Driving module and transmission

A driving module comprises: a housing; a housing; a solenoid comprising a shaft arranged inside the housing so as to make a straight movement; and a printed circuit board arranged on the solenoid, wherein the solenoid comprises a stator, a plunger arranged inside the stator, a shaft coupled to the plunger, and a sensor magnet arranged on the upper side of the shaft, and the printed circuit board comprises a hole penetrated by the shaft and comprises a position detecting sensor arranged on the printed circuit board to be adjacent to the hole.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2017/014656, filed on Dec. 13, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2016-0170053, filed in the Republic of Korea on Dec. 14, 2016, Patent Application No. 10-2017-0001280, filed in the Republic of Korea on Jan. 4, 2017, and Patent Application No. 10-2017-0003393, filed in the Republic of Korea on Jan. 10, 2017, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a driving module and a transmission.

BACKGROUND ART

Unlike a single plate clutch transmission mounted in a conventional manual transmission vehicle, a dual clutch transmission is a system provided with two sets of clutches capable of implementing odd-numbered gears on one set of clutches and even-numbered gears on the other remaining set of clutches, and it has been widely used exhibiting a high fuel efficiency due to the advantages of easy manipulation and especially fast shift time.

The dual clutch transmission comprises a dual clutch comprising two sets of clutches, a shift lever that receives power from the dual clutch and sets each of gear shift stages, and an electronic control unit (Transmission Control Unit) for electronically controlling the clutch actuator and the shift actuator by receiving various kinds of vehicle information such as vehicle speed and shift commands.

The clutch actuator and the gear actuator of the above configuration, use a number of gear devices and the lead screws or the like to implement the selecting and shifting operations. As devices for implementing the operation, a motor and a solenoid provide a rotational driving force and a linear movement driving force respectively within a housing.

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view of a structure of the prior art for detecting the position of a solenoid.

Referring toFIG. 1, the solenoid1according to a prior art comprises a stator5arranged inside the housing, a plunger6arranged inside the stator5, and a shaft7coupled to the plunger6.

The shaft7can be linearly moved by the electromagnetic interaction between the plunger6and the stator5. To this end, the coils are wound on the stator5, and the coils and the magnetized plungers can act on each other electromagnetically.

Meanwhile, a sensor magnet8is arranged at an end of the shaft7in order to sense the position of the shaft7. A printed circuit board3on which the position detecting sensor2facing the sensor magnet8is mounted is provided on either side being spaced apart from the solenoid1. Therefore, the position of the shaft7can be detected by the position detecting sensor2by detecting the magnetic force generated in the sensor magnet8according to the movement of the shaft7.

According to the above described configuration, the structure of the prior art for detecting the position of a solenoid has the following problems.

Considering the movement path of the shaft7, the position detecting sensor2should be arranged at a distance spaced apart from the solenoid1. However, considering the limited space of the housing in which the solenoid1and the printed circuit board3are arranged, the gap between the position detecting sensor2and the shaft7increases the overall size of the device. In recent years, keeping in mind the trends that electric components arranged in automobiles are miniaturized, the arrangement of each component within a limited space must be made taking into account of the overall size of the product.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of another structure of the prior art for detecting the position of a solenoid.

Referring toFIG. 2, according to the prior art, in the structure for detecting the position of a solenoid, the magnetic field formed in the sensor magnet8is affected by the printed circuit board3and the structure (not shown) above the shaft. That is, due to the positions of the N pole and the S pole formed at the upper and lower portions respectively of the sensor magnet8, the magnetic flux output from the N pole is highly affected by the external disturbance in the process of entering into the S pole. It is a problem of the prior art technology that the measurement error is high in detecting the position of the shaft7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical Subject

An objective of the present invention is to provide a driving module and a transmission comprising a structure for detecting the position of a solenoid wherein the vertical movement of an object is detected with a low error rate without the influence of external disturbance.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a driving module and a transmission that can reduce the size and the manufacturing cost of the product by reducing the number of parts.

Technical Solution

In one embodiment, a driving module comprises: a housing; a solenoid comprising a shaft arranged inside the housing so as to make a straight movement; and a printed circuit board arranged on the solenoid, wherein the solenoid comprises a stator, a plunger arranged inside the stator, a shaft coupled to the plunger, and a sensor magnet arranged on the upper side of the shaft, and the printed circuit board comprises a hole penetrated by the shaft and comprises a position detecting sensor arranged on the printed circuit board to be adjacent to the hole.

The printed circuit board may be arranged between the position detecting sensor and the solenoid.

The shaft may move down or up between a first position of an upper limit and a second position of a lower limit in both directions of the central axis of the shaft in accordance with the movement of the plunger.

The position detecting sensor may be a three-axis Hall sensor for detecting, magnetic flux in X, Y and Z directions.

The sensor magnet comprises N pole and S pole, the N pole and the S pole of the sensor magnet are arranged on the X axis, and the position detecting sensor may be arranged spaced apart from the sensor magnet by a predetermined distance.

The N pole of the sensor magnet may be arranged to face the position detecting sensor.

A cover arranged on the upper side of the housing may be comprised.

The cover may have a protrusion seating groove recessed upwardly corresponding to the position of the shaft.

A seating member may be provided between the protrusion seating groove and the shaft, and an outer diameter of the seating member may correspond to an inner diameter of the projection seating groove.

The area of the upper surface of the cover where the protrusion seating groove is formed may be more upwardly protruded than the other area.

The housing may comprise an exposure hole through which the shaft of the solenoid protrudes.

A shift lever may be coupled to an end of the shaft protruding through the exposure hole.

The exposure hole and the hole may be formed in the same axial direction.

The solenoid may comprise a solenoid cover surrounding the shaft and the sensor magnet.

