Electronic shift control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic shift control device, in a column-type electronic shift control device, the position of which can be changed not only by driving a drive unit but also by a predetermined amount of external force, the shift control device comprising: a housing, a column unit, a drive unit, and an override unit, a column unit including one end rotatably coupled to the housing, the column unit protruding from the housing in a radial direction, and operable for shifting; a driving unit disposed in the housing and coupled to the column unit to rotate the column unit; an override unit is provided in the driving unit to transmit a driving force to the column unit, capable of rotating the column unit when an external force is applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a column - type electronic shift control device, the position of which can be changed not only by a driving unit but also by an external force of a predetermined amount. Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a transmission device installed in a vehicle, a shift - by - wire transmission device may be an electronic transmission device configured to control a transmission by receiving an electric signal according to a driver's shift control. Such a shift - by - wire transmission device may have a structure in which a shift lever operates like a switch to electrically send a signal, and a driving device such as a solenoid, a motor, etc. is used to operate the transmission.

[0003] In this way, there can be advantages as follows: The electronic transmission device based on shift - by - wire transmits the driver's shifting intention as an electric signal to a transmission control unit through a simple operation, and the transmission control unit controls the driving device, making it easier to shift - control to a D - gear (forward gear), an R - gear (reverse gear), an N - gear (neutral gear), etc. In addition, the transmission device can be miniaturized, so that a spacious space can be ensured between the seat for the driver and the seat for the front - row passenger.

[0004] On the other hand, when an abnormal external force is applied to the shift lever, shifting may occur easily, or in a serious case, components constituting the transmission device, such as the shift lever, gear members, driving units, etc., may be damaged. When components are damaged due to abnormal operation, shifting of the vehicle becomes impossible, and ultimately the function of the transmission device may inevitably be lost.

[0005] The information included in the background art section of the present invention is only intended to increase the understanding of the overall background of the present invention, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a column - type electronic shift control device, the position of which can be changed not only by a driving unit but also by an external force of a predetermined amount.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shift control device includes: a housing, a column unit, a driving unit, and an override unit, wherein the column unit is rotatably coupled to one end of the housing, the column unit protrudes from the housing in a radial direction, and is operable for shifting gears; the driving unit is disposed in the housing and engaged with the column unit to rotate the column unit; the override unit is disposed in the driving unit to transmit a driving force to the column unit and is capable of rotating the column unit when an external force is applied.

[0008] The drive unit may include: a motor, a gear transmission, and a shaft. Among them, the motor is fixed in the housing via a support member; the gear transmission is engaged with the motor and the column unit and transmits the driving force of the motor to the column unit; the shaft rotatably supports at least a part of the gear transmission.

[0009] A permanent magnet may be fixed on one side of the end of the shaft. A printed circuit board provided with a Hall sensor and controlling the driving of the motor may be installed in the housing. The Hall sensor may detect the rotation of the column unit by the change of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the shaft.

[0010] The gear transmission may include: a worm, a worm wheel, an intermediate gear, and an override unit. Among them, the worm is installed on the motor shaft of the motor. The worm wheel has an annular shape and meshes with the worm. The intermediate gear is installed on the shaft and is coaxially arranged with the worm wheel. The override unit connects the worm wheel and the intermediate gear. Among them, the intermediate gear may mesh with a sector gear formed on one end of the column unit.

[0011] The worm wheel may be rotatably supported in the support hole of the support member through a step portion formed on one edge portion thereof. The shaft may be arranged to pass through the worm wheel and rotate relative to the worm wheel, and may be fixed to the intermediate gear to rotate together.

[0012] The override unit may include: a first override gear unit, a plurality of spline groove portions, an override ring member, and an elastic member. Among them, the first override gear unit is formed on another edge portion on the inner surface of the worm wheel; the plurality of spline groove portions are formed on the inner surface of the side wall in the receiving groove of the intermediate gear; a second override gear unit engaged with the first override gear unit is formed on the first side of the override ring member, and a plurality of spline protrusions at least partially assembled into each spline groove portion are formed on the second side; the elastic member is located between the receiving groove and the override ring member.

[0013] The first override gear unit may include a plurality of first groove portions, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the worm wheel and are recessedly formed in the axial direction of the worm wheel. The second override gear unit may include a plurality of second protrusions, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the override ring member and are protrudingly formed in the axial direction of the override ring member to correspond to the first override gear unit. The plurality of second protrusions may be respectively inserted into and engaged with the plurality of first groove portions.

[0014] Two side walls of each first groove portion may respectively include a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, and two circumferential side surfaces of each second protrusion may respectively include a third inclined surface formed to correspond to the first inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface formed to correspond to the second inclined surface.

[0015] The first inclined surface may be formed to incline at a first obtuse angle from the bottom surface of each first groove portion, and the second inclined surface may be formed to incline at a second obtuse angle from the bottom surface of each first groove portion.

[0016] The first angle and the second angle may be different from each other.

[0017] The magnitude of the first angle may be greater than the magnitude of the second angle.

[0018] An external force applied to the override unit to cause each second protrusion to contact the first inclined surface and move along the first inclined surface may be set to be less than an external force applied to the override unit to cause each second protrusion to contact the second inclined surface and move along the second inclined surface.

[0019] The override ring member may be movable relative to the worm gear and / or the intermediate gear in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and may be pushed toward the worm gear by the elastic member.

[0020] When the sector gear of the column unit rotates by an external force, the intermediate gear engaged with the sector gear may rotate, but the worm gear may not rotate due to self-locking, and the second protrusion may insert into an adjacent first groove portion across one of the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface, so that the override ring member in the intermediate gear may rotate relative to the worm gear.

