ITMI20001260A1 - PROCEDURE FOR THE OPERATION OF AN EXCHANGE DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission device comprising a control device, an actuation device, a shift lever and a position detecting device for detecting the shifting position of the shift lever. The invention also relates to a method for controlling such a device.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a method for operating a change device, a change device as well as a use of said device.

A shifting device in the sense of the present invention is a device which can be stepped or continuously operated in different switching positions, in which it generates a different transmission ratio between two shafts. The shifting device is designed, for example, as a gear change or winding change of stepped pulleys or the like. The control of changeover processes of the change device can be carried out automatically or manually or partially automatically or in an automated way with the possibility of additional manual intervention. A shifting device in the sense of the present invention can be made in such a way that the shifting between two gear positions is carried out with interruption of the tractive force or without interruption of the tractive force.

Preferably, the gearbox is an automatic gearbox, whereby an automatic gearbox is to be understood as a gearbox device in which gearbox processes can be controlled in an automated manner without interrupting the tractive force. An automatic gearbox preferably has a planetary gear. Particularly preferably, the gearbox is designed as an automated gearbox (ASG), where an automated gearbox is a gearbox in which gearbox processes can be controlled in an automated manner with interruption of the tractive force.

Gearbox devices and methods for their control are already known.

For example, an automated gearbox is known, in which a control device electrically controls an actuation device, the actuation device has two electric motors, which can actuate a movably arranged switching element of a shift device. . This movably disposed switching element is movably disposed within an arrangement of shift selector tracks. When this switching element is movably disposed and is positioned in predetermined positions of the shift track, predetermined gears associated with this positions are changed. Within the selection track, also called the neutral track, there exists at least one position, in which the switching element can assume a substantially force-free position. At least when the shift element is in this shift position, the neutral gear of the shift is operated.

One of the electric motors, the selection motor, serves to urge the switching element in the selection direction, while the second electric motor, the shift motor, serves to urge the switching element in the shift direction. A path detection device, which is designed for example as an incremental sensor device, monitors or detects the positioning of the movably arranged switching element or a component coupled to it. For example, an incremental sensor is provided for the selection direction and an incremental sensor for the change direction.

The control device controls the actuation device or its electric motors according to a predetermined characteristic, so that an actuation of the predetermined gearbox is caused.

The control signals sent for this purpose are generated at least partially as a function of predetermined operating characteristic values, which may be characteristic values of a motor vehicle with a gearbox. Such a characteristic value is, for example, the engine speed or a gearbox speed.

Such a change device may also have a selection lever.

a selector lever in the sense of the invention is a device which can be executed in any way and can be operated between two different positions of the selector lever. In particular, the selection lever is designed as a lever which has a pivot point around which it can be moved.

It is preferred that the selection lever can be operated in at least one of the positions "R", "N", "D", "M", "+", "sport operation", "winter operation".

"R" in this case is a position, in which it is indicated by the position from the selector lever that a vehicle with a shifter is to travel backwards, or that the shifter is to be operated such that upon actuation of a fuel metering device, for example a gas pedal, the vehicle can drive backwards. "N" is a position of the selector lever, where the selector lever indicates that the shifting device is to be operated in a neutral position. "D" is a shift lever position, where the shift lever indicates that a vehicle with a shifting device is to be operated in a normal forward mode. "M" is a shift lever position, indicating that the shift lever is in a shift position from which shifting processes can be initiated manually. A shift process in the direction of a higher next gear can be initiated by manually operating the shift lever in the shift lever position "+ ", while a shifting process in the direction of a lower next gear can be initiated by manually actuating the selector lever in the direction of the shift position. This possibility of manual intervention is also referred to by experts in particular as" Tiptronic "or" Steptronic " The position of the selector lever "sport operation" or "winter operation" indicates that the actuation of the gearbox au tomatized must be controlled by the control device in such a way that a motor vehicle with gearshift device can be operated in the sports driving mode or adapted to modified weather characteristics. The position of the "winter operation" selector lever can indicate for example that the control or actuation of the change device must be adapted to temperatures, which are below 15 ° C or below 10 ° C or below. below 5 ° C or below 0 ° C or at sub-zero temperatures or the like with respect to predetermined operating parameters such as fuel consumption or the like.

However, the invention is not limited to change devices which have all the positions of the previously mentioned selection levers. It is also preferred that a portion of these states or modes of operation, referred to as the selector lever position, can be initiated via separate switches. For example, a sports switch or a winter switch is provided separately, so that an element other than the selector lever or a second selector lever can be brought into this position. The "P" selector lever position is a selector lever position that can be engaged while parking. This indicates in particular that an anti-roll protection must be activated. A roll-over protection can be implemented, for example, in such a way that first gear is automatically engaged. It is also preferred that in the position of the selection lever "P" a parking lock is actuated, therefore a mechanical lock of the gearshift device.

By operating the selector lever, it is possible to manually intervene in the automated control of the gearbox. A selector lever can be operated in different positions of the selector lever, which represent for example a certain desire of the driver or represent an indication of the driver, according to which the automated control of the gearshift device must be carried out in a modified way. For example, the driver can choose between selector lever positions "P" (anti-rolling safety), "R" (reverse tide), "D" (normal forward gear), "M" (manual operation), "+ ( shift into a higher gear), (shift into a lower gear) or the like.

The positions of the selector lever "R", "D", "P" are in particular in this case indications of the driver, in the case of which the control device selects in each case a specific operating characteristic for operating the device drive respectively for the gearbox drive. During operation in M mode the driver has shifted to a shift position, from which he can change the positions of the "+" and selector levers. These selector lever positions cause intervention in the automated control of the gearshift device so that immediately after the engagement of these gearshift positions a gear is shifted into a higher or lower gear. It is therefore possible to activate instant change processes, in which they would not have been activated by the control device according to the control characteristic. This makes possible, for example, a sportier driving mode than would have been predetermined by the control device according to the corresponding driving programs or control characteristics. Even when overtaking, a driver may want to shift to a lower gear stage to generate better acceleration.

The information on the position of the selector lever is transmitted to the operating device here in particular electrically, so that a mechanical connection between the selector lever and the operating device can be avoided.

