Patent Publication Number: US-2018039297-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for adjusting a rotary or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle

Description:
The present disclosure relates to a device for setting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle and a method for adjusting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle. 
     A so-called latching device can comprise, for example, a locking pin, a locking ball, a latching roller or the like. Such a latching device can be used in the automotive or vehicle sector in conjunction with electrical switching devices, for example, an automatic shift transmission, or for guidance and haptic position feedback of a rotary switch, shift lever or selector lever. DE 10 2007 038 547 A1 discloses a rotary switch with latching. 
     Against this background, the present disclosure provides an improved device for setting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle and an improved method for adjusting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments are included in the sub-claims and subsequent description. 
     According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is especially possible to provide a device for locking, or a latching device for a control element of a vehicle, wherein a latching element can be rolled along a latching contour. At the same time, the latching element can be arranged to be swivel-mounted in a power transmitting carrier device. The carrier device or power transmitting device can be designed to move the latching element in a rotational manner along the latching contour, when a control element, with which the device can be connected, is activated. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure have the advantage that wear and tear can be reduced when, for example, the latching element can roll along the latching contour instead of grinding or slipping on the latching contour. In addition to reduced wear and tear on the latching element and latching contour, it is also possible to improve haptics when activating or operating the control element. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the device and thus shorten the tolerance chain. 
     A device for setting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle comprises a curved latching contour for defining at least a shift position of the control element, a latching element for engaging in the latching contour and a power transmitting device, with which the control element can be mechanically connected, in order to absorb mechanical forces exerted on the control element during the rotational movement or pivoting movement and transmitting said forces to the latching element, wherein the latching element can be arranged to be swivel-mounted on the power transmitting device, wherein due to the operating force the latching element can be moved in rolling fashion along the latching contour. 
     The vehicle can involve a motor vehicle, especially a vehicle used for road transport, such as a passenger car or truck. Alternatively, the vehicle can involve, for example, a rail vehicle or an aircraft. The device can be used for adjusting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element of a machine, for example, a vehicle. The device can involve a piece of equipment or part of an equipment of the vehicle. The device can be denoted as a latching device. For example, the control element can be used to select a speed level of an automatic transmission of the vehicle. In particular, the control element can be operated manually by a driver of the vehicle, to adjust different speed levels or gears of the automatic transmission. The control element can also be designed as a joint control element to perform different vehicle functions. In particular, the control element can involve a rotary knob or the like. As a result, the device together with the control element can represent a rotary switch or the like. For example, the rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element can be performed between at least two shift positions or positions, and additionally or alternatively, between a rest position and at least a deflection position. The latching contour can be arranged, shaped, and additionally or alternatively, designed to guide the latching element, and additionally or alternatively, enable a resistance or a sensor, in particular haptic feedback with respect to a rotational movement or pivoting movement or shift position of the control element. A section of the latching element can be engaged with a section of the latching contour and, because of the operating force, moved in rotational manner along the latching contour. At the same time, said engagement can take place in a frictional and form-fitting manner between the section of the latching element and the section of the latching contour. The power transmitting device can be designed in such a way that it can be connected with a shifting device to produce control signals, depending on the rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element. The power transmitting device can be mechanically rigidly connected with the control element. 
     According to one embodiment, the latching element can comprise a centrally arranged bearing segment for supporting the power transmitting device and a peripherally arranged engaging portion for engaging in the latching contour. The bearing segment can have at least one bearing pin for reception in the power transmitting device. In a rotational movement in relation to the power transmitting device, a rotational axis of the latching element can extend through the bearing segment. At the same time, the rotational axis can represent a symmetrical axis of the latching element. The bearing segment can be surrounded at least partially by the engaging portion. Such an embodiment has the advantage that haptics, as well as ease of operation can be improved and imbalances can be minimized. 
