DEVICE FOR LOCKING AND RELEASING AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, for example a steering column or a gearshift lever, according to the preamble of the independent device claim and to a method for driving such a device according to the preamble of the independent method claim.

[0002] Devices for locking and releasing functionally essential components, such as steering columns or gearshift levers, in motor vehicles are generally known. Such devices usually comprise a locking pin that is movably mounted in a housing. On the one hand, the locking pin can extend from an opening in the housing in a locked position and lock the functionally essential component by engaging a corresponding receptacle in this component, e.g., a tooth gap between two teeth in a gear rim. On the other hand, the locking pin can assume an unlocked position in which the locking pin is largely accommodated within the housing and releases the functionally essential component. Such devices often comprise detection units to precisely detect at least one position of the locking pin.It has been shown, however, that if the functionally essential component is incorrectly positioned, the locking pin may be unable to assume the locking position because, upon exiting the housing, it does not engage the corresponding recess in the functionally essential component, but instead, for example, encounters a tooth of the gear rim. If the motor vehicle is in such a state that the locking pin has left its unlocking position but not reached the locking position, it can be illicitly returned to its unlocking position by external manipulation, for example, using magnets or by targeted impacts on the housing.

[0003] WO2018 / 206546 A1 discloses a locking device.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, for example a steering column or a gearshift lever, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be at least partially overcome. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle which is of simple construction, easy to assemble, reliable and safe in operation, and which secures the locking pin in its position, for example even when the functionally essential component is incorrectly positioned. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding method for driving such a device.

[0005] The present object is achieved by a device having the features of the independent device claim, in particular from the characterizing part. Furthermore, the object according to the invention is proposed by a method for driving a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle having the features of the independent method claim, in particular from the characterizing part. Preferred developments of the invention are listed in the dependent device and method claims. Features disclosed for the individual embodiments of the device and method according to the invention can be combined with one another in such a way that, with regard to the disclosure, reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the embodiments of the device and method according to the invention.

[0006] The invention provides, on the one hand, a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or gearshift lever, which can also be referred to as a locking device or a steering wheel lock or gearshift lever lock. The device comprises the following elements: a housing in which: a locking pin is movably mounted between a locking position, in which the locking pin can be brought into engagement with the functionally essential component, and an unlocking position, in which the locking pin releases the functionally essential component, a gear which is in a mechanical operative connection with the locking pin in order to transfer the locking pin between the locking position and the unlocking position, and a detection unit which has a control lever for moving a signal generator and at least one first stationary sensor element for detecting at least one position of the control lever, wherein the control lever is movably mounted in the housing between a functional position in which the signal generator is located at a distance from the first sensor element and a detection position in which the signal generator is located in the detection range of the first sensor element, and wherein the gear is in a mechanical operative connection with the control lever in order to transfer the control lever between the functional position and the detection position.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention provides that the control lever has a safety leg which is designed to prevent, in the functional position of the control lever, an unauthorized transfer of the locking bolt into the unlocking position (e.g. due to external influences on the housing, e.g. by magnets or by targeted (mechanical) blows), in particular by a positive and / or force connection with the locking bolt.

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever, is provided, which provides at least two functionalities with the aid of a preferably longitudinally displaceable control lever.

[0009] One function of the control lever is detection. For this purpose, the control lever carries a signal transmitter, for example, at least one magnet, which can be moved back and forth with the control lever. Detection using the associated sensor elements allows the position of the control lever and thus indirectly also the position of the locking pin to be determined.

