WO2020088828A1

WO2020088828A1 - Selector device for selecting a gear of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020088828A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/074378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Hélot; Joris Mertens; Vladimir Macoun; Torsten Gallitzdorfer; Lars Baruth; Dirk Adel
Original assignee: Audi Ag
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-09-12
Publication date: 2020-05-07
Also published as: DE102018218774B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a shifting device (15) for selecting a gear (14) of an automatic transmission (13) of a motor vehicle (10). According to the invention, the shifting device (15) comprises: an engagement shaft (18) for engaging with at least one finger (34) of a user (33); a sliding element (16) located between side walls (21) of the engagement shaft (18); a holding mechanism (24) using which the sliding element (16) is held in the engagement shaft (18) so as to be movable in a forward direction (V) and an opposite reverse direction (R) starting from a rest position (25); wherein the sliding element (16) has a display device (31) which is oriented towards a shaft opening (30) of the engagement shaft (18) or projects beyond the engagement shaft (18); and wherein the sliding element (16) has a front side wall (28) oriented towards the forward direction (V) for applying at least one of said at least one finger (34) and a rear side wall (29) oriented towards the reverse direction (R) for applying at least one of said at least one finger (34).

Description

Selector device for selecting a gear level of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

DESCRIPTION:

The invention relates to a switching device for selecting a drive level of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The switching device can be used, for example, to choose between at least two of the following driving stages D (drive - forward driving), R (reverse - reverse driving) and N (neutral - idling), to name just examples of driving stages. The invention also includes a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission and the switching device according to the invention.

A selection device for an automatic transmission is known for example from DE 10 2007 037 706 A1. This known switching device is designed as a shift lever with a cross handle. A disadvantage of the design as a shift lever can be that a user accidentally covers his fingers with a display device to indicate the currently selected speed level, which makes it difficult to select the speed level.

From DE 10 2013 220 404 A1 it is known to enable the selection of a driving level by means of a scroll surface, next to which a display device for displaying the currently selected driving level is then arranged. In order to prevent inadvertent scrolling and thus changing gear, a lock button must be provided for the scroll area.

From DE 10 2015 010 026 A1 a switching device for an automatic transmission is known, which is arranged below a hand support surface. A Display device for displaying a currently selected speed level is provided separately from this switching device.

The invention is based on the object of providing a shifting device for selecting a drive level of an automatic transmission, which has a display device for displaying the currently selected drive level, which in turn should remain readable during the actuation or operation of the shifting device. The switching device should have a small footprint in order to ensure the visibility and accessibility of other operating elements.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

The invention provides a shifting device for selecting a driving stage of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. By way of example, at least two of the above-mentioned speed steps D, R, N can be provided as speed steps, wherein at least one further speed step can also be provided for the automatic transmission.

An engagement shaft is provided in the switching device, into which a user can reach or engage with at least one finger. This can be, for example, an elongated shaft that can be provided, for example, for a center console of the motor vehicle. For the actual selection of a speed level from a plurality of speed levels provided, an operating element or sliding element arranged between the side walls of the intervention is provided. A folding mechanism of the switching device is set up to hold or support the sliding element in the engagement shaft, starting from a rest position or a central position, the mobility being provided or made possible in a forward direction and an opposite backward direction. In other words is in the handle shaft a sliding element that can be moved back and forth in the engagement shaft, for example along a longitudinal direction of the handle shaft. Of course, the movement in the forward and backward directions takes place alternately or at different times. The movement is preferably parallel or at least along the side walls mentioned, ie when the sliding element is moved, it is moved between the side walls in the forward direction or in the backward direction. The switching device thus acts like a slide switch or a toggle or rotary switch that appears to be attached to a rotatably mounted cylinder. The terms “forward direction” and “backward direction” chosen here should in principle only denote two opposite directions. The forward direction is generally a first direction and the backward direction is generally a second direction opposite to the forward direction. The "forward direction" can indicate the direction in which, for example, symbols on the display device (eg letters) can be seen in the correct orientation. The symbols are then "upside down" along the "backward direction". If the switching device is installed in a motor vehicle, the forward direction preferably points to the front, that is to say forward, and the backward direction preferably to the rear of the motor vehicle, that is to say backwards.

