DE102018126384A1 - Gear lever for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shift lever (10) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, the shift lever (10) having an actuating section (12) and a bearing section (14) provided at a distance from the actuating section (12) for coupling the shift lever (10) to has a vehicle-fixed element. The bearing section (14) is directly or indirectly coupled to at least one elastic component (24) such that this elastic component (24) serves both as a bearing element and as a restoring element.

Description

The invention relates to a shift lever for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to shift levers interacting with a shift gate that can be moved on shift paths predetermined by the shift gate, in particular within a selector gate, which is preferably oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and in one or within a plurality of shift alleys, preferably oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The invention also relates to shift levers that interact with other scenes.

Out DE 100 05 328 A1 is known a switching device for an automatic transmission with a shift lever which is pivotally mounted about a rigid axis in a shift housing.

Out DE 103 26 118 B4 is known a switching device with a shift lever called a selector lever, which is pivotally mounted about a shift axis.

Out DE 10 2014 210 827 A1 is known as an actuator switching device for selecting gear stages for a gear change transmission, which has a shift lever called a selector lever, which is arranged pivotably about a ball joint.

A disadvantage of the switching devices mentioned above is that the joints required for storage, in particular ball joints, universal joints or simple rotary joints functioning as switching axes, are associated with costly and time-consuming production and assembly.

The invention has for its object to provide a shift lever for a vehicle, which has an easy to manufacture and easy to mount storage.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Further practical embodiments are described in connection with the dependent claims.

A shift lever according to the invention for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises an actuating section and a bearing section provided at a distance from the actuating section for coupling the shift lever to an element fixed to the vehicle. The bearing section is directly or indirectly coupled to at least one elastic component such that this at least one elastic component serves both as a bearing element and as a reset element for the shift lever.

In this context, the actuating section means in particular an area of a shift lever which is usually provided with a shift knob or a differently designed gripping section or is designed as such in order to be able to grip and move the shift lever comfortably by hand. The actuating section is usually located in the region of an upper end of the shift lever (viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle).

In the present case, the bearing section means in particular a region of the shift lever which is spaced from the actuating section and which enables the shift lever to move and provides a restoring force and / or a restoring torque in order to move the shift lever back into a neutral position, provided that it is deflected from this neutral position. The neutral position can also be a neutral position axis, that is to say a neutral area from which the shift lever is deflected and reset by the at least one elastic element, if this is desired. Usually, however, the neutral position is a specific point (and therefore not an area) from which the shift lever can be deflected in one or more directions - usually against a restoring force.

The constructive design of a shift lever according to the invention described above makes it possible to dispense with ball joints, universal joints or simple hinges which define a specific axis of rotation of the shift lever. Only a variety of inexpensive elastic components are required, which must be coupled directly or indirectly to the bearing section in a suitable manner. Various constructive design options for a shift lever according to the invention are discussed in detail below in conjunction with the subclaims and the figures.

In a practical embodiment of a shift lever according to the invention, the at least one elastic component is firmly connected to a circuit housing that at least partially surrounds the bearing section, or the elastic component at least partially forms such a circuit housing. In this case, a permanent connection means both releasable and non-releasable connections, non-releasable connections usually being less expensive to produce, while detachable connections usually offer advantages in the case of maintenance and / or repair. For the sake of completeness, it is pointed out that the circuit housing can also be formed entirely from a suitably elastic component, in particular in such a way that the elastic Component has more elastic and less elastic areas due to the structural design.

In a further practical embodiment of a shift lever according to the invention, the bearing section is at least partially formed by a bridge element, and / or a bridge element is arranged between the bearing section and the elastic component. In this context, a bridge element means in particular a design which has a U-shaped bridge section which is elastic in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the three legs. In this way, mobility of an actuating section which adjoins or is formed on the central section of the bridge element can be realized in a simple and inexpensive manner. If such an actuation section itself has a certain longitudinal extent and this longitudinal section itself also has a bending elasticity, in particular perpendicular to the movement section of the U-shaped bridge section, an actuating element movable in four directions in the sense of a “4-joint” can be easily and inexpensively -Shifters ”are provided. In particular, a frame-like or plate-like base section can adjoin the two outer legs of the U-shaped bridge section.

