Electronic gear shift operating device and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is an electronic shift operation device and a control method thereof, in which operation of a haptic actuator is controlled to generate different types of haptic signals according to a shift range signal (P.R.N.D) generated when a shift button is operated, and the operation of the haptic actuator is additionally controlled to generate a haptic signal according to a distance to a rear object located behind a vehicle when an R range button is operated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electronic shift operation device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic shift operation device and a control method thereof that prevent misoperation by generating different types of haptic signals for each shift button. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a vehicle installed with an automatic transmission controls hydraulic pressure in a shift range set according to a driving speed of the vehicle to automatically perform a shift to a target shift range.

[0003] An automatic transmission uses a hydraulic circuit, a planetary gear, and a friction element to generate a gear ratio to perform a shift, and a transmission control unit (TCU) is responsible for controlling these components.

[0004] A shift by wire (SBW) system, which is an electronic shift system of a vehicle, is a system different from a conventional mechanical shift system, in which there is no mechanical connection structure such as a cable between a transmission and a shift lever. In such a system, if a sensor value generated when an electronic shift operation mechanism (shift lever or shift button) is operated is transmitted to a transmission control unit (TCU), a solenoid or an electric motor is operated by an electronic signal command from the TCU, and by the operation of the solenoid or the electric motor, hydraulic pressure is applied to a hydraulic circuit or the application of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic circuit is cut off at each shift range, thereby performing shift control electronically.

[0005] Accordingly, an automatic transmission based on SBW has an advantage that a shift operation of a forward range (D), a reverse range (R), a neutral range (N), and a parking range (P) can be more easily performed by a simple operation of an electronic shift operation device (shift lever, shift button, or shift dial) that transmits a shift intention of a driver to the TCU as an electric signal, and since the shift operation device can be miniaturized, it also has an advantage that a wide space is secured between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat.

[0006] As a main method of performing a shift operation in an electronic shift system, there are a joystick type using a shift lever, a button type using a shift button, and a dial type using a dial. Among them, the button type using a shift button is easier in a shift operation than the joystick type, and since it can not cause a physical contact with a passenger in case of an accident, it can prevent the passenger from being injured.

[0007] However, in the case of a shift button, since an operation method (pressing method) and an operation direction of a P range button, an R range button, an N range button, and a D range button are similar to each other, there is a risk of misoperation.

[0008] The information included in the Background section of the present disclosure is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background of the present disclosure, and can not be considered as recognizing or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art. SUMMARY

[0009] Various aspects of the present disclosure aim to provide an electronic shift operation device and a control method thereof, in which the electronic shift operation device is configured to generate different types of main haptic signals using a haptic actuator according to a kind of a shift button when the shift button is operated to prevent a misoperation, and is configured to additionally generate an auxiliary haptic signal according to a distance from a rear object when an R range signal is generated to provide a driver with an alarm for a rear collision.

[0010] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic shift operation device includes a button housing configured to be fixed in an indoor space of a vehicle, a shift button disposed in the button housing and configured to be pressed to be operated, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the button housing and configured to output a shift range signal selected when the shift button is operated to a transmission control unit connected to the PCB, and a haptic actuator disposed in the button housing and generating a haptic signal when the shift button is operated.

[0011] The shift button can include a P range button, an R range button, an N range button, and a D range button, and the PCB can control an operation of the haptic actuator such that different types of main haptic signals are generated according to a kind of the shift range signal generated when the shift button is operated.

[0012] The PCB can control the operation of the haptic actuator using an R range signal according to an operation of the R range button and a signal of a rear detection sensor, and additionally generate an auxiliary haptic signal when the haptic actuator is actuated.

[0013] A mounting groove in which the haptic actuator is inserted can be formed in the button housing, a plurality of hook-shaped protrusions having a triangular cross-sectional shape can be formed in the mounting groove, and the plurality of hook-shaped protrusions can be hooked on an upper surface of the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove.

[0014] A plurality of ribs protruding to the inside of the mounting groove can be provided in the mounting groove, and the plurality of ribs contact the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove to fix a position of the haptic actuator.

[0015] Movement of the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove in a front-rear direction and a left-right direction can be restricted by the plurality of ribs, and hooks of the hook-shaped protrusions can also restrict movement of the haptic actuator in a vertical direction.

[0016] The electronic shift operation apparatus can further include a housing cover coupled to the button housing to cover an upper surface of the button housing, wherein the shift button is disposed such that an upper portion of the shift button is exposed to the outside through the housing cover.

