Shift system for vehicle

Abstract

A shift system includes a shifter including a first switch, a second switch, and an interlock switch and operable between a plurality of gear states. A controller is communicatively coupled with the shifter to receive a signal corresponding to each of the first switch, the second switch, and the interlock switch. The controller includes a diagnostic counter that includes a pass criterion and a predetermined diagnostic threshold, and is configured to adjust the diagnostic counter based on at least one of the signals received from the shifter being inconsistent with other of the received signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a gear shifting system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally disclosing the background of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing.

[0003] A vehicle lever shifter is used in conventional vehicles to shift the vehicle between different operating states. For example, the driver can select one of the levers to put the vehicle in a drive state. Although the vehicle operating state corresponding to moving can be operated via the lever, the conventional shift system has a separate button or switch for the parking function. To communicate the selection of the operating state, the lever shifter uses two channels to communicate the position of one of the vehicle's levers or the parking button to the vehicle module. The vehicle module can be used to perform lever selection by various methods.

[0004] For functional reasons, three communication channels will provide increased position communication between the stick shifter and the vehicle module. However, the vehicle module typically only has two available channels for stick shifter communication. The communication channels can be configured using a serial communication bus between the vehicle stick shifter and the vehicle module. The signals sent back and forth between the stick shifter and the vehicle module communicate the selected operating state of the vehicle using multiple signals, where each selection uses multiple signals to confirm the selection. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one configuration, a vehicle shift system includes a first gear switch operable between a plurality of gear states, a second gear switch operable between a plurality of gear states, and an interlock switch operable between an open state and a closed state. The closed state corresponds to one of the plurality of gear states. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the first gear switch, the second gear switch, and the interlock switch. The controller includes a diagnostic counter and is configured to record a diagnosis on the diagnostic counter when a signal from at least one of the first gear switch, the second gear switch, and the interlock switch is different from a signal from another of the first gear switch, the second gear switch, and the interlock switch.

[0006] The system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the plurality of gear states may include a reverse state, a neutral state, and a drive state. The closed state of the interlock switch may correspond to the activation of one of the reverse state, the neutral state, and the drive state. The controller may include a memory storing a predetermined diagnostic threshold, and may be configured to compare a signal from the interlock switch with a signal from each of the first gear switch and the second gear switch, respectively. The controller may be configured to detect via corresponding signals that one or more of the first gear switch, the second gear switch, and the interlock switch are activated. The diagnostic counter of the controller may be configured with a pass standard and a non-pass standard, and may be configured to reduce the diagnostic log based on a predetermined number of pass accruals of the pass standard. The pass accrual may include the controller receiving a signal from each of the first gear switch, the second gear switch, and the interlock switch.

[0007] In another configuration, a shift system includes a shifter including a first switch, a second switch, and an interlock switch and operable between a plurality of gear states. A controller is communicatively coupled to the shifter to receive a signal corresponding to each of the first switch, the second switch, and the interlock switch. The controller includes a diagnostic counter including a pass criterion and a predetermined diagnostic threshold, and is configured to adjust the diagnostic counter based on at least one of the signals received from the shifter being inconsistent with other of the signals received.

[0008] In some examples, the interlock switch can be a resistor ladder circuit that can operate between an open state and a closed state. The controller can be configured to add a diagnosis to the diagnostic counter when the signal of the interlock switch is different from the signal of at least one of the first switch and the second switch. The first switch and the second switch can each include a plurality of gear states, and the plurality of gear states include a reverse state, a neutral state, and a driving state. The closed state of the interlock switch can include one of the plurality of gear states. Optionally, the controller can be configured to add a diagnosis to the diagnostic counter when the interlock switch is in an open state and the first switch and the second switch are in the same gear in a plurality of gears. In some aspects, the diagnostic counter can include a standard diagnostic log and an interlock diagnostic log. The standard diagnostic log can correspond to a signal received from the first switch and the second switch, and the interlock diagnostic log can correspond to a signal received from the interlock switch.

