Electronic shift control device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic shift control device and a control method thereof, in a column-type electronic shift control device, the position of which can be changed not only by driving a driving unit but also by a predetermined amount of external force, and which can prevent an unexpected shift when the position is changed by the predetermined amount of external force. The shift control apparatus includes: a housing; a column module including a module body rotatably coupled to the housing and a shift lever rotatably hinged with respect to the module body and protruding from the housing; the driving unit is disposed in the housing and is coupled to the module body to rotate the module body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a column-type electronic shift control device and a control method thereof, wherein the position of the column-type electronic shift control device can be changed not only by driving a drive unit but also by a predetermined amount of external force, and when the position is changed by the predetermined amount of external force, the column-type electronic shift control device can prevent accidental shifting. Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a transmission device provided in a vehicle, a by-wire shift transmission device may be an electronic transmission device configured to control a transmission by receiving an electrical signal according to a shift control of a driver. This by-wire shift transmission device may have a structure in which a shift lever operates like a switch to electrically transmit a signal, and the transmission is operated by a driving device such as a solenoid, a motor, etc.

[0003] In this way, there may be the following advantages: For an electronic transmission device based on by-wire shift, the driver's shifting intention is transmitted as an electrical signal to a transmission control unit through a simple operation, and the transmission control unit controls the driving device, making it easier to shift 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 a seat for a driver and a seat for a front passenger.

[0004] On the other hand, when an abnormal external force is applied to the shift lever, shifting may easily occur, or in severe cases, components constituting the transmission device, such as the shift lever, gear members, drive units, etc., may be damaged. For example, in the event of a failure, the driver may be forced to operate the shift lever. When the direction of forced operation is the same as the direction of shifting to the D gear, there may be a risk of accidentally shifting to the D gear.

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

[0006] Aspects of the present invention aim to provide a column-type electronic shift control device and a control method thereof, wherein the position of the column-type electronic shift control device can be changed not only by driving a drive unit but also by a predetermined amount of external force, and accidental shifting can be prevented when the position is changed by the predetermined amount of external force.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a shift control device includes: a housing, a column module, and a drive unit. The column module includes a module body rotatably coupled to the housing and a shift lever rotatably hinged relative to the module body and protruding from the housing. The drive unit is disposed in the housing and engaged with the module body to rotate the module body.

[0008] A sector gear may be formed on one side of the module body and meshed with a gear transmission of the drive unit. An expansion portion extending in a radial direction and including a hollow portion may be formed on the other side of the module body. One end of the shift lever may be received in the expansion portion and hinged to the expansion portion.

[0009] The shift lever may include a support rod extending in a predetermined direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the shift lever. The column module may further include a support block disposed on the module body to support the movement of the support rod.

[0010] A bullet rod and a spring may be installed in the support rod, and an end of the bullet rod may protrude out of the support rod by the elastic force of the spring.

[0011] A guide groove may be formed on one side surface of the support block, and the end of the bullet rod may be movably inserted into the guide groove. The depth of the guide groove may be deepest at a central portion in the longitudinal direction and gradually decrease toward its ends.

[0012] A first sensor for detecting the rotation of the column module may be disposed in the housing, and a second sensor for detecting the rotation of the shift lever may be disposed in the expansion portion. The first sensor and the second sensor may be physically or electrically connected to a printed circuit board installed in the housing.

[0013] The drive unit may include: a motor, a gear transmission, and a shaft. The motor is fixed in the housing; the gear transmission transmits the driving force of the motor to the sector gear; the shaft rotates and supports at least a part of the gear transmission; wherein, the printed circuit board may be installed in the housing to control the driving of the motor.

[0014] The gear transmission may include: a worm, a worm gear, an intermediate gear, and an override unit. The worm is installed on the motor shaft of the motor; the worm gear has an annular shape and meshes with the worm; the intermediate gear is fixedly installed on the shaft and coaxially disposed with the worm gear; the override unit connects the worm gear and the intermediate gear; wherein, the intermediate gear may mesh with the sector gear; when an external force is applied, the override unit may allow the intermediate gear to rotate relative to the worm gear.

[0015] The override unit may include: a first override gear unit, a plurality of spline groove portions, an override ring member and an elastic member, wherein the first override gear unit is formed on an end portion of the inner surface of the worm gear; a plurality of spline groove portions are formed on the inner surface of the side wall in the accommodating groove of the intermediate gear; a second override gear unit engaged with the first override gear unit in the override ring member is formed on one side, and a plurality of spline protrusions at least partially assembled into each spline groove portion are formed on the other side; and the elastic member is located between the accommodating groove and the override ring member.

[0016] The first override gear unit may include a plurality of first groove portions, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall of each first groove portion include a first inclined surface, and the second override gear unit may include a plurality of second protrusions to correspond to the first override gear unit, wherein both side surfaces along the circumferential direction of each second protrusion may include second inclined surfaces, and when an external force is applied, the second protrusion may pass over one of the first inclined surfaces of the first groove portion and be inserted into another adjacent first groove portion, so that the override ring member in the intermediate gear can rotate relative to the worm gear.

[0017] The housing can be fixed to a steering column in front of a steering wheel, wherein the steering column can pass through the housing and the module body together, the column module can rotate around the steering column when the drive unit is operated, and the position of the column module can be changed to a standby mode or a use mode.

[0018] The standby mode may be a position where the column module extends in an upward direction from the front of the steering wheel, and the use mode may be a position where the column module is rotated from the standby mode and positioned to extend in a lateral direction of the steering wheel.

[0019] The rotation trajectory of the column module may be consistent with the rotation trajectory of the shift lever.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a shift control device includes: when a column module is in a standby mode, operating a drive unit and determining whether the drive unit is operating; when the drive unit is operating, determining whether the column module is rotating; when operations of the drive unit and the column module are stopped, determining whether the column module is in a use mode; when the column module is in the use mode, determining that a gear position is in a variable state; determining whether a position of a shift lever has changed; and when the position of the shift lever is changed, transmitting a shift signal according to the position of the shift lever.