[0021] The housing may be fixed to the steering column in front of the steering wheel. The steering column may pass through one end of the housing and the column unit. The column unit may rotate around the steering column when the driving unit operates, and may change the position of the column unit to a standby mode or a use mode.

[0022] The standby mode may be a position where the column unit extends upward from the front of the steering wheel, and the use mode may be a position where the column unit rotates from the standby mode and is set to extend in the lateral direction of the steering wheel.

[0023] An external force applied to cause the column unit to rotate from the standby mode toward the use mode may be set to be less than an external force applied to cause the column unit to rotate from the use mode toward the standby mode.

[0024] The housing may include a cover that shields an accommodation space therein, and a plurality of stoppers that limit the rotation of the column unit may be provided on the cover.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the shift control device includes: a housing, a column unit, a drive unit, and an override unit. The housing is located in front of the steering wheel; the column unit includes one end rotatably coupled to the housing, the column unit projects from the housing in the radial direction, and is operable for shifting gears; the drive unit is disposed in the housing, and the drive unit rotates the column unit according to a signal from an input unit; the override unit is disposed in the drive unit to transmit a driving force to the column unit and is capable of rotating the column unit when an external force is applied; wherein, the column unit can be in a standby mode or a use mode. The standby mode is a position where the column unit extends upward from in front of the steering wheel, and the use mode is a position where the column unit extends in the lateral direction of the steering wheel. The override unit can be configured to transmit a driving force to the column unit such that the column unit rotates through the operation of the drive unit to change the position of the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode or from the use mode to the standby mode; the override unit can be configured to rotate the column unit when an external force is applied to change the position of the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode or from the use mode to the standby mode.

[0026] By incorporating the accompanying drawings herein and the following specific embodiments used to illustrate certain principles of the present invention, other features and advantages of the method and apparatus of the present invention will become more specifically clear or be elucidated. Figure 1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing an example of a shift control device providing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. is a perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. is an exploded perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. exemplarily shows a Figure 3 FIG. is an exploded perspective view of a gear transmission device and an override unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in

[0031] Figure 5 FIG. is an enlarged perspective view of a drive unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6A and Figure 6BSchematic diagrams exemplarily showing the states of a column unit in a standby mode and a use mode through the operation of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagrams exemplarily showing the operation of an override unit when an external force is applied to the column unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather show a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. Certain design features of the present invention included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the particular target application and the environment in which it is used.

[0035] In these figures, throughout the various figures of the drawings, like reference numerals denote like or equivalent parts of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings and described below. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the example drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components in each drawing, care should be taken to provide the same reference numerals for the same components as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0038] In this specification, a vehicle refers to various vehicles that move an object to be transported (such as a person, an animal, goods, etc.) from a starting point to a destination. These vehicles are not limited to vehicles that travel on roads or tracks.

[0039] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, fourth, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the order, size, position, and importance of these components are not limited by terms such as first, second, third, fourth, etc., and may be named only to distinguish one component from other components.

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams exemplarily showing an example of a shift control device provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 2A perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 10, a column unit 20, a drive unit 30, and an override unit 40.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be provided on a steering wheel 1 of a vehicle such that a driver may control a shift of a gear through the column unit 20. This may have the advantage that a separate space does not have to be provided for the arrangement of the shift control device and the column unit.

[0043] The rotation axis S1 of the column unit 20 forming the shift control device and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be arranged substantially concentrically.

[0044] The steering column 2 of the vehicle may pass through a housing 10 and one end of the column unit 20, and the housing may be fixed to the steering column 2 in front of the steering wheel 1. Thus, the column unit may rotate around the steering column.

[0045] In this way, when the steering column 2 passes through one end of the column unit 20 and the column unit is arranged to be rotatable relative to the steering column, the rotation axis S1 of the column unit and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be substantially coaxial with the steering column 2. In the present case, the layout of the shift control device and the column unit may be simplified.

[0046] The arrangement of the shift control device is not limited to the example shown above. For example, the steering column 2 may not pass through one end of the column unit 20, and the housing 10 may be located outside the steering column.

[0047] For example, the rotation axis S1 of the column unit 20 and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel. In the present case, since the shift control device and the column unit 20 may be provided at various positions as needed, it may have the advantage of improving the design freedom.

[0048] The housing 10 may be a member including a box shape or a cylindrical shape, may include an accommodation space formed therein, and may include a cover 11 covering the accommodation space.

[0049] A shaft member 12 including a tube shape may be provided in the housing 10, and the one end of the column unit 20 may be assembled to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 12 such that the column unit may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the housing. For example, the shaft member may form the rotation axis S1 of the column unit.

[0050] In addition, in the housing 10, a long hole 13 extending in the direction around the shaft member 12 may be formed in the side wall extending in a direction parallel to the shaft member 12. The column unit 20 may be coupled to the shaft member while passing through the long hole and being inserted into the housing, such that its rotation may be guided by the long hole 13 and its position may be changed. Accordingly, the column unit may be arranged to project from the shaft member of the housing in the radial direction of the shaft member.

[0051] The drive unit 30 and the override unit 40 may be arranged and accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 10. In addition, a support member 14 for mounting and supporting the motor forming the drive unit 30 may be arranged in the accommodation space of the housing 10.

[0052] In addition, a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as PCB) 50 may be built in the accommodation space of the housing 10. The PCB may form a controller configured to control the operation of the shift control device or at least the drive unit 30.

[0053] An IC chip, a Hall sensor 51, etc. may be mounted on the PCB 50. The PCB may use signals from the Hall sensor to detect the rotation of the column unit 20 and control the drive of the drive unit 30. In addition, the PCB may be provided with a communication module and may communicate with an advanced control system and / or a transmission control unit 60 in the vehicle via wired communication, wireless communication, or wired / wireless communication.

