SE533437C2 - Operating device and motor vehicle containing operating device - Google Patents

Description

533 437 To further improve maneuverability and driving performance, motor vehicles such as trucks are equipped with various drive functions.

One type of drive function is the transmission. All-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with a gearbox which is arranged to transmit the power to the front axle and the rear axle / axles. According to a variant, the gearbox can be switched between high and low gear. The distribution gearbox is controlled by means of an actuator in the form of a button, as well as the high and low gears.

Another type of drive function is so-called traction control (TC), which is an anti-spin system that is arranged in motor vehicles such as trucks to facilitate starting and acceleration on slippery surfaces and prevent any of the drive wheels from starting to slip. In the normal active mode, the TC optimizes maneuverability by throttling the motor and braking spinning wheels.

Normally, the TC is calibrated for driving on public roads. When driving off-road, for example, the drive wheels are required to spin more, which is why TC is deactivated to such a position. TC is controlled by means of an actuator in the form of a button.

A further type of drive function is so-called Robson Drive, where drive rollers are arranged to be lowered between drive wheels and impellers in the bogie of the vehicle, for example a truck, power being arranged to be transmitted via the drive rollers from the drive shaft to the drive shaft. wheels and two driving wheels get the same characteristics as a vehicle with 6 wheels and four driving wheels, which simplifies forcing of bad road sections. This is also regulated by means of an actuator in the form of a button.

There are also other drive functions such as, for example, sand spreaders, which are arranged in the vehicle to spread sand to increase passability, and chain slings where a chain is thrown out so that the driving wheels by means of the chain get a better grip. actuators in the form of a button.

These are also regulated by means of a respective 10 15 20 25 533 1513? The buttons of such drive functions of motor vehicles such as trucks may be arranged on both sides of the steering wheel. The buttons can thus be difficult to locate, partly because they look the same and partly because they are not located together despite the fact that they are often used at the same time.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device of a motor vehicle which enables simple and safe operation so that the passability and driving safety of the motor vehicle are improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This and other objects, which appear from the following description, are achieved by means of an actuating device and a motor vehicle as above, and which further have the features stated in the characterizing part of appended independent claims 1 and 16. Preferred embodiments of the actuated device are defined dependent claims 2-15.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved with an actuating device of a motor vehicle for engaging and disengaging a drive function including a differential function, the actuating device comprising an actuating means for engaging and disengaging a driving function, comprising a rotatably arranged actuating means for engaging and disengaging driving function by means of a rotational movement, wherein means associated with the actuator are provided for engaging and disengaging at least one further drive function by means of a movement separate from said rotation. An advantage is that the rotary movement entails simple engagement and disengagement of a drive function, for example differential function such as differential lock, whereby at the same time an additional drive function, for example traction control, can be engaged and disengaged, which entails simple operation so that passability and driving safety are improved in the vehicle. Because a control means the control device is rotatably arranged, it is easier for a driver to find this, which entails easy switching on and off of, for example, differential lock, whereby the control to another drive function, for example in traction control, is also easy to find. because the rotatable actuator is easy to find. One drive function, for example the differential locks, can be controlled at the same time as the other drive function, for example traction control, which enables faster control without the driver having to take his eyes off the road.

According to an embodiment, said rotatably arranged operating means are arranged for performing said movement different from said rotation. This enables simple and fast control of different drive functions because the driver uses the same actuator for engaging and disengaging different drive functions.

According to an embodiment, said rotatably arranged operating means are arranged in a retractable and extensible manner between at least a first and a second position. This results in an ergonomically simple movement which clearly differs from the rotary movement so that easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of the same operating means as the drive function is effected by means of rotary movement.

This movement is suitable, for example, for a drive function such as engaging and disengaging high and low gears of a gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive.

According to one embodiment, said rotatably arranged operating means is pivotally arranged between at least a first and a second position. This entails an alternative for providing easy switching on and off of an additional drive function. The drive function is effected by means of rotary movement. by means of the same actuating means as 103 20 According to one embodiment, said rotatably arranged actuating means are slidably arranged between at least a first and a second position. This entails an alternative for providing easy switching on and off of an additional drive function by means of the same operating means as the drive function provided by means of rotary movement.

According to one embodiment, said rotatably arranged actuating means are reciprocally compressible to provide at least a first and a second actuating state. This results in an ergonomically simple movement which clearly differs from the rotary movement so that easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function actuator drive function is effected by means of rotational movement. This movement is suitable by means of the same as well for, for example, a drive function such as traction control.

