MXPA00005289A - Selector device for a gearbox of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

On the gear lever linkage system position indicators are fitted. On the fixed housing interchangeable adapters (96,100) are fitted. These are in the form ofprinted circuit cards equipped with sensors which function with the position indicators to indicate the gear engaged.

Description

CHANGE MECHANISM FOR TRANSMISSIONS OF ^ MOTOR VEHICLE Background v Synthesis of the Invention The invention relates to a gearbox for transmissions of motor vehicles with a shift lever supported on bearings in a housing, which can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis in the transverse direction about a transverse axis in the longitudinal direction. The position indicator elements or the sensors are arranged in the gear lever or in components that move with the shift lever on the one hand and on the components fixed on the box on the other hand, in such a way that the sensors respond on the approach to the position indicator elements transmit signals to a transmission control corresponding to the pivoted position of the shift lever.

U.S. Patent No. 5,406,860 discloses a shift lever arrangement for transmission with a lever supported on bearings in a housing which can be pivoted in a transverse longitudinal direction within a guide groove, which is provided with a groove. main and three subordinate slots parallel to the main slot and connected by transverse slots with the main slot. A component of sector is supported, and bearings, free to pivot, between a wall of the box the lever and is forced by a spring into the central position. By pivoting the lever into a transverse groove in the direction of a subordinate groove, the lever can be brought into contact with the sector component so that both can be pivoted together in the transverse direction as long as the particular subordinate groove allows it. . The lever and the sector component each carry a magnet. The Hall effect sensors are accommodated in the box wall such that when the lever is pivoted into a subordinate slot and on the approach of the magnets to the Hall effect sensors, signals are generated that in each cas correspond to the position of the lever. Sensor signals in particular can be used to determine in which subordinate slot the lever is located and what position it occupies within the slave slot. The known arrangement of magnets and sensors, however, does not allow for the detection of lever positions varying in any configuration of the guide slots.

The object of the invention is seen as that which defines a change mechanism of the aforementioned type that allows automatic detection of the position of the lever of changes in the longitudinal and transverse direction during any desired movement of the gear lever in the direction longitudinal or transversal.

In accordance with the invention, the position indicator elements and the sensors are arranged in essential planes which are oriented approximately parallel to the planes that are defined on the one hand by the trajectory of pivoting in the longitudinal direction and on the other side of the trajectory. of pivoting in the transverse direction. This makes it possible to detect the position of the shift lever in the longitudinal direction as well as in the transverse direction. For a corresponding arrangement of the indicator elements of the position on one side and the sensors on the other side any desired position of the shift lever can be selected for a position detection in both directions of movement.

• A preferred embodiment of the invention provides the provision in the box of a pivot component that can be pivoted longitudinally around a fixed transverse section to the box. The pivoting component, in turn, contains a longitudinal axis around which the shift lever can be pivoted. That is why the shift lever is pivoted together with the pivoting component in the longitudinal direction and is pivoted relative to the pivoting component in the transverse direction.

Since therefore the pivoting component s moves within the fixed pivoting path, which is defined by the transverse axis remains constant, or spacing from a box wall extending perpendicular to the transverse axis. Therefore a constant spacing between the plane of the position indicating elements and the plane of the sensors can be maintained. There is a particular advantage in securing at least one magnet to the pivoting component and arranging at least one sensor in the region of the wall of the opposite case in such a way that with the pivoting of the pivoting component, the magnet enters. in the sensor detection region. The sensors applied here are preferably Hall effect sensors. In principle it may also be possible to attach the Hall effect sensors to the pivoted component d and the magnets as stationary parts to the box, however, the drawing of power lines to the stationary effector Hall sensors is simple.

In order to be able to continuously detect the rotational position of the shift lever in the longitudinal direction, a further preferred development of the invention proposes that the rotational position of the shift lever be transmitted to the rotational transmitter. This can be effected, for example, by holding a gear or a gear segment to a pivoting component which interacts with an additional gear or gear segment, where the additional gear or gear segment is connected by a shaft to a rotational drive. By properly dimensioning the primitive circles of the gears, a desirable transmission rate between the shifter and the rotational transmitter can be achieved.

