ELECTRONIC SWITCHING CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

An electronic shift control device is disclosed which is capable of switching between manual and automatic shifting modes according to the driver's intent and which is capable of limiting the travel of a shift rod in a shifting direction differently depending on whether it is in an automatic or manual shifting mode. This improves ease of use and increases the perceptibility of the shifting process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic shift control device and in particular to a technology for a control technology of the electronic shift device which is capable of performing a switching of the mode between manual and automatic shifting operations according to an intention of the driver, and which is capable of limiting the travel of the shift direction of a shift rod differently depending on whether it is in the automatic shifting mode or in the manual shifting mode. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In general, vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions control or regulate the hydraulic pressure within a defined switching range according to the vehicle's driving speed, so that the transmission gear is automatically engaged in the target switching range.

[0003] An automatic transmission generates gear ratios using a hydraulic circuit, planetary gears and friction elements to perform shifting operations, with the control of these components being handled by a transmission control unit (TCU).

[0004] A shift-by-wire (SBW) system is an electronic transmission system for vehicles that, unlike a conventional mechanical transmission system, has no mechanical connection, such as a cable, between the transmission and the shift lever. When sensor values ​​generated by the operation of the shifting mechanism (shift lever, shift knob, or rotary shift knob) are transmitted to the transmission control unit (TCU), this electronic system electronically controls the shifting process based on the signals instructed by the TCU.

[0005] An automatic transmission based on the SBW system therefore offers the advantage of simplifying shifting into modes such as D (Drive), R (Reverse), and N (Neutral) through the easy operation of the electronic shift mechanism, which transmits the driver's shift intention as electrical signals to the TCU. Furthermore, the automatic transmission allows for a miniaturization of the shift mechanism, thus ensuring more space between the driver and passenger seats.

[0006] The prior art described above is intended only to contribute to an understanding of the background of the present disclosure and does not mean that the present disclosure falls within the scope of prior art that is already known to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an electronic shift control device that is capable of switching the mode between manual and automatic shifting operations based on an intention of the driver and of limiting the shift direction travel of the shift rod differently depending on whether it is in automatic shifting mode or manual shifting mode, and improves the detectability of shifting operations in automatic or manual shifting mode and also improves the marketability of the product.

[0008] In light of the foregoing, an electronic shift control device comprises: a ball joint coupled to a shift rod and configured to rotate in a selection and shift direction when a driver operates the shift rod; a mode conversion clip rigidly coupled to an interior of one side of the ball joint along the selection direction; a mode conversion solenoid arranged on one side of the ball joint opposite the mode conversion clip along the selection direction, the mode conversion solenoid comprising a first solenoid rod which is inserted into or withdrawn from the mode conversion clip during operation;and a selection bolt unit located on an opposite side of the mode conversion clip along the selection direction, the selection bolt unit having one end that is inserted into and supported in the opposite side of the ball joint, and having another end that protrudes from the ball joint and is configured to make contact with a selection detent by spring force.

[0009] The electronic switching control device further comprises: a switching solenoid located on one side of the ball joint along the switching direction, the switching solenoid comprising a second solenoid rod which is inserted into or withdrawn from the ball joint during operation; and a switching bolt assembly located on the opposite side of the switching solenoid along the switching direction, the switching bolt assembly having one end which is inserted into and supported by the interior of the opposite side of the ball joint, and having another end which protrudes from the ball joint and is designed to make contact with the switching detent by spring force.

[0010] During an automatic shifting mode, the first solenoid rod and the second solenoid rod are inserted into the interior of the ball joint to limit rotation of the ball joint in the selection and shifting direction by coming into contact with the ball joint during rotation of the ball joint in the selection and shifting direction, and during a manual shifting mode, the first solenoid rod and the second solenoid rod are pulled out of the ball joint to remove the limitation of rotation of the ball joint in the selection and shifting direction.

[0011] The ball joint has a first recess on one side along the selection direction into which the mode conversion clip is inserted, and the electronic switching control device further comprises a clip fastening element which is inserted into the first recess to fix a position of the mode conversion clip.

[0012] The mode-conversion clip has a U-shape with elasticity and includes mutually curved projections, wherein the mode-conversion clip is divided into a first gap on one side and a second gap on the other side relative to the projections, and wherein the clip fastening element is inserted into the first gap.

[0013] In automatic shift mode, the first and second gaps correspond to a home position (zero gear position) and an M-gear position, respectively, with the first solenoid rod passing through the projections to be in the home position (zero gear position) or the M-gear position when the ball joint rotates in the selection direction, generating an actuating force as the first solenoid rod passes through the projections, and stopping or halting the position of the first solenoid rod by the projections when the first solenoid rod is in the home position (zero gear position) or the M-gear position.

[0014] There is a gap between the first solenoid rod, located in the first space, and the clip fastening element, allowing the ball joint to rotate in a gear selection direction of 5th / 6th gear based on the manual shift mode, with the ball joint continuing to rotate in the gear selection direction of 5th / 6th gear until the first solenoid rod comes into contact with the clip fastening element, and with the first solenoid rod coming into contact with the clip fastening element generating an N gear signal.

[0015] If there is no gap between the clip fastening element and the first solenoid rod located in the first space, so that the first solenoid rod is in contact with the clip fastening element, the rotation of the ball joint in a gear selection direction of 5th / 6th gear is limited based on the manual shift mode, and if a shift operation is performed in D or R gear direction while driving in D or R gear, an N gear signal may be generated.

