System for switching electric vehicle between operating states

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for switching an electric vehicle between operating states. A system for switching an electrified vehicle between a plurality of vehicle operating states includes a base, a shifter handle, an actuator, and a controller. The shifter handle includes a shaft. An actuator is coupled to the shaft. The controller is configured to determine a selected shifter operating mode from among the shifter operating modes; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being a first shifter operating mode, generating a first set of output signals to the actuator to control the actuator to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being a second shifter operating mode, generating a second set of output signals to the actuator to control the actuator to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path; and switching the electric vehicle between the vehicle operating states based on movement of the axle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states. 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 system for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states. The system includes a base, a shifter handle, a plurality of actuators, and a controller. The shifter handle includes a knob and a shaft. The knob is mounted to a top portion of the shaft. A bottom portion of the shaft is pivotally coupled to the base. The plurality of actuators are coupled to the shaft. The controller communicates with the multiple actuators and is configured to: determine a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes including a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generate a first set of output signals to the multiple actuators to control the multiple actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generate a second set of output signals to the multiple actuators to control the multiple actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; and switch the electric vehicle between the multiple vehicle operating states based on the movement of the shaft.

[0007] In a variation of the system of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: the controller is configured to switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the multiple vehicle operating states based on the movement of the shifter handle along the first virtual path; and to switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the multiple vehicle operating states based on the movement of the shifter handle along the second virtual path, the second subset being different from the first subset; the vehicle operating states of the first subset corresponding to at least one of the following: power delivery setting, boost condition, electronic braking condition, pitch setting, yaw setting, steering angle, acceleration of the electric powertrain of the electric vehicle speed up, speed down, vehicle lock / unlock setting, display control, game control, aerodynamic setting, camera setting, accessory setting and driving mode; the plurality of actuators are electronic actuators; the plurality of actuators are linear actuators; the knob includes a body and a crown, the body is mounted to the shaft, the crown is connected to the body and can rotate relative to the body, the controller is configured to determine the selected shifter operating mode based on the rotational position of the crown; the shifter handle can be moved between a retracted state and an extended state in a vertical direction, the controller is configured to control the movement of the shifter handle between the retracted state and the extended state based on the rotational position of the crown; the controller is configured to respond to the The crown is in a first rotational position, positioning the shifter handle in the retracted state and operating the powertrain of the electric vehicle in an autonomous driving mode; and in response to the crown being in a second rotational position, positioning the shifter handle in the extended position and operating the powertrain in a manual vehicle driving mode; the shifter handle is movable in a vertical direction between a retracted state and an extended state, and the controller is configured to control the movement of the shifter handle between the retracted state and the extended state; the base includes a plate and a rigid support member extending downward from the periphery of the plate, the plate defining an opening in a central portion thereof, the shifter handle extending through the opening of the plate and being pivotally connected to the plate, the each of a plurality of actuators being pivotally connected at a first end to a corresponding one of the rigid supports and pivotally connected at a second end opposite the first end to the shifter handle; a haptic motor disposed within the knob; an electric motor communicating with the controller and configured to provide a power output to drive a set of wheels of the electric vehicle, the controller being configured to limit the power output of the electric motor to a first predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a first position in the first predetermined virtual path, and to limit the power output of the electric motor to a second predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a second position in the first predetermined virtual path, the first predetermined value being different from the second predetermined value;and the body of the knob includes an electronic display device, and wherein the controller is configured to command the electronic display device to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected shifter operating mode.;