To achieve the above object, the sliding element has a display device which is oriented toward a shaft opening of the engagement shaft or projects beyond the engagement shaft. “Aligning” the display device towards the shaft opening or arranging the display device in such a way that it protrudes from the engagement shaft means that the display device can be viewed or read from outside the intervention shaft. In other words, the user who reaches into the engagement shaft with the at least one finger looks at the display device when looking into the engagement shaft. A main emission direction of a light of the display device can thus be oriented out of the engagement shaft. In order to prevent the user from hiding this display device with the at least one finger when engaging, the sliding element has a front side wall oriented towards the forward direction for applying at least one of the at least one finger, in particular a fingertip, eg the index finger, and a rear or rear side wall oriented towards the rearward direction for placing at least one of the at least one finger, in particular a fingertip, for example the thumb. In other words, a normal vector of the respective side wall points with its flock component in the respective direction (ie the front side wall in the forward direction and the rear side wall in the backward direction). The side walls thus represent end walls of the sliding element. Thus, the sliding element can be gripped laterally or at the front and rear, ie one finger can be placed on the sliding element at the front and rear. For this purpose, the sliding element can have the shape of a cuboid or a truncated pyramid, for example. The display device can then have a top side or a top side. In other words, the display device is located between the front side wall and the rear side wall. A user can thus grip two opposite narrow sides of the sliding element with the fingers, for example with the thumb and the index finger, namely the front and the rear side wall, and the sliding element can then be displaced in the insertion shaft in the forward or backward direction. The display device is therefore arranged between the front side wall and the rear side wall. When grasping the sliding element with the fingertips of the thumb and index finger of a flange on the two side walls, the display device therefore remains visible to the user between the thumb and index finger. In addition, the sliding element has the front side wall oriented towards the forward direction and the rear side wall oriented towards the rear direction for placing one finger each, in particular only the fingertip. By pressing on the front side wall, the sliding element is then displaced in the backward direction in the engagement shaft. Pushing the rear side wall will beelement in the engagement shaft moved in the forward direction. Alternatively, instead of gripping it, the sliding element can be touched with the fingertip of one or two fingers on only one side wall and then moved or pushed away. The display device remains visible.

The invention results in the advantage that a switching device designed as a slide switch is provided for selecting the driving stage, the sliding element on its front and opposite rear side wall being able to be moved with at least one finger and thereby making it possible for the fingers to move during this operation Leave the display device uncovered or uncovered so that the display device remains legible for the user during operation. The necessary finger-holding is intuitive or compulsory for a user due to the described configuration. The display device remains visible when the switching device is operated. In addition, the switching device can be designed as a compact control panel due to the low overall height.

The invention also includes embodiments which result in additional advantages.

In one embodiment, the sliding element is arranged sunk in relation to the shaft opening in the engagement shaft and / or a surface surrounding the engagement shaft (18). In other words, the sliding element does not protrude from the engaging shaft, but the display device is lower than a plane of a shaft opening or an edge of the shaft in this arrangement. This results in the advantage that the display device is protected against scratching, for example, when an object slips across the engagement shaft. In addition, the sliding element is not in the way to place an object on the switching device. It is also avoided that the sliding element of a hand of a user stands in the way when it passes the switching device want to grab something, for example another control element and / or a shelf for a mobile device.

One embodiment provides that the sliding element is flush with a surface in which the shaft opening is formed. This has the advantage that, in addition to the advantages already mentioned, the display device can also be reliably viewed at an angle, since there can be no obstruction by the side walls of the intervention shaft.

In one embodiment, the sliding element protrudes from the engagement shaft, but in this case by less than two centimeters. In particular, it is provided that the sliding element continues to be largely arranged between the side walls of the engagement shaft. An outstanding sliding element has the advantage that it remains clearly recognizable as a movable operating element, but does not protrude so far that it is accidentally moved and / or blocks the accessibility of other operating elements.

In one embodiment, the sliding element is held monostably in said rest position by said holding mechanism in the engagement shaft. In other words, the holding mechanism is set up to automatically move the sliding element back into the rest position when the sliding element is released or unaffected, that is to say that at least one finger is removed or moved away from the sliding element. This has the advantage that the sliding element is in the same position, namely in the rest position, at the beginning of each operating process, so that it e.g. can be felt by the user without looking or blindly.