[0021] Determining whether the drive unit is operating and determining whether the column module is rotating may include detecting rotation of the column module using a first sensor, and determining whether the position of the shift lever has changed may include detecting rotation of the shift lever using a second sensor.

[0022] The method may further include: controlling for a boot override function when the drive unit is not operating or when the column module stops and is not in the use mode.

[0023] The method may further include: after booting the override function, determining whether the column module is in the use mode; and determining whether the shift lever has returned to its initial position.

[0024] The method may further include: when it is determined that the column module is in the use mode and the shift lever has returned to its initial position, determining that the gear position is in a variable state; determining whether the position of the shift lever has changed; and when the position of the shift lever changes, transmitting a shift signal according to the position of the shift lever.

[0025] The method may further include: before transmitting the shift signal, maintaining the actual gear position of the vehicle in the N gear position or the P gear position.

[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 FIG. 1

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 2 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. 3 is a front view exemplarily showing a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the cover is removed.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of a column module of the shift control device exemplarily showing Figure 3 the one shown in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram exemplarily showing shift control performed by a shift lever through a column module in the use mode.

[0032] Figure 6 FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a gear transmission and an override unit of the shift control device exemplarily showing Figure 3 the one shown in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a drive unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown by way of example.

[0034] Figure 8A and Figure 8B FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the states of a column module in a standby mode and a use mode by the operation of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a process for restricting the transmission of a shift signal in a method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather show a somewhat simplified representation of the various features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. The predetermined design features of the present invention included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific target application and the environment of use.

[0038] In these figures, throughout the several views of the drawings, like reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying 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 contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternative forms, modifications, equivalent forms, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] 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, it should be noted that, even in different drawings, the same components are preferably denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible.

[0041] In this specification, a vehicle refers to various vehicles that move a transportable object (such as a person, an animal, or goods, etc.) from a starting point to a destination. These vehicles are not limited to vehicles that travel on roads or tracks.

[0042] In this specification, terms such as first, second, 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, etc., and may be named only to distinguish one component from other components.

[0043] 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. Figure 2 FIG. is a front view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the cover is removed. Figure 3 FIG. is an exploded perspective view of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 10, a column module 20, and a drive unit 30.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be provided on the steering wheel 1 of a vehicle such that a driver can control the shifting of gears through the column module 20. This may have the advantage that there is no need to provide a separate space for the arrangement of the shift control device and the column module.

[0046] The rotation axis S1 of the column module 20 forming the shift control device and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be arranged substantially concentrically.

[0047] The steering column 2 of the vehicle may pass through a part of the housing 10 and the column module 20, and the housing may be fixed to the steering column 2 in front of the steering wheel 1. Thus, the column module can rotate around the steering column.

[0048] In this way, when the steering column 2 passes through the said part of the column module 20 and the column module is arranged to be rotatable relative to the steering column, the rotation axis S1 of the column module and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be substantially coaxial with the steering column 2. In the current case, the layout of the shift control device and the column module can be simplified.

[0049] 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 the column module 20, and the housing 10 may be located outside the steering column.

[0050] For example, the rotation axis S1 of the column module 20 and the rotation axis S2 of the steering wheel 1 may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel. In the current case, since the shift control device and the column module can be arranged at various positions as needed, it may have the advantage of improving the design freedom.

[0051] 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 that shields the accommodation space.

[0052] A shaft member 12 including a tubular shape may be disposed in the housing 10, and a module body 21 of the column module 20 may be assembled to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member such that the column module may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the housing. For example, the shaft member may form a rotation axis S1 of the column module.

[0053] In addition, in the housing 10, a long hole 13 extending in a direction around the shaft member may be formed in a side wall extending in a direction parallel to the shaft member 12. The column module 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 and its position may be changed. Accordingly, the column module may be disposed to protrude from the shaft member of the housing in a radial direction of the shaft member.

[0054] The drive unit 30 may be disposed and accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 10. In addition, a support member 14 for mounting and supporting a motor forming the drive unit 30 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the housing 10.

[0055] 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 an operation of a shift control device or at least the drive unit 30.

[0056] An IC chip, a first sensor 51, etc. may be mounted on the PCB 50. The PCB may use a signal from the first sensor to detect rotation of the column module 20 and control driving 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 in a vehicle via wired communication, wireless communication, or wired / wireless communication.

[0057] The PCB 50 may detect the position of the column module 20 through the first sensor 51, and thus, it may be known whether the column module is correctly positioned in a standby mode or a use mode.

[0058] In addition, the PCB 50 may be configured to use a signal from the first sensor 51 for controlling driving of the drive unit 30 and may further control rotation of the column module 20. Accordingly, the column module may rotate from a standby mode to a use mode, or may rotate from a use mode to a standby mode, thereby changing its position.

[0059] The housing 10 can be fixedly coupled to the steering column 2, for example, as described above. The interior of the shaft member 12 in the housing can communicate with the exterior outside the housing. The cover 11 and the PCB 50 can respectively include through holes 15 and 55 formed at positions corresponding to the shaft member.

[0060] Therefore, the steering column 2 can pass through the housing 10, the shaft member 12, the PCB 50, the module body 51 of the column module 20, the cover 11, etc. The housing can be fixed to the steering column, for example, by bolt connection, etc., and the steering column passes through the housing.

[0061] The cover 11 can be a member including a plate shape, and a plurality of stoppers 16 that restrict the rotation of the column module 20 around the through hole 15 can be provided on the inner surface of the accommodation space facing the housing 10. In addition, a support hole 17 can be provided in the cover, and the support hole 17 is formed to support the end of the shaft 33 forming the drive unit 30.

[0062] Figure 4 For exemplary illustration Figure 3 Partial enlarged perspective view of the column module of the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown. As shown, the column module 20 can include a module body 21, a shift lever 22, and a support block 23.

[0063] The module body 21 can be a member including an annular shape, and it can be assembled and rotatably coupled to the shaft member 12 including a tubular shape in the housing 10, thereby allowing the column module 20 to rotate inside and outside the housing.

