WO2011137267A1

WO2011137267A1 - Stationary gear selector

Info

Publication number: WO2011137267A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/034401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Milan Bjelobrk; Ahmed Awadi; Todd George; Ken Mertz
Original assignee: Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-04-28
Filing date: 2011-04-28
Publication date: 2011-11-03

Abstract

A stationary gear selector assembly for a vehicle includes a nonmovable handle attached to the vehicle. One end of the handle includes a gear selector control switch that is in communication with a controller to selectively change a gear of the vehicle transmission by a driver. A method is provided which transmits redundant signals from the gear selector switch to a vehicle controller indicating an operating mode; compares the signals from the gear selector to operating conditions of the vehicle; determines if the signals are consistent with a predetermined failure condition; and responds by transmitting a signal to a transmission of the vehicle to shift to a gear associated with the transmitted signal from the stationary gear selector when the predetermined failure condition is not met.

Description

STATIONARY GEAR SELECTOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/328861 , filed April 28, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a gear selector for a vehicle, and more particularly to a stationary gear selector assembly for a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Vehicles generally include a gear selector operatively connected to the transmission for selecting the transmission gear, such as drive, park, reverse or neutral or the like for an automatic transmission. For a manual transmission, 1 ^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and reverse gears or the like may be selected. The gear selector may be a mechanical lever that is moveable between the various gear positions. However, for an electronic transmission or a "shift by wire" gear selector, the gear selector lever may be static since the driver's intent is communicated electronically. The gear selector lever may be packaged within the vehicle interior so that is it easily accessible to the vehicle operator.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a stationary gear selector lever that communicates the selected gear electronically, and yet is economically accessible to the vehicle operator. SUMMARY

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a stationary gear selector assembly for a vehicle including a nonmovable handle attached to the vehicle. One end of the handle includes a gear selector control switch that is in communication with a vehicle control module to selectively change a gear of the vehicle transmission by a driver. A method is provided which transmits redundant signals from the gear selector switch to a vehicle controller indicating an operating mode; compares the signals from the gear selector to operating conditions of the vehicle; determines if the signals are consistent with a predetermined failure condition; and responds by transmitting a signal to a transmission of the vehicle to shift to a gear associated with the transmitted signal from the stationary gear selector when the predetermined failure condition is not met.

[0006] An advantage of the present disclosure is that a stationary gear selector is provided that is ergonomically accessible. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the gear selector is readily packagable since the selector lever is static. A further advantage of the present disclosure is that the stationary gear selector is cost effective to implement. Still a further advantage of the present disclosure is that the selected gear input is electronically communicated to a controller, which evaluates the selected gear input and directs the powertrain to take the appropriate action.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the present innovation will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood in view of the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stationary gear selector assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the stationary gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a methodology for operating the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0011] FIGS. 4A - 4E are diagrammatic views illustrating operation of the selector switch for the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0012] FIGS. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the signal communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIGS. 6A - 6D are diagrammatic views illustrating the signal

communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0014] FIGS. 7 is another diagrammatic view illustrating the signal communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIGS. 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the voltage levels for the redundant signals communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIGS. 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the voltage levels for a selected gear for the redundant signals communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIGS. 10 is a diagrammatic view further illustrating the voltage levels for the redundant signals communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0018] FIGS. 1 1 is a graphic view illustrating the duty cycles for the redundant signals communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIGS. 12 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a circuit for the signal communicated by the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0020] FIGS. 13 is a flow chart illustrating brake transmission shift interlock operation for the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0021] FIGS. 14A - 14B is a table illustrating operation of the failure mode protective feature for the gear selector assembly of FIG. 1 .

DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 4E, an example of a stationary gear selector assembly 10 is provided. Assembly 10 can be referred to interchangeably as a gear selector 10 or gear shift assembly. The gear selector assemblyl O can be utilized with a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, although it may be adapted for use on any type of vehicle. In this example, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle that utilizes both electric power and another energy source.

