shift control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shift control device, i.e., a shift control device that controls shift stages by using a button or a knob. The shift control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first shift section that receives an input of a selection command of first shift stages including a parking stage by linear motion, a second shift section that receives an input of a selection command of second shift stages including travel stages by rotational motion, and a substrate that transmits a shift control signal corresponding to the selection command to a vehicle, wherein the first shift section and the second shift section each include a contact section that linearly moves in a state of being in contact with the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gear shift control device, and more specifically, to a gear shift control device that uses buttons or knobs to control gear shifting. Background Technology

[0002] The transmission control unit can change the gear ratio according to the vehicle speed to keep the engine rotation constant, and the driver can change the gear ratio of the transmission by using a lever.

[0003] This transmission control device has two transmission modes: a manual transmission mode where the driver can change the gear, and an automatic transmission mode where the driver selects drive (D) and the gear changes automatically according to the vehicle's speed.

[0004] Even in automatic transmission mode, the driver may still need to perform minimal gear shifts while driving. For example, the driver must directly select park, reverse, neutral, or drive.

[0005] In automatic transmission mode, multiple methods are available for the driver to input gear selection commands. For example, when equipped with a gear input unit located near the steering wheel, the driver can more conveniently input gear selection commands.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an invention that allows the driver to input gear selection commands from a position close to the steering wheel.

[0007] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1357106 (February 3, 2014) Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gear shifting control device that uses buttons or knobs to control gear shifting.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] A transmission control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first transmission unit that receives an input of a selection command for a first transmission gear including a parking gear by means of linear motion; a second transmission unit that receives an input of a selection command for a second transmission gear including a driving gear by means of rotational motion; and a base plate that sends a transmission control signal corresponding to the selection command to a vehicle, wherein the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit each include: a contact portion that moves linearly in contact with the base plate.

[0012] The first gear shifting unit includes: a button for receiving input of a selection command from the first gear shifting unit; and a first contact bracket equipped with a first contact portion that moves linearly on the substrate and contacts the parking gear port when the button is pressed. The second gear shifting unit includes: a knob for receiving input of a selection command from the second gear shifting unit.

[0013] The first speed-changing part includes an elastic part disposed between the button and the substrate for restoring the button.

[0014] The first speed change unit includes a button disengagement prevention unit to prevent the button from disengaging, wherein the button and the button disengagement prevention unit are connected through the knob.

[0015] The button disengagement prevention part includes a buffer part that mitigates the impact with the knob when the button is released from the pressed state.

[0016] The second transmission unit includes: a knob that receives an input of a selection command for a second transmission gear, including a driving gear; a pinion that rotates with the rotation of the knob; and a second contact bracket that is connected to the pinion and moves linearly with the rotation of the pinion.

[0017] The second transmission unit further includes: a transmission body that houses the second contact bracket, wherein the transmission body includes: a guide that guides the linear movement of the second contact bracket.

[0018] The second contact bracket includes: a second contact portion that contacts the substrate; a second bracket body that is linearly movable and connected to the guide portion of the transmission body; and a bracket gear that is engaged with the pinion gear portion of the pinion.

[0019] The second transmission unit also includes a stop portion, which provides a shift feel.

[0020] The stop portion includes: a projectile; a support portion on which the projectile is fixedly mounted; and a groove portion that rotates together with the rotation of the knob, and has a groove formed in the part that contacts the projectile to generate an tactile feedback.

[0021] When the gear is selected by rotating the knob, the spring moves along the groove as the groove rotates. When the knob returns to its original position, the spring returns to the position corresponding to the original position of the knob by elastic force.

[0022] Other specific details of the embodiments include detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings.

[0023] As described above, the transmission control device based on an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of allowing the driver to more conveniently select and input transmission selection commands because it is provided adjacent to the steering wheel.

[0024] Furthermore, since it uses a contact unit instead of a Hall sensor, it has the advantage of being able to control the gear shift without being affected by the surrounding magnetic force. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a speed control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a speed control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first orientation of the groove.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the second orientation of the groove.

[0029] Figure 5 This diagram shows the first contact bracket moving via the button.

[0030] Figure 6 This diagram shows the second contact bracket moving via a knob.

[0031] Figure 7 This diagram shows the engagement of the pinion and the second contact support gear.

[0032] Symbol Explanation

[0033] 10: Speed ​​control device 100: First speed change unit

[0034] 200: Second transmission unit; 300: Base plate

[0035] 400: Transmission Main Unit Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Refer to the accompanying drawings) Figure 1 The advantages and features of the invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clear from the detailed embodiments described below. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The purpose of providing these embodiments is to fully disclose the invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be understood in a meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a speed control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a speed control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the speed control device 10 includes a first speed change unit 100, a second speed change unit 200, a base plate 300, and a speed change main body 400.