[0064] A sector gear 25 including a plurality of teeth can be formed on one side of the outer peripheral surface of the module body 21. Since the sector gear meshes with the gear transmission 32 forming the drive unit 30, the column module 20 can rotate according to the rotation of the gear transmission.

[0065] A wiring channel 26 having a predetermined arc length in the circumferential direction of the module body can be formed between the sector gear 25 and the inner peripheral surface of the module body (for example, inside the module body).

[0066] On the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the module body 21, an expansion part 27 extending in the radial direction and including a hollow part can be formed. The hollow part can be exposed radially outward to define a mounting groove 27a on one side of the expansion part, and a through hole 27b passing through in the axial direction of the module body including an annular shape can be formed on the other side of the expansion part. A connection channel 27c can be formed between the mounting groove and the through hole so that the mounting groove and the through hole can communicate. In addition, the mounting groove and the wiring channel 26 can be communicated.

[0067] In the side walls of the mounting groove 27a, first hinge holes 27d may be formed in a pair of side walls spaced apart in the axial direction of the module body, so as to be hinged to one end of the shift lever 22 via a hinge pin 29.

[0068] The shift lever 22 may be a member including a columnar member and a hollow portion, and may include a second hinge hole 28d formed in one end and a support rod 28 extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the shift lever at one side of the one end.

[0069] The one end of the shift lever 22 may be inserted into the mounting groove 27a defined in the expansion portion 27 of the module body 21. The one end of the shift lever may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the mounting groove by a predetermined gap and may move within the mounting groove.

[0070] The second hinge hole 28d of the shift lever 22 may be aligned with the first hinge hole 27d of the module body 21 and may be connected to the first hinge hole via the hinge pin 29, so that the shift lever may be arranged to rotate around the hinge pin in the mounting groove 27a.

[0071] In this way, one end of the shift lever 22 may be received in the expansion portion 27 of the module body 21 and may be hinged to the module body and the expansion portion, so that the shift lever may rotate relative to the module body.

[0072] The support rod 28 may be a member including a tubular shape, one side of which may be fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the shift lever 22, and an exposed hole having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter may be formed on the other side thereof. The support rod 28 may include a built-in bullet rod 28b and a spring 28c to form a so-called spring plunger.

[0073] A tapered portion may be formed at the end of the bullet rod 28b, but is not limited thereto, for example, a hemispherical portion may be employed. In addition, a helical spring may be used as the spring 28c, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The spring 28c may be assembled to the bullet rod to surround the bullet rod 28b. One end of the spring may be supported by the outer surface of the shift lever 22 within the support rod 28, and the other end of the spring may be supported by the bottom surface of the tapered portion. Therefore, the end of the bullet rod, such as the tapered portion, may protrude out of the exposed hole of the support rod by the elastic force of the spring.

[0075] The support rod 28 configured in this way can be located in the connection channel 27c defined within the expansion part 27 of the module body 21. The end of one side of the support rod 28 can be fixed to the outer surface of the shift lever 22, and thus can be located in the mounting groove 27a. The end of the other side can be located in the connection channel. The end of the bullet-shaped rod 28b protruding from the support rod can reach the through hole 27b formed in the expansion part.

[0076] In addition, the support rod 28 can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the connection channel 27c by a predetermined gap and can move within the connection channel. Since the end of one side of the support rod can be fixed to the outer surface of the shift lever 22, when the shift lever rotates around the hinge pin 29 in the mounting groove 27a, the support rod can rotate in the same direction as the shift lever within the connection channel.

[0077] The support block 23 can be inserted and fixed onto the through hole 27b formed in the expansion part 27 of the module body 21. The support block can be arranged to contact the end of the bullet-shaped rod 28b (e.g., the corn-shaped part) and is configured to support the rotation of the support rod 28.

[0078] For this purpose, a guide groove 23a (into which the end of the bullet-shaped rod 28b is inserted and can move) can be formed on one side surface of the support block 23 to support and guide the rotation of the support rod 28. For example, the guide groove can include a cross-sectional shape that is approximately V-shaped and slopes upward from the central part of the bottom surface towards both ends, such that the shift lever 22 can easily and automatically return to its initial position. For example, the depth of the guide groove can be the deepest at the central part in the longitudinal direction and can gradually decrease towards both ends.

[0079] When the shift lever 22 is rotated in one direction by the driver's hand, the end of the bullet-shaped rod 28b on the support rod 28 can move to either end of the guide groove 23a. In this case, as the depth of the guide groove decreases, the bullet-shaped rod that contacts the bottom surface of the guide groove and moves along the bottom surface can move within the support rod against the elastic force of the spring 28c.

[0080] After that, when the driver releases his or her hand from the shift lever 22, the bullet-shaped rod 28b can move to the outside of the support rod 28 by the elastic force of the spring 28c, and the end of the bullet-shaped rod can move along the bottom surface to the central part of the guide groove 23a.

[0081] In this way, the bottom surface of the guide groove 23a can serve as a kind of cam surface for operating the bullet-shaped rod 28b and the spring 28c. Therefore, when the driver removes the operating force after shifting the gear, the shift lever 22 can easily and automatically return to its initial position.

[0082] In addition, the second permanent magnet 54 can be fixed on the other side of the one end of the shift lever 22. Correspondingly, the second sensor 53 including a Hall sensor can be disposed on the opposite side of the connection channel 27c in the mounting groove 27a defined by the expansion part 27 of the module body 21. The Hall sensor can detect the rotation of the shift lever and the rotation of the support rod 28 through the change in the magnetic flux of the second permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the shift lever.

[0083] The flexible wire 56 can be connected to the second sensor 53. The wire can be inserted into the wiring channel 26 of the module body 21 and can be physically and electrically connected to the PCB 50 through the wiring channel. However, it is not necessarily limited to the wire. For example, the second sensor can be electrically connected to the PCB through wireless communication.