[0054] The PCB 50 may detect the position of the column unit 20 through the Hall sensor 51, and thus, it may be known whether the column unit is correctly in the standby mode or the use mode.

[0055] In addition, the PCB 50 may be configured to use signals from the Hall sensor 51 for controlling the drive of the drive unit 30 and may further control the rotation of the column unit 20. Accordingly, the column unit may rotate from the standby mode to the use mode, or may rotate from the use mode to the standby mode, thereby changing its position.

[0056] The housing 10 may be fixedly coupled to the steering column 2, for example, as described above. The interior of the shaft member 12 in the housing may communicate with the exterior of the housing, and the cover 11 and the PCB 50 may respectively include through holes 15 and 55 formed at positions corresponding to the shaft member.

[0057] Accordingly, the steering column 2 may pass through the housing 10, the shaft member 12, the PCB 50, one end of the column unit 20, the cover 11, etc. The housing 10 may be fixed to the steering column 2, for example, by bolt connection or the like, and the steering column passes through the housing 10.

[0058] The cover 11 may be a member including a plate shape, and a plurality of stoppers 16 that restrict the rotation of the column unit 20 around the through hole 15 may be provided on the inner surface facing the accommodation space of the housing 10. In addition, a support hole 17 may be provided in the cover 11, and the support hole 17 is formed to support the end of the shaft 33 forming the drive unit 30.

[0059] The column unit 20 may be a member including a columnar shape and a hollow portion, and may include an annular portion 21 formed at one end and a shift knob 22 provided at the other end thereof.

[0060] The annular portion 21 may be assembled and rotatably coupled to the tubular shaft member 12 in the housing 10, thereby allowing the column unit 20 to rotate inside and outside the housing.

[0061] A sector gear 23 including a plurality of teeth may be formed on one side of the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 21. Since the sector gear 23 meshes with the gear transmission 32 forming the drive unit 30, the annular portion 21 and the column unit 20 may rotate according to the rotation of the gear transmission. The annular portion and the sector gear may be integrally formed with the column unit, but are not limited thereto.

[0062] The shift knob 22 may be provided to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the column unit 20. In the usage mode, for example, around the longitudinal axis of the column unit 20, when the driver rotates the shift knob in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the D gear position may be executed, and when the driver rotates the shift knob in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the R gear position may be executed. The arrangement of the gear positions is not limited thereto. For example, the D gear position and the R gear position may be arranged oppositely, or different gear positions may be placed.

[0063] In the shift knob 22, the intermediate position between the D gear position and the R gear position may be an initial position (neutral gear position) where no specific shift signal is generated, and the shift knob may return to the initial position by itself after shifting to the D gear position or the R gear position. In addition, a P gear position button 24 may be separately provided at the end of the shift knob so that the vehicle can be parked by the driver operating the P gear position button.

[0064] The configuration and operation of the shift knob 22 are not limited to the above examples. For example, a toggle-type shift knob may be provided to rotate around an axis parallel to the rotation axis S1 of the column unit 20. In the usage mode, when the driver rotates the shift knob in one direction (e.g., clockwise) around an axis parallel to the rotation axis S1 of the column unit 20, the D gear position may be executed, and when the driver rotates the shift knob in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the R gear position may be executed.

[0065] Optionally, the column unit 20 may further include an indicator 25 disposed adjacent to the shift knob 22. For example, when the column unit is in the use mode, the indicator may display the gear position of the vehicle, and when the column unit 20 is in the standby mode, the indicator may display visual information images other than the gear position.

[0066] In the present case, the visual information image other than the gear position may include one or more of a welcome image, a goodbye image, an automatic driving activation image, and a driving assistance device activation image.

[0067] In this way, the indicator 25 can display the current status of the vehicle under various conditions as a visual information image to inform the driver, thereby improving the marketability of the vehicle together with the shift control device.

[0068] In addition, the column unit 20 may further include a transmission control unit 60 that detects a gear change by operating the shift knob 22 and is configured to control a drive device of the transmission. The transmission control unit may be provided in the column unit and may be electrically connected to the PCB 50 in the housing 10 through communication. Alternatively, the transmission control unit may be provided on the PCB 50 in the housing 10.

[0069] Based on the signal received from the PCB 50 , the transmission control unit 60 may be configured to display a visual information image other than the gear position on the indicator 25 in the standby mode, and may be configured to display the gear position of the vehicle on the indicator in the use mode.

[0070] The driving unit 30 may include a motor 31 fixed in the housing 10 via the support member 14 , a gear transmission 32 transmitting a driving force of the motor to the column unit 20 , and a shaft 33 rotating and supporting at least a portion of the gear transmission.

[0071] The motor 31 may be, for example, a servo motor, a stepper motor, etc., and may be configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions. The driving of the motor 31 may be controlled by the PCB 50. Therefore, the column unit 20 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0072] The support member 14 may be fixed in the housing 10, and the motor 31 may be fixed on one side of the support member 14. A support hole 18 may be formed in an end portion of one side of the support member 14 to support the gear transmission 32 and the shaft 33.

[0073] Figure 4 For example, the Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a gear transmission device and an override unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view exemplarily showing a driving unit of a shift control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The gear transmission 32 may include a worm 35 mounted on the motor shaft of the motor 31, a worm gear 36 having an annular shape and meshing with the worm 35, an intermediate gear 37 mounted on the shaft 33 and coaxially arranged with the worm gear, and an override unit 40 connecting the worm gear 36 and the intermediate gear 37.

[0075] The worm gear 36 may be rotatably supported in the support hole 18 of the support member 14 by a stepped portion 38 formed on an edge portion of the inner surface. The shaft 33 passes through the annular worm gear but may be arranged to rotate relative to the worm gear without being fixed thereto.