The application of a rotational transmitter is particularly advantageous if the change mechanism is used to transmit control signals for a vehicle drive with an infinite variable transmission. Here, for example, the impulse transmission rates may be provided as an analog input to the position of the shift lever 14, which is detected by the rotational transmitter.

Preferably, the rotational transmitter used can be a non-contact transmission, for example, a continuous rotational sensing with the Hall effect element as offered, for example, by the company AB Electronics.

It is desirable for the operator to feel in which point certain positions of the lever are reached or passed while the shift lever is being pivoted. For this purpose a preferred embodiment of the invention suggests that the pivoting components or the shift lever carry holding means interacting with the formed retaining elements fixed to the housing or the pivoting component, in order to define the positions of retention during the pivoting of the shift lever in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction.

There is a particular advantage in the mechanism d changes that can be applied to several applications, for example, for levers of changes guided in different guide groove, where in any case smaller, simple measures of compliance should be taken. This allows the manufacture of relatively large volume change mechanism and allows a reduction in manufacturing costs and a rational assortment system. In order to achieve these objectives a preferred embodiment of the invention proposes that the retaining elements fixed to the housing and / or the retaining elements arranged in the pivoting component be configured into components that can be fastened to or exchanged with the housing or component. of pivoted. Such components may, for example, be interchangeable plates with a retention arrangement for example, with one or more recesses in which a ball of retaining means contacts. By means of interchangeable longitudinal and transverse retainers, a universally useful change mechanism, also called a change unit, can be obtained.

The retaining means is preferably a ball pressure element, whose ball interacts with a retaining element configured as a cam surface which may, for example, contain recesses and / or projections. The ball pressure element contains a ball loaded by spring, which can be depressed.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the box contains a support component supported on bearings that can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis fixed to the box which engages in the transverse pivoting movement of the relative gear lever. an impeller The support component carries at least one position indicating element, and particularly a magnet, which is intervened during pivoting of the support component within the retaining region of at least one sensor fixed to the case, preferably a Hall effect sensor.

A simple, preferred configuration of the conduit is provided by a receptacle in the form of a fork in the bearing component that engages a band of the shift lever that extends in the direction of the transverse axis and which can be slid into the receptacle. This allows u to pivot the shift lever in the longitudinal direction in which the band is changed in the longitudinal direction inside the fork-shaped receptacle, without any pivoting movement of the support component. However, if the shift lever is moved in the transverse direction, the band transmits the pivoting movement to the supporting component and pivots this together with the shifting lever.

A particularly preferred additional embodiment of the invention, which makes it possible for the change mechanism to be adapted to the different applications, provides torque for at least one adaptation element, which can be fastened to the case and which is interchangeable, in which less a sensor is arranged, in particular a Hall effect sensor. For the particular applications in each case the adaptation elements can be used, which are equipped in variable form, with deferred sensor arrays. The adapting elements can be mounted very easily in the box, for example, by bolting or by gear seals and are easily interchangeable.

Preferably the adaptation element can be configured as a circuit board or an integrated circuit, which carries additional electrical elements in addition to the sensors, for example, for the processing of sensor signals.

Brief Description of the Drawings The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention on the basis of which the invention as well as the additional advantages and further advantageous developments and embodiments of the invention will be explained and described in greater detail in the following.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a change mechanism according to the invention, in which the box, the guide valve and the change knob are shown separately.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a mechanism of change in accordance with Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a circuit board with Hall effect sensors for detecting the position of the shift lever in the longitudinal direction.

Figure 4 shows a circuit board with Hall effect sensors for detecting the position of the shift lever in the transverse direction.