[0023] The gear selector assembly 10 includes a control handle 12 having an hand portion 1 1 and a shaft 13. The control handle 12 is secured to the vehicle so as to be accessible by the vehicle operator. In this example, the control handle is located on the center console 14 through the shaft 13. The control handle is operatively in communication with other vehicle systems, such as the transmission, the ignition, the brakes, a controller, or the like, in a manner to be described via electronic

communication components internal to the handle 12. [0024] The control handle 12 includes an outer housing 16. The control handle housing 16 can be fabricated from various materials, such as plastic or metal or a combination thereof. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, housing 16 can be assembled from several individual pieces 15 connecting together to form a desired shape and contour of the handle 12. In this example, the control handle 12 is static. Accordingly, the static handle 12 is generally unmovable with respect to the center console 14 and is fixed in place. The housing 16 may assume various shapes depending on factors such as packaging. In this example the housing is configures to define substantially a "T" shape, with a vertically oriented shaft or leg 13 and a horizontally oriented arm or hand portion 1 1 positioned at an upper end of the vertical leg 13. A lower portion 13a of shaft 13 is fixedly secured to the vehicle so that the leg is stationary. An upper portion of leg 13b is attached to horizontally oriented arm 1 1 and can provide another function, such as support or rest for the operator's hand or arm while operating control located in the instrument panel 14. In this example the housing has an ergonomic shape so as to provide a hand rest for the driver, and enabling a driver to access both the gear selector switch and an instrument panel control, such as an intelligent display. Other shapes for the control handle may be contemplated within the scope of this design. The interior space of the control handle housing may have a void in order to contain the related components of the gear selector assembly, in a manner to be described.

[0025] Gear selector assembly 10 includes a gear selector control 20 disposed within the housing 16, and in this example is located at an upper surface of the control handle 12. The gear selector control is operatively in communication with a transmission system (not shown) of the vehicle and transfers information from the operator regarding the desired vehicle operating condition. Examples of operating conditions for an automatic transmission include park, neutral, reverse and drive.

Examples of operating conditions for a manual transmission include 1^st gear, 2^nd gear, 3^rd gear, 4^th gear, reverse or the like. The transmission may be an electronically controlled transmission or a mechanically controlled or a combination thereof. The gear selector control 20 is operable to communicate with at least a vehicle controller to instruct the vehicle transmission to operate in a desired operation mode.

[0026] The gear selector control 20 of this example includes a displaceable gear indicator control switch 22 supported within the housing 16 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4E and 5. In this example, the gear indicator control switch 22 is a push button switch, although other movements are contemplated, such as slideable movement, touch screen or the like. In an example, the gear selector control switch 22 may include a park position button 40 and a three position momentary rocker switch 41 . If park position button 40 is actuated then the vehicle is in a park mode as shown in FIG. 4B and the engine cannot cause wheels of the vehicle to move. The three position switch 41 includes a neutral position 42, a drive position 44, and a reverse position 46 as shown in FIGS. 4C-4E. Activating the park mode through pressing of park button 40 causes the switch to translate generally linearly partially into the interior of housing 16. In an example the translation of pressing park button 40 is about 3mm. Similarly, neutral mode activation by pressing neutral button 42 of rocker switch 41 translates the rocker switch linearly within housing 16. In an example the translation distance is 2mm. Activating any one particular operating mode consequently deactivates any other mode previously in operation, in a manner to be described.

[0027] Rocker switch 41 is supported on a base 43 and pivots about a pivoting feature 45. This allows for the rocker switch 41 to pivot a desired degree of rotation by pushing the drive 44 or reverse 46 activation switches. In an example the degree of rotation about the pivot feature 45 is +/- 10 degrees of rotation. Mounted on base 43 are multiple electrical contacts 47 that are activated by the physical switches of park 40 button and the rocker switch 41 . It should be appreciated that the switches 40 and 41 maybe in communication with and correspond to one or more LED light indicators to indicate the position of the transmission gears via the electrical contacts 47. The drive and reverse positions can be activated by pressing the rocker switch 41 in the drive activation position 44 thus rotating the switch 41 +10 degrees with respect to pivot feature 45 or in the reverse activation position 46 thus rotating switch 41 -10 degrees with respect to the pivot feature 45. In this example, switch 41 further includes contact members 49 positioned opposite each other to contact base 43 and provide support.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a methodology 30 of the operation of the gear shift assembly 10 in conjunction with a vehicle is illustrated . The gear shift assembly 10 includes the gear selector control switch 22, which transmits a signal indicating the selected gear to a shifter module 26, which analyzes the signal. The shifter module 26 is a controller that detects the selected gear position and is in communication with other components within the system 30. The shifter module 26 includes a processor and a memory. In this example, the shifter module 26 transfers a plurality of redundant signals to the VCM 28. For example, four signals may be sent as shown.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, a base 43 with electrical contacts 47 mounted thereon send a signal to a microprocessor 50 that can convert the digital signal to an analog signal, which further transmit the signal to the HCU 31 . The microprocessor 50 can send two signals, one for Park and the other for either reverse, neutral, or drive.

