>).

The magnet <NUM> has a size allowing for simultaneous detection by each of the detection elements <NUM> in two adjacent stages. For example, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at a first position (P position in the present example), the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by the first detection element <NUM> of the first stage and the second detection element <NUM> of the second stage. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a second position (R position in the present example), the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by the second detection element <NUM> of the second stage and the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> of the third stage. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a third position (N position in the present example), the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> of the third stage and the fifth and sixth detection elements <NUM> of the fourth stage. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a fourth position (D position in the present example), the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by the fifth and sixth detection elements <NUM> of the fourth stage and the seventh detection element <NUM> of the fifth stage. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a fifth position (S position in the present example), the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by the seventh detection element <NUM> of the fifth stage and the eighth detection element <NUM> of the sixth stage.

In this manner, the magnet <NUM> is moved relative to the element array <NUM> by one stage whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position. Each of the detection elements <NUM> outputs a detection result indicating whether or not the magnet <NUM> is detected, that is, the presence or absence of the magnet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the first position to the second position, the detection result of the first detection element <NUM> is switched from ON to OFF to indicate that the magnet <NUM> is not detected. Further, the detection results of the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> are switched from OFF to ON to indicate that the magnet <NUM> is detected. In the present specification, each detection element <NUM> outputs a detection result ON when detecting the magnet <NUM>, and outputs a detection result OFF when not detecting the magnet <NUM>. That is, the detection result ON indicates the presence of the magnet <NUM>, and the detection result OFF indicates the absence of the magnet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the second position to the third position, the detection result of the second detection element <NUM> is switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection results of the fifth and sixth detection elements <NUM> are switched from OFF to ON.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the third position to the fourth position, the detection results of the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> are switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection result of the seventh detection element <NUM> is switched from OFF to ON.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the fourth position to the fifth position, the detection results of the fifth and sixth detection elements <NUM> are switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection result of the eighth detection element <NUM> is switched from OFF to ON.

In this manner, the element array <NUM> includes at least three (three in the present example) detection elements <NUM> of which detection results (ON/OFF) change whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position. The at least three detection elements <NUM> includes at least one detection element <NUM> in an upstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> before the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted and at least one detection element <NUM> in a downstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> after the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted.

Referring to <FIG>, in the element array <NUM>, the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> belong to a first group (<NUM>) that uses a first power supply <NUM> to function. The second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> belong to a second group (<NUM>) that uses a second power supply <NUM> to function. When grouping the detection elements <NUM> in accordance with the corresponding power supply, the detection elements <NUM> of two adjacent stages are divided into two groups that use different power supplies. In other words, one of two adjacent stages includes a detection element <NUM> belonging to the first group, and the other one of the two adjacent stages includes a detection element <NUM> belonging to the second group.

A shift-by-wire electronic control unit (SBW ECU) <NUM> combines detection signals (detection results) of the eight detection elements <NUM> in the element array <NUM> to determine the operation position of the shift lever <NUM>. Here, each of the detection elements <NUM> outputs an ON signal, which indicates the presence of the magnet <NUM>, or an OFF signal, which indicates the absence of the magnet <NUM>, as the detection signal. The SBW ECU <NUM> then shifts the mode of the transmission in accordance with the determination result of the operation position.

The operation of the gearshift device <NUM> will now be described.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the P position and the first to eighth detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the first and second detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal, and the remaining detection elements <NUM> each output an OFF signal. The first and second detection elements <NUM> are associated with the P position. Accordingly, based on the ON signals from the first and second detection elements <NUM>, the ECU <NUM> determines that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the P position.

Referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the R position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the second, third, and fourth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal, and the remaining detection elements <NUM> each output an OFF signal. The second, third, and fourth detection elements <NUM> are associated with the R position. Accordingly, based on the ON signals from the second, third, and fourth detection elements <NUM>, the ECU <NUM> determines that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the R position.

Referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the N position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal, and the remaining detection elements <NUM> each output an OFF signal. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection elements <NUM> are associated with the N position. Accordingly, based on the ON signals from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection elements <NUM>, the ECU <NUM> determines that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the N position.