Detailed Description of Preferred Additions The mechanism of change shown in Figures 2 and 2 generally contain a box 10, a guide valve 12 which covers the upper part of the box and a shift lever 14 e whose free end extends upwards through the guide valve 12, outside the box 10, a shift knob 1 is fastened which can be operated by an operator and which includes a control head 17, not explained here in any detail. The box 10 contains a box 18 and a side cover plate 20, (shown in Figure 2) that can be bolted to the base case 18 and through which the base case 1 can be closed on the side. A transverse shaft 24 is supported by bearings at one end of the side wall 21 of the bas box 18 and the plate of the side cover 20 located opposite from the location of the bearing 22. A component d pivoted 26, also called a lever elbow, bearings are supported, free to pivot on the transverse axis 24. On the transverse axis 24, between the pivoting component 26 and end of the side wall 21 of the base case 18, two steel discs 28, 30 and a friction disk 32, located between them, are arranged. These represent a friction clutch which restricts the pivoting movement of the pivoting component 26 in the longitudinal direction so that the pivoting component 26 and the shift lever 14 remains in its immediate longitudinal position as no force is applied to move it. .

A first gear segment 34 is fastened to pivoting component 26, its axis of rotation coincides with the longitudinal axis 24. The first gear segment 34 is engaged with a second gear segment 36, which is connected fixed against the rotation, at the entrance of the change 38 of rotational transmitter 40. Thus the pivoting movement of the pivoting component 26 is transmitted to the rotational transmission 40. The rotational transmission 40 is a non-contact rotational transmission that continuously rotates and contains sensors of rotation. Hall effect. The transmitter signals rotate correspond to the immediate pivoting position of the shift paddle 14 in the longitudinal direction and a transmission control array is transmitted, not shown in any detail.

A recess of the pivoting component 26, n shown in greater detail, engages a retaining means qu consisting of a ball pressure element 60 and is oriented parallel to the transverse axis 24. The ball 60 pressure element generally contains a sleeve inside. from which the compression spring is arranged which forces a bowl axially outward. Opposite the ball an interchangeable retaining plate 62 is fastened to the end of the wall side 21 of the base case 18, which in the present embodiment is provided with only a retention hole 64. In a pivoted position of the lever of change 14 in the longitudinal direction (and with the pivoting component 26) the ball of ball pressure element 60 employs a retention hole 6 and forms a retention position, which can be felt by the operator during the pivoting of the shift lever 14. By using delayed retention plates 62, with deferred numbers and retention hole positions, several deferred retention positions for the longitudinal pivoting movement of the shift lever 14 can be established, without any significant cost .

The lower region of the shift lever 14, which extends outside the shift knob 16, extends on the legs 42, 77 spaced at a distance from each other whose end, free low are connected to each other by a band 46 or a fork. When a shift mechanism is installed, the pivoting component 26 is located in a region between two legs 42, 44. A longitudinal hole 48 of pivoting component 26 engages a longitudinal axis 50 whose both ends of engagement holes 52, 54 on the legs 42, 44 so that the shift lever 14 is supported on the pivoting component 26 and can be pivoted in the transverse direction with respect to the pivoting component 26 In addition two coil springs 56, 58 are pivoted which force the pivoting component 26 to the left when seen facing forward, that is, in the parked position d.

A retention in the form of a pressure element 68 is inserted into an orifice shaft 66 of the shift lever 14, the retention being configured similarly to the previously described ball pressure element 60. The bowl of the ball pressure element 68 projects within the space between the two legs 42, 44 and interacts with the holding surface of the pivoting component 26. A projecting projection 72 projecting upwards, shown as a line, oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 50 extends over the retaining surface 70. For the ball pressure element 68 the retaining projection 72 forms an obstacle which can be overcome, through which the operator feels during the pivoting of the lever. changes 14 in the transverse direction when a certain position of the lever is traversed This simplifies the operation of the shift lever 14. The retaining surface 70 is developed in an interchangeable component that is fastened to the pivoting component 26 By use of several interchangeable components , with various configurations of transversely directed retention projections, raised contours, humps, ramps or recesses various tactile obstacles can be provided by simple means. It is therefore possible to conform to any desired requirement that can be provided, this can be achieved without any particular expense and without the need for a fundamental modification of the change unit.