[0084] Figure 5 A schematic diagram exemplarily shows the shift control performed by the shift lever of the column module in the usage mode. In the usage mode, for example, when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the D gear can be executed, and when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the R gear can be executed. The arrangement of the gears is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the D gear and the R gear can be arranged oppositely, or different gears can be placed.

[0085] In addition, when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in one direction and removes the operating force, the bullet rod 28b can move along the guide groove 23a of the support block 23 due to the elastic force of the spring 28c. The shift lever 22 can automatically return to its initial position.

[0086] In the shift lever 22, the intermediate position between the D gear and the R gear can be the initial position (neutral gear) where no specific shift signal is generated, and the shift lever can automatically return to the initial position after shifting to the D gear or the R gear. In addition, the Nd gear can be located between the neutral gear and the D gear, and the Nr gear can be located between the neutral gear and the R gear. Both the Nr gear and the Nd gear can be the N gear.

[0087] In addition, the P gear button 24 can be separately provided in the other end of the shift lever 22 so that the vehicle can be parked by the driver operating the P gear button.

[0088] Optionally, the shift lever 22 can further include an indicator 59 disposed at approximately the central part in its longitudinal direction. For example, when the column module 20 is set in the usage mode, the indicator can display the gear of the vehicle, and when the column module 20 is in the standby mode, the indicator can display a visual information image other than the gear.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In this way, the indicator 59 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.

[0091] Optionally, the column module 20 may further include a transmission control unit that controls a driving device of the transmission according to an operation of the shift lever 22. The transmission control unit may be provided on the shift lever or on a printed circuit board (PCB) 50 in the housing 10.

[0092] Based on the signal received from the PCB 50 , the transmission control unit may be configured to display a visual information image other than the gear position on the indicator 59 in the standby mode, and may be configured to display the gear position of the vehicle on the indicator in the use mode.

[0093] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The driving unit 30 may include a motor 31 fixed in the housing 10 via the support member 14, a gear transmission device 32 transmitting the driving force of the motor to the column module 20, and a shaft 33 rotating and supporting at least a portion of the gear transmission device.

[0094] The motor 31 may be, for example, a servo motor, a stepper motor, etc., configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions. The drive of the motor may be controlled by a PCB 50 including a controller. Therefore, the column module 20 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0095] The support member 14 may be fixed in the housing 10 , and the motor 31 may be fixed to one side of the support member. A support hole 18 may be formed in an end portion of one side of the support member to support the gear transmission 32 and the shaft 33 .

[0096] Figure 6 For example, Figure 3 1 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, Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged perspective view exemplarily showing a driving unit of a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The gear transmission device 32 may include a worm 35 mounted on the motor shaft of the motor 31, a worm wheel 36 including an annular shape and meshing with the worm, an intermediate gear 37 mounted on the shaft 33 and arranged coaxially with the worm wheel, and an override unit 40 connecting the worm wheel and the intermediate gear.

[0098] The worm gear 36 can be rotatably supported in the support hole 18 of the support member 14 by a step portion 38 formed on an edge portion of the inner surface. The shaft 33 passes through the annular worm gear but can be arranged to rotate relative to it without being fixed to the worm gear.

[0099] The intermediate gear 37 can be fixedly mounted on the shaft 33. A spur gear or a helical gear can be used as the intermediate gear. The intermediate gear can mesh with a sector gear 25 formed on the module body 21 of the column module 20. Figure 3 and Figure 6 The intermediate gear and the sector gear are shown. The intermediate gear can be a helical gear, and the sector gear can be formed in a spiral shape corresponding to the intermediate gear, but it is not limited thereto.

[0100] In addition, a receiving groove 39 recessed in the axial direction (i.e., the thickness direction) of the intermediate gear can be provided on one side of the intermediate gear 37, and the override unit 40 can be received therein.

[0101] One end of the shaft 33 can be supported by the support hole 18 of the support member 14, and the other end of the shaft 33 can be supported by the support hole 17 formed in the cover 11 of the housing 10. The shaft can pass through the worm gear 36, the intermediate gear 37, and the override unit 40 and can be fixed to the intermediate gear to rotate together with the intermediate gear.

[0102] 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 25 of the module body 21 to achieve the rotation of the column module 20.

[0103] The first permanent magnet 52 can be fixed on one side of the end of the shaft 33. The first sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 can include a Hall sensor, and the Hall sensor can detect the rotation of the column module 20 through the change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the gear transmission 32 and the shaft 33.

[0104] The self-locking function can be achieved by using the gear transmission 32 of 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 module 20 can be positioned in the standby mode or the use mode.

[0105] In the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the column module 20 cannot rotate using the driving force of the motor due to a failure of the motor 31, the PCB 50, etc., the driver can forcibly rotate the column module manually. This can be called the override function.

[0106] In addition to the override function, when the column module 20 rotates 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 module. On the contrary, when an external force is applied to the intermediate gear through the column module, the override unit 40 can be used to absorb a predetermined amount of external force without transmitting it to the motor.

[0107] 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. Among them, the first override gear unit 41 is formed on the edge portion on the other side of the inner surface of the worm gear 36, and a plurality of spline groove portions 42 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall in the accommodation 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. The elastic member 46 is located between the accommodation groove of the intermediate gear and the override ring member.

[0108] The first override gear unit 41 may include a plurality of first groove portions 41a. The plurality of first groove portions 41a are circumferentially spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval on the other end of the worm gear 36 and are recessed in the axial direction (i.e., the thickness direction) of the worm gear. Since the first protrusions 41b can be located between a pair of adjacent first groove portions, the plurality of first groove portions and the plurality of first protrusions can be alternately and continuously arranged in the first override gear unit.

[0109] Optionally, the first override gear unit 41 may be formed to be engraved such that the plurality of first protrusions 41b do not protrude from the edge portion of the worm gear in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0110] The second override gear unit 43 located on one side of the override ring member 45 may include a plurality of second protrusions 43b. The plurality of second protrusions 43b are circumferentially spaced apart from each other at regular intervals on one side of the override ring member to correspond to the first override gear unit 41 and are protrusively formed in the axial direction (i.e., the thickness direction) of the override ring member 45. Since the second groove portions 43a can be located between a pair of adjacent second protrusions, the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second groove portions can be alternately and continuously arranged in the second override gear unit.