In one embodiment, two or more than two latching positions are provided by the holding mechanism for moving the sliding element from the rest position in said forward direction and / or in said backward direction. So you move the sliding element out of the Rest position out along one of the directions (forward direction or backward direction), so the user feels a locking process with at least one finger at two or more than two locking positions. In the described monostable arrangement of the sliding element, however, these latching positions are unstable, that is to say when the sliding element is released, it is nevertheless moved back into the rest position. The latching positions can be felt haptically and / or tactilely with the at least one finger that the sliding element has been deflected by a predetermined distance. This makes it possible to noticeably signal by how many speed steps the switch has already been switched on, whether by one speed step or by two speed steps.

In one embodiment, a shape of the side walls in the region of the rest position of the sliding element forms a narrow or narrow point or taper of the engagement shaft. In other words, the engagement shaft is made narrower in the area of the rest position than in areas beyond the rest position. Due to the taper, the distance of the sliding element from the side walls is in each case less than 2 millimeters, in particular less than 1 millimeter. This has the advantage that the user cannot touch the sliding element with the at least finger on the side that lies between the sliding element and one of the side walls. To grip the sliding element or to move the sliding element, the user must therefore touch the side wall oriented towards the forward direction and / or the side wall oriented towards the rear direction, or at least place a finger there. It also prevents crumbs from falling into the slot between the side walls and the sliding element.

In one embodiment, end walls of the engaging shaft outside the region of the rest position of the sliding element and / or end walls of the engaging shaft are designed in a funnel shape for the at least one finger to converge towards a shaft floor or a shaft bottom. In other words, an inclination of the side walls and / or the end walls results in the engagement areas a funnel shape or funnel-shaped taper of the access shaft. This has the advantage that the fingers are guided towards the front or rear side wall of the sliding element when reaching into the engaging shaft. A user does not have to look at the switching device in order to feel or find the front or rear side walls with the at least one finger.

In one embodiment, at least one button is arranged in at least one of the end walls and / or the side walls. Because the side wall and / or end wall are arranged obliquely, the at least one button remains visible or readable through the shaft opening.

In one embodiment, the display device, which is located on the sliding element, is set up to display the currently selected speed level in a self-illuminating or illuminated manner. In other words, the display device can display, for example, a self-illuminating D or N or R. This can be achieved, for example, by punching or leaving out the respective letter or generally a graphic symbol in a light-impermeable or opaque film or layer and by providing a lighting device or light source for backlighting the symbol. A circuit board of the display device is arranged in the sliding element for the self-illuminating display of the currently selected speed level. This has the advantage that the display device can be implemented or provided in a space-saving manner in the sliding element. There is no need for complex cabling that should lead away from the sliding element.

In one embodiment, the holding mechanism is set up to implement the movement of the sliding element in the forward direction and the backward direction as a translatory sliding movement or a straight-line movement, for example in a rail arrangement. In other words, the rail element is translationally moved in the forward or backward direction. Alternatively, in one embodiment provided that the holding mechanism allows the sliding element to be moved in the forward direction and the backward direction as a rotary movement about an axis of rotation. In other words, the sliding element is tilted in the forward or backward direction or rotated about the axis of rotation. It can therefore be provided that the sliding element is designed as an upright pendulum which can be moved or tilted or rotated in the forward direction and the backward direction. The realization of a rotary movement about an axis of rotation has the advantage that a sliding element that can be moved in an engagement shaft is realized with little mechanical effort. Tilting can be reliably avoided in particular.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission, the motor vehicle being characterized in that an embodiment of the shifting device according to the invention is provided in the motor vehicle for the selection of a driving stage of the automatic transmission. In this case, the switching device can be connected to a so-called shift-by-wire control, which can set the selected speed level in the automatic transmission.

The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus.

The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. This shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention; 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a switching device of the motor vehicle;

3 shows a schematic illustration of a longitudinal section of the switching device from FIG. 2;

4 shows a schematic illustration of a further longitudinal section of the switching device with the illustration of a circuit board of a display device;

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the circuit board of Fig. 4;

6 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the switching device with a sliding element in a rest position;

7 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the switching device with the sliding element deflected in a forward direction;

8 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the switching device with the sliding element deflected in a rearward direction; and

9 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of the switching device with the sliding element in the rest position in an engagement shaft which has a taper in the region of the rest position of the sliding element.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another represent, which further develop the invention independently of each other. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate elements that have the same function.