[0076] The intermediate gear 37 may be fixedly mounted on the shaft 33. A spur gear or a helical gear may be used as the intermediate gear. The intermediate gear 37 may mesh with a sector gear 23 formed on the annular portion 21 of the column unit 20. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The intermediate gear and the sector gear are shown. The intermediate gear may be a helical gear, and the sector gear may be formed in a spiral shape corresponding to the intermediate gear, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Furthermore, a receiving groove 39 recessed in the axial direction (i.e., the thickness direction) of the intermediate gear 37 may be provided on one side of the intermediate gear 37 and may receive the override unit 40.

[0078] One end of the shaft 33 may be supported by the support hole 18 of the support member 14, and the other end of the shaft 33 may be supported by the support hole 17 formed in the cover 11 of the housing 10. The shaft may pass through the worm gear 36, the intermediate gear 37, and the override unit 40 and may be fixed to the intermediate gear to rotate together with the intermediate gear.

[0079] Therefore, the driving force of the motor 31 can be transmitted to the worm 35, the worm gear 36, the override unit 40, the intermediate gear 37, and the sector gear 23 of the annular portion 21 to achieve the rotation of the column unit 20.

[0080] A permanent magnet 52 may be fixed on one side of the end of the shaft 33. The Hall sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 may detect the rotation of the column unit 20 through the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 52 caused by the rotation of the gear transmission 32 and the shaft 33.

[0081] The self-locking function can be achieved by the gear transmission 32 employing the worm 35 and the worm gear 36. Due to self-locking, when the driving of the motor 31 stops, even if an external force is transmitted to the worm gear, the worm can stop without rotating. Therefore, the position of the column unit 20 can be positioned in the standby mode or the use mode.

[0082] In the shift control apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the column unit 20 cannot be rotated using the driving force of the motor due to a malfunction of the motor 31, the PCB 50, etc., the driver can forcibly rotate the column unit manually. This may be called an override function.

[0083] In addition to the override function, when the column unit 20 is rotated by the driving force of the motor 31, the override unit 40 set for this function can be used as a medium connecting the worm gear 36 and the intermediate gear 37 to transmit the driving force of the motor to the column unit. Conversely, when external force is applied to the intermediate gear through the column unit, the override unit 40 can be used to absorb the external force without transmitting it to the motor.

[0084] The override unit 40 may include: a first override gear unit 41, a plurality of spline groove portions 42, an override ring member 45 and an elastic member 46, wherein the first override gear unit 41 is formed on an edge portion on the other side of the inner surface of the worm gear 36, a plurality of spline groove portions 42 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall in the accommodating groove 39 of the intermediate gear 37, the override ring member 45 includes a second override gear unit 43 formed on one side and a plurality of spline protrusions 44 formed on the other side, and the elastic member 46 is located between the accommodating groove of the intermediate gear and the override ring member.

[0085] The first override gear unit 41 may include a plurality of first groove portions 41a spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the circumferential direction on the other edge portion of the worm wheel 36 and formed concavely in the axial direction (i.e., thickness direction) of the worm wheel. Since the first protrusion 41b may be located between a pair of adjacent first groove portions, the plurality of first groove portions and the plurality of first protrusions may be alternately and continuously arranged in the first override gear unit.

[0086] Alternatively, the first override gear unit 41 may be formed to be carved so that the plurality of first protrusions 41 b do not protrude from the edge portion of the worm wheel in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] The second override gear unit 43 located on one side of the override ring member 45 may include a plurality of second protrusions 43b spaced apart from each other at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on one side of the override ring member so as to correspond to the first override gear unit 41, and protrudingly formed in the axial direction (i.e., the thickness direction) of the override ring member 45. Since the second groove portion 43a may be located between a pair of adjacent second protrusions, the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second groove portions may be alternately and continuously arranged in the second override gear unit.

[0088] Since the override ring member 45 can be pushed toward the worm gear 36 by the elastic force of the elastic member 46, a plurality of second protrusions 43b of the second override gear unit 43 can be respectively fitted into and engaged with a plurality of first groove portions 41a of the first override gear unit 41, so that the worm gear and the override ring member can be in a connected state configured to transmit power to each other.

[0089] A plurality of spline groove portions 42 can be spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the side wall in the receiving groove 39 of the intermediate gear 37, and can be formed to be recessed in the radial direction thereof. A plurality of spline protrusions 44 located on the other side of the override ring member 45 can be formed to protrude from the edge portion of the other side of the override ring member in the axial direction, and can be formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction. The plurality of spline groove portions and the plurality of spline protrusions can be formed in the same number.

[0090] Even if the elastic member 46 is located between the override ring member 45 and the intermediate gear 37, a plurality of spline protrusions 44 can be at least partially inserted into a plurality of spline groove portions 42 respectively to couple the override ring member and the intermediate gear, so that the override ring member and the intermediate gear can rotate integrally.

[0091] The override ring member 45 can move relative to the worm gear 36 and / or the intermediate gear 37 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33. After the movement, the override ring member can be pushed toward the worm gear by the elastic force of the elastic member 46 as described above. In the present case, a helical spring can be used as the elastic member, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0092] The shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that: a first inclined surface 41s (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and a second inclined surface 41t (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) are respectively provided on both side walls of the first groove portion 41a, a third inclined surface 43s (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) corresponding to the first inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface 43t (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) corresponding to the second inclined surface are respectively provided on two side surfaces in the circumferential direction of the second protrusion 43b.

[0093] Therefore, the first groove portion 41a can include a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the distance between the two side walls decreases in the depth direction. Therefore, the first protrusion 41b formed between a pair of first groove portions can also include a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0094] For example, the first inclined surface 41s may be formed to incline from the bottom surface of the first groove portion 41a at a first angle α greater than 90 degrees, i.e., an obtuse first angle. For example, the second inclined surface 41t may be formed to incline from the bottom surface of the first groove portion at a second angle β greater than 90 degrees, i.e., an obtuse second angle.

