AU737240B2 - A drive authority system with a switch assembly - Google Patents

Description

4* Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A SiANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

0 0 0 *0*0 Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Robert Bosch GmbH of ZGE/ZGM Central, Postfach 30 02 20, D-70442 Stuttgart, Germany Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia Invention Title: "A drive authority system with a switch assembly" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: PQ3304/99 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: -1- Q:\OPER\DH\PQ3304.CAP P:OPER\DH\2253630.CAP 1/2/00 -2- A DRIVE AUTHORITY SYSTEM WITH A SWITCH ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a drive authority system with a switch assembly which includes a selector which is biased to return to an initial position from any one of a plurality of other positions.

Background of the Invention Drive authority systems for vehicles have developed to a point where a mechanical ignition switch is no longer required. The drive authority systems can use a transponder system which allows them to detect and interrogate a key including a transponder when o the key is in within a pre-determined range of the vehicle or a component of the vehicle.

If the transponder after interrogation is verified as corresponding to a valid key of the vehicle, then a drive authority can be issued by the system which allows the engine of the vehicle to be started. Drive authority systems of this type are sometimes referred to as "PASSIVE GO" systems. The systems need to take into account procedures for starting the vehicle, invoking the steering lock system of the vehicle and providing a driver with 20 access to other controls normally associated with a traditional ignition switch. One of the inherent difficulties of a passive go system is that because there is no mechanical key to remove, a switch arrangement of the system can be inadvertently left in a state which compromises the security or safety of the vehicle. For example, keyless ignition selectors are disclosed in German Patent No. DE 19814964 Al and European Patent No.

EP 0426114, however, there is no disclosure of a rotary selector which automatically returns to an initial position, after being switched to any one of a plurality of other positions. German Patent No. DE 19811872 C1 on the other hand discloses a rocker switch for ignition/start of a vehicle motor, which includes momentary switch positions but the rocker construction of the switch is less intuitive and comfortable for use with a full range of conventional switch positions and associated vehicle functions. The purpose P:\OPER\DH\2253630.CAP- 1/200 -3of the present invention is to provide a more intuitive and easy to use selector in a drive authority system.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a drive authority system with a switch assembly for activating a plurality of vehicle functions, in particular motor start, characterised by: a rotary selector movable between an initial position and any one of a plurality of other positions associated with separate vehicle functions; and S: bias means for returning the selector from any of the other positions, to the initial S. position, upon release of the selector by an operator of the switch assembly.

.oooo 0 Preferably, the other positions correspond to ACC, IGN, OFF, START or LOCK functions, or a selection thereof.

Preferably, movement of the selector to one of the other positions triggers a security dialogue before motor start is permitted.

20 Preferably,the selector is in the form of a knob which is adapted for push movement in order to move out of the initial position to trigger the security dialogue and IGN function.

Preferably, the START function is accessed by pushing and turning the knob.

Preferably, the selector positions are arranged in different planes.

Alternatively, the initial position and the other positions are in a common plane.

Preferably, turning of the knob to access the other positions is electromechanically P:\OPER\DH\2253630.CAP U100 -4inhibited until driver authentication is established.

Preferably, the assembly includes electrical contacts or sensors which are selectively engaged upon movement of the selector out of the initial position, for effecting the associated vehicle functions.

Preferably, the initial position corresponds to the selector adopting a central electrically isolated condition.

Preferably, the system further includes a key with a transponder, and a control system for interrogating and verifying the transponder.

~Preferably, the system includes control means which determines one of the vehicle functions to be adopted based on a selector position and status of activation of other 15 operating means, including one or more of a hand brake, foot brake, accelerator pedal, S clutch or gear selector.

Brief Description of the Drawings :i 20 A preferred embodiment of the invention is hereinafter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle drive authority system with a switch assembly, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a diagram of operation of a first preferred embodiment of a selector of the switch assembly; Figure 3 is a diagram of operation of a second preferred embodiment of the selector; Figure 4 is a diagram of operation of a third preferred embodiment of the selector; Figure 4a is a representation of a preferred form of selector; and Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a switch assembly of the invention.