[0016] A second recess, into which the selector bolt assembly is inserted, is formed on the opposite side of the ball joint in the selection direction. The selector bolt assembly comprises: a first selector spring inserted into the second recess; a spring cap supporting one end of the first selector spring; a spring rod rigidly coupled to the second recess, which compresses the spring cap to cause the first selector spring to be installed in a compressed state; a second selector spring installed such that it is supported at one end by the spring rod; and a selector bolt installed in a state where it compresses the second selector spring, with one end of the bolt protruding from the ball joint to engage a selector detent groove in the selector detent.A predetermined gap is formed between one end of the selection bolt and the spring cap, so that the selection bolt and the spring cap are spaced apart from each other.

[0017] As the ball joint rotates in the selection direction, the selection bolt moves linearly along a longitudinal direction of the second recess due to a phase shift of the selection locking groove, and as the selection bolt moves linearly along the longitudinal direction of the second recess, the gap between one end of the selection bolt and the spring cap decreases, causing the selection bolt and the spring cap to come into contact.

[0018] The selector detent groove comprises a first through fourth notch. In manual shift mode, the first notch corresponds to a neutral position (N position), the second notch corresponds to a 5th / 6th gear selector position, the third notch corresponds to a 1st / 2nd gear selector position, and the fourth notch corresponds to a reverse gear selector position. In manual shift mode, as the selector bolt moves in the selection direction from the first notch to the second or third notch in the selector detent groove due to the rotation of the ball joint, the gap between one end of the selector bolt and the spring cap decreases. As this gap decreases, the second selector spring, which is mounted to be supported by the selector bolt and spring rod, generates an actuating force as it is compressed.

[0019] When the selector bolt is in the second or third groove, one end of the selector bolt comes into contact with the spring cap.

[0020] When the selector bolt moves from the third groove to the fourth groove, the spring cap is compressed by the selector bolt, thus compressing the first selector spring, and a sum of the spring force of the compressed first selector spring and the spring force of the second selector spring is generated as the selector actuation force.

[0021] When the selector bolt moves from the first to the second groove or the third groove, the compressed length of the second selector spring corresponds to the distance of the gap between one end of the selector bolt and the spring cap when the selector bolt is in the first groove.

[0022] If the first selector spring maintains its compressed state in the first groove as it is, without being additionally compressed when the selector bolt moves from the first groove to the second groove or third groove, the spring force does not change.

[0023] A third recess, into which the second solenoid rod is inserted in the automatic switching mode, is formed on one side of the ball joint along the switching direction, and the path of the ball joint in the switching direction is limited when the second solenoid rod comes into contact with the third recess during the rotation of the ball joint in the switching direction by automatic switching mode.

[0024] On the opposite side of the ball joint in the shift direction, a fourth recess is formed into which the shift bolt assembly is inserted. The shift bolt assembly comprises: a shift spring inserted into the fourth recess; and a shift bolt designed to compress the shift spring when inserted into the fourth recess, one end of which protrudes from the ball joint to engage with the shift detent groove in the shift detent.

[0025] The shift rod is fixed in a neutral position (zero gear position) or an M gear position when the shift bolt is in an inner groove of the shift detent groove in automatic shift mode, the shift bolt being located on a projection between the inner groove and the outer groove of the shift detent groove when the shift rod is moved to one of the gear positions D, -, R and +, the second solenoid rod contacting the third recess of the ball joint to limit travel in the shift direction when the shift bolt is on the projection, and the shift bolt returning to the inner groove due to the spring force of the shift bolt assembly, and the shift rod returning to the neutral position (zero gear position) or the M gear position when the actuating force is released in a state where the shift rod is moved to one of the gear positions D, -, R and +.

[0026] The shift rod is in one of the neutral position (N position), the 5th / 6th gear selection position, the 1st / 2nd gear selection position, and the reverse gear selection position when the shift bolt is in the inner groove in manual shift mode, with the shift bolt passing through the projection and being fixed in position in the outer groove when the shift rod is actuated in the shift direction in a state where a clutch pedal is actuated, a clutch pedal signal is generated, and the second solenoid rod is released from the third recess, and with the shift rod being in one of the gear positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and R when the shift bolt is in the outer groove.

[0027] The shift rod is in one of the neutral position (N position), the 5th / 6th gear selection position, the 1st / 2nd gear selection position, and the reverse gear selection position when the shift bolt is in manual shift mode in the inner groove, allowing rotation of the ball joint in the shift direction until the second solenoid rod makes contact with the third recess. When the second solenoid rod is within the third recess, the shift rod is in one of the neutral positions when the driver operates it in the shift direction in a state where the clutch pedal is not depressed and the clutch pedal signal is not generated, thus restricting rotation of the ball joint in the shift direction.is limited and the shift bolt is located on the projection in the shift detent groove and is prevented from moving towards the outer groove, a gear position signal is output when the second solenoid rod comes into contact with the third recess, and the shift bolt returns to the inner groove and the shift rod returns to the home position (N gear position) by a spring force of the shift bolt assembly when an actuating force is released on the shift rod in a state in which the shift detent pin is located on the projection.

[0028] An electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure is configured in such a way that it is able to perform a switching of the mode between automatic and manual shifting operations based on the driver's intention, thereby eliminating the simplicity of the shifting operations, which pleases the driver and increases the marketability of the product.

[0029] Furthermore, the electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure is configured such that, depending on whether it is in an automatic or manual switching mode, it can limit the travel of the switching direction of the shift rod to different lengths. This improves ease of use and increases the detectability of a switching operation.