[0017] The electronic shift operation apparatus can further include a housing cover covering an upper surface of the button housing, a plurality of screw members penetrating the flange of the button housing and coupled to stud portions of the housing cover to couple the button housing to the housing cover, a screw damper coupled to the screw members, and a housing damper fixed to the flange of the button housing, wherein the plurality of screw members are disposed to penetrate and be coupled to the screw damper and the housing damper.

[0018] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present application, a control method of an electronic shift operation apparatus including a shift operation mechanism and a haptic actuator includes, if a brake signal and a shift range signal are sequentially generated in a start-up open state of a vehicle, a PCB controlling the haptic actuator to actuate to generate a main haptic signal, wherein the main haptic signal is a different type of haptic signal generated according to a kind of the shift range signal.

[0019] The shift operation mechanism can be a shift button.

[0020] The main haptic signal can be a haptic signal in which a vibration frequency, an intensity of a voltage input to the haptic actuator, and a number of vibrations are different according to the kind of the shift range signal.

[0021] The control method of the electronic shift operation apparatus can further include, after the main haptic signal is generated, determining whether a distance from the vehicle to a rear object located rearward of the vehicle is within a reference distance using a signal of a rear detection sensor according to the R range signal, and when it is determined that the distance to the rear object is within the reference distance, the PCB controlling the haptic actuator to actuate to additionally generate an auxiliary haptic signal.

[0022] The auxiliary haptic signal can be generated stronger as the distance to the rear object located rearward of the vehicle is closer.

[0023] If, in the start-up open state of the vehicle, the brake signal is not generated, or even if the brake signal is generated, the shift range signal is not generated, the haptic actuator can not be actuated by the control of the PCB, so that the main haptic signal is not generated.

[0024] If, in the start-up close state of the vehicle, the N range signal is generated, the N range signal generation duration exceeds a first reference time, and the start-up close entry time is within a second reference time, the PCB can determine that the vehicle is in an N range parking state, and control the haptic actuator to actuate, so that the main haptic signal is generated.

[0025] If the N range signal is not generated in the start-off state of the vehicle, even if the N range signal is generated but the N range signal generation duration does not exceed the first reference time, or even if the N range signal is generated and the N range signal generation duration exceeds the first reference time but the start-off entry time is not within the second reference time, the PCB can determine that the vehicle is not in the N range parking state, and control the haptic actuator so that the haptic actuator is not operated.

[0026] The methods and apparatus of the present application have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or that will be more readily understood by those persons skilled in the art after reading the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view exemplarily showing a state in which a housing cover is separated in an electronic gear shift operation apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a sectional view exemplarily showing a state in which the housing cover is separated.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a plan view of a portion in which a haptic actuator is mounted in the electronic gear shift operation apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 2

[0030] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 3. Figure 4 Figure 3

[0031] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a sectional view for describing a coupling portion between a button housing and a housing cover according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0032] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is a view for describing a control method of an electronic gear shift operation apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0033] It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, as the emphasis as to certain features being utilized in the illustrative examples thereof being shown with exaggerated dimensions for the clarity thereof. Specific design features of the present application as included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, directions, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular application and use environment in which the present application is intended to be utilized.

[0034] In several of the figures of the drawings, reference numerals are used to refer to like or equivalent parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] ​​Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the application will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the application is not limited to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments, which can be included within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] Particular structural or functional descriptions are only used to describe the embodiments of the application included in the exemplary embodiments or applications. Therefore, the embodiments of the application can be implemented in various forms, and the application should not be interpreted as being limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the exemplary embodiments or applications.

[0037] Since various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the application and the embodiments of the application can have several forms, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the exemplary embodiments or applications. However, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the specific embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application.

[0038] Terms such as "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various components, but these components should not be construed as being limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, the "first" component can be referred to as the "second" component, and the "second" component can be similarly referred to as the "first" component without departing from the scope of the application.

[0039] It is to be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, the component can be directly connected to or directly coupled to the other component, or connected to or coupled to the other component through other components in the middle. On the other hand, it is to be understood that when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, it can be connected to or coupled to the other component without other components in the middle. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, i.e. "between", "directly between", "adjacent to", "directly adjacent to", etc. can also be similarly interpreted.

