Positioning mechanism of a gear shift controller and gear shift controller

Abstract

The application relates to a positioning mechanism of a gear shift manipulator and the gear shift manipulator. The positioning mechanism comprises a shell, a cover connected to the shell and defining a containing cavity together with the shell, a positioning piece at least partially contained in the containing cavity and capable of swinging in the containing cavity, an elastic piece contained in the containing cavity, the elastic piece being pressed between the positioning piece and the cover, the elastic piece being capable of generating a first pushing force acting on the positioning piece under the extrusion of the positioning piece and the cover, and a positioning base connected to a gear shift piece and capable of moving with the gear shift piece, the positioning base being provided with a positioning groove, and the positioning piece being capable of being pressed in the positioning groove under the action of the first pushing force. The positioning piece is pressed in the positioning groove, and the gear shift piece is provided with a gear shift positioning force. In the neutral state, the gear shift piece is in a fixed state under the action of the gear shift positioning force and cannot rotate freely, and the gear shift comfort and reliability of the gear shift manipulator are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a positioning mechanism and a gear shifter. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry, especially the development of medium and heavy-duty trucks, gear shifters with shift positioning functions have emerged to improve the performance of gear shifting. These gear shifters need to simultaneously decouple and transmit the actions in both directions of gear selection and shifting, increasing the complexity of arranging the shift positioning mechanism.

[0003] In related technologies, the shift positioning function of the gear shift control of medium and heavy-duty trucks is based on the joint bearing scheme, with a shift positioning pin arranged below the shift lever. However, this structure not only occupies a lot of space, making it difficult to arrange the control lever, but also has poor performance and low reliability of the entire mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a positioning mechanism and a gear shifter that occupy little space, have high reliability, and excellent operating performance to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This application provides a positioning mechanism for a gear shifter. The gear shifter includes a rotatable shifting component. The positioning mechanism includes: a housing with a hollow structure forming a receiving channel with openings at both ends; a cover connected to the housing and disposed at one end of the receiving channel, defining a receiving cavity together with the housing; a positioning component at least partially received in the receiving cavity and capable of swinging within the receiving cavity; an elastic component received in the receiving cavity, pressing against the positioning component and the cover, and generating a first thrust acting on the positioning component under the compression of the positioning component and the cover; and a positioning seat connected to the shifting component and capable of moving with the shifting component, having a positioning groove on the positioning seat, and the positioning component pressing against the positioning groove under the action of the first thrust.

[0006] In neutral, the positioning element and the cover press against the elastic element, causing the elastic element to compress. The elastic element, in order to recover its deformation, generates a first thrust acting on the positioning element. This first thrust allows the positioning element to press against the positioning groove of the positioning seat. The positioning element pressing against the positioning groove provides a shifting positioning force for the shifting component. In neutral, the shifting component is fixed in a fixed state under the action of the shifting positioning force and cannot rotate freely, improving the shifting comfort and reliability of the gear shifter.

[0007] In one embodiment, the positioning member is provided with a first mounting groove, and at least a portion of the elastic member can be accommodated in the first mounting groove. The first mounting groove includes a first abutting surface, and one end of the elastic member abuts against the first abutting surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cover is provided with a second mounting groove, at least a portion of the elastic member can be accommodated in the second mounting groove, the second mounting groove includes a second abutting surface, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the second abutting surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cover has a through hole that extends through the second contact surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing includes a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion being connected to the second body portion, and a receiving channel including a first receiving channel formed by the first body portion and a second receiving channel formed by the second body portion, the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel communicating with each other, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first receiving channel being larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel, such that a first step portion is formed inside the housing, and the cover abuts against the first step portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a third body portion connected to the second body portion, and the receiving channel further includes a third receiving channel formed by the third body portion. The third receiving channel is connected to the second receiving channel. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel is larger than that of the third receiving channel, so that a second step portion is formed inside the housing. Under the action of the elastic member, the positioning member can abut against the second step portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, a flow channel is formed between at least a portion of the housing and the positioning element, and a first storage tank is provided on the housing, the first storage tank being in communication with the flow channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the end of the positioning member away from the elastic member is configured as an abutment, the shape of which matches the shape of the positioning groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the abutting portion includes a first conical surface and a second conical surface, the first conical surface and the second conical surface being connected to form a V-shape; the end of the positioning seat facing the positioning member includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall being connected in sequence to form an M-shape, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being connected to form a first top of the end, the second sidewall and the third sidewall being connected to form a positioning groove, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall being connected to form a second top of the positioning seat; during the movement of the shifting member, the positioning seat has a first position, a second position and a third position. In the first position, the abutting portion abuts against the positioning groove; in the second position, the abutting portion abuts against the first top or the second top, the positioning seat applies pressure to the positioning member, causing the positioning member and the cover to squeeze the elastic member, the elastic member generating a second thrust acting on the positioning member, the second thrust being greater than the first thrust; in the third position, the second conical surface abuts against the first sidewall or the first conical surface abuts against the fourth sidewall.

