Self adjusting shift cable alignment for a transmission range control module system

摘要

A transmission includes a controller that uses force feedback from a detent mechanism to determine appropriate actuator output for achieving a desired transmission range, which facilitates the implementation of “shift by wire” systems on pre-existing transmission designs.

主权项

1. A transmission characterized by a plurality of driving ranges, comprising:
a selectively movable range selection member characterized by a plurality of predetermined range selection member positions, each of said predetermined range selection member positions corresponding to a respective one of the ranges; wherein the range selection member is a selectively rotatable shaft; an actuator having a selectively movable output member, and being configured to selectively apply torque or force to the output member; wherein the actuator is an electric motor; wherein the output member is a selectively rotatable rotor; a linkage operatively connecting the output member to the range selection member such that movement of the output member causes movement of the range selection member, and such that the output member is characterized by a plurality of output member range positions, each of the output member range positions corresponding to a respective one of the predetermined range selection member positions and a respective one of the ranges; a detent mechanism operatively connected to the range selection member and configured to resist movement of the range selection member from each of the predetermined range selection member positions; and a controller configured to use the resistance of the detent mechanism to determine the plurality of output member range positions; wherein the controller is configured to determine the plurality of output member range positions by:
monitoring the torque or force applied by the actuator during movement of the output member;actuating the output member to move through a plurality of positions of the output member at which the amount of torque or force applied by the actuator changes direction;wherein movement of the output member through the plurality of positions is continuously actuated by the controller; andrecording the plurality of positions of the output member at which the amount of torque or force applied by the actuator changes direction; wherein each of the output member range positions corresponds to a respective one of the plurality positions of the output member at which the amount of torque or force applied by the actuator changes direction.