WO2008083783A1

WO2008083783A1 - Start/stop switch device

Info

Publication number: WO2008083783A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/009741
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Hahn; Ralf Borngräber; Hendrik Trotzke
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2007-11-10
Publication date: 2008-07-17
Also published as: DE102006061368A1; CN101568450B; CN101568450A; DE102006061368B4; EP2106358A1

Abstract

A start/stop switch device (1) for a vehicle comprises a switch element (2), which can be activated by a user of the vehicle in order to start or stop a drive unit (3) of the vehicle, at least one output connection (5-7), wherein each of the at least one output connections (5-7) is suitable for activating a power supply circuit of the vehicle, a starter output (4) for activating a starter (8) of the drive unit (3), a vehicle information input (9) for detecting operating information of the vehicle, and a controller (10), which activates the output connection (5-7) and the starter output (4) as a function of the operating information of the vehicle and an activation state of the switch element (2).

Description

description

Start / stop switch device

The present invention relates to a start / stop switch device for a vehicle for starting and stopping a drive unit of the vehicle, and more particularly to a start / stop switch device having an integrated key replica.

In modern vehicles, additional equipment that allows starting and stopping the drive motor of the vehicle via a start / stop button, very popular. A strikingly attached large push-button switch replaces the combination of the steering lock and ignition key. However, the combination of the steering lock and ignition key has much more functions than just starting and stopping the drive motor of the vehicle. The combination steering lock and ignition key switches different power supply circuits of the vehicle on and off in various key positions, and can also provide an anti-theft device via a lock of the steering wheel in conjunction with a mechanical steering lock.

For example, steering lock locks are available which have the following key states:

A key-removed state in which a parking light circuit (e.g., terminal 57a) is driven; a state in which the key is inserted, but the ignition is not yet turned on, for example, to power a radio (switched positive pole of the battery, for example, terminal 30g); a state in which the ignition is turned on (for example, terminal 15); and a state in which the starter receives information for starting the drive motor of the vehicle, which can be achieved, for example, by turning and holding the key to the stop, the ignition key automatically leaves this position after a release of the ignition key to enter the Ignition position to fall back.

In addition, the combination of the starter lock and the ignition key has an authentication function with respect to the vehicle, in that only the one provided for this vehicle Ignition key can be inserted into the steering lock and can be rotated in this.

When using a start / stop button, therefore, an additional control unit is conventionally housed in the vehicle, which controls the control of the different circuits of the vehicle depending on the state of the StarWStop button and another device for detecting an authentication information. The task of this controller is also referred to as a terminal simulation or key position simulation. The authentication information is usually realized either via a keyless entry system in which the user of the vehicle carries with him a transponder, which is wirelessly interrogated by an authentication device by means of a radio, or by means of a mechanical or electronic key, which is inserted into a corresponding lock of an authentication device becomes.

In particular, in vehicles that can be optionally provided with a start / stop button for starting and stopping the drive motor of the vehicle and a conventional steering starter lock, thus resulting in two fundamentally different mounting arrangements, which leads to higher costs in the production of the vehicle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a start / stop switch device which can be used as an alternative to a conventional steering lock in a vehicle without incurring additional expense and cost of changing the wiring of the vehicle.

This object is achieved by a start ZStopp switch device for a vehicle according to claim 1 and a steering lock according to claim 11. The dependent claims define preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In the present invention, a start / stop switch device for a vehicle is provided. The start / stop switch device includes a switching element that can be operated by a user of the vehicle to start or stop a drive unit of the vehicle. The switching element may, for example, have a push-button switch which, by actuating in the switched-off state of the drive unit, causes the drive unit to be started and causes the drive unit to stop when actuated in the started state of the drive unit. The start / stop switch device further comprises at least one output terminal, wherein each of the at least one output terminals is suitable for driving a power supply circuit of the vehicle. Such a power supply circuit of the vehicle may, for example, the ignition circuit or the parking include lighting circuit. Furthermore, the starN / stop switching device comprises a starter output for driving a starter of the drive unit of the vehicle and a vehicle information input for detecting operating information of the vehicle. The starter output can control the starter, for example, directly or via an additional controller for the starter. The vehicle information input may include, for example, a connection to an information system of the vehicle, such as a CAN bus, on which information about the operating state of the drive unit of the vehicle and information about the state of motion of the vehicle are available. The start / stop switch device further includes a controller that controls the at least one output terminal and the starter output depending on the operation information of the vehicle and an operation state of the switching element. The controller can control the at least one output terminal and the starter output in such a way as is customary when using a conventional mechanical steering lock, ie the controller can simulate the various key positions of a conventional steering lock depending on the operating information of the vehicle and the operating state of the switching element.