[0015] Another aspect of this application provides a gear shifting device, which includes: a fixed base; a shifting member connected to the fixed base and capable of rotating about a rotation center point under the action of an external force; a gear selection transition arm connected to the shifting member; and a positioning mechanism as described above, wherein a housing is connected to the fixed base, a positioning seat is connected to the gear selection transition arm, and the central axis of the positioning member passes through the rotation center point. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of a gear shifter according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of a gear shifter according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning seat and gear selection transition arm in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning element in one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the housing in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of a seal in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a seal in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning seat in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a gear shifter according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the positioning member abuts against the positioning groove.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a gear shifter according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein a positioning member abuts against a first top.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a gear shifter according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the positioning member abuts against the first sidewall. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a gear shifter according to one embodiment of this application is shown. In some embodiments, the gear shifter 100 includes a mounting base 10, a shift member 20, a gear selection mechanism 30, and a positioning mechanism 40. The gear shifter 100 in this application mainly adopts a sealed ball joint structure, which improves the operation performance and reliability of the gear shifter 100. The mounting base 10 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body and is used for the installation and fixation of the shift member 20, the gear selection mechanism 30, and the positioning mechanism 40. A shift ball joint seat (not shown) is provided on the mounting base 10.

[0035] One end of the shift member 20 is connected to a handle. By operating the handle, the shift member 20 is used to select and shift gears, thereby changing the vehicle's gear position and achieving vehicle speed change. The other end of the shift member 20 is connected to the mounting base 10 for installation. The end of the shift member 20 in this application is configured as a sealed ball joint structure, which is fixedly connected to the shift ball joint seat of the mounting base 10 by a ball joint pin (not shown) and fasteners. The vehicle shifts gears by moving the shift ball joint seat.

[0036] The gear selection mechanism 30 is used to realize the gear selection action and includes a gear selection arm 31, a gear selection transition arm 32, a gear selection arm rotation shaft 33, and a gear selection return spring 34. A gear selection lever 321 is provided on one side of the gear selection transition arm 32. The end of the gear selection lever 321 is a ball joint structure that mates with a gear selection ball joint seat, which is installed in the gear selection seat hole of the gear selection arm 31. The gear selection transition arm 32 is connected to the gear selection ball joint seat by fasteners. The gear selection return spring 34 is sleeved on the gear selection arm rotation shaft 33, with one end abutting against the fixed seat 10 and the other end abutting against the gear selection arm 31.

[0037] When the shift member 20 selects a gear, the shift transition arm 32 swings with the shift ball joint seat, driving the shift arm 31 to rotate around the shift rotation shaft. The shift arm 31 pushes and pulls the shift mechanism, such as a flexible shaft, to achieve the shift action. The shift return spring 34 is opened. Due to the elastic deformation of the shift return spring 34, it generates a restoring force on the shift member 20 to recover its elastic deformation. When the shift member 20 is released, it automatically returns to its original position under the action of the restoring force of the shift return spring 34.

[0038] The positioning mechanism 40 is mounted on the fixed base 10 and is used to position the shift component 20 in the neutral position. The neutral positioning force applied to the shift component 20 by the positioning mechanism 40 can eliminate the gaps and rigid deformation of the shifting system, provide a clear shifting feel for the shift component 20, ensure thorough shifting, and improve shifting comfort.

[0039] The positioning mechanism 40 in some embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0040] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a positioning mechanism 40 according to some embodiments of this application is shown. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 40 includes a housing 41 and a cover 42, a positioning member 43, an elastic member 44, and a positioning seat 45. The housing 41 is a hollow structure, forming a receiving channel 411 open at both ends. The cover 42 is connected to the housing 41 and disposed at one end of the housing 41 to close one end opening of the receiving channel 411. The cover 42 and the housing 41 together define a receiving cavity. Figure 1 The housing 41 is connected to the fixed base 10.

[0041] In neutral, the positioning member 43 presses against the positioning seat 45, thereby providing a neutral positioning force for the shift member 20 during its movement. At least a portion of the positioning member 43 is accommodated in the receiving cavity. During shifting, the movement of the shift member 20 causes the shift ball joint to move, and the shift transition arm 32 fixed to the shift ball joint moves accordingly. Since the positioning seat 45 is connected to the shift transition arm 32, the positioning seat 45 moves with the shift transition arm 32, and the positioning seat 45 presses against the positioning member 43, causing the positioning member 43 to swing within the receiving cavity, and the positioning member 43 is confined within the receiving cavity.

