Ball joint selector assembly having internal sensor and detent mechanism - Patents.com

Abstract

A selector assembly including a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity. A positioning sensor is positioned within the sensor cavity and in communication with the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spherical member that moves about a center point of the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface of the housing. The spherical member includes a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the positioning sensor. The first pivot and the second pivot include respective first and second rotational axes each extending through the center point. The detent pin is biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity and slidably engages the detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector. Movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines a plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the positioning sensor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The device is in the field of selector assemblies, and more specifically, a selector assembly that can be used within a vehicle to modify at least one electrical or mechanical system of the vehicle, the selector assembly including an internal ball joint and detent mechanism that cooperates with an internal sensor assembly to define a plurality of selector positions. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles and other mechanical systems include selectors that can be used to modify one or more parameters of a particular mechanism. These selectors typically include a user interface that can be manually operated by a user to communicate instructions to the mechanical assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a selector assembly includes a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity extending outwardly from the spherical cavity. A positioning sensor is positioned within the sensor cavity of the housing. The positioning sensor is in communication with the spherical cavity. The selector slidably moves within the housing about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spherical member that is contained within the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface of the housing. The spherical member includes a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the positioning sensor. The first pivot includes a first axis of rotation that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. The second pivot includes a second axis of rotation that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. A detent pin is biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity and slidably engages the detent surface to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector. Movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surfaces defines a number of selector positions that are communicated to the controller via the magnets and position sensors.

[0004] According to another aspect, a selector assembly includes a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity extending outwardly from the spherical cavity. A Hall sensor is positioned within the sensor cavity of the housing. The Hall sensor is in communication with the spherical cavity. The selector slidably moves within the housing about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a selector body including a spherical member, a stalk, a detent sleeve, a first pivot, and a second pivot. The spherical member slidably moves within the spherical cavity and about the center point. A magnet is attached to the spherical member in electromagnetic communication with the Hall sensor. A detent pin is disposed within the detent sleeve. The detent pin is biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity and slidably engages the detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector. Movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines a plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the Hall sensor. The selector is rotatably fixed relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the stalk, the first pivot includes a first axis of rotation, and the second pivot includes a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extending through a center point.

[0005] According to another aspect, a selector assembly includes a housing having a selector cavity including a spherical cavity and a detent cavity. A Hall sensor is positioned within the sensor cavity of the housing. The Hall sensor is in communication with the spherical cavity. The selector slidably moves within the selector cavity about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spherical member that is contained within the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface of the housing. The spherical member includes a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the Hall sensor. A stalk extends from the spherical member and protrudes from the housing. A first pivot includes a first axis of rotation that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. A second pivot includes a second axis of rotation that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. The selector is rotatably fixed relative to a longitudinal axis that extends through the stalk. A detent sleeve integral with the spherical member. A detent pin is disposed within the detent sleeve. The detent pin is biased toward and slidably engages the detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector. Movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines a plurality of selector positions that are communicated to the controller via the magnets and Hall sensors.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0007] The following is a drawing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a shifter assembly incorporating an exemplary embodiment of a ball joint selector; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ball joint selector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ball joint selector of FIG. 2. [Figure 4]3 is a cutaway perspective view of the ball joint selector of FIG. 2 showing the placement of the spherical members of the ball joint selector within the spherical cavity of the housing. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ball joint assembly of FIG. 2 taken along line VV. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ball joint selector of FIG. 5 taken at area VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ball joint selector of FIG. 6, showing the ball joint selector in an alternate selector position. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ball joint selector of FIG. 6, showing the ball joint selector in an alternate selector position. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic elevation view of one embodiment of a ball joint selector and cooperating sensor assembly; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a ball joint selector and cooperating sensor assembly; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to detailed design, and some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of the functions. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.

[0010] For purposes of description herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "back," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives shall refer to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0011] This illustrated embodiment resides primarily in a combination of method steps and apparatus components related to a ball joint selector assembly that includes a spherical member that slidably operates within a spherical cavity to accommodate movement of the selector through a defined range of selector positions. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where applicable, by conventional numerals in the drawings that show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Additionally, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0012] The term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as including components A, B, and / or C, the composition can include only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0013] In this document, relative terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. "Comprises," "comprising," or any other variation is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises...a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element, without further constraints.