P:\OPER\DH\2253630.CAP 2100 Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment A drive authority system 1 of Figure la comprises a switch assembly 2 coupled to a controller 3 which is in turn connected to a plurality of vehicle component modules 4.

The switch assembly includes a selector 5, shown diagrammatically in Figure lb as a rotatable knob 6 which has an optional central opening 7 for insertion of a key which is preferably in the form of a transponder key. The selector 6 may be moved from an initial neutral position 8 in a first direction, being in an axial direction or plane and subsequently rotated between a first and second position 9, 10. Moving the selector out of the initial position effects closure of a switch 11 which closes a circuit 12 and is indicated in the controller 3 by a "PUSH" status. The pushed in condition of the selector corresponds to a third position whereat a security dialogue is established with the key to check driver •authority. If appropriate driver authority is not received the selector is prevented from .#oo•i 0 subsequent movement to the active first and second positions by a suitable electromechanical lock (not shown). If, however, authorisation is confirmed, the lock is disabled to allow subsequent rotation of the selector to the left or right, to the positions 9 or 10, so as to close an associated circuit 13 or 14 to indicate in the controller whether the selector has been turned to the left or right. The movement of the selector need not, of course, be in any particular or strict rectilinear or rotationary path so long as the final end 20 positions are achieved. For example, relatively arbitrary movement may be possible between the neutral position 8 and the first and second positions 9,10.

As a result of the selector movement, the controller determines which vehicle function should be engaged. For example, if the circuit 12 is closed the electrical accessories of the vehicle may be turned on whilst turning the selector to the position 9 may effect engagement of the steering lock and turning the selector to the right activates a start sequence of the vehicle, to start the vehicle motor.

The switch assembly may be provided with associated LEDs 15 or the like which indicate the particular function which is selected. The vehicle functions are engaged by P:\OPER\DH\2253630.CAP 1/2/00 -6the controller dependent upon input from the selector possibly in combination with the status input from other vehicle operating means/component modules 4 related to the status of, for example, a hand brake, foot brake, accelerator pedal, clutch or gear selector. For example, the controller may only allow the engine to be started if the gear lever is in a neutral gear or park position, as determined by reference to the gear lever position module 16.

Figure 2 illustrates operation of the selector 6, where PN indicates the initial neutral position of the selector and P2 and P3 indicate the first and second positions 9 and 10 10 whilst P1 represents the selector in a position axially advanced from PN.

Figure 3 shows an alternative selector operation, where two further positions P4 "and P5 are provided. These are preferably in the same plane as the initial position of the selector.

Figure 4 illustrates yet another preferred selector operation sequence, where ignition, neutral and off positions 17,18,19 are provided for in a single rotationary or S"linear plane and a start position 20 is arranged in a second plane. Again, the end positions may be accessed in an arbitrary fashion and movement between same need not be 20 constrained to the path indicated.

A further preferred embodiment of the actual selector is shown in Figure 4a where the selector may be operated in one of three possible ways: In a first variant, the push function is utilised only at an IGN position to enable moving of the selector to START. The selector is then spring forced to return to NEUTRAL (Zero degrees), as with other embodiments; In a second variant, the selector does not have any push function at all. a soft ratchet may instead be provided at the IGN position. The ratchet position gives a tactile feedback of the location of the IGN position. The spring force is strong enough to overcome the soft ratchet and return the selector to NEUTRAL.

P:\OPER\DH\2253630.CAP I/2/00 -7- In a third variant, the selector again does not have a push function and may move freely to OFF or IGN positions. However, the selector is still self-returning to a neutral (spring forced) position. In any of the above described embodiments, an electromagnetic lock or the like, as mentioned with reference to Figure 1, may be included for additional security to block/clear advancement of the selector to the START position.

