A manual emergency control mechanism for an automatic transmission
By forcibly disconnecting the TCU through a manual emergency control mechanism and switching gears using mechanical operation, the conflict between the TCU and emergency control when the electronic control system of the automatic transmission malfunctions is resolved, thus enabling safe vehicle operation in fault conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA NORTH VEHICLE RES INST
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
When the electronic control system of an automatic transmission malfunctions, the TCU and emergency control may conflict, leading to transmission damage and safety risks. It is necessary to prevent the TCU and emergency control from working simultaneously.
Design a manual emergency control mechanism that forces the TCU to shut down through mechanical operation and controls the emergency control lever using a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage, including limit switches or touch switches to cut off and restore the TCU power supply, providing manual emergency control function.
In the event of an electronic control system malfunction, the system ensures transmission safety, prevents misoperation, enables flexible switching between reverse, neutral, and forward gears, and ensures vehicle maneuverability in special circumstances.
Smart Images

Figure CN117780917B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a manual emergency control mechanism for an automatic transmission, specifically an emergency control mechanism that allows the driver to control the vehicle mechanically when the electronic control system of the automatic transmission malfunctions. Background Technology
[0002] Automatic transmissions (AT) are widely used due to their adaptive capabilities to changes in road conditions. To ensure vehicle safety, many ATs feature a limp-home mode. For ATs, limp-home mode is a protective mode activated by the transmission control unit (TCU) to prevent potential accidents when a serious transmission malfunction is detected. Vehicles without limp-home mode may break down or become immobile in this situation. Vehicles with limp-home mode can still provide emergency driving gears in this condition, which is crucial for special vehicles performing specific tasks. However, some ATs with both limp-home mode and emergency driving functions may experience conflicts between TCU signals and emergency driving signals. Figure 1 As shown, when the transmission electronic control unit (TCU) is working normally, if the driver accidentally operates the emergency control lever or if emergency operation is required, the TCU's operation could damage the transmission and affect the safety of the entire vehicle and its occupants. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this invention:
[0004] When a vehicle's electronic control system malfunctions, it is necessary to prevent the TCU and emergency control from operating simultaneously in order to protect the transmission and vehicle safety.
[0005] The present invention provides a manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, which can mechanically force the electronic controller TCU to shut down during manual activation through a fully manually controlled emergency operating device, and simultaneously achieve emergency operation switching of the automatic transmission through a mechanical cable.
[0006] To resolve the aforementioned system conflict problem, the technical solution of this invention is:
[0007] A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission is characterized in that it provides mechanical emergency control operation for the automatic transmission; provides forced power-off and forced recovery operation for the automatic transmission controller (TCU); provides manual emergency operation for the driver in an emergency; the emergency operating mechanism has a folding function to prevent driver misoperation; has the function of cutting off and restoring the power supply to the automatic transmission controller (TCU); and connects the emergency operating lever of the automatic transmission to the push-pull flexible shaft or operating linkage.
[0008] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism includes limit switches or other contact switches, which control the power supply and power cut-off of the automatic transmission controller (TCU) to achieve power cut-off and power restoration of the automatic transmission controller (TCU).
[0009] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism includes a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage, which connects to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission to achieve control of three or more positions of the automatic transmission in emergency operation, so as to enable the automatic transmission to realize the function of reverse, neutral and forward gears or more gears in emergency situations.
[0010] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism includes a control handle with a folding function; when the automatic transmission controller (TCU) is normal, the control handle is folded; when the automatic transmission controller (TCU) malfunctions, opening the control handle disconnects the power to the automatic transmission controller (TCU); after the fault ends, folding the control handle restores the power to the automatic transmission controller (TCU).
[0011] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism includes a control handle and a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage; different movements of the control handle cause different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage; the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage is connected to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission; different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage cause the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission to move, thereby driving the manual valve to switch its working position.
[0012] Furthermore, it can be applied to vehicles with automatic transmissions that have emergency control functions, or to transmission systems that have emergency control functions.