[0014] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint referenced. Regardless of whether a numerical value or endpoint of a range in the specification is described as "about," the numerical value or endpoint of the range is intended to include two embodiments, those modified by "about" and those not modified by "about." Furthermore, it will be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to note that a described feature is equal or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to describe a surface that is planar or nearly planar. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to describe two values ​​that are equal or nearly equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may describe values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a selector assembly incorporated within any one of a variety of dedicated mechanical assemblies 12. The selector assembly 10 includes a ball joint selector 14 that is used to provide instructions, typically via a digital interface, to the mechanical assembly 12. The ball joint selector 14 may be incorporated within a shift-by-wire mechanism 16 of a vehicle 18 that is used to control a transmission of the vehicle 18. In accordance with various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 10 includes a housing 20 having an internal support 22 that extends within a guide surface 24. The guide surface 24 partially defines a spherical cavity 26. The housing 20 also includes a detent cavity 28 that extends outwardly from the spherical cavity 26. Through this configuration, the spherical cavity 26 and the detent cavity 28 define a single continuous selector cavity 156 within the housing 20. The ball joint selector 14 slidably operates within the housing 20 and about a center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. The ball joint selector 14 includes a spherical member 32 that is received within the spherical cavity 26 and slidably engages the guide surface 24 of the spherical cavity 26 .

[0018] 1-8, the ball joint selector 14 also includes at least one stability feature that provides selective and alternative rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the first axis of rotation 38 and the second axis of rotation 40. The at least one stability feature also prevents rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the longitudinal axis 72 of the ball joint selector 14. The at least one stability feature may include at least one of the first pivot 34 and the second pivot 36. The first pivot 34 includes a first axis of rotation 38 that extends through the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. The second pivot 36 includes a second axis of rotation 40 that also extends through the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. During operation of the ball joint selector 14, the first and second axes of rotation 38, 40 maintain their positions through the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. Through this configuration, movement of the ball joint selector 14 within the housing 20 maintains the spherical member 32 within the spherical cavity 26 of the housing 20. The ball joint selector 14 also includes a detent pin 42 biased toward a detent surface 44 within the detent cavity 28. The detent pin 42 slidably engages the detent surface 44 to define a plurality of selector positions 46 of the ball joint selector 14. The ball joint selector 14 and the housing 20 define a user interface 48 in communication with a controller 50. Movement of the ball joint selector 14 within the spherical cavity 26 and along the detent surface 44 defines a plurality of selector positions 46. These selector positions 46 are communicated to the controller 50 to operate the dedicated machine assembly 12. This communication of the selector positions 46 can be communicated to a user via tactile feedback, visual feedback, audible feedback, combinations thereof, and other forms of feedback.

[0019] In accordance with various aspects of the device, the ball joint selector 14 includes a stalk 70 that defines a longitudinal axis 72 extending through the ball joint selector 14. It is contemplated that when the ball joint selector 14 is disposed within the spherical cavity 26 of the housing 20, the ball joint selector 14 is in a rotationally fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70. Movement of the stalk 70 can thus be effected by rotating the ball joint selector 14 in a fore-aft direction 74 and a side-to-side direction 76 about the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. These manipulations of the ball joint selector 14 occur about the first and second rotational axes 38, 40 of the first and second pivots 34, 36. Movement of the ball joint selector 14 is therefore typically limited to movement in a fore-aft direction 74 about the first rotational axis 38 and a side-to-side direction 76 about the second rotational axis 40, alternatively. As described herein, a rotationally fixed position of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the longitudinal axis 72 of the ball joint selector 14 may be achieved through a stability feature that may include only one of either the first pivot 34 or the second pivot 36. At the same time, the stability feature allows for selective and alternative rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the first axis of rotation 38 and the second axis of rotation 40.

[0020] 4-8, the housing 20 may include one or both of a first pivot cavity 90 and a second pivot cavity 92 that correspond to the structure of the stability feature. As discussed herein, the stability feature may include only one or both of the first and second pivots 34, 36.

[0021] In certain aspects of the device, the ball joint selector 14 includes a single continuous member. This single continuous member may be in the form of a single selector body 140 that includes the spherical member 32, the detent sleeve 124, the first pivot 34, the second pivot 36, and, if applicable, the stalk 70. In such aspects of the device, these components may be a single, integral part formed as the selector body 140. Thus, the selector body 140 forms a single part that operates within the continuous selector cavity 156.

[0022] It is contemplated that the first pivot 34 of the ball joint selector 14 is defined by a boss that extends into the first pivot cavity 90. The ball joint selector 14 also includes a second pivot 36 in the form of a separate boss that extends into a second pivot cavity 92. Utilizing at least one of the first and second pivots 34, 36, a rotationally fixed position of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70 may be maintained within the spherical cavity 26 of the housing 20.