[0042] The elastic element 44 is housed in the receiving cavity and presses against the positioning element 43 and the cover 42. The elastic element 44 can be a coil spring or the like. By adjusting the installation length, number of turns, and size of the elastic element 44, different initial forces can be generated, resulting in different initial positioning forces for the positioning element 43. Refer to Table 1, which shows the parameters of the elastic element in some embodiments of this application. In one embodiment, after the elastic element 44 is installed, it is subjected to the joint compression of the positioning element and the cover, and is always in a compressed state. The cover is fixed in the housing. Therefore, the elastic element 44 applies a first thrust to the positioning element 43 to restore its deformation. Under the action of the first thrust, the positioning element 43 presses against the positioning seat 45, thereby ensuring that the positioning element 43 can always contact the positioning seat 45, thereby applying a neutral positioning force to the shifting element 20.

[0043] Table 1: Elastic element parameters in some embodiments of this application

[0044] 1 Overall length (mm) 39 39 39 40 2 Installation length (mm) 31 28 25 30 3 Length of action (mm) 3.14 3.14 3.14 3.14 4 Wire diameter (mm) 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.8 5 Valid number of laps 9 9 9 10 6 Total laps 11 11 11 12 7 Initial force (N) on the elastic element 51.1 70.3 89.5 97.7 8 Maximum force of the elastic element (N) 71.2 90.4 109.6 128.4

[0045] A positioning seat 45 is connected to the gear selector transition arm 32, and a positioning groove 451 is provided on the positioning seat 45. Specifically, the positioning seat 45 is a plate structure manufactured using cast steel technology, which facilitates the machining of the positioning groove 451. The positioning seat 45 is fixedly connected to the gear selector transition arm 32, resulting in a simple structure, light weight, and reduced production costs. During gear shifting, as the gear shifting component 20 moves, the positioning seat 45 can move accordingly, preventing the positioning seat 45 from restricting the normal use of the gear shifting component 20. In feasible embodiments, the positioning seat 45 and the gear selector transition arm 32 are integrally formed.

[0046] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4 Because the positioning seat 45 is close to the ball joint of the shift lever 20, it is not easy to install it separately. Therefore, the positioning seat 45 is integrated with the shift transition arm 32. The positioning seat 45 is bent to one end of the shift lever 20, and it is positioned and matched with the positioning element 43 located at that end of the shift lever 20, providing neutral positioning force for the shift lever 20. The shift transition arm 32 is fixed to the shift ball joint seat with fasteners, thereby realizing the fixed installation of the positioning seat 45 integrated on the shift transition arm 32. This setting can ensure that when the shift lever is rotated to select gears, the positioning seat 45 always remains in the neutral positioning position and will not generate constraint force in the shift direction.

[0047] Positioning member 43 is inserted into housing 41 from one side, followed by elastic member 44, and then cover 42 is placed on top. In neutral, positioning member 43 presses against elastic member 44, and elastic member 44 generates a thrust on positioning member 43 to recover its deformation, ensuring that one end of positioning member 43 is always pressed against positioning groove 451, providing neutral positioning force for shift member 20. In neutral, shift member 20 is fixed under the action of shift positioning force and cannot rotate freely, thereby eliminating the influence of shift system clearance on shift member 20 and improving shifting comfort and reliability of gear shifter 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The positioning mechanism 40 also includes a positioning bracket 46. The positioning bracket 46 is made of stamped steel plate and is fixed to the fixed base 10 by fasteners such as bolts. The positioning bracket 46 secures the positioning mechanism 40 to the fixed base 10. The housing 41 is connected to the positioning bracket 46; optionally, the housing 41 is connected to the positioning bracket 46 by welding. This connection method is simple and reliable, reducing the manufacturing cost of the gear shifter 100.

[0049] Fixed to the fixed base 10 by the housing 41 and the positioning bracket 46, the positioning member 43 does not rotate with the shift member 20 when the shift member 20 completes the shifting operation. The positioning member 43 only retracts or extends along the axis of the positioning member 43, thereby first generating a constraint force on the shift member 20 and then generating an assist force.

