Shifter assembly for electric vehicle

Abstract

A shifter assembly for an electric vehicle includes a base, a shifter handle, and a plurality of actuators. The base defines an opening. The shifter handle extends through the opening of the base and is pivotally coupled to the base. Each actuator of the plurality of actuators is pivotably coupled to the base at a first end and pivotably coupled to the shifter handle at a second end opposite the first end. The plurality of actuators are configured to allow movement of the shifter handle relative to the base in a predetermined virtual path and inhibit movement of the shifter handle relative to the base outside the predetermined virtual path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Electric vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are powered by one or more rechargeable battery packs having, for example, lithium-ion batteries or any other suitable power storage unit. As the power of electric vehicles increases, operators may desire alternative modes and capabilities for interacting with the electric vehicles. For example, electric vehicles lack the operator's physical feedback of the vehicle that is advantageous in conventional motor vehicles. The integration of alternative modes and capabilities for interacting with electric vehicles may be challenging.

[0004] The teachings of the present disclosure address these and other issues regarding alternative modes and capabilities of electric vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure provides a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle. The shifter assembly includes a base, a shifter handle, and a plurality of actuators. The base defines an opening extending through it. The shifter handle extends through the opening of the base and is pivotally coupled to the base. Each of the plurality of actuators is pivotally coupled to the base at a first end of the actuator, and is pivotally coupled to the shifter handle at a second end of the actuator opposite to the first end. The plurality of actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move in a predetermined virtual route relative to the base, and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving outside the predetermined virtual route relative to the base.

[0007] In a variation of the shifter assembly of the above paragraphs that may be implemented alone or in any combination: the base includes an upper plate defining the opening and a plurality of rigid supports, each rigid support extending downwardly from a peripheral portion of the upper plate, the first end of each of the plurality of actuators being pivotally coupled to a corresponding rigid support of the plurality of rigid supports; a vertical drive column and a motor, the vertical drive column being fixed to the upper plate of the base, the motor being operatively connected to the vertical drive column and configured to move the base in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position; A lower plate, the lower plate being configured to be fixed to the structure of the electric vehicle, the lower plate defining an aperture in which the vertical drive column is received; a first vertical drive column, the first vertical drive column being fixed to the base; a first motor, the first motor being operatively connected to the first vertical drive column and being configured to move the base in a vertical direction between an extended position and a retracted position; a second vertical drive column, the second vertical drive column being fixed to the base; a second motor, the second motor being operatively connected to the second vertical drive column and being configured to move the base in the vertical direction a lower plate configured to be fixed to the structure of the electric vehicle and to define a drive column aperture and a plurality of guide column apertures; a plurality of vertical guide columns, the plurality of vertical guide columns being fixed to the base, each of the plurality of vertical guide columns being received in a corresponding guide column aperture in the plurality of guide column apertures; a vertical drive column, the vertical drive column being fixed to the base and received in the drive column aperture; a motor, the motor being operatively connected to the vertical drive column and configured to move the base and the shifter handle Move between a deployed position and a retracted position in a vertical direction; a controller, the controller communicating with the plurality of actuators and configured to send instructions to the plurality of actuators, the instructions corresponding to the predetermined virtual route; a plurality of wires, each of the plurality of wires connected to the controller and a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators; the plurality of wires are ribbon wires; the plurality of actuators are electronic actuators; the plurality of actuators are linear actuators; the shifter handle includes a knob and a shaft, the shaft extending through the opening in the base; and a haptic motor is disposed in the knob.

[0008] In another form, the present disclosure provides a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle. The shifter assembly includes a base, a shifter handle, a plurality of actuators, a plurality of vertical drive columns, a plurality of vertical guide columns, and a plurality of motors. The base includes a plate and at least one rigid support extending downward from a peripheral portion of the plate. The plate defines an opening near its central portion. The shifter handle extends through the opening of the plate and is pivotally connected to the plate. Each of the plurality of actuators is pivotally connected to the at least one rigid support at a first end of the actuator and is pivotally connected to the shifter handle at a second end of the actuator opposite to the first end. The plurality of actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move in a predetermined virtual route relative to the base and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving outside the predetermined virtual route relative to the base. The plurality of vertical drive columns are fixed to the plate of the base. The plurality of vertical guide columns are fixed to the plate of the base. Each motor is operatively connected to a corresponding vertical drive column of the plurality of vertical drive columns and is configured to move the base in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position.