[0030] Advantageous effects that can be obtained through the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art in which the disclosure lies from the following descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other features, characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an electronic control device according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view accordingly Fig. 1 in an assembled state; Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the operating sequences of a mode conversion solenoid and a switching solenoid in an automatic switching mode and in a manual switching mode; Fig. 5 shows a view representing a structural guide rail; Fig. Figures 6 to 11 show views illustrating the detailed arrangement of the electronic switching control device; Fig. Figures 12 to 17 show views that depict a selection process in the manual switching mode situation; Fig. Figure 18 shows a graphical representation depicting a selection process when the selection process is performed in a structure applied to the selection bolt unit; Fig. 19 and Fig. Figure 20 shows a switching operation in the situation of automatic switching mode; Fig. 21 and Fig. Figure 22 shows views depicting the shifting process when the clutch pedal is pressed in manual shift mode; Fig. Figure 23 shows a view illustrating the shifting process when the clutch pedal is not pressed in manual shift mode; and Fig. Figure 24 shows a schematic block diagram representing a system for the electronic switching actuation device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0032] In describing the embodiments set forth herein, a detailed description of known functions or the arrangements contained herein is omitted if it is determined that such a description could render the subject matter of the embodiments set forth herein unclear. Furthermore, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are provided only for the convenience of facilitating understanding of the embodiments presented herein and that the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited to the accompanying drawings and includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the meaning and scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Terms that include an ordinal number, such as "a first" and "a second," can be used to describe different elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms mentioned above are simply used to distinguish one element from another.

[0034] A singular expression can encompass a plural expression unless they are clearly distinct in a particular context.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “include” or “have or exhibit” are to be understood as indicating the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, operations or processes, elements, components or combinations thereof, and should be interpreted as not precluding the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations or processes, elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0036] The terms “module” and “unit”, which are used in the following description for the elements, are used only to simplify the patent specification and have no specific meaning or role in themselves.

[0037] In cases where an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" with other elements, it should be understood that not only can the element be directly connected or coupled to the other elements, but that another element may also be present between them. Conversely, in cases where an element is described as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" with another element, it should be understood that no other element is present between them.

[0038] Furthermore, a unit or control unit encompassed in designations such as Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) is merely a widely used term to describe a control or controller designed to control a specific function of a vehicle, but does not mean a generic functional unit.

[0039] A controller may comprise a communication device configured to communicate with a sensor or other control unit, a memory configured to store an operating system, a logical instruction or input / output information, and at least one processor configured to perform determinations, calculations, decisions or the like necessary for responsible functional control.

[0040] The embodiments shown herein are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby identical or similar elements are provided with the same or similar reference numerals regardless of the number of the figures, so that duplicate descriptions can be omitted.

[0041] An electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure comprises a mode switching device that is capable of switching modes based on the driver's intention between automatic and manual shifting operations, thus eliminating the simplicity of shifting operations and thereby providing enjoyment to the driver and improving the marketability of the product.

[0042] Furthermore, the electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure can include a travel limiting device which is able to limit the switching direction travel of the switching rod differently depending on whether it is in an automatic switching mode or a manual switching mode.

[0043] Typically, the shift direction travel of the shift rod in automatic shift mode is relatively shorter compared to manual shift mode, which can improve ease of use.

[0044] In contrast, the shift direction travel of the shift rod is relatively longer in manual shift mode than in automatic shift mode, which can improve the detectability of the shifting process.

[0045] Furthermore, the electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure can include a system that employs a mode switching device for a switching operation and a switching direction travel limiting device for a switching rod.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 23, an electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure may comprise: a ball joint 20 coupled to a shift rod 10 and configured to rotate in a selection and shift direction when a driver actuates or operates the shift rod 10; a mode conversion clip 30 fixedly coupled to the interior of one side of the ball joint 20 along the selection direction; a mode conversion solenoid 40 arranged on one side of the ball joint 20 opposite the mode conversion clip 30 along the selection direction, the mode conversion solenoid comprising a first solenoid rod 41 which is inserted into or withdrawn from the mode conversion clip 30 during operation; and a selection bolt assembly 60 located on the opposite side of the mode conversion clip 30 along the selection direction.The selector bolt unit 60 has one end that is inserted into and supported in the opposite side of the ball joint 20, and the other end that protrudes from the ball joint 20 and is designed to come into contact with a selector detent 50 by spring force.

[0047] The shift rod 10 can be equipped with a knob 11 which can be held and operated manually by the driver.

[0048] The electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure is preferably located in a position that allows the driver to easily operate the shift rod 10. For example, the electronic shift control device may be mounted on the vehicle's console, on a center console or the like, and it may also be mounted on a seat if an autonomous driving situation is considered.

[0049] The ball joint 20 can be spherical and can be designed as an arrangement of a hemispherical upper and lower cover.

[0050] The electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure may further comprise a ball joint holder 70 which covers the ball joint 20 and guides the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction and in the switching direction.

[0051] The ball joint holder 70 can have a cubic shape and be designed as an assembly consisting of an upper and lower bracket.

[0052] The ball joint 20 is located inside the ball joint holder 70, and the inner surface of the ball joint holder 70 can be formed as a spherical surface to facilitate the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction and the switching direction.

[0053] The mode conversion clip 30 can be rigidly coupled to the inside of one side of the ball joint 20 along the selection direction, and the mode conversion solenoid 40 can be rigidly coupled to the ball joint holder 70, which is opposite the mode conversion clip 30.

[0054] When the mode conversion solenoid 40 is actuated, the first solenoid rod 41 can move forward or backward to be inserted into or withdrawn from the mode conversion clip 30.

[0055] When the driver operates the mode selection unit 150, a signal for automatic shift mode or a signal for manual shift mode can be generated, and the mode conversion solenoid 40 can be operated by receiving either the signal for automatic shift mode or the signal for manual shift mode.

[0056] The mode switching solenoid 40 can be protected by covering it with a first cover 80, which can be coupled to the ball joint holder 70.