According to one embodiment, said rotatably arranged actuating means are reciprocally extendable for providing at least a first and a second actuating condition. This results in an ergonomically simple movement which clearly differs from the rotary movement so that easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of the same operating means as the drive function is effected by means of rotary movement.

According to one embodiment, said rotatably arranged operating means carry integrated means for producing said movement different from said rotation. This enables simple and fast control of various drive functions because the driver uses a means integrated with the rotatable actuator for engaging and disengaging various drive functions. said means comprises a second actuator integrally arranged with said rotatably arranged actuator according to one embodiment. By having a second actuator with the rotatably arranged actuator, it is possible to quickly and easily engage and disengage an additional drive function in addition to that provided by the rotatable actuator.

According to one embodiment, said second operating means is arranged in a pull-out and pull-out position between at least a first and a second position. This results in an ergonomically simple movement which clearly differs from the rotary movement so that easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of a means integrated with the rotatable actuator. This movement is suitable, for example, for a drive function such as the engagement and disengagement of high and low gears of a gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive.

According to one embodiment, said second operating means is pivotally arranged between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for providing easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of a means integrated with the rotatable actuator.

According to one embodiment, said second operating means is slidably arranged between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for providing easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of a means integrated with the rotatable actuator.

According to one embodiment, said second operating means is reciprocally resiliently arranged to provide at least a first and a second operating condition. This provides an alternative for providing easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of a means integrated with the rotatable actuator.

According to one embodiment, said second actuating means is again extensively extendable arranged to provide at least a first and a second actuating condition. This provides an alternative for providing easy engagement and disengagement of an additional drive function by means of a means integrated with the rotatable actuator. 10 15 20 25 533 43? According to one embodiment, engagement and disengagement of a differential function is arranged to be effected by means of said rotational movement of said rotatably arranged operating means. Since differential function is common on motor vehicles such as trucks, it is advantageous that it is engaged and disengaged by means of rotary movement which is ergonomic and easy for the driver to find, and since differential function motor / truck actuators in the form of a knob are suitable. advanced a rotatable of more includes fl your different positions, where FIGURE DESCRIPTION The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the many views, and in which: FIG. 1a schematically shows a front view of an actuating device for actuating a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1b schematically shows a side view of the operating device according to fi g. 1a; Fig. 2 schematically shows a motor vehicle with six wheels and four driving wheels, comprising differential locks; Fig. 3a schematically shows a front view of an actuating device for actuating a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3b schematically shows a side view of the operating device according to fi g. 3a; Fig. 4 schematically shows a motor vehicle with eight wheels and eight driving wheels, comprising differential locks and gearbox; Fig. 5a schematically shows a front view of an operating device for operating a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5b schematically shows a side view of the operating device according to fig. 5a; Fig. 6 schematically shows a motor vehicle with four wheels and four driving wheels, comprising differential locks and gearbox; Fig. 7 schematically shows a block diagram for controlling drive functions by means of the operating device according to a variant of the present invention; Fig. 8 schematically shows a block diagram for controlling drive functions by means of the actuating device according to a variant of the present invention; Fig. 9 schematically shows a motor vehicle comprising an actuating device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1a schematically shows a front view of an actuator I for engaging and disengaging a drive function including a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention and fi g. Lb schematically shows a side view of the operating device l according to fi g. mounted on a dashboard 10 of a motor vehicle. 10 15 20 25 533 43? The actuating device I is intended to be arranged on the dashboard 10 in the driver's compartment of the vehicle. The actuating device I comprises an annular element 20 intended to be fixedly arranged on the dashboard 10.

The actuator I also comprises an actuator 30 which is surrounded by the annular element 20. The actuator 30 has a circular base portion 32 which is tightly housed in and movably arranged relative to the annular element 20. The actuator 30 further has a preferably centrally transverse running over the base portion 32 gripping portion 34 projecting from the base portion in the form of a knob 34.

The actuator 30 is arranged to influence with a first movement at least one drive function of the motor vehicle and by means of a second movement separate from said first movement to influence at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle. The first and second movements are thus according to this embodiment integrated in the operating device I in one and the same operating member 30.