[0009] In a variation of the shifter assembly of the above paragraphs that may be implemented individually or in any combination: the plurality of actuators are pivotally coupled to the shifter handle at a position below the position at which the shifter handle is pivotally coupled to the base; a controller that communicates with the plurality of actuators and is configured to send instructions to the plurality of actuators, the instructions corresponding to the predetermined virtual route; a plurality of wires, each of the plurality of wires being connected to the controller and a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators; the plurality of wires being ribbon wires; the plurality of actuators being electronic actuators; the plurality of actuators being linear actuators; the shifter handle comprising a knob and a shaft extending through the opening in the plate; and a haptic motor being disposed within the knob.

[0010] In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle. The shifter assembly includes a base, a shifter handle, a plurality of electronic actuators, a plurality of vertical drive columns, a plurality of vertical guide columns, a plurality of motors, a lower plate, a controller, and a ribbon wire. The base includes an upper plate and a plurality of rigid supports extending downward from a peripheral portion of the upper plate. The upper plate defines an opening near its central portion. The shifter handle extends through the opening of the upper plate of the base and is pivotably connected to the upper plate of the base. Each of the plurality of electronic actuators is pivotably connected to a corresponding rigid support of the plurality of rigid supports at a first end of the electronic actuator, and is pivotably connected to the shifter handle at a second end of the electronic actuator opposite to the first end. The plurality of electronic actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move on a predetermined virtual route relative to the base, and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving outside the predetermined virtual route relative to the base. The plurality of vertical drive columns are fixed to the upper plate of the base. The plurality of vertical guide columns are fixed to the upper plate of the base. Each motor is operatively connected to a corresponding vertical drive column among the plurality of vertical drive columns and is configured to move the base in a vertical direction between an extended position and a retracted position. The lower plate is configured to be fixed to a support structure of the electric vehicle and define a plurality of drive column apertures and a plurality of guide column apertures. Each vertical drive column among the plurality of vertical drive columns is received in a corresponding drive column aperture among the drive column apertures. Each vertical guide column among the plurality of vertical guide columns is received in a corresponding guide column aperture among the plurality of guide column apertures. The controller communicates with the plurality of electronic actuators and is configured to send instructions to the plurality of electronic actuators. The instructions correspond to the predetermined virtual route. Each of the plurality of strip conductors is connected to the controller and a corresponding electronic actuator among the plurality of electronic actuators. Each rigid support of the plurality of rigid supports engages the lower plate when the base is in the retracted position and is spaced apart from the lower plate when the base is in the deployed position.

[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a battery pack and a motor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 A shifter assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 1 a side view of a vehicle;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of a shifter assembly of , wherein the base of the shifter assembly is in an extended position and the shifter handle of the shifter assembly is in an extended state;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a bottom perspective view of a shifter assembly of , wherein the base of the shifter assembly is in an extended position and the shifter handle of the shifter assembly is in an extended state;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of a shifter assembly of , wherein the base of the shifter assembly is in a retracted position and the shifter handle of the shifter assembly is in a retracted state;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of a shifter assembly of , wherein a base of the shifter assembly is in a retracted position and a shifter handle of the shifter assembly is in a retracted state;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 a bottom perspective view of a shifter assembly of , wherein a base of the shifter assembly is in an extended position and a shifter handle of the shifter assembly is in an extended state, and wherein the shifter handle is pivoted relative to the base;

[0020] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Based on the principle of the present disclosure Figure 2 An example virtual path for the selected vehicle mode of the shifter assembly; and

[0021] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of the components of the shifter assembly.