[0057] The selection bolt unit 60 can be mounted on the opposite side of the mode conversion clip 30 along the selection direction.

[0058] One end of the selection bolt assembly 60 can be positioned such that it is inserted into the interior of the opposite side of the ball joint 20 along the selection direction and supported by the ball joint 20, while the other end can be positioned such that it protrudes from the ball joint 20. When an external force is applied, the selection bolt assembly 60 can move in the selection direction by spring force.

[0059] The other end of the selector bolt unit 60, which protrudes from the ball joint 20, is positioned such that it is in contact with the selector detent 50, and the selector detent 50 can be firmly attached to the ball joint holder 70 to be in contact with the other end of the selector bolt unit 60.

[0060] The electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure may further comprise: a switching solenoid 90, which is arranged on one side of the ball joint 20 along the switching direction and comprises a second solenoid rod 91, which is inserted into or withdrawn from the ball joint 20 during operation; and a switching bolt assembly 120, which is located on the opposite side of the switching solenoid 90 along the switching direction and of which one end is inserted into the interior of the opposite side of the ball joint 20 and is supported by it, and of which the other end protrudes from the ball joint 20 and is arranged such that it comes into contact with the switching detent 110 by spring force.

[0061] The switching solenoid 90 can be rigidly coupled to the ball joint holder 70 on the outside of one side of the ball joint 20 along the switching direction.

[0062] When the switching solenoid 90 is actuated, the second solenoid rod 91 can move forward or backward to be inserted into or pulled out of the interior of the ball joint 20.

[0063] The switching solenoid 90 can be covered and protected by a second cover 130, which can be coupled to the ball joint holder 70.

[0064] The switching bolt unit 120 can be mounted on the opposite side of the switching solenoid 90 along the switching direction.

[0065] One end of the shift bolt assembly 120 can be positioned such that it is inserted into the interior of the opposite side of the ball joint 20 along the shifting direction and supported by the ball joint 20, while the other end can be positioned so that it protrudes from the ball joint 20. When an external force is applied, the shift bolt assembly 120 can move in the shifting direction by spring force.

[0066] The other end of the shift bolt assembly 120, which protrudes from the ball joint 20, is positioned such that it is in contact with the shift detent 110, and the shift detent 110 can be firmly attached to the ball joint holder 70 to be in contact with the other end of the shift bolt assembly 120.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 3. During automatic switching mode, the first solenoid rod 41 and the second solenoid rod 91 can be inserted into the interior of the ball joint 20 to limit the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection and switching direction by coming into contact with the ball joint 20 during the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection and switching direction.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 4. During manual shift mode, the first solenoid rod 41 and the second solenoid rod 91 can be pulled out of the ball joint 20 to remove the limitation of the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction and the shift direction.

[0069] Thus, the ball joint 20 can be rotated by a larger angle in the selection and switching direction in manual switching mode than in automatic switching mode.

[0070] The ball joint 20 according to the present disclosure can have a first recess 21 into which the mode conversion clip 30 is inserted.

[0071] The first recess 21 can be formed as a concave groove on one side of the ball joint 20 along the selection direction.

[0072] The present disclosure may further comprise a clip fastening element 140 which is inserted into the first recess 21 to fix or fasten the position of the mode conversion clip 30.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 6. The clip fastening element 140 can be inserted into the interior of the first recess 21, passed through the mode conversion clip 30, and firmly coupled to the ball joint 20. The mode conversion clip 30 can thus be fixed by hooking it onto the clip fastening element 140.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 7. According to the present disclosure, the mode-conversion clip 30 can have a U-shape with elasticity and can comprise two mutually curved projections 31.

[0075] The mode-conversion clip 30 can be divided into a first space 32 on one side and a second space 33 on the other side with respect to the projections 31. The clip fastening element 140 can be inserted into the first space 32.

[0076] During automatic switching mode, when the first solenoid rod 41 of the mode conversion solenoid 40 is inserted into the first recess 21 of the ball joint 20 by actuation of the mode conversion solenoid 40, the first solenoid rod 41 can pass through the first gap 32 in the mode conversion clip 30. During rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction, the first solenoid rod 41 can move between the first gap 32 and the second gap 33 of the mode conversion clip 30.

[0077] In automatic shift mode, the first gap 32 and the second gap 33 correspond to a starting position A1 and an M (manual) gear position A2, respectively. During rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction, the first solenoid rod 41 can pass through the projections 31, thus being in the starting position (zero gear position) A1 or the M gear position A2. When the first solenoid rod 41 passes through the projections 31, an actuation force can be generated, and when the first solenoid rod 41 is in the starting position A1 or the M gear position A2, its position can be stopped by the projections 31.

[0078] In other words, during automatic shifting mode, the starting position A1 and the M-gear position A2 can serve as fixing positions at which the first solenoid rod 41 is fixed.

[0079] The projections 31 of the mode conversion clip 30 are positioned between the initial position A1 and the M-gear position A2, generating an actuating force as the first solenoid rod 41 passes through the space between the projections 31. When the first solenoid rod 41 reaches the initial position A1 or the M-gear position A2, its movement can be limited by the projections 31 to stop or halt it in that position.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, for example, there is a gap C1 between the first solenoid rod 41, which is located in the first space 32 of the mode conversion clip 30, and the clip fastening element 140, which allows the ball joint 20 to rotate in the gear selection direction of 5th / 6th gear based on the manual shift mode (see arrow R1 in Figure 8). Fig. 8) The ball joint 20 continues to rotate in the gear selection direction of the 5th / 6th gear until the first solenoid rod 41 comes into contact with the clip fastening element 140, and when the first solenoid rod 41 comes into contact with the clip fastening element 140, an N gear signal can be generated.