[0013] A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, characterized in that it includes a foldable handle, a push-pull linkage, a linkage rotation shaft, a rolling bearing, a touch switch, a push-pull flexible shaft, and a housing; the foldable handle and the push-pull linkage are connected via a hole-shaft fit, and both can rotate synchronously around the linkage rotation shaft; simultaneously, the foldable handle can rotate around the shaft fitted with the hole-shaft, realizing two states: pulled up and folded; the tail of the foldable handle has a stop block, when the foldable handle is pulled up, the stop block touches and opens the touch switch, and the opening of the touch switch locks the electronic control system; the push-pull linkage... One end of the pull rod mates with the connecting rod rotation shaft; the other end of the push-pull connecting rod has a shaft that mates with the shaft in the folding handle hole; rolling bearings are fitted onto both ends of the connecting rod rotation shaft and mounted on the housing; the push-pull flexible shaft is fixedly connected to the other end of the push-pull connecting rod and extends out of the housing to connect with the vehicle's manual valve. The movement of the push-pull flexible shaft causes the manual valve to change its working position, controlling the vehicle's gear shifting. Specifically, different rotations of the folding handle cause different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft; the push-pull flexible shaft is connected to the manual valve, and the different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft cause the push-pull manual valve to switch its working position.
[0014] Technical effects of the present invention:
[0015] This invention discloses a manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, which is an emergency device designed in addition to the vehicle's electronically controlled limp-off mode and used in conjunction with the conventional hydraulically controlled limp-off mode. The presence of this device allows the driver to manually operate the vehicle to maintain a certain degree of controllable maneuverability, including neutral, reverse, first forward, and second forward, in special circumstances where the engine restarts and the electronically controlled limp-off system fails.
[0016] This is particularly important for some special vehicles performing missions. This invention resolves the conflict between manual and electronically controlled limp-walk modes by utilizing a handle stop that disconnects from the touch switch.
[0017] The foldable handle design prevents accidental activation into manual emergency limp mode during normal driving. This device utilizes a linkage-flexible shaft structure, allowing for easy and flexible switching of the vehicle's limp mode simply by pushing or pulling the handle. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram with electronic control system and emergency operation
[0019] Figure 2 A manual emergency operating mechanism (operable state) for an automatic transmission. Figure 3 A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission (folded standby state) Figure 4 Foldable handle parts diagram
[0020] Figure 5 Push-pull linkage parts diagram
[0021] 1- Foldable handle, 2- Push-pull linkage, 3- Linkage rotation shaft, 4- Rolling bearing, 5- Touch switch, 6- Push-pull flexible shaft, 7- Housing. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention provides a manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, which can provide mechanical emergency control operation for the automatic transmission; can provide forced power-off and forced recovery operation for the automatic transmission controller (TCU); and can provide manual emergency operation for the driver in emergency situations.
[0023] Specifically, it has the following special functions: the emergency control mechanism has a folding function to prevent driver misoperation; the emergency control mechanism has the function of cutting off and restoring the power supply to the automatic transmission controller (TCU); the emergency control mechanism is connected to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission via a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage.
[0024] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism controls the power supply to the automatic transmission controller (TCU) via limit switches or other contact switches, thereby achieving power cut-off and power restoration of the automatic transmission controller (TCU).
[0025] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism connects to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission via a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage, enabling control of three or more positions of the automatic transmission in emergency situations, thereby allowing the automatic transmission to perform reverse, neutral, and forward gears or more gears in an emergency.
[0026] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism's handle has a folding function. When the automatic transmission controller (ATC) is functioning normally, folding the handle prevents accidental operation by the driver or other personnel. In the event of an ATC malfunction, the driver opens the handle, and the emergency control mechanism simultaneously disconnects the TCU's power, entering emergency control mode. After the emergency mode ends, the driver folds the handle, and the emergency control mechanism simultaneously restores the TCU's power, returning to normal control mode. This triggering mechanism is unique to manual emergency control mechanisms.
