Knob type shifting mechanism and system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a knob-type shift mechanism for a shift-by-wire vehicle, comprising a knob assembly and a base assembly, wherein the knob assembly is rotatably mounted on the base assembly, the knob assembly comprises a rotating block, a first magnetic element fixed on the rotating block, the base assembly comprises a base body, a second magnetic element fixed on the base body, a magnetic force is generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, so that the knob assembly rotates relative to the base assembly under the action of an external force to achieve shifting, and moves back to an initial position due to the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element after the external force is eliminated. The present invention also discloses a knob-type shift system, comprising the knob-type shift mechanism and a detection device as described above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile technology, and in particular to a knob-type shifting mechanism and system. Background Art

[0002] With the development of passenger car technology, the performance of automobiles is becoming more and more superior, and the performance and functions of automobile products and parts are becoming more and more mature. Lightweight and simplification have become new goals in the design and development of automobile parts. Achieving better performance through simple structural design has become a more important technical requirement nowadays.

[0003] The shifter has gone through the transformation of manual shifting, automatic shifting, electronic shifting, and wire-controlled shifting. The wire-controlled shifters currently on the market include rod-type, knob-type, dial-type, and button-type. All of the above-mentioned shifters have existing solutions with reset functions, but the existing reset functions are all achieved through the mechanical reset structure of the bullet head, spring, and gear slot. There is a lot of noise when shifting, and the size is large, the structure is complex, and the cost is high. After a long time of use, it will also cause mechanical wear and affect the performance.

[0004] The preceding description is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a knob-type shift mechanism and system with a reset function and low reset noise.

[0006] The present invention provides a knob-type shift mechanism for a wire-controlled shifting automobile, comprising a knob assembly and a base assembly, wherein the knob assembly is rotatably mounted on the base assembly, the knob assembly comprises a rotating block and a first magnetic element fixed on the rotating block, the base assembly comprises a base body and a second magnetic element fixed on the base body, a magnetic force is generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, so that the knob assembly rotates relative to the base assembly under the action of an external force to achieve shifting, and moves back to an initial position due to the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element after the external force is eliminated.

[0007] Furthermore, the direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element is parallel to the rotation surface of the knob assembly, and the relative magnetic poles of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have the same polarity, so that after the knob assembly rotates relative to the base assembly, it moves back to its initial position due to the repulsive force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.

[0008] Furthermore, the direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element intersects with the rotating surface of the knob assembly, and the relative magnetic poles of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are opposite in polarity, so that after the knob assembly rotates relative to the base assembly, it moves back to its initial position due to the attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.

[0009] Furthermore, the direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element is parallel to the rotation surface of the knob assembly, and the relative magnetic poles of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are opposite in polarity, so that after the knob assembly rotates relative to the base assembly, it moves back to its initial position due to the attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.

[0010] Furthermore, the knob assembly also includes a third magnetic element, which is fixed on the rotating block and can rotate along with the rotating block.

[0011] Furthermore, the knob assembly also includes a central button, which is connected in the middle of the rotating block in a manner that it can slide up and down. A pawl is provided at the lower end of the central button, and a slot is provided on the rotating block. The pawl is accommodated in the slot and can slide up and down in the slot. The pawl is used to enable the central button to slide up and down relative to the rotating block without falling out.

[0012] Furthermore, the base assembly also includes a bearing, and the bearing is located between the seat body and the knob assembly, and the bearing is used to enable the knob assembly to rotate at a certain angle relative to the base assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating block is provided with circumferential ribs, the seat body is provided with limiting ribs, the limiting ribs are located on the trajectory of the circular motion of the circumferential ribs, and the limiting ribs are used to prevent the knob assembly from continuing to rotate after the knob assembly rotates a certain angle.

[0014] Furthermore, a buffer pad is provided on the rotating block, and the buffer pad is installed on the circumferential rib. The buffer pad is used to absorb impact force when the circumferential rib collides with the limiting rib.