For this purpose, in known arrangements an electric signal is generated which represents the position of the selection lever and which is transmitted to the control device.

These devices have already established themselves on the market.

However, in the case of such devices it has been observed several times that incorrect gearboxes have been activated in the change device. Furthermore, it has been observed that the gear positions actually present of the selector lever in the case of the gearbox actuation have found insufficient or even no consideration.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for operating a change device as well as a change device, by means of which incorrect changes of the change device can be avoided in an economical and constructively simple manner, and which account with improved accuracy and higher safety of the position of the selector lever when operating the shifting device.

the object is solved by a method according to claim 1.

A change device according to the invention is the subject of claim 19 or claim 35.

A use according to the invention is the object of claim 36 or claim 37.

Preferred improvements of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a method is proposed for operating a shifting device which can be operated in different shifting positions. In this case, the shifting device has in particular a selection lever, which can be operated, in particular by manual actuation, in different selection positions. Furthermore, the changing device has an element arranged in a movable manner, such as for example a change finger, by means of whose positioning the different change positions of the change device can be changed. This movably arranged element can be urged with a force, as a result of which it can move. The force development of this force over time is controlled with a control device. The control device can generate, according to a predetermined characteristic, control signals. Preferably, these control signals are transmitted to a drive device with a selection motor and a shift motor. These motors, as a function of these control signals, each generate an output torque and / or an output speed on the respective output shaft of the respective electric motor, which is coupled in each case with the element arranged in mobile way. By means of the corresponding coupling elements, the selection motor can move the movably arranged element in the selection direction and the shift motor can move the movably arranged element in the shift direction.

Preferably, it is envisaged that the positioning of the movably arranged element or of a component coupled thereto is monitored or detected in this case by a gearshift position detection device.

According to the invention, two position detection devices are also provided, which are different in particular from the gearbox position detection device and which can detect positions of the selection lever.

According to the invention it is provided that these position detection devices detect the position of the selection lever from time to time, so that more position signals are prepared each time for the positions of the selection lever.

In the sense of the present invention, a position detection device means a device which can detect a position of the selection lever continuously or in different switching stages. in particular, a position detection device in the sense of the invention can determine the shift stages "P", "R", "N", "D", "M", "+", "sports operation", "operation winter "or a part of these shift positions. The position detection device is implemented in particular as a sensor device.

Position sensing devices can detect selector lever positions with equal or different accuracy. In this sense, for example, it is preferred that one of the position detection devices can detect the positions of the selection lever "P", "R", "N", "D", "M", "+", · - ", while the second position detection device, which serves in particular for redundant detection of the position of the selector lever, can only detect the positions of the selector lever" P "," R "," D ". It is preferred that the signals generated by the position detection devices detect according to a predetermined characteristic the running state with a different precision. In this sense it is preferred that a first position detection device can detect and differentiate the positions of the previously mentioned selection lever , then provides a different signal for each of these positions, while a second redundant position detection device can only distinguish between "forward", "reverse", " stopped". In this case it is preferred that in the positions of the selection lever D, M, an identical signal is generated each time by the position detection device.

According to the invention, provision is made for a command signal to be generated for biasing the at least one element arranged in a movable manner taking into account the position of the selected selection lever, when the two position detection devices indicate an identical shift position and / or not contradictory. In the sense of the invention, a shift position is in particular non-identical or contradictory when the position detection devices, taking into account their detection accuracy, indicate different selector lever positions or even no positions at all. In the event of failure of both position detection devices, an identical shift position or a contradictory shift position is not detected in the sense of the invention. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a position of the selector lever is detected not identical or contradictory already when one of the position detection devices is impaired in its function or generates no position signal.

With regard to the assessment of whether the different position detection devices indicate identical or non-contradictory positions or not, particular account must be taken of the detection accuracy of the position detection devices. When, for example, a redundant position detection device cannot indicate or detect certain positions, which can be detected and indicated by a main position detection device, in particular it should not be assumed that the detected positions were not identical or contradictory. Correspondingly there is no non-identical or contradictory position information when a redundancy position detection device can only distinguish the "forward", "reverse" and "stopped" running states, indicates the "forward" state and the device main position detection for example indicates that the selector lever is in the position of the selector lever "M".

According to the invention, provision is made for the change device, in particular the movably arranged element, to be controlled or stressed according to a predetermined replacement characteristic, when the at least two position detection devices generate position values that are not unique for the position of the lever. selection. In particular, non-unique values mean positions or position values that are not identical or contradictory.

The control device generates different control signals when the selector lever is positioned in different positions. The signals generated by the control device, which are sent to the actuating device, respectively the stress of the movably arranged element is generated according to a predetermined characteristic, which takes into account the position of the selection lever. For example, the predetermined characteristic establishes different travel programs depending on the position of the selection lever.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device generates the control signals as a function of the last position of the uniquely determined selection lever. The movably arranged element, if a non-unique position value has been generated by the detection devices, is therefore stressed as a function of the position value, which was determined as the last unique position value. The unique position value is in particular a position value, which was indicated by the position detection devices as identical or not contradictory.

When a non-unique position value for the position of the selector lever has been generated by the position detection devices, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a control signal is generated by the control device according to a substitute characteristic until when it is not found that the motor vehicle, in which the gearshift device is arranged, is moved with a speed which is less than a predetermined speed. Particularly preferably according to the substitute characteristic, the control signal is generated until it is established that the motor vehicle is stationary. Particularly preferably after this finding, the gearshift device is operated in the neutral gear position.

Particularly preferably the selector lever is automatically moved to the shift position N when it is found that the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined vehicle speed or is zero and control signals according to a substitute characteristic have previously been generated.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that a control signal is generated, which engages the clutch only when the accelerator pedal is operated, such as the gas pedal, and disengages the clutch if a vehicle brake is applied and / or the accelerator pedal is not operated. This is preferably adopted when the actual or measured vehicle speed is less than a predetermined vehicle speed or is zero. This is also advantageous when the redundant sensor signals are wrong.