[0050] Further, see Figure 3 The positioning mechanism 40 also includes a retaining ring 47, which is used to fix the cover 42. The retaining ring 47 secures the cover 42 inside the housing 41, preventing the cover 42 from loosening during operation of the positioning mechanism 40 and affecting its positioning effect. The retaining ring 47 also ensures that the elastic element 44 is fixed between the cover 42 and the positioning element 43, allowing the elastic element 44 to generate a thrust on the positioning element 43, ensuring stable neutral positioning force on the shifting element 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 The positioning member 43 is provided with a first mounting groove 431, and at least a portion of the elastic member 44 can be accommodated in the first mounting groove 431. The first mounting groove 431 includes a first abutting surface 4311, and one end of the elastic member 44 abuts against the first abutting surface 4311. Accommodating the elastic member 44 in the positioning member 43 can effectively reduce the installation length of the elastic member 44, making the positioning mechanism 40 more compact and reducing the space occupied by the positioning mechanism 40. The first mounting groove 431 fixes one end of the elastic member 44, ensuring that the elastic member 44 can be used normally and preventing failure due to movement of the elastic member 44.

[0052] Further, see Figure 3 The cover 42 has a second mounting groove 421, in which at least a portion of the elastic element 44 can be accommodated. The second mounting groove 421 includes a second abutment surface 4211, and the other end of the elastic element 44 abuts against the second abutment surface 4211. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second mounting groove 421 is larger than that of the elastic element 44. The elastic element 44 is accommodated in the second mounting groove 421, achieving axial positioning of the elastic element 44 and preventing radial displacement of the elastic element 44 from causing contact friction with the inner wall of the first mounting groove 431, which could lead to failure of the elastic element 44 and extend its service life. Optionally, the second mounting groove 421 can be formed on the cover 42 by stamping. This fixing method allows for a shorter installation length of the elastic element 44, making installation and maintenance convenient.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cover 42 is provided with a through hole 422, which penetrates the second abutment surface 4211. The through hole 422 allows communication between the interior of the housing 41 and the outside. When the positioning mechanism 40 is working, the air pressure inside and outside the housing 41 is equal, preventing negative pressure from forming inside the housing 41 during gear shifting, which would affect the normal positioning effect and ensure that the positioning mechanism 40 works normally and efficiently with good positioning performance. At the same time, the through hole 422 facilitates the installation and removal of the cover 42, improving the installation efficiency of the positioning mechanism 40. Optionally, the diameter of the through hole 422 is 3mm.

[0054] See Figure 6 In some embodiments, the housing 41 includes a first body portion 412 and a second body portion 413, with the first body portion 412 connected to the second body portion 413. The first body portion 412 forms a first receiving channel 4111, and the second body portion 413 forms a second receiving channel 4112. The first receiving channel 4111 and the second receiving channel 4112 communicate with each other to form the receiving channel 411. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first receiving channel 4111 in the first direction S1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel 4112 in the first direction S1, resulting in a first step portion 415 formed inside the housing 41, and the cover 42 abuts against the first step portion 415. The first step portion 415 allows the cover 42 to abut against the housing 41, preventing the cover 42 from moving within the housing 41, thereby ensuring the normal installation and use of the elastic member 44. Furthermore, the first body portion 412 is provided with a groove, and the retaining ring 47 can be engaged in the groove of the first body portion 412, so that the cover 42 is fixed between the retaining ring 47 and the first step portion 415.

[0055] In a feasible embodiment, the housing 41 further includes a third body portion 414 connected to the second body portion 413. The third body portion 414 forms a third receiving channel 4113. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel 4112 in the first direction S1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel 4113 in the first direction S1, so that a second step portion 416 is formed inside the housing 41. Under the action of the elastic member 44, the positioning member 43 can abut against the second step portion 416. The second step portion 416 limits the positioning member 43, ensuring that the positioning member 43 is contained in the housing 41 during the movement of the positioning member 43, preventing the positioning member 43 from detaching from the housing 41, and ensuring a good positioning effect.

[0056] Specifically, in combination Figure 5 The positioning member 43 includes a protrusion 432 protruding from the first mounting groove 431. The outer diameter of the protrusion 432 is larger than the outer diameter of the first mounting groove 431, so that when the positioning member 43 moves to the limit position along the first direction S1, the protrusion 432 will abut against the second step portion 416, preventing the positioning member 43 from detaching from the housing 41, and confining the positioning member 43 in the housing 41 to ensure the long-term normal use of the positioning member 43.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 A flow channel 418 is formed between at least a portion of the housing 41 and the positioning member 43. A first storage tank 417 is provided on the housing 41, and the first storage tank 417 is connected to the flow channel 418. The first storage tank 417 is used to store lubricating fluids such as lubricating oil or grease. When the positioning mechanism 40 is working, the lubricating fluid in the first storage tank 417 flows to the flow channel 418, and then flows to one end of the positioning member 43 adjacent to the positioning groove 451. This ensures sufficient lubrication of the end of the positioning member 43, reduces positioning friction between the end of the positioning member 43 and the positioning groove 451, and greatly extends the service life of the positioning mechanism 40.