[0008] In another form, the present disclosure provides a system for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states. The system includes a base, a shifter handle, a plurality of electronic actuators, and a controller. The shifter handle is movable in a vertical direction between a retracted state and an extended state, and includes a knob and a shaft. The knob is mounted to a top portion of the shaft. A bottom portion of the shifter handle is pivotally coupled to the base. The plurality of electronic actuators are coupled to the shaft. The controller is in communication with the plurality of actuators and is configured to: determine a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes including a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generate a first set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to the base while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generate a second set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; and switch the electric vehicle between the plurality of vehicle operating states based on movement of the shaft. The knob includes a body and a crown. The body is mounted to the shaft. The crown is coupled to the body and rotatable relative to the body. The controller is configured to determine the selected shifter operating mode based on the rotational position of the crown.The controller is configured to control movement of the shifter handle between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0009] In a variation of the system of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: the controller is configured to switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the plurality of vehicle operating states based on the shifter handle moving along the first virtual path, and to switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the plurality of vehicle operating states based on the shifter handle moving along the second virtual path, the second subset being different from the first subset; the vehicle operating states of the first subset correspond to at least one of the following: power delivery setting, boost condition, electronic braking condition, pitch setting, yaw setting, steering angle, acceleration, deceleration, vehicle lock / unlock setting, display controls, game controls, aerodynamic settings, camera settings, accessory settings and driving modes; an electric motor communicates with the controller and is configured to provide a power output to drive a set of wheels of the electric vehicle, the controller being configured to limit the power output of the electric motor to a first predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a first position in the first predetermined virtual path, and to limit the power output of the electric motor to a second predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a second position in the first predetermined virtual path, the first predetermined value being different from the second predetermined value; the body of the knob includes an electronic display device, and the controller is configured to command the electronic display device to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected shifter operating mode.

[0010] In yet another form, the present disclosure provides a method for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states. The method includes: determining a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes including a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generating a first set of output signals to a plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to a base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generating a second set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; and switching the electric vehicle between the multiple vehicle operating states based on the movement of the shaft.

[0011] In a variation of the method of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: the method also includes: switching the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the multiple vehicle operating states based on the shifter handle moving along the first virtual path; switching the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the multiple vehicle operating states based on the shifter handle moving along the second virtual path, the second subset being different from the first subset; in response to the crown of the knob being in a first rotational position among a plurality of rotational positions, vertically moving the shifter handle to a retracted state to operate the powertrain of the electric vehicle in an autonomous driving mode; The vehicle operating states of the first subset correspond to at least one of: power delivery settings, boost conditions, electronic braking conditions, pitch settings, yaw settings, steering angles, acceleration, deceleration, vehicle lock / unlock settings, display controls, game controls, aerodynamic settings, camera settings, accessory settings, and driving modes of the electric drive train of the electric vehicle; an electric motor communicating with the controller and configured to provide power output to drive a set of wheels of the electric vehicle; and in response to the crown of the knob being in a second rotational position among the multiple rotational positions, vertically moving the shifter handle to an extended state to operate the drive train of the electric vehicle in a manual vehicle driving mode.

[0012] 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

[0013] 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:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a battery pack and a motor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 A shifter assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure Figure 1 a side view of a vehicle;

[0016] 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;

[0017] 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;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A top 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 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;

[0020] 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;

[0021] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8F Based on the principle of the present disclosure Figure 2 an exemplary virtual path for a selected vehicle mode of a shifter assembly;

[0022] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 2 a block diagram of the components of the shifter assembly; and

[0023] Fig.10 is a flow chart depicting an algorithm for switching an electric vehicle between operating states according to the teachings of the present disclosure for Figure 2 Used with the shifter assembly.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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, etc. The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack or battery structure 12 ( Figure 1 ), a first or rear motor 14 such as an electric motor ( Figure 1 ), a second or front motor 16 such as an electric motor ( Figure 1 ) and the shifter assembly 22 ( Figure 2 ). The battery pack 12 may be rechargeable and may include a lithium-ion battery 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 manner, the battery pack 12 is supported by the vehicle frame and is 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. The first motor 14 and the second motor 16, the front and rear axles, and the transmission (not shown) form an electric drive train for the vehicle 10.

[0027] 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 transmission 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 portion 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.

[0028] Also refer to Figure Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 30 may be located in an opening 40 ( Figure 5 ) and wherein the shifter handle 32 extends through the opening 40 ( Figure 3 )'s extended position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) between the retracted and extended positions. 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 and extended positions. The base 30 includes a plate 42 and a plurality of supports 44. In the example shown, the plate 42 includes an opening 46 ( Figure 5). An opening 46 extends through the plate 42 at or near 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 example shown, 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.