[0095] Similarly, the second protrusion 43b corresponding to the first groove portion 41a may include the same cross-sectional shape as the first groove portion. Thus, the second groove portion 43a formed between a pair of second protrusions may also include a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0096] In the first groove portion 41a, the first angle α of the first inclined surface 41s and the second angle β of the second inclined surface 41t may be different from each other. In addition, correspondingly, the angle of the third inclined surface 43s and the angle of the fourth inclined surface 43t in the second protrusion 43b may be different from each other. For example, in the first groove portion 41a, the magnitude of the first angle α may be set to be greater than the magnitude of the second angle β.

[0097] When the first angle α of the first inclined surface 41s and the second angle β of the second inclined surface 41t are set to be different from each other in the first groove portion 41a, there may be an advantage that, according to the rotation direction of the column unit 20 (e.g., the override direction), the intensity of the external force to be applied for the override function can be applied differently.

[0098] When the second protrusion 43b is inserted into the first groove portion 41a, the first inclined surface 41s and the third inclined surface 43s may be in contact with each other, and the second inclined surface 41t and the fourth inclined surface 43t may be in contact with each other. In the current case, when the driving force of the motor 31 is transmitted to the override ring member 45 through the worm 35 and the worm gear 36, the override ring member can rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) or a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), and the rotational force of the override ring member can be transmitted to the intermediate gear 37 due to the engagement of the plurality of first groove portions 41a and the plurality of second protrusions 43b.

[0099] When the intermediate gear 37 rotates, the column unit 20 can rotate together with the sector gear 23 of the annular portion 21 engaged with the intermediate gear 37. In the current case, the shaft 33 fixed to the intermediate gear can also rotate, so that the Hall sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 can detect the rotation of the column unit through the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 52 caused by the rotation of the shaft.

[0100] In a state where the second protrusion 43b is inserted into the first groove portion 41a and the first inclined surface 41s and the third inclined surface 43s are in contact with each other, and the second inclined surface 41t and the fourth inclined surface 43t are in contact with each other, when the sector gear 23 of the annular portion 21 rotates together with the column unit 20 by a predetermined amount of external force, the intermediate gear 37 engaged with the sector gear can rotate in the first or second direction, but the worm gear 36 and the worm 35 cannot rotate due to self-locking.

[0101] Therefore, either the third inclined surface 43s or the fourth inclined surface 43t of the second protrusion 43b can move in contact with either the first inclined surface 41s or the second inclined surface 41t in the first groove portion 41a, so that the override ring member 45 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 46 and move toward the intermediate gear 37 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33.

[0102] After the second protrusion 43b comes out of the first groove portion 41a, the override ring member 45 can rotate in the rotation direction of the intermediate gear 37. Therefore, the second protrusion can move in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into a different first groove portion adjacent to the first groove portion by the elastic force of the elastic member 46.

[0103] Such a series of processes can be repeated until the external force is fully absorbed, so that when an external force is applied, the intermediate gear 37 can rotate relative to the worm gear 36. Therefore, the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can achieve an override function.

[0104] Figure 6A and Figure 6B FIGs. are schematic views exemplarily showing the states of the column unit in the standby mode and the use mode by the operation of the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] When the drive unit 30 operates, the column unit 20 can rotate around the steering column 2, and its position can be changed between the standby mode and the use mode according to the rotation. Figure 6A FIG. shows the column unit in the standby mode, while Figure 6B FIG. shows the column unit in the use mode.

[0106] For example, the standby mode can be defined as the position where the column unit 20 extends forward of the steering wheel 1 from the driver's perspective, and the use mode can be defined as the position where the column unit rotates from the standby mode and is set to extend laterally.

[0107] For example, the standby mode can be at the position where the column unit 20 extends in the 12 o'clock direction, and the use mode can be at the position where the column unit extends in the approximately 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock direction.

[0108] The position change between the standby mode and the use mode of the column unit 20 can be achieved by operating the drive unit 30, and it is desirable to set the position change from the standby mode to the use mode to 90 degrees or less to prevent the column unit from interfering with the driver's knees.

[0109] By operating the drive unit 30, the column unit 20 can be rotated in one direction (e.g., clockwise) from the standby mode to change its position to the use mode, and can return from the use mode to the standby mode by rotation in the opposite direction.

[0110] In this way, the column unit 20 can be located in an upward-extending position in the standby mode, so that when the driver gets into the vehicle, the column unit can be in front of the driver's line of sight, so as to easily transmit the visual information image other than the gear position indicated by the indicator 25 to the driver, thereby generating a sense of beauty.

[0111] In addition, in the use mode, the column unit 20 can be located in a laterally-extending position, so that the driver can easily change the gear by easily grasping the shift knob 22 provided on the column unit.

[0112] When the printed circuit board (PCB) 50 of the controller forming the shift control device receives a signal from the input unit 65, it can be configured to control the motor 31 of the drive unit 30 to be driven, thereby changing the position of the column unit 20. In the current situation, the input unit can include an advanced control system and different controllers of the vehicle, various sensors of the vehicle, etc.

[0113] The signal of the input unit 65 can be any one of a vehicle start-on signal and a start-off signal, a door open signal and a close signal, a door lock signal and an unlock signal, an entry signal for the autonomous driving mode, or a driver mode change signal.

[0114] For example, when the vehicle start switch is off, the column unit 20 can be in the standby mode, and when the vehicle start switch is on, the column unit 20 can be in the use mode. By changing the position of the column unit, the driver can clearly identify whether the vehicle is starting.

[0115] In the current situation, starting can include not only the driving state of the internal combustion engine, but also the driving preparation (e.g., "READY") state of the electric vehicle.

