DE102007026303A1 - Device for acquiring and evaluating the gear selection in a vehicle comprises a magnetic sensor element for detecting three spatial components of a magnetic field - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for acquiring and evaluating the gear selection in a vehicle comprises a magnetic sensor element (3) for detecting three spatial components of a magnetic field. Preferred Features: The gear selector comprises an actuating section (4) and a switching section (5) to which is fixed either a magnet (2) or the magnetic sensor element. The actuating section and the switching section are longitudinal sections with longitudinal axes which are not parallel.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for detection and evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle by means of a Magnetic field sensor.

in the Course of the increasing use of electronics in motor vehicles is in more and more vehicles, no mechanical gear lever, the interacts directly with the gearbox, more used. Instead The position of the gear selector lever is determined electronically and the corresponding gear without further action of the user placed on the gearbox.

From the DE 41 08 388 A1 For this purpose, it is known to attach a magnet at the lower end of the gear selector lever and to detect the position of this magnet via a plurality of magnetic field sensors. This requires one magnetic field sensor per position of the gear selector lever. Since the printed circuit board on which the sensors are arranged is usually flat, the magnet attached to the gear selector lever moves on a spherical surface, however DE 41 08 388 A1 to use magnetic flux guiding elements to bridge the changing distance between magnet and sensor.

It The object of the present invention, the space requirements and the cost of magnetic detection of the selector lever position reduce and compact device for the detection and to provide evaluation of the gear selection in a motor vehicle.

These Task is performed by a device for capturing and Evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle according to the solved present invention.

A Device for detecting and evaluating gear selection in a motor vehicle according to the present Invention has a selector lever, with which the user can set the desired gear. The selector lever may be provided with a handle at its upper end, to the user a secure gripping the selector lever allow. On the handle, the arrangement of the gears be displayed so that the user can recognize in which Position he must move the selector lever to a desired gear select. This is firstly required because of the position the reverse gear not on all vehicles is uniform. There are also in the area of Automatic transmission does not have the same adjustment options on every vehicle.

A The device according to the invention furthermore has at least a magnet and at least one magnetic sensor element. To the desired functionality for selection a gear in a motor vehicle, it is sufficient each to provide a magnet and a magnetic sensor element. It but may also be desirable, two or more magnets and Use magnetic sensor elements to obtain a redundant system. Then the device still remains functional, if one of the magnets and / or one of the magnetic sensor elements fails, and The vehicle can be safely controlled further.

It is also possible, all magnets and magnetic sensor elements at the same time in operation and a gear change, for example only if only two magnets are available and magnetic sensor elements both magnetic sensor elements the same Report event. Thus lead to temporary disturbances in the control electronics of one of the two magnetic sensor elements not an undesirable and possibly dangerous Change of the inserted gear.

Of the Magnet, for example, be a permanent magnet, the permanent has a magnetic field, or an electromagnet, the only one Magnetic field when it is supplied with power, for example only during operation of the motor vehicle.

Around the inventive device for the Recording and evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle as possible to keep compact and to reduce manufacturing costs is provided make the magnetic sensor element suitable for three to detect spatial components of a magnetic field. To obtain the highest possible accuracy, stand the three spatial components of the magnetic field to each other perpendicular.

The Use of a magnetic sensor element that is suitable, three spatial Detecting components of a magnetic field allows it with a single magnetic sensor element all positions of the selector lever to record and evaluate. In every position of the selector lever is at least one of the three spatial components of the Magnetic field different compared to the other positions of the Selector lever, allowing an unambiguous assignment of the measured Magnetic field components to the positions of the selector lever is possible.

Apart from the separate evaluation of the individual components of the magnetic field, it is also possible to use the magnitude of the magnetic field vector for the determination of the position of the selector lever. This allows for additional protection the determination of the position of the selector lever from the measured values for the components of the magnetic field.

These absolute detection of the spatial orientation of the magnet or the magnetic sensor element on the switching portion of the selector lever allows any layout of the switching positions. It can Switching ranges are defined and intermediate ranges are recorded, at the movement of the selector lever in a new switching position to carry out preparatory actions.

The Switching ranges can be designed so that all tolerances the operating mechanism are caught.

One suitable magnetic sensor element may, for example, from three conventional Hall sensors consist, each offset by 90 ° to each other are and are integrated in a common housing. Such a magnetic sensor element can thus have a single Pair of printed conductors on a circuit board are powered, and it no longer needs a power supply to every single Hall sensor be planned. Also the required data lines can be summarized thereby. Thus, a more compact structure not only of the magnetic sensor element itself, but also the associated one electronic circuit allows. Another advantage is that the measurements for the three spatial directions quasi done in one point and thus a more accurate position determination is possible.