[0029] In the example shown, 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 force is applied via the actuator 34 through the operation of the actuator 34 and the shifter handle 32. In some forms, one support member (not shown) may extend downwardly from the periphery of the plate 42 and extend around the periphery of the plate, rather than a plurality of rigid support members 44 extending downwardly from the periphery of the plate 42 and being arranged around the periphery of the plate.

[0030] The shifter handle 32 extends through the opening 46 of the plate 42 and is coupled to the plate 42. In this manner, 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 relative to the base 30 along a plurality of predetermined virtual paths, 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.

[0031] 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 strategic 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 haptic motor.

[0032] In the example shown, the knob 48a includes a body 80 and a rotatable crown 82. The body 80 is mounted to the upper end 51a of the shaft 48b. The crown 82 is coupled to the body 80 and can rotate relative to the body 80 between a plurality of rotational positions. In the example shown, the gripping features 83 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the crown 82. In this manner, gripping and rotation of the crown 82 are facilitated. In some forms, for example, the gripping features 83 are made of an elastomeric material such as rubber.

[0033] In some configurations, the crown 82 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. That is, when the crown 82 is in the locked position, the crown 82 is prohibited from rotating between a plurality of rotational positions relative to the body 80, and when the crown 82 is in the unlocked position, the crown 82 is allowed to rotate between a plurality of rotational positions relative to the body 80. In such configurations, a predetermined downward force may be applied to the crown 82 to move the crown 82 from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the crown 82 to rotate between a plurality of rotational positions relative to the body 80. In other forms, a locking mechanism (not shown) may selectively prohibit rotation of the crown 82 and be activated without applying a downward force to the crown 82. In other forms, the crown 82 may always be rotatable relative to the body 82 and may not be locked in a particular rotational position.

[0034] In some forms, the body 80 of the knob 48a includes an electronic display 84. The controller 52 ( Fig. 9 ) may be configured to command the electronic display device 84 to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected shifter operating mode of the vehicle 10. As will be described in more detail below, the controller 52 is configured to move the shifter handle 32 between the retracted state and the extended state based on the rotational position of the crown 82. That is, as an example, the controller 52 may move the shifter handle 32 to the retracted state and operate the electric drivetrain of the vehicle 10 in the autonomous driving mode in response to the crown 82 being in the first rotational position, and may move the shifter handle 32 to the extended state and operate the electric drivetrain of the vehicle 10 in the manual driving mode in response to the crown 82 being in a second rotational position different from the first rotational position.

[0035] Return to reference 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 along a predetermined virtual path relative to the plate 42. In the example shown, 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 51b ( Figure 4 and Figure 7 ) and is configured to be pivotally coupled to a plurality of actuators 34. In the example shown, 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 .

[0036] 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 along a predetermined virtual path relative to the base 30. In the example shown, the actuators 34 are electronic linear actuators. In the example shown, when the shaft 48b is in a position such as Figures 3 to 6 In the vertical position shown, two of the actuators 34 are positioned substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to at least two other actuators 34 of the plurality of actuators 34, but other configurations may be used. Each 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 can be positioned between the support 44 and the shifter handle 32 in various directions to allow the shifter handle 32 to move along a predetermined virtual path. In the example shown, the shifter assembly 22 includes four actuators. In some forms, the shifter assembly 22 may include more than four or less than four actuators without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. An example of such a shifter handle is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 468,236, filed on September 15, 2023, and entitled “SHIFTER ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE,” which is filed concurrently with the present application and is commonly owned with the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0037] 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, in response to the selected shifter operating mode, the rod 56b of each actuator 34 is allowed to travel a predetermined distance relative to the outer housing 56a, thereby allowing the shifter handle 32 to move along a predetermined virtual path. For example, if the selected shifter operating mode corresponds to the 6-speed transmission mode, each rod 56b of the actuator 34 is allowed to travel a predetermined distance relative to the outer housing 56a (i.e., the rod 56b is allowed to enter and exit the outer housing 56a by a predetermined distance), depending on the position of the shifter handle 32, to allow the shifter handle 32 to move from that position along the predetermined virtual path. Fig. 8A 61a, while prohibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the virtual path 61a. The position of the shifter handle 32 may be determined in any suitable manner. In one form, the position of the shifter handle 32 along the virtual path 61a may be determined by one or more sensors 57 ( Fig. 9 ) is determined. In another form, the position of the shifter handle 32 can be determined based on the relative position of the actuator 34. In another example, if the selected shifter operating mode corresponds to the overboost mode or the sequential shifting 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 move along the Figure 8B The virtual path 61b is shown moving while inhibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside of the virtual path 61b. The controller 52 is programmed to provide for selection of a plurality of shifter operating modes.