The first movement of the actuator 30 is a rotational movement. by means of which movement according to a variant a differential function of the motor vehicle is arranged to be actuated, i.e. switches on and off. The actuator 30 is thus rotatably arranged in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotational movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion 32 rotates about an axis a differential function such as a differential lock of the vehicle is affected, i.e. switched on or off, during said movement. The rotational movement is arranged to be effected by means of the knob 34.

The second movement of the actuator 30 is according to a first variant a reciprocating insertion movement in the axial direction relative to the ring element 20 according to the arrow B so that in said movement another drive function, which according to an example is traction control, i.e. antispin function, is affected.

According to a second variant, the second movement of the actuator 30 is a push-in and extendable movement in the axial direction relative to the ring element according to the arrow B, so that when moving the other drive function, which according to an example is high / low gear in the transmission of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive.

According to one variant, the low gear of the actuators when the actuator 30 is inserted, and according to another variant, the low gear is activated when the actuator 30 is pulled out.

On the fixed; the side of the ring element 20 facing the user is arranged, here the state of the differential function. The grip portion 34 has a first end 34a and a second diametrically relative to the base portion opposite end 34b, the base portion tapering from the first to the second end, the second end 34b being the end of the grip portion 34 or wire 34 indicating with the rotational movement selected differential function. 0 symbols, numbers, which show different According to this example, there are three different positions for the gripping portion knob 34 for the rotational movement by means of the gripping portion / knob 34, here 0, 1 and 2.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a motor vehicle 50 with six wheels 50a-f and four driving rear wheels 50c-f, which driving wheels are arranged to be driven by means of a rear axle, 52, 53 driving for each pair of wheels 50c-d, 50e-f; 54, 55. On the vehicle 50 according to this example, the actuating device I according to flg. 1a and fi g. lb arranged. The vehicle, for example a truck, consequently has operation on both rear axles, which vehicle has a longitudinal differential lock 60 between the axles and a transverse end 62, 64 differential lock on the respective drive axle.

The differential latch 60 and the transverse differential latches 62, 64 in this embodiment constitute the differential function.

The number 0 here shows that the differential function is switched off, the number 1 that the longitudinal longitudinal differential lock 60 is switched on and the number 2 that the respective transverse differential lock 62, 64 is switched on while the longitudinal differential lock remains switched on. The vehicle 50 could alternatively have eight wheels with four driving rear wheels. 10 15 20 25 533 -137 11 According to another variant, not shown, the operating device is 1 in fi g. 1a-b arranged on a motor vehicle such as a truck with four, six or eight wheels of which two driving rear wheels, i.e. drive on the rear axle one of the rear axles, which vehicle has a transverse differential lock on the driving axle. According to this variant, the number 0 shows that the differential function is switched off, the number 1 that a Robson Drive function is switched on, ie. drive by means of drive wheels on all four rear wheels is engaged, and the number 2 indicates that the transverse differential lock is engaged.

Fig. 3a schematically shows a front view of an operating device 11 for engaging and disengaging a drive function including a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention and fi g. 3b schematically shows a side view of the operating device 11 according to fi g. 3a mounted on the dashboard 10 of a motor vehicle.

The actuating device II is intended to be arranged on the dashboard 10 in the driver's compartment of the vehicle. The operating device 11 comprises an annular element 20 intended to be fixedly arranged on the dashboard 10.

The actuator II also includes a first actuator 130 or rotatably arranged actuator 130 which is surrounded by the annular member 320. The first actuator 130 has a circular base portion 132 which is tightly housed in and axially rotatably disposed relative to the annular A. The first actuator 130 has a preferably centrally transverse transverse over the base portion arranged and projecting from the base portion 134 in the form of a knob 134. the element according to the arrow The first actuator 130 is arranged to influence at least one drive function of the motor vehicle by means of a first movement which is said rotary movement. The actuator device 11 also further comprises a second actuator 140 integrated with the first actuator 130 arranged there. 12 that by means of a second! motion, separate from the rotational motion of the first actuator 130, affects at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle. The second actuator 140 is slidably arranged relative to the base portion on the gripping portion according to the arrow B, where it is slidable between a first position H and a second position L.

The first actuator 130 is arranged by means of the rotary movement to differential function of the motor vehicle. The first actuator 130 is thus rotatably arranged in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotational movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion rotates about an axis a differential function of the vehicle is affected, i.e. switched on or off, during said movement. The rotary movement is arranged to be effected by means of the knob 134. actuating The second actuating member 140 is arranged by means of the sliding movement to actuate another drive function, which according to an example is high / low gear of the gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive. The high / low gear of the distribution gearbox is arranged to be activated when the second actuator 140 is slid to the first position H for high gear and to the second position L for low gear.