The Magnetic sensor element can advantageously also more than three Hall sensors exhibit. This allows the additional evaluation the gradient of the magnetic field, thereby determining the position can be further improved. So, for example by gradient determination possibly occurring ambiguities of the Signals of the Hall sensors are corrected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention Device, the selector lever has an operating section and a switching section. As operating section, the part of the Selector lever called, starting from the camp, with the the selector lever in the center console of the vehicle or on another position of the vehicle - for example in the steering column - is attached, for the User is at least partially accessible and usually at the top is provided with a handle.

Of the Switching section of the selector lever is part of the selector lever, which is not accessible to the user who so for example, is located within the center console. At the Switching portion of the selector lever is in a preferred Embodiment of the invention Device either the magnet (or in the case of a redundantly designed Systems the magnets) or the magnetic sensor element (or in the case a redundant system, the magnetic sensor elements attached).

The Device according to the invention can also be a selector lever have, in which guided the operating portion of the selector lever becomes. The selector lever guide can with the Center console to be firmly connected. When the operating section of the selector lever is guided in the selector lever, are the possible positions of the selector lever are restricted. This facilitates the assignment of the measured components of the magnetic field to the individual positions of the selector lever.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention Device are both the operating section and the switching section essentially elongated sections of the selector lever, each having a longitudinal axis and whose longitudinal Axes are parallel to each other. For example, you can the longitudinal axes of operating section and switching section coincide, whereby the switching section an extension of the operating section - if necessary on the opposite Side of the bearing that secures the selector lever to the vehicle is - represents.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention Device are the longitudinal axes of operating section and switching section not parallel to each other. You can, for example, yourself intersect at one point at an angle or be skewed, d. H. have no point in common. This allows a particularly compact and space-saving construction of the invention Device for detecting and evaluating gear selection in a motor vehicle, since the switching section with the magnet or the magnetic sensor element and consequently also the respective other detection component (Magnetic sensor element or magnet) can be arranged where it allows the rest of the construction of the motor vehicle. In particular, when the longitudinal axes of operating section and switching section include an acute angle, so that the switching section in a similar direction extends like the operating section, can be a particularly compact and space-saving device for recording and evaluation the gear selection can be achieved in a motor vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention either the magnet or the magnetic sensor element is attached directly to the bearing element of the selector lever. The bearing element then also serves as Switching section of the selector lever.

The For example, bearing element may be substantially spherical be and held in spherical section bearing shells be used to store the selector lever. Then the magnet or the magnetic sensor element at a location of the spherical Bearing element that is not held by the bearing shells attached be. This allows an even more compact and space-saving design the device according to the invention for the detection and evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, other types of bearings, such. B. a sliding gate, are used.

A Another preferred embodiment of the invention Device further comprises a circuit for evaluation of the magnetic sensor element supplied signals, a control unit and an interface on. The control unit is preferably used to generate control commands for the actuators of the gear unit, which the gear selection in the gearbox. The generated by the control unit Control commands are transmitted to the transmission unit via the interface provided. For example, the interface can be the controller Area Network (CAN) standard, in which case the control commands via a CAN bus system are transmitted to the transmission unit.

Based of the drawings, the invention is explained in detail below. It shows:

1a and 1b schematic representations of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention for the detection and evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle with two different selector lever guides;

2 a more detailed account of the in 1a marked section; and

3a - 3d schematic representations of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention for the detection and evaluation of gear selection in a motor vehicle with four different relative arrangements of operating section and switching section of the selector lever.

In 1a and 1b show two variants of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, which differ by the selector lever guides. Common to both variants is the selector lever ( 1 ), which is in an operating section ( 4 ) and a switching section ( 5 ) is divided.

Operating section ( 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) are substantially cylindrical portions of the selector lever ( 1 ). The operating section ( 4 ), starting from the bearing ball ( 6 ) facing the user and at the top with a handle ( 10 ) Mistake.

The operating section ( 4 ) is in a selector lever guide ( 8th ), which are provided with a recess ( 9 ) and thus the possible positions of the selector lever ( 1 ). In the 1a shown selector lever guide ( 8th ) has a recess ( 9 ), which is suitable for motor vehicles with automatic transmission. The positions for P (park position), R (reverse), N (idle), D (drive position) and S (drive position, only to second gear) of the automatic transmission are available via the left lane. Via the right hand track, which is connected to the left hand track so that the selector lever ( 1 ) can switch between the two lanes only from a certain position, the positions M (manual gear selection), M + (one gear up) and M- (one gear down) are available.

In the 1b shown selector lever guide ( 8th ) has a recess ( 9 ), which is suitable for motor vehicles with manually operable manual transmission. The recess ( 9 ) allows the selector lever ( 1 ) in six switching positions, two of which are located at the front and at the rear end of one of the three tracks. The three tracks are interconnected so that the selector lever ( 1 ) can only switch between the lanes from a certain position. The six shift positions correspond to gears 1 to 5 and reverse gear.

Both versions together again is the magnet ( 2 ), which at the lower end of the switching section ( 5 ) is attached. The switching section ( 5 ) is, starting from the bearing element ( 6 ), away from the user. The longitudinal axes of operating section ( 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) are coaxial.