[0111] Since the override ring member 45 can be pushed toward the worm gear 36 by the elastic force of the elastic member 46, the plurality of second protrusions 43b of the second override gear unit 43 can be respectively assembled into and engaged with the 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.

[0112] A plurality of spline groove portions 42 may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the side wall in the receiving groove 39 of the intermediate gear 37, and may 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 may be formed to protrude from the edge portion of the other side of the override ring member in the axial direction, and may 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 may be formed in the same number.

[0113] Even if the elastic member 46 is located between the override ring member 45 and the intermediate gear 37, the plurality of spline protrusions 44 may be at least partially inserted into the 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 may rotate integrally.

[0114] The override ring member 45 may move relative to the worm wheel 36 and / or the intermediate gear 37 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 33. After the movement, the override ring member may be pushed toward the worm wheel by the elastic force of the elastic member 46, as described above. In the present case, a helical spring may be employed as the elastic member, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0115] The shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that first inclined surfaces 41s are provided on both side walls of the first groove portion 41a, and second inclined surfaces 43s corresponding to the first inclined surfaces 41s are provided on both side surfaces of the second protrusion 43b along its circumference.

[0116] Therefore, the first groove portion 41a may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the distance between the two side walls decreases in the depth direction. Accordingly, the first protrusion 41b formed between a pair of first groove portions may also have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0117] Similarly, the second protrusion 43b corresponding to the first groove portion 41a may have the same cross-sectional shape as the first groove portion. Accordingly, the second groove portion 43a formed between a pair of second protrusions may also have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0118] When the second protrusion 43b is inserted into the first groove portion 41a, the first inclined surface 41s and the second inclined surface 43s may contact each other. In the present case, when the driving force of the motor 31 is transmitted to the override ring member 45 through the worm 35 and the worm wheel 36, the override ring member may rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) or a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first direction, and the rotational force of the override ring member may 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.

[0119] When the intermediate gear 37 rotates, the column module 20 can rotate together with the sector gear 25 of the module body 21 that meshes 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 of the first sensor 51 forming the PCB 50 in the housing 10 can detect the rotation of the column module through the change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet 52 caused by the rotation of the shaft.

[0120] In a state where the second protrusion 43b is inserted into the first groove portion 41a and the first inclined surface 41s and the second inclined surface 43s are in contact with each other, when the sector gear 25 of the module body 21 rotates together with the column module 20 by a predetermined amount of external force, the intermediate gear 37 meshing with the sector gear can rotate in the first or second direction, but the worm gear 36 and the worm 35 do not rotate due to self-locking.

[0121] Therefore, the second 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, 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] Such a series of processes can be repeated until a predetermined amount of external force is fully absorbed, so that when a predetermined amount of 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.

[0124] Figure 8A and Figure 8B FIG. is a schematic diagram showing the states of the column module 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.

[0125] When the drive unit 30 operates, the column module 20 can rotate around the steering column 2, and its position can change between the standby mode and the use mode according to the rotation. Figure 8A FIG. shows the column module in the standby mode, while Figure 8B FIG. shows the column module in the use mode.

[0126] For example, the standby mode can be defined as the position where the column module 20 extends forward in front of the steering wheel 1 from the driver's perspective, and the usage mode can be defined as the position where the column module rotates from the standby mode and is set to extend laterally.

[0127] For example, the standby mode can be at the position where the column module 20 extends in the 12 o'clock direction, and the usage mode can be at the position where the column module 20 extends in the approximately 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock direction.

[0128] The position change between the standby mode and the usage mode of the column module 20 can be achieved by operating the drive unit 30, and it is desirable that the position change from the standby mode to the usage mode is set to 90 degrees or less to prevent the column module from interfering with the driver's knees.

[0129] By operating the drive unit 30, the column module 20 can rotate from the standby mode in one direction (e.g., clockwise) to change its position to the usage mode, and can return from the usage mode to the standby mode by rotating in the opposite direction.

[0130] In this way, the column module 20 can be located in the upward-extending position in the standby mode, so that when the driver gets into the vehicle, the column module can be in front of the driver's line of sight, to easily transmit the visual information image other than the gear position indicated by the indicator 59 to the driver, thus generating a sense of beauty.

[0131] In addition, in the usage mode, the column module 20 can be located in the laterally-extending position, so that the driver can easily change the gear by easily grasping the shift lever 22 provided on the column module.

[0132] When the printed circuit board (PCB) 50 of the controller forming the shift control device receives a signal from the input unit 60, it can be controlled to drive the motor 31 of the drive unit 30, thereby changing the position of the column module 20. In the current case, the input unit can include an advanced control system and different controllers of the vehicle, various sensors of the vehicle, etc.

[0133] The signal of the input unit 60 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 automatic driving mode entry signal, or a driver mode change signal.

[0134] For example, when the vehicle start switch is off, the column module 20 can be in the standby mode, and when the vehicle start switch is on, the column module 20 can be in the usage mode. By changing the position of the column module, the driver can clearly identify whether the vehicle has started.

[0135] In the current situation, starting can include not only the driving state of an internal combustion engine but also the drive preparation (e.g., "READY") state of an electric vehicle.

[0136] When a start switch ON signal is received, a welcome image can be displayed on the indicator 59 of the column module 20. This can enable the driver to clearly identify whether the vehicle has started. In an electric vehicle, the situation of effectively notifying the driver that the vehicle has started can be improved.

[0137] In addition, when a door open signal is received, the column module 20 can be in a standby mode, and when a door close signal is received, the column module 20 can be in an operating mode. In addition, when a door unlock signal is received, the column module can be in a standby mode, and when a door lock signal is received, the column module can be in an operating mode.

