DE102008025118A1 - Switching/selector lever unit and locking unit combination, has switching/selector lever detachable from switching/ selector lever unit, where set of motor vehicle functions is enabled/performed by attaching locking unit to lever unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The combination has a locking unit (1) i.e. detachable shift knob, forming a switching/selector lever connected with a switching/ selector lever unit. The switching/selector lever is detachable from the switching/ selector lever unit. A set of motor vehicle functions is enabled and/or performed by attaching the locking unit to switching/ selector lever unit. A starting procedure of the motor vehicle is enabled by a connection of the switching/ selector lever unit with a key unit and mechanical and/or electrical identification of the locking unit.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a system of a shift / selector unit in a motor vehicle and a key unit, and a removable gear knob with key function.

Background of the invention

mechanical Key for locking / unlocking a vehicle and starting of the engine are losing more and more importance. central locking from flaps and doors can be controlled by remote controls and Keycards are operated. Engines are becoming more common Started by start-stop buttons (keyless-go).

The Control over the vehicle access on the one hand immanent need of man, but on the other hand also a legal problem. The key is for identification of the user and is thereby as identification and "power" symbol (Insignia) understood. Locking systems without transmitter and Recipients who rely on the recognition of biometric data (fingerprint, Retina, etc.) are based directly on the vehicle, it lacks this symbolism. Furthermore, such locking systems are bound to a user and not suitable for a remote control. A drop of the Key is therefore not expected in the foreseeable future.

Much more is expected to have secondary functions in the foreground to step. The key can be used as an accessory, lifestyle product or status icon. A progressive integration of functions in the vehicle key entails that the actual function of closing in the background occurs.

programmable Keys with data storage may be available in the future more used for customization and personalization become. The geometric shape of the key hardly plays still a role, so that key collections conceivable are. Using a data store in the key could be personal Data, for example preferred vehicle settings and transferred from one vehicle to another.

A Zünd-temperschalteinrichtung with a keycard is from the DE 10 2005 062 162 A1 in which a handle is movably insertable into a receptacle in a plug-in direction, wherein a mechanical coupling device arranged on the receptacle can be coupled to the handle. By a sliding contact and a contact surface, a primary circuit of a circuit of the motor vehicle is closed directly.

Furthermore, shift / selector levers are known from the prior art, which have other functions in addition to the driving mode selection or gear selection. For example, this describes DE 100 02 441 B4 a device for transferring driver requests to a control device of a vehicle. In this case, the shift knob on at least one actuator, for example, to start the engine. Similarly functionalized dialers are from the DE 197 14 495 A1 and the EP 1 502 802 A1 known.

So far is used to start a vehicle after the door is opened put a key in a key switch and rotated or pushed into a slot and a start-stop button pressed. Furthermore, the parking brake must mechanically through Disengage a hand or foot lever or electronically solved by pressing a button and then the desired gear be inserted. The controls for this boot process are over the cockpit including steering wheel and footwell and the center console distributed. With the increase in vehicle functions is therefore a Need for a more ergonomic design of operating functions and operations.

Summary of the invention

A The object of the invention is to control operations of a Vehicle ergonomic design.

The Task is with a system of a shift / selector unit and a key unit according to claim 1 and a detachable shift knob solved according to claim 10.

Thereafter, the shift / selector lever unit in a vehicle with the key unit is connectable and detachable. In the connected state, the shift / selector unit and the key unit form the shift / selector lever of the vehicle. The key unit can take over the usual functions for opening and closing flaps or doors of the vehicle from the outside. Furthermore, by attaching the key unit to the shift / selector unit one or more vehicle functions can be unlocked or released and / or executed. It is irrelevant whether it is a gear lever for gear selection or a selector lever in an automatic transmission. The shift / selector unit is operated both when starting and when switching off the engine. By shifting the ignition release by means of the key to the shift / selector lever unit, a more ergonomic operation of the vehicle is made possible. Such centralization of functions may reduce the number of handles for starting and / or operating the vehicle. In other words, the integration of start-stop button, parking brake and / or key unit in the shift / selector unit or its immediate environment has the advantage that basic operating functions are spatially merged and so ergonomic and intuitive operation is possible. The key unit may be attachable to the shift / selector unit in a variety of ways, such as in multiple stages, to independently lock and unlock various functional groups.

By electronic identification, more and more classic Replaces mechanical key, there are more Design and design freedom for the key. These can be used to the shift knob preferably to provide directly as a key unit. It is also conceivable that a part of the shift knob, for example the upper half shell, serves as a key unit.