[0022] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a vehicle 10 such as an electric vehicle is provided. In the example provided, the electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other examples, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle, among others. The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack or battery structure 12 ( Figure 1 )、first or rear motor 14 ( Figure 1 ) (such as an electric motor), a second or front motor 16 ( Figure 1 ) (such as an electric motor) and a shifter assembly 22 ( Figure 2 ). The battery pack 12 may be rechargeable and may include lithium-ion batteries or any other suitable power storage unit. The battery pack 12 may be disposed at various locations on the vehicle 10 and may be mounted to the vehicle frame. In this way, the battery pack 12 is supported by the vehicle frame and away from the passenger compartment (not shown) and cargo compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and therefore does not occupy space that could otherwise be used for passengers or cargo. The battery pack 12 provides power to the rear motor 14 to drive a set of rear wheels 26a, 26b via the rear axle. Similarly, the battery pack 12 provides power to the front motor 16 to selectively drive a set of front wheels 28a, 28b via the front axle. In other forms not specifically shown, the vehicle 10 may include only the front motor 16 or the rear motor 14.

[0025] refer to Figure 2 , the shifter assembly 22 is disposed at a center console 39 located in the front row 23 of the vehicle 10. For example, the shifter assembly 22 may be mounted to a fixed structure of the vehicle 10, such as a vehicle floor. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shifter assembly 22 includes a base 30, a shifter handle 32, and a plurality of actuators 34 ( Figure 4 ), one or more vertical drive columns 36a, 36b, and one or more vertical guide columns 38. One or more components or parts of the shifter assembly 22 may be located within the drive shaft tunnel of the vehicle 10 such that the components are hidden from view and inaccessible to occupants located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. For example, the shifter handle 32 is the only part of the shifter assembly 22 accessible to occupants in the passenger compartment, and the base 30, the plurality of actuators 34, the vertical drive columns 36a, 36b, and the vertical guide columns 38 may be hidden and inaccessible to occupants in the passenger compartment.

[0026] Additional references Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the base 30 can be in a retracted position and an extended position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) in which the shifter handle 32 is at least partially located in the opening 40 ( Figure 5) in which the shifter handle 32 extends through the opening 40 ( Figure 3 ). It will be appreciated that the shifter handle 32 is accessible to an occupant of the passenger compartment when the base 30 is in the retracted position and the extended position. The base 30 includes a plate 42 and a plurality of supports 44. In the illustrated example, the plate 42 includes an opening 46 ( Figure 5 ). An opening 46 extends through the plate 42 near or at a central portion of the plate 42. The opening 46 is vertically aligned with the opening 40 of the center console 39 and is configured to receive the shifter handle 32. In the illustrated example, the plate 42 has a square shape when viewed from the top. In some forms, the plate 42 may have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or any other suitable shape.

[0027] In the illustrated example, each support member 44 has a triangular shape when viewed from the corresponding side of the shifter assembly 22. The support members 44 are positioned around the periphery of the plate 42 and extend downwardly from the periphery of the plate 42. In some forms, the support members 44 may have a semicircular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other suitable shape. The support members 44 are rigid so as not to bend or be forced to deform when a force is applied by operating the actuator 34 and operating the shifter handle 32 via the actuator 34. In some forms, one support member (not shown) may extend downwardly from the periphery of the plate 42 and extend around the periphery, rather than multiple rigid support members 44 extending downwardly from the periphery of the plate 42 and being arranged around the periphery.

[0028] The shifter handle 32 extends through the opening 46 of the plate 42 and is coupled to the plate 42. In this way, when the base 30 moves vertically between the retracted position and the extended position, the shifter handle 32 moves with the base 30. That is, when the base 30 is in the retracted position, the shifter handle 32 is in the retracted state ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), and when the base 30 is in the extended position, the shifter handle 32 is in the extended state ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). refer to Figure 7 The shifter handle 32 is pivotally coupled to the plate 42 so that the shifter handle 32 can move in a predetermined virtual path relative to the base 30, which will be described in more detail below. The shifter handle 32 includes a knob 48a, a shaft 48b, a base pivot portion 48c, and an actuator pivot portion 48d.