[0040] The terms used in the exemplary embodiments are merely used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. Singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" used in the exemplary embodiments specify the presence of stated features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise indicated, it will be understood that all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which various exemplary embodiments of the present application belong. Unless specifically defined, terms defined by a general dictionary are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is identical to the meaning in a context of a relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0042] The controller according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store data about an algorithm for controlling operations of various components of a vehicle or store software instructions that reproduce the algorithm, and a processor configured to execute operations to be described below using the data stored in the non-volatile memory. Here, the memory and the processor can be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated with each other and implemented as a single chip. The processor can be in the form of one or more processors.

[0043] Hereinafter, an electronic shift operation apparatus and a control method thereof according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 indicated, the electronic shift operation apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application includes a button housing 10 configured to be fixedly installed in an indoor space of a vehicle, a shift button 20 disposed in the button housing 10 and pressed and operated by a driver, a printed circuit board (PCB) 40 disposed in the button housing 10 and outputting a shift range signal selected when the shift button 20 is operated to a transmission control unit (TCU) 30, and a haptic actuator 50 disposed in the button housing 10 and generating a haptic signal when the shift button 20 is operated.

[0045] The button housing 10 is configured to be fixedly installed in a vehicle body, for example, a console or a center fascia adjacent to a driver seat in an indoor space of a vehicle, but the installation position of the button housing 10 can be changed if necessary.

[0046] The shift button 20 includes a P-range button 21, an R-range button 22, an N-range button 23, and a D-range button 24.

[0047] The rubber switch 60 is located below the shift button 20, and the PCB 40 fixed to the button housing 10 is located below the rubber switch 60.

[0048] Therefore, if the driver presses and operates the shift button 20, the rubber switch 60 comes into contact with the PCB 40 to generate a shift range signal, and if the driver releases the operating force, the shift button 20 that has been lowered downward is raised upward by the restoring force of the rubber switch 60 and returns to the initial position.

[0049] A shift-by-wire (SBW) system as an electronic shift system of a vehicle has a configuration in which there is no mechanical connection structure such as a cable between the shift button 20 and the transmission 80. In this system, if a signal generated when the shift button 20 is operated is transmitted to the transmission control unit 30 through the PCB 40, the transmission actuator 70 (shift cable motor and select cable motor) will be operated by a signal command from the transmission control unit 30, and by the operation of the transmission actuator 70, for each shift range of the transmission 80, hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic circuit or the application of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic circuit is cut off, thereby performing shift control electronically.

[0050] Further, the SBW-based electronic shift system can be used together with an electronic clutch device, and if a signal generated when the shift button 20 is operated is transmitted to the clutch controller through the PCB 40, the clutch actuator is operated by a signal command from the clutch controller, and the clutch is disengaged and engaged by the operation of the clutch actuator, thereby performing clutch control electronically.

[0051] The PCB 40 is configured to be fixedly installed in the button housing 10 to face the rubber switch 60, and is configured to receive a shift range signal generated when the shift button 20 is operated and output the shift range signal to the transmission control unit 30.

[0052] The haptic actuator 50 is configured to be fixedly installed in the button housing 10 at a position below the PCB 40, and the PCB 40 is configured to control the operation of the haptic actuator 50, in particular, to control the operation of the haptic actuator 50 so that different types of primary haptic signals are generated according to the type of the shift range signal (P.R.N.D) generated when the shift button 20 is operated.

[0053] The main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which the vibration frequency, the intensity of the voltage input to the haptic actuator 50, the number of vibrations, etc. are different according to the type of the shift range signal. For example, when the shift range signal is a P range signal, the main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which the vibration frequency is 140 Hz, the voltage is 4.0 v, the delay is 0 s, the intensity is strong, and the number of vibrations is 1; when the shift range signal is an R range signal, the main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which the vibration frequency is 140 Hz, the voltage is 4.0 v, the delay is 10 ms, the intensity is strong, and the number of vibrations is 8 to 10; when the shift range signal is an N range signal, the main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which the vibration frequency is 120 Hz, the voltage is 4.0 v, the delay is 100 ms, the intensity is slightly strong, and the number of vibrations is 2; and when the shift range signal is a D range signal, the main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which the vibration frequency is 120 Hz, the voltage is 4.0 v, the delay is 50 ms, the intensity is slightly strong, and the number of vibrations is 3.

[0054] Therefore, if different types of main haptic signals are generated according to the type of the shift range signal (P.R.N.D) when the shift button 20 is operated, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation of the driver.

[0055] Further, the PCB 40 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is also configured to control the operation of the haptic actuator 50 using the R range signal according to the operation of the R range button 22 and the signal of the rear detection sensor 90. At this time, when the haptic actuator 50 is actuated, an auxiliary haptic signal is additionally generated.