Preferably the key unit comprises a remote control electronics, to make secondary functions easier in the key unit to be able to integrate. It is in this embodiment not necessary, by means of a mechanical connection of the key unit with the shift / selector unit for a signal connection between a vehicle electronics and the key unit to care. By integrating a sensor in the cockpit of the vehicle For example, information can be about an infrared interface between the vehicle electronics and the Key unit to be replaced.

Preferably the starting process of the vehicle is through a connection of the shift / selector unit with the key unit and a mechanical and / or electronic identification of the key unit released, to make starting the vehicle more ergonomic. Starting and Stopping the engine can be done via a start-stop button the key unit, on the shift / selector unit or on the center console of the vehicle.

Preferably The key unit contains a key electronics with data storage and transmission unit, with the key electronics with a vehicle electronics is physically or wirelessly connected and can communicate with this. This allows user preferences of the vehicle, such as seating positions or settings the on-board electronics, can be easily personalized. The key unit serves as an information carrier. The transfer information between key unit and on-board electronics can be physically via a direct electrical connection or wirelessly.

Preferably the vehicle is operated via an operating element on the key unit or the shift / selector unit started. By the Connection of the key with the shift / selector unit and possibly with an identification of the key at the Shift / selector unit is done, it makes sense the Function of starting the vehicle either at the key unit or the shift / selector unit to the start or Stop operation of the vehicle ergonomic design.

Preferably the key unit includes further operating units, displays and / or combinations, such as a touch screen, for more Summarize functions in the key unit.

Preferably For example, the key unit comprises a transmitter that is connected to a Vehicle receiver via locking / unlocking signals cooperates to close the vehicle and open even if the key unit is not connected to the shift / selector unit. Certain functions, such as opening and closing the Vehicle, should also be available and over the key unit can be operated if do not use the key unit with the shift / selector unit connected is.

Preferably is the key unit in the shift / selector unit retractable and withdrawable to a secure but detachable To connect. The connection of the key unit with the shift / selector unit can via a Frictional engagement, positive connection or by means of auxiliary elements done. A secure but detachable connection is also necessary when the shift knob is the key unit. Which one Connection mechanism is used meaningfully depends on other of the specific design of the key unit relative to the shift / selector unit.

The Task is further with a removable shift knob with key function solved, which serves as a key unit and with a shift / selector unit connectable and from this is solvable. The "shift knob" is in the application so that it is at least as essential Part of the shift / selector lever is recognizable. Under The term "shift knob" is intended in particular also a ball section or ball cutout of a shift knob unit to be included.

Brief description of the figures

1A and 1B show schematically the function of a shift knob as a key unit outside and inside the vehicle.

2 schematically shows the structure and the components of the detachable shift knob.

3A and 3B show further integration concepts.

4A to 4C schematically show mechanisms for a mechanical connection between the key unit and shift / selector unit by frictional engagement.

5A to 5D show schematically mechanisms for a mechanical connection between the key unit and shift / selector unit by positive engagement.

6 shows schematically a mechanism of a mechanical connection by means of a bayonet closure.

7A to 7C show schematically mechanisms for a mechanical connection between the key unit and shift / selector unit by means of reversibly deformable elements.

8A to 8D show schematically mechanisms for releasing the key.

9A and 9B show schematically mechanisms for the connection and release of pommels.

Ways to execute the invention

1A shows the function of the key unit outside the vehicle. Here the key unit is a shift knob 1 , The shift knob has an identification code and sends a signal (permanent or at the touch of a button) from a reader in the driver's door 100 can be provided is received. The reader recognizes the code as the key approaches 1 and opens the Zentralverrieglung as a result of a signal.

1B shows the function of the shift knob 1 inside the vehicle. The shift knob 1 is already on the shift / selector unit 2 appropriate. By way of example, in the embodiment, the communication between the shift knob takes place 1 and the vehicle above a sensor / transmitter 300 , The sensor / transmitter 300 detects the selected gear and sends the selected gear to the knob 1 to be able to display this on a display, for example. Furthermore, in the center console 200 a so-called keyless-go button 400 provided that is capable of the identification code of the shift knob 1 to recognize, release the ignition and start the engine by pressing a button. In the embodiment, the shift knob is 1 mechanically with the shift / selector lever unit 2 connected. The information transfer is low-wear and inexpensive in a wireless manner.