In this case, it is preferable that the travel speed or the quiet state of the vehicle is determined as a function of predetermined operating characteristic values, such as for example the number of wheel revolutions or the number of revolutions of the gearbox.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the position detection device has a CAN interface or a microprocessor or a rotation angle detector or a shift register or a voltage divider device or a combination of the aforementioned components. It is preferred that with a CAN interface a signal is generated from a plurality of individual signals, which signal can be transmitted from the position sensing device to the control device, and which contains the complete positioning information, which has been determined by a position sensing device. The single signals are in this case, for example, the switch positions of a plurality of switches, which in each case are associated with a certain shift position of the selector lever and can generate a digital signal. This digital signal may from time to time indicate in particular whether or not the selector lever is in the shift position in each case associated with this switch. Based on these digital signals, it can be determined in which gear position the selector lever is located. It is particularly preferred that the individual shift positions in such a case are determined in a predetermined sequence, or that the signals of these switches are brought in a predetermined sequence. With the CAN interface, an overall signal can be generated from these individual signals, which can be sent as a whole to the control device. It is preferred that one of the position detection devices have a microprocessor. Particularly preferably signals, which are generated by switches or the like, and carry at least partially the position information of the selector lever, are transmitted to the microprocessor. For example, switches are arranged on the microprocessor. It is preferred that at least one of the position detection devices have a rotation angle detector. This pivot angle detector can detect pivot movement or pivot movement that executes a rotatably supported selector lever during movement between different shift positions. The corresponding signal provided by the rotation angle detector can be used for determining the shift position of the selector lever and can be transmitted to the control device. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the position detection devices has a shift register. With this shift register digital signals can be carried in a predetermined sequence, which are generated by a plurality of switches, and each indicate whether or not the selector lever is in a predetermined shift position. In this sequence the signals can be transmitted to the control device or can be called up by it according to a predetermined characteristic. On the basis of the individual digital signals as well as the sequence of their transmission, the shift position of the selector lever can be determined uniquely by a position detection device. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the position detection devices has a voltage divider device, in particular this voltage divider device is performed with a sliding or slide resistor, in which the resistance taken from this resistor respectively, the voltage drawn by this sliding resistance depends on the inserted position of the selection lever, or the voltage divider device is implemented as a circuit arrangement, in which it is possible to switch between different resistances according to the position of the selection lever. For example, a changeover device is provided which carries out this changeover according to the position of the selection lever. It is particularly preferred that a position detection device is provided for a first detection, a main detection, and a second position detection device is provided for a second detection, a redundant detection. It is preferred that the redundant detection is performed with a lower accuracy than the main detection, so that in the case of the redundant detection for example it is only determined whether the selector lever is in a shift position, which indicates a reverse gear or a forward gear. , or if the selector lever is in the neutral position, while a main sensing device may for example indicate whether the selector lever is in a shift position P or in a shift position R or in a shift position N or in a shift position D or a shift position M or a shift position "+" or a shift position

It should be noted that according to the invention, positions of the selection lever other than those shown by way of example can also be detected by the respective position detection devices.

Preferably, the main detection device has an intelligent component, in particular a CAN interface and / or at least one microprocessor and / or at least one shift register. With these components, for example, a position signal can be generated in the manner described above or be transmitted to the control device.

Particularly preferably the position detection device, with which redundant position detection can be carried out, has at least one voltage divider device, which is implemented in particular in the form described above.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the position signal is transmitted to the control device from the position detection device serially or analogically via a CAN interface or as a correspondingly executed signal.

In particular according to the invention, it is envisaged that the position signals, which have been generated in the context of the main detection, are transmitted to the control device serially or by means of a CAM interface respectively as a correspondingly executed signal, where the generated signals in the area of redundant detection, they are transmitted in particular analogically or as a correspondingly executed signal.

According to the invention, the position signal can be transmitted from the position detection device to the contactless control device or via a corresponding connection, such as for example via one or more cables.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, in the case of position detection within at least one of the position detection devices, in particular within the main position detection device, a contactless signal is transmitted. It is preferred that this contactlessly transmitted signal at least partially represents the position of the selector lever. example this signal is a signal that can operate a digital switch. In this case, the digital switch is in particular one of several digital switches, which are each associated with a predetermined position of the selection lever and can indicate whether or not the selection lever is in this predetermined shift position.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of individual signals is detected, each of which is suitable for determining the position of the selector lever in such a way that on the basis of this signal a partial range of all possible selector lever positions, where the selector lever is currently or is not located.

An example of such a single signal is a digital signal, which is generated for example by a digital switch. This digital indicator can indicate whether the selector lever is in the corresponding shift position or not. If the selector lever is in the shift position represented by the digital switch, then the selector lever position is determined. However, if this single signal indicates that the selector lever is not in the corresponding shift position, then a partial zone of the zone has been determined with this signal, which includes all possible positions of the selector lever, in which the lever is located. selection. This is, for example in the case of a digital signal, the set of all possible positions of the selector lever with the exception of the position of the selector lever which represents the position of the digital switch.

Preferably an overall signal is generated from a plurality of such single signals, or a signal chain is generated comprising at least a part of these single signals, which or which can be transmitted / transmitted to the control device.

Particularly preferably a signal chain or an overall signal can be transmitted / transmitted by the position detection device to the control device, which carries the position information of all individual signals detected by the position detection device, so that this overall signal respectively this signal chain is representative / representative of the position of the selector lever. The object is further solved by means of an automated shifting device according to claim 18. This automated shifting device can be operated in different shifting positions, where in the case of different gear positions, different gear ratios can be changed between two shafts.

The shifting device has an actuation device. A drive device, in the sense of the present invention, is a device which can convert forms of energy and provides a form of energy or a characteristic value, by means of which a change device, respectively at least one element comprised in this, arranged in a mobile way. The actuation device may have an electric motor, which converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, so that the kinetic energy can be used for the movement of the movably arranged element. Preferably, the actuation device has a selection motor and a gearbox motor.

A change device according to the invention also has a control device, which can transmit a signal to the drive device according to a predetermined characteristic. The automated shifting device according to the invention also has a selection lever, which can be manually moved to different shift positions. These different shift positions can be determined at least partially by a position detection device, which generates a signal which can be transmitted to the control device. The position of the selection lever, which expresses for example the desire of a driver of a motor vehicle with a gearshift device according to the invention, to have a predetermined driving program, is considered by the control device at the time of generating the signal, therefore at the time of actuation of the actuation device or the biasing of the movably arranged element, so that different signals are generated at different positions of the selection lever in predetermined situations.

