DE102016009948A1 - Gear shift device of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for delivering a gear selection recommendation - Google Patents

Abstract

A gearshift device (2) of a motor vehicle (6) is described, with a gear selection element (8) guided in a shift gate (10) and a control (16) which is set up to have an optimum gear (10.R, 10.1-10.6), wherein at least one of the controller (16) controlled lighting element (20.R, 20.1-20.6) is provided, which depending on the optimal gear (10.R, 10.1-10.6) one of at least two states can assume, wherein the luminous element (20.R, 20.1-20.6) is arranged on the shift gate (10). Described are further a motor vehicle (6) and a method for issuing a gear selection recommendation.

Description

Gear shifting devices of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle and a method for outputting gear selection recommendations will be described below.

Motor vehicles usually have transmissions with multiple gear ratios or ratios. This is especially true for motor vehicles with internal combustion engine, in which a translation due to the usable speed range is not sufficient to cover the complete mobile speed range of the motor vehicle. In addition, the efficiency of the drive in a particular speed range is significantly better than in other speed ranges, so the engine should be operated for economical and ecological driving in the appropriate speed range.

In addition to automatic and automated switching gears of various configurations, manual transmissions are known in the art. Motor vehicles with a converter clutch or dual-clutch transmission generally have automatic driving steps, but motor vehicles with dual clutch transmissions as well as with other automatic transmission types often have a manual shift mode, for example for sporty driving or for driving on difficult terrain, such as off-road or on snowy or icy roads roads.

Governments, motor vehicle manufacturers and motorists are often anxious that motor vehicles are moved as economically as possible, that is, the fuel consumption is reduced as much as possible in a given driving style. For this, it is important to engage a gear with which the drive motor is operated in the optimum speed range.

To assist the driver with manual transmissions, it has long been known to provide switching notices reminding him to engage or to choose another gear. Among other things, displays in the cockpit are known, which indicate the gear to be selected or indicate with the help of arrows, whether to be switched up or down. Such displays are often not intuitive and can lead to confusion of the driver of the motor vehicle. So most manual transmissions are designed as so-called H-circuits, so that every other switching operation must be made in one direction in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the respective arrow. This can lead to distraction and interconnection in addition to the possible confusion.

From the GB 2 461 299 A a shift lever is known with an optical indicator for optimum gear. In this case, means for determining an optimal gear under given driving conditions and optical display means are disclosed on the shift lever.

The corresponding displays are comparatively small and hard to detect while driving.

Thus, the task, gear selection devices, motor vehicles and methods for the delivery of gear selection recommendations of the type mentioned in such a way that a gear selection recommendation as intuitive as possible and can be detected without distraction.

The object is achieved by gear shift devices of the independent claims 1 and 6, a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 10 and a method according to the independent claim 11. Further embodiments of the gear shift devices, motor vehicles and methods are the subject of the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a gear shift apparatus of a motor vehicle will be described, with a gear selector guided in a gear selector element and a controller which is adapted to determine an optimal depending on the driving condition gear, at least one controlled by the control light emitting element is provided, depending on the optimal Gang can assume one of at least two states, wherein the lighting element is arranged on the shift gate.

The at least two states of the luminous element can be on and off. Characterized in that the lighting element can be turned on in dependence on the optimal gear, and in that the lighting element is arranged on the shift gate, the driver can be given by the lighting element in a intuitive way a switching recommendation.

In a first further embodiment, the gear selector element may be a shift lever. The shift lever can be arranged on the dashboard, u. a. for commercial vehicles or certain passenger cars. The shift lever can also be arranged in a center console, as is usually the case with passenger cars.

In another further development, the gear selector element can assume a plurality of discrete gear selector positions, wherein at least one light element is assigned to each one gear selector position, the respective one being at least one Luminous element of the assigned gear selection position is spatially associated.

For example, to be switched in a motor vehicle with a H-shift from third to fourth gear, the gear selector lever is in the position of the third gear and recommended gear changes, a lighting element that is located in the shift gate on the fourth gear light up. In this way, the driver can perceive in the peripheral field of vision, when a gear change is recommended. The light-emitting element thus always points in the correct switching direction.