2 shows schematically the structure of the shift knob 1 , The shift knob 1 is an example of the key unit. It should be noted that such or similar construction may also be provided in a detachable part - the key unit - of the shift / selector lever.

reference characters 10 denotes a data carrier / transponder with identification code. Preferably, the data carrier / transponder 10 an RFID. An RFID tag is produced using printing technology and is therefore thin, flexible and inexpensive. An RFID is operated passively, ie it is no energy storage necessary. The RFID is supplied by the writing instrument / transmitter. Since a range below 6 m is sufficient, usual frequencies are 13, 56, 433 or 868 MHz. The data memory in the data carrier / transponder 10 contains an identification code, possibly the selected gear, ergonomic data of the driver or preferred vehicle settings. The identification code necessary for opening the door is stored on the RFID. An active unlocking signal can optionally be output via a transmitter. At engine start, the presence of the identification code on the RFID is sufficient.

An electronics 20 reads the data carrier / transponder 10 and controls a display if necessary 60 , Preferably, the electronics are printed (polymer) electronics because they are thin, flexible and inexpensive, and allow integration of the transponder.

An energy storage 30 (Button cells, Li-ion battery, fuel cell) supplies the electronics 20 and a display 60 with electricity. Optionally, the energy storage 30 also necessary for the active transmission of signals. Preferably, the energy storage is a battery with high energy density, so that with a small space long service life / replacement cycles are possible. Furthermore, the battery can be rechargeable wirelessly (for example via alternating fields), so that no replacement of the rechargeable battery for charging during the lifetime is necessary.

• – in Drucktechnik herstellbar -> dünn, flexibel, preiswert
• – Anforderungen an Anzahl der Farben, Auflösung und Reaktionszeit gering, wenn keine Animationen gefordert sind
• – auf transparenten Trägerfolien -> transparent/unsichtbar im ausgeschalteten Zustand
• – kratzfeste Beschichtung -> Schutz vor mechanischer Einwirkung (Fingernägel, Ringe)
• – Antireflexion -> bessere Sichtbarkeit

reference characters 40 denotes a quick release for easy removal of the shift knob, such as a bayonet lock. A mechanical spare key 50 can be provided as an emergency key. To display the selected gear or other information or as a lighting element in the embodiment is a display 60 intended. the display 60 is preferably a power-saving, flexible and / or transparent display (for example, an OLED, electrochromic display or e-ink or Electronic paper display). Such a display has the following features and advantages:

• - can be produced in printing technology -> thin, flexible, inexpensive
• - Requirements for number of colors, resolution and response time low, if no animations are required
• - on transparent carrier foils -> transparent / invisible when switched off
• - scratch-resistant coating -> protection against mechanical impact (fingernails, rings)
• - Antireflection -> better visibility

Alternatively or in addition to the display 60 For example, one or more buttons (eg, touch screen, piezo switch) may be provided for actively transmitting a lock / unlock signal or a motor start / stop signal.

The key unit can be designed so that it does not cover the entire shift knob, but is only a part of the same or the shift / selector lever. Such an embodiment is in the 3A and 3B shown. There are cartridge solutions, bays or other sub-elements conceivable. In 3A is the start-stop button 400 on the selector lever unit 2 , The selector lever unit 2 has a recording 3 for the key unit 1 on. 3B shows a similar integration solution for a switching unit 2 , The arrangement of the control units and the functionality are merely exemplary.

For the invention is an easy solvability of the key unit 1 despite the secure mechanical connection with the shift / selector unit of great importance. In the following, therefore, some connection techniques which are suitable for the invention will be mentioned by way of example.

In the 4A to 4C are schematically safe, mechanical connection mechanisms by means of fixing the key 1 shown by frictional engagement (elastic or rigid elements). In 4A becomes the key unit 1 in the slot 3 inserted and by means of O-rings 4 secured. The O-rings can be attached to the key unit or to the slot. In 4B is the fixation and securing by means of an actuating element 4 ' accomplished, which may include a spring or an actuator. In 4C becomes the key unit 1 by means of lamellae 4 '' secured.

A fixation of the key unit 1 at the shift / selector unit 2 can be achieved by positive locking. Examples of these are in the 5A to 5D shown. In 5A becomes the key 1 by an interaction of an actuating element 5 (Spring or actuator) with a groove 6 secured. The groove may be in the form of a groove, a shoulder or a circumferential bore. In 5B is the actuator at an insertion of the key 1 by means of a spring in a pressure element 6 ' pressed and thereby secures the key 1 in the shift / selector unit 2 , In 5C grab a hook 5 '' into the groove 6 and thus secures the key 1 , The connection is made by means of a push button 7 solved. In 5D becomes a sapwood 5 ' into a hole 6 '' inserted.

6 schematically shows a positive connection by means of a bayonet closure. The states before and after connection are also shown in the figure.