Referring to the fourth line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the D position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the fifth, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal, and the remaining detection elements <NUM> each output an OFF signal. The fifth, sixth, and seventh elements <NUM> are associated with the D position. Accordingly, based on the ON signals from the fifth, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>, the ECU <NUM> determines that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the D position.

Referring to the fifth line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the S position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal, and the remaining detection elements <NUM> each output an OFF signal. The seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM> are associated with the S position. Accordingly, based on the ON signals from the seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM>, the ECU <NUM> determines that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the S position.

In this manner, when the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals differs between operation positions. Thus, the operation position is determined directly from the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the P position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the first and second detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In contrast, referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the first detection element <NUM> should output an ON signal but outputs an OFF signal due to a failure, only the second detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal. Further, referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when a failure solely occurs in the second detection element <NUM>, only the first detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal. In the same manner, the fourth to ninth lines in the table of <FIG> illustrate the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals when a failure solely occurs in each of the third to eighth detection elements <NUM>.

The second line from the bottom in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the first power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the second detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal. The bottom line in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the second power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the first detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the R position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the second, third, and fourth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In contrast, referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the first detection element <NUM> should output an OFF signal but outputs an ON signal due to a failure, the first, second, third, and fourth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. Further, referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when a failure solely occurs in the second detection element <NUM>, the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In the same manner, the fourth to ninth lines in the table of <FIG> illustrate the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals when a failure solely occurs in each of the third to eighth detection elements <NUM>.

The second line from the bottom in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the first power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, the second and third detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. The bottom line in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the second power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the fourth detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the N position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In contrast, referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the first detection element <NUM> should output an OFF signal but outputs an ON signal due to a failure, the first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection element <NUM> each output an ON signal. Further, referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when a failure solely occurs in the second detection element <NUM>, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In the same manner, the fourth to ninth lines in the table of <FIG> illustrate the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals when a failure solely occurs in each of the third to eighth detection elements <NUM>.

The second line from the bottom in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the first power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, the third and sixth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. The bottom line in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the second power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, the fourth and fifth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the D position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the fifth, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In contrast, referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the first detection element <NUM> should output an OFF signal but outputs an ON signal due to a failure, the first, fifth, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. Further, referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when a failure solely occurs in the second detection element <NUM>, the second, fifth, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In the same manner, the fourth to ninth lines in the table of <FIG> illustrate the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals when a failure solely occurs in each of the third to eighth detection elements <NUM>.

The second line from the bottom in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the first power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, the sixth and seventh detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. The bottom line in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the second power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the fifth detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal.

Referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is located at the S position and the detection elements <NUM> are all functioning normally, the seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In contrast, referring to the second line in the table of <FIG>, when the first detection element <NUM> should output an OFF signal but outputs an ON signal due to a failure, the first, seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. Further, referring to the third line in the table of <FIG>, when a failure solely occurs in the second detection element <NUM>, the second, seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM> each output an ON signal. In the same manner, the fourth to ninth lines in the table of <FIG> illustrate the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output ON signals when a failure solely occurs in each of the third to eighth detection elements <NUM>.

The second line from the bottom in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the first power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the seventh detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal. The bottom line in the table of <FIG> illustrates a case in which a failure solely occurs in the second power supply <NUM> that supplies power to the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM>. In this case, each of the second, third, sixth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> does not function and thereby outputs an OFF signal. Thus, only the eighth detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal.

In this manner, when a failure solely occurs in only one of the detection elements <NUM>, the number of detection elements <NUM> that output an ON signal is increased or decreased by only one with respect to the proper combination. In such a case, however, the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output an ON signal differs between each operation position. Thus, a failsafe functions and allows for determination of the operation position. Further, when a failure solely occurs in one of the power supplies, the number of detection elements <NUM> that output an ON signal is increased or decreased with respect to the proper combination. In such a case, however, the combination of the detection elements <NUM> that output an ON signal differs between each operation position. Thus, a failsafe functions and allows for determination of the operation position.