Alternatively, the signal can also be directly transmitted to HCU 31 as a 4x digital signal. The direct digital signal for the pressed buttons is sent directly to the HCU. These transmissions can be made simultaneously as redundant signals for error protection.

[0030] The shifter module 26 also receives inputs from other vehicle controllers, such as a vehicle control module ("VCM") 28. The VCM 28 can be a vehicle level controller that includes a processor and a memory. The signals can be evaluated by the VCM 28, such as using a look up table in order to derive the intended action of the operator. For example, if there is a match between all the signals, than a

predetermined function is executed. If there is not a match between all the signals, the depending on the number of matches or types of matches, certain actions may occur as defined in the look-up table. For example, the vehicle will not enter the park mode unless the predetermined sequence of signals for the park mode is met.

[0031] In an example, the VCM is operatively in communication with a hybrid control unit ("HCU") 31 . The HCU 31 also includes a processor and a memory. The HCU 31 can receive the input from the gear selector control switch 22 and determine the appropriate transmission gear shift response. For example, the HCU can compare analog and digital inputs and determine if and when to shift a gear. FIG. 8A-8B illustrate an example digital signal voltage transmission for an operating state of both continuous operation (FIG. 8A) and a momentary operation signal (FIG. 8B). FIG. 9 illustrates a corresponding example analog signal voltage. FIG. 10 illustrates an example voltage output for a Park operating condition signal going from "off' to "on" in a continuous state and the possible variation as corresponding to an LED backlight. FIG.1 1 represents an example duty cycle for activation of the LED indicators for each operating condition. FIGS. 12 illustrates an example hardware schematic of a communication between the switch 22, HCU 31 , VCM 28, DIS 32, and the PDC 61 . The switch 22 can be connected through any multiport connector suitable to transmit the appropriate signals.

[0032] The HCU may also control fault conditions via a failure mode protective feature that controls the response of the system depending on the condition. The predetermined conditions and responses may be stored in a look-up table, such as the table of FIGS. 14A- 14B. For example, if the HCU 31 receives two invalid signals from the PRNDL input 26, the transmission may be forced into a neutral position if operating at a high speed and a park position if operating at a low speed. If the HCU 31 receives 1 valid signal and 1 invalid signal, then a fault may be set and the redundant signal is utilized. If the HCU 31 receives 2 different valid signals, it could force a neutral transmission setting at a high speed and a park transmission setting at a low speed. Other examples of predetermined condition as illustrated. [0033] An electrical brake control module ("EBCM") 29 can also be in communication with both the VCM and HCU , and transmit a signal indicating braking activity of the vehicle. In a further example as shown in FIG. 13, the gear selector assembly 10 includes a brake/transmission shift interlock switch ("BTSI") that is integrated with the HCU 31 software. A brake switch 72 senses operation of the brake pedal 71 and sends a signal to a controller, such as the HCU 31 or VCM 28. The HCU 31 may receive a CAN diagnostic input from the VCM 28 and compare both inputs to determine brake status, i.e. actuation of the brake pedal. In order to shift from a park gear, the HCU must read at least one of these signals. The BTSI switch prevents movement of the gear selector control 20 from a park position to another position, such as a drive position or a reverse position unless a predetermined condition has occurred, such as the operator is also actuating the brake. This feature is to prevent unintended movement of the vehicle. The BTSI switch may be a solenoid.

