Control device for keyless starting and stopping of a motor vehicle's engine, as well as motor vehicle with a control device and method for starting and stopping a motor vehicle's engine.

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (12) for keyless starting and stopping of an engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising a rotatable control element (16) that can be rotated between an engine start position and an engine stop position; a sensor device (18) designed to detect the different positions of the control element (16); and a control unit (20) configured to start the engine (14) when the control element (16) is rotated into the engine start position and to stop the started engine (14) when the control element (16) is subsequently rotated into the engine stop position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (10) with an operating device (12) and a method for starting and stopping an engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for keyless starting and stopping of a motor vehicle's engine, and to a motor vehicle with such an operating device. The invention further relates to a method for keyless starting and stopping of a motor vehicle's engine.

[0002] It is generally known that motor vehicles are equipped with a start-stop button to start and stop their engines. Such start-stop buttons have become particularly common in conjunction with keyless entry systems. Furthermore, electrically powered vehicles are becoming increasingly widespread. Thus, there has been a move away from conventional car keys used to start vehicles. However, this is sometimes perceived negatively by users, especially those who preferred using traditional car keys.

[0003] The purpose of the invention is to provide a particularly simple and reliable solution for starting and stopping a motor vehicle.

[0004] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded, at least analogously, as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.

[0005] The invention relates to an operating device for keyless starting and stopping of a motor vehicle engine. The operating device comprises a rotatable control element that can be rotated between an engine start position and an engine stop position. Furthermore, the operating device includes a sensor device designed to detect the different positions of the control element. The operating device also includes a control unit configured to start the engine when the control element is rotated into the engine start position and to stop the started engine when the control element is subsequently rotated into the engine stop position.

[0006] Keyless start means that no conventional ignition key is required to start the vehicle's engine. In other words, the operating device according to the invention can be part of a so-called "keyless go" system, in which, for example, the driver only needs to carry their car key but no longer needs to insert it into an ignition lock to start the vehicle. Instead, the driver simply needs to operate the rotary control element to start or stop the engine. The rotary control element can be turned to the aforementioned engine start position and the engine stop position.

[0007] The rotating control element can be designed, for example, like a rotary knob, but other shapes are also possible. For instance, the rotating control element could be shaped to feel like a car key inserted into an ignition lock, giving the driver the tactile impression of holding a key head (the part not part of the key blade on conventional keys) between their fingers when turning the control element. The rotating control element can be permanently fixed inside the vehicle. This means that the control element cannot be removed without damaging it.

[0008] The control device can be used in any motor vehicle, for example in passenger cars with combustion engines and / or electric motors, including hybrid vehicles. In other words, the control device is not limited to a specific type of drive system.

[0009] The sensor device is designed to detect the respective positions of the control element. This means that the sensor device can at least detect whether the control element is in the engine start position or the engine stop position. Furthermore, the sensor device can also be designed to detect intermediate rotational positions, i.e., between the engine start position and the engine stop position. For example, the sensor device can have suitable switches that detect the respective (end) positions. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can, for example, have a potentiometer by means of which the position of the control element can be detected.

[0010] The sensor device can be designed to transmit data and / or signals characterizing the position of the control element to the control unit. The control unit is configured to analyze this data and / or signals and, based on this, recognize the respective position of the control element. Depending on the position of the control element, the control unit can then initiate the starting or stopping of the motor accordingly.

[0011] The control device according to the invention for keyless starting and stopping of the engine offers the advantage that, unlike a conventional key, the control element cannot be easily lost or stolen. The control element according to the invention can be installed in a vehicle and remains installed after installation; it is not removed when starting or stopping the vehicle. Furthermore, the control element according to the invention is rotatable and can be turned into the engine start or engine stop position. This has the advantage that the driver can selectively start or stop the vehicle's engine by moving the control element in the intended direction. The control device according to the invention includes a sensor that can detect the duration and direction of rotation of the control element. This ensures that only the action desired by the driver is carried out.The control device also features a control unit whose advantage is the unambiguous ability to start or stop the engine after the control element has been turned to the designated engine start or stop position. Furthermore, the rotary motion of the control element resembles that of a conventional ignition key, which is intuitive and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the user. This key-like tactile feedback enhances the driving experience and thus increases user satisfaction. Moreover, the integration of the mechanical rotary motion with the electronic sensor provides greater security against unauthorized activation compared to purely mechanical or electrical systems.The combination of mechanics, electronics, and user control is clear and memorable, and it also combines tradition and innovation. It embodies the tradition of the key combined with modern technology. Because such a combination is not found in many vehicles, it remains memorable for the user. A further advantage is that the invention complies with existing standards and regulations, as well as meeting safety and user-friendliness requirements.