The solenoid cover comprises a cylindrical protrusion corresponding to the shape of the shaft, and the protrusion can be coupled to the hole.

The protrusion may comprise a stepped portion formed with a step in the lower partial region thereof, wherein the outer diameter of the stepped portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the hole, and the outer diameter of the protrusion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the hole.

The upper surface of the stepped portion can be in contact with the lower surface of the printed circuit board.

In yet another embodiment, a driving module comprises a housing; a motor arranged within the housing; a solenoid arranged within the housing and spaced apart from the motor; a cover coupled to the housing; and a printed circuit board arranged between the housing and the cover, wherein the housing comprises a first accommodating portion in which the motor is arranged and a second accommodating portion in which the solenoid is arranged, and the motor and the solenoid are electrically connected to the circuit board.

The solenoid comprises a stator; a plunger arranged within the stator; a shaft coupled with the plunger; and a sensor magnet arranged on the shaft, wherein the printed circuit board may comprise a hole through which the shaft is penetrating.

The housing may comprise a third accommodating portion in which the printed circuit board is arranged.

In another embodiment, a transmission comprises a driving module for shifting the gear by providing a driving force through a plurality of clutches; a clutch actuator for selectively operating any one of the plurality of clutches; and a control unit for controlling the power module and the clutch actuator, wherein the driving module comprises: a housing: a solenoid arranged inside the housing and comprising a linearly moving shaft; and a printed circuit board arranged on the solenoid, wherein the solenoid comprises a stator; a plunger arranged within the stator; a shaft coupled with the plunger; and a sensor magnet arranged on the upper side of the shaft, and wherein the printed circuit board comprises a hole through which the shaft is penetrating, and a position detecting sensor arranged on the printed circuit board, adjacent to the hole.

In another embodiment, a transmission comprises a driving module for shifting the gear by providing a driving force through a plurality of clutches; a clutch actuator for selectively operating any one of the plurality of clutches; and a control unit for controlling the power module and the clutch actuator, wherein the driving module comprises: a housing; a motor arranged inside the housing; a solenoid arranged inside the housing and spaced apart from the motor; a cover coupled to the housing; and a printed circuit board arranged between the housing and the cover, wherein the housing comprises a first accommodating portion in which the motor is arranged and a second accommodating portion in which the solenoid is arranged, and wherein the motor and the solenoid are electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

The driving module and the transmission according to the present invention can detect the position of an object with a low error rate without the influence of external disturbance.

In addition, since an insertion hole for inserting a solenoid into the printed circuit board is formed, a separate space is not required between the printed circuit board and the solenoid, which makes it possible to further miniaturize the product.

In addition, since the position detecting sensor is arranged on the upper surface of the printed circuit board to sense the magnetic force of the sensor magnet coupled to the end of the shaft, a change in the position of the shaft can be detected more easily.

Further, by forming a seating groove wherein the solenoid is recessed into the inner surface of the housing, the solenoid can be more firmly supported inside the housing.

Further, by providing a plurality of parts in a single housing, there is an advantage that the driving module becomes smaller and more compact.

In addition, a motor and a solenoid, which are conventionally connected by wires, are mounted on a single printed circuit board and a control command is transmitted, thereby reducing the number of required wires and parts. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, by forming a space portion in which each electronic component is arranged in the housing, an unnecessary space disappears and the manufacturing process is facilitated.

BEST MODE

Since the present invention, which will be described hereinafter, may apply to various modifications and may have various exemplary embodiments, some specific exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description.

This, however, is by no means to restrict the invention to the specific embodiments, it is to be understood as embracing all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. If the specific description of the related art in the following description of the present invention that are determined to obscure the gist of the invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe particular exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Expressions in singular forms include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms “comprise,” “have,” and the like are intended to specify the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or one that exists combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to preclude the one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or the presence or possibility of combinations thereof.

Further, terms such as “first,” “second” may be used to separately describe various elements, but the above elements shall not be restricted to the above terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from the other.

The driving module described in this specification comprises a motor and a solenoid for causing mechanical motion, and a control unit for controlling the motor and the solenoid, and it may be provided in an engine, an automatic transmission, a manual transmission, a steering system, a brake system, an electric pump, a suspension, and the like provided in a system having electric components such as a vehicle, a ship, and an airplane.

Hereinafter, the driving module according to the present embodiment will be described as an example of a gear actuator that shifts gears in a dual clutch transmission having two clutches for convenience of explanation. However, the driving module is not limited to a gear actuator, but may be applied in various types of machines, including the types described above.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a driving module according to a first embodiment of the present invention:FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of a driving module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; andFIG. 5is an internal cross-sectional view of a driving module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 3 to 5, the driving module100according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a case10forming an outer appearance, a motor30and a solenoid40arranged inside the case10to generate a driving force, a printed circuit board90also arranged inside the case10for controlling the motor30and the solenoid40, and a shift lever60to perform shifting by transmitting the driving force of the solenoid40or the motor30.

The case10forms the appearance of the drive module100. Specifically, the case10comprises a housing12and a cover14arranged on the upper side of the housing12. Therefore, the motor30, the solenoid40, and the printed circuit board90are arranged in the inner space formed by the coupling of the housing12and the cover14.

The housing12and the cover14can be coupled through a screw-coupling. The screw-coupling can be made by forming a screw coupling portion15wherein holes allowing the passing of the screws are formed in the regions corresponding to each other and inserting the screw15ainto the screw coupling portion15. The screw coupling portion15may be arranged at each corner of the rectangular housing12and the cover14. Separate screws15amay be coupled to the screw coupling portion15so that the housing12and the cover14may be coupled.

Alternatively, the coupling between the housing12and the cover14may be configured such that an engagement protrusions and an engagement grooves are formed on the peripheral edges of the both structures, respectively, so that the engagement protrusions are inserted into the engagement grooves.