Such a start / stop switch device provides a much more user-friendly operation of the vehicle and at the same time allows cost-effective integration of the start / stop switch device in a vehicle, which can alternatively be equipped with a conventional steering lock, since the at least one output terminal Power supply circuits of the vehicle as in the different key positions of a conventional steering starter lock can be controlled.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control of the start / stop switch device is configured to process operating information including an operating state of the drive unit of the vehicle. The operating state includes a running state indicating that the operating unit is running, i. is started, and a steady state indicating that the operating unit is not running, i. is stopped.

By processing and evaluating this operating information, the controller is able to provide suitable control of the at least one output terminal and the starter of the drive unit of the vehicle. For example, an actuation of the starter can be prevented while the drive unit is running in order to prevent damage to the starter or the drive unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control of the start / stop switch device is configured to process operating information which include an access condition of the vehicle. The access state of the vehicle includes an unlocked and a locked state. The access state can be changed, for example, by means of door lock sensors, a central locking, a remote control of a central locking or a keyless entry system.

By the access state of the vehicle is evaluated by the controller, an unauthorized starting of the vehicle can be prevented and thus additionally an anti-theft device can be provided.

According to a further embodiment, the start / stop switch device is integrated in a module, for example in a housing. In a further embodiment, the integrated in a module start / stop switch device is designed such that it can be installed in an installation space of a mechanical steering lock.

Due to the design of the start / stop switch device in a module, which can be preferably installed in an installation space of a conventional mechanical steering lock, is during the manufacture of a vehicle optional equipment of the vehicle with either the start / stop switch device or a conventional mechanical steering lock, as desired by the buyer of the vehicle possible. In addition to the simple operation of the start / stop switch device, the start / stop switch device further has the advantage of a lower risk of injury in an accident, as in contrast to a conventional steering lock lock no key protrudes, which in a crash a significant risk of injury to the Represents knee of the driver.

In an embodiment of the start / stop switch device, the start / stop switch device further comprises a driving permission detecting device that determines driving permission based on authentication information of the user of the vehicle. The control of the start / stop switch device evaluates the authentication information, and additionally controls the at least one output port and the starter output in response to the authentication information outputted from the driving authorization detection device. The authentication information can be provided, for example, by a keyless authentication system, such as a transponder system, or provided, for example, via a fingerprint scanner, which is integrated, for example, in the switching element.

The integration of the driving authorization detection device and the evaluation of the authentication information further protection of the vehicle against unauthorized use is provided. In still another embodiment of the start-stop stop switch device, the start / stop switch device has an anti-theft control output for driving an anti-theft device. The anti-theft control output is controlled by the controller in dependence on the operating information and, where appropriate, the authentication information. The anti-theft control output can be configured, for example, to control an electric steering wheel lock, an electric lock of the engine electronics or an electrical gear lock.

In addition, by providing the start / stop switch device with an anti-theft control output, further protection against unauthorized use of the vehicle is provided. For example, by using the operating information of the vehicle to drive the theft control output, it is possible to prevent an electric steering lock locked by the theft control output from being locked while the vehicle is running.

The invention further provides a steering lock with a start-stop stop switch device. The steering starter lock can be designed such that the start / stop switch device is integrated into the steering starter lock.

Such a steering lock combines the functions of a conventional steering lock with the benefits of easy operation of a StarWStopp switch device.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment.

The figure shows a schematic view of a start / stop switch device of a vehicle and other components of a vehicle, which are in communication with the StarWStopp switch device.

The figure shows a start / stop switch device 1, which has a switching element 2 and a controller 10. The switching element 2 may comprise, for example, a push-button switch. The controller 10 is connected to the switching element 2 and further includes a plurality of output terminals 5-7, a starter output 4, and a vehicle information input 9. The controller 10 controls the starter output 4 and the output terminals 5-7 in accordance with an operation state of the switching element 2 and operation information detected via the vehicle information input 9, as described below.