According to the invention, the position detection device has an intelligent component, in particular a CAN interface and / or at least an angular position detector, and / or at least a shift register. It is also preferred that a position sensing device has a voltage divider device, which has for example a sliding resistance and a circuit arrangement, in which one can switch between several somewhat backward effective resistances.

Preferably the position signal, generated by the position detection device, is transmitted under predetermined circumstances to the control device. This position signal is preferably at least partially non-mechanical. In particular, it is preferred that this position signal be an electrical signal.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device has at least two position detection devices, of which one is a main position detection device and one is a redundant position detection device.

Therefore it is made possible that the position of the selector lever is detected in a double way each time, so that an increased safety is given with regard to the generated position signal.

according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the main position detection device has a safety device. This safety device is in particular a fuse. Preferably, the safety device is arranged in such a way that it serves to protect the control device. If a short circuit or the like occurs in the main position detection device, which causes particularly high currents, which could lead to impaired operation and in particular to destruction of the control device, this fuse will blow as a result of the heating caused by the high currents in the connecting conductor (s) to the control device, so that these high device currents do not reach the control device and do not lead to the destruction of the control device.

It is preferred that the redundant position detection device has an electrical protection circuit device, which prevents high currents from forming. This protective circuit device can basically be implemented in any way and in particular prevents the generation of currents, which are greater than a predetermined current, by means of a voltage and / or current limiting device. In particular, a current limiting device is provided which prevents currents from being generated which are greater than a predetermined current.

Preferably the detection device in redundant condition is made in such a way that it can detect fewer predetermined shift positions with respect to the main position detection device. In particular, it is preferred that the detection device in redundant position can detect fewer predetermined shift positions such as the shift positions of the selection lever "P" -, "R" -, "N" -, "D" -, "M "-, with respect to the main position detection device. For example, the redundant position sensing device can detect only a part of the aforementioned selector lever positions, while the main position sensing device can detect all these selector lever positions.

The position of the selection lever "+", in the sense of this invention, corresponds to the position of the selection lever "Tiptronic Più", just as the position of the selection lever corresponds to the position of the selection lever "Tiptronic Meno".

It is also preferred that the redundant position sensing device can detect fewer selector lever positions than the main position sensing device as it can distinguish between fewer selector lever positions. By this it is in particular to be understood that the redundant position detection device recognizes different positions of the selection lever as a position of the selection lever, respectively generates an identical signal for different positions of the selection lever, where it is not distinguishable in which position of the selector lever is the selector lever. For example, the redundant position sensing device for different selector lever positions, for which the main sensing device generates different signals, generates a single signal. In particular, the main position detection device detects for the selector lever positions "D", "M", "+" as well as a separate signal respectively, which is for example a digital signal respectively, while the positioning detection device redundant for all these selector lever positions mentioned above generates a signal, for example a digital signal.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a contactless signal can be transmitted within the main selection detection device under predetermined circumstances.

in particular, it is preferred that a signal transducer is arranged within the main position detection device which is arranged on the selection lever and follows the movement of the selection lever. This signal transducer can be a magnetic device. Preferably, at least one signal receiver is also arranged within the main position detection device, which can receive a signal sent by the signal transducer. These signal receivers can be digital switches, which are each associated with a determined switching position of the selector lever. Under predetermined circumstances, in particular when the signal transducer has a predetermined relative position with respect to a respective switch, the switch can receive a signal from the signal transducer, which causes the switch to change its switching position. For example, a magnet moved with the shift lever is moved to an arrangement of switches, which are connected with a plate, so that in predetermined selector lever positions such as "D", "N", "R", "M", and the like, a magnet moving with the selection lever activates a respective switch. When the signal transducer or the switch is moved away from this activation position, the switch switches back to its previous switching position.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device of the shifting device can under predetermined circumstances respectively receive a signal from both the main position detection device and the redundant position detection device, which signal indicates the respective position of the selector lever, recognized by the respective detection devices. The selector lever positions shown may be identical and different. In particular, they can be different when one of the position detection devices has a malfunction. If the indicated shift positions are not the same or the position detection devices have failed and as a result do not indicate any position of the selector lever, the control device selects according to the predetermined characteristic from a predetermined position of the selector lever. This selector lever position may be a selector lever position that is momentarily indicated by one of the position sensing devices. It can also be a position of the selection lever different from the first. In particular, the position of the selection lever, which the control device selects respectively assumes as a date, is the position of the selection lever which was last indicated coincidentally by the switches.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device employs a position of the selection lever to determine respectively generate a signal, which is transmitted to the actuation device, or by means of which a movably arranged element is energized of the change device. Preferably, the control device uses the change position, indicated by the position detection devices, for signal generation, when the position regulation devices, therefore in particular the main and redundant positioning detection device, indicate a position identical and / or plausible exchange rate. Preferably the control device uses the position of the selection lever for signal generation, which is was last indicated as identical and / or plausible by the primary and redundant position detection.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the gearshift device according to the invention interacts in a controlled manner with a clutch device, which is in particular an electronically controlled clutch device. In this case it is particularly preferred that the position of the selection lever is used, which is used by the gearshift device for generating the signal, also for controlling the clutch device.

Preferably, the clutch device and the change device each have a separate control device, where these control devices interact in particular. It is particularly preferred that a common control device is provided for controlling the change device and for controlling the clutch device and possibly further devices.

The object is further solved by means of an automated changing device according to claim 34.

A use according to the invention is the subject of claim 35 or claim 36. A change device according to the invention is performed in particular as has been illustrated in the context of the description of a method according to the invention.

The patent claims filed by the application are proposed for formulation without prejudice to obtaining further patent protection. The Applicant reserves the right to claim still further characteristics disclosed so far only in the description and / or in the drawings.

References used in sub-claims refer to the further execution of the object of the main claim through the characteristics of the respective sub-claim; they are not to be understood as a waiver of obtaining autonomous objective protection for the characteristics of the sub-claims containing the references.