For example, referring to the first line in the table of <FIG>, when the position sensor S detects the P position, the proper combination of the detection elements <NUM> is the combination of the first and second detection elements <NUM>. However, when a failure solely occurs in the first detection element <NUM>, as illustrated by the second line in the table of <FIG>, the number of detection elements <NUM> outputting the ON signal is decreased by one, and only the second detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal. As illustrated in <FIG>, cases in which only the second detection element <NUM> output an ON signal includes the case illustrated by the second line in the table of <FIG> and the case illustrated by the second line from the bottom in <FIG>. Accordingly, even if a failure solely occurs in a detection element <NUM> or a power supply, when the second detection element <NUM> outputs an ON signal, the failsafe function allows for the ECU <NUM> to determine that the shift lever <NUM> is located at the P position. In this case, a notification device (not illustrated) indicates the occurrence of a failure in a sole detection element <NUM> or power supply.

The present embodiment has the advantages described below.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in the following forms.

The element array <NUM> may include, for example, nine stages, and the number of the detection elements <NUM> in the nine stages may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Like the above embodiment, in this case, whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, the magnet <NUM> is moved relative to the element array <NUM> by one stage, and the detection elements <NUM> in two adjacent stages all simultaneously detect the magnet <NUM>. Further, whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, the detection results (ON/OFF) change in at least three detection elements <NUM>. The at least three detection elements <NUM> includes at least one detection element <NUM> in an upstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> before the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted and at least one detection element <NUM> in a downstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> after the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted.

The number of detection elements <NUM> in each stage may be three or more as long as the detection results (ON/OFF) change in at least three detection elements <NUM> whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, and the at least three detection elements <NUM> includes at least one detection element <NUM> in an upstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> before the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted and at least one detection element <NUM> in a downstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> after the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted.

The element array <NUM> may include, for example, three stages, and the number of the detection elements <NUM> in the three stages may be <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Like the above embodiment, in this case, whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, the magnet <NUM> is moved relative to the element array <NUM> by one stage, and the detection elements <NUM> in two adjacent stages all simultaneously detect the magnet <NUM>. Further, whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, the detection results (ON/OFF) change in at least three detection elements <NUM>. The at least three detection elements <NUM> includes at least one detection element <NUM> in an upstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> before the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted and at least one detection element <NUM> in a downstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> after the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted. Such detection logic allows for the detection of operation positions, the number of which is "number of stages - <NUM>". Accordingly, to detect two or more operation positions, the element array <NUM> includes at least three stages.

Generally, in the detection logic of the above embodiment, the number of detection elements <NUM> in the plurality of stages is expressed by the numerical sequence of ". <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. The number of operation positions that may be determined in accordance with the numerical sequence is expressed by "number of stages - <NUM>". For example, when employing a position sensor that is in accordance with this detection logic in a gearshift device having five selectable operation positions, patterns such as "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>", "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>", and "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>" may be employed. In this case, as easily understood, the pattern used in the above embodiment, which is "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>", uses the least number of detection elements <NUM>.

In the present invention, the magnet <NUM> is set as the movable element, and the detection elements <NUM> (element array <NUM>) are set as the fixed elements. According to a non-claimed aspect, the magnet <NUM> may be set as a fixed element, and the detection elements <NUM> (element array <NUM>) may be set as movable elements. In this manner, as long as the magnet <NUM> is moved relative to the element array <NUM> whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position, any one of the magnet <NUM> and the element array <NUM> may be set to be movable.

A power supply may be provided for each detection element <NUM>. In this case, in the same manner as the above embodiment, when grouping the detection elements <NUM> in accordance with the corresponding power supply, the detection elements in two adjacent stages are divided into two groups using different power supplies. One of the two adjacent stages includes a detection element <NUM> of a first group, and the other one of the two adjacent stages includes a detection element <NUM> of a second group. Accordingly, failsafe may be realized even when a failure occurs in a single power supply.