     The bearing section of the latching element can be formed from a hard material with a first elasticity, wherein the engaging portion of the latching element is formed from a soft material with a second elasticity. The second elasticity of the soft material can be greater than the first elasticity of the hard material. For example, such a latching element can consist of or be formed as a one-piece or two-piece component by means of two-component-injection molding process or the like. Such an embodiment has the advantage of reduced noise when operated. The use of the soft material or a soft component can be utilized to generate force, and the use of the soft material can also eliminate the need for compression springs or the like. 
     In particular, the latching element can comprise at least three projections for engaging in the latching contour. The projections can be produced in the form of legs, arms, noses, or the like. For example, the latching element can be designed to have three, four, five or more legs. The projections can extend radially from a center of the latching element. When the latching element is rotated along the latching contour, at least one projection can be engaged with the latching contour, wherein at least one further projection can be disengaged from the latching contour. Such an embodiment has the advantage of improving the haptics, as well as generating different forces and/or positioning angles for the control element, depending on the number of projections. 
     According to one embodiment, the latching contour can have a contact section, which is designed to enable an engagement of the latching element. To this end, at least the contact section of the latching contour can be formed from a soft material with an elasticity that is greater than the elasticity of a material of the power transmitting device. Such an embodiment has the advantage that noises generated during operation can be better absorbed when using a soft material or soft component for the latching contour. In addition, the soft material can be used for generating force during an operation and thus eliminate compression springs. 
     The power transmitting device can also comprise an elastic material, which can be designed to preload the latching element in abutment against the latching contour. In this connection, the power transmitting device can have a first section and a second section, wherein the control element can be mechanically coupled with the first section and the latching element can be arranged to be swivel-mounted with the second section. At the same time, the elastic means can be arranged between the first section and the second section to preload the second section in relation to the first section. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the haptics can be improved when operating the control element and enhance the positional accuracy of shift positions of the device. 
     For example, the latching contour can have a circular design. To this end, a contact section of the latching contour, which can be designed to enable an engagement of the latching element, can be arranged in radially inward direction. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the device can be shaped in a space-saving manner and ensure that the latching element is guided reliably in the latching contour. 
     Furthermore, the power transmitting device can have a first rotational axis, wherein the latching element can have a second rotational axis. To this end, the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis can be arranged in parallel manner to each other. Because of the operating force, the power transmitting device and the latching element can be designed to rotate relative to each other in opposite direction about the rotational axes. In particular, the power transmitting device and the latching element can have a mutual rotation level or parallel rotation levels. Such an embodiment has the advantage of allowing for an especially space-saving embodiment of the device. Furthermore, the control element is easy to operate, but also exact. It is also possible to improve the haptics when using the control element. 
     A method for adjusting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle comprises a step in which the operating force is absorbed from the control element by the power transmitting device and a step in which the operating force is transmitted by the power transmitting device to the latching element, wherein the method can be performed in conjunction with an embodiment of the above-mentioned device. 
     The method can be advantageously performed in conjunction with or by using an embodiment of the above-mentioned adjusting device to adjust a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle. 
     A shifting device, especially for shifting an automatic transmission of a vehicle, comprises a control element and an embodiment of the above-mentioned device for setting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element, wherein the control element is, or can be, connected with the power transmitting device of the adjusting device. In connection with the shifting device, an embodiment of the above-mentioned adjusting device can be advantageously used or utilized to adjust a rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element. When the device is assembled, the latching element of the device can be arranged in abutment against the latching contour. Furthermore, the device can have a carrier device, on which the latching contour, the power transmitting device and the latching element can be arranged. 
