Method for indicating neutral position of motor vehicle gearbox selector lever

摘要

The method employs an electronic processor which receives signals from sensors positioned at various points in the gear selection mechanism, or on the accelerator pedal, and indicates the neutral position only when it is properly selected. Gear selection is made by a vertical movement and a rotational movement of the selector lever (2). Sensors (10,12) react to the movements respectively. A gear selection determined by the position of a finger (4) is recognised by sensors (8) and all the signals are transmitted to the electronic control unit (14) which has an output to the coupling (20) through an actuator (18) and the indication unit (26). A gear change is effected at a relatively fast speed and the control unit does not signal the transfer through neutral. A sensor at the accelerator pedal may also inhibit the indication. When the actuating finger (4) is in the neutral position, or the accelerator is not depressed, the indicator unit displays the neutral setting.