Referring to <FIG>, when the number of power supplies is the minimum number of two, the third detection element <NUM> may be changed from the second group (<NUM>) to the first group (<NUM>), and the fourth detection element <NUM> may be changed from the first group (<NUM>) to the second group (<NUM>).

Application of the position sensor S is not limited to the gearshift device that shifts operation positions between the P position, the R position, the N position, the D position, and the S position. For example, the position sensor S may be applied to a gearshift device that shifts operation positions between the P position, the R position, the N position, and the D position.

The position sensor S of the above embodiment is applied to a stationary type gearshift device <NUM> that holds an operation position until the shift lever <NUM> is operated again. Instead, the position sensor S may be applied to a momentary type gearshift device that automatically returns an operation member to a home (H) position, which is a basic position, when the operation member is released.

According to a non-claimed aspect, an optical position sensor, which includes a light source and optical sensors, may be used. The light source may be used as the detected subject, and the optical sensors may be used as the detection elements <FIG> illustrates a position sensor S of another example not forming part of the present invention. The position sensor S includes a magnet <NUM> and an element array <NUM> having eleven stages and arranged facing the magnet <NUM>. Although not particularly limited, the magnet <NUM> has, for example, the form of a block. Each stage of the element array <NUM> includes a single detection element <NUM> or includes no detection elements <NUM>. In this example, the first stage, the third to fifth stages, the seventh to ninth stages, and the eleventh stage each includes a detection element <NUM>, and the remaining elements do not include a detection element <NUM>. Hereinafter, the detection element <NUM> of the first stage will be referred to as the first detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the third stage will be referred to as the second detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the fourth stage will be referred to as the third detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the fifth stage will be referred to as the fourth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the seventh stage will be referred to as the fifth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the eighth stage will be referred to as the sixth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the ninth stage will be referred to as the seventh detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>). The detection element <NUM> of the eleventh stage will be referred to as the eighth detection element <NUM> (No. <NUM>).

The magnet <NUM> has a size allowing for simultaneous detection by each of the detection elements <NUM> in three consecutive stages. For example, when the shift lever <NUM> (operation member) is located at a first position, the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by all of the detection elements <NUM> in the first to third stages, that is, the first and second detection elements <NUM>. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a second position, the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by all of the detection elements <NUM> in the third to fifth stages, that is, the second to fourth detection elements <NUM>. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a third position, the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by all of the detection elements <NUM> in the fifth to seventh stages, that is, the fourth and fifth detection elements <NUM>. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a fourth position, the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by all of the detection elements <NUM> in the seventh to ninth stages, that is, the fifth to seventh detection elements <NUM>. When the shift lever <NUM> is located at a fifth position, the magnet <NUM> is simultaneously detected by all of the detection elements <NUM> in the ninth to eleventh stages, that is, the seventh and eighth detection elements <NUM>.

In this manner, the magnet <NUM> is moved relative to the element array <NUM> by two stages whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the first position to the second position, the detection result of the first detection element <NUM> is switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection results of the third and fourth detection elements <NUM> are switched from OFF to ON.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the second position to the third position, the detection results of the second and third detection elements <NUM> are switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection result of the fifth detection element <NUM> is switched from OFF to ON.

Referring to <FIG>, when the shift lever <NUM> is shifted from the third position to the fourth position, the detection result of the fourth detection element <NUM> is switched from ON to OFF. Further, the detection results of the sixth and seventh detection elements <NUM> are switched from OFF to ON.

In this manner, the element array <NUM> includes at least three (three in the present example) detection elements <NUM> of which detection results (ON/OFF) change whenever the shift lever <NUM> is shifted by one operation position. The at least three detection elements <NUM> includes at least one detection element <NUM> in an upstream side stage or middle stage that detects the magnet <NUM> before the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted and at least one detection element <NUM> in a middle stage or downstream side stage that detects the magnet <NUM> after the operation position of the shift lever <NUM> is shifted.