    
    
     
       Subsequently, the disclosure is described in more detail in an exemplary manner by means of the enclosed drawings. It is shown: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a partially mounted condition; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  in a mounted condition; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the latching element of the device shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A to 4C  are top views of the device shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  in different conditions of movement; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an adjusting device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure in a partially mounted condition; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 5  in a mounted condition; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are top views of the device shown in  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 6  in different conditions of movement; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adjusting device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure in a partially mounted condition; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 8  in a mounted condition; 
         FIGS. 10A to 10C  are top views of the device shown in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  in different conditions of movement; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of an adjusting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     In the subsequent description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the different figures and acting in a similar manner, thus avoiding to repeat the description of these elements. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an adjusting device  100  or device for setting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a partially mounted condition. In other words,  FIG. 1  shows a partially exploded view of the adjusting device  100 . The adjusting device  100  is designed to adjust a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element A for a vehicle. The adjusting device  100  is designed in the form of a so-called latching device. To be precise,  FIG. 1  shows the adjusting device  100  and the control device A in a partially exploded view. 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the adjusting device  100  has a housing  102  and a cover  104 . The housing  102  and the cover  104  are produced in such a way that they can be attached to each other or screwed to each other. In an exemplary manner, the housing  102  and the cover  104  have a floor space with a square profile, which has rounded edges. In particular, the housing  102  and the cover  104  are produced from a plastic material or the like. In mounted condition of the adjusting device  100 , the cover  104  is arranged between the housing  102  and the control element A. 
     The adjusting device  100  comprises a latching contour  110 , a latching element  120  and a power transmitting device  130 , arranged and/or formed, for example, in the area of the housing  102 . The latching contour  110 , the latching element  120  and the power transmitting device  130  are formed, for example, from a plastic material or different plastic materials. 
     The latching contour  110  has a curved progression. The latching contour  110  is designed to define at least one shift position of the control element A along a circular or arched movement path of the control element A. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the latching contour  110  is arranged in a sidewall area of a passage opening or recess portion of the housing  102 . In particular, the latching contour  110  has a circular shape. At the same time, the latching contour  110  has the course of a cycloid, especially a shortened cycloid, along a circular guide curve. 
     The latching element  120  is shaped and designed to engage in the latching contour  110 . The latching element  120  is also designed to be moved in rolling fashion along the latching contour  110 . In mounted condition of the adjusting device  100 , the latching element  120  is in mechanical contact with the latching contour  110 . According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the latching element  120  is designed in the form of a latching roller with multiple legs, especially four legs. Subsequently, the latching element  120  is described in more detail, especially with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     The power transmitting device  130  is designed to rotatably bear the latching element  120 . Furthermore, the power transmitting device  130  can be mechanically connected with the control element A. To be precise, the power transmitting device  130  is designed to absorb an operating force exerted on the control element A during a rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element A and to transfer the absorbed operating force to the latching element  120 . Because of the operating force transferred by the power transmitting device  130  from the control element A to the latching element  120 , the latching element  120  can be moved in rolling fashion along the latching contour. 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the power transmitting device  130  also comprises a support portion  132  and a coupling section  134 . The support portion  132  is designed to keep the latching element  120  pivoted at the power transmitting device  130 . The coupling section  134  is designed to be or become mechanically connected with the control element A. When the adjusting device  100  is mounted, the power transmitting device  130  is rotatably connected with the control element A while the control element A is rotated in the passage opening of the housing  102 . At the same time, the power transmitting device  130  has a first rotational axis. When swivel-mounted at the power transmitting device  130 , the latching element  120  has a second rotational axis. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are arranged in parallel manner to each other. Because of the operating force, the power transmitting device  130  and the latching element  120  are designed to rotate relative to each other in opposite direction about the rotational axes. Subsequently, this process is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4C . 