[0138] Even in the case of a door open signal or an unlock signal, the welcome image can be displayed on the indicator 59 of the column module 20, thus providing aesthetic satisfaction to the driver.

[0139] In addition, the column module 20 can be in a standby mode in the autonomous driving mode and can be in an operating mode in the driver mode. In the autonomous driving mode, the vehicle can be in a driving state, but the column module can be in a standby mode. In the current situation, an autonomous driving activation image can be displayed on the indicator 59 to enhance the awareness of entering the autonomous driving mode.

[0140] As Figure 8A shown, when the column module 20 is in the standby mode, the vehicle can be in a start switch OFF state or can be in an autonomous driving state. Therefore, in the current situation, even when the driver operates the shift lever 22 of the column module, it is impossible to change the gear for safety reasons.

[0141] Exceptionally, when the vehicle start switch is turned off to park and then the shift lever 22 or the P - range button 24 of the column module 20 is operated for a certain period of time, a shift signal to the N range or the P range can be transmitted.

[0142] As Figure 8B shown, when the column module 20 is in the operating mode, the driver can change the gear by operating the shift lever 22.

[0143] For example, when the driver operates the shift lever 22, the second sensor 53 can detect the change of the gear position, and can transmit the detected information to the transmission control unit through the PCB 50. The transmission control unit can transmit the information to the vehicle's advanced control system, thereby performing a gear shift. When the gear shift is completed, the vehicle's advanced control system can transmit a gear shift completion signal to the transmission control unit. Finally, the change information about the gear position can be displayed through the transmission control unit indicator 59.

[0144] 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 59 to notify the driver, thereby providing a high-tech image. Therefore, it can have the advantage of improving the marketability of the vehicle together with the shift control device.

[0145] In addition, in the shift control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the column module 20 cannot rotate using the driving force of the motor 31 due to a failure of the motor 31, the PCB 50, etc., for example, the driving unit cannot automatically rotate the column module from the standby mode to the use mode, the driver can forcibly manually rotate from the standby mode to the use mode. Therefore, it can have the effect of further enhancing the reliability of the shift control device.

[0146] Figure 9 The flowchart shows a method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C The schematic diagram shows a process for restricting the transmission of a shift signal in a method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the controller of the PCB 50 can perform the operations of the flowchart shown. Figure 9 as shown.

[0148] In the shift control device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, since the rotation trajectory of the column module 20 coincides with the rotation trajectory of the shift lever 22, an accidental gear shift may occur.

[0149] For example, in the case of a failure where the column module 20 cannot rotate using the driving force of the motor 31, the driver can manually perform an override function to force the column module to rotate from the standby mode to the use mode. In this case, since the direction in which the column module is forcibly operated is the same as the direction of shifting to the D gear position, there may be a risk of an unintentional shift to the D gear position.

[0150] To prevent this, the method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that the shift control device is limited to transmitting a shift signal only when certain conditions are met, in particular a shift signal to the D gear position.

[0151] To this end, a printed circuit board (PCB) 50 of a controller forming the shift control device may distinguish an operation of rotating a column module 20 including a shift lever 22 by a driver for an override function and an operation of rotating the shift lever by the driver for shifting, and may limit the transmission of a shift signal by the shift control device such that shifting does not occur during an operation of rotating the column module including the shift lever for the override function.

[0152] The method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: operating a drive unit 30 (S10) and determining whether the drive unit is operating (S20) when the column module 20 is in a standby mode; determining whether the column module is rotating (S30) when the drive unit is operating; determining whether the column module is in a use mode (S40) when the column module is not rotating; determining whether an out-of-gear position is in a variable state (S50) when the column module is in the use mode; determining whether the position of the shift lever has changed (S60); and transmitting a shift signal according to the position of the shift lever (S70) when the position of the shift lever changes.

[0153] For example, when the vehicle is in a state where the start switch is off, the column module 20 may be in a standby mode, and when the vehicle is in a state where the start switch is on, the column module 20 may be in a use mode. The standby mode may be defined as a position where the column module extends forward of the steering wheel 1 from the driver's perspective, and the use mode may be defined as a position where the column module rotates from the standby mode and is set to extend laterally.

[0154] When a start switch on signal of the vehicle is received from an input unit 60, the printed circuit board (PCB) 50 may be configured to control a motor 31 of the drive unit 30 to operate (S10) to change the position of the column module 20. Accordingly, the column module may rotate in one direction (e.g., clockwise) in the standby mode to change the position to the use mode.

[0155] A first permanent magnet 52 may be fixed to one side of an end of a shaft 33 forming the drive unit 30, and a Hall sensor of a first sensor 51 of the PCB 50 in the housing 10 may detect rotation of the column module 20 through a change in magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet caused by rotation of a gear transmission 32 and rotation of the shaft 33. Accordingly, the PCB may be configured to determine whether the drive is operating, e.g., whether a failure has occurred in the drive unit (S20).

[0156] When the drive unit 30 operates, since the column module 20 can rotate, the PCB 50 can continue to monitor the rotation of the column module using the Hall sensor of the first permanent magnet 52 and the first sensor 51. Therefore, the PCB can be configured to determine whether the column module is rotating (S30).

[0157] Subsequently, when the operation of the drive unit 30 and the rotation of the column module 20 stop, the PCB 50 can compare the change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet 52 measured by the Hall sensor of the first sensor 51 with the change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet expected to be obtained when the column module is in the use mode, to determine whether the column module is in the use mode (S40).

[0158] When the level of the measured change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet matches the level of the expected change in the magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet, the PCB 50 can be configured to determine that the column module 20 is in the use mode, and can be configured to determine that the gear position of the shift control device is in a variable state (S50).

[0159] In such a use mode, for example, when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the D gear position can be executed, and when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the R gear position can be executed.

[0160] In addition, when the driver rotates the shift lever 22 in one direction and then removes the operating force, the bullet rod 28b mounted on the support rod 28 of the shift lever can move along the guide groove 23a of the support block 23 due to the elastic force of the spring 28c, and the shift lever can automatically return to its initial position.