[0009] In yet another configuration, a shift system for a vehicle includes a shift switch, the shift switch including a first switch and a second switch, each of which is operable between a reverse state, a neutral state, and a drive state. An interlock switch is communicatively coupled to the shift switch and is operable between an open state and a closed state, the open state and the closed state selectively corresponding to one of the reverse state, the neutral state, and the drive state. A controller is communicatively coupled to the shift switch and the interlock switch, and is configured to receive signals from the interlock switch and the shift switch. The controller stores a diagnostic counter configured to track a difference between a signal received from the interlock switch and a signal received from the shift switch. The diagnostic counter includes a predetermined diagnostic threshold for each of the shift switch and the interlock switch, respectively.

[0010] In some examples, the signal of the interlock switch may include one of an open state and a closed state of the interlock switch, and the signal of the gear switch may include one of a reverse state, a neutral state, and a drive state of each of the first switch and the second switch. The controller may be configured with a pass criterion, and may be configured to reduce the diagnostic count of the diagnostic counter based on the pass criterion. The pass criterion may be defined by the same state that the interlock switch is in a closed state and both the first switch and the second switch are in any one of a reverse state, a neutral state, and a drive state. In some aspects, the controller may be configured to determine the activation time between the signals received from the gear switch and the interlock switch. The controller may be configured to record the pass accrual based on the activation time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a shifter driver interface according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of an example of a shift system providing communications between a shifter driver interface, a gear position switch, an interlock switch, and a controller according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of an example resistor ladder for an interlock switch according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of an example diagnostic counter according to the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 6is an example method of determining a diagnostic of a shifter driver interface according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly states otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0022] The term first, second, third etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article.These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms.These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part.Unless the context clearly indicates, otherwise the terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence.Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0023] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term module may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0024] The term code as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The processor term group includes a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The memory term group includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0025] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0026] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0027] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0028] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, processor, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0029] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0030] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0031] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle 10 includes a body 12 that defines an interior cabin 14 of the vehicle 10, the interior cabin 14 having one or more seating rows 16 including a driver seat 16a and a passenger seat 16b. A display console 18 may be positioned between the driver seat 16a and the passenger seat 16b to display information to a driver or occupant of the vehicle 10, including, but not limited to, navigation, entertainment, and vehicle service information. The vehicle 10 includes a shifter driver interface 20 communicatively coupled to a vehicle propulsion or shifting system 100 of the vehicle 10. The shifter driver interface 20 is operable to adjust the gear of the vehicle 10 to transition between various operating states, as described below.

[0033] The controller 200 of the vehicle 10 is communicatively coupled to the shift system 100 and the display console 18 to display information to the driver from the controller 200. For example, the display console 18 may display notifications from the controller 200 related to the shifter driver interface 20, as described below, notifying the driver of potential maintenance recommendations for the vehicle 10. In some configurations, the controller 200 is configured as part of the shift system 100 and is communicatively coupled to various elements of the shift system 100.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the shifter driver interface 20 includes a plurality of actuators 22, which are electrically connected to the shift system 100 and configured to select one of a plurality of gear states 24 of the vehicle 10. The plurality of actuators 22 include, but are not limited to, a drive actuator 22a, a reverse actuator 22b, and a neutral actuator 22c, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of gear states 24. For example, the gear state 24 includes a drive state 24a, a reverse state 24b, and a neutral state 24c of the vehicle 10. The gear state 24 of the vehicle 10 is defined by the propulsion activity (e.g., drive, reverse, neutral) of the vehicle 10. The shifter driver interface 20 activates the propulsion activity in response to an input to one of the actuators 22a-22c.

[0035] Further references Figures 1 to 4 , the shift system 100 of the shifter driver interface 20 includes a shifter or switch 102 and an interlock switch 104, each of which communicates with a plurality of actuators 22. The shift switch 102 is communicatively coupled to the controller 200 and includes a first switch 102a and a second switch 102b. As used herein, the term shift switch 102 may be collectively referred to as the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b. The shift switch 102 transmits a shift signal 106a, 106b corresponding to one of the shift states 24 to the controller 200 via both the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b, respectively. For example, the first switch 102a sends the first shift signal 106a to the controller 200, and the second switch 102b sends the second shift signal 106b to the controller 200.