In motor vehicles with a sequential shift arrangement can be arranged in a possible embodiment depending on a lighting element for upshifting and downshifting on the shift gate. The shift gate, for example, for manual switching operations of an automated transmission have an extra shift gate, which is aligned parallel or perpendicular to the automatic shift gate. Should an upshift be recommended during manual switching, this can be indicated by lighting up the luminous element arranged correspondingly in the upshift direction.

In a further possible embodiment, the shift gate can have a frame, wherein the at least one light-emitting element is arranged on the frame. In this way, an arrangement of the at least one lighting element on the dashboard or in the center console can be avoided, which reduces the number of different dashboard or Mittelkonsolvarianten for different equipment lines of a motor vehicle model. Instead, only different frameworks have to be provided for different equipment lines.

In a further embodiment, a shift bag can be fixed to the frame. This can hide the shift gate.

A first independent subject matter relates to a gearshift apparatus having a shift paddle assembly having at least one shift paddle and a controller configured to determine an optimum gear depending on the driving condition, wherein at least one lighting element controlled by the controller is provided depending on the optimum gear may assume one of at least two states, wherein the luminous element is arranged on the switching paddle.

In the context of this independent gearshift device, the same advantage can be achieved as with the previously described independent variant, namely an intuitive shift indication, which is peripherally perceptible and which indicates to the driver in which direction or on which side a gear selector element is to be actuated optimal gear depending on the driving conditions.

In some vehicles, shift paddles and manual shift gates of a shift lever are provided simultaneously. In this case, shift indications may be provided on both the shift paddle and the gear selector lever.

In a further embodiment of the previously described independent gearshift devices, the luminous element may be an LED or a multi-color LED. LEDs have the advantage that they are durable and can be operated energy-saving. In addition, LEDs are very compact. Multicolor LEDs have the additional advantage that they can shine in different colors, so that several colors can be displayed with one and the same LED. Should a color coding of the gear selection recommendation be provided, several single-color LEDs can be used or one or more multicolor LEDs. The use of multi-color LEDs thus reduces the necessary number of light elements.

In another further embodiment of the presently described independent gearshift devices, the at least one luminous element may be assigned an optical waveguide.

With the help of a corresponding light guide, the light output of the light element can be better controlled and it can be achieved ambient lighting. The light guide can be designed translucent or open in a translucent element or be provided with a translucent cover. Thus, a uniform, surface light output can be achieved.

In a further embodiment of the two independent gear shift devices described above, the controller may be connected to a motor controller to obtain drive information and / or configuration information and / or gear recommendations from the engine controller.

Another independent object relates to a motor vehicle with a gearshift device of the type described above.

Another independent object relates to a method for delivering a gear selection recommendation, wherein a gear recommendation is obtained, wherein at least one lighting element of a gear shift device of the aforementioned type is controlled such that it indicates the optimum gear.

In a first further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that a gear shift recommendation is displayed in a specific color. Such a representation is intuitively perceptible to the driver.

In another further embodiment, a gear to be avoided can be displayed in a different color, for example in red. Thus, avoidable gears can be displayed in red and recommended gears in green. Other color combinations are also possible.

In another further embodiment, a gearshift recommendation for ecological driving in a different color can be displayed as a gearshift recommendation for sporty driving. For example, a gear to be selected can be displayed green if the desired ecological driving style is desired. In a sporty driving style, for example, a gear to be selected can be displayed in orange. Both ads are possible simultaneously in some embodiments. If, for example, it is necessary to switch from third to second gear in a sporty driving style in order to drive in the most powerful rpm range possible, the fourth gear, for example, may be required for an ecological driving style. The second gear can turn orange and the fourth green.

According to a further refinement, when the motor vehicle is switched off, a gear selection necessary for removing an ignition key can be displayed. In this way, the driver can be reminded when a certain gear must be engaged, so that the driver's confusion can be minimized.

According to another further embodiment, a gear shift recommendation may be displayed in different brightness levels or temporal brightness changes. This can be used to display various urgencies. Thus, the at least one luminous element z. Blinking, flickering, pumping, flashing, pulsing or the like when a gear change is urgently indicated. The type of lighting may change with increasing or decreasing urgency.

Another independent object relates to a device for delivering a gear selection recommendation, wherein a gear shift device of the aforementioned type is provided, wherein the controller is adapted to control a lighting element such that the optimal gear is displayed.