However, the objects of these sub-claims also form autonomous inventions, which have a configuration independent of the objects of the previous sub-claims.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment (s) of the description. On the other hand, numerous variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, in particular such variations, elements and combinations and / materials, which are inventive for example by combining or modifying individual characteristics or elements or process steps described in connection with the description general and the embodiments as well as the claims and contained in the drawings, and by means of combinable characteristics lead to a new object or to new process steps or to sequences of process steps, also as regards the manufacturing, testing and working process.

It is noted that the interaction of the individual characteristics according to the invention is preferred in any combination. In particular, the combinations of characteristics described by the dependent claims are also respectively preferred, leaving out one or more characteristics. The methods according to the invention are also preferred in combination.

It should also be noted that the executions of all known provisions, which do not refer to specific publications, are known in the first line to the applicant or to the inventor, so that the inventor reserves protection for these, if they are not also known to the public.

Note that in the case of combinations of characteristics by means of "or", this "or" is to be understood respectively on the one hand as mathematical "0" and on the other hand as "or" excluding the respective other possibility.

It should also be noted that the concept of the command as well as the concepts derived from it of the sense of the invention are to be understood in a broad sense, it includes in particular an adjustment and / or a command in the sense of the DIN standards.

For the skilled person it is evident that in addition to the embodiments of the invention shown here, a plurality of further modifications and embodiments, which are included in the invention, are conceivable. The invention in particular is not limited only to the embodiments represented here.

Hereinafter, the invention is illustrated in more detail on the basis of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

In this case:

Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention in a schematic view, partially in section; And

Figure 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in a schematic view, partially in section.

Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 with a drive unit 2, such as an engine or heat engine. In addition, a torque transmission system 3 and a gearbox 4 are shown in the drive chain of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the torque transmission system 3 is arranged in the force flow between engine and gearbox, where a Drive of the engine is transmitted via the torque transmission system of the gearbox and from the gearbox 4 on the drive side to a drive shaft 5 and to an axis 6 arranged downstream as well as to the wheels 6a.

The torque transmission system 3 is configured as a clutch, such as friction clutch, multi-plate clutch, magnetic powder clutch or converter overrun clutch, where the clutch can be a self-adjusting clutch, compensating for wear. Gearbox 4 is represented as a manual gearbox, as a gearbox. According to the concept according to the invention, the gearbox can also be an automated gearbox, and can be operated in an automated manner by means of at least one actuator. An automated gearbox is also to be understood as an automated gearbox, which is actuated with an interruption of the tractive force, and the process of changing the gear ratio is carried out in a controlled manner by means of at least one actuator.

In addition, an automatic gearbox can also be used, where an automatic gearbox is a substantially uninterrupted gearbox of the tractive force during the gearbox processes, and which generally consists of planetary stages.

In addition, a continuously adjustable gearbox, such as a step pulley winding gearbox, can be employed. The automatic gearbox can also be performed with a torque transmission system 3 arranged on the side of the power take-off, such as a clutch or friction clutch. The torque transmission system can also be designed as a starting clutch and / or reversing clutch for reversing the direction of rotation and / or safety clutch with a specifically controllable transmissible torque. The torque transmission system can be a dry friction clutch or a wet friction clutch, which rotates for example in a fluid. Similarly it can be a torque converter.

The torque transmission system 3 has a drive side 7 and a drive side 8, where a torque is transmitted from the drive side 7 to the drive side 6, in which the clutch disc 3a is forcefully stressed by means of the thrust plate 3b, the cup spring 3c and the release bearing 3e as well as the flywheel 3b. For this stress the release lever 20 is operated by means of an actuating device, such as an actuator.

the control of the torque transmission system 3 takes place by means of a control unit 13, such as a control apparatus, which can comprise the control electronics 13a and the actuator 13b. In another advantageous embodiment, the actuator and the control electronics can also be arranged in two different construction units, as a body.

The control unit 13 can contain the control and power electronics for controlling the electric motor 12 of the actuator 13b. Therefore it can be advantageously obtained, for example, that the system as the only overall space requires the mounting space for the actuator with the electronics. The actuator consists of a drive motor 12 such as an electric motor, where an electric motor 12 acts on a hydraulic pump 11 through a transmission, such as a worm drive or a front gear drive or a crank drive or a transmission drive screw. This effect on the hydraulic pump can occur directly or through a linkage.

The movement of the actuator output piece, such as the hydraulic pump plunger 11a, is detected by a clutch path sensor 14, which detects the position or velocity or acceleration of the magnitude, which is proportional to the position or magnitude. engagement position at clutch speed or acceleration respectively. The hydraulic pump 11 is connected via a pressurized medium line 9, such as a hydraulic line, with the absorber cylinder 10. The outlet member 10a of the absorber cylinder is operatively connected with the release lever or the release means 20, so that a movement of the outlet piece 10a of the receiving cylinder 10 causes the release means 20 to be also moved or overturned, to control the torque transmissible by the clutch 3.

The actuator 13b for controlling the transmissible torque of the torque transmission system 3 can be operated by a pressurized medium, ie it can be equipped by means of a hydraulic pressurized medium pump or a receiving cylinder. The pressurized medium can be, for example, a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic medium. An electric motor can be provided for the actuation of the pressurized medium hydraulic pump, where the electric motor 13 can be electronically controlled. The actuation element of the actuator 13b, in addition to an electric motor actuation element, can also be another actuation element, for example operated by means under pressure, furthermore magnetic actuators can be used to adjust a position of an element .

In the case of a friction clutch, the transmissible torque is controlled by the fact that the contact of the friction linings of the clutch disc between the flywheel 3d and the thrust plate 3b takes place in a targeted manner. By means of a position of the release means 20, such as release fork or central release, the force-loading of the thrust plate or of the friction linings can be directly controlled, where the thrust plate can be moved in this case between two release positions. ends and can be adjusted and secured in any way. The first end position corresponds to a fully engaged clutch position and the other end position corresponds to a fully disengaged clutch position. For the control of a transmissible torque, which is for example smaller than the motor of the motor temporarily present, for example a position of the thrust plate 3b which is in an intermediate zone between the two end positions can be controlled. The clutch can be fixed in this position by means of the targeted control of the release means 20. However, transmissible clutch moments which are definitely above the temporarily present engine moments can also be controlled. In such a case the temporarily present motor moments can be transmitted, where the torque unevenness in the drive chain in the form of for example torque peaks are damped and / or isolated.