[0036] The first gear signal 106a and the second gear signal 106b both correspond to one or more of the above-mentioned gear states 24 to indicate to the controller 200 the driver's selection of one or more of the actuators 22a-22c. For example, the driver can actuate the drive actuator 22a, and the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b are both configured to send the corresponding first gear signal 106a and the second gear signal 106b indicating the selection of the drive state 24a to the controller 200. In other words, the gear signals 106a, 106b transmit the driver's selection of one of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c via the corresponding actuator 22a-22c to the controller 200. The gear signals 106a, 106b are specific to the gear states 24a-24c so that the controller 200 recognizes the selected gear state 24a-24c when receiving the gear signals 106a, 106b. In some examples, each of the gear signals 106a, 106b can output a voltage value received by the controller 200. For example, one or more of the gear signals 106a, 106b can include a voltage sensed by the controller 200 to indicate the pressing of the corresponding actuator 24a-24c. Therefore, the controller 200 can identify whether multiple actuators 24a-24c have been pressed or otherwise actuated simultaneously. That is, the shift system 100 controls or otherwise performs the shifting of the shifter driver interface 20 between various transmission states corresponding to vehicle propulsion, and communicates the shift selection to the controller 200.

[0037] Still refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the first switch 102a is communicatively coupled to the controller 200 to transmit a first gear signal 106a corresponding to one or more of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c. The first gear signal 106a having one or more corresponding states 24a-24c is received by the controller 200 and recorded by the controller 200 as a function of pressing. The second switch 102b is communicatively coupled to the controller 200 to transmit a second gear signal 106b, the second gear signal 106b corresponding to the same one or more of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c as the first gear signal 106a. If the second gear signal 106b is different from the first gear signal 106a, the controller 200 will record a diagnosis 202, which is described in more detail below. Each of the first gear signal 106a and the second gear signal 106b is compared to the interlock signal 110 received by the controller 200 from the interlock switch 104.

[0038] The interlock switch 104 is operable between an open state 110a and a closed state 110b, which are transmitted together as an interlock signal 110 to the controller 200. Similar to the gear switch 102, the interlock switch 104 is configured to detect actuation of one of the actuators 22a-22c by the driver. As with the gear switch 102, the interlock switch 104 detects each of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c. Unlike the gear switch 102, the interlock switch 104 sends a binary interlock signal 110 to the controller 200. In other words, the interlock switch 104 transmits the open state 110a or the closed state 110b to the controller 200 regardless of the specific gear state 24 selected. For example, the interlock signal 110 does not send any information or identification data about which gear state 24 is selected.

[0039] When the interlock switch 104 detects the selected gear state 24, the interlock switch 104 sends a binary interlock signal 110 to the controller 200. As described in more detail below, the interlock signal 110 is used by the controller 200 as a comparison check with the gear signals 106a, 106b. The binary configuration of the interlock signal 110 advantageously reduces the manufacturing costs associated with the shift system 100 by minimizing the number of communication buses used in the shift system 100. For example, the gear switch 102 utilizes multiple communication paths and buses associated with the gear state 24 to convert the detected state 24a-24c to the controller 200. In contrast, the interlock switch 104 is configured on a single resistor ladder circuit 112 that detects the selection of one of the gear states 24 as a binary open state 110a or closed state 110b of the interlock switch 104. Advantageously, the shift system 100 includes both a gear switch 102 that identifies the particular gear state 24 selected by the driver and an interlock switch 104 that serves as a backup confirmation of the selection of one of the gear states 24 regardless of which one is selected.

[0040] Reference now Figures 3 to 5 , the controller 200 is configured to receive a gear signal 106a, 106b identifying one of the gear states 24 from each of the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b. The controller 200 also receives an interlock signal 110 from the interlock switch 104 indicating the state 110a, 110b of the interlock switch 104. As described above, the state 110a, 110b of the interlock switch 104 corresponds to one of the open state 110a and the closed state 110b. The closed state 110b corresponds to a pressed state of one or more of the actuators 22a-22c, and the open state 110a corresponds to a non-pressed state of all the actuators 22a-22c, as described in more detail below.