In the 7A to 7C are fixation possibilities by means of a reversibly deformable (spreading) element 8th shown. The backup is done by means of a friction and / or positive connection.

In the 8A to 8D Mechanisms are shown schematically, which are suitable for releasing the key 1 from the shift / selector unit 2 suitable. In 8A are two alternatives for releasing with a push button 7 shown. In 8B becomes the key 1 by means of a lever which may be multiaxial or multi-articulated, solved. Furthermore, as it is in 8D is shown, a coil spring may be provided to return the lever to an initial state. In 8C is a toothed element 7 '' or friction element 7 '' shown.

Although the above-mentioned fastening method and device are in principle also suitable for a shift knob, two further fixing mechanisms are particularly exemplified for the connection of a shift knob with the shift / selector lever unit in the 9A and 9B shown. In 9A becomes the key unit (the knob) 1 via a pin (oval, square or conical) in the receptacle 3 brought in. There are two embodiments of the connecting portion of the knob left and right in the 9A shown. In 9B the pin is on the shift rod. Here, a split pin / slide is pushed through a groove / hole in the pin to the knob 1 to fix.

• – leicht arretier/lösbar, wenn Verbinden/Trennen gewollt ist;
• – Verdrehsicher beim Schaltvorgang;
• – Widerstand gegen ungewolltes Lösen/Missbrauch;
• – keine scharfen Ecken und Kanten bei Trennung wegen Verletzungsgefahr;
• – Schaltfunktion auch bei Verlust des Knaufs weiterhin zeitweise möglich (zum Beispiel bei Verwendung eines mechanischen Ersatzschlüssels) -> ausreichender Restgriff oder Ersatzknauf im Fahrzeug.

The requirements for a connection mechanism for the key unit or the knob or knob parts 1 with the shift / selector unit 2 are the following:

• - easy locking / releasing, if connecting / disconnecting is wanted;
• - Non-rotating during the switching process;
• - Resistance to unwanted loosening / abuse;
• - no sharp corners and edges when disconnected due to risk of injury;
• - Switching function even if the knob is lost white occasionally possible (for example when using a mechanical spare key) -> sufficient residual grip or spare knob in the vehicle.

• – Piezoaktoren: könnten auch direkt als Schieber benutzt werden, zum Beispiel Stapelaktoren;
• – Formgedächtniselemente;
• – (Elektro-)Magnete;
• – Elektromotoren;
• – Luft-/Unterdruck (Einsaugen/Ausdrücken des Schlüssels)

Other, not purely mechanical solutions are basically also conceivable for fixing / moving the key or for actuating the slides, tooth or friction pairings, levers, (snap) hooks:

• - Piezoactuators: could also be used directly as gate valves, for example stack actuators;
• - shape memory elements;
• - (electric) magnets;
• - electric motors;
• - Air / negative pressure (sucking / expressing the key)

• – Energie wird benötigt, beispielsweise aus Bordnetz oder Energiespeicher des Schlüssels;
• – unter Umständen Kontaktierung/Stromleitung über bewegte Teile notwendig

A disadvantage of not purely mechanical solutions is:

• - Energy is needed, for example, from the electrical system or energy storage of the key;
• - Under certain circumstances contacting / power line over moving parts necessary

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102005062162 A1 [0006]
• - DE 10002441 B4 [0007]
• DE 19714495 A1 [0007]
• EP 1502802 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

System of a shift / selector unit ( 2 ) in a motor vehicle and a key unit ( 1 ) used to form a shift / selector lever with the shift / selector lever unit ( 2 ) and by the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) is releasable, whereby by attaching the key unit ( 1 ) to the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) one or more vehicle functions are released and / or executed. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) is the shift knob. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) includes a remote control electronics. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a starting operation of the vehicle by a connection of the shift / selector lever unit ( 2 ) with the key unit ( 1 ) and a mechanical and / or electronic identification of the key unit ( 1 ) is released. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) has a key electronics with data storage and transmission unit, wherein the key electronics with a vehicle electronics is physically or wirelessly connectable and can communicate with this. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle via an operating element on the key unit ( 1 ) or the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) is started. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) and / or the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) comprises a display, a touchscreen, and / or control units. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) comprises a transmitter which cooperates with a vehicle receiver by means of locking / unlocking signals in order to be able to close and open the vehicle, even if the key unit ( 1 ) not with the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) connected is. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key unit ( 1 ) in the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) can be inserted and pulled out. Detachable shift knob with key function, equipped with a shift / selector lever unit ( 2 ) and detachable from this, wherein by attaching the shift knob to the shift / selector unit ( 2 ) one or more vehicle functions are unlocked.