[0023] 6-8, as the ball joint selector 14 is manipulated about the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26, the first and / or second pivots 34, 36 of the ball joint selector 14 are manipulated within first and / or second pivot cavities 90, 92, respectively. These first and second pivot cavities 90, 92 provide clearance spaces 110 around each of the respective first and second pivots 34, 36 of the ball joint selector 14. These clearance spaces 110 provide for rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26, and alternatively, rotation about one of the first and second rotational axes 38, 40. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the first and second pivots 34, 36 may engage the housing 20 to assist in maintaining the rotational position of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70. Each of the first and second pivots 34, 36 is provided for movement through a single plane as well as about the respective first and second axes of rotation 38, 40. This configuration maintains the ball joint selector 14 in a rotationally fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70. The first and second pivots 34, 36, and the planes in which they operate, are generally perpendicular to one another, providing fore-aft 74 and side-to-side 76 movement.

[0024] 6-9, only one of the first pivot 34 and the second pivot 36 is included in the ball joint selector 14, and only one of the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92 is included as part of the stability feature. In such an embodiment of the device, such as where the first pivot 34 is excluded from the ball joint selector 14, only the second pivot cavity 92 is included. As the ball joint selector 14 rotates about the first axis of rotation 38, the second pivot 36 rotates within the clearance space 110 of the second pivot cavity 92. This isolated rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the first axis of rotation 38 also prevents rotation of the ball joint selector 14 about the second axis of rotation 40 and about the longitudinal axis 72. Alternatively, as the ball joint selector 14 is rotated about the second axis of rotation 40, the second pivot 36 is held in a stable position within the second pivot cavity 92 via one or more detent features. In this manner, the ball joint selector 14 is maintained in a position that allows isolated movement of the ball joint selector 14 about the second axis of rotation 40, but not about the first axis of rotation 38 or about the longitudinal axis 72.

[0025] In certain aspects of the device, the first and / or second pivot cavities 90, 92 can each include a generally hourglass shaped configuration that enables combined rotational movement of the first and second pivots 34, 36 when the ball joint selector 14 is moved in a diagonal motion that includes a front-to-back component and a left-to-right component.

[0026] Typically, the ball joint selector 14 is configured to be alternatively limited to movement in the fore-aft direction 74 and the left-right direction 76. In such an embodiment of the device, the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92 have substantially similar widths as the first and second pivots 34, 36 of the ball joint selector 14. Through this configuration, when the ball joint selector 14 moves about the first axis of rotation 38, the second pivot 36 moves within the second pivot cavity 92. Conversely, when the ball joint selector 14 is moved about the second axis of rotation 40, the first pivot 34 moves within the first pivot cavity 90.

[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, movement of the ball joint selector 14 occurs about a center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26 and about one of the first and second rotational axes 38, 40. As described herein, the ball joint selector 14 is biased toward a consistent and repeatable home position 120. It is also contemplated that the ball joint selector 14 may be selectively and alternatively held in a predetermined position through a series of selectable positions. In such an embodiment of the device, such as a gear selector for a vehicle transmission, the ball joint selector 14 may be held indefinitely within a series of stable positions. Thus, various communications between the ball joint selector 14 and the housing 20 may be maintained in a consistent configuration for communication of commands from a user through the ball joint selector 14 and to the controller 50 for operating the machine assembly 12.

[0028] 3-8, the detent surface 44 defines a home position 120 within a base 130 of the detent surface 44. Additionally, a detent sleeve 124 extends from a portion of the spherical member 32 to house a detent spring 132. The detent spring 132 biases the detent pin 42 toward the detent surface 44. In this manner, the detent spring 132 generates an outward biasing force 134 that biases the detent pin 42 and the ball joint selector 14 toward this home position 120 or toward one of a number of stable selector positions 46. The detent surface 44 can include any one of a variety of surface shapes that form detent patterns. These detent patterns interact with the detent pin 42 and the detent spring 132 to temporarily or indefinitely retain the ball joint selector 14 in the corresponding selector position 46.

[0029] The surface configuration of the detent surface 44 may include any one of a variety of detent recesses 136 that are eccentrically positioned relative to the home position 120 (or a series of selectable stable positions) to cooperate with the detent pin 42. These recesses 136 are used to define any one of a variety of selector positions 46 of the ball joint selector 14. It is also contemplated that the surface configuration of the detent surface 44 may include one or more detent rings that define concentric recesses 136 that extend around the home position 120 or around the stable selector positions 46. When the ball joint selector 14 is manipulated in any direction around the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26, the ball joint selector 14 is moved to a particular portion of the detent ring or one of the detent recesses 136 of the detent surface 44. These recesses 136 temporarily retain the detent pin 42 to provide tactile or haptic feedback to the user that a particular selected position has been achieved. The detent ring is configured to be shallow enough to temporarily retain the detent pin 42, but after a short period of time, the detent pin 42 can be released to return the ball joint selector 14 to one of the home position 120 or stable selector position 46. Return of the ball joint selector 14 to the home position 120 or stable selector position 46 is accomplished through interaction between the detent pin 42, the detent spring 132, and the detent surface 44 of the housing 20. As discussed herein, the detent pin 42 is biased in an outward direction. This biasing force 134 applied by the detent spring 132 functions to bias the ball joint selector 14 against the detent surface 44 toward the home position 120 or stable selector position 46.