[0081] As another example, with reference to Fig. 9, if there is no gap between the first solenoid rod 41, which is located in the first space 32 of the mode conversion clip 30, and the clip fastening element 140, so that the first solenoid rod 41 is in contact with the clip fastening element 140, the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the gear selection direction of the 5th / 6th gear is limited based on the manual shift mode, and at this time the N gear signal can be generated when a shift operation is performed in the direction of the D or R gear while driving in D or R gear.

[0082] If the clip fastening element 140 is shaped such that it has a projection on its underside, there is no gap between the first solenoid rod 41 and the clip fastening element 140 in the first space 32. Thus, when the first solenoid rod 41 is inserted into the first space 32 of the mode conversion clip 30, it can come into direct contact with the clip fastening element 140, in which case the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the gear selection direction of the 5th / 6th gear can be limited based on the manual shift mode.

[0083] A second recess 22, into which the selection bolt unit 60 is inserted, can be formed on the other side of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction.

[0084] The selector bolt assembly 60 according to the present disclosure may comprise: a first selector spring 61 inserted into the second recess 22; a spring cap 62 supporting one end of the first selector spring 61; a spring cap 63 fixedly coupled to the second recess 22 and compressing the spring cap 62 to cause the first selector spring 61 to be installed in the compressed state; a second selector spring 64 installed such that it is supported at one end by the spring cap 63; and a selector bolt 65 installed in the compressed state of the second selector spring 64, one end of which protrudes from the ball joint 20 to engage with the selector detent groove 51 in the selector detent 50.

[0085] The first selection spring 61 and the second selection spring 64 can both be made with coil springs and can be attached in an initially compressed state by the clamping force of the spring rod 63 and the selection bolt 65.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 6 the end of the selection bolt 65, which protrudes from the ball joint 20, can come into contact with the selection locking groove 51 formed in the selection locking device 50, and during the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction the selection bolt 65 can move along the selection locking groove 51.

[0087] With reference to Fig. 6 The selection locking groove 51 can include a first groove 51a, a second groove 51b located in a position away from the first groove 51a, as well as a third groove 51c and a fourth groove 51d located in the other direction away from the first groove 51a.

[0088] The second groove 51b, which is spaced apart in one direction from the first groove 51a, and the third and fourth grooves 51c and 51d, which are spaced apart in the other direction from the first groove 51a, can have a path of movement that is approximately arc-shaped.

[0089] This means that a circular arc shape can be formed based on the fact that the center of the ball joint 20 is longest, with the radius to the first groove 51a from the center point being shorter than that of the first groove 51a, the radii to the second groove 51b and to the third groove 51c being shorter than that of the first groove 51a, and the radius to the fourth groove 51d being shorter than that of the third groove 51c.

[0090] In automatic shift mode, where the first solenoid rod 41 is inserted into the first groove 21 of the ball joint 20, the selector pin 65 can be located in the first groove 51a when the first solenoid rod 41 is in the first space 32 of the mode conversion clip 30 in the initial position (zero gear position) A1. When the first solenoid rod 41 is located within the second space 33 of the mode conversion clip 30 in the M gear position A2 due to the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction, the selector pin 65 can be located in the third groove 51c.

[0091] In the manual switching mode, where the first solenoid rod 41 is pulled out of the first groove 21 of the ball joint 20, the selection bolt 65 can be located in one of the first to fourth grooves 51a to 51d when the ball joint 20 rotates in the selection direction.

[0092] In manual shift mode, the first groove 51a, in which the selection bolt 65 is located, can correspond to the starting position (N gear position, neutral gear position or idle position, gear selection position of 3rd / 4th gear B1), the second groove 51b can correspond to the gear selection position of 5th / 6th gear, the third groove 51c can correspond to the gear selection position of 1st / 2nd gear, and the fourth groove 51d can correspond to the gear selection position of R gear.

[0093] In manual shift mode, when the ball joint 20 rotates in the selection direction due to the actuation of the shift rod 10, the selector bolt 65 can move between the second groove 51b, corresponding to the gear selection position of 5th / 6th gear, and the fourth groove 51d, corresponding to the gear selection position of reverse. When the driver's actuation force on the shift rod 10 is released or ceases to act, the selector bolt 65 can return to the first groove 51a, corresponding to the initial position B1, by the spring force of the selector bolt assembly 60.

[0094] In other words, in manual shift mode, the second groove 51b, corresponding to the 5th / 6th gear selection position, the third groove 51c, corresponding to the 1st / 2nd gear selection position, and the fourth groove 51d, corresponding to the reverse gear selection position, do not serve as detent positions where the movement of the selector bolt 65 is stopped. Therefore, the selector bolt 65 returns to its initial position B1, corresponding to the first groove 51a, due to spring force when the driver releases the actuating force after moving into the second groove 51b, the third groove 51c, or the fourth groove 51d.

[0095] According to the present disclosure, the selection bolt 65 can move linearly along the longitudinal direction of the second recess 22 when the ball joint 20 is rotated in the selection direction due to the phase shift of the selection locking groove 51.

[0096] When the ball joint 20 rotates in the selection direction in the state where the selection bolt 65 is located in the first recess 51a, the selection bolt 65 can move along the second recess 22 due to the phase shift of the selection locking groove 51 as it moves towards the second recess 51b, the third recess 51c, or the fourth recess 51d. This movement of the selection bolt 65 can compress the first selection spring 61 and the second selection spring 64.

[0097] Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 represents the state of the manual switching mode in which the first solenoid rod 41 is pulled out of the first recess 21 of the ball joint 20 and the selection bolt 65 is in contact with the first groove 51a of the selection locking groove 51.