[0012] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the control element can also be rotated into a neutral position arranged between the engine start position and the engine stop position, and a reset mechanism is provided which exerts a reset force on the control element directed towards the neutral position.

[0013] The neutral position is the position in which the control element is in its resting mode. The neutral position differs from the engine start or stop position in that it is not actively engaged by a deliberate rotation by the driver, but is automatically engaged before and after. The reset mechanism ensures that the neutral position is resumed after the driver starts or stops the engine by moving the control element to the engine start or stop position.

[0014] The return of the control element to the neutral position is achieved using a return mechanism that exerts a predefined force on the control element. This return can be accomplished, for example, using a torsion spring, which can be part of the return mechanism. In this case, the force is a mechanical force that can be determined in advance using the spring constant. Alternatively or additionally, the return can also be achieved using a motor, which can be part of the return mechanism. With the motor, the return force can be precisely adjusted, which can differ from the characteristics of a spring-based return force. This means that the return force exerted by the motor does not need to be proportional to the deflection or rotation of the control element. Furthermore, it would also be possible to program or adjust the motor accordingly, depending on the deflection or rotation.Rotating the control element provides targeted haptic feedback. The advantage of the neutral position, combined with the return mechanism, is that the control element remains in the neutral position as long as the user does not apply force or torque to it. This allows the user to consistently perform the same simple movement to start or stop the vehicle, without having to consider the current position of the control element. Furthermore, the return mechanism increases the reliability of the grounding system by reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures.

[0015] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the engine start position is 45 degrees in a first direction of rotation away from the neutral position, and the engine stop position is 45 degrees in a second, opposite direction of rotation away from the neutral position.

[0016] This ensures that only a movement in a specific direction and by a predefined angle can start or stop the vehicle's engine. The advantage of this design is increased safety for the occupants, as the vehicle cannot be started or stopped by unintentionally pressing the control. It can also be designed so that the control cannot be moved beyond 45 degrees in the respective direction of rotation. The user would then receive haptic feedback, similar to a conventional ignition key, once the maximum possible rotation has been reached. This can further contribute to making the operation of the control feel almost like that of a conventional key.The interactive movement of the rotation contributes to the driving experience, as it can be interpreted by the user as exciting and intentional, unlike a button press, which is relatively simple and can also occur unintentionally.

[0017] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the control element is designed to be rotated clockwise from the engine stop position to the engine start position. The advantage of this embodiment is that the rotational movement of the control element resembles the rotational movement of a conventional key and is intuitive and easy for the user. It is also possible to begin the rotational movement in the neutral position and rotate the control element, for example, clockwise to the engine start position or counterclockwise to the engine stop position. Furthermore, it is alternatively possible to design the invention such that the rotational movement from the neutral or engine stop position to the engine start position is counterclockwise.

[0018] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the operating device includes a feedback device, and the control unit is configured to output at least one feedback signal from the feedback device depending on the detected position of the operating element. The feedback device can be designed to provide the user with feedback, for example, depending on the engine start, engine stop, or neutral position of the operating element. The feedback can be communicated to the driver during engine start or stop to clarify the vehicle's status. The advantage of this embodiment is the clear communication between the vehicle and the driver, who is then unambiguously informed of the vehicle's state. This is particularly relevant for electric vehicles, as these often provide little to no feedback when starting and stopping, unlike, for example, a loud noise.when starting an internal combustion engine.

[0019] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the feedback device is designed to provide haptic feedback at the control element, visual feedback in the vehicle interior, and / or acoustic feedback in the vehicle interior. The feedback can be provided, for example, depending on the engine start or stop position of the control element. The haptic feedback could be, for example, a vibration function at the control element that can be activated to confirm to the driver that the vehicle has been started or stopped. This can be achieved using the aforementioned motor. As already mentioned, this motor can be used to provide the restoring force. As mentioned above, it can also be used to generate the haptic feedback at the control element. One possibility for acoustic feedback would be, for example...The production of a specific noise or sound to signal to the driver that the position of the control element has changed. One possibility for visual feedback would be, for example, switching on a light that then illuminates briefly or remains on when the engine is started, and then illuminates again or goes out when the engine is stopped. Alternatively or additionally, ambient lighting can serve as visual feedback. In this case, the vehicle interior is illuminated, creating a pleasant atmosphere and increasing safety by illuminating and making certain elements in the interior visible. The advantage of this design is that the driver is unambiguously informed via the feedback when the engine has been started or stopped.