[0041] Specific reference Figure 4 , the interlock switch 104 is used as a confirmation switch to verify the information received from the gear switch 102 to the controller 200. In some aspects, the interlock switch 104 can confirm the fault of one of the gear switches 102. The interlock switch 104 is mapped to a single resistor ladder circuit 112 across the interlock switch 104 and the controller 200. As shown, the interlock switch 104 includes three input switches 124a, 124b, 124c, corresponding to the corresponding gear state 24 and can be operated between the open state 110a and the closed state 110b. As further described below, one of the input switches 124a-124c moves from the open state 110a to the closed state 110b in response to the input on the corresponding actuator 22a-22c. In response, the interlock switch 104 transmits the interlock signal 110 with the closed state 110b to the controller 200. The interlock signal 110 has no identification information associated with the corresponding input switch 124a-124c, so that the controller 200 identifies the state of the interlock switch 104 from the interlock signal 110 instead of the gear state 24. The controller 200 can then use the state 110a, 110b of the interlock switch 104 to verify the gear signal 106a, 106b received from the gear switch 102.

[0042] The state 110a, 110b of the interlock switch 104 may be determined by the controller 200 based on a voltage reference 114 of the interlock signal 110. For example, the resistor ladder circuit 112 may utilize an analog / digital (A / D) converter 116 that receives the interlock signal 110 to convert the interlock signal 110 into a binary signal that is read by the controller 200. The voltage reference 114 is presented to the A / D converter 116 based on the state 110a, 110b of the interlock signal 110 and may be used to convert the binary signal 110 for the controller 200. Using the analog voltage reference 114 provides a cost saving advantage over incorporating a third communication path having a configuration similar to that used for the shift switch 102.

[0043] refer to Figure 3-6, the controller 200 includes a memory 204 storing a predetermined diagnostic threshold 206. The predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 is a threshold of the diagnostic 202 that accrues during operation of the vehicle 10. The controller 200 is configured to prevent the shifter driver interface 20 from executing the selected gear state 24 when the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 is reached, and a notification indicating a recommended service may be issued to the shifter driver interface 20. In other words, the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 corresponds to an accrual value at which the controller 200 is configured to prevent a shift of the shifter driver interface 20. In some aspects, the controller 200 may send a notification to the driver that a service or maintenance is recommended on the vehicle 10 to resolve the diagnostic 202.

[0044] The predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 includes a standard threshold 208, which sets the threshold of the diagnostic 202 of the gear switch 102, wherein each of the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b has the same standard threshold 208. Additionally or alternatively, the standard threshold 208 can be further segmented so that the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b can have different thresholds. The diagnostic threshold 206 also includes an interlock threshold 210 corresponding to the interlock switch 104. The interlock threshold 210 sets the threshold number of the diagnostic 202 that is particularly related to the interlock signal 110. For example, when the interlock switch 104 meets or exceeds the interlock threshold 210, the controller 200 can similarly prevent the actuation of the gear state. As described above, the controller 200 can also issue a notification to the driver of a recommended overhaul of the switch driver interface 20 based on meeting either or both of the standard threshold 208 and the interlock diagnostic log 210.

[0045] The controller 200 includes a diagnostic counter 212 configured with the diagnostics 202 to track the signals 106a, 106b, 110 received from the shift switch 102 and the interlock switch 104. Whenever there is a discrepancy between any of the signals 106a, 106b, 110, the diagnostic counter 212 can record the discrepancy in combination with the functionality of the controller 200. In the event of a discrepancy, the diagnostic counter 212 will record a diagnostic 202 associated with the inconsistent switches 102, 104. The diagnostics 202 include a standard diagnostic log 214 and an interlock diagnostic log 216. The diagnostics 202 can be categorized relative to the standard diagnostic log 214 and the interlock diagnostic log 216 based on the signals received by the controller 200.

[0046] The standard diagnostic log 214 tracks the number of diagnostics 202 that are accrued during the life of the vehicle 10. Similarly, the interlock diagnostic log 216 tracks the number of diagnostics 202 that are accrued by the interlock switch 104 during the life of the vehicle 10. In some examples, the diagnostic counter 212 can be manually cleared using a service tool to reset the diagnostic counter 212. In addition to recording the diagnostics 202, the diagnostic counter 212 can also record instances where the signals 106a, 106b, 110 are all verified, as described below with respect to Figure 5 as described.