[0056] If the driver operates the R range button 22 to reverse, the rear detection sensor 90 provided in the vehicle detects a rear object located at the rear of the vehicle, and the PCB 40 controls the operation of the haptic actuator 50 according to the distance from the rear object located at the rear of the vehicle. At this time, if the haptic actuator 50 is actuated by the control of the PCB 40, an auxiliary haptic signal is additionally generated, and the driver recognizes an alarm (danger) for a rear collision through the additionally generated auxiliary haptic signal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an accident.

[0057] A mounting groove 11 in which the haptic actuator 50 is inserted is formed in the button housing 10, a plurality of hook-shaped protrusions 12 having a triangular cross-sectional shape are formed in the mounting groove 11, and the hook-shaped protrusions 12 are hooked on the upper surface of the haptic actuator 50 inserted into the mounting groove 11 to fix the haptic actuator 50.

[0058] Further, a plurality of ribs 14 protruding to the inside of the mounting groove 11 can be provided in the mounting groove 11, and the plurality of ribs 14 contact the haptic actuator 50 inserted into the mounting groove 11 to fix the position of the haptic actuator 50.

[0059] The plurality of ribs 14 are in contact with the haptic actuator 50 inserted into the mounting groove 11 to easily transmit a haptic signal to the button housing 10 when the haptic actuator 50 is actuated.

[0060] The movement of the haptic actuator 50 inserted into the mounting groove 11 of the button housing 10 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is restricted by the plurality of ribs 14, and the hooks of the hook-shaped protrusions 12 also restrict the movement of the haptic actuator 50 in the vertical direction. Thus, the button housing 10 and the haptic actuator 50 are coupled to each other as closely as possible.

[0061] Thus, if vibration is generated by the actuation of the haptic actuator 50, the vibration of the haptic actuator 50 is transmitted to the driver as a haptic signal through the button housing 10 and the shift button 20 as much as possible without loss. Thus, the recognizability of the driver can be maximized.

[0062] The electronic shift operation device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application further includes a housing cover 100 coupled to the button housing 10 to cover the upper surface of the button housing 10, the shift button 20 being disposed in the housing cover 100 in such a manner that the upper portion of the shift button 20 is exposed to the outside through the housing cover 100. Thus, the driver can press the shift button 20 exposed to the outside through the opening 105 of the housing cover 100 with his or her finger.

[0063] The electronic shift operation device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application further includes a housing cover 100 covering the upper surface of the button housing 10, a plurality of screw members 110 penetrating the flange 13 of the button housing 10 and coupled to the stud portion 101 of the housing cover 100 to couple the button housing 10 to the housing cover 100, a screw damper 120 coupled to the screw members 110, and a housing damper 130 fixed to the flange 13 of the button housing 10, wherein the screw members 110 are disposed to penetrate and be coupled to the screw damper 120 and the housing damper 130.

[0064] The screw members 110 are preferably screws, and the screw damper 120 and the housing damper 130 are preferably formed of rubber or silicone having elasticity, but are not limited thereto.

[0065] Thus, if vibration is generated by the actuation of the haptic actuator 50, most of the vibration of the haptic actuator 50 is preferably transmitted to the driver as a haptic signal through the button housing 10 and the shift button 20 to improve the recognizability of the driver.

[0066] If a part of the vibration generated in the haptic actuator 50 is transmitted to the case cover 100, the vibration transmitted to the driver through the button case 10 reduces the size (intensity) of the vibration transmitted to the case cover 100, and thus reduces the haptic signal felt by the driver. As a result, in some cases, even if the driver operates the shift button 20, a problem that the driver does not feel the haptic signal can occur.

[0067] The electronic shift operating device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application has a configuration in which the screw damper 120 and the case damper 130 are doubly positioned between the button case 10 and the case cover 100 to prevent such a problem. Thus, the vibration transmitted to the case cover 100 when the haptic actuator 50 is actuated can be minimized by the screw damper 120 and the case damper 130, and, conversely, most of the vibration can be transmitted to the button case 10, thereby maximizing the haptic signal felt by the driver.

[0068] Further, the vibration transmitted to the case cover 100 by the screw damper 120 and the case damper 130 can be minimized, thereby significantly reducing the noise generated by the case cover 100.

[0069] Hereinafter, the electronic shift operating device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 A control method of the electronic shift operating device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described.

[0070] In an ON state (S1) of the vehicle, the brake sensor 140 generates a brake signal (S2) by the driver operating the brake, and the haptic actuator 50 is actuated by the control of the PCB 40 if a shift range signal (S3) is generated by the operation of the shift button 20. As a result, a main haptic signal (S4) is generated.