In a further practical embodiment of a shift lever according to the invention, the elastic component is constructed in several parts. With a suitable arrangement and design of the elastic elements, the advantages of a four-bar linkage can be approximately achieved. An exclusive pivoting of the shift lever in the case of a conventional joint can be supplemented in this case by an additional translation of the shift lever, for example in that the elastic elements are arranged and designed such that in addition to pivoting - possibly also almost exclusively - one or more translational ones Movements are allowed. As a result, the deflection of the shift lever, in particular at one end of the shift lever, which serves as an actuating section, and the space required for this can be reduced.

As a particularly inexpensive available elastic component, it makes sense to provide a leaf spring or a plurality of leaf springs in a shift lever according to the invention. In particular, two leaf springs clamped on one side can be connected to one another via a housing, the housing being firmly connected to an actuating section of the shift lever.

For the sake of completeness, it is pointed out that only one or even three, four or more leaf springs clamped on one side can be provided in order to implement certain structural and / or kinematic aspects. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible to partially reinforce one or more leaf springs used in their width, thickness and by means of additional, connected elements, in particular in order to increase the stiffness in particularly stressed areas.

In a further practical embodiment of a shift lever according to the invention, the actuating section, the bearing section and / or a further lever section are at least partially part of an actual and / or an approximately quadrilateral joint quadrilateral with four legs, the legs being at least partially firmly clamped. A construction which corresponds to kinematics is considered to be a construction which predominantly permits the same translational movements as a construction quadrilateral, but additionally also slight pivoting, for example due to a bending or torsional elasticity of one elastic element or of several elastic elements.

The movement of a shift lever according to the invention can be predetermined in a simple and cost-effective manner even without a joint bearing which is expensive in terms of manufacture and assembly, if the actuating section and / or the bearing section and / or a further lever section is surrounded by a shifting link or are. This means in particular that the corresponding section or sections protrude through a shift gate and the movement is predetermined by paths or paths formed in the shift gate.

In order to be able to temporarily fix the shift lever in a deflected position if necessary, in a shift lever according to the invention, a latching element is provided in further practical embodiments, by means of which the actuating section and / or the bearing section and / or a further lever section can be correspondingly fixed (latched) in a latched position . This can be done, for example, with the aid of a magnet or with the aid of a suitably designed and arranged roller, which interact with a suitably designed counter element and / or a shifting gate.

Alternatively or in addition to this, a latching element is provided in a further embodiment, by means of which a locally increased shifting force is generated in order to achieve a desired shifting force curve. So with the help of a locking element a certain switching point can be emphasized haptically by suitable arrangement and design of a locking element.

In order to be able to detect the respectively selected relative position of the shift lever with respect to a shifting gate, it is preferred if an element of an arrangement comprising a sensor and at least one sensing element cooperating with the sensor is arranged in this way on the actuating section and / or the bearing section and / or a lever section that at least one position of the shift lever can be determined with the aid of the sensor. The sensor and the at least one sensing element are preferably arranged such that a plurality of positions of the shift lever can be detected. This has the advantage that a controller coupled to the sensor can recognize the respective position of the shift lever and can use it for monitoring and / or controlling various functions of a vehicle.

A multi-dimensional Hall sensor is particularly suitable as a sensor, with reference being made to two-dimensional Hall sensors (2D sensor) and three-dimensional Hall sensors (3D sensor). In this context, a magnetic element is particularly provided as the sensing element, which interacts with the Hall sensor mentioned above.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schalthebels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schalthebels in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 3 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schalthebels in einer perspektivischen Darstellung und
• 4 eine vierte Ausführungsform eines Schalthebels in einer Seitenansicht.

Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in connection with the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a first embodiment of a shift lever in a perspective view,
• 2nd a second embodiment of a shift lever in a perspective view,
• 3rd a third embodiment of a shift lever in a perspective view and
• 4th a fourth embodiment of a shift lever in a side view.

1 shows a gear lever 10th with an operating section 12th and a storage section 14 . The operating section 12th consists in this embodiment of a spherical shift knob 84 which is at an upper end 16 a cylindrical rod element 18th is arranged. The storage section 14 consists of a plate 20th that firmly with a lower end 22 of the cylindrical rod element 18th connected is. The plate 20th is with four as elastic components 24th serving coil springs 26 connected. The coil springs 26 are on the opposite side of the plate 20th fixed with body elements 28 connected.