[0047] Continue to refer Figures 3 to 6 , the controller 200 may receive the interlock signal 110 and determine an inconsistency compared to the gear position signals 106a, 106b. Accordingly, the diagnostic counter 212 may accrue the diagnostic 202 on the interlock diagnostic log 216. An example of a process for accruing the diagnostic 202 is described in more detail below. The accrual associated with the diagnostic 202 may be referred to as a diagnostic accrual 220. It is also contemplated that the diagnostic counter 212 may also record a pass accrual 222 for each of the gear position switch 102 and the interlock switch 104. The pass accrual 222 marks the number of times all three switches 102a, 102b, 104 are recorded by the controller 200. In other words, each time the gear position signal 106a, 106b is asserted by the interlock signal 110, the pass accrual 222 may be tabulated.

[0048] The diagnostic accruals 220 and pass accruals 222 may be incorporated as pass criteria and non-pass criteria stored in the memory 204. The controller 200 may utilize the pass accruals 222 to determine whether to activate the shifter driver interface 20 or to prompt the driver with a notification of a recommended service for the shifter driver interface 20. The number of pass accruals 222 may cause the diagnostic accruals 220 to be written off or gradually reduced. Similarly, the controller 200 may reduce the diagnostic logs 214, 216 based on a predetermined number of pass accruals 222 corresponding to the pass criteria. Each of the pass accruals 222 and the diagnostic accruals 220 is tabulated for each signal state 24a-24c from the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b. For example, each of the gear states 24 is represented for each of the pass accruals 222 and the diagnostic accruals 220, so that each gear state 24 may have a different value relative to each of the pass accruals 222 and the diagnostic accruals 220. In some examples, the driving state 24 a may have more passing accruals on the standard diagnostic log 214 than the neutral state 24 c , which results in more diagnostics 202 being logged for the driving state 24 a .

[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the standard diagnostic log 214 is depicted as having a first switch profile 224a and a second switch profile 224b, each having a corresponding counter for the detected gear state 24. The controller 200 is configured to receive a signal 106a, 106b corresponding to one of the three gear states 24 from each of the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b. The potential diagnosis 202 can be associated with the selected gear state 24 based on what the controller 200 receives. For example, the controller 200 may receive a first signal 106a corresponding to the driving state 24a, but not receive a second signal 106b from the second switch 102b. In this example, the diagnostic counter 212 will record the diagnosis 202 using the second switch profile 224b of the standard diagnostic log 214, which is added to the diagnostic accrual 220 of the driving state 24a associated with the second switch profile 224b. As described above, the interlock diagnostic log 216 is based on the state 110a, 110b of the interlock switch 104 when compared to the gear switch 102. Thus, the controller 200 may identify switches 102 , 104 that have duplicate diagnostics 202 logged, but may also identify the selected state that caused the diagnostics 202 .

[0050] The diagnostic accrual 220 is incrementally added based on the corresponding signals 110, 106a, 106b received from the interlock switch 104 and the gear switch 102, and the diagnostic accrual 220 is evaluated by the controller 200. In some examples, the gear signals 106a, 106b from the gear switch 102 may both identify the reverse state 24b, and the interlock signal 110 from the interlock switch 104 identifies the open state 110a. Therefore, when the interlock signal 110 is determined to be inconsistent with both signals 106a, 106b from the gear switch 102, the diagnostic 202 will be accrued to the interlock diagnostic log 216. In other words, when all of the gear signals 106a, 106b correspond to the interlock signal 110, a pass accrual 222 of the interlock switch 104 occurs because both signals 106a, 106b indicate that one of the gear states 24 is selected and corresponds to the closed state 110b of the interlock switch 104. In the passing standard, the user can select one of the gear states 24, which is transmitted to the controller 200 via the gear signals 106a, 106b from the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b, respectively, and is also transmitted to the controller 200 as the interlock signal 110 in the closed state 110b of the interlock signal 110 from the interlock switch 104.

[0051] As described above, the interlock switch 104 is a binary switch and therefore transmits communications corresponding to either the open state 110a or the closed state 110b without identifying the selected gear state 24. Both the open state 110a and the closed state 110b are associated with each of the gear states 24 without identifying a specific one of the gear states 24. In contrast, the gear signals 106a, 106b transmitted from the gear switch 102 are specific to and identify the selected gear state 24, such that the controller 200 receives at least one of the three signal options from the gear switch 102. Thus, the gear signals 106a, 106b from the gear switch 102 include at least one of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c.