[0029] The knob 48a is disposed at an upper end 51a of the shaft 48b and is configured to be grasped by a driver of the vehicle 10. In some forms, the motor 50 ( Fig. 9) is disposed within the knob 48a of the handle 32 and is configured to provide tactile feedback to the knob 48a using vibrations, thereby providing an enhanced user experience to the driver based on the operating mode of the vehicle 10. In one form, the motor 50 is, for example, a tactile motor. In some forms, the knob 48a includes an electronic display device (not shown). The controller 52 ( Fig. 9 ) may be configured to instruct the electronic display device to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected operating mode. An example of such a shifter handle including a knob with an electronic display device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 468,231 filed on September 15, 2023 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE”, which is filed concurrently with the present application and is commonly owned with the present application, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0030] Continue to refer Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the base pivot portion 48c is located within the opening 46 of the plate 42 and is disposed along the axis 48b at a position between the knob 48a and the actuator pivot portion 48d. The base pivot portion 48c is also pivotally coupled to the plate 42 so that the shifter handle 32 can move in a predetermined virtual path relative to the plate 42. In the illustrated example, the base pivot portion 48c has a spherical shape so as to form a ball joint mechanism with the plate 42. The actuator pivot portion 48d is disposed at the lower end portion 51b ( Figure 4 and Figure 7 ) and is configured to be pivotally coupled to a plurality of actuators 34. In the illustrated example, the actuator pivot portion 48d has a hemispherical shape. In some forms, the actuator pivot portion 48d may have, for example, a spherical shape, or any other suitable shape that allows for pivotal connection to the actuator 34. Figure 4 , a plurality of receptacles 54 are disposed about the actuator pivot portion 48 d and are configured to receive corresponding actuators 34 of the plurality of actuators 34 .

[0031] The plurality of actuators 34 are pivotally coupled to the support member 44 of the base 30 at a first end and pivotally coupled to the actuator pivot portion 48d of the shifter handle 32 at a second end opposite the first end. The plurality of actuators 34 are configured to allow the shifter handle 32 to move in a predetermined virtual path relative to the base 30. In the illustrated example, the actuators 34 are electronic linear actuators. In the illustrated example, when the shaft 48b is in a position such as Figures 3 to 6In the vertical position shown, two of the actuators 34 are positioned substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to two other actuators 34 of the plurality of actuators 34, but other configurations may be used. Each actuator 34 of the plurality of actuators 34 is also positioned between the shifter handle 32 and a corresponding support 44 of the base 30. It should be understood that the actuator 34 may be positioned between the support 44 and the shifter handle 32 in various directions.