[0010] A further function of the control lever is the mechanical protection of the locking pin, particularly against unauthorized transfer to the unlocking position, e.g., by magnets or impacts on the housing. To make the housing particularly stable, it can comprise at least one cast part, preferably made of die-cast aluminum, in particular ZAMAK. In situations where the locking pin cannot assume the locking position, e.g., due to a misalignment of the functionally essential component, in which the locking pin cannot engage a corresponding receptacle on the functionally essential component, the locking pin remains in an intermediate position. This intermediate position can be shortly before reaching the locking position.In such situations, the safety arm of the control lever, in the functional position of the control lever, secures the locking pin from above to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking pin into the unlocked position. The safety arm of the control lever can rest against the locking pin in the intermediate position when the control lever is in the functional position, in particular to form a positive connection with a corresponding support surface on the locking pin. Furthermore, the safety arm of the control lever can, in the functional position of the control lever, spring-loadedly urge the locking pin downward into the locked position, preferably to form a positive and frictional connection with the locking pin.Advantageously, the control lever can be subjected to a spring force from the functional position to the detection position, so that in the functional position of the control lever, the securing leg of the control lever can transfer the spring force to the locking pin to press it downwards. In this way, in the functional position of the control lever, the securing leg of the control lever can spring-elastically apply a downward force to the locking pin in the intermediate position into the locking position. Even when the locking pin has reached the locking position, the securing leg of the control lever is located above the locking pin and secures the locking pin against unauthorized movement into the unlocked position by blocking the upward path to the unlocked position. In this way, the invention can ensure that no unauthorized external mechanical influences can move the locking pin upwards.

[0011] Within the scope of the functionality of the control lever for mechanically securing the locking pin, it can further be provided that the control lever can hold the locking pin in its unlocking position in the detection position, for example by mechanically engaging it in a corresponding recess on the locking pin.

[0012] Within the scope of the device according to the invention, the gear mechanism can have a guide slot designed as a positive guide in order to move the control lever between the functional position for securing the locking pin and the detection position for engagement with the locking pin.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the securing leg has a locking section, wherein the locking section is spaced apart from the locking pin in the detection position of the control lever, and wherein the locking section, in the functional position of the control lever, secures the locking pin in the locking position against transfer into the unlocking position and positively and / or non-positively locks the locking pin in an intermediate position located between the locking position and the unlocking position shortly before reaching the locking position. In this way, a reliable retention of the locking pin can be achieved in order to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking pin into the unlocking position.

[0014] Furthermore, a device can be provided with the locking section having a nose that protrudes, in particular, in the direction of the control lever. Preferably, in the functional position of the control lever, the locking section can be brought into contact from above, preferably flatly, with a support surface on the locking pin in order to positively and / or force-fittingly lock the locking pin in the intermediate position into the locking position and / or to prevent forcible transfer of the locking pin from the locking position and / or from the intermediate position into the unlocking position. In addition, it can be provided that the locking pin has a support surface, in particular a lowered one, for the locking section.Advantageously, the locking portion of the securing leg and the corresponding support surface on the locking pin can form a positive and / or frictional connection to secure the locking pin against unauthorized external tampering when the locking pin remains in the intermediate position. When the locking pin has reached the locking position, the locking portion of the securing leg lies above the support surface on the locking pin and blocks the locking pin's upward movement into the unlocked position. This allows for a simple and effective function of the control lever for mechanically securing the locking pin against unauthorized transfer to the unlocked position. Advantageously, the locking pin can thus be secured against unauthorized external tampering in any position between the locking position and the intermediate position.

[0015] Furthermore, a device can be provided with the securing leg designed as an extension of the control lever. Furthermore, the securing leg and the control lever can be made of the same material, monolithic, and / or in one piece. Furthermore, the securing leg and the control lever can be made of a plastic, in particular thermoset. In this way, a simple and cost-effective control lever with extended functionality can be provided.

[0016] Furthermore, a device can be provided with the securing leg and the control lever forming a U-shaped component. The securing leg can extend substantially parallel to the control lever. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the locking section to protrude from the securing leg toward the control lever.

[0017] Advantageously, the securing leg and the control lever can enclose the locking pin on both sides, at least in the locking position of the locking pin. This ensures that the control lever can secure the locking pin both in the locking position of the locking pin and in the unlocking position of the locking pin. For this purpose, the control lever can be moved perpendicular to the extension direction and / or stroke direction of the locking pin. In the locking position of the locking pin, the securing leg of the control lever can be moved from one side, and in the unlocking position of the locking pin, a guide section of the control lever can be moved from the other side of the locking pin to the locking pin in order to ensure appropriate functionality and mechanical protection.