In a first further embodiment, means may be provided to indicate a gearshift recommendation in a specific color.

In a further possible embodiment, means may be provided to indicate a gear to be avoided in a different color.

In a further embodiment means may be provided to indicate a gearshift recommendation for ecological driving in a different color than a gearshift recommendation for sporty driving.

In a further embodiment, means may be provided to indicate when switching off the motor vehicle necessary for removing an ignition key gear selection.

According to another further embodiment, means for generating a gearshift recommendation in different brightnesses or temporal brightness changes can be provided.

Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features form the subject matter, or independently of the claims, either alone or in any meaningful combination, and in particular may additionally be the subject of one or more separate applications. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Here are shown schematically:

1 a plan view of a gear shift device in a center console of a motor vehicle;

2 a side view of the gear shift device 1 ;

3 a gear shift device of a second embodiment with a Schaltpaddelanordnung on a steering wheel and

4 a plan view of the gear shift device 3 ,

In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals for better readability.

1 shows a gear shift device 2 in a center console 4 of a motor vehicle 6 is arranged.

The gear shift device 2 has a gear selector lever 8th on. The gear selector lever 8th is to be operated by the driver to change gear. The gear selector lever 8th is in a shift gate 10 guided. The shift gate 10 is designed as a so-called H-circuit, so different switching positions 10.R for reverse and 10.1 to 10.6 for the gears 1 to 6 by guiding the gear selector lever 8th can be reached in an H-shaped arrangement of shift lanes. To insert a corresponding gear 10.R . 10.1 to 10.6 becomes the gear selector lever 8th in a certain position of the shift gate 10 brought.

The illustrated embodiment is of six courses 10.1 to 10.6 out. The concept is applicable to gear shifters with a different, any number of gears, z. B. five, seven or eight courses.

The shift gate 10 is from a frame 12 surrounded by an in 1 Unillustrated shift bag is attached. At the frame 12 are light segments 14.R and 14.1 to 14.6 intended. The structure of the light segments 14.R and 14.1 to 14.6 is related to 2 explained.

The light segments 14.R . 14.1 to 14.6 are with a controller 16 connected, in turn, with a motor control 18 connected is. The control 16 serves to control the light segments 14.R and 14.1 to 14.6 in response to an optimal gear selection based on engine control data of the engine control 18 be determined.

The control 16 can the light segments 14.R . 14.1 to 14.6 in different colors. For example, economic courses to be selected may be displayed in green, whereas athletic courses may be displayed in orange. Uncalled tunnels, for example, can not be lit or glow in red. In this way, the driver can immediately perceive which gear is currently required for a sporty or ecological driving style. Sporting or economic courses can be displayed, for example, simultaneously or as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle.

Is the motor vehicle 6 for example in third gear, so the gear selector lever 8th in the shift gate 10 in position 12.3 However, the fourth gear makes economic sense, controls the controller 16 the light segment 14.4 accordingly so that it glows green. The driver can see this in his peripheral field of vision and he sees that the gear selector lever 8th not in position 12.4 located. He can thus intuitively get in the right gear.

2 shows a side view of the gear shift device 2 out 1 ,

The light segments 14.R and 14.1 to 14.6 each have multi-color LEDs 20.R and 20.1 to 20.6 on. Above the LEDs 20.R and 20.1 to 20.6 are light-guiding elements 22.R arranged. As a result, an ambient lighting is generated, the respective gear 12.R and 12.1 to 12.6 illuminated accordingly.

At the frame 12 and on the gear selector lever 8th is a shift bag 23 established.

3 shows a further embodiment of a gear shift device 2 ' , at the shift paddles 24.1 . 24.2 on a steering wheel 26 in a motor vehicle 6 ' are arranged.

The shift paddle 24.1 used for downshifting, the shift paddle 24.2 serves to upshift. At the shift paddles 24.1 . 24.2 are lighting elements 20.1 ' . 20.2 ' (please refer 4 ) arranged in the form of multi-color LEDs.