[0071] As the main haptic signal, different types of main haptic signals are generated according to the kind of the shift range signal (P.R.N.D) generated when the shift button 20 is operated, and the main haptic signal is a different haptic signal such as a vibration frequency, an intensity of a voltage input to the haptic actuator 50, a number of vibrations, etc. Thus, it is possible to prevent the erroneous operation of the driver when the shift button 20 is operated.

[0072] If a new R range signal is generated by the operation of the R range button 22 or the R range signal generated in step S3 is maintained (S5) after the main haptic signal is generated, the PCB 40 receives the signal of the rear detection sensor 90, judges whether the distance to the rear object located at the rear of the vehicle is within a reference distance (cm) (S6), and when it is judged that the distance to the rear object is within the reference distance, the PCB 40 controls the haptic actuator 50 to be actuated to additionally generate an auxiliary haptic signal (S7).

[0073] If the driver operates the R range button 22 to reverse, the rear detection sensor 90 provided in the vehicle detects a rear object located behind the vehicle, and the PCB 40 controls the operation of the haptic actuator 50 according to the distance from the rear object located behind the vehicle. At this time, if the haptic actuator 50 is actuated by the control of the PCB 40, an auxiliary haptic signal is additionally generated, and the driver recognizes the alarm (danger) for the rear collision through the additionally generated auxiliary haptic signal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an accident due to reversing.

[0074] As the distance between the vehicle and the rear object located behind the vehicle becomes closer, the auxiliary haptic signal is generated as a stronger signal. Therefore, the driver can more certainly recognize the danger of collision.

[0075] If the vehicle is in the start ON state in step S1 and the brake signal is not generated in step S2, or even if the brake signal is generated in step S2, the shift range signal is not generated in step S3, the haptic actuator 50 is not actuated by the control of the PCB 40, so that the main haptic signal is not generated (S8), and the subsequent control logic is fed back to step S1.

[0076] In addition, when it is judged that the R range signal is not generated in step S5, the process is fed back to step S1, so that the control logic is continuously performed.

[0077] In addition, when it is judged that the distance from the rear object is not within the reference distance in step S6, the process is fed back to step S5, so that the control logic is continuously performed.

[0078] On the other hand, if the vehicle is in the start OFF state in step S1, the N range signal is generated (S9), the N range signal generation duration exceeds the first reference time (s) (S10), and the start OFF entry time is within the second reference time (s) (S11), the PCB 40 judges that the vehicle is in the N range parking state, and controls the haptic actuator 50 to be actuated, so that the main haptic signal is generated.

[0079] However, if the N range signal is not generated in the start OFF state of the vehicle in step S1, even if the N range signal is generated, the N range signal generation duration does not exceed the first reference time, or even if the N range signal is generated and the N range signal generation duration exceeds the first reference time but the start OFF entry time is not within the second reference time, the PCB 40 judges that the vehicle is not in the N range parking state, and controls the haptic actuator 50 so as not to be actuated (S12). Therefore, the control logic ends.

[0080] Further, the present application is a control method for generating a haptic signal of an electronic shift operation device including a shift operation mechanism and a haptic actuator, the control method including if a brake signal and a shift range signal are sequentially generated in a start-on state of a vehicle, a PCB controls the haptic actuator to actuate to generate a main haptic signal, wherein the main haptic signal is a different type of haptic signal generated according to a kind of the shift range signal.

[0081] Here, the shift operation mechanism can be any one of a shift button, a shift lever, a shift dial, or another type of operation mechanism.

[0082] As described above, various exemplary embodiments according to the present application are a button-type electronic shift operation device including a shift button 20 and a haptic actuator 50. In the electronic shift operation device, different types of haptic signals are generated according to a kind of a shift range signal (P.R.N.D) generated when the shift button 20 is operated. Accordingly, an erroneous operation of a driver can be prevented.

[0083] Further, various exemplary embodiments according to the present application have a configuration in which a haptic signal is additionally generated according to a distance from a rear object located at a rear of a vehicle using a signal of a rear detection sensor 90 and by actuation of the haptic actuator 50 when the R-range button 22 is operated. Accordingly, a haptic signal for a rear collision can be transmitted to a driver, so that an accident can be prevented when reversing.

[0084] Further, even if the vehicle is in an N-range parking state, various exemplary embodiments according to the present application can provide a haptic signal to a driver through actuation of the haptic actuator 50.