[0018] Furthermore, a device can be provided with a first spring element for applying a first spring force to the locking pin from the unlocked position into the locked position. Thus, the locking pin can not only be securely transferred from the unlocked position into the locked position using the first spring force, but can also tend to fall into a corresponding receptacle on the functionally essential component (i.e., into the locked position) in the intermediate position if the functionally essential component is slightly moved from the incorrect position.

[0019] In addition, a device can be provided with a second spring element to apply a second spring force to the control lever from the functional position to the detection position. For reliable transmission of the second spring force, the spring element can be arranged in a first guide in the housing of the device. It is conceivable that the spring element is arranged and can be tensioned between a spring holder on the control lever and a stop in and / or on a first guide in the housing of the device. The spring holder on the control lever can also serve to stabilize the movement of the control lever. The second spring force can assist in transferring the control lever from the functional position to the detection position. If the gearing and the control lever interact mechanically without error, the spring element itself represents a redundant measure.However, should the slide element lose its mechanical connection to the gearbox, the spring element ensures that the slide element reliably reaches its detection position despite mechanical interruptions in the drive chain. The spring element can also be used to transfer the second spring force via the safety arm of the control lever in the functional position to the locking pin in the intermediate position.

[0020] Furthermore, a device can be provided in which the control lever is mounted for translational movement, preferably along a direction that extends substantially transversely to a stroke direction of the locking pin. The control lever can be driven stably by the translational movement. Transversely to the stroke direction of the locking pin, a reliable locking of the locking pin in the unlocked position and a secure hold of the locking pin in the unlocked position can be achieved. In addition, by a translational movement of the locking pin along the stroke direction and of the control lever transversely to the stroke direction, the corresponding positions of the locking pin and the corresponding positions of the control lever can be easily coordinated with one another.

[0021] Furthermore, a device can be provided with the control lever, in particular a spring holder of the control lever, being movably mounted along a first guide in the housing of the device. It is also conceivable for the securing leg, in particular a leg foot of the securing leg, to be movably mounted along a second guide in the housing of the device. This stabilizes the movement of the control lever and the securing leg, ensuring reliable operation of the control lever.

[0022] Furthermore, a device can be provided with a guide section for the control lever designed to stabilize the control lever during movement between the functional position and the detection position and / or to positively and / or force-lock the locking pin in the unlocked position. In this way, the functionality of the control lever can be advantageously expanded.

[0023] In addition, a device can be provided with a securing element that is spaced apart from the locking pin in the functional position of the control lever and that, in the detection position of the control lever, positively and / or non-positively engages a corresponding retaining recess on the locking pin. In this way, the locking pin can be secured in the unlocked position, for example, to prevent the locking pin from accidentally falling back into the locked position while the vehicle is in operation. The unlocked position of the locking pin corresponds to the detection position of the control lever. The control lever thus serves to detect and maintain the unlocked position of the locking pin in the detection position.

[0024] Furthermore, a device can be provided with a guide section having a guide pin that engages a guide slot on a drive gear of the transmission, preferably formed spirally around a rotational axis of the transmission, in order to transfer the control lever between the functional position and the detection position. In this way, an operative connection can be established between the control lever and the transmission.

[0025] In addition, a device can be provided for the guide pin of the control lever to have at least one catch lug, preferably two unwound catch lugs, which protrude or protrude radially from the guide pin, preferably in opposite directions, to support the transfer of the guide pin of the control lever along the guide slot. This enables a reliable interaction between the guide slot and the guide pin of the control lever. The catch lug(s) can ensure a smooth, jerk-free movement of the guide pin of the control lever along the guide slot.

[0026] Furthermore, a device can be provided with the guide section movably mounted in a third guide in the housing of the device. In this way, the movement of the guide section and thus of the entire control lever can be stabilized.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the guide section to be plateau-shaped and / or solid. This allows for reliable power transmission between the gearbox and the control lever when driving the control lever.

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the guide section to be angled from the control lever, and / or for the guide section and the control lever to be made of the same material, monolithic and / or in one piece, and / or for the guide section and the control lever to be made of a plastic, in particular a thermoset. In this way, a simple and cost-effective control lever can be provided.