On the other hand, a coupling portion for coupling the driving module100with other components in the system may be separately provided on the outer surface of the cover14.

A connector50for electrical connection with other components may be provided on the outside of the housing12. The connector50may comprise a connector body52having a connection hole51formed at the center thereof. A terminal for electrical connection with other components is mounted or provided on the printed circuit board90so that the terminal may be in contact with the connector50and exposed to the outside of the case10through the connection hole51. Therefore, when the plug inserted in a separate wire is inserted into the connection hole51and brought into contact with the terminal, electrical coupling is established between the driving module100and another electronic components. The electrical coupling is for controlling the motor30and the solenoid40, which will be described later.

Alternatively, the connector50may be a power terminal for supplying power to the driving module100. Accordingly, when the separate power supply unit is electrically connected through the connector50, power can be supplied to the driving module100.

The printed circuit board90is accommodated on the upper side of the housing12. Various electronic components91are mounted on the printed circuit board90. That is, the printed circuit board90is understood as a circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted. As described above, the printed circuit board90may be provided with terminals for electrical coupling with other electronic components. Elements extending from the upper side of the motor30and the solenoid40are electrically connected or mounted on the lower side of the printed circuit board90so that operation of the motor30and the solenoid40can be performed according to the control command of the printed circuit board90.

The printed circuit board90is provided with sensor units95and97for detecting the driving of the motor30and the solenoid40. The sensor units95and97comprise a rotation sensor95for detecting the rotational driving force of the motor30and a position detecting sensor97for detecting the linear movement of the solenoid40.

It is understood that the printed circuit board90, as a control part, receives the control command of the control unit300(seeFIG. 13) or the operating state of the clutch actuator200to be described later, and operates the motor30and the solenoid40to shift the gear. Alternatively, it may be configured in a way that the shifting operation of the motor30and the solenoid40is controlled in accordance with a self-control command of the printed circuit board90.

Hereinafter, the configurations of the motor30and the solenoid40will be described.

A plurality of motors30and solenoids40are provided in the driving module100according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the number of the motors30and the number of the solenoids40may be two.

More specifically, the motor30comprises a first motor30aand a second motor30b, which are arranged on the lower side of the printed circuit board90among the internal spaces of the case10, respectively. The first motor30aand the second motor30bmay be arranged to face each other.

Each of the motors30aand30bcomprises a motor body32, a driver coupling portion36arranged on the upper surface of the motor body32for electrical connection with the printed circuit board90, and a rotating shaft34protruding downward from the motor30to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor30to the outside.

The motor30is configured to convert electric energy into kinetic energy of rotational force, and a shifting operation of a gear to be described later is performed through the rotational force of the motor30. At this time, the first motor30aperforms the shifting operation of the odd-numbered gears1,3,5and7and the second motor30bperforms the shifting operation of the shift gears2,4,6, and R. The operation process will be described later.

The rotating shaft34may be connected to a conversion device that converts the rotational driving force generated by the motor30into a driving force of a linear motion. For example, the conversion device may be configured to be coupled to the rotating shaft34from the outside of the case10.

The solenoid40comprises a first solenoid40aand a second solenoid40bwhich are respectively arranged on the lower side of the printed circuit board90in the inner space of the case10. The plurality of solenoids40aand40bare arranged to face each other. The plurality of motors30aand30band the plurality of solenoids40aand40bcan be arranged alternately.

Each of the solenoids40aand40bcomprises a solenoid housing42, a driver coupling portion45arranged above the solenoid housing42for electrical connection between the solenoid housing42and the printed circuit board90, and a shaft43protruding downward from the housing42to transmit the driving force of the solenoid40.

The shaft43may be parallel to the rotating shall34of the motor30.

The solenoid40is configured to convert the supplied electric energy into kinetic energy for linear motion of the shaft43, and a selecting operation of a gear to be described later is performed through the linear motion of the shaft43. At this time, the first solenoid40aperforms the selecting operation of the odd-numbered gears1,3,5, and7, and the second solenoid40bperforms the selecting operation of the even-numbered gears2,4,6, and R.

The motor30and the solenoid40are provided with driver coupling portions36and45for coupling with the printed circuit board90. For example, the driver coupling portions36and45may be pins protruding from the outer surface. When the driver coupling portions36and45are electrically connected to the printed circuit board90, power can be supplied to the motor30and the solenoid40. In consideration of this, the driver coupling portions36and45may be referred to as a power supply pin.

The printed circuit board90may be formed with pinholes93and98to which the motor30and the driver coupling portions36and45of the solenoid40are coupled. A plurality of pinholes93and98are provided corresponding to the number and position of the drive coupling portions36and45.

The driver coupling portions36and45may be press-fit pins. Therefore, the driver coupling portions36and45can be inserted and fixed in the pinholes93and98formed in the printed circuit board90.

FIG. 6is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of the housing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

For convenience of explanation,FIG. 6shows a state where the upper and lower sides of the housing12are interchanged.

Referring toFIGS. 3 to 6, an internal space in which electronic components are arranged is formed in the case10formed by the engagement of the housing12and the cover14as described above.

The cover14is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate to form the upper portion of the case10.

The housing12is formed so that its end surface corresponds to the end surface of the cover14. The housing12comprises a first space portion12aformed to be recessed to have a first height h1downwardly from the lower surface of the housing12facing the cover14, a portion of the lower surface12bof the first space portion12ais downwardly recessed to comprise a second space portion13having the second height h2.

The cross-sectional area of the first space portion12amay correspond to or slightly greater than the cross-sectional area of the printed circuit board90to accommodate the printed circuit board90therein.