In addition, sensors are used to control the torque transmission system as control or control, which at least temporarily monitor the detected variables of the entire system and supply the status variables and the measured value signals required for control, which are processed by the control unit, where it can be envisaged that there is a signal connection with other electronic units, such as for example an engine electronics or an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or anti-skid control (ASR) electronics. Sensors detect, for example, engine speeds, such as wheel speeds, engine speeds, load lever position, throttle position, gear position of the gearbox, an intention to change and further specific characteristics of the vehicle.

Figure 1 shows that a throttle valve sensor 15, an engine speed sensor 16 and a tachometer sensor 17 are used, which pass measured values or information to the control unit. The electronic unit, as a computer unit, of the control unit 13a processes the input quantities of the system and passes control signals to the actuator 13b.

The gearbox is performed as a gearbox, where the gear ratios are changed by means of a gear lever or the gearbox is operated and served by means of this gear lever. Furthermore, at least one sensor 19b is arranged on the service lever, as the gear lever 18, of the manual gearbox, which detects the intention to change and / or the gear position and passes it to the control device. the sensor 19a is articulated to the gearbox and reveals the momentary gear position and / or an intention to change. The recognition of the shift intention using at least one of the two sensors 19a, 19b can occur due to the fact that the sensor is a force sensor, which detects the force acting on the shift lever. Furthermore, however, the sensor can also be used as a distance or position sensor, where the control unit recognizes a change intention from the temporal variation of the position signal.

The switchgear is in signal connection at least temporarily with all sensors and evaluates the sensor signals and the system input variables in such a way that, depending on the current operating point, the control unit issues command instructions or adjustment to at least one actuator. The actuation element 12 of the actuator, as an electric motor, receives from the control unit, which controls the actuation of the clutch, a controlled variable depending on the measured value and / or input variable of the system and / or signals from the connected sensors. For this purpose, a control program is implemented in the command station as hardware and / or as software, which evaluates the input signals and calculates or determines the quantities with the aid of comparisons and / or functions and / or characteristic changes. exit.

The control unit 13 has advantageously implemented a torque determination unit, a travel position determination unit, a slip determination unit and / or an operating state determination unit or is in connection with signal with at least one of these units. These units can be implemented via control programs such as hardware and / or software, so that the torque of the drive unit 2 of the vehicle 1, the gear position of the gearbox 4 as well as the torque can be determined by means of the input sensor signals. slippage, which reigns in the area of the torque transmission system, and the momentary operating state of the vehicle. The unit for determining the driving position, with the help of the signals of the sensors 19a and 19b, determines the gear currently engaged. In this case the sensors are articulated to the gearshift lever and / or to adjustment means inside the gearbox, such as for example a central gearbox shaft and a gearshift bar, and these detect for example the position and / or speed of these components. Furthermore, a load lever sensor 31 can be arranged on the load lever 30, such as a gas pedal, which detects the position of the load lever. A further sensor 32 can act as a neutral sensor, i.e. with the gas pedal activated, as a load lever, this neutral switch 32 is on and in the case of an unactivated signal it is off, so that thanks to this digital information it is possible to recognize if the loading lever is operated, such as the gas pedal. the load lever sensor 31 detects the degree of actuation of the load lever

Figure 1, in addition to the gas pedal 30, as a load lever, and the sensors in connection with it, shows a brake actuating element 40 for actuating the service brake or the parking brake, as a brake pedal, handbrake lever or actuation element, operated manually or by foot, of the parking brake. At least one sensor 41 is arranged on the actuating element 40 and monitors its actuation. The sensor 41 is for example performed as a digital sensor, as a switch, where this reveals that whether the actuation element is operated or not. With this sensor, a signaling device such as a brake light, which signals that the brake is applied, can be in signal connection. This can be done for both the service brake and the parking brake. However, the sensor can also be implemented as an analog sensor, where such a sensor, such as for example a potentiometer, determines the degree of actuation of the actuating element. This sensor can also be in signal connection with a signaling device.

Figure 2 schematically shows a drive chain of a vehicle with a drive unit 100, a torque transmission system 102, a gearbox 103, a differential 104 as well as drive axles 109 and wheels 106.

The torque transmission system 102 is arranged or fixed on or to a flywheel 102a, where the flywheel usually carries a starting crown 102b. The torque transmission system has a thrust plate 102d, a clutch cover 102e, a disc spring 102f and a clutch disc 102c with friction linings. Between the clutch disc 102d and the flywheel 102a there is the clutch disc 102c possibly with a damping device. A force accumulator, such as a Belleville spring 102f, urges the thrust plate in the axial direction towards the clutch disc, where a release bearing 109, such as for example a central release actuated by pressurized medium, is provided for actuation. of the torque transmission system. A release bearing 110 is arranged between the central disengagement and the tongues of the central cup spring 102f. By axial displacement of the release bearing, the cup spring is energized and disengages the clutch. The clutch can also be performed as a push clutch or as a pull clutch.

The actuator 108 is an actuator of an automated gearbox, which also contains the drive unit for the torque transmission system. The actuator 108 actuates gearbox elements inside the gearbox, such as for example a gearbox shaft or gearshift bars, or a shaft of the central gearbox control, whereby by actuation the gears can be engaged or extracted in succession, for example sequentially or even any sequence. The clutch actuation element 109 is actuated via connection 101.

The control unit 107 is connected to the actuator through the signal connection 112, where the signal connections 113 to 115 are in connection with the control unit, where the conductor 114 processes input signals, the conductor 113 processes control signals from the control unit and the connection 115 establishes, for example, a connection with other electronic units via a data bus.

For starting or moving off the vehicle substantially from a standstill or from a slow rolling movement, such as a slow forward movement, i.e. for the acceleration of the vehicle started in a targeted manner by the driver, the driver essentially only actuates the pedal. gas, such as the load lever 30, where the controlled or regulated automated clutch actuation by means of the actuator controls the transmissible torque of the torque transmission system in the case of a starting process. Thanks to the actuation of the loading lever, by means of the sensor of the loading lever 31 the desire of the driver to have a starting process which may or may not be intense or rapid is detected, and is subsequently controlled accordingly by the control unit. The gas pedal and the signals from the gas pedal sensors are considered as input quantities for controlling the starting process of the vehicle.