[0029] In addition, a device can be provided in which the signal generator can have at least one permanent magnet with a magnetic orientation, preferably three permanent magnets with alternating magnetic orientations. A permanent magnet can generate an electromagnetic signal without the need for an energy source to generate the signal. An electromagnetic signal is advantageously suitable for precisely determining the position of the control lever. By using three permanent magnets, an electromagnetic signal with a high resolution can be provided, which can even be precisely detected using inexpensive sensors. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first sensor element can have at least one magnetic field sensor, preferably Hall sensors, in order to detect the signal generator in the detection range of the first sensor element.Magnetic field sensors, especially Hall sensors, have the advantage that they do not require magnetic materials, do not change the magnetic field to be measured, and can even reliably detect stationary magnets. Within the scope of the invention, the first sensor element can comprise a magnetic field sensor, for example, in the form of a Hall sensor with 3D triggering. Such a sensor element is very precise. Furthermore, the first sensor element can comprise two magnetic field sensors, for example, in the form of one-dimensional Hall sensors. Such sensors are cost-effective components that, when used together, enable precise detection. Using two magnetic field sensors also offers the advantage that, despite the failure of one of the magnetic field sensors, a measurement by the other sensor is still possible.

[0030] Furthermore, a device can be provided in which the detection unit can have at least one second stationary sensor element for detecting at least one further position of the control lever, wherein the control lever can be located in the detection range of the second sensor element, particularly in the functional position, wherein the second sensor element can preferably have at least one magnetic field sensor, preferably a Hall sensor. This enables active detection not only of the unlocking position, but also of the locking position of the locking pin. The monitoring and detection of both end positions of the locking pin has the advantage that the position of the locking pin can be detected more precisely and reliably than when only one position is monitored, because more data is available for evaluation, which can be compared and thus verified.

[0031] Furthermore, a device can be provided with a transmission comprising a drive gear for driving the control lever and a switching element for driving the locking pin, wherein, in particular, the drive gear is positively and / or non-positively connected to the switching element. This facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the transmission.

[0032] Furthermore, a device can be provided that the transmission has a switching element, preferably driven rotatably about a rotational axis of the transmission, with a preferably helical control cam, which interacts with a corresponding control means of the locking pin in order to transform a rotational movement of the switching element into a translational movement of the locking pin along a stroke direction between the locking position and the unlocking position. The switching element can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive gear of the transmission and rotate with the drive gear. The control cam of the switching element can extend helically or helically around the rotational axis of the drive gear, which, when the switching element rotates, displaces the control means of the locking pin upwards and downwards along a stroke direction of the locking pin over the height of the control cam.The length of the control curve can be greater than the stroke traveled by the locking bolt between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0033] The drive effect can therefore be transferred stably to the locking bolt via the control cam.

[0034] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the transmission has a drive wheel with a guide slot, preferably formed spirally around a rotational axis of the transmission, which guide slot interacts with a corresponding guide pin of the control lever in order to transform a rotational movement of the guide slot into a translational movement of the control lever between the functional position and the detection position, preferably along a direction that extends essentially transversely to a stroke direction of the locking pin. The guide slot can be formed on a disk-shaped element that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive wheel of the transmission, or directly on one side of the drive wheel and extend essentially spirally around the rotational axis. The length of the guide slot can be greater than a transfer path of the control lever between the detection position and the functional position.The shape and length of the guide slot allows for a stable transmission of the drive effect to the control lever.

[0035] The transmission itself can be driven by an electromechanical drive to actuate the locking pin. Consequently, the locking device can be an electromechanical locking device or an electromechanical steering lock or gearshift lever lock. The control unit for this electromechanical locking device can be structurally separate (located at a different location in the vehicle) from the device according to the invention and is therefore not integrated into the same housing.