Due to the arrangement shown, the actuator is 14 together with the cylindrical rod element 18th and the plate 20th freely movable in space as far as it is considered as elastic components 24th serving coil springs 26 allow. This makes mobility possible, which enables a rotatable mounting by means of joints, which is usually made possible in the prior art with the aid of universal joints, ball joints or simple hinge joints, in a particularly simple constructive manner in terms of the haptics on the shift knob 84 comparable way.

The 2nd - 4th show further embodiments of the shift lever according to the invention 10th , the following being the same reference numerals for identical or at least functionally identical elements as in 1 be used.

At the in 2nd The embodiment shown is an elastic element as part of the cylindrical rod element 18th where the axial hatching in 2nd is provided. With the elastic component 24th This embodiment can in particular be a section made of rubber or elastomer, a spring element, another elastic element or a combination thereof, reference being made in particular to elements made of reversibly compressible material. The storage section 14 , which is at the opposite end of the gear knob 84 is over fixed clamps 82 rigid with a body element shown only schematically 28 connected.

As in 2nd is clearly recognizable, stands out at the in 2nd Embodiment shown a itself between the operating section 12th and the storage section 14 extending intermediate section 30th through a shift gate 32 . The shift gate 32 In the embodiment shown, a selector lane marked with the direction of movement W, which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and three shift lanes arranged parallel to one another, the direction of movement of which is perpendicular to the direction of movement W of the selector lane in the direction of the double arrow S extends.

To record the current relative position of the shift lever 10th relative to the shift gate 32 is on the cylindrical rod element 18th one as a sensing element 34 serving magnet 36 intended. This magnet 36 works together with a sensor 38 , which in the embodiment shown is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional Hall sensor 40 acts. The Hall sensor 40 is coupled with an electrical control 42 , Which the one with the sensor 38 detected signals processed and over lines 44 , 46 can pass on to a controller, not shown.

In 2nd is also a role 48 recognizable by an elastic lever arm 50 is stored. Such a role 48 or multiple types of roles so formed 48 can be provided to the shift lever 10th in a versus the in 2nd shown neutral position deflected position (in 2nd signed with a , b , c , d , e , f ) to fix. The role presses 48 against the intermediate section 30th such that the force to move the roll 48 in a position that reverses in the direction of the double arrow S prevented in the dialing alley. The reverse process is only possible if manually by gripping the shift knob 84 a release force is applied to the shift lever 10th to move back into the Wählgasse.

Alternatively, it is possible to achieve a pretension by applying a selectively increased switching force, which makes it possible to switch the circuit against the resistance of the roller 48 powerless to solve again. This can be realized, for example, in that a prestressing force is applied to a reservoir for potential energy (for example a coil spring) when the switching force is applied. The stored energy can then be released again at a later point in time for a (non-actuated) powerless release.

3rd shows an embodiment with a bridge element 52 . In this embodiment too, there is a shift knob 84 provided the fixed with a rod element 18th connected is. The bridge element 52 is U-shaped and has a base section 54 as well as two from the base section 54 approximately vertically extending legs 56 , 58 on. The thigh 56 , 58 are firmly connected in the lower area with a rectangular frame 60 . The frame 60 is rigid, whereas the legs 56 , 58 are designed to be flexible and a movement in the direction of the double arrow S enable. This allows the shift knob 84 already deflect in two directions. Alternatively or in addition to this, the rod element can also be used 18th be designed to be flexible in such a way that it extends in the direction of the double arrow S and / or in the direction of the double arrow Q can move in the transverse direction. If the shift knob 84 due to the design of the bar element 18th and the thigh 56 , 58 of the U-shaped element 52 , each as elastic elements 24th , both in the direction of the double arrow S as well as in the direction of the double arrow Q can be deflected, this results in a structurally simple design and inexpensive to produce replacement 4-joint shifter, which itself has no joints and is approximated in its kinematics to a 4-joint shifter.

4th shows a side view of another embodiment of a shift lever according to the invention 10th . In this embodiment, there is a shift knob 84 at one end of a bar element 18th arranged, whereas one of the shift knob 84 spaced storage area of the rod element 18th fixed with a housing element 62 connected is. The connection 64 between the bar element 18th and the housing element 62 is a fixed connection and therefore largely rigid. The housing 62 is, in this embodiment on the outside, with a first leaf spring 66 and with a second leaf spring 68 firmly connected. The first leaf spring 66 and the second leaf spring 68 are fixed to a vehicle body element 28 firmly clamped. Optionally, it can be advantageous in a central area of the leaf springs 66 , 68 Reinforcements, larger widths or other constructive measures have to be provided to increase the stiffness.