Referring to <FIG>, in the element array <NUM> of <FIG>, the first, third, fifth, and seventh detection elements <NUM> belong to a first group (<NUM>) that uses the first power supply <NUM> to function. The second, fourth, sixth, and eighth detection elements <NUM> belong to a second group (<NUM>) that uses the second power supply <NUM> to function. When grouping the detection elements <NUM> in accordance with the corresponding power supply, the detection elements <NUM> of three consecutive stages may be divided into two groups that use different power supplies. In this case, two adjacent ones of three consecutive stages at each operation position includes a detection element <NUM> belonging to the first group, and the remaining one of the three consecutive stages includes a detection element <NUM> belonging to the second group.

In the position sensor S using the element array <NUM> of <FIG>, in the same manner as the above embodiment, the SBW ECU <NUM> (<FIG>) determines an operation position based on the detection signals of the eight detection elements <NUM> in the element array <NUM>, that is, the combination of ON signals indicating the presence of the magnet <NUM> and the OFF signals indicating the absence of the magnet <NUM>. Then, the ECU <NUM> shifts the mode of the transmission in accordance with the determined operation position.

This structure also obtains advantages (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) of the above embodiment. The magnet <NUM> only needs to have a size allowing for simultaneous detection by each detection element <NUM> in three consecutive stages. For example, the magnet <NUM> may have a circular or ellipsoidal shape.

The layout of the element array <NUM>, the power supply grouping of the detection elements <NUM>, and the like in the example of <FIG> may be varied within the scope of the claims.

Generally, in the detection logic of the example illustrated in <FIG>, the number of detection elements <NUM> in the plurality of stages is expressed by the numerical sequence of ". <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. The number of operation positions that may be determined in accordance with the numerical sequence is expressed by "(number of stages - <NUM>) / <NUM>". For example, when employing a position sensor that is in accordance with this detection logic in a gearshift device having five selectable operation positions, a pattern of eleven stages beginning with "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. " or a pattern of eleven stages beginning with "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. " may be employed. For example, a pattern beginning with "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. " is not employed because the number of elements that changes is four, two, or etc., and thus not constant. That is, a pattern beginning with "<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. " has four or two elements that change, and thus does not satisfy the requirement of "at least three" in the claims.

Claim 1:
A gearshift device (<NUM>) comprising an operation member (<NUM>) and a position sensor (S) that is configured to detect operation positions (P;R;N;D;S) of the operation member (<NUM>), the position sensor (S) comprising:
an element array (<NUM>) including at least three stages arranged in columns, wherein each stage corresponding to one column includes one or more detection elements (<NUM>);
a single detected subject in the form of a magnet (<NUM>) that is arranged on the operation member (<NUM>) and moves in cooperation with the movement of the operation member (<NUM>), wherein the detected subject (<NUM>) is configured such that presence of the detected subject (<NUM>) can be simultaneously detected, for each of the operation positions (P;R;N;D;S), by each of the detection elements (<NUM>) included in two adjacent stages of the element array (<NUM>) that are an upstream side stage and a downstream side stage to determine one operation position of the operation member (<NUM>), wherein
each of the detection elements (<NUM>) of the element array (<NUM>) is configured to detect the presence or absence of the detected subject (<NUM>) and output a detection result indicating a detection result ON when detecting the detected subject (<NUM>) and a detection result OFF when not detecting the detected subject (<NUM>),
characterized in that whenever the operation member (<NUM>) is shifted by one operation position, the detected subject (<NUM>) is moved relative to the element array (<NUM>) toward the downstream side by one stage, wherein
the element array (<NUM>) is arranged such that the detection results of at least three of the detection elements (<NUM>) of the element array (<NUM>) change whenever the operation member (<NUM>) is shifted by one operation position, and
the at least three of the detection elements (<NUM>) include
at least one detection element (<NUM>) in the upstream side stage that is able to detect the detected subject (<NUM>) before the operation member (<NUM>) is shifted by one operation position, and
at least one detection element (<NUM>) in the downstream side stage that is able to detect the detected subject (<NUM>) after the operation member (<NUM>) is shifted by one operation position.