[0040] The first transmission unit 100 can receive an input of a first transmission gear selection command, including a parking gear, via linear motion. The second transmission unit 200 can receive an input of a second transmission gear selection command, including a driving gear, via rotary motion. The board 300 can send a transmission control signal corresponding to the selection command of the first transmission unit 100 or the second transmission unit 200 to the vehicle (not shown). As the transmission control signal is sent from the board 300, the transmission drive unit (not shown) equipped in the vehicle can switch the transmission gear (not shown) to the gear corresponding to the transmission selection signal.

[0041] In this invention, the first speed-changing unit 100 and the second speed-changing unit 200 may each include a contact portion that slides on the substrate 300. The contact portion may include a brush.

[0042] The first speed change unit 100 may include: a button 110, a first contact bracket 140, an elastic part 130, and a button disengagement prevention part 120.

[0043] Button 110 can receive a first gear selection command. The user can press button 110 to input the gear selection command. Button 110 can move relative to the gearbox body 400. Therefore, button 110 can be engaged in a manner that allows linear movement relative to knob 210. When the user presses button 110, only button 110 can move while knob 210 remains in a fixed position.

[0044] The first contact bracket 140 may be equipped with a first contact portion 141 that moves linearly on the substrate 300 and contacts the parking gear port when the button 110 is pressed.

[0045] The first contact support 140 can be pressed by the button 110 and move linearly relative to the surface of the substrate 300. The first contact support 140 can contact the button disengagement prevention part 120. When the user presses the button 110, the button disengagement prevention part 120 can move together with the button 110. At this time, the first contact support 140, which is in contact with the button disengagement prevention part 120, can also be pressed and moved by the button disengagement prevention part 120.

[0046] The button detachment prevention part 120 can prevent the button 110 from detaching. The button 110 and the button detachment prevention part 120 can be connected through the knob 210. The button 110 connected to the button detachment prevention part 120 can be prevented from detaching from the knob 210.

[0047] Furthermore, the button disengagement prevention unit 120 serves to relay the pressure applied to the button 110. Specifically, the button disengagement prevention unit 120 can transmit the pressure applied to the button 110 to the first contact support 140. When the user presses the button 110, the button disengagement prevention unit 120 can move together with the button 110.

[0048] The button disengagement prevention part 120 may include a buffer part 121, which mitigates the impact with the knob 210 when the button 110 returns to its pressed state. The buffer part 121 serves to mitigate the impact between the button disengagement prevention part 120 and the knob 210. When the user presses and releases the pressure on the button 110, the button 110 can return to its original position. When the button 110 returns to its original position, the button disengagement prevention part 120 can also return to its original position. As the button disengagement prevention part 120 returns to its original position, an impact may occur between the button disengagement prevention part 120 and the interior of the knob 210. The buffer part 121 serves to mitigate the impact between the button disengagement prevention part 120 and the interior of the knob 210.

[0049] The button release prevention part 120 can be made of a sturdy material, and the buffer part 121 can be made of a rubber material with relatively high elasticity. The button release prevention part 120 and the buffer part 121 made of different materials can be combined by injection molding.

[0050] An elastic portion 130 is disposed between the button 110 and the substrate 300, thereby enabling the button 110 to return to its original position. Specifically, the elastic portion 130 can generate an elastic force to restore the button 110 to its original position. If the user applies pressure to the button 110 to input a parking gear selection command and then releases the pressure, the button 110 can return to its original position. This restoration of the button 110 can be performed by the elastic portion 130.

[0051] The elastic part 130 can be supported by the groove part 221, thereby fixing its position. When the user presses the button 110, the button disengagement prevention part 120 presses the elastic part, which increases the elastic force of the elastic part 130. Furthermore, when the user stops pressing the button 110, the button 110 and the button disengagement prevention part 120 can return to their original positions by means of the elastic force of the elastic part 130.

[0052] The second transmission unit 200 may include: a knob 210, a pinion 230, a second contact bracket 240, and a stop 220.

[0053] The knob 210 can receive input of a selection command for the second gear, including the driving gear. The pinion 230 can rotate as the knob 210 rotates. The second contact bracket 240 is connected to the pinion 230, and thus moves linearly as the pinion 230 rotates.

[0054] The transmission body 400 can accommodate the second contact bracket 240. The transmission body may include a guide 420 to guide the linear movement of the second contact bracket 240. Guided by the guide 420, the second contact bracket 240 can perform linear movement within the transmission body 400.