[0027] Furthermore, the emergency control mechanism can be applied to vehicles with automatic transmissions that have emergency control features. It can also be applied to other transmission systems with emergency control features.
[0028] This invention addresses automatic transmissions (AT) with limp-mode and manual emergency shifting functions. The manual emergency shifting mechanism for AT transmissions has three positions: initial position N, emergency forward position D, and emergency reverse position R. AT transmissions face the following problems: how to handle command conflicts with the original limp-mode control system during manual limp-mode operation; and how to avoid misoperation of the manual limp-mode mode during normal driving. Therefore, this invention provides a mechanism for forcibly de-energizing the electronic control system. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrical control system and emergency operation.
[0029] To achieve fully manual limp-walking of the vehicle under special circumstances, a manual emergency operating mechanism for automatic transmissions is proposed while retaining the traditional hydraulic limp-walking control system.
[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, a manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to the present invention includes a foldable handle 1, a push-pull linkage 2, a linkage rotation shaft 3, a rolling bearing 4, a touch switch 5, a push-pull flexible shaft 6, and a housing 7.
[0031] The specific structure of the foldable handle 1 and the push-pull linkage 2 is as follows: Figure 4 and 5 As shown.
[0032] The characteristics of each component and their interconnections are as follows: The foldable handle 1 is connected to the push-pull linkage 2 through a hole-shaft fit. The tail of the foldable handle 1 has a stop block. When the foldable handle is pulled up, the stop block touches and opens the touch switch 5, which locks the electronic limp system. The push-pull linkage 2 is fitted with the linkage rotation shaft 3. Rolling bearings 4 are fitted onto both ends of the linkage rotation shaft and fixed to the housing 7. The contact switch 5 is embedded in the retaining ring of the push-pull linkage 2. The push-pull flexible shaft 6 passes through the through hole at the bottom of the housing 7 and is fixedly connected to the push-pull linkage 2. The flexible shaft that extends out of the housing is connected to the manual valve. The movement of the flexible shaft causes the manual valve to change its working position, thereby controlling the vehicle's gear shifting.
[0033] The foldable handle 1 is connected to the push-pull linkage via a hole-shaft connection, and the two can rotate synchronously around the linkage's rotation axis. At the same time, the foldable handle can rotate around the axis that is connected to the hole-shaft connection, realizing two states: pulled up and folded. One end of the push-pull linkage 2 is connected to the linkage's rotation axis 3. This end of the push-pull linkage 2 has an axis that is connected to the hole-shaft connection of the foldable handle 1.
[0034] The axis of the connecting rod rotation axis 3 is perpendicular to the axis of the hole shaft that mates with the push-pull connecting rod 2.
[0035] Pushing the folding handle 1 forward or backward to a certain position allows the gearbox to switch between neutral, reverse, first gear, or second gear. This is achieved by pulling the push-pull linkage 2 to move the push-pull flexible shaft 6. The displacement of the push-pull flexible shaft 6 varies depending on the position of the folding handle. The push-pull flexible shaft 6 is connected to a manual valve. Different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft allow the manual valve to switch the working position.
[0036] Fold the foldable handle 1 so that the tail of the foldable handle is disconnected from the touch switch 5. The touch switch is turned off, the emergency device is in standby mode, and the manual emergency operation mechanism has no effect on the vehicle.
[0037] Working principle of manual emergency control mechanism:
[0038] (1) When the vehicle experiences electronic limp-out, first manually pull up the folding handle 1 so that the stop at the end of the handle touches and activates the touch switch 5, as shown. Figure 2 As shown. At this time, the electronic control system is locked and powered off, and vehicle movement relies solely on manual operation. Depending on the vehicle and external environment, pushing the lever forward or backward to a specific gear position, and continuously changing the lever's position, allows the transmission to switch between neutral, reverse, first gear, or second gear. This is achieved by a push-pull linkage pulling a push-pull flexible shaft; different lever positions result in different displacements of the flexible shaft. The push-pull flexible shaft is connected to a manual valve; different displacements of the flexible shaft switch the operating position of the manual valve.