[0058] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 40 also includes a seal 48, which covers the outside of the housing 41. The seal 48 is used to seal the lubricating fluid in the first storage tank 417. The seal 48 effectively prevents the lubricating fluid in the first storage tank 417 from flowing out of the housing 41, improving the efficiency of lubricating fluid use. At the same time, the seal 48 has a simple structure, is easy to install, and facilitates the replenishment of lubricating fluid into the first storage tank 417.

[0059] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 and Figure 8The seal 48 is provided with a second storage groove 481. The second storage groove 481 is used to store lubricating fluids such as lubricating oil or grease. The second storage groove 481 is located at one end of the seal 48 adjacent to the positioning groove 451. The lubricating fluid in the second storage groove 481 can flow to the end of the positioning member 43 near the positioning groove 451, ensuring that the positioning member 43 can obtain sufficient lubrication and further improving the service life of the positioning mechanism 40.

[0060] Specifically, multiple second storage tanks 481 are provided, and the multiple second storage tanks 481 are arranged along the circumference of the sealing member 48. A flow channel 482 is designed between the second sealing tank and the positioning member 43. The lubricating fluid in the second sealing tank flows to the positioning member 43 through the flow channel 482 to achieve lubrication of the positioning member 43.

[0061] The seal 48 is also provided with an opening for connecting the positioning bracket 46. Specifically, the opening is square, through which the seal 48 can be installed on the housing 41 and the positioning bracket 46, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the seal 48 on the first storage tank 417.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 9 The end of the positioning member 43 away from the elastic member 44 is configured as an abutment portion 433, the shape of which matches the shape of the positioning groove 451. The matching shape and size of the abutment portion 433 and the positioning groove 451 allows the positioning mechanism 40 to generate a larger positioning neutral force on the shift member 20, thereby making the shift member 20 more firmly fixed and unable to rotate freely, further improving the shifting comfort and reliability of the gear shifter 100.

[0063] Specifically, the abutment portion 433 is configured in a V-shape, and the positioning groove 451 is also configured in a V-shape, with the abutment portion 433 abutting against the positioning groove 451. When the shift member 20 rotates to select gears, the V-shaped abutment portion 433, apart from the neutral positioning force generated by the axial installation on the shift member 20, does not generate any constraint force that hinders the shift member 20 from completing the gear selection action. At the same time, it can also ensure that the shift member 20 can rotate in the shift direction and apply a shift constraint force to the shift member 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the abutment portion 433 includes a first conical surface 4331 and a second conical surface 4332, with an included angle between the first conical surface 4331 and the second conical surface 4332 being 90°-130°. This angle range allows the abutment portion 433 to press well against the positioning groove 451, providing a good neutral positioning force for the positioning seat 45. Outside this angle range, the neutral positioning force of the positioning mechanism 40 on the shifting component 20 may be too large or too small, affecting the positioning effect of the positioning mechanism 40 on the shifting component 20 and potentially generating positioning impact noise. Preferably, the included angle between the first conical surface 4331 and the second conical surface 4332 is 110°.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, the abutment portion 433 further includes an arc surface 4333, which is disposed between the first conical surface 4331 and the second conical surface 4332. The arc surface 4333 ensures smooth contact between the abutment portion 433 and the positioning seat 45 during movement, preventing damage between the positioning member 43 and the positioning seat 45 and ensuring the long-term use of the positioning member 43. The angle of the cone is adjusted according to the shifting angle of the shifting member 20. Optionally, the radius of the arc surface 4333 is 1.5mm-4.5mm. Preferably, the radius of the arc surface 4333 is 3mm.

[0066] In some embodiments, the end of the positioning seat 45 adjacent to the positioning member 43 includes a first sidewall 452, a second sidewall 453, a third sidewall 454, and a fourth sidewall 455. The first sidewall 452, second sidewall 453, third sidewall 454, and fourth sidewall 455 are sequentially connected to form an M-shape. The first sidewall 452 and second sidewall 453 are connected to form a first top 456 of the positioning seat 45. The second sidewall 453 and third sidewall 454 are connected to form a V-shaped positioning groove 451. The third sidewall 454 and fourth sidewall 455 are connected to form a second top 457 of the positioning seat 45. Further, the first top 456, second top 457, and the bottom of the positioning groove 451 are all smoothly disposed to reduce friction between the positioning member 43 and the positioning seat 45, reduce wear on the positioning member 43, and improve the service life of the positioning mechanism 40. It should be noted that the radius of the arc at the bottom of the positioning groove 451 cannot be greater than the radius of the arc surface 4333 of the positioning member 43.