Other selector modes of operation may be provided, as appropriate. For example, all of the selector positions may be in a linear arrangement with the possibility of additional functions being actuable by combining inputs from other vehicle functions. In that regard the selector may have only three possible positions yet may actuate any i number of desired functions dependent upon the status of associated vehicle components, such as a hand brake, foot brake, gear shifter, zero engine speed etc. or the selector itself may be differently constructed, such as in the form of a joy-stick with a centre position of to the joy-stick corresponding to the initial neutral position. In any event, it is important that the selector returns to the initial position after the various vehicle functions have been enacted. This is achieved by providing any suitable bias means such as a spring arrangement or the like. The selector, when in the initial position, is preferably electrically isolated from the controller 3 by virtue of circuit 12 being open.

tot" 20 One preferred form of switch assembly 2 is shown in Figure 5 as comprising the %.ooselector mounted on a central shaft 30. The shaft passes through a bias device 31, which includes springs to resist axial and rotational movement of the selector. The shaft is adapted to move within a housing 32 of the assembly such that the selector effects movement, as required, to positions described for example in Figures 2 to 4a. The shaft 30 terminates in an end section 33 which includes projections such as 34,35,36 which serve as cam surfaces to actuate associated switches 38,39,40 to form circuits such as 12,13,14 with the controller 3. For example, advancing the selector from the position shown forces the projection 34 into engagement with the switch 38 to close the circuit 12 of Figure 1 and turn the "ACC" function on. The projection 34 extends at least partially circumferentially about the shaft 30 so that the selector, even in a rotated condition, P:\OPER\DH\ 14836-00 r I .doc-22/0601 -8maintains the ACC in an on condition whilst one of the projections 35,36 and an associated switch 39,40 are engaged, to effect one of the other functions of the vehicle such as IGN or LOCK, by closing associated circuits 13, 14. The switches 38,39,40 are preferably mounted on a circuit board 41 for ease of installation and electrical coupling to the controller 3.

As may be appreciated, the switch assembly of the invention has a difference over existing switch arrangements in that the selector is automatically returned to an initial neutral position. This provides a significant advantage in that the selector will not be left 10 in an inappropriate position and, further, the system can detect when driver authority is Sremoved such as when an operator leaves the vehicle and activates the door lock system 29.

The switch assembly and system have been described by way of non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described.

•oo• o The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the 20 common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (13)

1. A drive authority system with a switch assembly for activating a plurality of vehicle functions, in particular motor start, characterised by: a rotary selector movable between an initial position and any one of a plurality of other positions associated with separate vehicle functions; and bias means for returning the selector from any of the other positions, to the initial position, upon release of the selector by an operator of the switch assembly. 10

2. A drive authority system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other positions correspond to ACC, IGN, OFF, START or LOCK functions, or a selection thereof. o

3. A drive authority system as claimed in claim 2, wherein movement of the selector o to one of the other positions triggers a security dialogue before motor start is permitted.

4. A drive authority system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the selector is in the form of a knob which is adapted for push movement in order to move out of the initial position to trigger the security dialogue and IGN function. 20

5. A drive authority system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the START function is accessed by pushing and turning the knob.

6. A drive authority system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the selector positions are arranged in different planes.

7. A drive authority system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the initial position and the other positions are in a common plane.

8. A drive authority system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein turning of the knob to access the other positions is electromechanically inhibited until driver P:\OPER\DH\2253630. CAP U2/00 authentication is established.

9. A drive authority system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly includes electrical contacts or sensors which are selectively engaged upon movement of the selector out of its initial position for effecting the associated vehicle functions.

A drive authority system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the initial position corresponds to the selector adopting a central electrically isolated 10 condition.

11. A drive authority system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a key with a transponder, and a control system for interrogating and verifying the transponder.

12. A drive authority system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the system includes control means which determines one of the vehicle functions to be adopted based on a selector position and status of activation of other operating means, including one or more of a hand brake, foot brake, accelerator pedal, clutch or gear selector.

13. A drive authority system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. DATED this 1st day of February, 2000 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH By DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the applicant