[0034] The HCU 31 is also in communication with a display ("DIS") 32, such as an instrument panel display and provide an indication of the shifter position to the driver. In an example, actuation of the gear shift switch 22 to a reverse gear can sound an audible indication such as a chime.

[0035] Another example of a feature is that portion of the lever may be

illuminated. For example, the selected gear or mode may be illuminated, such as the park or drive switch position. In another example, the lever may be illuminated when the interior or exterior vehicle lights are illuminated. In addition, the selected gear or mode may be indicated on a display, such as a display screen or a gauge. [0036] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary circuit diagram controlling operation of the shifter or switch 22 and the HCU 31 . In this example, a park distance control module ("PDC") 61 is provided that further inputs data into the switch 22. The DIS 32 is in communication with the HCU 31 and receives CAN messages. In this example, the DIS 32 is displaying a "P" to represent Park operating condition. An LED indicator can be provided to further indicate the operating condition. As shown in the digital output as well as the analog output, the voltage signals are aligned. FIG. 6D illustrates a graphical illustration for different voltage analogue outputs for the various operating conditions. FIG. 7 illustrates a further detailed block diagram of the electrical signals for the system 10. The symbol "Z" represents the variable operating condition which is displayed in DIS. 32.

[0037] In operation, the user actuates the gear selector control switch 22 to select a desired transmission operation, such as park, reverse, neutral or drive. A plurality of signals are transmitted from the gear selector control switch 22 to the shifter module 26, which analyzes the signals and transmits a signal to the HCU 31. The HCU 31 analyzes the signal from the shifter module 26 and other vehicle inputs and determines if and when to shift gears. For example, a look up table such as that described with respect to FIG. 14 may be utilized to determine the corresponding action. Once determined, the action is implemented by the transmission.

[0038] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A stationary gear selector assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a nonmovable handle attached to the vehicle, wherein one end of the handle includes an a gear selector control switch that is in communication with a vehicle control module to selectively change a gear of the vehicle transmission by a driver.

2. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 1 wherein the handle includes an ergonomic support portion integrally formed therein, such that a driver may access both the gear selector control switch and an instrument panel control.

3. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned on a center console.

4. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a. a handle having an outer housing, wherein the handle has a "T" shape; b. a gear selector control positioned on an upper surface of the control handle, wherein the gear selector control switch is a multi-position rocker switch.

5. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a. a shifter module which receives a signal indicating the selected gear from the gear selector control switch, wherein the shift module includes a processor and a memory; and

b. a hybrid control unit in communication with the shifter module, wherein the hybrid control unit includes a processor and a memory, and a software program embedded within the hybrid control unit memory that receives an input from the gear selector control switch and determines a transmission gear shift response.

6. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 5 wherein the shifter module transmits a plurality of redundant signals to the vehicle control module, and the vehicle control module selectively determines an intended action using the plurality of redundant signals.

7. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 6 wherein redundant signals include analog and digital signals.

8. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 5 further comprising a failure protective mode that selects the intended action based on a predetermined condition.

9. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 5 further comprising a brake/transmission shift interlock switch that is in communication with the hybrid control module and selects the intended action based on a brake pedal status, wherein movement of the gear selector control from a park position to a second position is prevented unless a predetermined brake condition is satisfied.

10. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 5 wherein hybrid control unit is adapted to integrate into a hybrid vehicle and control gear shifting according to hybrid operating conditions.

1 1 . The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 1 wherein the gear selector control assembly includes a light.

12. The stationary gear selector assembly of claim 9 wherein the light is a light emitting diode and corresponds to a vehicle operating condition of the vehicle for an operating gear to provide visual indication of an operating condition on a display of the vehicle.

13. A method of operating a vehicle having a stationary gear selector comprising the steps of:

a. transmitting redundant signals from a stationary gear selector switch to a vehicle controller indicating an operating mode;

b. comparing the signals from the stationary gear selector to operating conditions of the vehicle; determining if the signals are consistent with a predetermined failure condition;

responding by transmitting a signal to a transmission of the vehicle to shift to a gear associated with the transmitted signal from the stationary gear selector when the predetermined failure condition is not met.