ITMI20110626A1 - SWITCHING DEVICE FOR THE MOTORCYCLE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION having the title

"MOTOR VEHICLE SWITCHING DEVICE"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a switching device for a motor vehicle.

In particular, the present invention relates to a switching device for a motor vehicle in which a lock is operated by means of switching between a signal interdiction position, suitable for preventing power supply to the motor vehicle, and a position for enabling the signal, suitable to allow a power supply to the motor vehicle.

The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with the aforementioned switching device and the following description refers to this field of application to simplify its presentation.

TECHNIQUE NOTE

Ignition and steering lock devices for motor vehicles are known generally consisting of 2 parts, a mechanical one, assigned to the steering lock function, and an electromechanical one for the ignition of the vehicle which creates an electrical ignition scheme through the use of sliding contacts.

Generally, the two parts are aligned along their axis; in particular, the mechanical part is mounted on the external and visible part of the control panel, while the electromechanical part mounted below the panel, behind the mechanical part, and determines an appendage of the device that protrudes with respect to the mechanical part for the entire length and overall dimensions of the sliding contact circuit.

Unfortunately, the on / off consent given by the sliding contact circuit is not completely reliable.

In fact, during the movement of the motorbike, due to uneven ground and vibrations, false contacts can be generated which cause instant power failures for the motor vehicle loads.

In the worst case, false contacts can also cause the motor vehicle to switch off while running.

The need for reliable ignition / steering lock systems not subject to this type of inconvenience is strongly felt in the sector.

At the same time, there is a strong need in the motor vehicle sector for a compactness of the instrumentation, in particular in the area of the control panel, due to the intrinsic limited space available, for example, compared to motor vehicles; consequently, devices having the same function for automobiles and motor vehicles may require a significantly different embodiment dictated by different technical and structural requirements.

There is also a strong need to reduce the electrical consumption of motor vehicles in stand-by conditions.

In fact, in motor vehicles currently on the market the electronic control units mounted on board do not go into a state of complete inactivity even when the motor vehicle is off; this determines a continuous and progressive consumption of electric charge of the motor vehicle battery.

Furthermore, the need is felt to guarantee greater security with respect to theft attempts by forcing the steering lock.

In fact, in systems on the market, if the lock of the steering lock is forced, in addition to the release of the bolt from the frame, the motor vehicle goes to a powered state ready for ignition.

The object of the present invention is to provide a switching device for motor vehicles which solves or limits the problems highlighted.

The specific purpose of the present invention is to provide a compact and reliable switching device for motor vehicles so as to be able to meet the stringent space and safety requirements.

Another purpose is to provide a switching device for motor vehicles capable of operating with reduced electrical consumption.

Another purpose is to provide a switching device for motor vehicles capable of guaranteeing greater security against theft attempts.

A further aim is to provide a switching device for motor vehicles that is simple to manufacture.

Additional purpose is to provide a switching device that has low cost for large scale production and is specific for motor vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other purposes are achieved by a switching device for motor vehicles and / or by a motor vehicle comprising this device, according to what is described in the appended claims.

The switching device for motor vehicles, according to the invention, achieves the following main technical effects with respect to the known art:

greater compactness;

greater reliability;

reduced electricity consumption;

greater security against theft attempts;

- greater structural simplicity;

lower production and maintenance costs.

These and other technical effects of the invention will result in more detail from the description, given below, of embodiment examples given by way of non-limiting indication with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the switching device for a motor vehicle of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a first axonometric view of the device of figure 1.

Fig. 3 shows a second axonometric view of the device of figure 1.

The figs. 4a, 4b show details of the device of the preceding figures.

Fig. 5 shows a motor vehicle comprising the switching device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A switching device for a motor vehicle comprises a lock and a steering lock which can be operated by switching means provided with identification means.

A control unit is responsible for detecting the activation of the lock and recognizing the identification means for controlling, in a timed manner, a power switch, responsible for enabling an electrical supply to electrical loads of the motor vehicle.

With particular reference to the figures, a switching device 1 for a motor vehicle 100 comprises a lock 10 responsible for the first access to any load of the motor vehicle 100.