[0030] In certain aspects of the device, the detent surface 44 includes a recess 136 that extends around the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46. Additionally, the recess 136 or other surface features may extend outward from the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46 to define an outward progression of the recess 136. Through this configuration, the ball joint selector 14 may move into a first layer recess 136 proximate the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46. The ball joint selector 14 may be moved further away from the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46 to gradually engage the outward recess 136 along the same path of movement. Each of these recesses 136 or surface features in the detent surface 44 corresponds to a particular selector position 46.

[0031] 6-8, the various guide surfaces 24 of the housing 20 cooperate to define a spherical cavity 26. These guide surfaces 24 define touch points at which the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14 slidably engages the guide surfaces 24 of the spherical cavity 26. These touch points are generally maintained during movement of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the spherical cavity 26 and the detent surfaces 44. This configuration maintains the ball joint selector 14 in a consistent position aligned with the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. Thus, each movement of the ball joint selector 14 occurs about this center point 30.

[0032] 1-8, the ball joint selector 14 may include a ball joint selector 14 that cooperates with a detent surface 44 to achieve any one of a variety of selector positions 46. It is also contemplated that the ball joint selector 14 may include separate rotation mechanisms that may cooperate with the various selector positions 46 to provide additional functionality of the user interface 48. By way of example and not limitation, when a user moves the ball joint selector 14 to a particular selector position 46, that selection may be used to actuate a separate rotation interface that is attached to or in communication with the ball joint selector 14. The rotation selector may be attached to the ball joint selector 14 or may be a separate interface positioned within another portion of the user interface 48. Various touch screen controls, buttons, dials, and other interfaces may also be incorporated into the selector assembly 10 with the ball joint selector 14.

[0033] 1-8, the selector assembly 10 provides a compact lever-type selector that can be used with a shift-by-wire mechanism 16 in a vehicle setting. It is contemplated that the selector assembly 10 can also be used with other components within the vehicle 18 or other machine settings. Additionally, it is contemplated that the selector assembly 10 can be utilized in connection with the shift-by-wire mechanism 16. The selector assembly 10 can also include an interface that can be used to adjust or change parameters of the particular machine assembly 12 that the selector assembly 10 controls at that particular time. In such a configuration, the selector assembly 10 can be used as a single user interface 48 that can control multiple systems within a vehicle setting or other machine setting.

[0034] 4-8, the ball joint selector 14 allows the stalk 70 of the ball joint selector 14 to tilt in a front-to-back direction 74 as well as a side-to-side direction 76. The detent spring 132 and detent pin 42 cooperate with the detent surface 44 to provide tactile feedback, and in certain circumstances, audible feedback, when the detent pin 42 engages various recesses 136 in the detent surface 44 that define the ball joint selector positions 46. The ball joint selector 14 provides a mechanism by which the stalk 70 can move in multiple directions while providing tactile feedback in each direction in which the ball joint selector 14 is manipulated. The ball joint selector 14 includes a spherical member 32 assembled in a cage defined by guide surfaces 24 of the interior support 22 of the housing 20. As discussed herein, these guide surfaces 24 define a spherical cavity 26 that accommodates the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14. During operation of the ball joint selector 14, the spherical member 32 is received within the spherical cavity 26 and is aligned or substantially aligned with a center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. Using these components, the ball joint selector 14 having multi-directional motion can be included within a vehicle setup via a compact interface having a minimal number of components.

[0035] In certain aspects of the device, the interface between the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14 and the spherical cavity 26 of the housing 20 may include one or more friction reducing materials or interfaces that may be used to facilitate movement within the ball joint selector 14 within the housing 20. These friction reducing materials and mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, lubricants, bearings, smoothed surfaces, combinations thereof, and other similar friction reducing mechanisms.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and second pivots 34, 36 of the ball joint selector 14 can be used as a positive feedback mechanism when the selector assembly 10 is manufactured and assembled. The positioning of the detent surface 44 receives the detent pin 42 of the ball joint selector 14. Also, the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92 receive the first and second pivots 34, 36, respectively. The interaction of the first and second pivots 34, 36 with the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92 defines a single rotational position of the ball joint selector 14 within the housing 20. The same principle can be used when the ball joint selector 14 includes only one of the first and second pivots 34, 36 and a corresponding one of the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92. This configuration creates a convenient and repeatable assembly mechanism that provides clear positive feedback when the ball joint selector 14 is properly positioned within the housing 20 during manufacture. Once the housing 20 is assembled, the upper housing portion 150 can be attached to the lower housing portion 152. The detent surface 44 can be a separate detent portion 154 of the housing 20 that is attached to the lower housing portion 152 to complete a selector cavity 156. The selector cavity 156 includes the spherical cavity 26, the detent cavity 28, and each of the first and second pivot cavities 90, 92, or only one of each.

