Gear selector shift lever device, gear selector shift lever arrangement for a vehicle, and method for securing a gear selector shift lever device

A gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle is presented, which comprises a housing and an attachment device connected to the housing, wherein the housing has a cover surface, on which a shift lever can be or is disposed, and wherein the attachment device connected to the housing has a shaft and an eccentric disk coupled to the shaft, wherein a center of the eccentric disk lies outside the shaft axis of the shaft, wherein the attachment device is designed to connect the gear selection shift lever device to a mount for the gear selection shift lever device that can be or is attached to the vehicle, when the eccentric disk is moved about the shaft axis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application PCT/EP2015/062795, filed Jun. 9, 2015, and claims the benefit and priority of German Patent Application DE 10 2014 212 774.2, filed Jul. 2, 2014, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle, a corresponding gear selection shift lever assembly, and a method for attaching a gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle.

2. Background Information

A motor vehicle has numerous components that have to be installed in the production thereof, or replaced for servicing and maintenance purposes. Screw connections, together with further fastening elements, are often used thereby.

A shifting device attached in a fixed manner in a motor vehicle for actuating a gearwheel shifting transmission is presented in the patent application DE 199 53 958 A1, wherein the connection between the motor vehicle and the gearshift device comprises a mount.

BRIEF SUMMARY

With this background, the present invention creates an improved gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle, a corresponding gear selection shift lever assembly, which comprises the gear selection shift lever device, and an improved method for attaching a gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle on a mount for the gear selection shift lever device in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous designs can be derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

Using an eccentric disk, a gear selection shift lever device for a mechanical actuation of a motor vehicle transmission can be implemented, which can be mounted with a simple construction in an inexpensive and efficient manner.

An eccentric disk can be used as a reliable and easily adjustable attachment means for a gear selection shift lever device, in order to create a force-fitting, and additionally or alternatively a form-fitting connection between the gear selection shift lever device and a mount for the gear selection shift lever device. In accordance with different embodiments, the connection can be created directly through the eccentric disk, or by using an additional attachment element, which can be moved in a translatory manner when the eccentric disk rotates, in order to create the connection between the gear selection shift lever device and the mount for the gear selection shift lever device.

A gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle comprises the following features: a housing having a cover surface, on which a shift lever can be or is disposed; and an attachment device connected to the housing, having a shaft and an eccentric disk coupled to the shaft, wherein a center of the eccentric disk lies outside a shaft axis of the shaft, and wherein the attachment device is designed to connect the gear selection shift lever device with a mount for the gear selection shift lever device that can be or is connected to the vehicle, when the eccentric disk is moved about the shaft axis.

The gear selection shift lever device can be a mechanical gear selection shift lever device. The gear selection shift lever device preferably comprises a shift lever, which can be constructed comparably simply in a single piece. The shift lever can be hinged at the bottom to an end of a shift rod of a motor vehicle transmission. The shift lever can represent a gearshift knob that can be actuated by a user, or it can serve as a mounting element for such a gearshift knob. The mount can be designed as a frame, and substantially encompass the gear selection shift lever device when installed. The mount can have a shape thereby, into which the gear selection shift lever device can be placed or inserted. Using the attachment device, a force-fitting, and additionally or alternatively form-fitting connection can be created between the gear selection shift lever device and the mount. An eccentric disk can be understood to be a clamping eccentric. An attachment device can be understood to be a quick-clamping device. The mount can be understood to be a support.

The attachment device can have an eccentric-actuation lever coupled to the shaft, which is designed to move the eccentric disk about the shaft axis when the eccentric actuation lever is actuated. Advantageously, due to the use of an eccentric actuation lever, there is no need to use an additional tool for installation.

The eccentric actuation lever can be designed such that it can pivot as a result of the actuation, between an open position, oriented substantially parallel to the cover surface, and a clamping, closed position, oriented substantially transverse to the cover surface. The eccentric actuation lever can be pivoted manually thereby. When in the clamping, closed position, the eccentric actuation lever can be oriented in a direction substantially opposing the shift lever. As such, a movement of the eccentric actuation lever over approximately 90° can bring it from the open position into the clamping, closed position, wherein the eccentric actuation lever can be disposed, when in the closed state, i.e., in the clamping, closed position, such that it is not disruptive, and is beyond the reach of a driver or operator of the vehicle.