1 shows a motor vehicle 10, which can be a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car or truck. In the motor vehicle 10, a drive motor 11 can be coupled via an automatic transmission 12 to wheels 13 of the motor vehicle 10 in a manner known per se. In the automatic transmission 12, different speed levels 14 can be provided for selection, for example a speed level D for forward travel and / or a speed level R for reverse travel and / or a speed level N for idling. In order to set or select one of the driving stages, a switching device 15 can be provided in the motor vehicle 10, which can be provided, for example, in a center console in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 10. The switching device 15 can be arranged next to a driver's seat of the motor vehicle 10.

The switching device 15 can have a sliding element 16, by means of which one can switch between the different driving stages 14. The sliding element 16 can be arranged sunk in an engagement shaft 18 with respect to a surface 17, for example a surface of the center console, so that the sliding element 16 does not represent an obstacle when a hand, for example, moves over the surface 17. A switch 19 can also be provided by the switching device 15, by means of which a parking brake P or generally a parking mode P of the motor vehicle 10 can be activated and deactivated, for example. For the sake of clarity, it is also shown that a display area 20 can be provided, by means of which a state or Status of, for example, a driver assistance system or different functions of a driver assistance system can be displayed.

1 shows how the sliding element 16 can be arranged in the engaging shaft 18 between side walls 21 of the engaging shaft 18. At the ends of the engaging shaft 18, end walls 22 of the engaging shaft 18 can be designed in a funnel-shaped manner to a shaft bottom 23, whereby, for example, the button 19 can also be reached and / or visible from an engaging direction E, for example vertically from above, in the engaging shaft 18.

The sliding element 16 can be held or supported in the engagement shaft 18 in a monostable manner by a holding mechanism 24. Fig. 1 shows a rest position 25 of the sliding element 16, which it assumes in the unactuated and / or untouched state. The side walls 21 can have a narrow point or taper 26 in the space section in which the sliding element 16 is in the rest position 25, as a result of which there is a distance 27 between the sliding element 16 and the side walls 21 and the distance 27 is smaller than, for example, 1 Can be millimeters or 0.5 millimeters. This prevents a user from grasping the sliding element 16 from the sides.

For a better orientation, a forward direction V and a backward direction R are referred to below, the forward direction V being able to point in the forward direction of the motor vehicle and the backward direction being in the rearward direction of the vehicle when the switching device 15 is installed in the motor vehicle 10.

For the operation of the sliding element 16, that is to say for the displacement of the sliding element 16, it can have a front side wall 28 pointing in the forward direction V and a rear side wall 29 pointing in the rearward direction. A display device 31 in can be directed toward an upper side, which the sliding element 16 can have towards an engagement opening or shaft opening 30 of the engagement shaft 18 be provided to the sliding element 16. The display device 31 can signal or display a currently set or selected driving stage 14, for example, by an illuminated or self-illuminating symbol 32, for example by a corresponding illuminated letter R, N, D.

The sliding element 16 can be flush with its display device 31 with respect to the surrounding surface 17, for example with respect to the taper 26, or it can protrude by a maximum of 0.5 cm or a maximum of 2 cm from the engaging shaft 18 through the shaft opening 30.

If a user wishes to grip the sliding element 16, he will therefore intuitively attempt to reach the side walls 28, 29. These can be designed so that they are inclined so that they converge towards the shaft opening 30.

Overall, the switching device 15 is thus designed as a switching display. The sliding element 16 realizes a slide switch or rotatably mounted switch.

2 illustrates a situation in which a user 33 wants to operate the sliding element 16 of the switching device 15. In addition, due to the described configuration of the switching device 15, he can reach into the engaging shaft 18 with fingers 34, for example an index finger and a thumb, and put the fingertips of the fingers 34 against the front side wall 28 and the rear side wall 29. In other words, the user 33 can grip around or encompass the sliding element 16 with the finger 34. Since the side walls 28, 29 offer the only grip options for gripping around the sliding element 16, the use of the side walls 28, 29 is intuitively predetermined for a user 33. The fingers 34 thus form an arc over the display device 31. This has the effect that the user 33 shows display device 31 uncovered, so that the display device 31 is kept visible during operation.