[0037] According to various aspects of the device, the ball joint selector 14 may be made from any one of a variety of rigid materials. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, cast metal, rigid plastic, various polymers, forged metal, combinations thereof, and other similar materials. If the ball joint selector 14 is made from plastic, or at least partially made from plastic, the ball joint selector 14 may be formed utilizing an injection molding process, an insert molding process, and other similar plastic molding processes that may utilize both plastic and metal components.

[0038] According to various aspects of the device, the detent pin 42 can extend from a protrusion defined in a bottom portion of the spherical member 32. The detent pin 42 can extend various distances from the spherical member 32 depending on the configuration of the housing 20 of the selector assembly 10. The detent pin 42 can extend from a portion of a spherical surface of the spherical member 32, and it is contemplated that the detent pin 42 extends from the spherical member 32 to engage the detent surface 44. It is also contemplated that the detent pin 42 can be positioned within an integral extension of the ball joint selector 14 that protrudes from the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14.

[0039] According to various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 10 can include various positioning sensors 170 that can be used to monitor the positioning of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the return surface 44 and various selector positions 46 defined within the selector assembly 10. These various positioning sensors 170 can be placed in communication with the controller 50 to deliver commands to the dedicated machine assembly 12 via the controller 50. As discussed herein, the selector assembly 10 provides a user interface 48 that can communicate specific intent and commands from a user via the user interface 48 and to a particular machine assembly 12 within the vehicle 18 or other setting.

[0040] According to various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 10 can include a ball joint selector 14 that includes a plurality of protrusions. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, first and second pivots 34, 36 extend from a spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14. It is contemplated that additional anti-rotation features can extend from the spherical member 32 to further locate the ball joint selector 14 within the housing 20 and prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis 72. Typically, the spherical member 32 includes the first and second pivots 34, 36. This configuration can provide a location mechanism that orients the selector assembly 10 at a particular rotational position relative to the housing 20. Thus, the ball joint selector 14 can be located within the housing 20 at a single rotational position that can align the various positioning sensors 170 with corresponding receptacles that communicate commands to the respective controllers or controllers 50.

[0041] According to various aspects of the device, the portion of the positioning sensor 170 contained within the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14 may be located at various angles relative to the stalk 70 and the first and second pivots 34, 36. In certain examples, the sensor, typically a magnet 164 or other electromagnetic device, may be located along the lateral axis of the spherical member 32. In other examples, the sensor may be located along the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70. Various positions of the sensor therebetween are also contemplated to achieve the desired feedback sensitivity when the ball joint selector 14 is actuated relative to the spherical cavity 26 and the housing 20.

[0042] In accordance with various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 10 disclosed herein provides a compact lever-type selector that can be placed in small, confined spaces while providing a sufficient level of tactile feedback and sensitivity to achieve a variety of selector positions 46 relative to the detent surface 44. In addition, the compact configuration provides fewer components and a convenient assembly process that achieves repeatability and reliability of the manufacturing process. The configuration of the ball joint selector 14 having first and second pivots 34, 36 can be modified to achieve a variety of shifting patterns.

[0043] 1-10, the housing 20 includes a spherical cavity 26 and a detent cavity 28 extending outwardly from the spherical cavity 26. The housing 20 also includes a sensor cavity 160 that receives and positions a positioning sensor 170, typically in the form of a Hall sensor 162 proximate the spherical cavity 26. In this manner, the spherical cavity 26, the detent cavity 28, and the sensor cavity 160 may define a single continuous selector cavity 156 within the housing 20. It is contemplated that at least one of the internal supports 22 may be used to separate the sensor cavity 160 from the selector cavity 156. The ball joint selector 14 is positioned within the housing 20 and slidably moves within the housing 20 about a center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. The ball joint selector 14 includes a spherical member 32 that is received within the spherical cavity 26 and slidably engages the guide surface 24 of the spherical cavity 26. The spherical member 32 includes a magnet 164 in electromagnetic communication with a Hall sensor 162. The ball joint selector 14 includes first and second pivots 34, 36 that include first and second axes of rotation 38, 40, respectively, both of which extend through a center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. The first and second pivots 34, 36 operate to maintain a rotational position of the ball joint selector 14 relative to a longitudinal axis 72 of a stalk 70 for the ball joint selector 14. In this manner, according to various aspects of the device, the first pivot 34 and the second pivot 36 alternatively restrict movement of the ball joint selector 14 about the first axis of rotation 38 or about the second axis of rotation 40. In this configuration, the ball joint selector 14 can move in a fore-aft direction 74 or a cross-cabin left-right direction 76. Certain aspects of the device are contemplated to prevent diagonal movement of the stalk 70 relative to the spherical cavity 26.