Lock 10 can be switched between three positions:

- a first signal interdiction position 9 adapted to keep the steering of the motor vehicle 100 locked; this position is indicated in figures 2 and 3 also with the term LOOK;

- a second signal interdiction position 11 adapted to prevent a power supply to the motor vehicle 100; this position is indicated in figures 2 and 3 also with the term OFF;

- a signal consent position 12 suitable to allow a power supply to the motor vehicle 100; this position is indicated in figures 2 and 3 also with the term ON.

In the first signal interdiction position 9, the lock 10 keeps the steering of the motor vehicle locked and prevents the passage of any signal towards the latter.

In the second signal interdiction position 11, the lock 10 prohibits the passage of each signal towards the motor vehicle 100; in particular, both the power supply to any electrical load of the motor vehicle, for example power control units, and the power supply necessary for starting the engine are cut off. In the signal consent position 12, the lock 10 allows the passage of signals towards the motor vehicle, in particular towards electrical loads, for example power units, and towards the motor of the motor vehicle itself.

The switching device 1 further comprises switching means 20 of the lock 10.

In a preferred embodiment, such switching means 20 comprise a key.

The switching device 1 comprises a steering lock 15 operable by the switching means 20 in the transition between the first signal cut-off position 9 and the second signal cut-off position 11.

The steering lock switch of the invention is a mechatrononic device in which the steering lock function is present, carried out in the traditional way mechanically by means of the rotation of a key lock cylinder.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, the steering lock 15 comprises a fixing base 16 and fixing means 17 for fixing the fixing base 16 to the frame of the motor vehicle 100.

The steering lock 15 further comprises a latch 151 (fig. 3), housed in the fixing base 16, and movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Preferably, in the retracted position the bolt 151 is completely housed in the fixing base 16.

According to the invention, in this position the latch 151 is in a position corresponding to the second signal interdiction position 11 of the lock 10.

Preferably, in the extended position, the bolt 151 is partially protruding from the fixing base 16. According to the invention, in this position the bolt 151 is in a position corresponding to the first signal interdiction position 9 of the lock 10.

In other words, if the lock 10 is in the first signal cut-off position 9 (indicated by LOCK in Figures 2 and 3), the steering lock 15 is in a locked condition achieved by means of the bolt 151 in a retracted position.

On the other hand, if the lock 10 is in the second signal cut-off position 11 (indicated by OFF in Figures 2 and 3), the steering lock 15 is in an unlocked condition achieved by means of the bolt 151 in an extended position.

In this position, however, neither the motor vehicle nor the motor vehicle loads are powered.

The technical effect achieved is to prevent ignition of the motor vehicle following a forcing of the steering lock.

In the event of forcing, the switching device of the invention passes from the LOCK state, i.e. the first signal cut-off position 9, to the OFF state, i.e. the second signal cut-off position 11. The switching device 1 of the invention comprises identification means 30 (Fig. 1) of the switching means 20.

In particular, these identification means 30 comprise a transponder associated with the identification means themselves.

In other words, the key of the motor vehicle 100 is equipped with an integrated circuit comprising an identification code of the key.

The steering lock 15 therefore has a double locking function by associating an electronic lock realized by means of the transponder to a mechanical lock, made by the bolt 151.

In a possible variant, the transponder can be of the encrypted type.

The switching device 1 according to the invention comprises a support 50 (fig. 2 and 3), associated with the lock 10.

In particular, the support 50 is mounted behind the lock 10, i.e. between the lock 10 and the dashboard of the motor vehicle 100, and above the steering lock 15.

According to the invention, the support 50 is adapted to support an electronic circuit 51.

The electronic circuit 51 comprises a control unit 40.

In general, it should be noted that in the present context and in the subsequent claims, the control unit 40 is presented as divided into distinct functional modules (memory modules or operating modules) for the sole purpose of describing in a clear and complete manner the functionalities of the unit itself.

In reality, this control unit 40 can be constituted by a single electronic device, suitably programmed to perform the described functions, and the different modules can correspond to hardware entities and / or software routines forming part of the programmed device.

Alternatively or in addition, these functions can be performed by a plurality of electronic devices on which the aforementioned functional modules can be distributed.

The control unit can also use one or more processors to execute the instructions contained in the memory modules.

According to the invention, the control unit 40 comprises a detection module 41 (Fig. 1) configured for detecting a switching of the lock 10 between the second signal blocking position 11 and the signal enabling position 12. .