[0161] The second permanent magnet 54 can be fixed in one end of the shift lever 22, and the Hall sensor of the second sensor 53 formed in the mounting groove 27a defined in the expansion part 27 of the module main body 21 can detect the rotation of the shift lever and the rotation of the support rod 28 through the change in the magnetic flux of the second permanent magnet caused by the rotation of the shift lever.

[0162] Since the second sensor 53 is connected to the PCB 50 through the wire 56, the PCB can use the second permanent magnet 54 and the Hall sensor of the second sensor to determine whether the position of the shift lever 22 has changed (S60).

[0163] When it is confirmed that the position of the shift lever 22 has changed, the PCB 50 can transmit a shift signal to the transmission control unit or the advanced control system of the vehicle according to the position of the shift lever (S70).

[0164] After that, when the gear shift of the transmission is completed, the vehicle's advanced control system can transmit a gear shift completion signal to the transmission control unit. Finally, the change information related to the gear position can be displayed through the transmission control unit indicator 59.

[0165] The method for controlling the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: guiding the driver to perform an override function (S80) when the drive unit 30 is not operating or when the column module 20 stops and is not in the use mode.

[0166] When detecting using the first sensor 51 (such as the first permanent magnet and Hall sensor), when it is determined that the drive unit 30 is not operating (see S20) or the rotation of the column module 20 stops but the column module is not in the use mode (see S40), the PCB 50 can transmit the corresponding information to the vehicle's advanced control system and / or the transmission control unit.

[0167] For example, the vehicle's advanced control system can guide the driver to perform the override function (S80) visually through a monitor provided inside the vehicle and / or auditorily through a speaker.

[0168] Alternatively, the transmission control unit can display a visual information image through the indicator 59 to guide the driver to perform the override function (S80).

[0169] As Figure 10A shown, in the case of a rotation failure where the column module 20 cannot rotate due to a failure using the driving force of the motor 31, the driver can be instructed to perform the override function, and the driver can manually and forcibly rotate the column module. In this case, the rotation failure may occur at the start of the motor drive or during driving.

[0170] As Figure 10B shown, in the case of a rotation failure, when the sector gear 25 of the module body 21 rotates together with the column module 20 in the first direction (e.g., 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 may not rotate due to self-locking.

[0171] Therefore, the second 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, 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.

[0172] 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 (e.g., in the second direction), so that 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.

[0173] Such a series of processes can be repeated until a predetermined amount of external force is sufficiently absorbed, so that when a predetermined amount of external force is applied, the intermediate gear 37 can rotate relative to the worm gear 36.

[0174] When the driver rotates the column module 20 to the position in the use mode, further rotation of the column module can be prevented by the single-sided stopper 16 provided on the cover 11 of the housing 10, and it can be confirmed whether the column module has normally reached the position in the use mode through the override by the detection of the first sensor 51.

[0175] In this process, due to the external force applied by the driver, the shift lever 22 can be in the D gear position (or R gear position), but since no shift signal can be transmitted, the actual gear of the vehicle can be kept in the N gear or P gear. Therefore, accidental shifting to the D gear can be prevented.

[0176] The method for controlling the shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include: after guiding the driver to use the override function, determining whether the column module 20 is in the use mode (S90); and determining whether the shift lever 22 has returned to its initial position, e.g., to the neutral position (S100).

[0177] In a state where the operation of the drive unit 30 and the rotation of the column module 20 stop, the PCB 50 can be configured to determine whether the column module 20 is in the use mode (S90) by comparing the change in magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet 52 measured by the Hall sensor of the first sensor 51 after rotating with the shaft 33 by the driver with the change in magnetic flux of the first permanent magnet expected to be obtained when the column module is in the use mode.

[0178] In addition, after the override function of the shift control device is completed, the PCB 50 can be configured to determine whether the shift lever has returned to its initial position (e.g., the neutral position) by comparing the change in magnetic flux of the second permanent magnet 54 measured by the Hall sensor of the second sensor 53 with the change in magnetic flux of the second permanent magnet expected to be obtained when the shift lever 22 is in the initial position, as Figure 10C shown (S100).

[0179] Accordingly, the PCB 50 can at least check whether an external force (e.g., the operating force of a driver) is applied to the shift lever 22, and then confirm that the shift lever is ready to generate a specific shift signal corresponding to the D gear or the R gear.

[0180] When the changes in the magnetic fluxes of the permanent magnets 52 and 54 measured by each Hall sensor match a predetermined level, the PCB 50 can be configured to determine that the column module 20 is in the use mode and the shift lever 22 has returned to the initial position. Accordingly, it can be determined that the gear position of the shift control device is variable (S50).

[0181] As described above, it is determined whether the position of the shift lever 22 has changed (S60); and when the position of the shift lever changes, the transmission of a shift signal according to the shift lever position can be performed (S70).

[0182] Accordingly, in the method for controlling a shift control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shift control device can be controlled to transmit a shift signal only when specific conditions are satisfied (e.g., the condition that the column module 20 is in the use mode and the shift lever 22 returns to the initial position at the same time).

[0183] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a driver can manually rotate the column module so that the column module can be rotated from the standby mode to the use mode even when a failure occurs. Accordingly, there can be an effect of further enhancing the reliability of the shift control device.

[0184] 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 algorithmic steps, and the processor executes the algorithmic steps to perform one or more processes of the method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The control device according to an 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 a 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.

[0185] The control device may be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program may include a series of commands for executing the methods included in the above-described various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0186] 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 those implemented 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.

[0187] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the above operations may be performed by a control device, and the control device may be configured by multiple control devices or by an integrated single control device.

[0188] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the memory and the processor may be provided as one chip or as separate chips.

[0189] 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 executed on a device or a computer, and non-transitory computer-readable media including such software or commands stored thereon and executable on the device or the computer.

[0190] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the control device may be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software.