[0044] 1-10, the ball joint selector 14 also includes a detent pin 42 that is biased toward a detent surface 44. The detent pin 42 slidably engages the detent surface 44 to define a plurality of selector positions 46 for the ball joint selector 14. The ball joint selector 14 and the housing 20 define a user interface 48 in communication with a controller 50. Movement of the ball joint selector 14 within the spherical cavity 26 and along the detent surface 44 defines a plurality of selector positions 46. These selector positions 46 are communicated to the controller 50 via electromagnetic interaction of a magnet 164 and a Hall sensor 162.

[0045] 4-10, the Hall sensor 162 positioned within the sensor cavity 160 is positioned near an outer surface 180 of the spherical member 32 for the ball joint selector 14. It is contemplated that the magnet 164 housed within the spherical member 32 may be positioned within a magnet portion 182 of the spherical member 32. This magnet portion 182 extends outwardly from the spherical member 32. In this manner, the magnet 164 and the magnet portion 182 extend toward the sensor cavity 160 and define electromagnetic communication between the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162. In certain aspects of the device in which the sensor cavity 160 is continuous with the selector cavity 156, the magnet portion 182 may extend at least partially into the sensor cavity 160 to define electromagnetic communication between the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162.

[0046] During movement of the ball joint selector 14 about the first and second axes of rotation 38, 40 of the first and second pivots 34, 36, respectively, the magnet 164 moves relative to the Hall sensor 162. As the magnet 164 is moved in accordance with the movement of the ball joint selector 14, a magnetic field 184 generated by the magnet 164 is received and sensed by the Hall sensor 162. The selector positions 46 of the ball joint selector 14 and the movement of the magnet 164 and magnetic field 184 as these components move between the various selector positions 46 are sensed by the Hall sensor 162. These readings of the Hall sensor 162 are converted into position information that is communicated to the controller 50.

[0047] It is contemplated that the movement of the magnet 164 relative to the Hall sensor 162 is configured to coincide with the interaction between the detent pin 42 and the detent surface 44. Thus, as the ball joint selector 14 moves to a particular selector position 46, the interaction between the detent pin 42 and the detent surface 44 provides tactile feedback. At the same time, the interaction between the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162 can provide digital feedback that is communicated to the controller 50 to operate the dedicated machine assembly 12 operated by the selector assembly 10.

[0048] According to various aspects of the device, the magnet 164 can be positioned within various locations of the spherical member 32. The magnet portion 182 can be aligned with a hemisphere 210, typically the lower hemisphere 210, of the spherical member 32. It is also contemplated that each of the magnet portions 182, the first pivot 34 and the second pivot 36 can all be positioned along a separate dedicated hemisphere 210 of the spherical member 32. It is also contemplated that the magnet portion 182 can be aligned with the stalk 70 of the spherical portion. In such a configuration, the detent pin 42 of the ball joint selector 14 can be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the stalk 70 of the ball joint selector 14. Multiple detents can also be positioned around the magnet portion 182 and around the spherical member 32 to provide tactile feedback to the user during operation of the ball joint selector 14.

[0049] 9 and 10, the magnet portion 182 may be positioned at a 45° angle relative to either the stalk 70 or the detent pin 42 of the ball joint selector 14. Other diagonal or angled configurations of the magnet portion 182 are contemplated to provide sufficient density of the magnetic field 184 relative to the Hall sensor 162. Sufficient field density of the magnetic field 184 provides a desired amount of sensitivity between the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162 to generate a signal based on the relative positions of the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162 as the selector is manipulated about the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26.

[0050] 3-8, as discussed herein, typically the ball joint selector 14 alternately moves about a first axis of rotation 38 of the first pivot 34 and a second axis of rotation 40 of the second pivot 36. In this manner, the ball joint selector 14 can move in a fore-aft direction 74 and a side-to-side direction 76. Typically, diagonal operation of the ball joint selector 14 is prevented based on the interaction of the first and second pivot cavities 90 and 92 with the first and second pivots 34, 36, respectively. During operation of the ball joint selector 14, the detent pin 42 can engage various undulations or recesses 136 positioned within the detent surface 44. These recesses 136 can be aligned along a single concentric region of the detent surface 44 relative to the home position 120. The recesses 136 or other surface features of the detent surface 44 can also be aligned in an elongated shape adjacent the plurality of stable selector positions 46. Additionally, it is contemplated that the detent surface 44 may include multiple rings or layers of recesses 136 that may provide a continuous tactile experience when a user manipulates the ball joint selector 14 .