[0085] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, reference is made to the positions of features of the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, using the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "up", "down", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "rearward", "inward", "outward", "interior", "exterior", "within", "without", "forward", and "rearward" to describe these features. It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer both to direct and indirect connections.

[0086] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the application and their practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present application, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic shift operation device comprising: a button housing fixed in an indoor space of a vehicle; a shift button disposed in the button housing and pressed to be operated; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the button housing and outputting a shift range signal selected when the shift button is operated to a transmission control unit connected to the PCB; and a haptic actuator disposed in the button housing and generating a haptic signal when the shift button is operated, wherein a mounting groove into which the haptic actuator is inserted is formed in the button housing, a plurality of hook-shaped protrusions having a triangular cross-sectional shape are formed in the mounting groove, and the plurality of hook-shaped protrusions are hooked on an upper surface of the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove. 2.The electronic shift operation device of claim 1, wherein the shift button includes a P range button, an R range button, an N range button, and a D range button, and the PCB controls operation of the haptic actuator such that different types of main haptic signals are generated according to a kind of the shift range signal generated when the shift button is operated. 3.The electronic shift operation device of claim 2, wherein the PCB controls operation of the haptic actuator using an R range signal according to operation of the R range button and a signal of a rear detection sensor and generates an auxiliary haptic signal when the haptic actuator is actuated. 4.The electronic shift operation device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs protruding to an inside of the mounting groove are disposed in the mounting groove, the plurality of ribs contact the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove to fix a position of the haptic actuator. 5.The electronic shift operation device of claim 4, wherein movement of the haptic actuator inserted into the mounting groove in a front-rear direction and a left-right direction is restricted by the plurality of ribs, and hooks of the hook-shaped protrusions restrict movement of the haptic actuator in a vertical direction. 6.The electronic shift operation device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing cover coupled to the button housing to cover an upper surface of the button housing, wherein an upper portion of the shift button is exposed to the outside through an opening of the housing cover. 7.The electronic shift operation device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing cover covering an upper surface of the button housing; a plurality of screw members penetrating a flange of the button housing and coupled to stud portions of the housing cover to couple the button housing to the housing cover; a screw damper coupled to the screw members; and a housing damper fixed to the flange of the button housing, wherein the plurality of screw members are disposed to penetrate and be coupled to the screw damper and the housing damper. 8.The electronic shift operation device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of screw members are disposed to penetrate the screw damper, the flange, the housing damper, and the stud portions of the housing cover in series. ​ ​ 9. A control method of an electronic gear shift operation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, the electronic gear shift operation apparatus further comprising a gear shift operation mechanism and a haptic actuator, comprising: if a brake signal and a gear shift range signal are sequentially generated in a start-up open state of a vehicle, a printed circuit board (PCB) controls the haptic actuator to actuate to generate a main haptic signal, wherein the main haptic signal is a different type of haptic signal generated according to a kind of the gear shift range signal.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the gear shift operation mechanism is a gear shift button.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the main haptic signal is a haptic signal in which a vibration frequency, a strength of a voltage input to the haptic actuator, and a number of vibrations are different according to the kind of the gear shift range signal.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: after the main haptic signal is generated, a controller determines whether a distance from the vehicle to a rear object located rearward of the vehicle is within a reference distance using a signal of a rear detection sensor according to an R range signal; and when it is determined that the distance to the rear object is within the reference distance, the PCB controls the haptic actuator to actuate to generate an auxiliary haptic signal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the stronger auxiliary haptic signal is generated as the vehicle gets closer to the rear object located rearward of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein if, in the start-up open state of the vehicle, it is determined that the brake signal is not generated, or even if the brake signal is generated, the gear shift range signal is not generated, the haptic actuator is not actuated by the control of the PCB, so that the main haptic signal is not generated.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein if, in a start-up close state of the vehicle, it is determined that an N range signal is generated, an N range signal generation duration exceeds a first reference time, and a start-up close entry time is within a second reference time, the PCB determines that the vehicle is in an N range parking state, and controls the haptic actuator to actuate, so that the main haptic signal is generated.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein if, in the start-up close state of the vehicle, it is determined that the N range signal is not generated, even if the N range signal is generated, the N range signal generation duration does not exceed the first reference time, or even if the N range signal is generated and the N range signal generation duration exceeds the first reference time, but the start-up close entry time is not within the second reference time, the PCB determines that the vehicle is not in the N range parking state, and controls the haptic actuator so that the haptic actuator is not actuated. ​

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