It is also beneficial when the attachment device comprises a further eccentric disk coupled to the shaft. A center of the eccentric disk may lie outside the shaft axis of the shaft thereby. The eccentric disks can be disposed on opposing sides of the housing. The eccentric disks can be designed to engage in grooves in the mount. By this means, the gear selection shift lever device can be connected to the mount at two points. In order to create numerous clamping points on the mount, the attachment device can have numerous eccentric disks, which in turn can be connected to a connecting rod. The eccentric actuation lever can function as a connecting rod.

The housing can have a projection on an end surface adjoining the cover surface. The eccentric disk and a first sub-shaft of the shaft, coupled to the eccentric disk, can be disposed on a first side of the projection. The further eccentric disk and a second sub-shaft of the shaft, coupled to the further eccentric disk, can be disposed on a second side of the projection, lying opposite the first side. The eccentric actuation lever can encompass the projection. The eccentric actuation lever can be coupled to the one eccentric disk via the first sub-shaft. The eccentric actuation lever can be coupled to the further eccentric disk via the second sub-shaft. The first sub-shaft and the second sub-shaft can be coupled to one another via a connecting rod. The shaft can be inserted through a hole in the projection thereby. Alternatively, the first sub-shaft and the second sub-shaft can be coupled indirectly, or not at all, and the shaft can be divided by the projection.

The attachment device can have at least one attachment pin. The eccentric disk can be designed to move the attachment pin transverse to the shaft axis in a linear manner, in order to move one end of the attachment pin into a recess in the mount. When the attachment pin is moved into the recess, the gear selection shift lever device can be connected to the mount. The recess can be designed as a bore hole or a blind hole. The recess can be designed for a form-fitting reception of the end of the attachment pin. Advantageously, the attachment pin can create a form-fitting connection of the gear selection shift lever device, or the attachment device, respectively, with mount.

Furthermore, the attachment device can have at least one further attachment pin. The eccentric disk can be designed thereby to move the other attachment pin transverse to the shaft axis, in a linear manner, in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the one attachment pin, in order to move an end of the other attachment pin into another recess in the mount. By this means, the gear selection shift lever device can be connected to the mount.

Thus, the attachment device can be designed to move the two attachment pins in two opposing directions starting from the eccentric disk, when the eccentric disk is rotated. Thus, a rotational movement of the eccentric disk can be transformed into translational movements of the one attachment pin and the further attachment pin in two opposing directions.

The housing can have at least one latching element, which is designed to latch into a complementary latching element of the mount, in order to connect the mount to the gear selection shift lever device in a form-fitting manner, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover surface. The gear selection shift lever device can have at least one latching element, which is designed to engage in a complementary latching element of the mount, in order to connect the mount to the gear selection shift lever device in a form-fitting manner. The one latching element, or alternatively, the complementary latching element, can be designed in the form of a pin, and, additionally or alternatively, a projection. The respective corresponding latching element can be designed as a recess, groove or bore hole. Advantageously, a form-fitting connection can thus be created, perpendicular to the cover surface of the housing. The housing can also have at least one second latching element thereby. As a result the housing can be connected to the mount at least two points, in a form-fitting manner.

The latching element and the attachment device can be disposed on two opposing end surfaces of the housing. In this manner, the housing can be retained on one side by means of the latching element, and a force-fitting and, additionally or alternatively form-fitting connection can be created between the housing and the mount on the opposing side by means of the attachment device. In this manner, the housing can be connected to the mount at least three points, preferably at least four points. When the cover surface is substantially rectangular, the housing, or the gear selection shift lever device, respectively, can be connected to the mount in the regions of the four corners of the cover surface.

A gear selection shift lever assembly for a vehicle comprises a variation of a gear selection shift lever device presented herein, and a corresponding mount, wherein the gear selection shift lever device can be or is connected to the mount by means of the attachment device.

A method for attaching the gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle to a mount for the gear selection shift lever device comprises the following steps: Provision of a variation of the gear selection shift lever device presented herein and provision of a variation of the mount presented herein; and movement of the eccentric disk of the gear selection shift lever device about the shaft axis in order to attach the gear selection shift lever device to the mount.

In the movement step, the gear selection shift lever device can be connected to the mount in a force-fitting manner, and additionally or alternatively in a form-fitting manner. As a result, a secure connection between the gear selection shift lever device and the mount can be obtained.

The fundamental object of the invention can also be quickly and efficiently achieved through this variation of the invention, taking the form of a method for attaching the gear selection shift lever device to the mount.

In the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, identical or similar reference symbols shall be used for the elements depicted in the various figures having similar functions, wherein the description of these elements shall not be repeated.