As in 4th is recognizable, that is the shift knob 84 opposite end of the rod element 18th with one shot 70 for a spring element 72 provided that with its opposite end with another recording 74 cooperates. To the further recording 74 a connecting element closes 76 with a ball 78 at. Because of the spring element 72 exerted force in the in 4th the picture shown to the left is the ball 78 against a locking contour 80 pressed. This enables the gear knob 84 from the in 4th shown neutral position in an upper position O and in a lower position U to move. If the spring force of the spring element 72 so on the locking contour 80 is that matched by the spring element 72 Exerted force in the neutral position, the upper position O and the lower position U is sufficiently large that the gear knob 84 remains in the appropriate position, there is a detent by manual actuation of the shift knob 84 can be solved again. The resulting switching movement S is in 4th through the with S marked double arrow marked. It is understood that by appropriate design and layout of the leaf springs 66 , 68 and the locking contour 80 in cooperation with the present essentially by the spring element 72 , the shots 70 , 74 , the connecting element 76 and the bullet 78 formed locking device 84 have other positions realized. This can be done in particular in that in the direction of the switching movement S further locking positions are provided and / or that in a direction perpendicular to the switching movement S , here in particular into the leaf level and out of the leaf level another, in 4th switching direction not entered is provided.

Those disclosed in the present description, in the drawings and in the claims Features of the invention can be essential both individually and in any combination for realizing the invention in its various embodiments. The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments. It can be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the responsible specialist.

Reference list

10th

Gear lever

12th

Operating section

14

Storage section

16

top end

18th

Bar element

20th

plate

22

lower end

24th

elastic components

26

Coil springs

28

Body element

30th

Intermediate section

32

Shifting gate

34

Sensing element

36

magnet

38

sensor

40

Hall sensor

42

control

44

management

46

management

48

role

50

Lever arm

52

Bridge element

54

Base section

56

leg

58

leg

60

frame

62

Housing element

64

connection

66

first leaf spring

68

second leaf spring

70

admission

72

Spring element

74

admission

76

Fastener

78

Bullet

80

Locking contour

82

Fixtures

84

Gear knob

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10005328 A1 [0002]
• DE 10326118 B4 [0003]
• DE 102014210827 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Shift lever (10) for a vehicle with an actuating section (12) and a bearing section (14) provided at a distance from the actuating section (12) for coupling the shift lever (10) to a vehicle-fixed element, characterized in that the bearing section (14) is immediate or is indirectly coupled to at least one elastic component (24) in such a way that it serves both as a bearing element and as a reset element for the shift lever (10). Shift lever (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one elastic component (24) is fixedly connected to a circuit housing surrounding the bearing section (14) at least in sections, or the at least one elastic component (24) at least partially forms a circuit housing. Shift lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing section (14) is at least partially formed by a bridge element (52) and / or a bridge element (52) is arranged between the bearing section (14) and the elastic component (24) is. Shift lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic component (24) is constructed in several parts. Shift lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one leaf spring (66, 68) is provided as the elastic component (24). Gear lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (12), the bearing section (14) and / or a further lever section are at least partially part of a four-leg linkage (56, 58), the legs ( 56, 58) are at least partially firmly clamped. Shift lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (12) and / or the bearing section (14) and / or a further lever section is surrounded by a shifting link (32). Shift lever (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a latching element is provided, by means of which the actuating section (12) and / or the bearing section (14) and / or a further lever section can be temporarily fixed in a latched position and / or a Locking element is provided, by means of which a locally increased shifting force is generated in order to achieve a desired shifting force curve. Shift lever (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an element of an arrangement of a sensor (38) and at least one sensing element interacting with the sensor (38) in such a manner on the actuating section (12) and / or the bearing section (14) and / or a further lever section is arranged such that at least one position of the shift lever (10) can be determined with the aid of the sensor (38). Shift lever (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one multi-dimensional Hall sensor (40) is provided as the sensor (38) and at least one magnetic element is provided as the sensing element.

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