As in connection with the embodiment according to the 1 and 2 are described by a control switching recommendations and by appropriate lighting of the switching paddles 24.1 . 24.2 brought to the driver for display. This allows the driver to intuitively perceive which shift paddle 24.1 or 24.2 he should press. It can be provided, for example, that the shift paddles 24.2 green, whereas the shift paddles 24.1 illuminated in red or orange. This can be indicated that by pressing the switching paddle 24.2 a more economical gear can be engaged, whereas by operating the shift paddle 24.1 a sportier gear (orange) can be displayed.

4 shows a plan view of the steering wheel 26 ,

The lighting elements 20.1 ' 20.2 ' are each on a side facing away from the driver of the shift paddles 24.1 . 24.2 arranged. As a result, a dazzling of the driver is prevented and it is an ambient lighting around the shift paddles 24.1 . 24.2 reached.

The lighting elements 20.1 ' 20.2 ' are with a controller 16 connected, in turn, with a motor control 18 connected is.

The embodiment according to 1 and 2 is also transferable to sequential transmissions in which the shift gate up or downshift has only two positions. Also Combinations of this variant with the embodiment according to 3 and 4 are possible.

Although the subject matter has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplary embodiments are only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example, to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protected area, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 2 '

Gearshift device

4

center console

6, 6 '

motor vehicle

8th

Gear selector

10

shift gate

10.R

reverse gear

10.1-10.6

corridor

12

frame

14.R

light segment

14.1-14.6

light segment

16

control

18

motor control

20.R

LED

20.1-20.6

LED

20.1 ', 20.2'

LED

22.R

light guide

22.1-22.6

light guide

23

shift boot

24.1, 24.2

shift paddles

26

steering wheel

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• GB 2461299 A [0006]

Claims (15)

Gear shift device of a motor vehicle ( 6 ), with one in a shift gate ( 10 ) guided gear selector element ( 8th ) and a controller ( 16 ), which is adapted to an optimal depending on the driving condition gear ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ), whereby at least one of the controllers ( 16 ) controlled light element ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ), which depends on the optimal gear ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) can assume one of at least two states, wherein the luminous element ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) on the shift gate ( 10 ) is arranged. Gear shift device according to claim 1, wherein the gear selector element is a shift lever ( 8th ). Gear shift device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gear selector element ( 8th ) several discrete gear selection positions ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ), each with a gear selection position ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) at least one lighting element each ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ), wherein the respective at least one luminous element ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ) of the assigned gear selection position ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) is spatially associated. Gear shift device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shift gate a frame ( 12 ), wherein the at least one luminous element ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) on the frame ( 12 ) is arranged. Gear shift device according to claim 4, wherein on the frame ( 12 ) a shift bag ( 23 ). Gear shift device comprising a shift paddle arrangement with at least one shift paddle ( 24.1 . 24.2 ) and a controller ( 16 ), which is adapted to an optimal depending on the driving condition gear ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ), whereby at least one of the controllers ( 16 ) controlled light element ( 20.1 ' 20.2 ' ), which depends on the optimal gear ( 10.R . 10.1 - 10.6 ) can assume one of at least two states, wherein the luminous element ( 20.1 ' 20.2 ' ) on the shift paddle ( 24.1 . 24.2 ) is arranged. Gear shift device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting element ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ; 20.1 ' . 20.2 ' ) is an LED or a multi-color LED. Gear shift device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting element ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ; 20.1 ' . 20.2 '' ) a light guide ( 22.R . 22.1 - 22.6 ) assigned. Gear shift device, wherein the controller ( 16 ) with a motor control ( 18 ) is connected to drive information and / or configuration information and / or gear recommendations from the engine control ( 18 ) to obtain. Motor vehicle with a gear shift device ( 2 . 2 ' ) according to any one of the preceding claims. A method for delivering a gear selection recommendation, wherein a gear recommendation is obtained, wherein at least one light-emitting element ( 20.R . 20.1 - 20.6 ; 20.1 ' . 20.2 ' ) a gear shift device ( 2 ; 2 ' ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, is controlled such that it indicates the optimum gear. The method of claim 11, wherein a gear shift recommendation in a certain color and / or wherein a gear to be avoided in a different color is displayed. The method of claim 12, wherein a gearshift recommendation for ecological driving in a different color is displayed as a gearshift recommendation for sporty driving. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein when switching off the motor vehicle ( 6 . 6 ' ) a necessary for removing an ignition key gear selection is displayed. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a gearshift recommendation displayed in different brightnesses or temporal brightness changes.

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