[0015] The present invention also provides a knob-type shift system, comprising the knob-type shift mechanism and a detection device as described above, wherein the detection device detects the position of the third magnetic element through a Hall sensor, wherein the position of the third magnetic element includes an initial position, a front first position, and a rear first position, and when the position of the third magnetic element reaches the front first position, the gear is switched forward by one gear, and when the position of the third magnetic element reaches the rear first position, the gear is switched backward by one gear.

[0016] The knob-type shift mechanism and system provided by the present invention provide a shift feel and realize the automatic reset function after shifting through the magnetic force between multiple magnets. It has a simple structure and no mechanical wear, low cost, low noise and long service life. By separating the first magnetic element that realizes the reset function and the third magnetic element that realizes the detection function, the detection device is prevented from being affected by the magnetic field of the second magnetic element, resulting in shift signal errors. The size is further reduced by integrating the knob assembly with the central button. By providing a buffer pad between the circumferential ribs and the limit ribs, the vibration and noise when the knob assembly is rotated are reduced. While the P gear shift signal is sent through the silicone button, the central button can also be rebounded. The ratchet and slot structure facilitates installation and does not limit the up and down sliding of the central button. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a top view schematic diagram of a knob-type shift mechanism and system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the knob-type shift mechanism and system taken along AA;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the knob-type shift mechanism and system taken along CC;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic top view of the knob-type shift mechanism and system when the cover is hidden;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the knob-type shift mechanism and system taken along BB;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the knob-type shift mechanism when the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are arranged in another manner;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic top view of the knob-type shift mechanism and system when the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are arranged in another manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The specific implementation of the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7The embodiment of the present invention is a knob-type shift mechanism for a shift-by-wire vehicle, comprising a knob assembly 10 and a base assembly 20, wherein the knob assembly 10 is rotatably mounted on the base assembly 20. The knob assembly 10 comprises a rotating block 11, a central button 12, a first magnetic element 13 and a third magnetic element 14 fixed on the rotating block 11, and the central button 12 is connected in the middle of the rotating block 11 so as to slide up and down. The base assembly 20 comprises a base body 21, a bearing 22, a cover body 24, a gear position display device 25, and a second magnetic element 23 fixed on the base body 21, wherein a cavity is formed inside the cover body 24 and the base body 21 to accommodate the knob assembly 10.

[0026] There is magnetic force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23, and the knob assembly 10 has an initial position and a moving position. The knob assembly 10 is located at the initial position under the action of the magnetic force, and the knob assembly 10 can overcome the magnetic force under the action of an external force and leave the initial position to reach the moving position. The knob-type shift mechanism provided in this embodiment provides a shift feel and realizes an automatic reset function after shifting through the magnetic force between multiple magnets. It has a simple structure and no mechanical wear, low cost, low noise, and long service life. The shift button and the shift knob are integrated into a design, which further reduces the size.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the bearing 22 is located between the seat body 21 and the knob assembly 10, and the bearing 22 is used to enable the knob assembly 10 to rotate relative to the base assembly 20. The side wall of the rotating block 11 is provided with anti-slip grooves, which facilitates the personnel to realize the gear shifting operation by rotating the rotating block 11. The direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 is parallel to the rotation direction of the knob assembly 10. In the initial position, they are located in a row and have opposite polarities. The knob assembly 10 is in the initial position by relying on the suction force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23. The moving position includes a front first position and a rear first position. The knob assembly 10 can overcome the suction force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 under the action of external force and rotate counterclockwise relative to the base assembly 20 to reach the front first position. The knob assembly 10 can overcome the suction force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 under the action of external force and rotate clockwise relative to the base assembly 20 to reach the rear first position. When there is no external force acting on the knob assembly 10 , the knob assembly 10 returns to the initial position due to the suction force between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 .