On the fixedly arranged part of the ring element 20 facing the user, a state of differential function is arranged. The grip portion 134 has a first end 134a and a second diametrically relative to the base portion opposite end 134b, the base portion tapering from the first to the second end, the second end 134b being the end of the grip portion E or the knob indicating with the rotational movement selected drive function. symbols, here numbers, which show different According to this example, there are five different positions of the gripping portion / knob 134 for the rotational movement by means of the gripping portion / knob 134, here 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. 10 15 20 25 533 437 13 Fig. 4 schematically shows a motor vehicle 150 with eight wheels 150a-h and eight driving wheels 150a-h, on which vehicle the actuating device 11 according to the embodiments in fi g. 3a-b is arranged, where the vehicle, for example a truck, consequently has all-wheel drive. Respective wheel pairs 150a-b, 150c-d, 150e-f, 1509- h are arranged to be driven by a respective drive shaft 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159. The vehicle comprises a gearbox 170 for input and output disengagement of all-wheel drive, which vehicle has operation on all four axles.

The transmission has a high / low gear 172 for high or low gear operation.

The vehicle has a longitudinal differential lock 161 arranged between the two rear drive shafts 156, 157; 158, 159 and a longitudinal differential lock 160 disposed between the two front axles 152, 153; 154, 155, and a transverse differential lock 162, 164, 166, 168 on the respective driving shaft.

The longitudinal and transverse differential locks as well as the distribution gearbox constitute the differential function. The number 0 shows that the differential function is disengaged, the number 1 that the longitudinal differential locks 160, 161 are engaged, the number 2 that the transmission gearbox 170 is engaged for all-wheel drive, the number 3 that the transverse differential lock 166, 168 on the respective rear drive shaft 156, 157; 158, 159 are engaged, and the numeral 4 to the transverse differential lock 166, 168 on the respective front drive shaft 152, 153; 154, 155 is connected.

Fig. 5a schematically shows a front view of an actuating device III for engaging and disengaging a drive function including a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention and fig. Fig. 5b schematically shows a side view of the actuating device 11 according to Fig. 5a arranged on the dashboard 10 of the motor vehicle.

The actuating device 11 is intended to be arranged on the dashboard 10 in the driver's compartment of the vehicle. The actuator 11 comprises an annular element 20 intended to be fixedly mounted on the dashboard 10. The actuator 11 also comprises a first actuator 230 or rotatable actuator 230 which is surrounded by the annular element 20. The first actuator 230 has a circular shape. base portion 232 which is tightly housed in and axially rotatably arranged relative to the annular element 20 according to arrow A. The first actuator 230 further has a preferably centrally transverse running over the base portion arranged and projecting from the base portion 234 in the form of a knob 234.

The first actuator 230 is arranged to influence at least one drive function of the motor vehicle by means of a first movement which is said rotational movement.

The actuator 11 further comprises an integrated second actuator 240 arranged to act on at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle by means of a second movement, separate from the rotational movement of the first actuator 230.

The second actuator 240 is pivotally arranged on the gripping portion according to the arrow B, where it is pivotable between a first position and a second position.

The first actuator 230 is arranged by means of the rotary movement to influence a differential function of the motor vehicle. The first actuator 230 is thus rotatably arranged in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotational movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion 232 rotates about an axis a differential function of the vehicle is affected, i.e. switched on or off, during said movement. The rotational movement is arranged to be effected by means of the knob 234.

The second actuator 240 is arranged by means of the tilting movement to actuate another drive function, which according to an example is high / low gear of the transmission gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive. The high / low gear of the gearbox is arranged to be activated when the second actuator 240 is tilted to the first position H for high gear and to the second position L for low gear. On the side of the fixedly arranged ring element 20 facing the user, a state of the differential function is arranged. The grip portion 234 has a first end 234a and a second diametrically relative to the base portion opposite end 234b, the base portion tapering from the first to the second end, the second end 234b being the symbols, here numerals showing different ends of the grip portion 234 or the knob 234 indicating with the rotary motion selected differential function.