[0038] In the example shown, the outer shell 56a has a cylindrical shape and is pivotally coupled to the corresponding support member 44. In other words, the end of the outer shell 56a includes a socket 58a, which is fixed to a 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 when the rod 56b slides in and out of the outer shell 56a, the support member is not forced to deform or bend. 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 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the socket 58a can be part of the support member 44 and the protrusion 58b can be part of the outer shell 56a. In the example shown, the rod 56b is pivotally coupled 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 rod 56b form a ball joint mechanism. For example, one end of the rod 56b can 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.

[0039] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b are located at and secured to the underside of the plate 42 of the base 30. In the example shown, 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 hole 62 of a plate 64 that is spaced apart from the plate 42 (i.e., the plate 64 is located below the plate 42 of the base 30). It should be understood that although 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.

[0040] 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 operably coupled to respective vertical drive posts 36a, 36b. In the example shown, one motor 66a is operably coupled to the vertical drive post 36a, and another motor (not shown) is operably 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 a vertical direction. 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 can 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 46 of the plate 42 ( 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 46 of the plate 42 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 by being coupled to each drive post 36a, 36b via a gear, belt and pulley mechanism, or chain and sprocket mechanism.

[0041] The guide posts 38 are located at and fixed to the underside of the plate 42 of the base 30. In the example shown, two guide posts 38 are fixed at corresponding corners of the plate 42. In some forms, the guide posts 38 can be located at other locations of the plate 42, such as near the central portion of the plate 42 or at a location between the corners of the plate 42. The two guide posts 38 located at the corresponding corners of one vertical drive post 36a, 36b of the plate 42 are positioned on opposite sides of the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b (i.e., the vertical drive posts 36a, 36b are located at 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 example shown, each guide post 38 is unthreaded and is configured to be received in a corresponding guide post hole 70 of the plate 64. It should be understood 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.

[0042] 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., output signals) to each actuator 34, including power or instructions corresponding to a predetermined distance, which is a predetermined distance that the rod 56b is allowed to travel relative to the outer shell 56a in response to the selected shifter operating mode and the position of the shifter handle 32, thereby allowing the shifter handle 32 to move along a predetermined virtual path and prohibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the predetermined virtual path. The controller 52 can communicate with the actuator 34 and the sensor 57 (if included) by wire or wireless communication. In the example shown, 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 example shown, 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.

[0043] In the example shown, the controller 52 is located on the upper side of the plate 64 ( Figure 3 In some forms, the controller 52 may be located on another portion of the shifter assembly 22 (e.g., the base 30), or may be located remotely from the shifter assembly 22, such as in a housing that houses the power electronics controller 74 ( Fig. 9 ) at or near the location of the power electronics controller 74. The power electronics controller 74 manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the battery pack 12 to control the speed of the motors 14, 16 and the torque generated by each motor 14, 16. The controller 52 can communicate with the power electronics controller 74 and can send signals to the power electronics controller 74 to control and / or adjust the speed of the motors 14, 16 and the torque generated by each motor 14, 16.

[0044] refer to Fig.10 , a flow chart 200 is shown illustrating an example implementation of a control algorithm or method for switching a vehicle between operating states. The vehicle operating state may be selected from a group of vehicle operating states including, but not limited to, boost condition, electronic brake condition, steering angle, gaming control, power delivery setting, vehicle accessory condition, dynamic condition, aerodynamic setting, display control, and driving mode.