[0191] In addition, terms included in the specification (e.g., "unit", "module") refer to units for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0192] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle may refer to a concept based on including various transportation means. In some cases, a vehicle may be interpreted as being based on such a concept that includes not only various land transportation means traveling on roads, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses, but also various transportation means such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0193] For purposes of facilitating explanation and precisely defining 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", and "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.

[0194] The term "and / or" may 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".

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, "at least one of A and B" may 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" may refer to "one or more of A or B" or "one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B".

[0196] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence 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 presence of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0198] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, components may be combined with each other to form one, or some components may be omitted.

[0199] Hereinafter, the fact that hardware is operably coupled may include the fact of establishing a direct and / or indirect connection between the hardware through wired and / or wireless means.

[0200] 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 its practical application so that others skilled in the art may realize and utilize the various exemplary specific embodiments and their various alternatives and modifications thereof. 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 module, which includes a module body rotatably coupled to the housing and a shift lever rotatably hinged relative to the module body and protruding from the housing; And A drive unit, which is disposed in the housing and engaged with the module body to rotate the module body.

2. The shift control device according to claim 1, wherein A sector gear is formed on a first side of the module body and meshes with a gear transmission of the drive unit, An expansion portion extending in a radial direction and including a hollow portion is formed on a second side of the module body, and one end of the shift lever is received in the expansion portion and hinged to the expansion portion.

3. The shift control device according to claim 2, wherein The shift lever includes a support rod extending in a predetermined direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the shift lever, The column module further includes a support block disposed on the module body to support the movement of the support rod.

4. The shift control device according to claim 3, wherein A bullet rod and a spring are installed in the support rod, An end of the bullet rod can slidably protrude out of the support rod by the elastic force of the spring.

5. The shift control device according to claim 4, wherein A guide groove is formed on a side surface of the support block, and an end of the bullet rod is movably inserted into the guide groove, The depth of the guide groove is deepest at a central portion in the longitudinal direction and decreases toward its ends.

6. The shift control device according to claim 2, wherein A first sensor for detecting the rotation of the column module is disposed in the housing, A second sensor for detecting the rotation of the shift lever is disposed in the expansion portion, The first sensor and the second sensor are physically or electrically connected to a printed circuit board installed in the housing.

7. The shift control device according to claim 2, wherein, The drive unit includes: A motor fixed in the housing; A gear transmission for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the sector gear; and A shaft that rotates and supports at least a part of the gear transmission; Wherein, the printed circuit board is installed in the housing to control the driving of the motor.

8. The shift control device according to claim 7, wherein, The gear transmission includes: A worm installed on the motor shaft of the motor; A worm gear meshing with the worm; An intermediate gear fixedly installed on the shaft and coaxially disposed with the worm gear; and An override unit connecting the worm gear and the intermediate gear; Wherein, the intermediate gear meshes with the sector gear, When an external force is applied, the override unit allows the intermediate gear to rotate relative to the worm gear.

9. The shift control device according to claim 8, wherein, The override unit includes: A first override gear unit formed on an end of the inner surface of the worm gear; A plurality of spline groove portions formed on an inner surface of a side wall in a receiving groove of the intermediate gear; An override ring member, in which a second override gear unit engaging with the first override gear unit is formed on a first side, and a plurality of spline protrusions at least partially assembled into each spline groove portion are formed on a second side; and An elastic member is located between the receiving groove and the over-control ring member.

10. The shift control device according to claim 9, wherein, The first override gear unit includes a plurality of first slot portions, the first side wall and the second side wall of each first slot portion including a first inclined surface, The second override gear unit includes a plurality of second protrusions to correspond to the first override gear unit, and a first side surface and a second side surface in a circumferential direction of each second protrusion include second inclined surfaces. In response to external force being applied, the second protrusion passes over one of the first inclined surfaces of the first groove portions and is inserted into another adjacent first groove portion, causing the override ring member in the intermediate gear to rotate relative to the worm gear.

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

12. The shift control device according to claim 11, wherein: The standby mode is a position in which the column module extends in an upward direction from the front of the steering wheel. The use mode is a mode in which the column module is rotated from the standby mode and is positioned to extend in the lateral direction of the steering wheel.

13. The shift control device according to claim 11, wherein, The rotation trajectory of the column module is consistent with the rotation trajectory of the shift lever.

14. A method for controlling a shift control device, the method comprising: in response to the column module being in the standby mode, operating, by the processor, the drive unit and determining whether the drive unit is operating; determining, by a processor, whether the column module is rotating in response to the drive unit operating; In response to the operation of the drive unit and the column module being stopped, determining, by the processor, whether the column module is in a use mode; In response to the column module being in the use mode, the processor determines that the gear position is in a variable state; determining, by the processor, whether the position of the gear shift lever has changed; and In response to the position of the shift lever being changed, a shift signal is transmitted by the processor according to the position of the shift lever.

15. The method for controlling a shift control device according to claim 14, wherein: determining whether the drive unit is operating and determining whether the column module is rotating includes detecting rotation of the column module using a first sensor, Determining whether the position of the shift lever has changed includes detecting rotation of the shift lever using a second sensor.

16. The method of controlling a shift control device according to claim 14, wherein, The rotation trajectory of the column module is consistent with the rotation trajectory of the shift lever.

17. The method of controlling a shift control device according to claim 16, further comprising: The processor is controlled to initiate an override function in response to the drive unit not operating or in response to the column module being stopped and not in use mode.

18. The method of controlling a shift control device according to claim 17, further comprising: After initiating the override function, determining, by the processor, whether the column module is in a use mode; and A determination is made by a processor as to whether the shift lever has returned to its initial position.

19. The method of controlling a shift control device according to claim 18, further comprising: In response to the processor determining that the column module is in the use mode and the shift lever has returned to the initial position, the processor determines that the gear position is in a variable state; Determine, by the processor, whether the position of the shift lever has changed; and Transmit a shift signal according to the position of the shift lever by the processor in response to a change in the position of the shift lever.

20. The method of controlling a shift control device according to claim 14, further comprising: Before transmitting the shift signal, hold the actual gear position of the vehicle in the N gear position or the P gear position.

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