[0116] When a start switch on signal is received, a welcome image can be displayed on the indicator 25 of the column unit 20. This can enable the driver to clearly identify whether the vehicle has started. In the electric vehicle, the situation of effectively notifying the driver that the vehicle has started can be improved.

[0117] In addition, when a door opening signal is received, the column unit 20 may be in a standby mode, and when a door closing signal is received, the column unit 20 may be in an operating mode. In addition, when a door unlocking signal is received, the column unit may be in a standby mode, and when a door locking signal is received, the column unit may be in an operating mode.

[0118] Even in the case of a door opening signal or an unlocking signal, a welcome image may be displayed on the indicator 25 of the column unit 20, thereby providing aesthetic satisfaction to the driver.

[0119] In addition, the column unit 20 may be in a standby mode in the autonomous driving mode, and may be in an operating mode in the driver mode. In the autonomous driving mode, the vehicle may be in a driving state, but the column unit may be in a standby mode. In the current situation, an autonomous driving activation image may be displayed on the indicator 25 to enhance the awareness of entering the autonomous driving mode.

[0120] As Figure 6A shown, when the column unit 20 is in a standby mode, the vehicle may be in a starting switch off state or may be in an autonomous driving state. Therefore, in the current situation, even when the driver operates the shift knob 22 of the column unit, it is impossible to change the gear for safety reasons.

[0121] Exceptionally, when the shift knob 22 or the P gear position button 24 of the column unit 20 is operated for a certain period of time immediately after the vehicle starting switch is turned off to park the vehicle, a shift signal to the N gear or the P gear may be transmitted.

[0122] As Figure 6B shown, when the column unit 20 is in an operating mode, the driver can change the gear by rotating or toggling the shift knob 22.

[0123] For example, when the driver operates the shift knob 22, the transmission control unit 60 may detect the change in the gear and may transmit the detected information to the PCB 50. The PCB may transmit the information to the vehicle control system to perform a gear shift. When the gear shift is completed, the vehicle control system may transmit a gear shift completion signal to the PCB 50. The PCB may transmit the gear shift completion information to the transmission control unit 60. Finally, the change information about the gear may be displayed through the transmission control unit indicator 25.

[0124] In this way, the shift control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can allow the driver to easily identify the current state of the vehicle under various conditions by changing the position between the standby mode and the use mode, and can display a visual information image on the indicator 25 to notify the driver, so as to provide a high-tech image. Therefore, it can have the advantage of improving the marketability of the vehicle together with the shift control device.

[0125] In addition, in the shift control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the column unit 20 cannot rotate using the driving force of the motor due to a failure of the motor 31, the PCB 50, etc., for example, when the driving unit cannot automatically rotate the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode, the driver can manually force-rotate the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode without operating the driving unit 30.

[0126] As Figure 7 shown, when the sector gear 23 of the annular portion 21 rotates together with the column unit 20 in the first direction (for example, clockwise from the driver's perspective) due to an external force applied by the driver, the intermediate gear 37 meshing with the sector gear can rotate in the second direction, but the worm gear 36 can not rotate due to self-locking.

[0127] Therefore, the third inclined surface 43s on either side of the second protrusion 43b can move in contact with the first inclined surface 41s in the first groove portion 41a, whereby the override ring member 45 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 46 to move toward the intermediate gear 37 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33.

[0128] After the second protrusion 43b exits from the first groove portion 41a, the override ring member 45 can rotate in the rotation direction of the intermediate gear 37 (for example, in the second direction), and thus, the second protrusion can move in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into a different first groove portion adjacent to the first groove portion by the elastic force of the elastic member 46.

[0129] Such a series of processes can be repeated until the external force is sufficiently absorbed, so that when the external force is applied, the intermediate gear 37 can rotate relative to the worm gear 36.

[0130] When the column unit 20 rotates, the second protrusion 43b of the second override gear unit 43 crosses the first protrusion 41b of the first override gear unit 41 and is inserted into the first groove portion 41a. At the same time, the override ring member 45 moves toward the worm gear 36 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33 by the elastic force of the elastic member 46. Every time this happens, the driver may feel a sense of restricted movement.

[0131] The shaft 33 can be fixed to the intermediate gear 37 to rotate integrally with the intermediate gear, and the Hall sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 can detect the rotation of the column unit 20 through the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the shaft 33.

[0132] When the driver rotates the column unit 20 to the position in the use mode, the further rotation of the column unit can be prevented by the stopper 16 provided on one side of the cover 11 of the housing 10, and it can be confirmed whether the column unit has normally reached the position in the use mode through the detection of the Hall sensor 51.

[0133] In addition, the shift control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the override function, can also function as absorbing the external force that is not transmitted to the motor 31 of the drive unit 30 when an abnormal external force is applied to the intermediate gear 37 through the column unit when the column unit 20 is in the use mode.

[0134] As Figure 8 shown, when a strong external force is applied by the driver or any object to rotate the sector gear 23 of the annular part 21 together with the column unit 20 in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise based on the driver's perspective), the intermediate gear 37 meshing with the sector gear can rotate in the first direction, but the worm gear 36 can not rotate due to self-locking.

[0135] Therefore, the fourth inclined surface 43t on the other side of the second protrusion 43b can move in contact with the second inclined surface 41t in the first groove part 41a, whereby the override ring member 45 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 46 and move toward the intermediate gear 37 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33.

[0136] After the second protrusion 43b exits from the first groove part 41a, the override ring member 45 can rotate in the rotation direction of the intermediate gear 37 (e.g., in the first direction), and thus, the second protrusion can move in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into a different first groove part adjacent to the first groove part by the elastic force of the elastic member 46.