[0098] In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 12, the right end of the selection bolt 65 maintains a predetermined gap G from the spring cap 62.

[0099] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 represent the state in which the ball joint 20 moves from the position in Fig. 12 has rotated in the selection direction, causing the selection bolt 65 to move to the third groove 51c of the selection locking groove 51.

[0100] When the selection bolt 65 is moved from the first groove 51a of the selection locking groove 51 to the second groove 51b or the third groove 51c due to the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction, the selection bolt 65 moves into the second recess 22 of the ball joint 20 due to the phase shift of the selection locking groove 51.

[0101] Once the selector bolt 65 has completed its movement to the second groove 51b or to the third groove 51c, one end (the right end) of the selector bolt 65 is in contact with the spring cap 62, thereby closing the gap G between the selector bolt 65 and the spring cap 62. At this point, only the second selector spring 64 is compressed and generates a selector actuation force, while the first selector spring 61 is not compressed and thus retains its original spring force unchanged.

[0102] Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 represent the state in which the ball joint 20 moves from the position in Fig. 14 continuously rotated in the selection direction, causing the selection bolt 65 to move to the fourth groove 51d of the selection locking groove 51.

[0103] As the selection bolt 65 moves in the selection direction from the third groove 51a to the fourth groove 51d due to the continuous rotation of the ball joint 20, the selection bolt 65 moves through the phase shift of the selection locking groove 51 to be inserted into the second recess 22 of the ball joint 20. At this time, the spring cap 62, which is in contact with the selection bolt 65, also moves.

[0104] Due to the simultaneous movement of the selector bolt 65 and the spring cap 62, the first selector spring 61 and the second selector spring 64 are compressed. Therefore, when the selector bolt 65 moves to the fourth groove 51d, the sum of the spring forces of the compressed first selector spring 61 and the second selector spring 64 can be generated as a selector actuation force.

[0105] When the selector bolt 65 moves from the first groove 51a to the second groove 51b or to the third groove 51c, the compressed length of the second selector spring 64 can be equal to the distance of the gap G between one end of the selector bolt 65 and the spring cap 62 when the selector bolt 65 is in the first groove 51a.

[0106] If the selector bolt 65 moves from the first groove 51a to the second groove 51b or to the third groove 51c, if the first selector spring 61 in the first groove 51a maintains its compressed state as it is without being additionally compressed, the first selector spring 61 does not change.

[0107] In Fig. Figure 18 shows a graphical representation of the selection actuation force based on the structure applied to the selection bolt unit 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0108] S1 on the path of the horizontal axis represents the state in which the shift rod 10 is not actuated in the selection direction, and at this time the selection bolt 65 is in contact with the first groove 51a in the gear selection position of the 3rd / 4th gear.

[0109] When the travel of the shift rod 10 is set to S1, the first selector spring 61 and the second selector spring 64 in the selector bolt unit 60 retain their originally set states, resulting in no change in spring force. At this point, the selector actuation force is F1.

[0110] S2 on the path of the horizontal axis represents the state in which the selection bolt 65 is in contact with the third groove 51c in the gear selection position of the 1st / 2nd gear or with the second groove 51b in the gear selection position of the 5th / 6th gear due to the actuation of the shift rod 10 in the selection direction.

[0111] When the path of the shift rod 10 changes from S1 to S2, the first selector spring 61 is not compressed, which does not cause any change in the spring force, and only the second selector spring 64 is compressed, resulting in an increase in the spring force.

[0112] In other words, the gap G between the selector bolt 65 and the spring cap 62 gradually closes as the path of the shift rod 10 changes from S1 to S2, and at this time only the second selector spring 64 is compressed, generating a selector actuation force F2 that is greater than F1.

[0113] S3 on the path of the horizontal axis represents the state in which the selection bolt 65 is in contact with the fourth groove 51d in the gear selection position of reverse gear R due to the actuation of the shift rod 10 in the selection direction.

[0114] From the moment the path of the shift rod 10 moves from S2 towards S3, the spring cap 62 also moves under the pressure of the selector bolt 65, and as a result, the first selector spring 61 begins to compress, thereby increasing the spring force.

[0115] Therefore, the selection actuation force F3, which is generated when the path of the shift rod 10 changes from S2 to S3, is the sum of the spring forces of the first selection spring 61 and the second selection spring 64, and the selection actuation force F3 is greater than F2.

[0116] In this way, an embodiment according to the present disclosure is arranged such that the selection actuation force increases rapidly from F2 to F3 from the moment the path of the shift rod 10 moves from S2 towards S3 during the selection process, so that, using the spring force of the selection bolt unit 60, the selection process for 1st / 2nd gear and the selection process for reverse gear can be clearly distinguished, thus preventing the driver from incorrectly performing a selection process for reverse gear in a situation where the selection process for 1st / 2nd gear is to be carried out.

[0117] In other words, if the driver intends to perform the selection process for reverse gear, he should perform the selection process with a deliberately stronger actuation force, which allows for clear recognition of the selection process for reverse gear, thereby preventing incorrect operation.

[0118] A third recess 23, into which the second solenoid rod 91 is inserted in automatic switching mode, can be formed on one side of the ball joint 20 along the switching direction. When the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23 during rotation of the ball joint 20 in the switching direction in automatic switching mode, the travel of the ball joint 20 in the switching direction can be limited.

[0119] During the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection direction in the automatic switching mode, the path can be limited if the first solenoid rod 41, which is inserted into the first recess 21 of the ball joint 20, comes into contact with the clip fastening element 140 or the first recess 21.

[0120] On the other side of the ball joint 20 in the switching direction, a fourth recess 24 can be formed into which the switching bolt unit 120 is inserted.