[0028] In this embodiment, the first magnetic element 13, the third magnetic element 14, and the second magnetic element 23 all include only one magnet, and the shift force and reset function are realized by the magnetic force between the multiple magnets. Of course, the size of the shift force can also be changed by changing the size and position of the magnets and the number of magnets in the magnet group to achieve the best shift feel.

[0029] In other embodiments, the second magnetic element 23 may also include two magnets, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the first magnetic element 13. The first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 have the same magnetic polarity relative to each other, and the shifting force and reset function are achieved by repulsive force (see Figure 7 The second magnetic element 23 can also be arranged below the first magnetic element 13, and the magnetic force direction between the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 is perpendicular to or intersects with the rotating surface of the knob assembly 10, and the relative magnetic poles of the first magnetic element 13 and the second magnetic element 23 are opposite (refer to Figure 6 ). The shift force and reset function are also realized by gravity, but compared with the present embodiment, the circumferential area of ​​the base assembly 20 can be reduced.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 4 , a circumferential rib 111 and a buffer pad 112 are provided on the rotating block 11, and a limiting rib 211 is provided on the seat body 21. The limiting rib 211 is located on the trajectory of the circular motion of the circumferential rib 111, and the limiting rib 211 is used to prevent the knob assembly 10 from continuing to rotate when the knob assembly 10 is located at the front first position and the rear first position. The buffer pad 112 is installed on the circumferential rib 111, and the buffer pad 112 is used to absorb the impact force when the circumferential rib 111 collides with the limiting rib 211. The distance between the circumferential rib 111 and the limiting rib 211 is the rotation stroke of the knob assembly 10.

[0031] A buffer pad 112 is provided between the circumferential rib 111 and the limiting rib 211 to reduce vibration and noise when the knob assembly 10 rotates. The buffer pad 112 can be made of rubber, sponge, etc., and can also be replaced by components such as springs.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 3 , a ratchet 121 is provided at the lower end of the central button 12, and a slot 113 is provided on the side wall of the rotating block 11. The ratchet 121 is deformed under pressure during assembly, and the ratchet 121 pops open in the slot 113 after being assembled in place to restore its shape. The ratchet 121 is accommodated in the slot 113 and can slide up and down in the slot 113. The slot 113 is used to fix the central button 12 circumferentially so that the central button 12 can rotate with the rotating block 11, and the ratchet 121 is used to position the central button 12 axially so that the central button 12 can slide up and down relative to the rotating block 11 without falling out. In other embodiments, the slot 113 may not fix the central button 12 circumferentially, so that the central button 12 does not rotate with the rotating block 11.

[0033] The present embodiment also provides a knob-type shift system, including the above-mentioned knob-type shift structure and a detection device 30. The detection device 30 is used to detect the position of the knob assembly 10 and send a shift operation signal when the knob assembly 10 is in a moving position. The detection device 30 is used to send a shift operation signal when the central button 12 is pressed by an external force.

[0034] The detection device 30 includes a PCB board 31, a controller (not shown) connected to the PCB board 31, a contact sensor 32 and a position sensor 33, and the controller is connected to the position sensor 33 and the contact sensor 32. In this embodiment, the contact sensor 32 is a silicone button, and the position sensor 33 is a Hall sensor. The position sensor 33 includes a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor. The second Hall sensor corresponds to the initial position and the moving position of the third magnetic element 14. The second Hall sensor switches forward by one gear when the position of the third magnetic element 14 reaches the front first position, and switches backward by one gear when the position of the first magnetic element 14 reaches the rear first position.

[0035] In this embodiment, there are three second Hall sensors, which correspond to the third magnetic element 14 being in the initial position, the front first position and the rear first position respectively. The first magnetic element 13 realizing the reset function and the third magnetic element 14 realizing the detection function are separated and arranged at a distance from one end to avoid the second Hall sensor being affected by the magnetic field of the second magnetic element 23, resulting in shift signal errors. In other embodiments, there may be only two second Hall sensors, which are arranged in the front first position and the rear first position respectively. In order to save cost and space, the third magnetic element 14 may be omitted, and the first Hall sensor is arranged on the moving track of the first magnetic element 13.