[0020] One possible embodiment of the invention provides that the control device is configured to initiate the engine start only after the operating element has been in the engine start position for a predetermined duration. This embodiment allows the engine to start, and thus the vehicle to be used, only after a certain time has elapsed. The advantage of this embodiment would be its similarity to a conventional ignition key, the use of which is intuitive and unambiguous.

[0021] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises the operating device according to the invention or a possible embodiment of the operating device according to the invention. The advantages mentioned above in connection with the operating device can also be considered advantages of the motor vehicle. Subclaim 9

[0022] One possible embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention provides that the control element is arranged on a steering column shroud, on a center console, or on the dashboard of the motor vehicle. It can be provided that, in the case of an arrangement on the dashboard, the control element is located on the side facing the center console. In a left-hand drive vehicle, this means that the control element is located to the right of the steering wheel on the dashboard, and in a right-hand drive vehicle, to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard.

[0023] This allows the control element to be positioned in a particularly ergonomic location within the vehicle, making it especially easy and intuitive for the driver to use. The possibility of integrating the control element at multiple locations within the vehicle interior can also contribute to increased design flexibility and improved vehicle aesthetics.

[0024] In the inventive method for keyless starting and stopping of a motor vehicle engine, the inventive operating device or a possible embodiment thereof is used. The advantages mentioned above in connection with the operating device can also be considered advantages of the method.

[0025] Further features of the invention may become apparent from the following description of the figures and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures themselves, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a control device for keyless starting and stopping of the motor vehicle's engine Fig. 2 a perspective view of a partially depicted interior of the motor vehicle, in which a rotatable control element of the operating device arranged on a steering column cover can be seen, while - indicated by a hand - a rotation of the control element into an engine start position is indicated; Fig. 3 the same perspective view, where now - again indicated by the hand - a rotation of the control element into a motor stop position is indicated; Fig. 4 Another perspective view, in which the control element is arranged on a center console instead of on the steering column cover in this embodiment.

[0027] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0028] A motor vehicle 10 is shown in a schematic representation in Fig. Figure 1 shows the motor vehicle 10 comprising, among other things, an operating device 12 and an engine 14. The operating device 12 comprises a control element 16, a sensor device 18, a control unit 20, a reset mechanism 22, and a feedback device 24. The control element 16 of the operating device 12 is rotatable and can assume a neutral, engine start, or engine stop position. After the control element 16 is turned to the engine start position, the engine 14 of the motor vehicle 10 is started. When the control element 16 is turned to the engine stop position, the engine 14 is stopped. The sensor device 18 detects information about the position of the control element 16. The control unit 20 is configured to start the engine 14 when the control element 16 is turned to the engine start position and to stop the started engine 14 when the control element 16 is subsequently turned to the engine stop position.The reset mechanism 22 is designed to exert a restoring force towards the neutral position on the control element 16 in order to return the control element 16 to the neutral position after it has been rotated. Furthermore, the control device 12 includes the feedback device 24, and the control unit 20 is configured to output at least one feedback signal from the feedback device 24, depending on the detected position of the control element 16.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a partially depicted interior of the motor vehicle 10. In the case shown here, the rotatable control element 16 is arranged on a steering column cover 26, while - indicated by a hand - a rotation of the control element 16 into an engine start position is indicated.

[0030] The control element 16 is located on the steering column shroud 26, below a windshield wiper lever 28 and to the right of the steering wheel 30. In the example shown, the control element 16 has an inner area 32 and an outer area 34. The inner area 32 of the control element 16 is cylindrical and smooth, while the outer area 34 is ring-shaped and ribbed. This allows the driver to grip and rotate the outer area 34 particularly reliably without their fingers slipping. The control element 16 can be moved into a neutral, engine start, or engine stop position by rotating it. Fig. 2 the rotational movement takes place in a first direction of rotation 36.

[0031] In the example shown, the engine start position is 45 degrees in a first direction of rotation 36 from the neutral position. After the control element 16 is moved into the engine start position by a rotational movement of the outer surface 34, the engine 14 of the vehicle 10 is started. The neutral position of the control element 16 can then be automatically returned using the reset mechanism 22. To inform the user that the engine 14 has been successfully started, a vibration function is integrated into the outer surface 34. This provides a kind of haptic feedback to clearly notify the driver about the status of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, it is possible to label the inner surface 32 so that the user is better informed about the possible functions of the control element 16.