[0045] When the vehicle operator determines the selected shifter operating mode, the control algorithm begins at 204. In one example, the vehicle operator may select the shifter operating mode using, for example, a touch screen display located at the center console 39 of the vehicle 10. In another example, the vehicle operator may select the shifter operating mode using, for example, a button, knob, dial, or switch located at the center console 39 of the vehicle 10. In yet another example, the vehicle operator may select the shifter operating mode by moving the crown 82 to the unlocked position and rotating the crown 82 relative to the body 80 to the desired shifter operating mode.

[0046] The shifter operating modes may include, but are not limited to, a boost mode, an electronic brake mode, a steering mode, a gaming mode, a power delivery mode, a vehicle accessory mode, a dynamic mode, an aerodynamic mode, a display mode, and a driving mode. For example, the boost mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the super boost function or the supercapacitor discharge control mechanism of the vehicle 10. For example, the electronic brake mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the function of the electronic brake in the vehicle 10. For example, the steering mode may allow the vehicle operator to use the shifter handle 32 to steer the vehicle 10. For example, the gaming mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the gaming system in the vehicle 10 and display it on the touch screen display at the center console 39. The power delivery mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the power delivery of the electric drive train of the vehicle 10.

[0047] The vehicle accessory mode may allow the vehicle operator to control vehicle accessories using the shifter handle 32. For example, when the vehicle accessory mode is selected, the vehicle operator may use the shifter handle 32 to control settings such as unlock / lock settings, camera settings, mirror positions, infotainment settings (e.g., volume, radio stations), lighting, and / or hitch settings of the vehicle 10. The vehicle dynamics mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the pitch and / or yaw settings of the vehicle 10 using the shifter handle 32. The aerodynamics mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the position of the vehicle's body parts, for example, based on driving conditions such as speed, acceleration, braking, and wind direction. In this way, the performance, efficiency, stability, and aesthetics of the vehicle 10 may be enhanced. For example, the vehicle display mode may allow the vehicle operator to control the vehicle display using the shifter handle 32.

[0048] For example, the driving mode can allow the vehicle operator to operate the vehicle in multiple vehicle driving modes, such as an automatic driving mode or a manual driving mode. That is, in the automatic driving mode, the vehicle operator can rotate the crown 82 to operate the vehicle 10 in a parking mode, a reverse mode, a neutral mode, a driving mode, and a low-speed mode, etc. (e.g., a terrain or weather specific mode, a track mode). In the manual driving mode, the vehicle operator can rotate the crown 82 to manually operate between multiple gears (e.g., a 6-speed transmission, a 5-speed transmission, a 4-speed transmission). In some configurations, the shifter handle 32 can be in an extended state when the vehicle operator operates the vehicle 10 in the manual driving mode and the automatic driving mode. In other configurations, the shifter handle 32 moves to an extended state to operate the electric drive train in the manual driving mode, and moves to a retracted state to operate the electric drive train in the automatic driving mode.

[0049] After determining the selected shifter operating mode, the control algorithm then proceeds to 208. At 208, the control algorithm generates a set of output signals to the actuator 34 using the controller 52 in response to the selected shifter operating mode to control the actuator 34 to allow the shifter handle 32 to move along the predetermined virtual path while prohibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the predetermined virtual path. In this way, the vehicle 10 is allowed to operate in the selected shifter operating mode while prohibiting the vehicle 10 from operating in the non-selected shifter operating mode. It should be understood that each shifter operating mode can correspond to a different predetermined virtual path.

[0050] In one example, if Fig. 8A As shown, if the boost shifter operating mode is selected, the controller 52 generates an output signal to the actuator 34 to allow the shifter handle 32 to move along the predetermined virtual path 61a, while prohibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the predetermined virtual path 61a. Figure 8B As shown, if the 6-speed manual shifter operating mode is selected, the controller 52 generates an output signal to the actuator 34 to allow the shifter handle 32 to move along the predetermined virtual path 61b while prohibiting the shifter handle 32 from moving outside the predetermined virtual path 61b. FIG. 8C to FIG. 8F Examples of various virtual predetermined paths that may be associated with different shifter operating modes are shown. Figure 8C A predetermined virtual path 61c is shown which may correspond to an electronic braking mode. Fig.8D A predetermined virtual path 61d is shown which may correspond to a vehicle dynamic mode. For example, Fig. 8E A predetermined virtual path 61e is shown that may correspond to a vehicle accessory mode. For example, Fig.8FA predetermined virtual path 61f is shown which may correspond to a gaming mode. In some forms, a curved or C-shaped predetermined virtual path may correspond to a turning mode.