According to this example, there are four different positions of the gripping portion knob 234 for the rotational movement by means of the gripping portion knob 234, here 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a motor vehicle 250 with four wheels 250a-d and four driving wheels 250a-d, where respective pairs of wheels 250a-b, 250c-d are arranged to be driven by means of a respective driving shaft 252, 253; 254, 255. The vehicle 250, for example a truck, consequently has all-wheel drive. The actuating device lll according to the embodiment in fi g. 5a-b is mounted on the vehicle 250.

The vehicle includes a gearbox 270 for engaging operation on the rear wheels or on all wheels. The transmission gearbox 270 has a high / low gear 272 for high or low gear operation. The vehicle has a transverse differential lock 262, 264 on the respective driving axle. The differential locks and the gearbox constitute a differential function. The number 0 shows that the differential locks 262, 264 are disengaged and the gearbox 270 is disengaged for operation on the front wheels, ie. that the differential function is disengaged, the number 1 that the transmission gearbox 270 is engaged for operation also on the front wheels, the number 2 that the transverse differential lock 264 on the rear drive shaft 254, 255 is engaged, and the number 3 that the transverse differential lock 262 on the front drive shaft 252, 253 is engaged.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 300A for controlling drive functions by means of the operating device 1; ll; lll according to the present invention. The system 300A includes the actuator I; ll; lll, and drive functions 330, 340, 350. A first drive function 330 comprises a differential function, which depending on the vehicle type comprises different sets of differential locks according to the embodiments in fl g. 1-6, and where applicable, when the vehicle has all-wheel drive, a gearbox for engaging and disengaging all-wheel drive, according to the embodiments in Figs. 3-6. The first drive function may according to a variant comprise Robson Drive. A second drive function 340 may comprise traction control (TC), high / low gear of the transmission, sand spreader or chain thrower, which can be suitably combined with the first drive function 330.

A third drive function 350 could include a function separate from the first and second drive functions.

Actuator 1; Il; lll is connected to the drive functions in such a way that when the rotatable actuator according to the present invention is actuated by a rotational movement to a certain position for differential function of the motor vehicle, a rotational motion-based signal 330a is sent to a differential function 330 of the current motor vehicle so that the selected differential function 330. Depending on the position of the rotatable 330a to the drive function 330, for example to engage a longitudinal differential lock 330 for operation with all four rear wheels. the actuator is sent various rotational signals 3 The second drive function 340 is further arranged to receive a non-rotational motion based signal 340a from the actuator 1; ll; lll by actuating the actuating means with a movement different from said rotational movement, where movement can be effected with the same actuating means as for the rotational movement, i.e. the rotatable actuating means, or a second actuating means integrated with the rotatable actuating means. In any case, a third drive function 350 is arranged to receive a second non-rotational motion based signal 350a from the actuator 1; ll; By actuating the actuator with a movement separate from said rotational movement, where said movement can be effected with the same actuating means as for the rotational movement or a second actuating means integrated with the actuating device.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 300B for controlling drive functions by means of the operating device I; ll; III according to the present invention. The system 300B includes the actuator 1; ll; lll, an electronic control unit (ECU) 310, and drive functions 330, 340, 350.

A first drive function 330 comprises a differential function, which depending on the vehicle type comprises different sets of differential locks according to the embodiments in fi g. 1-6, and where applicable, when the vehicle has all-wheel drive, a gearbox for engaging and disengaging all-wheel drive, according to the embodiments in fi g. 3-6. According to a variant, the first drive function may include Robson Drive.

A second drive function 340 may include traction control (TC), high / low gear of the transmission, sand spreader or chain thrower, which may be suitably combined with the first drive function 330.

A third drive function 350 could include a function separate from the first and second drive functions.

Actuator I; ll; III is connected to the electronic control unit 310 in such a way that when the rotatable actuator according to the present position for differential function of the motor vehicle a rotational motion-based signal 330a is affected by a rotational movement to a certain is sent to the electronic control unit 310, which control unit is arranged to of the rotary motion based signal 330a, sending a signal 330b to a differential function 330 of the current motor vehicle so that the selected differential function 330 is engaged. Depending on the position of the rotatable actuator, different rotational signals 330a are sent to the electronic control unit 310, so that at a certain position of the rotatable actuator a certain rotational signal 330a is sent to the electronic control unit 310 which sends a signal 330b to, for example, engage a longitudinal differential lock 330 for operation with all four rear wheels.