[0121] The switching bolt assembly 120 according to the present disclosure may comprise: a switching spring 121 which is inserted into the fourth recess 24; and a switching bolt 122 which is arranged to compress the switching spring 121 when it is inserted into the fourth recess 24, and one end of which protrudes from the ball joint 20 to come into contact with the switching detent groove 111 in the switching detent 110.

[0122] The switching spring 121 can be designed as a coil spring and can be installed in a pre-compressed state under the pressure of the switching bolt 122.

[0123] With reference to Fig. 19 the end of the shift bolt 122, which protrudes from the ball joint 20, can come into contact with the shift locking groove 111 formed in the shift detent 110, and during the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction the shift bolt 122 can move along the shift locking groove 111.

[0124] With reference to Fig. 19 The switching detent groove 111 can comprise: an inner groove 111a formed as a concave groove in the center of a surface of the switching detent 110; an outer groove 111b formed as a circumferentially continuous concave groove outside the inner groove 111a; and a circumferentially continuous projection 111c forming the inner and outer grooves 111a and 111b to connect the inner and outer grooves 111a and 111b, with a cross-section projecting from the inner and outer grooves 111a and 111b.

[0125] Fig. Figure 19 represents the state in which the ball joint 122 is located within the inner groove 111a in the switching locking groove 111 in the situation of automatic switching mode, and Fig. 20 represents the state in which the ball joint 20 is rotated in the shifting direction when the shift rod 10 is moved out of the position in the shifting direction. Fig. The state shown in 19 is rotated.

[0126] When the ball joint 20 is rotated in the shifting direction due to the actuation of the shift rod 10, the shift bolt 122 moves from the inner groove 111a towards the outer groove 111b while in contact with the shift detent groove 111. At this point, the shift spring 121 is compressed in the shift detent groove 111 due to the phase shift.

[0127] When the ball joint 20 is rotated in the shifting direction, the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction is terminated at the moment the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23 in the ball joint 20, and the movement of the shift bolt 122 is simultaneously terminated. At this point, the shift bolt 122 is located, as shown in Fig. 20 shown, on the projection 111c of the switching locking groove 111.

[0128] When the shift bolt 122 is positioned on the projection 111c, the shift rod 10 can be in one of the following gear positions: D, - (downshift), R, or + (upshift).

[0129] In other words, when the shift bolt 122 is located within the inner groove 111a of the shift locking groove 111 in the automatic shift mode situation, the shift rod 10 can be fixed in the starting position (zero gear position) A1 or in the M gear position A2.

[0130] When the shift rod 10, which is in the starting position A1 or the M-gear position A2, is moved in the direction of one of the gear positions D, -, R and +, the shift bolt 122 can be located on the projection 111c in the shift locking groove 111.

[0131] When the shift bolt 122 is at the projection 111c, the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23 of the ball joint 20 to limit the travel of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction, thereby limiting the movement of the shift bolt 122 to the outer groove 111b after it has passed through the projection 111c.

[0132] Furthermore, when the actuating force is released in the state in which the shift rod 10 is moved to one of the gear positions D, -, R and +, the shift bolt 122 can return from the projection 111c to the inner groove 111a due to the spring force of the shift bolt unit 120, and the shift rod 10 can return to the starting position A1 or the M gear position A2.

[0133] With reference to Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, when the second solenoid rod 91 is released or disengaged by actuation of the shift solenoid in the manual shift mode and is freed from the third recess 23 in the ball joint 20, the ball joint 20 can rotate in the shift direction without coming into contact with the second solenoid rod 91 when the shift rod 10 is actuated in the manual shift mode. As a result, the shift bolt 122 can move along the shift detent groove 111 to its maximum distance and can be located in the outer groove 111b.

[0134] If both a signal for manual shift mode is generated by a mode selector 150 and a clutch pedal signal 160, a shift lever control 170 can control the actuation of the shift solenoid 90 such that the second solenoid rod 91 is disengaged and released from the third recess 23 in the ball joint 20.

[0135] Fig. 22 represents the state in which the shift bolt 122 is located in the inner groove 111a in the shift locking groove 111 in the situation of manual shift mode. Fig. 23 represents the state in which, due to the actuation of the shift rod 10, the gear is removed from the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 22, the ball joint 20 is rotated in the switching direction and the switching bolt 122 is located in the outer groove 111b of the switching locking groove 111.

[0136] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the shift rod 10 can be in one of the following positions when the selection bolt 122 is in manual shift mode in the inner groove 111a: the starting position (N gear position, neutral position, 5th / 6th gear selection position) B1, 3rd / 4th gear selection position B2, 1st / 2nd gear selection position B3 and R gear selection position B4.

[0137] When the actuating force is released in the state where the shift rod 10 is in the gear selection position of the 5th / 6th gear B2, the gear selection position of the 1st / 2nd gear B3 or the gear selection position of the reverse gear B4, the shift rod 10 can return to the initial position B1 due to the spring force of the selector bolt unit 60.

[0138] Fig. 23 represents the state in which the shift rod 10 moves from the state of Fig. 22 is rotated in the switching direction.

[0139] When the ball joint 20 is rotated in the shifting direction due to the rotation of the shift rod 10, the shift bolt 122 moves from the inner groove 111a towards the outer groove 111b in the state in which it is in contact with the shift detent groove 111, and at this time the shift spring 121 is compressed.

[0140] After the switching bolt 122 has been inserted from the projection 111c into the outer groove 111b, the position of the switching bolt 122 in the outer groove 111b is fixed.

[0141] When the shift bolt 122 is in the outer groove 111b, the shift rod 10 can remain fixed in one of the following gear positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and R.