[0051] After generating a set of output signals to the actuator 34, the control algorithm then proceeds to 212. At 212, the control algorithm uses the controller 52 to switch the electric vehicle 10 between operating states based on the shifter handle 32 moving along a predetermined virtual path. Fig. 8A , if the shifter handle 32 moves along the predetermined virtual path 61a to a predetermined position therein, the controller 52 switches the vehicle 10 from the non-boosted state to the boosted state. Figure 8B , the electric motors 14, 16 are configured to provide power output to drive a corresponding set of wheels 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b in response to the shifter handle 32 moving to a position in one or more predetermined virtual paths 61b. That is, the controller 52 is configured to limit the power output of the electric motors 14, 16 to a first predetermined value when the shifter handle 32 moves to a first position 90a in the predetermined virtual path 61b, and to limit the power output of the electric motors 14, 16 to a second predetermined value when the shifter handle 32 moves to a second position 90b in the predetermined virtual path 61b. The first predetermined value is different from the second predetermined value. In this way, the electric vehicle 10 can simulate an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with a manual transmission.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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."

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to the present invention, a system for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states is provided, which comprises: a base; a shifter handle, which is movable between a retracted state and an extended state in a vertical direction and comprises a knob and a shaft, the knob being mounted to a top portion of the shaft, and a bottom portion of the shaft being pivotally connected to the base; a plurality of electronic actuators, the plurality of electronic actuators being connected to the shaft; and a controller, the controller communicating with the plurality of actuators, the controller being configured to: determine a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes comprising a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generating a first set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting preventing the shifter handle from moving outside the first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generating a second set of output signals to the multiple actuators to control the multiple actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; and switching the electric vehicle between the multiple vehicle operating states based on movement of the shaft, wherein the knob includes a body and a crown, the body being mounted to the shaft, the crown being connected to the body and rotatable relative to the body, wherein the controller is configured to determine the selected shifter operating mode based on the rotational position of the crown, and wherein the controller is configured to control movement of the shifter handle between the retracted state and the extended state.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to: based on the movement of the shifter handle along the first virtual path, switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the multiple vehicle operating states; and based on the movement of the shifter handle along the second virtual path, switch the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the multiple vehicle operating states, the second subset being different from the first subset.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the vehicle operating states of the first subset correspond to at least one of: power delivery settings, boost conditions, electronic braking conditions, pitch settings, yaw settings, steering angles, acceleration, deceleration, vehicle lock / unlock settings, display controls, game controls, aerodynamic settings, camera settings, accessory settings, and driving modes of the electric drive train of the electric vehicle.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the present invention is also characterized by: an electric motor, which communicates with the controller and is configured to provide power output to drive a set of wheels of the electric vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to limit the power output of the electric motor to a first predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a first position in the first predetermined virtual path; and limit the power output of the electric motor to a second predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a second position in the first predetermined virtual path, the first predetermined value being different from the second predetermined value.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the body of the knob comprises an electronic display device, and wherein the controller is configured to command the electronic display device to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected shifter operating mode.

[0063] According to the present invention, a method for switching an electric vehicle between multiple vehicle operating states includes: determining a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes including a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generating a first set of output signals to a plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to a base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the first predetermined virtual path; in response to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generating a second set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base, while prohibiting the shifter handle from moving outside the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; and switching the electric vehicle between the multiple vehicle operating states based on the movement of the shifter handle.

[0064] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: based on the movement of the shifter handle along the first virtual path, switching the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the multiple vehicle operating states; and based on the movement of the shifter handle along the second virtual path, switching the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the multiple vehicle operating states, the second subset being different from the first subset.