The electronic control unit 310 is further arranged to receive a non-rotational motion based signal 340a from the actuator 1; ll; lll by actuating the actuator with a movement separate from said rotational movement, where said movement can be effected with the same actuating means as for the rotational movement, i.e. the rotatable actuator, or a second actuator integrated with the rotatable actuator. On the basis of the non-rotational motion-based signal 340a, the electronic control unit 310 is arranged to send a signal 340b to the second drive function 340. In any case, the electronic control unit 310 is also arranged to receive a second non-rotational motion-based signal 350a from the actuator 1; ll; lll by actuating the actuating means with a movement separate from said rotational movement, where said movement can be effected with the same actuating means as for the rotational movement or a second actuating means integrated with the actuating device. Based on the non-rotational motion based signal 350a, the electronic control unit 310 is arranged to send a signal 350b to the third drive function 350.

Fig. 7 describes a system in which movements of the actuator directly affect drive functions and fi g. 8 a system where the movement of the actuator affects drive functions by means of an electronic control unit, i.e. that signals from actuators go via an electronic control unit for influencing drive function. It is also conceivable that some drive function is directly affected by the actuator, for example by means of rotational movement, while another drive function is actuated via an electronic control unit, for example by means of a movement separate from said rotational movement. It is also conceivable that, for example, rotational movement to a position, for example for 10 15 20 25 533 43? 19 coupling of longitudinal differential lock, takes place directly, while a movement of the rotatable actuator to another position, for example transverse differential lock, takes place via an electronic control unit.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a motor vehicle 50; 150; 250 comprising an actuator 1; ll; lll according to the present invention.

Drive function here refers to a function / device of the vehicle that is suitable for increasing the passability of the motor vehicle at slippery, slippery, slippery, and includes differential function, high-low gear in the transmission, traction control slippery or similar surfaces, (anti-spin function), Roidon Drive, chain sling or equivalent functions / devices.

Differential function here refers to longitudinal differential lock, transverse differential lock and distribution gearbox for engaging and disengaging all-wheel drive. Differential function also includes longitudinal and transverse differential brakes.

By means of actuating means for effecting rotational movement for actuating at least one drive function of vehicles is meant any suitable rotatable means by means of which a rotational motion can be manually effected by a driver so as to enable said engagement / disengagement control of drive functions.

Such a rotatable actuator is preferably constituted by some kind of knob such as the rotatable actuators 30; 130; 230 according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1; ll; lll. As described, the knob has a tapered shape. However, the knob could have any suitable shape for effecting rotational movement. The rotatable actuator could also consist of a steering wheel-like configuration.

By means of actuating means for effecting a movement separate from said rotational movement for actuating another drive function of vehicles is meant any suitable means for manually effecting a sliding motion, tilting motion, retractable return dr resilient movement, extendable back fi resilient movement, inward movement and extendable movement or the like, wherein said movement separated from the rotary movement according to a variant is effected by means of the rotatable member, and according to another variant is effected by means of another member integrated with the rotatable actuating member in which the motion separated from rotation takes place relative to the rotatable actuator.

The rotatable actuator may include an additional drive function such as, for example, as mentioned in connection with the description of FIG. 2, that Robson Drive is arranged to be engaged when rotating the rotatable actuator to a first engaged position, wherein in a second engaged position transverse differential lock is arranged to be engaged. Accordingly, by means of a movement separate from the rotary movement, either by means of the rotatable actuator or a second actuator, an additional drive function such as traction control (TC) can be engaged, so that with this configuration three different drive functions can be achieved.

When one of the drive functions is traction control (TC), the movement separate from the rotary movement is preferably a retractable return movement, which is preferably effected by means of the rotatable actuator, since TC is a safety-enhancing system, where it is desirable for the driver to actively opt out of the TC function. . When the vehicle is started, the TC is in the active position, ie. on-road mode which is the normal mode.

According to a variant of the invention, in addition to a second actuating member, one with the actuating means by means of which additional drive function can be achieved third actuating means is integrally arranged rotatably by a movement separate from the rotating movement.

According to a variant, the annular element 20 could have a shape different from the circular on its circumferential part / peripheral part, such as square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

The differential functions vary as mentioned depending on the type of motor vehicle, for example different types of truck, where the number of driving axles, operation 10 15 20 25 533 43? 21 also on front wheels, etc. Thus, the rotational positions of the rotatable actuator, when used for influencing differential function, have different function depending on the vehicle type, and the number of rotational positions varies.