     Furthermore, the latching contour  110  comprises a contact section  140 . The contact section  140  of the latching contour  110 , which is shaped in the form of a ring cycloid, is arranged in radially inward direction. In other words, in mounted condition of the adjusting device  100 , the contact section  140  faces the latching element  120 . The contact section  120  is designed to enable the latching element  120  to engage in the latching contour  110 . 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the latching contour  110  extends over a partial section of a depth dimension of the housing  102 . In particular, the latching contour  110  extends from a main surface of the housing  102  facing the cover  104  into the passage opening. As a result, the passage opening comprises in an area of the latching contour  110  a cycloid profile. Outside of the area of the latching contour  110 , the passage opening comprises a circular profile. Therefore, support surface for the latching element  120  are located adjacent to the latching contour  110 , to guide the latching element  120 . In mounted condition of the adjusting device  100 , the latching element  120  can be moved along the latching contour  110  between the support surfaces and the cover  104 . 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 1 , the cover  104  comprises a through-hole for the passage of the coupling section  134  of the power transmitting device  130 . Therefore, when the housing  102  is screwed to the cover  104 , the control element A can be mechanically connected with the power transmitting device  130  or the coupling section  134  of the power transmitting device  130 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  in a mounted condition. Basically, the housing  102  and the cover  104  of the adjusting device  100  are shown. The housing  102  and the cover  104  are shown in mounted position in abutment against each other. The control element A is shown to be mechanically connected with the adjusting device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the latching element  120  of the adjusting device shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 . The latching element  120  comprises a centrally arranged bearing segment  322  for rotatably supporting the latching element  120  on the power transmitting device. In addition, the latching element  120  comprises a peripherally arranged engaging portion  324  for engaging in the latching contour  110 . 
     The bearing segment  322  of the latching element  120  is formed from a hard material or a hard component with a first elasticity. The engaging portion  324  of the latching element  120  is formed from a soft material or a soft component with a second elasticity. To this end, the second elasticity of the soft material is greater than the first elasticity of the hard material. The hard component is used for supporting the latching element  120 . The soft component is used to generate force and absorb noise. 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 3 , at least a pin  326  or bearing pin is formed in the bearing segment  322  of the latching element  120 . To this end, the pin  326  is arranged on a rotational axis of the latching element  120  or extends along a rotational axis of the latching element  120 . 
     Generally speaking, the latching element  120  can have at least three projections  328  for engaging in the latching contour  110 . According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 3  the latching element  120  has four projections  328  or legs. The projections  328  extend radially from the bearing segment  322  of the latching element  120 . 
       FIGS. 4A to 4C  show top views of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  in different conditions of movement. Of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIGS. 4A to 4C , the housing  102 , the latching contour  110 , the latching element  120  and the power transmitting device  130  are depicted respectively. The control element is not shown in the representations.  FIGS. 4A to 4C  show sequentially from  FIG. 4A  via  FIG. 4B  to  FIG. 4C  the adjusting device  100  in a rotational movement of the power transmitting device  130  in clockwise direction, wherein the latching element  120  rolls in a rotational movement in counter-clockwise direction along the latching contour  110 . 
     According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an adjusting device  100 , or a device for setting, in a partially mounted condition. The representation shown in  FIG. 5  corresponds to the representation shown in  FIG. 1 , and the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 5  corresponds to the adjusting device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the exception that in the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 5  at least the contact section  140  of the latching contour  110  is formed from a soft material with an elasticity that is greater than the elasticity of material of the power transmitting device  130  and/or housing  102 . In particular, the latching contour  110  shown in  FIG. 5  is formed from a soft material. The soft material or the soft component used to generate force and absorb noise. In an area of the latching contour  110 , the passage opening in the housing  102  has a wavelike profile, in which the soft material of the cycloid latching contour  110  is arranged in radially inward direction. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 5  in a mounted condition. The figure basically shows the housing  102  and the cover  104  of the adjusting device  100 . The housing  102  and the cover  104  are shown in a mounted condition in abutment with each other. The control element A is shown to be mechanically connected with the adjusting device  100 . 
       FIGS. 7A to 7C  show top views of the adjusting device  100  shown in different conditions of movement in  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 6 . From the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7C , the housing  102 , the latching contour  110 , the latching element  120  and the power transmitting device  130  are shown, respectively. The control element is not shown in the representations.  FIGS. 7A to 7C  show sequentially from  FIG. 7A  via  FIG. 7B  to  FIG. 7C  the adjusting device  100  in a rotational movement of the power transmitting device  130  in clockwise direction, wherein the latching element  120  rolls in a rotational movement in counter-clockwise direction along the latching contour  110 . 