[0055] The second contact portion bracket 240 may include a second contact portion 241, a second bracket body 243, and a bracket gear 242 (see reference). Figure 7 The second contact portion 241 can contact the base plate 300. The second support body 243 is linearly movable and connected to the guide portion 420 of the transmission body 400. Support gear 242 (see reference) Figure 7 It may include a pinion gear 231 (refer to) that engages with a pinion 230. Figure 7 ) bracket gear.

[0056] The stop 220 can provide a sense of gear shifting. The stop 220 may include: a projectile 222, a support 224, and a recess 221.

[0057] A projectile 222 can be fixedly mounted on the support portion 224. With the support portion 224 in place, the projectile 222 provides elastic force to the recessed portion 221. The projectile 222 can be supported on the support portion 224 via a spring 223. Using the support portion 224 as a reference, and utilizing the elastic force of the spring 223, the projectile 222 can apply pressure to the recessed portion 221.

[0058] The support portion 224 can be fixedly attached to the transmission body 400. Ultimately, the projectile 222 can be understood as applying pressure to the groove portion 221 with the transmission body 400 as a reference.

[0059] Furthermore, the support portion 224 can provide a rotation path for the pinion 230. The support portion 224 includes a hollow hole, and the pinion 230 can be arranged to pass through the hollow hole. The pinion 230 can rotate about a rotation axis while supporting the inner surface of the hollow hole.

[0060] The recessed portion 221 is fixedly attached to the knob 210, and provides a gear shift feel when the knob 210 is rotated. The user can rotate the knob 210 to input a gear selection command. When the knob 210 is rotated, the recessed portion 221 fixedly attached thereto can rotate simultaneously. The user can perceive the gear shift feel through the recessed portion 221.

[0061] To provide a shifting feel, a groove GR can be formed in the groove portion 221. The groove GR can be formed by recessing inward from the annular edge of the groove portion 221. Hereinafter, the non-recessed edge of the annular edge of the groove portion 221 is referred to as the reference edge, and the recessed edge is referred to as the recessed edge.

[0062] The recessed edge may include multiple inclined surfaces with different inclinations relative to a reference edge. The projectile 222 can apply pressure to the edge of the recess. When the recessed portion 221 rotates, the projectile 222 will apply pressure to the inclined surfaces with different inclinations. At this time, an impact is generated while the inclined surfaces applied by the projectile 222 are changing, and this impact can be transmitted to the user in the form of a variable speed sensation.

[0063] As described above, the groove 221 can rotate together with the rotation of the knob 210, and a groove GR for generating an operating feel is formed in the part that contacts the cartridge 222. When a gear is selected by rotating the knob, the cartridge 222 can move along the groove GR as the groove 221 rotates, and when the knob 210 returns to its original position, the cartridge 222 can return to the position corresponding to the original position of the knob by means of elastic force.

[0064] In this invention, the gearbox may include a first gearbox and a second gearbox. According to one embodiment, the first gearbox may include a parking gear, and the second gearbox may include a drive gear, a neutral gear, and a reverse gear. According to another embodiment, the first gearbox may include a parking gear, and the second gearbox may include a drive gear, a neutral gear, a reverse gear, and a sport gear. According to yet another embodiment, the first gearbox may include a parking gear and a reverse gear, and the second gearbox may include a drive gear and a neutral gear.

[0065] The transmission body 400 provides a motion reference for the first transmission unit 100 and the second transmission unit 200. In this invention, the user can input a transmission selection command by moving the first transmission unit 100 or the second transmission unit 200 of the transmission body 400. For example, the transmission body 400 can be fixed to a steering wheel support bracket (not shown) of a vehicle, and the user can input a transmission selection command by operating the first transmission unit 100 or the second transmission unit 200, which is movably coupled to the transmission body 400.

[0066] The gear selector 400 may include a display unit 410 that displays the gear corresponding to the gear selection command. For example, the display unit 410 may be provided in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD) to display the gear. The user can confirm the current gear through the display unit 410.

[0067] Furthermore, the transmission body 400 can accommodate at least a portion of the multiple components constituting the transmission control device 10.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first orientation of the groove. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the second orientation of the groove.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The groove portion 221 may have a first posture or a second posture.

[0070] The first posture represents the posture in which the projectile 222 applies pressure to the deepest central part of the groove GR, and the second posture represents the posture in which the projectile 222 applies pressure to the edge of the groove GR.

[0071] The groove GR can be formed to be recessed to a center depth compared to the edge. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the groove portion 221 while it is rotated and in a second posture, the groove portion 221 can return to its first posture by the force of the spring 222. For example, a user can rotate the knob 210 to shift the gear to drive or reverse. Therefore, the groove portion 221 can be converted to the second posture. When the gear shift is completed, the user can remove the force applied to the knob 210. In this case, the groove portion can return to its first posture by the force of the spring 222.