The cross-sectional shape of the second space portion13is formed so as to correspond to the area where the motor30and the solenoid40are arranged on the lower surface12bof the first space portion12a. This is understood as a configuration in which the second space portion13is designed to form an arrangement region of the motor30and the solenoid40in the inner space of the case10.

A first accommodating portion18and a second accommodating portion21are formed on the lower surface13aof the second space portion13so as to accommodate a portion of the motor30and the solenoid40. Here, the first accommodating portion18is understood as a motor accommodating portion, and the second accommodating portion21is understood as a solenoid accommodating portion.

More specifically, the first accommodating portion18is formed so that a portion of the lower surface13aof the second space portion13protrudes downward so as to correspond to the arrangement region of the motor30. As shown in the drawing, two motors30are arranged, and therefore, the first accommodating portion18is provided with a first motor seating portion16and a second motor seating portion17corresponding to the number of the motors30. A through hole16afor exposing the rotating shaft34of the motor30to the outside of the case10is formed on the lower surface of the first accommodating portion18. The rotating shaft34can be coupled with another structure via the through hole16awhen the motor30is mounted on the case10to transmit the driving force of the motor30for the operation of gear shifting.

The sum of the first height h1, the second height h2and the height of the first accommodating portion18from the lower surface of the cover14may correspond to or be greater than the height of the body32of the motor30mounted on the printed circuit board90.

A portion of the lower surface13aof the second space portion13is protruded downward so as to correspond to the arranged region of the solenoid40. The second accommodating portion21comprises a first solenoid seating portion19and a second solenoid seating portion20corresponding to the number of the solenoids40. A through hole20afor exposing the shaft43of the solenoid40to the outside of the case10is formed on the lower surface of the second accommodating portion21. The shaft43can be coupled with the other structure via the through hole20awhen the solenoid40is mounted to the case10and can transmit the driving force of the solenoid40for the operation of gear selecting.

Therefore, the sum of the first height h1, the second height h2, and the height of the second accommodating portion21from the lower surface of the cover14may correspond to or be greater than the height of the solenoid40mounted on the printed circuit board90.

A lever coupling portion24is arranged on one side of the lower surface of the second accommodating portion21so that a shift lever60for selecting a gear is coupled.

Hereinafter, a structure for detecting the position of the solenoid40and the shaft43will be described.

The structure for detecting the position of such a solenoid may be defined in the transmission comprising the driving module as well as the driving module.

That is, the transmission comprises: a driving module that shifts the gear by providing a driving force through a plurality of clutches; a clutch actuator for selectively operating any one of the plurality of clutches: and a control unit for controlling the driving module and the clutch actuator, wherein the driving module comprises a solenoid, and a position detecting sensor for detecting the position of the shaft included in the solenoid by the movement along the central axis direction, wherein the solenoid comprises a sensor magnet arranged such that the N pole is arranged within some or all of the range covering 180 degrees centered around the central axis, and the S pole is arranged within some or all of the range covering the remaining 180 degrees centered around the central axis, and coupled with the shaft to form a magnetic field for detecting the position of the shaft.

FIG. 7is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the structure for detecting the position of a solenoid according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7, a driving module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solenoid, a printed circuit board90, and a position detecting sensor97for detecting the position of the shaft43included in the solenoid by the movement along the central axis direction.

The solenoid comprises: a sensor magnet240arranged such that the N pole is arranged within some or all of the range covering 180 degrees centered around the central axis, and the S pole is arranged within some or all of the range covering the remaining 180 degrees centered around the central axis, and coupled with the shaft43to form a magnetic field for detecting the position of the shaft43; a stator210that is fixed; and a plunger230that is a movement relative to the stator210.

The shaft43can be coupled with the plunger230.

The position detecting sensor97is arranged on the printed circuit board90such that the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97is perpendicular to the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the sensor magnet240on the printed circuit board90. The position detecting sensor97may be implemented in the form of a semiconductor chip. In this case, the position detecting sensor97in the form of a semiconductor chip may be arranged on the printed circuit hoard90such that the detecting surface is perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board90.

The plunger230may be implemented to comprise a magnetic body or be magnetized. And the stator210comprises a coil. A current flows in the coil, and a magnetic field is generated by the current. The plunger230slidingly moves while maintaining a gap in the stator210according to the change of the magnetic field generated in the coils of the plunger230and the stator210. That is, the plunger230slidingly moves up and down in the stator210due to the interaction between the magnetic field generated by the coil of the stator210and the magnetic field generated by the magnetic material of the plunger230.

Here, the shaft43may be movable downward or upward between a first position of the upper limit and a second position of the lower limit in both directions of the central axis in accordance with the movement of the plunger230. The first position is the position when the shaft43is elevated up to the highest point and the second position is the position when the shaft43is descended down to the lowest point.

The sensor magnet240can be coupled to the end of the shaft43. The end of the shaft43comprising the sensor magnet240can move with respect to the stator by penetrating through the hole92formed in the printed circuit board90on which the position detecting sensor97is arranged. Referring again toFIG. 5, the sensor magnet240may be positioned in the same plane as the position detecting sensor97penetrates through the hole92formed in the printed circuit board90. Therefore, the magnetic flux output from the sensor magnet240can vertically enter or exit the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97in the absence of other obstacles. Here, the position detecting sensor97may be arranged on the printed circuit board90around the hole92. The sensor magnet240penetrates the hole92and the position detecting sensor97is arranged at any position around the hole so that the position detecting sensor97is positioned within a certain distance from the sensor magnet240. In this case, the predetermined distance is within the maximum detecting distance of the position detecting sensor97.

The position detecting sensor97may be implemented as a three-axis Hall sensor that senses magnetic flux in the X, Y, and Z directions. The Hall sensor is a sensor which operates by a Hall effect, and the Hall sensor is well known in the field of the present invention, therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the relative positions of the sensor magnet240and the position detecting sensor97will be described in detail.