[0051] By way of example and not limitation, movement of the ball joint selector 14 away from the home position 120 (or the stable selector positions 46) in a particular direction may engage a first level recess 136. Continued movement of the ball joint selector 14 beyond the first level recess 136 may engage a subsequent level recess 136 that may provide continuous tactile feedback to the user as the user moves the ball joint selector 14 progressively away from the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46. Each of these recesses 136 and their positions within the detent surface 44 may correspond to a particular relative position of the magnet 164 and magnetic field 184 with respect to the Hall sensor 162.

[0052] According to various aspects of the device, the Hall sensor 162 may include a sensor location that is a particular distance from the magnet portion 182 when in the home position 120 or the stable selector position 46. The orientation of a printed circuit board (PCB) 230 that houses the Hall sensor 162 may vary. Thus, the PCB 230 may be positioned vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in other directions relative to the ball joint selector 14. In each of these positions of the PCB 230, the sensor location of the Hall sensor 162 is intended to be a particular distance from the magnet portion 182 of the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14.

[0053] According to various aspects of the device, the magnet 164 may be positioned such that the north-south axis 238 of the north pole 240 and the south pole 242 of the magnetic field 184 are positioned radially relative to the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. In this manner, the north pole 240 of the magnet 164 is positioned proximate the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26 and the south pole 242 of the magnet 164 is positioned proximate the sensor location of the Hall sensor 162, or vice versa. Through this configuration, the magnet 164 may achieve a greater magnetic field density such that a smaller magnet 164 may be utilized within the spherical member 32 of the ball joint selector 14.

[0054] It is also contemplated that the magnet 164 may be positioned such that the north-south axis 238 of the magnet 164 is positioned in a generally tangential configuration relative to the outer surface 180 of the spherical member 32. In general, the orientation of the magnet 164 within the spherical member 32 may vary depending on the orientation of the magnet portion 182 relative to the spherical member 32. Whether the magnet portion 182 is oblique to the stalk 70 of the ball joint selector 14 may determine the orientation of the magnet 164. This orientation of the magnet 164 provides sufficient field density of the magnetic field 184 emanating from the magnet 164 such that the Hall sensor 162 can sense movement of the magnetic field 184 when the ball joint selector 14 and the magnet portion 182 are manipulated by a user.

[0055] According to various aspects of the device, the ball joint selector 14 is positioned within the housing 20 to maintain the spherical member 32 in a consistent position relative to the spherical cavity 26. Thus, the movement of the ball joint selector 14 operates around the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26 and is not intended to deviate from the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26. Rotational movement of the ball joint selector 14 about the longitudinal axis 72 of the stalk 70 is prevented using the first and second pivots 34, 36 that constitute bosses extending from the ellipsoidal member 32. By maintaining the rotational position of the spherical member 32 and the reminder of the ball joint selector 14 relative to the center point 30 of the spherical cavity 26, a consistent and repeatable movement of the magnet 164 relative to the Hall sensor 162 can be achieved. Thus, an accurate reading can be achieved by the interaction between the magnet 164 and the Hall sensor 162. Through this configuration, the overall size of the selector assembly 10 can be minimized to accommodate limited space within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 18 or other machine assembly 12.

[0056] It should also be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the structure described above without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

1. A selector assembly comprising: a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity extending outwardly from the spherical cavity; a positioning sensor positioned within a sensor cavity of the housing, the positioning sensor being proximate to and in communication with the spherical cavity; a selector slidably moving within said housing about a center point of said spherical cavity, a spherical member received within the spherical cavity and slidably engaging a guide surface of the housing, the spherical member including a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the position sensor; a first pivot having a first axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity; a second pivot having a second axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity, the second axis of rotation being perpendicular to the first axis of rotation; a detent pin biased toward and slidably engaging a detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector; and a selector, wherein movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines the plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the positioning sensor.

2. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the position sensor is a Hall sensor.

3. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is positioned within a magnetic portion of the spherical member.

4. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein said magnet extends outwardly from said spherical member.

5. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet portion extends into the sensor cavity adjacent the position sensor.

6. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is positioned at an oblique angle relative to a stalk of the selector.

7. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the controller is in communication with a shift-by-wire mechanism, the controller and the shift-by-wire mechanism being in communication with a vehicle transmission.

8. The selector assembly of claim 7 , wherein the selector includes a stalk extending outwardly from the housing to define a user interface.