FIG. 1shows a schematic, perspective illustration of a gear selection shift lever assembly100for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever assembly100comprises a mount102and a gear selection shift lever device104having a housing106and an attachment device108connected to the housing. The housing106according to this exemplary embodiment has, by way of example, an upper housing shell110and a lower housing shell112. A shift lever116or a mount for the shift lever116is disposed on a cover surface114of the housing106. The basic shape of the housing106is substantially rectangular. The upper housing shell110comprises the cover surface114. The attachment device108is disposed on a first end surface118of the gear selection shift lever device104adjoining the cover surface114.

The attachment device108comprises a first eccentric disk122and a second eccentric disk124on a shaft120. The first eccentric disk122is coupled thereby to a first sub-shaft126of the shaft120. The second eccentric disk124is coupled to a second sub-shaft128of the shaft120. A center of the first eccentric disk122and a center of the second eccentric disk124lie outside a shaft axis130of the shaft120. The housing106has a projection132on the first end surface118. The first sub-shaft126, coupled to the first eccentric disk122, is disposed on a first side of the projection132. The second sub-shaft128, coupled to the second eccentric disk124, is disposed on a second side of the projection132. Furthermore, the attachment device108has an eccentric actuation lever134. The eccentric actuation lever134is coupled to the first sub-shaft126and the second sub-shaft128.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the eccentric actuation lever134comprises a first lever arm, which is coupled to the first sub-shaft126, a second lever arm, which is coupled to the second sub-shaft128, and a connecting piece, which connects the first lever arm to the second lever arm of the eccentric actuation lever134. The eccentric actuation lever134encompasses the projection132of the housing106. The first lever arm, the second lever arm, and the connecting piece form a type of connecting rod between the first sub-shaft126and the second sub-shaft128.

The eccentric actuation lever134is designed to move the eccentric disks122,124around the shaft axis130when the eccentric actuation lever134is actuated. The eccentric actuation lever134is designed to rotate the eccentric disks122,124, at least in part, about the shaft120. The eccentric actuation lever134can be manually pivoted thereby, between an open position, oriented substantially parallel to the cover surface114, and a clamping, closed position, oriented substantially transverse to the cover surface. The eccentric actuation lever134is shown in the clamping, closed position inFIG. 1. The possible rotation of the eccentric actuation lever134describes a quarter circle between the open position and the closed position, or, in other words, an angle of 90°, plus a potential tolerance range. In one exemplary embodiment, the tolerance range is ±10°, ±20° or ±30°.

The eccentric disks122,124are disposed, as described above, on two opposing sides of the housing106. The eccentric disks122,124are furthermore designed to engage in two grooves136,138of the mount102.

At least one latching element142is disposed on a second end surface140of the gear selection shift lever device104lying opposite the attachment device108. In other words, the second end surface140is shaped such that it forms a latching element142. The second end surface140is disposed on a second end surface144of the housing106, lying opposite the first end surface118, and is thus connected at an edge to the cover surface114. The latching element142is designed as a pin142or a projection142in the present exemplary embodiment. The mount102has a complementary latching element144to the latching element142. The latching element142is designed to latch into the complementary latching element144of the mount102, in order to connect the mount102to the gear selection shift lever device104in a form-fitting manner. Movement substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of the cover surface114is prevented thereby. Thus, the at least one latching element142and the attachment device108are disposed on two opposing end surfaces118,140.

In an exemplary embodiment not shown herein, the complementary latching element144disposed on the mount102is designed as a pin144or a projection144. In this case, the latching element142disposed on the second end surface140of the gear selection shift lever device104is designed to receive the complementary latching element144, or to latch therein.

The mounting device102is in the shape of a frame. The complementary latching element144is formed on a first inner surface of the mount102. A groove136,138is formed in each of the two adjoining inner surfaces of the mount102, for receiving the corresponding eccentric disk122,124. A fourth inner surface of the frame, connecting the two latter inner surfaces, has no other function than that of a connecting element.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the eccentric disk122has the shape of an egg. In exemplary embodiments not shown herein, the contour of the eccentric disk122is circular or oval.

FIG. 2shows a schematic depiction of a gear selection shift lever assembly100in an uninstalled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever assembly100can be an exemplary embodiment of the gear selection shift lever assembly100shown inFIG. 1. The gear selection shift lever assembly100comprises a mount102and a gear selection shift lever device104. The mount102depicts a frame, in which the gear selection shift lever device104can be disposed and connected to the mount102. An eccentric actuation lever1234of an attachment device108of the gear selection shift lever device104is in an open position. Thus, the eccentric actuation lever134is oriented substantially parallel to a cover surface114of the gear selection shift lever device104. The gear selection shift lever device104has a latching element142on an end surface, which is designed to latch in a latching element144that is complementary to the latching element142, and to create a form-fitting connection between the gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102. The attachment device108is disposed on an end surface of the gear selection shift lever device lying opposite the end surface having the latching element142.