[0052] Still reference Figures 3 to 6 , the controller 200 compares the gear position signals 106a, 106b from the gear position switch 102 with the interlock signal 110 to determine whether the gear position switch 102 and the interlock switch 104 are cooperatively activated. When comparing the gear position signals 106a, 106b with the interlock signal 110, the controller 200 determines whether to assign the diagnostic 202 to one or both of the interlock diagnostic log 216 and the standard diagnostic log 214. Each diagnostic 202 is assigned to the corresponding diagnostic log 214, 216 until the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 is met.

[0053] As described above, the diagnostic counter 212 is configured with an interlock diagnostic log 216 and a standard diagnostic log 214 to separate the corresponding diagnostics 202 and more easily identify the source of the diagnostics 202. Assuming that the interlock switch 104 is a binary switch compared to the designated switches 102a, 102b of the gear switch 102, the interlock switch 104 may have a different diagnostic count threshold than the gear switch 102. The standard diagnostic log 214 for the first switch 102a and the second switch 102b tracks the corresponding gear state 24 of each of the first signal 106a and the second signal 106b. As described above, the first signal 106a and the second signal 106b convert the selected gear state 24, so the controller 200 can identify which of the three gear states 24 may have a significant problem compared to the other gear states 24. In contrast, the interlock switch 104 is configured to give a shorthand identification of the state of the interlock switch 104. Based on the binary configuration of the interlock signal 110 , the interlock diagnostic threshold 206 may be different than the standard diagnostic threshold 206 .

[0054] Further references Figures 3 to 6, the shift system 100 is configured in operation to determine an inconsistency between each of the first switch 102a, the second switch 102b, and the interlock switch 104 during selection of one of the drive state 24a, the reverse state 24b, and the neutral state 24c. The inconsistency is recorded in a diagnostic counter 212 of the controller 200 as a diagnosis 202. The diagnosis 202 may be more specifically attributed to one of the standard diagnostic log 214 and the interlock diagnostic log 216, depending on which of the first switch 102a, the second switch 102b, and the interlock switch 104 is attributed to the diagnosis 202. In some cases, more than one diagnosis 202 may be applied, such that both the standard diagnostic log 214 and the interlock diagnostic log 216 may accrue the diagnosis 202. It is also contemplated that the controller 200 may evaluate the activation time 230 between each of the received signals 106a, 106b, 110 to identify potential activation delays between the shift switch 102 and the interlock switch 104. If the activation time 230 is met, the controller 200 may record the passing accrual 222 and activate the selected gear state 24. In contrast, if the activation time 230 exceeds the threshold time, the controller 200 may record the diagnostic 202 in the diagnostic log 214, 216 for the corresponding delayed switch 102, 104.

[0055] The diagnostics 202 are counted on the diagnostic counter 212 until a predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 stored in the memory 204 is met. Once the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 is met, the controller 200 may prevent activation of the shifter operator interface 20 via the corresponding switches 102, 104 and may issue a signal to the shifter operator interface 20 to display the display 18 ( Figure 2 ) to notify the driver of the recommended service. As the diagnostic counter 212 accrues diagnostics 202 over time, the diagnostic counter 212 may be manually reset to clear the diagnostic counter for the accrued diagnostics 202. Additionally, the controller 200 may activate the selected gear state 24 even if diagnostic records 202 are recorded in the diagnostic counter 212, as long as the diagnostic records 214, 216 are below the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206.

[0056] When the controller 200 registers at least two of the three switches 102a, 102b, 104, the controller 200 may activate the selected gear state 24 despite the diagnostic 202 being registered. For example, the driver may activate the neutral actuator 22c ( Figure 2) selects the neutral state 24c. In this example, the controller 200 may receive the first gear signal 106a indicating the selection of the neutral state 24c and the interlock signal 110 indicating the closed state 110b, but not receive a signal from the second switch 102b. Additionally or alternatively, the second gear signal 106b may be received by the controller 200 in a delayed manner outside of the activation time 230, which may result in the diagnosis 202. The controller 200 may then record the diagnosis 202 on the second switch profile 224b to correspond to the neutral state 24c, and determine whether the diagnosis 202 exceeds the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206 for the neutral state of the second switch profile 224b. If the diagnosis 202 does not exceed the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206, the controller 200 may activate the neutral state 24c of the shifter driver interface 20. A similar process may occur for any of the gear switches 102 and the interlock switch 104 for any gear state 24.