[0036] The upper surface of the silicone button 32 is attached to the lower surface of the central button 12. The silicone button 32 is used to send a signal when the central button 12 is pressed by an external force and to rebound and lift the central button 12 when the central button 12 is not subjected to an external force. In this embodiment, there are multiple silicone buttons 32, which are arranged circumferentially below the central button 12. When any of the multiple silicone buttons 32 is pressed, a shift signal can be sent, which provides uniform rebound force while reducing the probability of shift failure caused by failure of individual silicone buttons 32.

[0037] The controller is used to judge the gear to be operated according to the existing gear and the signal of the position sensor 33 to complete the gear shifting operation. The controller is used to judge according to the existing vehicle speed and the signal of the silicone button 32, and switch the gear to the P gear (parking gear) when the vehicle speed is lower than the limit value and the silicone button 32 sends a signal. Of course, in other embodiments, the position sensor 33 can also be replaced by a photoelectric switch, a contact switch or other components, and the silicone button 32 can also be replaced by a contact switch, a proximity switch or other components.

[0038] The gear display device 25 is located on the upper surface of the cover body 24. The gear display device 25 includes a plurality of gear icons arranged in sequence, and the gear icons include R gear (reverse gear), N gear (neutral gear), D gear (forward gear), and P gear (parking gear). When the vehicle is just started, the car is in P gear. After ignition, press the central button 12, and the car enters N gear from P gear. Then rotate the knob assembly 10 to the front first position, the car enters R gear from N gear, release the hand to return to the initial position, the action is completed, and the car is in R gear. Rotate the knob assembly 10 to the rear first position again, the car enters N gear from R gear, release the hand to return to the initial position, the action is completed, and the car is in N gear. Continue to rotate the knob assembly 10 to the rear first position, the car enters D gear from N gear, release the hand to return to the initial position, the action is completed, and the car is in D gear. When in R gear, N gear, and D gear, when the vehicle speed is lower than a limit value, press the central button 12 to directly enter P gear from R gear, N gear, and D gear.

[0039] The gear display device 25 is provided with a backlight under each gear icon. When in each gear, the gear icon corresponding to the gear lights up to remind the driver of the current gear. The car dashboard (not shown) also has gear prompt information to display the current gear. In other embodiments, the arrangement position of each gear icon and the shifting logic can be designed according to actual conditions. For example, the front first position is the D gear, the rear first position is the R gear, and the P gear icon can also be marked on the central button 12.

[0040] The knob-type shift mechanism and system provided in this embodiment provide a shift feel and realize the automatic reset function after shifting through the magnetic force between multiple magnets. The structure is simple and there is no mechanical wear. The cost is low, the noise is low, and the service life is long. The first magnetic element 13 that realizes the reset function and the third magnetic element 14 that realizes the detection function are separated and arranged at a distance at one end, so as to avoid the second Hall sensor being affected by the magnetic field of the second magnetic element 23, resulting in a shift signal error. By integrating the knob assembly 10 with the central button 12, the size is further reduced. By arranging a buffer pad 112 between the circumferential rib 111 and the limiting rib 211, the vibration and noise when the knob assembly 10 rotates are reduced. While sending the P gear shift signal through the silicone button 32, the central button 12 can also be rebounded. Multiple silicone buttons 32 are arranged circumferentially below the central button 12. Any one of the multiple silicone buttons 32 can send a shift signal when pressed, and the rebound force is evenly provided while reducing the probability of shift failure caused by failure of individual silicone buttons 32. The structure of the pawl 121 and the slot 113 facilitates installation and does not restrict the upward and downward sliding of the central button 12 while providing circumferential positioning.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. It should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being "formed on," "disposed on," or "located on" another element, the element may be disposed directly on the other element, or there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "formed directly on" or "disposed directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0042] In this document, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] In this document, the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "vertical", and "horizontal" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the clarity of expressing the technical solutions and the convenience of description, and therefore should not be understood as limitations of the present invention.