The operation information of the vehicle includes an operating state of a drive motor 3 of the vehicle, which indicates whether or not the drive unit 3 is running, and a moving state of the vehicle, which indicates whether the vehicle is running or stationary. The output terminal 7 is connected to, for example, a relay, not shown, for activating the ignition circuit of the vehicle so as to turn on and off the ignition current of the vehicle. The starter connection 4 is connected via a control line to the starter 8 of the vehicle in order to be able to control a starting operation of the drive unit 3 of the vehicle. The drive unit 3 outputs its current operating state via a motor control connection 17 to a vehicle information bus 16. The operating state of the drive unit 3 includes a running state indicating that the drive unit 3 is running and a standing state indicating that the drive unit 3 is not running. The operating state of the drive unit 3 is transmitted to the controller 10 via the vehicle information bus 16 and the vehicle information input 9.

If the switching element 2 is actuated by a user of the vehicle, the controller 10 first determines the current operating state of the vehicle and the drive unit 3. If the drive unit 3 is not running at this time, the controller 10 activates via the output terminal 7 the ignition circuit of the vehicle and Then, via the starter output 4, the starter 8 of the drive unit 3 is actuated. As soon as the controller 10 determines via the vehicle information input 9 that the drive unit 3 is running, the actuation of the starter 8 via the starter output 4 is canceled. If an actuation of the switching element 2 is terminated by the driver, for example in the case of a pushbutton switch by releasing the pushbutton switch before the drive unit 3 has started, the controller 10 can still operate the starter 8 for a maximum predetermined time, such as two seconds. continue to control via the starter output 4 to continue to try to start the drive unit. Alternatively, with the completion of the operation of the switching element 2, the control of the starter 8 can be canceled immediately.

If the switching element 2 is actuated and the controller 10 determines that the drive unit 3 is already running at this point in time and the vehicle is at a standstill, the ignition circuit of the vehicle is switched off via a control of the output 7. By switching off the ignition circuit of the vehicle, the drive unit 3 is stopped. On the other hand, if the vehicle is not at a standstill, an actuation of the switching element while the drive unit 3 is running is ignored. The start / stop switch device may additionally include a drive authorization detection device 11 connected to the controller 10. This driving authorization detection device can comprise, for example, an interrogation device for a transponder or a fingerprint scanner, which is arranged in the switching element 2. In the case of an interrogator for a transponder 18, which provides an electronic driving authorization, the controller 10 checks whether a transponder in the range of the start / stop switch device due to an actuation of the switching element 2 when the drive unit 3 is stopped by a query of authentication information of the transponder is present and whether its authentication information provides authorization to use the vehicle. The starter 8 is then controlled via the starter output 4 only in the case of a positive authentication. Alternatively or additionally, the driving authorization detection device 11 may, for example, have a fingerprint scanner in the switching element 2. When operating the switching element 2 when the drive unit 3 is not running, the controller 10 reads in the fingerprint data from the fingerprint scanner and compares the fingerprint data with fingerprint data stored in the controller 10, which is an authorization to start the vehicle. Again, the starter 8 is controlled via the starter output 4 only with positive authentication. In addition, the driving authorization detection device 11 can also be connected to a central locking of the vehicle, so that starting of the vehicle can only be started after a correct opening of the vehicle, which is ensured via the central locking.

The start / stop switching device 1 shown in the figure further includes an anti-theft control output 12 for driving an anti-theft device 13, the anti-theft control output 12 being driven by the controller 10 in response to the operating information of the vehicle and the driving authorization detecting device 11. The anti-theft device 13, as shown in the figure, for example, be designed such that it comprises an electric steering lock that prevents rotation of a steering column of a steering wheel steering wheel 14 in the locked state, and thus makes operation of the vehicle impossible. In addition, the anti-theft control output 12 may be connected to an anti-theft device of a drive train of the drive unit 3, wherein the transmission interlock is configured to prevent transmission of power through the transmission when a corresponding signal is output from the controller via the theft control output 12. Furthermore, the anti-theft control output 12 can control an electronic locking of an engine electronics of the vehicle.

Besides the control output 7 for driving the ignition circuit of the vehicle, the start / stop switch device 1 further includes an output terminal 6 for driving the so-called "switched plus pole" of the battery, which is used to supply consumers of the vehicle, which should be usable even when the engine is not running, but are not permanently powered to prevent premature discharge of the starter battery To control this output terminal 6, the control unit 10 uses, for example, further information of the vehicle, which is detected via the vehicle information input 9, for example, to activate the circuit for the switched positive pole of the battery whenever The unlocking information may be provided, for example, from a central locking of the vehicle via the vehicle information bus and the vehicle information input 9.