[0032] Continue to refer Figure 4 , each actuator 34 includes, in particular, an outer housing 56a and an inner sleeve or rod 56b slidably engaged with the outer housing 56a. The controller 52 can be programmed to control the actuators 34 so that the rod 56b of each actuator 34 is allowed to travel a predetermined distance relative to the outer housing 56a in response to the selected vehicle mode, thereby allowing the shift handle 32 to move in a predetermined virtual path. For example, if the selected vehicle mode corresponds to a 6-speed transmission mode, each rod 56b of the actuator 34 is allowed to travel a predetermined distance relative to the outer housing 56a according to the position of the shift handle 32 (i.e., the rod 56b is allowed to enter and exit the outer housing 56a by a predetermined distance) to allow the shift handle 32 to move from that position along the predetermined virtual path. Fig. 8A The position of the shifter handle 32 along the virtual path 61a may be determined by one or more sensors 57 (eg, a plurality of sensors 57a and a plurality of sensors 57b) in communication with the controller 52. Fig. 9 ) is determined. In another form, the position of the shifter handle 32 may be determined based on the relative position of the actuator 34. In another example, if the selected vehicle mode corresponds to the overboost mode or the continuous shift mode, each rod 56b of the actuator 34 is allowed to travel a predetermined distance relative to the outer housing 56a to allow the shifter handle 32 to be moved in a predetermined manner. Figure 8B The actuator 34 is programmed to provide a plurality of vehicle modes for selection. Examples of such vehicle modes are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 468,231, filed on September 15, 2023 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE”, which is filed concurrently with the present application and is commonly owned with the present application, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the outer shell 56a has a cylindrical shape and is pivotally connected to the corresponding support member 44. In other words, the end of the outer shell 56a includes a socket 58a, which is fixed to the protrusion 58b extending from the corresponding support member 44. In this way, the socket 58a and the protrusion 58b form a ball joint mechanism. The corresponding support member 44 is rigid so that the corresponding support member is not forced to deform or bend when the rod 56b slides in and out of the outer shell 56a. Although the present disclosure discloses the socket 58a as part of the outer shell 56a and the protrusion 58b as part of the support member 44, it should be understood that the socket 58a can be a part of the support member 44 and the protrusion 58b can be a part of the outer shell 56a without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the rod 56b is pivotally connected to the corresponding socket 54 of the shifter handle 32. In other words, one end of the rod 56b is coupled to the corresponding socket 54 of the shifter handle 32. In this way, the corresponding socket 54 and the end of the rod 56b form a ball joint mechanism. For example, the end of the rod 56b may have a spherical shape. Although the present disclosure discloses the socket 54 as a part of the shifter handle 32, it should be understood that the socket 54 can be a part of the rod 56b without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] The vertical drive posts 36a, 36b are located at and secured to the underside of the plate 42 of the base 30. In the illustrated example, the vertical drive post 36a is secured to one corner of the plate 42, and the vertical drive post 36b is secured to the other corner of the plate 42 diagonally opposite the vertical drive post 36a. In some forms, the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b may be located at other locations of the plate 42, such as near a central portion of the plate 42 or at a location between the corners of the plate 42. Each vertical drive post 36a, 36b is threaded along its length and received in a corresponding drive post aperture 62 of a plate 64 spaced apart from the plate 42 (i.e., the plate 64 is located below the plate 42 of the base 30). It should be appreciated that while the shifter assembly 22 of the present disclosure includes two vertical drive columns 36 a , 36 b , the shifter assembly 22 of the present disclosure may include one vertical drive column or more than two vertical drive columns without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Motors 66a (only one is shown) are associated with the plate 64 (e.g., disposed on the top surface of the plate 64) and are operatively coupled to respective vertical drive posts 36a, 36b. In the illustrated example, the motor 66a is operatively coupled to the vertical drive post 36a, and another motor (not shown) is operatively coupled to the vertical drive post 36b. Each motor 66a is configured to rotate a gear assembly (not shown), which in turn drives the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b. In this manner, the base 30 moves in a vertical direction between an extended position and a retracted position. When the base 30 is in the retracted position, the support 44 may engage the plate 64 to inhibit further downward movement of the base 30. When the base 30 is in the extended position, the support 44 is spaced apart from the plate 64. When the shifter handle 32 is in the retracted state, the knob 48a is located within the opening 40 of the center console 39 ( Figure 5 When the shifter handle 32 is in the extended state, the shaft 48b of the shifter handle 32 partially extends through the opening 40 of the center console 39, so that the knob 48a is located above the opening 40 of the center console 39 ( Figure 3 ). In some forms, each motor 66a may be covered by a cover (not shown). In alternative forms (not shown), a single motor 66a may be configured to drive more than one or all of the drive posts 36a, 36b, such as being coupled to each drive post 36a, 36b via, for example, a gear, pulley mechanism, or a chain and sprocket mechanism.