In a side wall 74 and in an intermediate wall of the base box 76, bearing locations 78, 80 are provided in which a bearing component 82 with its rotational member 84, fixed to the box, is supported on a free bearing for pivot The support component 82 is provided with a fork-shaped receptacle 86 that is open up and extends in the transverse direction, which engage the band 46 of the shift lever 14. During the pivoting of the shift lever 14 in the transverse direction about the longitudinal axis 50, the pivoting movement e transmitted on the band 46 and the receptacle 86 to the support component 82, so that this is pivoted about the longitudinal ej 84, fixed to the box. When the shift lever 14 is pivoted in the longitudinal direction around the transverse member 24, the band 46 slides on its longitudinal axis inside the receptacle 86 without pivoting the support component 82.

The guide valve 12 shown in the figure contains a slot in which the shift lever 14 is guided. The slot contains a neutral channel extending in the transverse direction connecting a neutral position N with the parking position P. From the neutral channel, a first forward channel Fl extending in the longitudinal direction s branches. Countering the channel forward in first and in the opposite direction of the neutral channel, a reverse channel R s branches and extends in the transverse direction. The first forward channel Fl is pushed slightly into a second channel forward F2 branching therefrom and also extending in the transverse direction. When the shift lever 14 moves within the forward channels Fl and F and the reverse channel R, the rotational transmitter 40 is rotated transmits the corresponding signals to a transmission control arrangement to control the corresponding vehicle speed to the position of the shift lever.

An opening 94 in the side wall 74 in the base box 18 can be closed by a first integrated circuit 96 An opening 98 in the plate cover 20 can be closed by a second integrated circuit 100. Figures 3 and 4 show the two circuits 96, 100 inside the box As can be seen in figure 3, in the second integrated circuit 100 seven Hall effect sensors 102, 104, 106, 110, 112, 114 are arranged in an arc. Two holding holes 116, 118 are used for mounting on the plate cover 20. In accordance with FIG. 4, in the first integrated circuit 96 four Hall effect sensors 120, 122, 124, 12 are arranged in an arc. Here also, two holding holes 127, 129 are provided which are used for clamping on the side of the wall 74. Both integrated circuits 96, 10 are equipped with additional electrical components which are indicated in figures 3 and 4 as rectangles, but It is not described in any additional detail. These are voltage regulating resistors, similar integrated electronic components which are used for signal processing for the Hall effect sensors 102-114 and 120-126.

The support component 82 carries an arm which extends generally upwards at the upper end of which a position indicating element such as a permanent magnet 128 is fastened. When the support component 82 is pivoted, the permanent magnet 128 moves parallel to the surface of the first integrated circuit 96 along an arc in which the Hall effect sensors 120, 122, 124, 126 of the first integrated circuit 96 They are fixed. When the shift lever 14 is pivoted in the transverse direction, the permanent magnet magnetic field 128 is successively detected in each case by one of the Hall effect sensors 120, 122, 124, 126 so that they transmit control signals to a transmission control arrangement d corresponding to the position of the shift lever 14. When the shift lever 14 is in the neutral position N the Hall effect sensor 120 responds to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 128, when the reverse channel is reached the Hall effect sensor 122 responds, when the first channel forward Fl is reached the effect sensor Hall 124 responds and when the shift lever is in the parking position P then the Hall effect sensor 12 responds.

The pivoting component 26 also carries a position indicating element such as a permanent magnet 130 and its upper region. When the pivoted component 26 e pivoted the permanent magnet 130 moves parallel to the surface of the second integrated circuit 100 along the arc in which the Hall effect sensors 102, 104, 108, 110 112, 114 of the second integrated circuit 100 are arranged When the shift lever 14 is pivoted in the longitudinal direction, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 130 is successively detected in each case by one or more of the Hall effect sensors 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 for these to transmit control signals to a transmission control arrangement to the position of the shift lever 14. The control signals of the Hall effect sensors 102, 104, 106 108, 110, 112, 114 reveal, for example, if the shift lever 14 is located in the end position of the reverse channel R in the parking position P, in the neutral channel, in the neutral channel N, in the transition region between the first and second channels. second towards in front of Fl and F2 or in the fine position of the channel of the second forward F2.