In other words, the detection module 41 is responsible for detecting a signal representative of the rotation of the key in the lock from a steering release position in the absence of power supply to a position enabling the power supply of the electrical loads 4 of the motor vehicle 100.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lock 10 comprises magnets, associated with a cylinder which houses the key.

The magnets are adapted to be moved by the rotating key between the second signal blocking position 11 and the signal enabling position 12.

In other words, the lock 10 comprises magnetic means 13 adapted to be moved by means of the switching means 20 between the second signal blocking position 11 and the signal enabling position 12. In a first embodiment of the invention, the switching device 1 uses magnets and electronic sensors.

With reference to Figure 4a, the detection module 41 comprises a pair of sensors 44, 45 which can be activated by the magnetic means 13 respectively in the second signal cut-off position 11 and in the signal consent position 12.

Preferably, these sensors 44, 45 are magnetic proximity sensors.

In particular, these sensors are Hall sensors.

The technical effect achieved is the detection of the position of the switching means 10 without using mechanical and / or electrical parts in direct contact. In other words, by turning the key from the second signal interdiction position 11 (also indicated by OFF in Figures 2 and 3) to the signal enabling position 12 (also indicated by ON in Figures 2 and 3), the lock cylinder 10 rotates and, at the same time, rotates a cam mounted at one end.

This cam, with its movement, activates the steering lock 15 causing the return of the bolt 151 which locks the steering.

The bolt 151 simultaneously moves the magnetic means 13, associated with one end thereof, to the desired position in proximity to the detection means 44, 45, (sensors) present inside the electronic unit 51, in particular in the detection module 41.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the switching device 1 uses microswitches for detecting the position of the key.

In other words, the detection module 41 comprises a microswitch 46 (fig.4b).

In other words again, by rotating the key from the second signal cut-off position 11 (also indicated by OFF in Figures 2 and 3) to the signal enabling position 12 (also indicated by ON in Figures 2 and 3), the cylinder of the lock 10 rotates and, at the same time, a cam mounted at one end rotates.

This cam, with its movement, activates the steering lock 15 causing the return of the bolt 151 which locks the steering.

The bolt 151 simultaneously activates the microswitch 46 present inside the electronic unit 51, in particular in the detection module 41.

In both embodiments of the invention, in the event of correct recognition of the key, the electronic unit 51 awakens or, alternatively, is activated.

This awakening / activation enables the recognition of the transponder code.

The electronic unit 51 realizes, for this purpose, a transponder transmission with the transponder by feeding an antenna integrated inside it.

This antenna generates a magnetic field necessary for reading the transponder inside the key and receives the corresponding code, preferably through an encrypted signal.

In other words, according to the invention, the control unit 40 comprises a recognition module 42 (fig. 1), connected to the detection module 41, and configured to recognize the identification means 30, following the detection of the switching of the lock 10 from the second cut-off position 11 to the consent position 12.

Upon consent of the signal in the switching device 1, the recognition module 42 is able to deal with the comparison between the identification code of the key and an identification code of the motor vehicle 100.

Preferably, a memory 421 is associated with the recognition module 42 and accessible from the module itself. Specific algorithms deal with the random generation of identification codes for the mutual recognition of the key and the vehicle.

The control unit 40 further comprises a driving module 43 configured to generate a driving signal S.

The driving module 43 acts following the switching of the lock from the second signal interdiction position 11 to the signal enabling position 12 and following the recognition of the key by the recognition module 42.

The driving signal S drives a power switch 60 associated with the control unit 40.

The power switch 60 is adapted to allow a power supply to the electrical loads 4 of the motor vehicle 100.

According to the invention, a synchronization module 48 is associated with the driving module 43.

The synchronization module 48 is adapted to time the generation of the driving signal S so as to allow powering the electrical loads 4 only upon the generation of said signal S.

In other words, the synchronization module 48 is adapted to time the generation of the driving signal S so that the power switch 60 supplies the electrical loads 4 only after receiving the driving signal S.

The synchronization module 48 is equipped with a real-time clock that allows the electrical loads 4, in particular the electronic control units on board the vehicle, to go into "sleep" mode with the vehicle off. When the vehicle is turned on, the synchronization module 48 will re-synchronize the control units.

The technical effect achieved is that the control units are not powered when the vehicle is stationary.

Advantageously, according to the invention, this allows to drastically reduce the latent current consumption with consequent saving of charge for the vehicle battery.