[0072] Figure 5 This diagram shows the first contact bracket moving via the button.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 The user can move the first contact bracket 140 by pressing the button 110.

[0074] The user can press the button 110 to input a parking gear selection command. As the button 110 is pressed, the button disengagement prevention part 120 and the first contact part bracket 140 can move together with the button 110.

[0075] As the first contact bracket 140 moves, the first contact 141 slides along the surface of the substrate 300, allowing a parking gear selection command to be input. Therefore, the substrate 300 can generate and send a parking gear control signal. For example, the parking gear control signal can be sent to a transmission drive unit (not shown) equipped in a vehicle. Upon receiving the parking gear control signal, the transmission drive unit can shift the vehicle's gears to parking.

[0076] After inputting the parking gear selection command, the user can release the pressure on button 110. As the user releases the pressure, the elastic force of the elastic part 130 allows button 110 and button disengagement prevention part 120 to return to their original positions. The first contact part bracket 140 is fixedly connected to the button disengagement prevention part 120, and as the button disengagement prevention part 120 returns to its original position, the first contact part bracket 140 also returns to its original position.

[0077] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the movement of the second contact bracket via a knob. Figure 7 This diagram shows the engagement of the pinion and the second contact support gear.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Users can rotate knob 210 to move the second contact bracket 240.

[0079] The user rotates knob 210 to input a gear selection command. When knob 210 is rotated, pinion 230 can rotate together with knob 210. Second contact bracket 240 can be coupled to guide 420 in a linear motion manner. Guide 420 can also be coupled inside the gear transmission body 400.

[0080] The pinion 230 is equipped with a pinion gear portion 231, and the second contact bracket 240 may be equipped with a bracket gear 242. The pinion 230 and the second contact bracket 240 can be geared together via the pinion gear portion 231 and the bracket gear 242. When the pinion 230 rotates, the second contact bracket 240, to which the gear is engaged, is guided by the guide portion 420, allowing it to move linearly along the surface of the substrate 300. In this case, the second contact portion 241, equipped on the second contact bracket 240, slides along the surface of the substrate 300, and a speed selection command can be input simultaneously.

[0081] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not limiting.

Claims

1. A speed control device, comprising: The first transmission unit receives input, including a first transmission gear selection command, via linear motion; The second transmission unit receives input, including a selection command for the second transmission gear, via rotational motion; as well as The base plate sends a transmission control signal corresponding to the selection command to the vehicle. The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit each include: The contact portion moves linearly while in contact with the substrate. The second transmission unit includes: The knob receives input including a second gear selection command for the driving gear; The small gear rotates as the knob is rotated; and The second contact bracket is connected to the pinion and moves linearly as the pinion rotates.

2. The speed control device according to claim 1, wherein, The first transmission unit includes: The button receives the selection command input from the first transmission unit; and The first contact bracket is equipped with a first contact portion that moves linearly on the base plate and contacts the parking gear port when the button is pressed. The second transmission unit includes: The knob receives input of selection commands from the second gear shifter.

3. The speed control device according to claim 2, wherein, The first transmission unit includes: An elastic portion is disposed between the button and the substrate for the button to return to its original position.

4. The speed control device according to claim 2, wherein, The first transmission unit includes: A button detachment prevention feature prevents the button from detaching. The button and the button disengagement prevention part are connected through the knob.

5. The speed control device according to claim 4, wherein, The button disengagement prevention unit includes: A buffer section is provided to mitigate the impact with the knob when the button returns to its pressed state.

6. The speed control device according to claim 1, further comprising: The transmission body houses the second contact portion bracket. The transmission body includes: The guide section guides the linear movement of the second contact section bracket.

7. The speed control device according to claim 6, wherein, The second contact support includes: The second contact portion contacts the substrate; The second support body is linearly movable and connected to the guide portion of the transmission body; and A support gear, which engages with the pinion gear portion of the small gear.

8. The speed control device according to claim 1, wherein, The second transmission unit also includes: The stop section provides a sense of gear shifting.

9. The speed control device according to claim 8, wherein, The stop portion includes: Projectile; The support portion is fixedly provided with the projectile; The groove rotates together with the knob, and a groove is formed in the part that contacts the projectile to generate a tactile feedback.

10. The speed control device according to claim 9, wherein, When the gear is selected by rotating the rotary knob, the projectile moves along the groove as the grooved portion rotates. When the knob returns to its original position, the elastic body returns to the position corresponding to the original position of the knob by means of elastic force.

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