A micro switch can be mounted on the location 132 of the plate cover 20, which trigger element rests on the pivoting path of the shift lever 14 and responds when the parking position P e reached. "Additionally the micro switch can be mounted on the location 134 of the base box 18, whose fired element also rests in the pivoting path of the shift lever 14 and responds when the neutral position N is reached The signals of the micro switches are transmitted to transmission control arrangement , not shown and evaluated there The change unit shown with the integrated change elements for the preselection of the vehicle speed as well as an activation device for the control of the manual throttle valve (rotational transmitter 40), e a group of components for the manual infinitive variable change of an infinite variable transmission under the load of agricultural tractors.

While the invention has been described in terms of a single embodiment, anyone skilled in the art will be able to perceive many varied alternatives, modifications, variations in light of the foregoing description as well as drawing all of which falls under the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. A change mechanism for transmissions of motor vehicles comprising a shift lever supported on a casing for pivoting movement about a transverse member in a longitudinal direction and around a longitudinal ex in a transverse direction, the position indicator elements either movable with the shift lever or fixed to the box and the sensors either movable with the shift lever or fixed to the box opposite the position indicating element with the position indicating elements and the sensors arranged in such a way that the sensors respond when approaching the position indicating elements and transmits signals to the transmission control arrangement corresponding to the pivoting position of the shift lever where the position indicator elements and the sensors are generally arranged in planes established in by a side po the pivoting path of the gear lever in l direction length inal and on the other side by the pivoted path d of the shifter in the transverse direction

2. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it also comprises a pivoting component is supported in rolling in the box for the pivoting movement around the transverse ej, the pivoting component having a longitudinal ej around the which the gear lever can be pivoted.

3. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that at least one position of the indicator element is carried by the pivoting component which upon pivoting of the pivoting component enters the detection region of at least one sensor fixed in the box.

4. The change mechanism as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the position indicator element is a permanent magnet and the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

5. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the pivoting movement of the pivoting component is transmitted to a rotational transmitter.

6. The change mechanism as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the rotational transmission is a non-contact rotational transmitter.

7. The change mechanism as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the non-contact rotational transmission includes a Hall effect sensor.

8. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the pivoting component carries at least one retaining means which interacts with at least one retaining element fixed to the box in order to define retention positions when pivoted of the shifter in the longitudinal direction.

9. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that at least one retaining element fixed to the box is provided in an interchangeable component that can be fastened to the box.

10. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the retention means is a ball pressure element which interacts with having a cam surface as the retention element.

11. The change mechanism as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the shift lever carries at least one retaining means, which interacts with at least one retaining element carried by the pivoting component in order to define positions of retention to the pivoting of the shifter in the transverse direction.

12. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that at least one retaining element carried by the pivoting component is provided in an interchangeable component that can be fastened to the pivoting component.

13. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the retaining means is a ball pressure element which interacts with a cam surface as the retaining element.

14. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that a support component mounted to the box for pivoting movement about a longitudinal axis which is coordinated with the transverse pivoting movement of the shift lever through of an impeller and which carries at least one position indicator element, which upon pivoting of the support component penetrates the retention region of at least one sensor

15. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the support component v 23 is provided with a receptacle in the shape of a fork that engages a band of the shift lever that can be moved inside the receptacle and which it is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

16. The mechanism of change as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it also comprises at least one adapter element that is interchangeable and can be attached to the box and in which 10 minus one sensor is fixed.

17. The change mechanism as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the adapter element is configured as a circuit board that 15 carries, additionally to the sensors, additional electrical components for the processing of the sensor signals.