[0036] Furthermore, the invention can provide that the gear has a lead for the control lever relative to the locking pin when leaving a position (or a lag for the locking pin relative to the control lever when leaving a position) and a lag for the control lever relative to the locking pin when reaching a position (or a lead for the locking pin when reaching a position), wherein the gear can in particular have a control cam for driving the locking pin and a guide slot for driving the control lever, wherein the path of a control means of the locking pin over the control cam can preferably be shorter than the path of a guide pin of the control lever over the guide slot. On the one hand, this makes it possible for the guide pin of the control lever to travel a longer path than the control means of the locking pin.On the other hand, this makes it possible for the control lever's transfer path between the detection position and the functional position to be greater than the locking pin's stroke between the unlocking position and the locking position. This provides an improved balance between stable transmission of the drive force to the locking pin over a relatively short stroke and precise position detection through a longer control lever transfer path.

[0037] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for driving a device for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever, which can be designed as described above. To this end, the invention provides that the locking pin is secured in the functional position of the control lever by a securing leg of the control lever in order to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking pin into the unlocking position. With the aid of the method according to the invention, the same advantages can be achieved that were described above in connection with the device according to the invention. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0038] Further measures and advantages as well as technical features of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description, and the drawings. Different features may be advantageous individually or in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention. The following figures show the device according to the invention in detail in several exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a view from above, Fig. 2a is a schematic illustration of a control lever during a movement between a functional position and a detection position, Fig. 2b is a schematic illustration of a securing leg of a control lever during a movement between a functional position and a detection position, Fig. 2c is a schematic illustration of a control lever during a movement between a functional position and a detection position and of a locking pin during a movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a device according to the invention with a locking pin in an unlocking position, and Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a device according to the invention with a locking pin in a locking position.

[0039] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0040] The Figures 1 , 3 and 4 show a device 100 according to the invention, which is designed to lock and release a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever, and can also be referred to as a locking device. The device 100 according to the invention can be used, for example, as a steering wheel lock. As the Figure 1 suggests, the device 100 can be designed in particular as an electric steering wheel lock.

[0041] The device 100 has a housing 101. The housing 101 can have a bearing section 101a for a locking pin 10 and a control section 101b for a detection unit 30, a transmission 20, an electric drive E, a control board S, etc. A connector S1 can also be attached to the control board S in order to connect the control board S to a corresponding control unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, the housing 101 can have a cover 101c, which can be attached to the control section 101b, for example, a removable cover. The bearing section 101a and the control section 101b can be constructed in one piece and from the same material, for example, from cast iron. The cover 101c can be made of plastic or light metal, for example.

[0042] In the housing 101, in particular in the bearing section 101a, the locking pin 10 is movably mounted between two positions VP, EP: a locking position VP (see the Figures 1 and 4 ), in which the locking pin 10 can be brought into engagement with the functionally essential component, and an unlocking position EP (cf. the Figure 3 ), in which the locking pin 10 releases the functionally essential component.

[0043] The functionally essential component is not shown in the figures solely for reasons of simplicity. The functionally essential component may, for example, comprise a gear wheel. The locking pin 10 can be in the locking position VP (see Figure 4 ) protrude from an opening 102 in the housing 101 and engage in a recess between two adjacent teeth on the gear rim in order to lock the functionally essential component. In the unlocking position EP (see Figure 3 ) the locking pin 10 can enter the housing 101 and release the functionally essential component.

[0044] A gear 20 is provided to transfer the locking pin 10 between the locking position VP and the unlocking position EP. The gear 20 can be driven by an electric drive E. For this purpose, the electric drive E can transfer the drive effect to a drive gear 21 of the gear 20 via a worm gear 25. The detailed design of the gear 20 will be discussed below.

[0045] Furthermore, the device 100 has a detection unit 30 which has a control lever 31 for moving a signal generator 32 (see Figures 1 and 2 ) and at least one first stationary sensor element 33 (see Figure 2) for detecting at least one position FS, DS of the control lever 31. At least one first sensor element 33 can be provided for detecting the detection position DS of the control lever 31 and thus the unlocking position EP of the locking pin 10 and, if appropriate, a second sensor element 35 for detecting the functional position FS of the control lever 31 and thus the locking position EP of the locking pin 10.