     According to a different embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an adjusting device  100 , or device for setting, in a partially mounted condition. The representation shown in  FIG. 8  corresponds to the representation shown in  FIG. 5 , and the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 8  corresponds to the adjusting device shown in  FIG. 5 , with the exception that in the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 8  the power transmitting device  130  comprises an elastic means  836 , which is designed to preload the latching element  120  in abutment against the latching contour  110 , and that the passage opening in the housing  102  has also in the area of the latching contour  110  a circular profile, on which the soft material of the cycloid latching contour  110  is arranged in radially inward direction. Therefore, the soft material of the latching contour  110  shown in  FIG. 8  has a different form than the one shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     According to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in  FIG. 8 , the elastic means  836  of the power transmitting device  130  is designed in the form of a compression spring, for example, in the form of a coil spring guided in a guidance. At the same time, the elastic means  836  is arranged between the support portion  132  and coupling section  134 . To this end, the support portion  132  and the coupling section  134  can be moved in relation to each other. 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 8  in a mounted condition. Basically, the housing  102  and the cover  104  of the adjusting device  100  are shown. The housing  102  and the cover  104  are shown in a mounted position in abutment against each other. The control element A is shown to be mechanically connected with the adjusting device  100 . 
       FIGS. 10A to 10C  show top views of the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  in different conditions of movement. From the adjusting device  100  shown in  FIGS. 10A to 10C , the housing  102 , the latching contour  110 , the latching element  120  and the power transmitting device  130  are shown, respectively. The control element is not shown in the representations.  FIGS. 10A to 10C  show sequentially from  FIG. 10A  via  FIG. 10B  to  FIG. 10C  the adjusting device  100  in a rotational movement of the power transmitting device  130  in clockwise direction, wherein the latching element  120  rolls in a rotational movement in counter-clockwise direction along the latching contour  110 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a flow diagram of a method  1100  for setting according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The method  1100  can be performed to adjust a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle. At the same time, the method  1100  can be performed in conjunction with an adjusting device or a device for setting a rotational movement or pivoting movement of a control element for a vehicle. For example, the adjusting device or device for setting involves the adjusting device shown in any one of the  FIGS. 1 to 10C  or a similar device. 
     The adjusting device, which is used to perform the method  1100  comprises a curved latching contour for defining at least one shift position of the control element. In addition, the device comprises a latching element to engage in the latching contour. Furthermore, the device comprises a power transmitting device, with which the control element can be mechanically connected to absorb an operating force exerted on the control element during the rotational movement or pivoting movement of the control element and transfer said operating force to the latching element. The latching element can be arranged to be swivel-mounted on the power transmitting device, wherein because of the operating force the latching element can be moved in rolling fashion along the latching contour. 
     The method  1100  comprises a step  1110  of absorbing and a step  1120  of transmitting. In step  1110  of absorbing, the operating force is absorbed by the control element by means of the power transmitting device. In step  1120  of transmitting, the absorbed operating force is transmitted to the latching element by means of the power transmitting device. 
     The embodiments described and shown in the figures have been selected only as examples. Different embodiments can be completely or with respect to specific characteristics combined with each other. It is also possible to supplement an embodiment with characteristics of a further embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to repeat procedural steps or perform said steps in a sequence different from the one described. 
     If an embodiment comprises an “and/or” connection between a first characteristic and a second characteristic, this can be read in such a way that, according to one embodiment, the model has the first characteristic and the second characteristic and according to another embodiment, the model has only the first characteristic or only the second characteristic. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
         
           
               100  Device for setting or adjusting device or latching device 
               102  Housing 
               104  Cover 
               110  Latching contour 
               120  Latching element 
               130  Power transmitting device 
               132  Support portion 
               134  Coupling section 
               140  Contact section 
               322  Bearing segment 
               324  Engaging portion 
               326  Pin 
               328  Projection 
               836  Elastic means 
               1100  Method for adjusting 
               1110  Step of absorbing 
               1120  Step of transmitting 
             A Control element