FIG. 8is a conceptual diagram specifically showingFIG. 7according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, the structure for detecting the position of the solenoid according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor magnet240and a position detecting sensor97. The sensor magnet240is simply arranged at the end of the shaft43of the solenoid and is simplified and displayed as a magnet comprising an N pole and an S pole. Also, the position detecting sensor97is arranged such that the detecting surface is oriented towards the N-pole.

The sensor magnet240may be arranged at the end portion of the shaft43to detect to position of the shaft43that moves downward or upward between a first position of an upper limit and a second position of a lower limit along the center axis direction in the vertical direction. The sensor magnet240may form a magnetic flux starting, from the N pole and arriving at the S pole. The sensor magnet240can move down or up together with the downward movement or upward movement of the shaft43. That is, the sensor magnet240is attached to the shaft43and moves together with the shaft43.

Here, the N pole of the sensor magnet240may be formed within some or all of the range covering 180 degrees in the periphery of the central axis. Also, the S pole of the sensor magnet240may be formed within some or all of the range covering the remaining 180 degrees in the periphery of the central axis. That is, the N-pole and the S-pole of the sensor magnet240may be formed at both ends of a rod-like shape, respectively.

The position detecting sensor97can determine the position of the shaft43using the magnetic flux formed by the sensor magnet240. The position detecting sensor97can be positioned on the printed circuit board90such that the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97and the magnetic flux formed by the sensor magnet240are perpendicular to each other.

Referring again toFIG. 8, a coordinate system consisting of X, Y, and Z axes is shown inFIG. 8.

When the N pole and the S pole of the sensor magnet240are positioned on the X axis, the center of the position detecting sensor97may be spaced apart from the N pole and the S pole on the same X axis. Specifically, the position detecting sensor97may be positioned on the X axis at a position spaced apart from the N pole by a predetermined distance within a maximum detecting distance, and may be positioned on the opposite side of the S pole position with respect to the N pole. Referring toFIG. 7, an S-pole, an N-pole, and a position detecting sensor97are sequentially arranged on the same X-axis. A magnetic flux emerging from the N pole perpendicular to the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97is displayed.

FIG. 9is a conceptual diagram showing a modified embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, when the N pole and the S pole of the sensor magnet240are positioned on the X axis, the center of the position detecting sensor97can be located spaced apart from the N pole and the S pole by a predetermined distance on the same X axis. Specifically, the position detecting sensor97may be spaced apart from the S-pole within a maximum detecting distance on the X-axis by a predetermined distance, and may be positioned on the opposite side of the N-pole position with respect to the S-pole. Referring toFIG. 9, an N pole, an S pole, and a position detecting sensor97are sequentially arranged on the same X axis. A magnetic flux entering the S pole perpendicular to the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97is illustrated.

Referring toFIG. 9, an S pole instead of the N pole of the sensor magnet240is arranged close to the position detecting sensor97as compared withFIG. 8. The positions of the sensor magnet240and the position detecting sensor97are the same as those of the positions of the N-pole and the S-pole inFIGS. 8 and 9. That is, according to the configuration ofFIG. 9, a magnetic flux entering the S-pole can be detected by the position detecting sensor97.

The N pole and S pole of the sensor magnet240and the position detecting sensor97are located at the same coordinates on the Y axis.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic flux emitted from the N pole of the sensor magnet240or the magnetic flux entering the S pole can be detected by the detecting surface of the position detecting sensor97without obstacles. In addition, the orthogonal plane between the position detecting sensor97and the magnetic flux can be formed more easily as compared with the prior art. Accordingly, in detecting the rotation or movement of the object such as a shaft43, the error rate can be reduced and the disturbance in the measurement can be eliminated.

Hereinafter, the position detecting structure of the solenoid according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, but there is a difference in the configuration for detecting the position of the solenoid. Therefore, hereinafter, only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described, and the first embodiment will be quoted in the remaining portions.

FIG. 10is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a position detecting structure of a solenoid according to a second embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view showing a combination of a solenoid and a printed circuit board according to a second embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 12is a perspective view showing a combination of a solenoid and a printed circuit board according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10 to 12, a solenoid40according to the second embodiment of the present invention is arranged inside the housing12. In detail, the solenoid40comprises a solenoid housing42, a stator210arranged inside the solenoid housing42, a plunger230arranged inside the stator210, a shaft43coupled to the plunger230, and a sensor magnet240arranged on the shaft43.

External appearance of the solenoid40is formed by a solenoid housing42and a solenoid cover250coupled to an upper side of the solenoid housing42. An exposure hole201for exposing the shaft43to the outside is formed on the lower surface of the solenoid housing42. The exposure hole201, the through hole20a, and the insertion hole92may be formed to be identical to each other in the axial direction. The end of the shaft43extending to the outside of the solenoid housing42through the exposure hole201and the through hole20acan be coupled with the shift lever60(refer toFIG. 2).

A hole for accommodating the shaft43coupled to the plunger230is formed in a central region of the stator210. A coil may be wound around the stator210to be electromagnetically coupled with a magnet provided on the plunger230.

A plunger230is arranged inside the stator210. The plunger230is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft43facing the stator210. The plunger230is formed in a shape similar to a cylinder, and may be formed of a magnetic material or a material such as a cold rolled steel sheet (SPCC). Therefore, the plunger230moves linearly in the coil by the electromagnetic force generated as current is applied to the coil of the stator210, and the shaft43(not shown) coupled with the plunger230can be moved linearly. Here, the linear movement of the shaft43means that the shaft43moves upward and downward with reference toFIG. 10.