[0039] (1) When the vehicle is in normal driving or after manual emergency operation is completed, fold the foldable handle 1, such as Figure 3 As shown. At this time, the end of the handle disconnects from the touch switch 5, the touch switch is turned off, the emergency device is in standby mode, and the manual emergency operation mechanism has no effect on the vehicle.
Claims
1. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, characterized in that, Provides mechanical emergency control operation for automatic transmissions; Provides forced power-off and forced recovery operations for the automatic transmission controller (TCU); Provides manual emergency operation in emergency situations; The emergency control mechanism has a folding function to prevent accidental operation; It has the function of cutting off and restoring power to the automatic transmission controller (TCU); An emergency control lever for automatic transmissions is connected via a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage.
2. The manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, Emergency control mechanisms include limit switches or other contact switches, which control the power supply and disconnection of the automatic transmission controller (TCU) to achieve power cut-off and power restoration of the automatic transmission controller (TCU).
3. The manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency control mechanism includes a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage, which connects to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission to control three or more positions of the automatic transmission in an emergency, so as to enable the automatic transmission to perform reverse, neutral, and forward gears or more gears in an emergency.
4. The manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency control mechanism includes a control handle with a folding function; when the automatic transmission controller (TCU) is functioning normally, the control handle folds; when the automatic transmission controller (TCU) malfunctions, opening the control handle disconnects the power to the automatic transmission controller (TCU); after the fault is resolved, folding the control handle restores the power to the automatic transmission controller (TCU).
5. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency control mechanism includes a control handle and a push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage; different movements of the control handle cause different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage; the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage is connected to the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission; different displacements of the push-pull flexible shaft or control linkage cause the emergency control lever of the automatic transmission to move, thereby enabling the switching of multiple gears in the automatic transmission.
6. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission, characterized in that, It includes a foldable handle (1), a push-pull linkage (2), a linkage rotation shaft (3), a rolling bearing (4), a touch switch (5), a push-pull flexible shaft (6), and a housing (7); The foldable handle (1) and the push-pull linkage (2) are connected by a hole shaft, and the two can rotate synchronously around the linkage rotation axis (3); at the same time, the foldable handle (1) can rotate around the shaft that is connected to the hole shaft to realize the two states of being pulled up and folded. The tail of the foldable handle (1) has a stop block. When the foldable handle is pulled up, the stop block touches and opens the touch switch (5). The opening of the touch switch (5) locks the electronic control system. One end of the push-pull linkage (2) is engaged with the linkage rotation shaft (3); this end of the push-pull linkage (2) has a shaft that engages with the hole shaft of the foldable handle (1); Rolling bearings (4) are fitted onto both ends of the connecting rod rotating shaft (3) and mounted on the housing (7); The push-pull flexible shaft (6) is fixedly connected to the other end of the push-pull connecting rod (2) and extends through the housing to connect with the vehicle's manual valve. The follow-up movement of the push-pull flexible shaft (6) causes the manual valve to change its working position and control the vehicle's gear shifting. Specifically, the different rotation amounts of the foldable handle drive the push-pull flexible shaft (6) to have different displacement amounts. The push-pull flexible shaft (6) is connected to the manual valve, and the different displacement amounts of the push-pull flexible shaft cause the push-pull manual valve to switch its working position.
7. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 6, characterized in that, Pull up the foldable handle (1), and the stop at the end of the handle touches and turns on the touch switch (5). At this time, the electronic control system is locked and de-energized, and the vehicle's movement depends solely on manual operation.
8. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 6, characterized in that, Pushing the foldable handle forward or backward to a certain position allows the gearbox to switch between neutral, reverse, first gear, or second gear.
9. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 6, characterized in that, Fold the foldable handle (1), disconnect the tail of the foldable handle from the touch switch (5), turn off the touch switch, put the emergency device in standby mode, and the manual emergency operation mechanism has no effect on the vehicle.
10. A manual emergency operating mechanism for an automatic transmission according to claim 6, characterized in that, The touch switch (5) is embedded in the retaining ring of the push-pull linkage (2).