[0044] In this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion of elements other than those listed and may also include additional elements not expressly listed.

[0045] In this document, the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, etc. used to describe elements are only used to distinguish elements with similar attributes, and do not mean that the elements described in this way must follow a given order, or time, space, level or other limitations.

[0046] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “plurality” or “several” means two or more.

[0047] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A knob-type shift mechanism for a shift-by-wire vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises a knob assembly (10) and a base assembly (20), wherein the knob assembly (10) is rotatably mounted on the base assembly (20), wherein the knob assembly (10) comprises a rotating block (11) and a first magnetic element (13) fixed on the rotating block (11), and the base assembly (20) comprises a base body (21) and a second magnetic element (23) fixed on the base body (21), wherein a magnetic force is generated between the first magnetic element (13) and the second magnetic element (23), so that the knob assembly (10) rotates relative to the base assembly (20) under the action of an external force to achieve gear shifting, and moves back to an initial position due to the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (13) and the second magnetic element (23) after the external force is eliminated; The second magnetic element (23) is arranged below the first magnetic element (13); the direction of the magnetic force between the first magnetic element (13) and the second magnetic element (23) is perpendicular to or intersects with the rotation plane of the knob assembly (10); the relative magnetic poles of the first magnetic element (13) and the second magnetic element (23) are opposite in polarity, so that after the knob assembly (10) rotates relative to the base assembly (20), it moves back to an initial position due to the suction force between the first magnetic element (13) and the second magnetic element (23); The knob-type shift mechanism further comprises a first Hall sensor and a detection device (30), wherein the first Hall sensor is arranged on a moving track of the first magnetic element (13), and the detection device (30) detects the position of the first magnetic element (13) through the first Hall sensor.

2. The knob-type shift mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob assembly (10) further comprises a central button (12), wherein the central button (12) is connected in the middle of the rotating block (11) in a manner that it can slide up and down, a pawl (121) is provided at the lower end of the central button (12), a slot (113) is provided on the rotating block (11), the pawl (121) is accommodated in the slot (113) and can slide up and down in the slot (113), and the pawl (121) is used to enable the central button (12) to slide up and down relative to the rotating block (11) without falling out.

3. The knob-type shift mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base assembly (20) further comprises a bearing (22), wherein the bearing (22) is located between the seat body (21) and the knob assembly (10), and the bearing (22) is used to enable the knob assembly (10) to rotate at a certain angle relative to the base assembly (20).

4. The knob-type shift mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating block (11) is provided with a circumferential rib (111), and the seat body (21) is provided with a limiting rib (211). The limiting rib (211) is located on the trajectory of the circular motion of the circumferential rib (111), and the limiting rib (211) is used to prevent the knob assembly (10) from continuing to rotate after the knob assembly (10) rotates a certain angle.

5. The knob-type shift mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating block (11) is also provided with a buffer pad (112), which is mounted on the circumferential rib (111). The buffer pad (112) is used to absorb impact force when the circumferential rib (111) collides with the limiting rib (211).

6. A knob-type shift system, characterized in that: It comprises a knob-type shift mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the knob assembly (10) of the knob-type shift mechanism further comprises a third magnetic element (14) and a second Hall sensor, wherein the third magnetic element (14) is fixed on the rotating block (11), and the detection device (30) detects the position of the third magnetic element (14) through the second Hall sensor, wherein the position of the third magnetic element (14) comprises an initial position, a front first position, and a rear first position, and when the position of the third magnetic element (14) reaches the front first position, the gear is switched forward by one gear, and when the position of the third magnetic element (14) reaches the rear first position, the gear is switched backward by one gear.

Images