Preferably, the power switch 60 comprises a power relay.

Alternatively, the power switch 60 comprises a mosfet.

In case of correct recognition of the key, the integrated electronic unit is therefore able to activate the relays or mosfets present inside the same on the printed circuit to close or open the electrical circuits and transmit to the engine control unit, preferably via interface. CAN, the codes used to operate the vehicle, connected to the electronic unit by means of a wiring.

In other words, the power switch 60, associated with the control unit 40, can be switched between a first position 61 (fig. 1) in which an electrical power supply is allowed and a second position 62 (fig. 1) ) in which the electric power supply to loads 4 of the motor vehicle is forbidden; switching between one position and the other takes place according to the control signal S.

Preferably, the support 50 described above is adapted to support the power switch 60.

The switching device 1, according to the invention, is adapted to be mounted on a motor vehicle as shown with reference to Figure 5.

The motor vehicle 100 comprises an engine 2 and a frame 3 adapted to support the engine 2 and electrical loads 4.

Preferably, the electrical loads 4 are control units or similar devices intended for different uses.

According to the invention, the motor vehicle 100 comprises the switching device 1 adapted to allow a power supply to the electrical loads 4.

The motor vehicle 100 also comprises a column 5 interposed between the frame 2 and a front wheel 6.

The steering lock 15 of the switching device 1 is able to act between the frame 3 and the column 5.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Switching device (1) for motor vehicles (100), said device comprising: â € ¢ a lock (10) switchable between: or a first signal interdiction position (9) adapted to keep the steering of said motor vehicle (100) locked; or a second signal interdiction position (11) adapted to prevent a power supply to said motor vehicle (100); or a signal enabling position (12) suitable to allow a power supply to said motor vehicle (100); â € ¢ switching means (20) of said lock (10) between said positions (9, 11, 12); A steering lock (15) operable by said switching means (20) in the passage between said first signal cut-off position (9) and said second signal cut-off position (11); identification means (30) of said switching means (20), associated with said switching means (20); â € ¢ a control unit (40) comprising: or a detection module (41) configured for detecting a switching of said lock between said second signal interdiction position (11) and said signal enabling position (12); or a recognition module (42), connected to said detection module (41), configured to recognize said identification means (30), following said detected switching; or a driving module (43), connected to said detection module (41) and to said recognition module (42), the driving module (43) being configured to generate a driving signal (S), following said switching detected and on said recognition, â € ¢ a power switch (60), associated with said control unit (40), and switchable between: or a first position (61) in which an electric power supply to electrical loads (4) of said motor vehicle (100) is allowed and or a second position (62) in which the power supply to electrical loads (4) of said motor vehicle (100) is forbidden; wherein said switching occurs as a function of said driving signal (S). Switching device (1) according to claim 1 wherein said lock (10) comprises magnetic means (13) adapted to be moved by said switching means (20) between said signal (11) and signal consent (12). Switching device (1) according to claims 1 and 2 wherein said detection module (41) comprises a pair of sensors (44,45) in which said sensors (44,45) can be activated by said magnetic means (13 ) respectively in said second signal blocking position (11) and signal enabling position (12). Switching device (1) according to claim 1 wherein said detection module (41) comprises a microswitch (46) operable by said steering lock (15). 5. Switching device (1) according to claim 4 wherein said steering lock (15) comprises a latch (151) movable between: â € ¢ a retracted position, corresponding to said second signal interdiction position (11) of said lock (10), and â € ¢ an extended position corresponding to said first signal cut-off position (9) of said lock (10), said bolt (151) being able to operate said microswitch (46). 6. Switching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a synchronization module (48), associated with said driving module (43), and suitable for timing the generation of said driving signal (S) in a manner to allow powering the electrical loads (4) to the generation of said signal (S). Switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said switching means (20) of said lock (10) comprise a key. Switching device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said identification means (30) comprises a transponder. 9. Motor vehicle (100) comprising: - a motor (2); - a frame (3) adapted to support said motor (2); - electrical loads (4); - a switching device (1) according to claims 1 to 8 adapted to allow a power supply to the electrical loads (4). Motor vehicle (100) according to claim 9 comprising: - a column (5) interposed between said frame (2) and a front wheel (6); and in which said steering lock (15) of said switching device (1) is adapted to act between said frame (3) and said column (5).