[0067] During gear selection / shifting, the positioning seat 45 has a first state and a second state. Specifically, the first state is the neutral state or the gear selection state, in which the positioning member 43 abuts against the positioning groove 451. The second state is the gear shifting state, in which the positioning member 43 moves with the positioning seat 45 and abuts against the first top 456 and the first side wall 452 in sequence. In a feasible embodiment, in the second state, the positioning member 43 moves with the positioning seat 45 and abuts against the second top 457 and the fourth side wall 455 in sequence.

[0068] The V-shaped abutment portion 433 presses against the V-shaped positioning groove 451, so that the shift member 20 can generate the same positioning constraint force when it moves in any shifting direction at any gear selection position. The M-shaped end is beneficial to the design of the neutral positioning force of the positioning mechanism 40 on the shift member 20, and also to the production and manufacturing of the positioning seat 45.

[0069] During the process from the start of the shift action of the shifting component 20 to the start of the gear shift action of the transmission, the presence of the neutral positioning force can eliminate the system clearance of the shifting system and the shift clearance caused by the rigid deformation of the system. After the gear shift action begins, the neutral positioning force of the positioning mechanism 40 reaches its maximum value. At this time, the abutment part 433 presses against the first top 456 or the second top 457 of the positioning seat 45. At this time, the compression of the elastic member 44 by the positioning component 43 is at its maximum. When the end of the positioning component 43 passes the first top 456 or the second top 457 of the neutral positioning seat 45, the compression of the elastic member 44 by the positioning component 43 decreases. The elastic member 44 restores its deformation and provides a shift direction assist to the positioning mechanism 40, thereby reducing the driver's shifting operation force and improving shifting comfort.

[0070] The positioning groove 451 has a longitudinal parallel structure, which ensures that it does not affect the gear selection action of the shift member 20. In addition, by reasonably designing the positions of the first top 456 and the second top 457, as well as the angle between the first side wall 452 and the second side wall 453, the angle and magnitude of the neutral positioning force of the shift member 20 in the initial positioning stage can be obtained according to relevant formulas. This allows the positioning member 43 to generate a shifting assistance in the shifting direction after passing the first top 456 or the second top 457, thereby realizing the shifting positioning and shifting assistance of the gear shifting controller 100 in the shifting direction.

[0071] When the angle between the second sidewall 453 and the third sidewall 454 is less than 100°, when the neutral positioning force is large, the abutment portion 433 of the positioning member 43 will rapidly impact the first sidewall 452 after passing the first top 456, or the abutment portion 433 of the positioning member 43 will rapidly impact the fourth sidewall 455 after passing the second top 457, generating impact noise that is difficult to eliminate. The faster the shifting speed of the shifting member 20, the more likely this noise will be generated. Therefore, the angle between the second sidewall 453 and the third sidewall 454 can be optionally 100°-120°. Preferably, the angle between the second sidewall 453 and the third sidewall 454 is 110°, which coincides with the angle between the first conical surface 4331 and the second conical surface 4332 of the abutment portion 433.

[0072] Combination Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the shifting member 20 can rotate around a rotation center point 50 under the action of an external force. This rotation center point 50 is formed by the intersection of a horizontal rotation line X parallel to the fixed base 10 and a vertical rotation line Y perpendicular to the fixed base 10. The housing 41 is fixed to the fixed base 10, and the central axis of the housing 41 coincides with the horizontal rotation line X, that is, the central axis of the housing 41 passes through the rotation center point 50. Furthermore, the system is configured such that when the shifting member 20 performs a gear selection action, the positioning member 43 will not undergo axial compressive deformation, and the length of the elastic member 44 will not change, thus not affecting the normal completion of the gear selection action.

[0073] Further, the positioning groove 451 includes a positioning point 4511, which is located at the bottom of the positioning groove 451 and is formed by the intersection of the second side wall 453 and the third side wall 454. Optionally, the distance between the rotation center point 50 and the positioning point 4511 is 30mm-60mm. If the distance between the rotation center point 50 and the positioning point 4511 is too close, the positioning mechanism 40 cannot be arranged on the fixed base 10; otherwise, the positioning mechanism 40 will affect the normal use of the shifting component 20. If the distance is too large, the overall structure of the positioning mechanism 40 will be too large, making it impossible to arrange the positioning mechanism 40 in the gear shifter 100. Preferably, the distance between the rotation center point 50 and the positioning point 4511 is 45mm. It should be noted that the distance between the rotation center point 50 and the positioning point 4511 can be adjusted according to the working length of the shifting component 20.