[0137] Such a series of processes can be repeated until the external force is fully absorbed, so that the intermediate gear 37 can rotate relative to the worm gear 36 when the external force is applied.

[0138] The shaft 33 can be fixed to the intermediate gear 37 and can rotate integrally with the intermediate gear, and the Hall sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 can detect the rotation of the column unit 20 through the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 52 caused by the rotation of the shaft.

[0139] In this way, while rotating the column unit 20 from the use mode to the standby mode by a predetermined angular displacement, external forces can be absorbed, preventing damage to the column unit or the gear transmission 32.

[0140] The intensity of the applied external force can be set differently, which can be achieved by forming groove portions and / or protrusions by changing the angles of the inclined surfaces on both sides according to the override direction. As the inclination angle (obtuse angle) becomes smaller, the intensity of the external force to be applied for exercising the override function will increase.

[0141] In the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the column unit 20 cannot rotate normally due to a rotation failure and the driver applies an external force to the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode, the column unit can rotate to be correctly positioned in the use mode without relying on the operation of the drive unit 30.

[0142] Therefore, even when the drive unit fails, the driver can manually rotate the column unit so that the column unit 20 can be correctly positioned in the use mode, and the driver can control the shift of the gear position by operating the shift knob 22 on the column unit.

[0143] Conversely, when the driver applies an external force (accidentally applies an impact) to the column unit 20 in the direction of the standby mode when the column unit 20 is in the use mode, the column unit 20 can absorb the external force while rotating in the direction of the standby mode, thereby preventing damage to the components of the shift control device.

[0144] The former case (applying an external force in the direction of the use mode) may be that the driver intentionally applies an external force to the column unit in the direction of the use mode, and the latter case (applying an external force in the direction of the standby mode) may be that the driver accidentally applies an external force to the column unit in the direction of the standby mode. Since the reasons and effects of the external force applied to the column unit may be different, the external force applied in the former case can be set to be less than the external force applied in the latter case.

[0145] For example, when the first angle α of the first inclined surface 41s in the first groove portion 41a is set to be greater than the second angle β of the second inclined surface 41t, the external force to be applied to the override unit 40 for the second protrusion 43b to contact and move along the first inclined surface (applying an external force to rotate in the direction of the use mode) can be less than the external force to be applied to the override unit for the second protrusion to contact and move along the second inclined surface (applying an external force to rotate in the direction of the standby mode).

[0146] For example, as the angle (obtuse angle) increases, the external force to be applied to rotate the column unit 20 may be weaker, and as the angle (obtuse angle) decreases and approaches a right angle, the external force to be applied to rotate the column unit may be stronger.

[0147] When the column unit 20 is in an intermediate position between the use mode and the standby mode and performs an automatic position change of the column unit, the column unit may encounter different stoppers 16 provided on the cover 11 of the housing 10, and in the current case, further rotation of the column unit can be prevented.

[0148] Whether the column unit 20 has normally reached the standby mode position due to the override of the motor 31 can be confirmed by the detection of the Hall sensor 51, and then the automatic position change of the column unit can be normally performed between the standby mode and the use mode.

[0149] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driver can manually rotate the column unit, and even in the event of a failure, the column unit can be rotated from the standby mode to the use mode. Therefore, the reliability of the shift control device can be further enhanced.

[0150] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, damage to the components forming the shift control device due to the rotation of the column unit by strong external force can be prevented. Therefore, the robustness and service life of the product can be improved.

[0151] In addition, terms related to a control device, such as "controller", "control device", "control unit", "control equipment", "control module", "control circuit", or "server", etc., refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor, which is configured to execute one or more steps interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores the algorithm steps, and the processor executes the algorithm steps to perform one or more processes of the method according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by a non-volatile memory and a processor, the non-volatile memory being configured to store an algorithm for controlling the operation of various components of the vehicle or data on software commands for executing the algorithm, the processor being configured to use the data stored in the memory to perform the above operations. The memory and the processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be integrated in a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors. The processor can include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, can be configured to process data according to a program provided by the memory, and can be configured to generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0152] The control device can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program can include a series of commands for performing the methods included in the above various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0153] The above invention may also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data that can be read by a computer system thereafter, and store and execute program instructions that can be read by a computer system thereafter. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmitted via the Internet). Examples of program instructions include machine language code (e.g., those generated by a compiler) and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or similar tool.

[0154] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the above operations may be performed by a control device, which may be constructed of multiple control devices or a single integrated control device.

[0155] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the memory and the processor may be provided as one chip or as separate chips.

[0156] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention includes software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, application software, firmware, programs, etc.) for enabling the operations of the methods according to the various embodiments to be performed on a device or computer, and non-transitory computer-readable media including such software or commands stored thereon and executable on the device or computer.

[0157] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the control device may be implemented in hardware or software, or may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software.

[0158] Furthermore, the terms (e.g., "unit", "module") included in the specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle may refer to a concept based on including various means of transportation. In some cases, a vehicle may be interpreted as being based on such a concept that includes not only various land vehicles traveling on roads, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses, but also various means of transportation such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0160] For the convenience of explanation and to precisely define the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "back", "inner side", "outer side", "inwardly", "outwardly", "interior", "exterior", "internal", "external", "forward", "backward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary specific embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0161] The term "and / or" can include combinations of multiple related listed items or any one of the multiple related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases, namely "A", "B", and "A and B".

[0162] In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, "at least one of A and B" can refer to "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of a combination of at least one of A and B". In addition, "one or more of A and B" can refer to "one or more of A or B" or "one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B".

[0163] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0164] In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or the existence of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0165] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, components can be combined with each other to form one, or some components can be omitted.

[0166] Hereinafter, the fact that hardware is operably coupled can include the fact of establishing a direct and / or indirect connection between the hardware through wired and / or wireless means.