[0036] The guide posts 38 are located at and fixed to the underside of the plate 42 of the base 30. In the illustrated example, two guide posts 38 are fixed at respective corners of the plate 42. In some forms, the guide posts 38 may be located at other locations of the plate 42, such as near a central portion of the plate 42 or at a location between the corners of the plate 42. The two guide posts 38 located at respective corners where one vertical drive post 36a, 36b of the plate 42 is located are positioned on opposite sides of the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b (i.e., the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b are located between the two guide posts 38). The guide posts 38 help stabilize the base 30 when the base 30 moves between the retracted position and the extended position. In the illustrated example, each guide post 38 is unthreaded and is configured to be received in a respective guide post aperture 70 of the plate 64. It should be appreciated that while the shifter assembly 22 of the present disclosure includes eight guide posts 38 , the shifter assembly 22 of the present disclosure may include one guide post or any number of guide posts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 and Fig. 9, the controller 52 communicates with a plurality of actuators 34 and motors 66a, and can operate the actuators 34 and motors 66a. That is, the controller 52 can provide power and / or send instructions (i.e., data) to each actuator 34, including power or instructions corresponding to a predetermined distance, and the rod 56b is allowed to travel the predetermined distance relative to the outer shell 56a in response to the selected vehicle mode and the position of the shifter handle 32, thereby allowing the shifter handle 32 to move in a predetermined virtual path and inhibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the predetermined virtual path. The controller 52 can communicate with the actuator 34 and the sensor 57 (and if included) by wire or wireless communication. In the illustrated example, a plurality of wires 72 are connected to the controller 52 and the actuator 34, thereby allowing the controller 52 to power the actuator 34 and / or send instructions to the actuator. In the illustrated example, the wire 72 is a ribbon wire that provides flexibility when the base 30 moves between the retracted position and the extended position. It should be appreciated that the wire 72 may be any suitable wire that may power and / or provide commands to the actuator 34, such as a cylindrical extruded wire, for example.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the controller 52 is located on the upper side of the plate 64. In some forms, the controller 52 may be located on another part of the shifter assembly 22 (e.g., the base 30), or may be located remote from the shifter assembly 22, such as at the power electronics controller 74 ( Fig. 9 ) or at a location where the power electronics controller is housed. The power electronics controller 74 manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the battery pack 12, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the motors 14, 16 and the torque generated by each motor 14, 16. The controller 52 may communicate with the power electronics controller 74 and may send signals to the power electronics controller 74 to control and / or adjust the rotational speed of the motors 14, 16 and the torque generated by each motor 14, 16 based on the position of the shifter handle 32 in the predetermined virtual path. An example of a controller 52 that sends signals to a power electronics controller 74 to control and / or adjust the speed of the motors 14, 16 and the torque produced by each motor 14, 16 based on the position of the shifter handle 32 in a predetermined virtual path is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 468,231, filed on September 15, 2023 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRICVEHICLE,” which is filed concurrently with and commonly owned with the present application, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics when describing the scope of the present disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are desirable for a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0040] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0041] In this application, the terms "controller" and / or "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 combinatorial logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality (e.g., an operational amplifier circuit integrator as part of a heat flux data module); or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0042] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium as used herein does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0043] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented partially or completely by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks, flow chart components, and other elements described above are used as software specifications, which can be translated into a computer program by routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0044] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle, the shifter assembly comprising: a base, the base comprising a plate and at least one rigid support member, the at least one rigid support member extending downward from a peripheral portion of the plate, the plate defining an opening near a central portion thereof; a shifter handle, the shifter handle extending through the opening of the plate and pivotally connected to the plate; a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators being pivotally connected to the at least one rigid support member at a first end of the actuator and pivotally connected to the at least one rigid support member at a second end of the actuator opposite to the first end rotatably connected to the shifter handle, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move in a predetermined virtual route relative to the base and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving relative to the base outside the predetermined virtual route; a plurality of vertical drive columns, the plurality of vertical drive columns being fixed to the plate of the base; a plurality of vertical guide columns, the plurality of vertical guide columns being fixed to the plate of the base; and a plurality of motors, each motor being operatively connected to a corresponding vertical drive column among the plurality of vertical drive columns and being configured to move the base in a vertical direction between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the plurality of actuators are pivotally coupled to the shifter handle at a location below a location where the shifter handle is pivotally coupled to the base.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by: a controller, which communicates with the multiple actuators and is configured to send instructions to the multiple actuators, the instructions corresponding to the predetermined virtual route; and a plurality of wires, each of the plurality of wires being connected to the controller and a corresponding actuator among the multiple actuators.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductors are ribbon conductors.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the plurality of actuators are electronic actuators.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the plurality of actuators are linear actuators.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the shifter knob includes a knob and a shaft, the shaft extending through the opening in the plate; and the haptic motor is disposed within the knob.