The following three figures,FIG. 3toFIG. 5, show a gear selection shift lever assembly100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thus,FIG. 3toFIG. 5show a perspective illustration of a gear selection shift lever device104and a mount102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three illustrations differ with respect to the position, or the connection, respectively, of the gear selection shift lever device104or an attachment device108with respect to the mount102. InFIG. 3, the gear selection shift lever device104is loosely placed in the mount102. An eccentric actuation lever134of the attachment device108of the gear selection shift lever device104is in an open position, i.e., substantially parallel to a cover surface114of the gear selection shift lever device104. InFIG. 4, the gear selection shift lever device104is displaced in relation to the mount102, in contrast to the illustration inFIG. 3, toward an end surface adjoining the cover surface114, on which a latching element142is formed, such that the latching element142creates a form-fitting connection with a complementary latching element144formed in the mount102, which is form-fitting in the direction transverse to the cover surface114. The eccentric actuation lever134remains in the open position inFIG. 4, in comparison toFIG. 3. In contrast toFIG. 4, the eccentric actuation lever134inFIG. 5is in a locking position, i.e., the eccentric actuation lever134is manually pivoted, with respect toFIG. 4, into a clamping, closed position oriented substantially transverse to the cover surface114.

FIG. 3shows a perspective illustration of a gear selection shift lever device104and a mount102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102can be an exemplary embodiment of gear selection shift lever assembly100corresponding to that shown inFIG. 1orFIG. 2, having a gear selection shift lever device104and a mount102. The illustration corresponds substantially to the illustration inFIG. 2, with the difference that a frame of the mount102is thinner on the side facing the viewer, in order to make the groove136for the eccentric disk122visible.

FIG. 4shows a perspective view of a gear selection shift lever device104that can be connected to a mount102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mount102and the gear selection shift lever device104can be exemplary embodiments of one of the mounts102shown in the preceding figures, or a gear selection shift lever device104shown in the preceding figures, respectively. The illustration inFIG. 4corresponds substantially to the illustration inFIG. 3, with the difference that the first eccentric disk122is disposed in the first groove136by means of a translatory movement of the gear selection shift lever device104toward the latching element142. The eccentric actuation lever134remains in the open position. The latching element142of the gear selection shift lever device104that is not visible inFIG. 4creates a form-fitting connection between the mount102and the gear selection shift lever device104with the complementary latching element144of the mount102, likewise not shown therein.

FIG. 5shows a perspective view of a gear selection shift lever device104connected to a mount102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mount102and the gear selection shift lever device104can be exemplary embodiments of one of the mounts102shown in the preceding figures, or one of the gear selection shift lever devices104shown in the preceding figures, respectively. The illustration inFIG. 5corresponds substantially to the illustration inFIG. 4, with the difference that the eccentric actuation lever134is oriented in a clamping, closed position. The eccentric disks142,124are rotated approximately a quarter of a circle—in the clockwise direction in the illustration—in comparison to the illustration inFIG. 4, and create a force-fitting connection with the grooves136,138, respectively.

FIG. 6shows a simplified side view of a gear selection shift lever device104according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device104can be an exemplary embodiment of one of the gear selection shift lever devices104shown in the preceding figures. The illustration inFIG. 6corresponds substantially to the illustrations inFIG. 3toFIG. 5, with the difference that the gear selection shift lever device104is depicted in a side view, wherein the illustration inFIG. 6basically presents a sectional view in the region of the latching elements142,144.

A mount116for a shift lever is disposed such that it is perpendicular, on the cover surface114of the gear selection shift lever device104. An attachment device108is disposed on a first end surface118, which adjoins the cover surface114. The attachment device108comprises a first eccentric disk122, which is coupled to a shaft120, wherein a center of the eccentric disk122lies outside a shaft axis of the shaft120. The shaft access of the shaft120can be understood thereby to be a rotational axis of the shaft120. An eccentric actuation lever134is coupled to the shaft120and thus to the eccentric disk122. The eccentric disk122is disposed in a groove136of the mount102.