The magnet ( 2 ) is a permanent magnet, wherein the north and south pole of the permanent magnet lie substantially in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the switching element ( 5 ). However, a different orientation of the permanent magnet is also possible.

Below the magnet ( 2 ) is a magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) arranged the spatial components of the magnetic field of the magnet ( 2 ) measures. From these measurements, the position of the magnet ( 2 ) relative to the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) and thus also the position of the selector lever ( 1 ).

The essentially spherical bearing element ( 6 ) is in the bearing shells ( 7 ) held with spherical section-shaped inner surfaces so as to to store the selector lever.

In 2 is a more detailed account of the in 1a marked section shown. Here it is shown that the magnet ( 2 ) a permanent magnet with a north pole ( 2a ) and a south pole ( 2 B ) lying substantially in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the switching element ( 5 ).

The magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) is an integrated electronic component, which is arranged together with other electronic components for driving on a printed circuit board. The circuit board can be connected via a cable with other electronic circuits, for example, for evaluation of the signals supplied by the magnetic sensor element.

The magnet ( 2 ) opposite surface of the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) is in the in 1a shown position of the selector lever ( 1 ) substantially parallel to the plane in the North Pole ( 2a ) and South Pole ( 2 B ) of the magnet ( 2 ) lie. This allows movements of the selector lever ( 1 ) in all directions with approximately the same accuracy.

In the 3a - 3d four variants of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention are shown, which are characterized by the relative arrangement of operating section (FIG. 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) of the selector lever ( 1 ).

Starting from the bearing element ( 6 ) upwards in the direction of the handle ( 10 ) correspond to all four variants of in 1b shown variant of the first embodiment, a selector lever guide ( 8th ) has a manually operated manual transmission.

In contrast to the first embodiment, in which the longitudinal axes of operating section (FIG. 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) are arranged coaxially, are in the in the 3a - 3d shown second embodiment of the longitudinal axes of operating section ( 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) not parallel to each other.

This makes it possible, the switching section ( 5 ) with the magnet ( 2 ) and close to the magnet ( 2 ) to be arranged magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) to be arranged so that the inventive device for detecting and evaluating the gear selection in a motor vehicle can be realized as compact and compact as possible. The available space in the center console can thus be optimally utilized.

Also in the second embodiment, the magnet ( 2 ) opposite surface of the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) in the in 3a - 3d shown center position of the selector lever ( 1 ) substantially parallel to the plane, in the north pole and south pole of the magnet ( 2 ) lie. As a result, even with an angled relative arrangement of operating section ( 4 ) and switching section ( 5 ) Movements of the selector lever ( 1 ) in all directions with approximately the same accuracy.

An exemplary shift operation with a device for detecting and evaluating gear selection in a motor vehicle according to the present invention proceeds as follows:
The magnet is initially in an output switching position relative to the magnetic sensor element, the resulting position of the selector lever is thus clearly assigned and the circuit electronics known.

Of the User actuates the selector lever during the switching process in the direction of the new position to be selected. Thereby The magnet moves on a circular path from the output switching position over several Intermediate positions in the Endschaltstellung the position to be switched.

While This movement measures the magnetic sensor element to be evaluated Components of the magnetic field and the controller of the electronic circuit From this, calculate the position of the magnet in space and compare this with the stored layout for the selector lever available switching positions.

Becomes reaches a threshold for the new position, gives the Sensor unit of the circuit electronics a corresponding signal to the control unit of the electronic circuit. This solves then the actions relevant to the new position Actuators z. B. in the transmission unit.

1

selector lever

2

magnet

2a

North pole of the magnet ( 2 )

2 B

South pole of the magnet ( 2 )

3

Magnetic sensor element

4

operating section

5

switching section

6

bearing element

7

bearings

8th

selector lever guide

9

recess

10

Handle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4108388 A1 [0003, 0003]

Claims (8)

Device for detecting and evaluating gear selection in a motor vehicle, comprising a selector lever ( 1 ), at least one magnet ( 2 ) and at least one magnetic sensor element ( 3 ), characterized in that the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) is capable of detecting three spatial components of a magnetic field. Device according to claim 1, wherein the selector lever has an operating section ( 4 ) and a switching section ( 5 ) on which either the magnet ( 2 ) or the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) is attached. Device according to claim 2, wherein the operating section ( 4 ) and the switching section ( 5 ) are substantially elongated portions whose longitudinal axes are parallel. Device according to claim 2, wherein the operating section ( 4 ) and the switching section ( 5 ) are substantially elongated portions whose longitudinal axes are not parallel. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switching section serves as a bearing element, on which the selector lever is movable is stored. Device according to one of claims 2-5, wherein the device further comprises a selector lever guide and wherein the operating portion of the selector lever in the selector lever guide to be led. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a circuit for evaluating the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ), a control unit for generating control commands for performing the gear selection and an interface for providing the control commands. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic sensor element ( 3 ) is also suitable for evaluating the gradient of the magnetic field.