[0052] According to the present invention, a shifter assembly for an electric vehicle is provided, which has: a base, the base including an upper plate and a plurality of rigid supports extending downward from a peripheral portion of the upper plate, the upper plate defining an opening near a central portion thereof; a shifter handle, the shifter handle extending through the opening of the upper plate of the base and pivotally connected to the upper plate of the base; a plurality of electronic actuators, each of the plurality of electronic actuators being pivotally connected to a corresponding rigid support of the plurality of rigid supports at a first end of the electronic actuator, and being pivotally connected to the shifter handle at a second end of the electronic actuator opposite to the first end, wherein the plurality of electronic actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move in a predetermined virtual route relative to the base, and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving outside the predetermined virtual route relative to the base; a plurality of vertical drive columns, the plurality of vertical drive columns being fixed to the upper plate of the base; a plurality of vertical guide columns, the plurality of vertical guide columns being fixed to the upper plate of the base a plurality of motors, each motor being operatively connected to a corresponding vertical drive column among the plurality of vertical drive columns and configured to move the base in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position; a lower plate, the lower plate being configured to be fixed to a support structure of the electric vehicle and defining a plurality of drive column apertures and a plurality of guide column apertures, wherein each of the plurality of vertical drive columns is received in a corresponding drive column aperture among the drive column apertures, wherein each of the plurality of vertical guide columns is received in a corresponding guide column aperture among the plurality of guide column apertures; a controller, the controller communicating with the plurality of electronic actuators and configured to send instructions to the plurality of electronic actuators, the instructions corresponding to the predetermined virtual route; and a plurality of ribbon wires, each of the plurality of ribbon wires being connected to the controller and a corresponding electronic actuator among the plurality of electronic actuators, wherein each of the plurality of rigid support members engages the lower plate when the base is in the retracted position and is spaced apart from the lower plate when the base is in the deployed position.

Claims

1. A shifter assembly for an electric vehicle, the shifter assembly comprising: a base defining an opening extending therethrough; a shifter handle extending through the opening of the base and pivotally coupled to the base; as well as A plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators being pivotally connected to the base at a first end of the actuator and pivotally connected to the shifter handle at a second end of the actuator opposite to the first end, wherein the plurality of actuators are configured to allow the shifter handle to move in a predetermined virtual route relative to the base and to inhibit the shifter handle from moving outside the predetermined virtual route relative to the base.

2. The shifter assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises: an upper plate defining the opening; as well as A plurality of rigid supports each extend downwardly from a peripheral portion of the upper plate, and the first end of each of the plurality of actuators is pivotally coupled to a corresponding rigid support of the plurality of rigid supports.

3. The shifter assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: a vertical drive column secured to the upper plate of the base; as well as A motor is operatively connected to the vertical drive column and is configured to move the base in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position.

4. The shifter assembly as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: A lower plate is configured to be secured to a structure of the electric vehicle, the lower plate defining an aperture, wherein the vertical drive column is received in the aperture.

5. The shifter assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first vertical drive column secured to the base; a first motor operatively connected to the first vertical drive column and configured to move the base in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position; a second vertical drive column secured to the base; as well as A second motor is operatively connected to the second vertical drive column and is configured to move the base in the vertical direction between the deployed position and the retracted position.

6. The shifter assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A lower plate is configured to be secured to the structure of the electric vehicle and defines a drive post aperture and a plurality of guide post apertures.

7. The shifter assembly as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of vertical guide posts secured to the base, each of the plurality of vertical guide posts being received in a corresponding guide post aperture of the plurality of guide post apertures; a vertical drive post secured to the base and received in the drive post aperture; and A motor is operatively connected to the vertical drive column and is configured to move the base and the shifter handle in a vertical direction between a deployed position and a retracted position.

8. The shifter assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a controller in communication with the plurality of actuators and configured to send instructions to the plurality of actuators, the instructions corresponding to the predetermined virtual route; as well as A plurality of wires, each of the plurality of wires being connected to the controller and a corresponding actuator of the plurality of actuators.

9. The shifter assembly of claim 8, wherein said plurality of wires are ribbon wires.

10. The shifter assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of actuators are electronic actuators.

11. The shifter assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of actuators are linear actuators.

12. The shifter assembly of claim 1, wherein: The shifter handle includes a knob and a shaft extending through the opening in the base; and A haptic motor is disposed within the knob.

13. The shifter assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of actuators are pivotally coupled to said shifter handle at a location below where said shifter handle is pivotally coupled to said base.

14. The shifter assembly of claim 1, wherein said shifter handle includes an electronic display device.

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