The sensor magnet240is coupled to the upper end of the shaft43. A sensor magnet coupling portion43awhose cross-sectional area is narrower than the other region is formed at the upper end of the shaft43and the sensor magnet240can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the sensor magnet coupling portion43a. The cross-sectional area of the sensor magnet coupling portion43a, to which the sensor magnet240is coupled, may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the shaft43. That is, the outer diameter of the sensor magnet coupling portion43ais smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft43, and the outer diameter of the sensor magnet coupling portion43amay correspond to the inner diameter of the sensor magnet240.

As shown inFIG. 12, the sensor magnet240may be configured as a shape of a plurality of rings having N poles and S poles, respectively. In this case, the diameter of the cross-section of the sensor magnet240may be formed to be 5 mm to 15 mm. The height of the sensor magnet240may be 4 mm to 10 mm.

The solenoid cover250is coupled to the upper side of the solenoid housing42. An accommodating groove252extending upward is formed on the lower surface of the solenoid cover250to accommodate the shaft43and the sensor magnet240. Accordingly, the shaft43and the sensor magnet240can be accommodated in the accommodating groove252and linearly moved.

Meanwhile, the solenoid cover250is formed with a protruded portion260protruding upward from the upper surface. The protruded portion260is fitted into the insertion hole92of the printed circuit board90, which will be described later, and can be inserted upward from the lower side of the printed circuit board90. The protruded portion260is provided with a stepped portion262in which a lower partial area thereof is stepped. The stepped portion262is formed to have a larger cross-sectional area than other regions to support the lower surface of the printed circuit board90. Therefore, the upper surface of the stepped portion262is in contact with the lower surface of the printed circuit board90, and the protruded portion260can be extended above the printed circuit board90.

The accommodating groove252is formed in the protruded portion260. Accordingly, the accommodating groove252may extend upward from the lower surface of the solenoid cover250and be formed on the inner side of the protruded portion260. The shaft43and the sensor magnet240may be accommodated in the accommodating groove252.

Meanwhile, the material of the solenoid cover250may be a nonmagnetic material which is not affected by the magnetic field. For example, the material of the solenoid cover250may be selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum, and copper.

The printed circuit board90is formed with an insertion hole92into which the protruded portion260is inserted. The insertion hole92may be formed by penetrating through the lower surface from the upper surface of the printed circuit board90. The diameter of the insertion hole92may be larger than the diameter of the protruded portion260. The shaft43is linearly moved within the protruded portion260so that the insertion hole92can be understood to be inserted into the shaft43.

A position detecting sensor97for detecting the position of the shaft43is provided on the upper surface of the printed circuit board90and spaced apart from the sensor magnet240. The position detecting sensor97is arranged adjacent to the insertion hole92on the upper surface of the printed circuit board90. The position detecting sensor97senses the magnetic force generated in the sensor magnet240and senses the position of the shaft43. The position detecting sensor97is a three-axis linear sensor capable of detecting a position in the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis direction. The detecting sensor97linearly converts two sensed values of the measured values, so that the position can be detected.

The position detecting sensor97may be spaced from the center of the sensor magnet240by about 8 mm to 18 mm.

Meanwhile, on the lower surface of the cover14facing the upper end of the protruded portion260, a protruded portion seating groove144is formed which is recessed upward. The protruded portion seating groove144is formed when a portion of the lower surface of the cover14is recessed upward, and may accommodate an upper portion of the protruded portion260. In order to form the protruded portion seating groove144, the area of the upper surface of the cover14where the protruded portion seating groove144may be in the form more upwardly protruded than the other area.

A seating member242may be provided between the inner circumferential surface of the protruded portion seating groove144and the outer circumferential surface of the protruded portion260so that the protruded portion260is firmly coupled to the protruded portion seating groove144. The seating member242may have an outer circumferential diameter corresponding to the inner circumferential diameter of the protruded portion seating groove144and may be embedded in the protruded portion seating groove144. The solenoid40can be firmly fixed within the housing12because the protruded portion260is inserted in the protruded portion seating groove144. The material of the seating member242may be, for example, an elastically deformable material.

Hereinafter, the process of detecting the position of the shall43in the above described solenoid40will be described.

Referring toFIGS. 10 to 12, the plunger230and the shaft43linearly move upward and downward by the interaction of the plunger230and the stator210, as described above.

As the shaft43moves, the upper end of the shaft43and the sensor magnet240may be moved upward and downward while being accommodated in the accommodating groove252. The position detecting sensor97senses the magnetic force generated from the sensor magnet240and detects how much the shaft43is being moved.

For example, a total travel path of the shaft43is calculated by dividing the point at which the shaft43can be located from the uppermost side to the lowermost side. By relating the maximum and minimum values of the magnetic force being detected at the sensor magnet240in consideration of the movement path, the position of the shaft43that moves linearly can be detected.

Hereinafter, a transmission provided with a driving module100will be described.

FIG. 13is a system diagram illustrating a system of a transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the driving module100according to the embodiment of the present invention is a gear actuator that shills gears among the transmissions2000as an example. On the other hand, the transmission2000of the present embodiment can be configured to comprise any one of the transmission according to the above-described first embodiment and the transmission according to the second embodiment.

The transmission2000according to the present embodiment comprises a driving module100that shifts gears by providing a drive force through a plurality of clutches and a clutch actuator300for operating the driving module100and alternatively operating any one of the plurality of clutches; and a control unit400for controlling the clutch actuator300and the driving module100.

And controls the overall operation of the transmission2000of the control unit400. For example, the driving module100may change the driving speed of the driving module100to have a proper gear ratio according to the speed change of the vehicle.

The clutch actuator300comprises a plurality of clutch motors210and220. The number of the clutch motors210and220may be two, corresponding to the number of the motors30and the solenoids40, which are two. The first clutch motor210of the plurality of clutch motors210and220is understood to be a motor for controlling the operation of the first motor30aand the first solenoid40afor converting the odd-numbered gear. The second clutch motor220is understood to be a motor for controlling the operation of the second motor30band the second solenoid40bfor converting the even-numbered gear.