A further output terminal 5 of the starting Z-stop switch device 1 can be designed to drive a power supply circuit for the parking light (terminal 57a). Again, vehicle information acquired via, for example, the vehicle information input 9 is used to control the output terminal 5 from the controller 10. For example, the output terminal 5 can activate the parking light circuit when, for example, the drive unit 3 is stopped and the vehicle is stationary.

By having the start / stop switch device 1 having the output terminals 5-7 for driving various power circuits of the vehicle, the start / stop switch device 1 can directly replace a conventional mechanical steering lock. Alternatively, of course, the start / stop switch device is also adapted to replace a starting lock, which is not attached to a steering column, but for example, mounted in a center console. Since the start / stop switch device 1 provides the driving of the output terminals 5-7 and the starter terminal 4 analogously to the driving of a conventional mechanical ignition lock, it is possible in the manufacture of a vehicle without much effort, either as ordered by the customer, either to use a mechanical ignition lock or the start / stop switch device 1. As a result, additional costs in the production of the vehicle can be avoided and thus can be given the option to use a start / stop switch device in the vehicle, thus simplifying the operation of the vehicle, in particular even with cheaper vehicles the risk of injury is avoided by the ignition key in the knee area of the driver and on the other hand, the vehicle manufacturer is given a cost differentiation option of optional equipment or special models.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to a specific embodiment, it is not restricted thereto, but can also be used, for example, in vehicles. those who do not use a drive unit that needs to be started or stopped, such as electric vehicles. In the case of an electric vehicle, the starter output 4 provides, for example, a release for the drive unit of the vehicle. Further, the start / stop switch device according to the invention for driving other power supply circuits of a vehicle is suitable, such as for driving vehicle-specific additional equipment that must be powered only under special conditions with power. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the aforementioned activation of theft protection devices, but can be used to control any intended in the vehicle theft protection devices. Finally, the start / stop switch device is not limited to the above-described detection of authentication information by means of the above drive permission detecting means, but may also be used in conjunction with, for example, a conventional ignition key with a mechanical or electronic key for authentication.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Start / stop switch device Switching element Drive unit Starter output Output port Output port Output port Starter Vehicle information input Control Driving authorization detection device Anti-theft control output Anti-theft device Steering wheel Steering wheel pillar Vehicle information bus Engine control port Electronic driving permission

Claims

claims

A start / stop switch device (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that the start / stop switch device (1) comprises: a switching element (2) which can be operated by a user of the vehicle, a drive unit (3) of the vehicle to start or stop, at least one output terminal (5-7), wherein each of the at least one output terminals (5-7) is suitable for driving a power supply circuit of the vehicle, a starter output (4) for driving a starter ( 8) of the drive unit (3) of the vehicle, a vehicle information input (9) for detecting operating information of the vehicle and a controller (10) which, depending on the operating information of the vehicle and an operating state of the switching element (2), the at least one output terminal (5) 7) and the starter output (4) controls.

2. StanV / stop switch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (10) is designed for processing operating information, which include an operating state of the drive unit (3) of the vehicle, wherein the operating state of the drive unit (3). a running state indicating that the drive unit (3) is running and a standing state indicating that the drive unit (3) is not running.

The start / stop switch device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller (10) processes operation information including an access state of the vehicle, the access state of the vehicle including an unlocked state and a locked state.

4. start / stop switch device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the start / stop switch device (1) is integrated in a module.

5. start / stop switch device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the integrated in a module start / stop switch device (1) is configured such that it can be installed in an installation space of a mechanical steering lock.

6. start / stop switch device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the start / stop switch device (1) further comprises a Fahrberechtig- gungserfassungseinrichtung (11), which on the basis of an authentication information of the user of Vehicle determines a driving authorization, wherein the controller (10) the at least one output terminal (5-7) and the starter output (4) additionally in response to an output of the driving authorization detection device (11) controls.

7. start / stop switch device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the at least one output terminals (5-7) is configured for driving an ignition circuit of the vehicle.

The start / stop switch device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the start / stop switch device (1) further comprises an anti-theft control output (12) for driving an anti-theft device (13), the anti-theft control output (13). 12) is controlled by the controller (10) in dependence on the operating information of the vehicle.

9. start / stop switch device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the anti-theft control output (12) for driving an electric steering wheel lock (13) is configured.

10. start / stop switch device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the anti-theft control output (12) is configured for driving an electric transmission lock.

11. steering lock with a start / stop switch device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Steering starter lock according to claim 11, characterized in that the start / stop switch device (1) is integrated in the steering starter lock.