FIG. 2 also illustrates a section line III of a longitudinal section, which is shown in FIG. 3. It is shown how the sliding element 16 and the shaft bottoms 23 can be designed as a one-piece component 35, which can be placed on the holding mechanism 24 or arranged on the holding mechanism 24. The holding mechanism 24 can make the sliding element 16 movable or displaceable as a translatory sliding movement 36 or as a tilting or rotating movement 37 about an axis of rotation 38. The axis of rotation 38 can be vertical in the drawing plane of FIG. 3.

4 shows an embodiment in which the holding mechanism 24 provides the rotary movement 37 about the axis of rotation 38. For example, a swivel arm or swivel element 40 can be provided here, to which the sliding element 16 can be fastened. The swivel element 40 can be rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 38.

It is also shown how two latching steps 41 can be provided by the holding mechanism 24 for the movement in the forward direction V and the backward movement R, at which a respective mechanical restoring moment in the rest position 25 is different from the restoring moment in FIGS other deflection positions. For example, a user can get a click or vibration when reaching and / or crossing the locking steps 41.

FIG. 4 also illustrates how a circuit board 42 of the display device 31 can be arranged in the sliding element 16. In order to implement the described symbols 32 as self-illuminating or illuminated elements, light sources 43 can be provided, for example light-emitting diodes, and / or a respective outline or a respective contour of each symbol 32 can be provided, for example, by means of an opaque film or of an opaque shielding element 44, in which the symbols can be realized as recesses.

FIG. 5 again illustrates a perspective illustration of a partial section of the sliding element 16 and the holding mechanism 24. It is also shown how the light sources 43 in the circuit board 42 can be optically coupled to the symbols 32 in the shielding element 44 via light guides 45, as a result of which scattering effects occur can be reduced. The circuit board 42 can be connected to a control device (not shown) via a flexible cable 42 '.

6 shows the switching device 15 with the sliding element 16 in the rest position 25 again in perspective. By means of the taper 26 and the obliquely tapering end walls 22, fingertips of the fingers 34 of the user 33 can reach towards the engaging shaft 18 when engaging Side walls 28, 29 are guided (see also Fig. 4). A user therefore does not have to look at the switching device 15 in order to find or recognize the side walls 28, 29 of the sliding element 16 with the fingers 34. In that two latching steps 41 (see FIG. 4) are provided, in the three possible driving steps R, N, D shown, by moving the sliding element 16 in the corresponding direction of movement (V, R), one driving step can be skipped and to the next but one step Speed step (for example from R to D or from D to R) can be switched. If the sliding element 16 only deflects up to the first detent step, only one drive step (from R to N or vice versa or from N to D or vice versa) is switched over.

7 shows a deflection of the sliding element 16 in the forward direction V without showing the fingers 34. When pushing forward, the speed level can be changed in the R direction, ie from D to N (one locking level 41) or R (two locking levels 41) or from N to R (one locking level 41). A diagram shows an exemplary course of an amount of a restoring torque M as a function of an amount-related deflection X in the forward direction V. 8 accordingly shows a deflection of the sliding element 16 in the backward direction R. When pushing backwards, the drive level can be changed in the direction D, that is to say from R to N (one locking level 41) or D (two locking levels 41) or from N to D (a rest step 41). A diagram shows an exemplary course of an amount of a restoring moment M as a function of an amount-related deflection X in the backward direction R.

FIG. 9 illustrates in a top view how the taper 26 of the engagement shaft 18 prevents the user from inserting a finger 34 between the sliding element 16 and the side walls 21 due to the design of the side walls 21. By comparison with the taper 26, wider or wider areas beyond the rest position 25 result in engagement areas 46 of the engagement shaft 18 which provide the user in the engagement shaft 18 with freedom of movement for fingertips of the fingers 34.

The switching device 15 thus enables an electrical or electronic changeover of the driving stages and can thus function as an SBW switching element (SBW - Shift-by-Wire). It is designed flat in that it has a sliding element 16 sunk in an engagement shaft 18, in which a display device 31 can also be integrated. The sliding element 16 can be operated with the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger. It is not necessary to cover the display device 31 with the fingers 34, so that the display device 31 remains visible during operation.

Due to its recessed arrangement in the engagement shaft 18, the sliding element 16 remains protected from being accidentally pushed and thereby operated.