[0074] After the gear selection action is completed, the shifting component 20 begins the shifting action. When the rotation angle of the shifting component 20 is within a preset angle range, the positioning mechanism 40 generates a force that returns the shifting component 20 to the neutral position. The magnitude of this force is calculated by converting it into the force applied to the lever. Table 2 shows the positioning force corresponding to different elastic components, corresponding to the elastic components in Table 1. For example, in the initial stage, the force applied to the lever is 10N±2N, and the maximum force applied to the lever in the later stages of shifting is 14N±2N. Based on the working length of the shifting component 20, converting these two forces to the positioning mechanism 40, we can obtain that the initial force of the elastic component 44 is 98N±6N, and the maximum force is 128N±8N.

[0075] Table 2: Positioning Forces Corresponding to Different Elastic Elements

[0076]

[0077] When the shift member 20 rotates to the maximum preset angle in the shifting direction, the abutment portion 433 abuts against the first top 456 or the second top 457. When the abutment portion 433 of the positioning member 43 passes the first top 456 or the second top 457 of the positioning seat 45, and abuts against the first side wall 452 or the fourth side wall 455, the elastic member 44 generates a force that promotes the accelerated rotation of the shift member 20, pushing the shift member 20 to move in the shifting direction, thus providing shift assistance. Optionally, the preset angle range is 0° to the maximum preset angle, with the maximum preset angle being 5° to 9°. Preferably, the maximum preset angle is 7.33°.

[0078] In one embodiment, the angle between the first sidewall 452 and the horizontal rotation line X is 74°, the angle between the second sidewall 453 and the horizontal rotation line X is 74°, the distance between the first top 456 and the rotation center point 50 is 48.8mm, the distance between the second top 457 and the rotation center point 50 is 48.8mm, the angle between the line connecting the first top 456 and the rotation center point 50 of the shift lever and the horizontal rotation plane is 7.33°, and the angle between the line connecting the second top 457 and the rotation center point 50 of the shift lever and the horizontal rotation plane is 7.33°. This arrangement allows the shift member 20 to be stably positioned in the neutral position when in neutral. After rotating 7.33°, the positioning force disappears, and the positioning mechanism 40 begins to generate shift assistance, reducing the driver's shifting force and improving shifting comfort. It should be noted that during the shifting process, the abutting part 433 of the positioning part 43 cannot disengage from the first side wall 452 or the second side wall 453.

[0079] The end face of the positioning seat 45 in this application is M-shaped, forming a V-shaped positioning groove 451, which cooperates with the abutment portion 433 of the V-shaped positioning member 43. During the movement of the shift member 20, the positioning seat 45 has a first position, a second position, and a third position as the shift member 20 moves.

[0080] See Figure 10 In neutral, the positioning seat 45 is in the first position, and the positioning member 43 is pressed against the positioning groove 451 by the elastic member 44, thus fixing the shifting member 20 in the neutral positioning position. When shifting gears, the positioning seat 45 presses against the positioning member 43, causing the elastic member 44 to generate a shifting constraint force.

[0081] See Figure 11Before shifting begins, as the shifting component 20 drives the positioning seat 45 to rotate, the positioning component 43 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction S1, further compressing the elastic component 44. When the positioning seat 45 is in the second position, and the abutting part 433 abuts against the first top 456, the elastic force of the elastic component 44 reaches its maximum. The elastic component 44 generates a second thrust acting on the positioning component 43, which is greater than the first thrust. The neutral positioning force of the positioning mechanism 40 on the shifting component 20 reaches its maximum. In other embodiments, the elastic force of the elastic component 44 reaches its maximum when the abutting part 433 abuts against the second top 457.

[0082] See Figure 12 When the positioning seat 45 is in the third position, the abutting portion 433 abuts against the first sidewall 452. Specifically, the second conical surface 4332 abuts against the first sidewall 452. During this process, the elastic member 44 recovers its deformation, causing the positioning member 43 to move along the first direction S1, generating a force that promotes the accelerated rotation of the shift member 20, thus improving shifting comfort. Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the maximum elastic force of the elastic member 44 is greater than the initial elastic force, enabling the positioning mechanism 40 to provide assistance to the shift member 20. In other embodiments, when the abutting portion 433 abuts against the first sidewall 452, the elastic member 44 recovers its deformation, and the positioning member 43 moves along the first direction S1, generating a force that promotes the accelerated rotation of the shift member 20, thus improving shifting comfort. In other embodiments, when the positioning seat 45 is in the third position, the abutting portion 433 abuts against the fourth sidewall 455. Specifically, the first conical surface 4331 abuts against the fourth sidewall 455.