In addition, different drive functions achieved by the movement different from the rotary motion are suitable for different types of vehicles. For example, all-wheel drive vehicles do not normally have traction control (TC) and rear-wheel drive vehicles do not have a gearbox and consequently no high-low gear.

The second actuator or other movement of the rotatable actuator may have more than two positions, for example a position when all other drive functions are disengaged, a position when a second drive function separate from the first actuator / movement, for example TC, is engaged and a position when a a third drive function separate from the first actuator / pipe, such as a sand spreader, is switched on.

According to the above embodiments, the symbols on the actuator have been numbers. However, the symbols could have any suitable design adapted to and clarifying the drive function assigned to that mode. Angular distance between the symbols on the annular element, ie. how long turning steps the user must make to engage / disengage a drive function is preferably chosen so that said turning movement becomes comfortable for the user, and is also preferably adapted to the number of symbols / turning steps required for the actuator, where the distance can thus be greater as fewer turning steps specific swivels are required. The distances can be, for example, 45 °, 90 ° or 180 °. Any movement different from the rotational movement effected by means of the rotary actuator, i.e. the operating means by which the rotational movement is also effected by means of the other, or the operating means, such as push-in and pull-out movement, sliding movement, tilting movement or the like, can be applied integrated with any of the above-mentioned embodiments of rotary operating means. In the embodiments as above, the rotatable actuator has been arranged to influence the differential function of the vehicle, while the first actuator separated from the rotary movement or with the second actuator the movement has been effected by means arranged to actuate at least one other drive function. Alternatively, the movement separated from the rotary movement by means of the rotatable actuator or with the other actuator could be arranged to influence the differential function of the vehicle, and the rotatable actuator could be arranged to actuate at least one drive function different from differential function such as TC, sand spreader or the like. In the above embodiments, the actuating device has been arranged on the dashboard of a motor vehicle as an example. However, the actuator could be located in any place suitable for the driver in the vehicle, such as between the seats, on the steering wheel, on the door adjacent to the driver's seat, etc.

The invention is thus not to be considered limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be varied within the scope stated in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

10 15 20 25 533 43? 23 PATE NTKRAV An actuator (|; ll; lll) of a motor vehicle (50; 150; 250) for engaging and disengaging a drive function including a differential function, the actuator comprising an actuator for engaging and disengaging a drive function, characterized by a rotatably arranged device actuators (30; 130; 230) for engaging and disengaging at least one drive function by means of a rotational movement, wherein means (30; 140; 240) associated with the actuator are provided for engaging and disengaging at least one further drive function by means of a rotation separate from said rotation. movement. Actuating device according to claim 1, wherein said rotatably arranged operating means (30) are arranged for performing said movement different from said rotation. Actuating device according to claim 2, wherein said rotatably arranged operating means (30) is arranged to be retractable and extendable between at least a first and a second position. Actuating device according to claim 2, wherein said rotatably arranged operating means is pivotally arranged between at least a first and a second position. Actuating device according to claim 2, wherein said rotatably arranged operating means is slidably arranged between at least a first and a second position. The actuating device according to claim 2, wherein said rotatably arranged actuating means is reciprocally depressible to provide at least a first and a second actuating condition. Actuating device according to claim 2, wherein said rotatably arranged actuating means is retractably extendable to provide at least a first and a second actuating condition. 10 15 20 25 533 43? 24 Actuating device according to claim 1, wherein said rotatably arranged operating means (130; 230) integrally support means (140; 240) for effecting said movement different from said rotation. An actuator according to claim 8, wherein said means comprises a second actuator (140; 240) integrally arranged with said rotatably arranged actuator (130; 230). Actuating device according to claim 9, wherein said second actuating means is arranged to be retractable and extendable between at least a first and a second position. The actuator of claim 9, wherein said second actuator (240) is pivotally disposed between at least a first and a second position. An operating device according to claim 9, wherein said second operating means (140) is slidably arranged between at least a first and a second position. Actuating device according to claim 9, wherein said second actuating means is reciprocally pressurally arranged to provide at least a first and a second actuating state. An actuator according to claim 9, wherein said second actuator is reciprocally extendable arranged to provide at least a first and a second actuation condition. Actuating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein engaging and disengaging a differential function is arranged to be effected by means of said rotational movement of said rotatably arranged operating means (30; 130; 230) Motor vehicle comprising an actuating device (|; ll; lll) according to any one of claims 1-15.