[0065] In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle operating states of the first subset correspond to at least one of: power delivery settings, boost conditions, electronic braking conditions, pitch settings, yaw settings, steering angles, acceleration, deceleration, vehicle lock / unlock settings, display controls, game controls, aerodynamic settings, camera settings, accessory settings, and driving modes of the electric drivetrain of the electric vehicle.

[0066] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: in response to the crown of the shifter handle being in a first rotational position among multiple rotational positions, vertically moving the shifter handle to a retracted state to operate the transmission system of the electric vehicle in an automatic driving mode; and in response to the crown of the shifter handle being in a second rotational position among the multiple rotational positions, vertically moving the shifter handle to an extended state to operate the transmission system of the electric vehicle in a manual vehicle driving mode.

Claims

1. A system for switching an electric vehicle between a plurality of vehicle operating states, the system comprising: Pedestal; a shifter handle including a knob and a shaft, the knob being mounted to a top portion of the shaft and a bottom portion of the shaft being pivotally coupled to the base; a plurality of electronic actuators coupled to the shaft; as well as a controller in communication with the plurality of actuators, the controller being configured to: determining a selected shifter operating mode from a plurality of shifter operating modes, the plurality of shifter operating modes comprising a first shifter operating mode and a second shifter operating mode; responsive to the selected shifter operating mode being the first shifter operating mode, generating a first set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a first predetermined virtual path relative to the base while inhibiting the shifter handle from moving outside of the first predetermined virtual path; responsive to the selected shifter operating mode being the second shifter operating mode, generating a second set of output signals to the plurality of actuators to control the plurality of actuators to allow the shifter handle to move along a second predetermined virtual path relative to the base while inhibiting the shifter handle from moving outside of the second predetermined virtual path, the second predetermined virtual path being different from the first predetermined virtual path; as well as The electric vehicle is switched between the plurality of vehicle operating states based on movement of the axle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: switching the electric vehicle between vehicle operating states selected from a first subset of the plurality of vehicle operating states based on movement of the shifter handle along the first virtual path; and The electric vehicle is shifted between vehicle operating states selected from a second subset of the plurality of vehicle operating states based on movement of the shifter handle along the second virtual path, the second subset being different from the first subset.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the vehicle operating states of the first subset correspond to at least one of: power delivery settings of an electric drive train of the electric vehicle, boost conditions, electronic braking conditions, pitch settings, yaw settings, steering angles, acceleration, deceleration, vehicle lock / unlock settings, display controls, gaming controls, aerodynamic settings, camera settings, accessory settings, and driving modes. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of actuators are electronic actuators.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators are linear drives.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the knob includes a body and a crown, the body being mounted to the shaft, the crown being coupled to the body and rotatable relative to the body, wherein the controller is configured to determine the selected shifter operating mode based on a rotational position of the crown.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the shifter handle is movable in a vertical direction between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein the controller is configured to control movement of the shifter handle between the retracted state and the extended state based on the rotational position of the crown.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: responsive to the crown being in the first rotational position, positioning the shifter handle in the retracted state and operating the powertrain of the electric vehicle in an autonomous driving mode; and In response to the crown being in the second rotational position, the shifter handle is positioned in the extended position and the powertrain is operated in a manual vehicle driving mode.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a haptic motor disposed within the knob.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an electric motor in communication with the controller and configured to provide a power output to drive a set of wheels of the electric vehicle, The controller is configured as follows: limiting the power output of the electric motor to a first predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a first position in the first predetermined virtual path; and The power output of the electric motor is limited to a second predetermined value when the shifter handle is in a second position in the first predetermined virtual path, the first predetermined value being different from the second predetermined value.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein: the knob comprising a body mounted to the shaft and a crown coupled to and rotatable relative to the body, wherein the controller is configured to determine the selected shifter operating mode based on a rotational position of the crown; and The body of the knob includes an electronic display device, and wherein the controller is configured to command the electronic display device to display a visual indicator corresponding to the selected shifter operating mode.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators are pivotally coupled to the shaft.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of actuators are pivotably coupled to the shaft at a location below the base.

Images