[0083] The positioning mechanism 40 has a compact structure, reducing its space occupation and not affecting the normal design of the shift member 20. In neutral, the positioning mechanism 40 fixes the shift member 20 in the positioning position, preventing free rotation and eliminating the influence of shift system clearances on the shift member 20, thus improving the reliability of the transmission control 100. During shifting, the positioning mechanism 40 first applies a constraint force to the shift member 20, then provides assistance, improving the shifting performance and shifting comfort of the transmission control 100.

[0084] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positioning mechanism for a gear shifter, the gear shifter including a rotatable shifting element, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism includes: The housing is a hollow structure that forms an accommodating channel with openings at both ends; A cover body, which is connected to the housing and disposed at one end of the receiving channel, together with the housing, defines a receiving cavity; The positioning element is at least partially accommodated in the receiving cavity and is capable of swinging within the receiving cavity; An elastic element, accommodated in the receiving cavity, presses against the positioning element and the cover, and is capable of generating a first thrust acting on the positioning element under the compression of the positioning element and the cover; and A positioning seat is connected to the shift member and can move with the shift member. The positioning seat is provided with a positioning groove, and the positioning member can be pressed against the positioning groove under the action of the first thrust. A flow channel is formed between at least a portion of the housing and the positioning member. The housing is provided with a first storage tank, which is in communication with the flow channel. The first storage tank is used to store lubricating fluid. The positioning mechanism also includes a sealing member, which is covered outside the housing and is used to seal the lubricating fluid in the first storage tank. The housing includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a third body portion connected in sequence. The receiving channel includes a first receiving channel formed by the first body portion, a second receiving channel formed by the second body portion, and a third receiving channel formed by the third body portion. The first receiving channel, the second receiving channel, and the third receiving channel are connected in sequence. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first receiving channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel, so that a first step portion is formed inside the housing. The cover abuts against the first step portion. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third receiving channel, so that a second step portion is formed inside the housing. Under the action of the elastic member, the positioning member can abut against the second step portion. The sealing element is provided with a second storage groove for storing lubricating fluid. The second storage groove is located at one end of the sealing element adjacent to the positioning groove. A flow channel is designed between the second storage groove and the positioning element. The lubricating fluid in the second storage groove flows through the flow channel to one end of the positioning element near the positioning groove. Multiple second storage tanks are provided, and the multiple second storage tanks are arranged along the circumference of the seal.

2. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning member is provided with a first mounting groove, and at least a portion of the elastic member can be accommodated in the first mounting groove. The first mounting groove includes a first abutting surface, and one end of the elastic member abuts against the first abutting surface.

3. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover is provided with a second mounting groove, at least a portion of the elastic element can be accommodated in the second mounting groove, the second mounting groove includes a second abutting surface, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the second abutting surface.

4. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover has a through hole that extends through the second contact surface.

5. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism also includes a retaining ring for fixing the cover.

6. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear shifter also includes a mounting base, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle body and used for the installation and fixation of the shifting component and the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism also includes a positioning bracket, which is made of stamped steel plate and fixed to the mounting base by fasteners. The sealing component is also provided with a square opening, through which the sealing component can be installed on the housing and the positioning bracket.

7. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a protrusion extending from the first mounting groove, the outer diameter of which is larger than the outer diameter of the first mounting groove, so as to abut against the second stepped portion and confine the positioning element within the housing.

8. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The end of the positioning member away from the elastic member is configured as an abutment portion, the shape of which matches the shape of the positioning groove.

9. The positioning mechanism of the gear shifter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The abutting portion includes a first conical surface and a second conical surface, the first conical surface and the second conical surface being connected to form a V-shape; the end of the positioning seat facing the positioning member includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall being connected in sequence to form an M-shape, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being connected to form a first top of the end, the second sidewall and the third sidewall being connected to form the positioning groove, and the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall being connected to form a second top of the positioning seat; During the movement of the shifting component, the positioning seat has a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the first position, the abutting part presses against the positioning groove. In the second position, the abutting part abuts against the first top or the second top, and the positioning seat applies pressure to the positioning member, causing the positioning member and the cover to squeeze the elastic member. The elastic member generates a second thrust acting on the positioning member, and the second thrust is greater than the first thrust. In the third position, the second conical surface abuts against the first sidewall or the first conical surface abuts against the fourth sidewall.

10. A speed-changing control, characterized in that, The gear shifter includes: Fixed base; A shifting component is connected to the fixed base, and the shifting component can rotate around a rotation center point under the action of an external force; A gear selection transition arm, the gear selection transition arm being connected to the gear shifting member; and The positioning mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the housing is connected to the fixed base, the positioning base is connected to the gear selection transition arm, and the central axis of the positioning member passes through the rotation center point.

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