[0032] Alternatively, the control element 16 can also be designed in a key shape. Instead of the inner area 32 and outer area 34, the control element 16 would then have a key head and key blade. The key blade remains permanently inserted in a designated area inside the vehicle and cannot be removed, while the key head can be turned to move the control element 16 to a neutral, engine start, or engine stop position. This makes the control element 16 resemble a conventional ignition key and appears intuitive and nostalgic to the user. Furthermore, a start delay can be incorporated after turning the control element 16 to the engine start position, requiring a certain time to elapse before the engine 14 starts, similar to starting an engine with a conventional ignition key.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows the same perspective view as Fig. 2, where – again indicated by the hand – a rotation of the control element 16 into a motor stop position is indicated. If the control element 16 is rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise in a second direction 38, it assumes the motor stop position. This stops the motor 14 of the vehicle 10, and the user is informed of this via haptic feedback on the exterior 34 of the control element 16. Here, too, the sensor device 18 detects the rotational movement of the control element 16 and, in particular, when the control element 16 is in the motor stop position. This information or data is then transmitted to the control unit 20, which evaluates this data and can use it to recognize that the aforementioned motor stop position has been assumed. In response, the control unit 20 then stops the motor 14.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows another perspective view, in which the control element 16 is arranged on a center console 40 instead of on the steering column shroud 26. Above the center console 40 is an instrument panel 42 with ambient lighting 44. The control element 16 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise as shown. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. When the control element 16 is turned to the engine start position, the ambient lighting 44 can provide visual feedback to the user. The ambient lighting 44 can be part of the system associated with Fig.The feedback device 24 mentioned above is used. When the control element 16 is moved to the engine start position, this position is detected by the sensor device 18. The sensor device 18 transmits the information about the engine start position to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 evaluates the information about the engine start position and controls the feedback device 24. As a result, the ambient lighting 44 is activated or controlled to display lighting related to engine start. The ambient lighting 44 can, for example, illuminate in different colors depending on whether the control element 16 is in the engine start or engine stop position. Alternatively or additionally, other lights in the vehicle interior, not shown here, can be controlled to provide different or further visual feedback in the vehicle interior.The advantage of the optical signal is to inform the driver unambiguously about the status of vehicle 10.

[0035] The advantage of this invention is therefore to provide a simple and nostalgic solution for starting and stopping a vehicle while simultaneously informing the driver of the vehicle's status. Reference symbol list 10 motor vehicle 12 Operating device 14 engine 16 Control element 18 Sensor device 20 Control unit 22 Reset mechanism 24 Feedback setup 26 Steering column cover 28 Windscreen wiper levers 30 steering wheel 32 Interior of the control element 34 Exterior of the control element 36 first direction of rotation 38 Second direction of rotation 40 Center console 42 Dashboard 44 Ambient lighting

Claims

Operating device (12) for keyless starting and stopping of an engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - a rotatable control element (16) which is rotatable between an engine start position and an engine stop position; - a sensor device (18) which is designed to detect the different positions of the control element (16); - a control device (20) which is configured to start the engine (14) when the control element (16) has been rotated into the engine start position, and to stop the started engine (14) when the control element (16) has subsequently been rotated into the engine stop position. Operating device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (16) is also rotatable into a neutral position arranged between the engine start position and the engine stop position, and a return mechanism (22) is provided which exerts a return force on the operating element (16) directed towards the neutral position. Operating device (12) according to claim 2, wherein the motor start position is 45 degrees in a first direction of rotation (36) from the neutral position, and the motor stop position is 45 degrees in a second, opposite direction of rotation (38) from the neutral position. Operating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (16) is designed such that it can be rotated clockwise from the motor stop position to the motor start position. Operating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (12) has a feedback device (24), and the control device (20) is configured to output the feedback device (24) depending on the detected position of the operating element (16) to output at least one feedback. Operating device (12) according to claim 5, wherein the feedback device (24) is designed to provide haptically perceptible feedback at the operating element (16), to provide optical feedback in the vehicle interior and / or to provide acoustic feedback in the vehicle interior. Operating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (20) is configured to effect the engine start only after the operating element (16) has been in the engine start position for a predetermined duration. Motor vehicle (10) with an operating device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (16) is permanently arranged in the vehicle interior. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control element (16) is arranged on a steering column cover (26), on a center console (40) or on a dashboard (42) of the motor vehicle (10). Method for keyless starting and stopping of an engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10) by means of an operating device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 7 .

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