[0142] Fig. 24 represents a situation in which a signal for manual shift mode is generated by the operation of the mode selector 150, but no signal is generated by the clutch pedal 160 because the driver does not operate the clutch pedal 160.

[0143] At this point, the shift lever control 170 controls the operation of the shift solenoid 90 such that the second solenoid rod 91 is inserted into the third recess 23 of the ball joint 20.

[0144] Since the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23 of the ball joint 20 when the ball joint 20 is rotated in the switching direction due to the actuation of the shift rod, the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the switching direction is consequently restricted or limited, so that the manual shifting process is not continued.

[0145] In other words, when the driver operates the shift rod 10 in the shifting direction in the state where the signal for the manual shift mode is generated and no signal is generated by the clutch pedal 160, the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction is only permitted until the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23 in the ball joint 20, and when the second solenoid rod 91 comes into contact with the third recess 23, the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction is limited and cannot be continued.

[0146] When the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the shifting direction is restricted by the second shift solenoid rod 91 as described above, the shift bolt 122 is located on the projection 111c in the shift detent groove 111 and is prevented from moving towards the outer groove 111b where a gear position signal is output, so that no gear position signal is output, thus preventing incorrect operation.

[0147] Furthermore, the shift bolt 122 returns to the inner groove 111a and the shift rod 10 returns to the initial position B1 when the actuating force on the shift rod 10 is released by the spring force of the shift bolt unit 120 when the shift bolt 122 is at the projection 111c.

[0148] The electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure may further comprise: a structural guide pin 180 which is rigidly coupled to the ball joint 20 and protrudes downwards; and a structural guide rail 190 which is formed on the inner bottom surface or underside of the ball joint holder 70 and is configured to guide the movement of the structural guide pin 180 in the selection and switching direction.

[0149] The structural guide pin 180 can be coupled to the lower section of the ball joint 20 such that its lower end protrudes below the ball joint 20 and can rotate integrally in the selection and switching direction during the rotation of the ball joint 20.

[0150] The lower end of the structural guide pin 180 can be inserted into the structural guide rail 190 to move along the rail as the ball joint (20) rotates in the selection and switching direction.

[0151] The electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure may further comprise: a permanent magnet 210 rigidly coupled to the ball joint 20; and a printed circuit board (PCB) 220 attached to the ball joint holder 70 such that it faces the permanent magnet 210. The PCB 220 is configured to detect a magnetic flux signal corresponding to a change in the position of the permanent magnet 210 when the ball joint 20 rotates in the selection and switching direction, and to output a selected gear position.

[0152] The circuit board 220 includes a Hall sensor which is set up to detect the permanent magnet 210, so that when the position of the permanent magnet 210 changes according to the rotation of the ball joint 20 in the selection and switching direction, a selection position can be detected and a selected gear position can be output.

[0153] The electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure may further comprise: a shift lever control 170, which is attached to or fixed on the ball joint holder 70. The shift lever control 170 is configured to: transmit the gear position signal output by the circuit board 220 to a vehicle control unit 230; receive a signal from the mode selector 150, which is configured to select the automatic shift mode and the manual shift mode, and receive a signal from the clutch pedal 160; and control the operation of the mode conversion solenoid 40 and the shift solenoid 90.

[0154] The shift lever control 170 can be located on one side of the circuit board 220 and electrically connected to the circuit board 220 to receive a signal. The shift lever control 170, including the circuit board 220, can be covered and protected by a control cover 240.

[0155] With reference to Fig. 24 A signal for automatic switching mode or a signal for manual switching mode, generated by the operation of the mode selector 150, can be transmitted to the shift lever control 170, and the shift lever control 170 can control the operation of the mode conversion solenoid 40 using the signal for automatic switching mode or the signal for manual switching mode.

[0156] In addition, the shift lever control 170 can control the operation of the shift solenoid 90 using the signal for automatic shift mode or the signal for manual shift mode generated by actuating the mode selector 150, and the signal from the clutch pedal 160.

[0157] In a vehicle not equipped with a clutch pedal (e.g., a two-pedal vehicle), when a signal for automatic shift mode is generated by operating the mode selector 150, the shift lever control 170 can control the operation of the mode conversion solenoid 40 and the shift solenoid 90 such that the first solenoid rod 41 and the second solenoid rod 91 are inserted into the first recess 21 and the third recess 23 of the ball joint 20, respectively. Similarly, when a signal for manual shift mode is generated by actuating the mode selector 150, the shift lever control 170 can control the mode conversion solenoid 40 and the shift solenoid 90 such that the first solenoid rod 41 and the second solenoid rod 91 are disengaged and released from the first recess 21 and the third recess 23 of the ball joint 20, respectively.

[0158] A gear position signal, selected by the selection and switching rotation of the ball joint 20, is output via the circuit board 220, then transmitted via the shift lever control 170 to the vehicle control 230 and used by the vehicle control 230 to control the operation of the vehicle's drive unit 250.

[0159] In addition, the gearshift control unit 170 can receive information about the engine speed for the vehicle via signals from an accelerator pedal 260 and a brake pedal 270.

[0160] As described above, the electronic shift control device according to the present disclosure is configured to be able to switch between automatic and manual shifting operations based on the driver's intention, thereby eliminating the simplicity of shifting operations, which pleases the driver and increases the marketability of the product.

[0161] Furthermore, the electronic switching control device according to the present disclosure is configured such that it is able to limit the switching travel of the switching rod 10 to different lengths, depending on whether it is in automatic or manual switching mode. As a result, ease of operation can be improved and the detectability of a switching operation increased.

[0162] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure as defined by the attached claims.

Images