The gears or speed levels of the automatic transmission are displayed by means of an illuminated display on the display device of the sliding element, the is arranged on a holding mechanism 24 that is movable in translation or rotatable in rotation. The sliding element 16 can be flush or almost flush with a surface 17, for example a center console. The display device can be gripped between the thumb and index finger, the display device remaining visible. By turning or moving or moving in the forward direction V or the reverse direction R, the gears or speed steps are changed.

The sliding element 16 can be designed as a plug-on part on a holding mechanism (see FIG. 3).

Overall, there are advantages that the display device remains visible during operation, because a user intuitively uses the side walls 28, 29 to put on the fingers. The risk of accidentally triggering the sliding element 16 is low, because it does not protrude from the engagement shaft 18 or only less than two centimeters, in particular less than 0.5 centimeters. The sliding element 16 can be moved by movements using the thumb and / or index finger. The assignment between the symbols displayed on the display device and the direction of movement of the sliding element is intuitive. All in all, the switching device results in a solution that is light in weight and simple in terms of the mechanical parts required for selecting driving stages.

Since there is no gearshift lever protruding from the center console, on which a bending moment could act, the holding mechanism can be constructed easily and / or with components which can be produced cheaply.

In particular in the vertical direction or the Z direction, the switching device is compact or saves installation space. The display device remains legible during operation and the risk of incorrect operation is minimal because the sliding element is surrounded by the side walls of the access shaft.

Overall, the examples show how a flat, rotating or sliding switching device for SBW (Shift by wire) is included with the invention Integrated display device (display) can be provided such that the display device remains visible when operating.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

Switching device (15) for selecting a gear stage (14) of an automatic transmission (13) of a motor vehicle (10), characterized by: an engagement shaft (18) for engaging with at least one finger (34) of a user (33) and

a sliding element (16) and arranged between side walls (21) of the engaging shaft (18)

a holding mechanism (24), by means of which the sliding element (16) is held in the engagement shaft (18) in a forward direction (V) and an opposite backward direction (R) starting from a rest position (25),

wherein the sliding element (16) has a display device (31) which is oriented towards a shaft opening (30) of the engaging shaft (18) or projects beyond the engaging shaft (18), and wherein the sliding element (16) projects into the front - Front side wall (28) oriented in the downward direction (V) for applying at least one of the at least one finger (34) and a rear side wall (29) oriented in the backward direction (R) for applying at least one of the at least one finger (34) having.

Switching device (15) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element (16) with respect to the shaft opening (30) and / or a surface (17) surrounding the engaging shaft (18) is sunk in the engaging shaft (18) or with the surface (17 ), in which the shaft opening (30) is formed, ends flush or protrudes from the engaging shaft (18) by less than 2 centimeters.

Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding element (16) is held monostably in the rest position (25) by the holding mechanism (24) in the engagement shaft (18).

4. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by the holding mechanism (24) for moving the sliding element (16) from the rest position (25) in the forward direction (V) and / or in the reverse direction (R) two or more than two locking positions (41) are provided in each case.

5. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a taper (26) of the engaging shaft (18) is formed by a shape of the side walls (21) in the rest position (25) of the sliding element (16), through which a distance (27) of the

Sliding element (16) from the side walls (21) is in each case less than 2 millimeters.

6. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls (21) outside the region of the rest position

(25) of the sliding element (16) and / or on end walls (22) of the engaging shaft (18) in engagement areas (46) for the at least one finger (34) are funnel-shaped to form a shaft floor (23).

7. Switching device (15) according to claim 6, wherein at least one button (19) is arranged in at least one of the side walls (21) and / or the end walls (22). 8. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (31) is set up to display the currently selected driving stage (14) in a self-illuminating manner, and for this purpose a circuit board (42) of the display device (31) in the sliding element (16) is arranged.

9. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by the holding mechanism (24) moving the sliding element (16) in the forward direction (V) and the backward direction (R) as a translational sliding movement (36) or as a rotary movement (37) around an axis of rotation (38) is realized.

10. Switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein due to the arrangement of the display device (31) between the front side wall (28) and the rear side wall (29) when gripping the sliding element (16) with fingertips of the thumb and index finger one Fland on the two side walls (28, 29) the display device (31) remains visible to the user (33) between the thumb and forefinger.

11. Motor vehicle (10) with an automatic transmission (13), characterized in that in the motor vehicle (10) a switching device (15) according to one of the preceding claims is selected for the selection of a driving stage (14) of the automatic transmission (13) .