FIG. 7shows a side view of a gear selection shift lever device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device104can be an exemplary embodiment of one of the gear selection shift lever devices104shown in the preceding figures. The illustration inFIG. 7corresponds substantially to the illustration inFIG. 6, with the difference that the upper housing shell110and the lower housing shell112of the housing106of the gear selection shift lever device104can be discerned, because the mount102is illustrated in a basically transparent manner, or in a sectional view. The latching element142is formed by both the upper housing shell110and the lower housing shell112. The attachment device108is disposed substantially on the upper housing shell110. The cover surface114is a substantially planar surface in the illustrated exemplary embodiment.

A line746running through the center of the eccentric disk122and a rotational axis of the shaft120is oriented at an angle of 10° in relation to a line oriented perpendicular to the cover surface116or parallel to the mount116. Thus, the eccentric disk122is moved 10° outward, over a maximum clamping position of the eccentric disk122. As a result, the attachment device is secured against an unintended opening.

In an exemplary embodiment that is not shown, the attachment device is secured in the clamping, closed position against an unintended opening by means of a securing bracket or securing pin.

FIG. 8shows a schematic 3D view of a gear selection shift lever device104that can be connected to a mount102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102for the gear selection shift lever device104can be exemplary embodiments of a gear selection shift lever device104or a mount102, respectively, shown and described in the preceding figures. The gear selection shift lever device104comprises a housing106having a cover surface114, on which a shift lever can be disposed. Furthermore, the gear selection shift lever device104comprises an attachment device108connected to the housing106, which is designed to connect the gear selection shift lever device104to the mount102. The attachment device108comprises a shaft120ad at least one eccentric disk122coupled to the shaft120. A center of the eccentric disk12lies outside the rotational axis of the shaft120thereby. The rotational axis of the shaft120is referred to as a shaft axis130. The shaft axis130is oriented substantially transverse to the cover surface114. Furthermore, the attachment device108comprises an attachment pin850. The eccentric disk122is designed to move the attachment pin850linearly, in a direction transverse to the shaft axis130, in order to move an end of the attachment pin850facing away from the eccentric disk122into a recess852in the mount102. As a result, the gear selection shift lever device104is connected to the mount102.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the attachment device108comprises at least one further attachment pin854, which is designed to be moved linearly by the eccentric disk, in a direction transverse to the shaft axis130, in the opposite direction of the movement of the other attachment pin850, in order to move an end of the further attachment pin854facing away from the shaft axis130into a recess856in the mount102, in order to connect the gear selection shift lever device104to the mount102.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the gear selection shift lever device104has at least one latching element, which is designed to latch into a complementary latching element of the mount102. The latching element creates, together with the complementary latching element, a form-fitting connection between the gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the latching element and the attachment device108are disposed on two opposing end surfaces of the gear selection shift lever device104.

FIG. 9shows a schematic 3D view of a gear selection shift lever device connected to a mount according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102for the gear selection shift lever device104can be exemplary embodiments of a gear selection shift lever device104, or mount102, respectively, shown and described in the preceding figures. The illustration substantially corresponds to the illustration inFIG. 8, with the difference that the first attachment pin850and the second attachment pin854are latched into the corresponding recesses852,856, and create a form-fitting connection between the gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102. In addition, arrows indicate a direction of rotation for the eccentric disk122for connecting the gear selection shift lever device104and the mount102, and a direction of movement for the first attachment pin850and the second attachment pin854resulting therefrom.

FIG. 10shows a flow chart for a method for attaching a gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle to a mount for the gear selection shift lever device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gear selection shift lever device and the mount can be exemplary embodiments of the gear selection shift lever device104or mount102shown and described in the preceding figures. The method for attaching a gear selection shift lever device for a vehicle to a mount for the gear selection shift lever device comprises a step1010for providing a variation of a gear selection shift lever device described in the preceding figures and providing a mount, and a step1020, for moving the eccentric disk of the gear selection shift lever device about the shaft axis, in order to attach the gear selection shift lever device to the mount.

In an exemplary embodiment, in step1020, the movement connects the gear selection shift lever device to the mount in a force-fitting manner, and additionally or alternatively in a form-fitting manner.

The exemplary embodiments described above and shown in the figures are selected only by way of example. Different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another, either in their entirety or with respect to individual features. An exemplary embodiment can also be supplemented by features of another exemplary embodiment.

Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated, and executed in a sequence differing from that described above.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises an “and/or” conjunction between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read to mean that the exemplary embodiment according to one embodiment includes both the first feature as well as the second feature, and according to another embodiment, includes either just the first feature or just the second feature.

REFERENCE SYMBOLS

100gear selection shift lever assembly

104gear selection shift lever device

110upper housing shell

112lower housing shell

118first end surface

140second end surface

854further attachment pin