In the case of a starting process, during starting, the transmissible torque, as the moment of the clutch Μksoll is determined essentially by means of a predeterminable function, with the aid of characteristic curves or characteristic fields, for example as a function of the number of motor revolutions, where the dependence on the number of revolutions of the motor or on other quantities, such as on the moment of the motor, is advantageously realized through a characteristic range or a characteristic curve.

When in the case of a starting process, substantially from standstill or from a state of slow progress, at reduced speed, the load lever or the gas pedal is actuated to a certain value a, then by means of an engine control 40 a moment of the motor is commanded. The control unit of the automated clutch actuation 13 controls the transmissible torque of the torque transmission system in accordance with predeterminable functions or characteristic ranges, so that a state of static equilibrium is established between the moment of the driven motor and the clutch moment. The state of equilibrium is characterized as a function of the position a of the load lever by a defined number of starting revolutions, a starting moment or engine moment as well as a defined transmissible torque of the torque transmission system, and a torque to be transmitted to the drive wheels, such as an actuation moment. The functional relationship of the starting torque as a function of the starting speed is shown below as the starting characteristic curve. The position a of the load lever is proportional to the position of the engine throttle valve.

Figure 2, in addition to the central gas pedal 22, as a load lever, and a sensor 123 in connection therewith, shows a brake actuating element 120 for actuating the service brake or the parking brake, such as brake pedal, hand brake lever or actuation element, manually or foot operated, of the parking brake. At least one sensor 121 is arranged on the actuating element 120 and monitors its actuation. The sensor 121 is designed for example as a digital sensor, as a switch, where this detects whether the actuating element is operated or not. With this sensor, a signaling device, such as a brake light, which signals that the brake is applied, can be in signal connection. This can be done for both the service brake and the parking brake. However, the sensor can also be implemented as an analog sensor, where such a sensor, such as for example a potentiometer, determines the degree of actuation of the actuating element. This sensor can also be in signal connection with a signaling device.

The patent claims filed with the application are proposed for formulation without prejudice to obtaining further patent protection. The Applicant reserves the right to claim still further characteristic combinations of characteristics disclosed so far only in the description and / or in the drawings.

References used in sub-claims refer to the further embodiment of the subject matter of the main claims by means of the characteristics of the respective sub-claim; they are not to be understood as a waiver of obtaining autonomous objective protection for the combinations of characteristics of the sub-claims containing the references.

Since the objects of the sub-claims with regard to the state of the art on the priority day can form their own and independent inventions, the applicant reserves the right to make them the subject of independent claims or divisional questions. They may also contain autonomous inventions, which have a configuration independent of the objects of the preceding sub-claims.

The exemplary embodiments are not to be construed as limitations of the invention. On the other hand, within the scope of the present description numerous variations and modifications are possible, in particular such variations, elements and combinations and / or materials, which for example by combining or modifying individual characteristics or elements or process steps, described in connection with the description of the embodiments as well as in the claims and contained in the drawings, are detectable by the skilled person as regards the solution of the task, and by means of combinable characteristics lead to a new object or to new process steps or sequences of process steps, also as far as it concerns manufacturing, testing and working procedures.

Claims (41)