[0167] The foregoing description of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary specific embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain specific principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary specific embodiments of the invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shift control device, comprising: A housing; A column unit, which includes an end portion rotatably coupled to the housing, the column unit protruding from the housing in a radial direction and being operable for shifting gears; A drive unit, which is disposed in the housing and engaged with the column unit to rotate the column unit; and An override unit, which is disposed in the drive unit to transmit a driving force to the column unit and is capable of rotating the column unit when an external force is applied.

2. The shift control device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit includes: A motor, which is fixed in the housing via a support member; A gear transmission, which is engaged with the motor and the column unit and transmits the driving force of the motor to the column unit; and A shaft, which rotatably supports at least a part of the gear transmission.

3. The shift control device according to claim 2, further comprising: A permanent magnet; A printed circuit board; And A Hall sensor; Wherein, the permanent magnet is fixed to one side of the end portion of the shaft; The printed circuit board provided with the Hall sensor and controlling the driving of the motor is built in the housing; The Hall sensor detects the rotation of the column unit by the change in the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the shaft.

4. The shift control device according to claim 2, wherein, The gear transmission includes: A worm, which is mounted on the motor shaft of the motor; A worm gear, which meshes with the worm; An intermediate gear, which is mounted on the shaft and coaxially arranged with the worm gear; and The override unit, which connects the worm gear and the intermediate gear; Wherein, the intermediate gear meshes with a sector gear formed on the one end portion of the column unit.

5. The shift control device according to claim 4, wherein, The worm gear is rotatably supported in the support hole of the support member by a step portion formed on its first edge portion, The shaft is arranged to pass through the worm gear and rotate relative to the worm gear, and is fixed to the intermediate gear to rotate together.

6. The shift control device according to claim 5, wherein, The override unit includes: A first override gear unit, which is formed on a second edge portion on the inner surface of the worm gear; A plurality of spline groove portions, which are formed on the inner surface of the side wall in the receiving groove of the intermediate gear; An override ring member, in which a second override gear unit engaged with the first override gear unit is formed on a first side, and a plurality of spline protrusions at least partially fitted into each spline groove portion are formed on a second side; and An elastic member, which is located between the receiving groove and the override ring member.

7. The shift control device according to claim 6, wherein, The first override gear unit includes a plurality of first groove portions, the plurality of first groove portions being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the worm gear and recessedly formed in the axial direction of the worm gear, The second override gear unit includes a plurality of second protrusions, the plurality of second protrusions being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the override ring member and protrudingly formed in the axial direction of the override ring member to correspond to the first override gear unit, Wherein, the plurality of second protrusions are respectively inserted into and engaged with the plurality of first groove portions.

8. The shift control device according to claim 7, wherein, The first side wall and the second side wall of each first groove portion respectively include a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first circumferential side surface and the second circumferential side surface of each second protrusion respectively include a third inclined surface formed to correspond to the first inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface formed to correspond to the second inclined surface.

9. The shift control device according to claim 8, wherein the first inclined surface is formed to incline from the bottom surface of each first groove portion at a first obtuse angle. the second inclined surface is formed to incline from the bottom surface of each first groove portion at a second obtuse angle.

10. The shift control device according to claim 9, wherein, The first angle and the second angle are different from each other.

11. The shift control device according to claim 9, wherein, The magnitude of the first angle is greater than the magnitude of the second angle.

12. The shift control device according to claim 8, wherein, The external force applied to the override unit to cause each second protrusion to contact and move along the first inclined surface is set to be less than the external force applied to the override unit to cause each second protrusion to contact and move along the second inclined surface.

13. The shift control device according to claim 8, wherein, The override ring member is movable relative to the worm gear and / or the intermediate gear in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and is pushed toward the worm gear by the elastic member.

14. The shift control device according to claim 13, wherein, In response to the sector gear of the column unit being rotated by an external force, the intermediate gear engaged with the sector gear rotates, but the worm gear does not rotate due to self-locking. The second protrusion is inserted into another adjacent first groove portion across one of the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface, so that the override ring member in the intermediate gear rotates relative to the worm gear.

15. The shift control device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is fixed to the steering column in front of the steering wheel. The steering column passes through the housing and one end of the column unit. The column unit rotates around the steering column in response to the operation of the drive unit, and changes the position of the column unit to a standby mode or a use mode.

16. The shift control device according to claim 15, wherein the standby mode is a position where the column unit extends upward from in front of the steering wheel. the use mode is a position where the column unit rotates from the standby mode and is set to extend in the lateral direction of the steering wheel.

17. The shift control device according to claim 15, wherein, The external force applied to cause the column unit to rotate from the standby mode toward the use mode is set to be less than the external force applied to cause the column unit to rotate from the use mode toward the standby mode.

18. The shift control device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a cover that shields the accommodation space therein. A plurality of stoppers for restricting the rotation of the column unit are provided on the cover.

19. A shift control device, comprising: a housing located in front of the steering wheel; a column unit including one end rotatably coupled to the housing, the column unit protruding from the housing in the radial direction and being operable for shifting gears; a drive unit disposed in the housing, the drive unit rotating the column unit according to a signal from an input unit; and an override unit disposed in the drive unit to transmit a driving force to the column unit and capable of rotating the column unit when an external force is applied. Wherein, the column unit is in a standby mode or a use mode. The standby mode is a position where the column unit extends upward from in front of the steering wheel, and the use mode is a position where the column unit extends in the lateral direction of the steering wheel. The override unit is configured to transmit a driving force to the column unit such that the column unit rotates by the operation of the driving unit to change the position of the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode or from the use mode to the standby mode. The override unit is configured to rotate the column unit when an external force is applied, thereby changing the position of the column unit from the standby mode to the use mode or from the use mode to the standby mode.

Images