In other words, the first motor30aand the first solenoid40aare understood as the first clutch, the second motor30band the second solenoid40bare understood as the second clutch. Therefore, by the plurality of clutch motors210and220, the respective clutches can be alternatively selected for operation.

For example, when assuming that the driver starts driving in a state where the gear is initially in the neutral position, the first clutch motor210becomes turned ON state and the second clutch motor220is turned OFF state. According to the ON state of the first clutch motor210, the first motor30aand the first solenoid40amay be operated with a first-stage gear in the odd-numbered gear unit by the operation of the first motor30aand the first solenoid40a(at this time, the second motor30band the second solenoid40bis being standby with the input shaft in the state of second-stage in the even-numbered gear unit). Next, as the speed increases, the first clutch motor210is turned OFF, and the second clutch motor220is turned ON. At this time, depending on the state of the second clutch motor220being turned ON, the second motor30band the second solenoid40bmay be operated with a second-stage gear in the even-numbered gear unit. Here, the ON state and the OFF state are understood as the power transmitting and blocking states.

Accordingly, the clutch actuator300and the gear actuator100can shift the gear to an appropriate gear ratio through an operation in consideration of the vehicle speed, in accordance with the control command of the control unit400.

According to the driving module100and the transmission2000according to the above described configuration, insertion holes for inserting the solenoids into the printed circuit board90are formed, so that a separate space between the printed circuit board90and the solenoid become unnecessary, and thus there is an advantage that the product can be more miniaturized.

Since the position detecting sensor97is arranged on the upper surface of the printed circuit board90to detect the magnetic force of the sensor magnet240coupled to the end of the shaft43, and thus there is an advantage that the positional change of the shaft43can be detected more easily.

Further, by forming a seating groove wherein the solenoid is concavely inserted in the inner surface of the housing, the solenoid can be more firmly supported inside the housing.

Hereinafter, a driving module according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments in the other portions, however, there is an additional feature in the power transmission structure related to the solenoid. Therefore, only the featured parts of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter, and for the remaining parts, the first and second embodiments will be quoted.

Referring toFIG. 3, a lever coupling portion24is provided on one side of the lower surface of a second accommodating portion21so as to couple with a shift lever60(FIG. 14) for selecting operation of a gear. The lever coupling portion24comprises a body25protruding downward from the lower surface of the second accommodating portion21and a first coupling hole26wherein a coupling pin68(FIG. 14) is inserted on the body25. Corresponding to the number of the solenoids40, the lever coupling portion24are also provided on the lower surfaces of the plurality of second accommodating portions21, respectively.

Meanwhile, at least one separate screw hole may be formed at the periphery of the second space13for coupling with other structures.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the shift lever60will be described.

FIG. 14is a perspective view showing a state of a shift lever according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring, toFIGS. 3, 6 and 14, the shift lever60is coupled with the lower side of the case10. In detail, the shift lever60is coupled with the lever coupling portion24provided in the second accommodating portion21of the housing12.

The shift lever60comprises a solenoid coupling portion70coupled to the driving shaft43of the solenoid40, a lever62which is coupled to the solenoid coupling portion70and rotated according to the operation of the solenoid coupling portion70, and a coupling pin68which couples the lever62to the lever coupling portion24.

The solenoid coupling portion70comprises a coupling body71formed with a coupling hole72in which the driving shaft43is inserted and a guide77extending from a coupling body71in the outer peripheral direction wherein a mounting groove74into which the lever62is inserted is formed

The coupling body71is formed with a coupling hole72penetrating through a central region of the upper surface from a central region of the lower surface. The driving shaft43is inserted into the coupling hole72. The driving shaft43is fixed as being inserted into the coupling hole72and the solenoid coupling portion70moves together with the linear movement of the driving shaft43.

The guide77is configured in the form of a plurality of plates76extending in parallel from the outer circumferential surface of the coupling body71so as to form a mounting groove74in which the lever62is inserted. That is, it is understood that the mounting groove74is formed so that the upper and lower portions thereof are open and the left and right sides are partitioned by the plurality of plates76.

And then, each of the plurality of plates76is formed with a guide groove75into which a latching portion65to be described later is inserted. The guide groove75may be understood as a hole through which a part of the inner circumferential surface of the mounting groove74penetrates toward the outer surface. The guide groove75is recessed from the end of the plurality of plates76in the direction of the coupling body71so to form the first rotation center of the lever62when the latching portion65is inserted.

The cross-section of the lever62is formed in the shape of approximately letter ‘¬’ and has one end coupled to the solenoid coupling portion70and the other end is coupled to a selecting shaft750(seeFIG. 16), which will be described later.

The lever62comprises a lever body63, a rotating portion64forming one end of the lever body63and coupled with the solenoid coupling portion70, and a selecting shaft coupling portion66coupled to the selecting shaft750.

A second coupling hole (not shown) is formed on the lever body63for coupling with the lever coupling portion24formed on the lower surface of the housing12. The coupling pin68is coupled with the first coupling hole26and the second coupling hole26so that the lever coupling portion24and the lever62are coupled with each other. At this time, it is understood that the coupling pin68forms the center of rotation of the lever62according to the operation of the solenoid40.

The rotating portion64is inserted into the mounting groove74of the solenoid coupling portion70. The width of the rotating portion64corresponds to the length of the width of the solenoid coupling portion70so that only the upward and downward movements are obtained on the basis ofFIG. 5when the rotating portion64is coupled with the solenoid coupling portion70. And then latching portions are protrudedly formed on both side surfaces of the rotating portion64so as to be inserted into the guide groove75so that the rotation center of the rotating portion64is formed in accordance with the rotation of the lever62, thereby fixing the rotating portion64to the inside of the mounting groove74.