CLAIMS 1. A method of operating a shifting device which can be operated with different shift positions, and which has a selector lever which can be operated in different selector lever positions; as well as at least one element arranged in a movable manner, by means of whose positioning the different change positions of the change device can be changed; a control device, which according to a predetermined characteristic can generate control signals, which cause the movably arranged element to be activated in an automated way, where the control signals depend on the shifting position of the selection lever; And at least two position sensing devices for sensing the shift position of the selector lever, with the steps: detection of the shift position of the selection lever with the first position detection device; redundant sensing of the shift position of the selector lever with the second position sensing device; generation of the control signals for biasing the at least one movably arranged element as a function of the sensed position of the selection lever, when both position detection devices under predetermined circumstances, taking into account their respective sensing accuracies, indicate the position identical and / or non-contradictory exchange rates; And control of the shifting device according to a predetermined substitute characteristic, when the position detection devices generate incorrect or non-unique position values for the shifting position of the selector lever. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the gearshift device is an automated gearbox or an automatic gearbox. Method according to one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that the substitute characteristic stipulates that the control signals for the actuation of the movably arranged element are generated as a function of the uniquely determined last position of the selection lever. 4. A method in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control signals are generated according to the substitute characteristic until it is established that the motor vehicle, in which the gearbox is arranged, is in motion with a speed, which is less than a predetermined speed or is zero. 5. A method in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that a control signal is generated which moves the gearshift device into the neutral gear position and / or the selector lever into the neutral position of the selector lever, when it is established that a motor vehicle equipped with a gearshift device is in motion with a speed, which is less than a predetermined speed or is zero. Method according to claim 4 in particular, characterized in that a control signal is generated which engages the clutch only when the accelerator pedal is pressed, such as the gas pedal, and disengages the clutch if a vehicle brake and / or the acceleration pedal is not operated. Method according to at least one of claims 4 and 5 in particular, characterized in that the driving speed of the motor vehicle is determined as a function of at least a predetermined number of revolutions, in particular a number of wheel revolutions or a number of revolutions of the gearbox. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that electrical position signals can be transmitted between the position detection device and the control device. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position detection device has at least one device consisting of a group of devices, which has a CAN interface and / or a microprocessor and / or a sensor of the angle of rotation and / or a shift register and / or a voltage divider device. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that predetermined shift positions of the selector lever are repeatedly detected, wherein a first detection (main detection) is performed by means of a first position detection device, and where a second detection (redundant detection) is made by means of a second position detection device. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that the main detection is carried out with higher accuracy than the redundant detection. Method according to one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that the main detection is performed by means of a position detection device which has at least one intelligent component, in particular a CAN interface, and / or at least one microprocessor and / or at least one shift register, and / or where redundant sensing is performed by means of a position sensing device which has at least one voltage divider device. 13. Method in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the position signal between the position detection device and the control device is carried out serially and / or analogically and / or by means of a CAN interface, where in particular it is provided that the position signals, which refer to the main survey, are generated and / or transmitted serially or by means of a CAN interface and the signals referring to the redundant survey are transmitted in an analog way. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that a signal is transmitted contactlessly within at least one of the position detection devices and under predetermined circumstances, this signal at least partially representing the position of the selector lever. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that at least one discrete and / or digital position signal is transmitted between the position detection device and the control device in predetermined circumstances. Method in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one position detection device can detect a plurality of single signals, where these single signals are at least adequate for determining the position of the selection lever if in function of each of these individual signals from time to time the zone, in which the position of the selector lever can be found, can be limited to at least a partial zone of this zone, and where these single signals can be converted into at least one signal or one signal chain, which can then be transmitted from the position detection device to the control device and which comprises several of these single signals or the position information of several of these single signals. A method in particular according to claim 16, characterized in that a plurality of signals is detected as a single signal and is transmitted as a signal chain according to a predetermined characteristic to the control transmission at predetermined times. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims in particular, characterized in that a position signal can be transmitted from the position detection device to the control device, which contains the position information of all individual signals detected in the control device. position detection, which make a predetermined shift position of the selection lever identifiable 19. Automated shifting device, which can be operated in different shifting positions, where different gear ratios between two shafts are changed, with an actuation device; a shifting device, which has a movably disposed element, which can be loaded by the actuating device and can be moved as a result of the load, so that the shifting device is actuated in different shift positions; a control device, which can transmit a signal to the actuation device according to a predetermined characteristic, so that the actuation device urges the movably arranged element as a function of this signal; at least one selection lever, which is arranged in a movable manner and can be operated manually, so that it can assume different gear positions; And at least one position detection device, which can detect the shift position of the selector lever and can transmit at least one position signal to the control device, as a function of which the control device can determine according to a predetermined characteristic in which position of the selector lever is located, where at least one of these position detection devices has at least one intelligent component, in particular a CAN interface and / or at least one angular position detector and / or at least one microprocessor and / or at least one shift register and where optionally one of these position detection devices has a voltage divider device. Change device according to claim 18, characterized in that a position signal, which is transmitted by at least one of the position detection devices to the control device, within this signal transmission path is at least partially non-mechanical, in particular is electric. Change device according to at least one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that the change device has at least two position detection devices for detecting the position of the selection lever, of which at least one is a detection device of main position and at least one is a redundant position sensing device. 22. Changeover device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the main position detection device has a safety device, in particular a fuse, which is provided in particular for protecting the switching device. command. 23. Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the redundant position detection device has a voltage divider device, where the position of the selection lever can be determined as a function of the electrical voltage present on this voltage divider device. Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the redundant position detection device has at least one electrical protection circuit device, which prevents the generation of currents which are greater than a current predetermined. Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the main position detection device and / or the redundant position detection device can detect at least one change position from a group of positions of the selector lever, which presents the selector lever positions "reverse", "neutral", "gear", "manual", "Tiptronic plus", "Tiptronic minus", "sport operation", "winter operation". Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the redundant position detection device can detect fewer change positions than the main position detection device. 27. Shift device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that the redundant position detection device can only distinguish the "forward", "backward" and "neutral" shift positions and / or positions . 2Θ. Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that at least one contactless signal is transmitted within the main position detection device under predetermined circumstances. 29. Shifting device in particular according to at least one of claims 19 to 28, characterized in that a signal transducer, in particular a magnetic device, is arranged on the selector lever, which is displaced in the event of a movement of the selector lever with this according to a predetermined characteristic. 30. Shifting device in particular according to claim 29, characterized in that the signal detection device has a plurality of digital switches, which are each associated with a predetermined position of the selection lever according to a predetermined characteristic, where each of these switches emits a first digital signal when the selector lever is in this switching position, which is associated with the switch, and where each of these digital switches emits a second digital signal when the selector lever is out of this position switching. 31. Changing device in particular according to claim 30, characterized in that the switches are arranged substantially on a plate. 32. Change device in particular according to at least one of claims 18 to 31, characterized in that the control device can under predetermined circumstances receive a position signal from the main position detection device and from the redundant position detection device, and as a function of this position signal it assumes as given a position of the selection lever according to a predetermined characteristic, according to which it transmits signals to the actuation device. 33. Shift device in particular according to claim 32, characterized in that the control device in predetermined circumstances uses the shift positions of the control device, indicated by the position signals of the main position detection device and by the detection device position, to transmit signals to the actuating device as a function of this position of the selector lever, when the signals of the master position sensing and the redundant position sensing indicate an identical shift position of the selector lever. 34. Shifting device in particular according to at least one of claims 32 and 33, characterized in that the control device generates the signals, transmitted by it to the operating device, as a function of the position of the selection lever, according to which it has generated at least one preceding signal, when the main position sensing device and the redundant position sensing device represent different selector lever positions and / or at least one of these position sensing devices is faulty and / or both are faulty the position detection devices. 35. Automated shifting device for carrying out a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the shifting device can be operated in different shifting positions, in which different gear ratios between two shafts are changed , and where the change device presents an actuation device; a shifting device with a movably disposed element, which can be biased by the drive device and can be moved as a result of the stress, so that the change device is operated in different shift positions; a control device, which can transmit a signal to the actuation device according to the predetermined characteristic, so that the actuation device urges the element arranged in a movable way according to this signal; at least one selection lever, which is movably disposed and can be operated manually, so that it assumes different shift positions; And at least one position detection device, which can detect the shift position of the selection lever. 36. Use of a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 19 for the operation of a motor vehicle. . 37. Use of a change device according to at least one of claims 19 to 35 for the operation of a motor vehicle. 38. Exchange process or device, characterized by its particular mode of operation and execution corresponding to the application documents present. 39. Changing method or device, characterized by at least one characteristic according to at least one of the preceding claims and / or by the combination of at least two characteristics, deriving from at least one of the preceding claims, and / or by at least one characteristic according to the description and / or by combining at least one feature of the description with at least one feature according to at least one of the preceding claims and / or by at least one feature according to at least one figure of this application and / or at least one single feature according to the present application. 40. Changeover method or device characterized by the combination of at least one feature according to the figures and / or at least one feature according to the description and / or at least one feature according to at least one patent claim. 41. Method or change device according to at least two of the preceding claims.