[0057] Reference again Figure 1-6 , a method 300 for operating the shift system 100 is provided. Figure 6 The method 300 is used as an example, and other similar methods may be implemented. At 302, the controller 200 detects input signals 106a, 106b, 110 from at least one of the gear switch 102 and the interlock switch 104, and at 304, the controller 200 determines whether the three input signals 106a, 106b, 110 are detected. If the signals 106a, 106b, 110 are detected, then at 306, the diagnostic counter 212 records the passing of the accumulator 222 and activates the switches 102, 104. If one or more of the signals 106a, 106b, 110 are not detected, then at 308, the controller 200 identifies which of the signals 106a, 106b, 110 is not detected and records the diagnosis 202 with the diagnostic counter 212. The controller 200 may also identify which gear state 24 is associated with the diagnosis 202. At 310, the controller 200 determines whether the diagnostic counter 212 is above the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206. If the diagnostic counter 212 is not above the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206, then at 312, the controller 200 commands the vehicle 10 to activate the switches 102, 104 corresponding to the gear request. In contrast, if the diagnostic counter 212 exceeds the predetermined diagnostic threshold 206, the diagnostic counter 202 is recorded as indicating a fault, and activation of the switches 102, 104 is prevented.

[0058] The shift system 100 assists the vehicle 10 in executing a shift request by determining relative safety based on the condition of the shifter driver interface 20. Although the shifter driver interface 20 can still operate with two active switches 102a, 102b and 104, the shift system 100 provides backup monitoring of potential failures by recording diagnostic logs 214, 216. The incorporation of the interlock switch 104 minimizes the overall cost of the shift system 100 by utilizing a binary switch to identify an open state 110a or a closed state 110b associated with a shift request. In addition, as described throughout, the binary switch minimizes the number of communication paths by using a single resistor ladder circuit for the interlock switch 104.

[0059] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A gear shifting system, comprising: a shifter including a first switch, a second switch, and an interlock switch and operable between a plurality of gear states; as well as a controller communicatively coupled to the shifter to receive signals corresponding to each of the first switch, the second switch, and the interlock switch, the controller including a diagnostic counter including a pass criterion and a predetermined diagnostic threshold, and configured to adjust the diagnostic counter based on at least one of the signals received from the shifter being inconsistent with other of the signals received. 2 . The shift system of claim 1 , wherein the interlock switch is a resistor ladder circuit operable between an open state and a closed state.

3. The gear shifting system according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is configured to add a diagnostic to the diagnostic counter when the signal of the interlock switch is different than the signal of at least one of the first switch and the second switch.

4. The gear shifting system according to claim 2, wherein: The first switch and the second switch each include a plurality of gear states, and the plurality of gear states include at least one of a reverse state, a neutral state, and a drive state.

5. The gear shifting system according to claim 4, wherein: The closed state of the interlock switch includes at least one of the plurality of gear states.

6. The gear shifting system according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is configured to add a diagnosis to the diagnostic counter when the interlock switch is in the open state and the first switch and the second switch are in a same gear state of the plurality of gear states.

7. The gear shifting system according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is configured with a pass criterion and is configured to decrement a diagnostic count of the diagnostic counter based on the pass criterion.

8. The gear shift system according to claim 7, wherein: The passing criterion is defined as the interlock switch being in the closed state and both the first switch and the second switch being in the same state of any one of the reverse state, the neutral state, and the drive state.

9. The gear shifting system according to claim 1, wherein: The diagnostic counter includes a standard diagnostic log corresponding to signals received from the first switch and the second switch and an interlock diagnostic log corresponding to a signal received from the interlock switch.

10. The gear shift system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to determine an activation time between a signal received from the shifter and a signal received from the interlock switch and the controller is configured to record a pass accrual based on the activation time.

Images