The selecting shaft coupling portion66is coupled to a selecting shaft750, which will be described later, to deliver the driving force provided from the solenoid40to the selecting shaft750.

Hereinafter, a process of converting the gears of the driving module100will be described.

FIG. 15is a conceptual view showing a configuration for shifting a driving module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 16 and 17are cross-sectional views showing a shifting process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, a connecting gear720is coupled to a rotating shaft34of the motor30through a connecting portion721. That is, the connecting gear720is coupled to rotate together with the rotation of the rotation shaft34.

The connecting gear720is formed in a shaft shape having a circular section and a thread on the outer circumferential surface. A guide gear730is coupled to the connecting gear720so that the connecting gear720is moved in the longitudinal direction of the connecting gear720according to the rotation of the connecting gear720. The guide gear730has a coupling hole (not shown) corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the connecting gear720, and the connecting gear720is inserted into the coupling hole. At this time, it is understood that a thread groove corresponding to the thread of the connecting gear720is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling hole, and the connecting gear720and the guide gear730are screw-coupled together.

Accordingly, as the connecting gear720is rotated through the rotational force of the motor30, the guide gear730that is threaded is reciprocated in one direction or the other direction along the lengthwise direction of the connecting gear720. The direction of movement of the connecting gear720is determined according to the rotating direction of the motor30.

On the outer surface of the guide gear730, a guide groove732is formed in which an input shaft740for converting gears is inserted. The guide gear730is recessedly formed toward the inside on the surface of the outer surface facing the gear unit G, so that one end of the input shaft740is coupled to the guide groove732.

The input shaft740is provided at its end with a manipulating protrusion742for setting the gear of the gear unit G. A guide protrusion741is formed at one end of the input shaft740to fit into the guide groove732and the manipulating protrusion742is formed at the other end to set the gear of the gear unit G. The guide protrusion741and the manipulating protrusion742may have a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the central region.

The guide protrusion741is formed in a shape corresponding to the sectional shape of the guide groove732and is seated in the guide groove732. Therefore, the guide protrusion741is restricted to the inside of the guide groove732even when the input shaft740is moved.

The manipulating protrusion742moves along a path forming each end of the gear unit G and is located in the gear which is set according to the inputted control command. InFIG. 7, an example wherein the gear unit G is an odd-numbered gear unit is illustrated.

Explaining the shifting process with reference toFIGS. 15 to 17, when the manipulating protrusion742is moved from the neutral position (FIG. 15) to the first-stage on the gear unit G (FIG. 16), the first motor30aare operated so that the guide gear730is adjacent to the first motor30a. That is, since the guide gear730and the connecting gear720are screwed together, the connecting gear720rotates in the direction adjacent to the motor30ain accordance with the rotation of the guide gear730.

Since the center of the input shaft740is restricted by the selecting shaft750, the other end of the input shaft740, that is, the manipulating protrusion742is moved to a position symmetrical to the guide protrusion741with reference to the selecting shaft750. Therefore, the gear can be converted into the first-stage in accordance with the movement of the guide protrusion741.

Next, when the gear is shifted to the fifth-stage, the connecting gear720is rotated so that the guide gear730is moved in a direction away from the motor30a. Accordingly, the guide protrusion741is similarly moved away from the motor30a, and the manipulating protrusion742, which is symmetrical with respect to the selecting shaft750, can be moved toward the fifth-stage on the gear unit G.

FIG. 18is a cross-sectional view illustrating a selecting process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 18, on the odd-numbered gear unit, the manipulating protrusion742is selected to a neutral path between the third-stage and seventh-stage from the neutral path between the first-stage and fifth-stage.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 18, the selecting shaft750is coupled to the selecting shaft coupling portion66of the lever62. As described above, the selecting shaft750is coupled to the input shaft740in a direction orthogonal to the center of the input shaft740. The coupling of the input shaft740and the selecting shaft750may be formed by forming a hole in one of the shafts and inserting the other shaft in the hole.

A lever coupling portion752is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the selecting shaft750which is coupled with the lever62. The lever coupling portion752is provided with a coupling groove753into which the selection shaft coupling portion66is inserted and when the lever62and the selecting coupling shaft750are coupled, the selecting shaft coupling portion66is inserted into the coupling groove753.

The selecting process will be described below. The driving shaft43performs a linear motion according to the driving of the solenoid40. The solenoid coupling portion70is also moved upward and downward (refer toFIG. 5) along with the linear movement of the driving shaft43. At this time, one end of the lever62is rotated about the latching portion65as a center of rotation, and as a reaction to this, the other end of the lever62, that is, the selecting shaft coupling portion66is also rotated about the coupling pin68as a rotation center. The turning radius of the selecting shaft coupling portion66may be set to move by a distance D that is the distance that the manipulating protrusion742is selected on the gear unit G.

Accordingly, with reference toFIG. 18, the selecting shaft750receives a driving force from the lever62and performs a vertical movement to be selected. As a result, the shift path on the gear unit G can be selected for the manipulating protrusion742.

According to the driving module100and the transmission1000having the above described configuration, there is an advantage that the module may become more miniaturized and compact by providing a plurality of parts in the single housing.

In addition, there is an advantage that the number of required wires and parts can be reduced by mounting a motor and a solenoid, which are conventionally connected with wires, in a single control driver and transmitting a control command. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost also can be reduced.

Further, by forming a space portion in which each electronic component is arranged in the housing, an unnecessary space disappears and the manufacturing process is facilitated.

It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the drawings are merely examples of specific examples for the purpose of understanding, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical spirit of the present invention are possible in addition to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.