9. The selector assembly of claim 8 , wherein the selector includes a selector body including the stalk, the spherical member, and a detent sleeve that receives the detent pin.

10. The selector assembly of claim 9 , wherein the selector body is a single, integral part.

11. 2. The selector assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first pivot cavity and a second pivot cavity, the first pivot of the selector extending into the first pivot cavity and the second pivot of the selector extending into the second pivot cavity.

12. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein said spherical cavity, said detent cavity, and said sensor cavity define a single continuous cavity within said housing.

13. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the selector is rotatably fixed about a longitudinal axis extending through a stalk of the selector.

14. A selector assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the magnet is positioned within a lower hemisphere of the spherical member.

15. A selector assembly comprising: a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity extending outwardly from the spherical cavity; a Hall sensor positioned within a sensor cavity of the housing and in communication with the spherical cavity, the sensor cavity and the Hall sensor being positioned outside of the spherical cavity; a selector slidably moving within said housing about a center point of said spherical cavity, a selector body including a spherical member, a stalk, a detent sleeve, a first pivot, and a second pivot, the spherical member slidably moving within the spherical cavity and about the center point; a magnet attached to the spherical member in electromagnetic communication with the Hall sensor; a detent pin disposed within the detent sleeve, the detent pin being biased toward and slidably engaging a detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector; movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surfaces defines the plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the Hall sensor; the selector is rotatably fixed relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the stalk; a selector, wherein the first pivot includes a first axis of rotation and the second pivot includes a second axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, and the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend through the center point.

16. The selector assembly of claim 15 , wherein the magnet extends into the sensor cavity adjacent to the Hall sensor.

17. The selector assembly of claim 15 , wherein the magnet is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the stalk of the selector.

18. A selector assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the magnet is positioned within a lower hemisphere of the spherical member.

19. A selector assembly comprising: a housing having a selector cavity including a spherical cavity and a detent cavity; a Hall sensor positioned within a sensor cavity of the housing in communication with the spherical cavity; a selector slidably moving within the selector cavity about a center point of the spherical cavity, a spherical member received within the spherical cavity and slidably engaging a guide surface of the housing, the spherical member including a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the Hall sensor; a stalk extending from the spherical member and projecting from the housing; a first pivot having a first axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity; a second pivot having a second axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity, the selector being rotatably fixed to a longitudinal axis extending through the stalk, the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation; a detent sleeve integral with said spherical member; a detent pin disposed within the detent sleeve, the detent pin being biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity to slidably engage the detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions of the selector; and a selector, wherein movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines the plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the Hall sensor.

20. The selector assembly of claim 19 , wherein the magnet is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the stalk of the selector.

21. A selector assembly comprising: a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity extending outwardly from the spherical cavity; a position sensor positioned within a sensor cavity of the housing in communication with the spherical cavity; a selector slidably moving within said housing about a center point of said spherical cavity, a spherical member received within the spherical cavity and slidably engaging a guide surface of the housing, the spherical member including a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the position sensor; a first pivot having a first axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity; a second pivot having a second axis of rotation extending through the center point of the spherical cavity, the second axis of rotation being perpendicular to the first axis of rotation; a detent pin biased toward and slidably engaging a detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions for the selector; and a selector, wherein movement of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines the plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the positioning sensor.

22. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the position sensor is a Hall sensor.

23. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the magnet is positioned within a magnetic portion of the spherical member.

24. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the magnet extends outwardly from the spherical member.

25. The selector assembly of claim 23 , wherein the magnet portion extends into the sensor cavity adjacent the position sensor.

26. The selector assembly of claim 23, wherein said magnet is positioned within a lower hemisphere of said spherical member.

27. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the magnet is positioned at an oblique angle relative to a stalk of the selector.

28. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the controller is in communication with a shift-by-wire mechanism, the controller and the shift-by-wire mechanism being in communication with a vehicle transmission.

29. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the selector includes a stalk extending outwardly from the housing to define a user interface.

30. The selector assembly of claim 29, wherein the selector includes a selector body including the stalk, the spherical member, and a detent sleeve that receives the detent pin.

31. The selector assembly of claim 30, wherein the selector body is a single, integral part.

32. 22. The selector assembly of claim 21, wherein the housing includes a first pivot cavity and a second pivot cavity, the first pivot of the selector extending into the first pivot cavity and the second pivot of the selector extending into the second pivot cavity.

33. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the selector is rotatably fixed about a longitudinal axis extending through a stalk of the selector.

34. The selector assembly of claim 21 , wherein the selector is a lever-type selector.

35. A selector assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 34, wherein the spherical cavity, the detent cavity and the sensor cavity define a single continuous cavity within the housing.

Images