[0046] As the Figure 1 using a solid line and a broken line, the control lever 31 is mounted in the housing 101, in particular in the control section 101b of the housing 101, movable between two positions FS, DS: a functional position FS (see broken line in the Figure 1 ), in which the signal generator 32 is located at a distance from the first sensor element 33 (see also the Figure 2a ), and a detection position DS (see solid line in the Figure 1), in which the signal generator 32 is located in the detection area of ​​the first sensor element 33, is mounted in the housing 101 (see also the Figure 2a ).

[0047] The gear 20 is also in a mechanical operative connection with the control lever 31 in order to transfer the control lever 31 between the functional position FS and the detection position DS.

[0048] As the Figure 1 As shown, the control lever 31 has a safety leg 37. As the Figure 1 in connection with the Figure 2c shows, the safety leg 37 is designed to prevent, in the functional position FS of the control lever 31, an unauthorized transfer of the locking bolt 10 into the unlocking position EP, be it from a locking position VP (see broken line in the Figure 2c ) or from an intermediate position ZP (see dotted line in the Figure 2c), in particular by means of a positive and / or force connection with the locking pin 10.

[0049] In this way, at least two functionalities can be provided using the control lever 31, as is the case with Figures 2a to 2c explain in detail.

[0050] One functionality of the control lever 31 is the detection (see Figure 2a ). For this purpose, the control lever carries the signal generator 32, e.g., a magnet M, which can be moved back and forth with the control lever 31. Detection by means of associated sensor elements 33, 35 allows the position FS, DS of the control lever 31 and thus indirectly also the position VP, EP of the locking pin 10 to be determined.

[0051] Another functionality of the control lever 31 is the mechanical protection of the locking pin 10 (see the Figures 2a and 2c ), in particular against unauthorized transfer to the unlocking position EP, e.g. by magnets or by impacts on the housing.

[0052] In situations in which the locking pin 10 cannot assume the locking position VP, e.g. due to a misalignment of the functionally essential component, in which the locking pin 10 cannot engage in a corresponding receptacle on the functionally essential component, the locking pin 10 remains in an intermediate position ZP (see dotted line in the Figure 2c ). As the Figure 2c As illustrated, the intermediate position ZP can be shortly before reaching the locking position VP. In such situations, the safety leg 37 of the control lever 31 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 secures the locking pin 10 from above, ie in the unlocking position EP (see the view in the Figure 2c) to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking pin 10 into the unlocking position EP. The safety leg 37 of the control lever 31 can rest on the locking pin 10 in the intermediate position ZP in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 (see the Figure 2c ), in particular to form a positive connection with a corresponding support surface 14 on the locking pin 10. In addition, the securing leg 37 of the control lever 31 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 can resiliently urge the locking pin 10 downwards into the locking position VP, in order to preferably form a positive and non-positive connection with the locking pin 10. Advantageously, the control lever 31 can be acted upon by a second spring force K2 from the functional position FS into the detection position DS, as is the case with Figures 1 and 2aThus, in the functional position FS of the control lever 31, the securing leg 37 of the control lever 31 can transmit the second spring force K2 to the locking pin 10 in order to press it downwards. In addition, there is a first spring force K1, which forces the locking pin 10 downwards into the locking position VP, whereby a corresponding spring (or a first spring element 103) can be arranged between the cover 101c and the locking pin 10, as shown in the Figures 3 and 4 In this way, the securing leg 37 of the control lever 31 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 can spring-elastically urge the locking pin 10 in the intermediate position ZP downwards into the locking position VP.

[0053] But even when the locking pin 10 has reached the locking position VP, the safety leg 37 of the control lever 31 is located above the locking pin 10 and secures the locking pin 10 against unauthorized transfer to the unlocking position by blocking the way upwards to the unlocking position EP (see the view in the Figure 2c ). In this way, it can be ensured that no mechanical influences from outside the housing 101, which occur without authorization, can move the locking pin 10 upwards.

[0054] Furthermore, the Figure 3that within the scope of the functionality of the control lever 31 for mechanically securing the locking pin 10, the control lever 31 in the detection position DS can hold the locking pin 10 in its unlocking position EP, for example by a mechanical engagement of a securing element 39a in a corresponding holding recess 12 on the locking pin 10. The securing element 39a can be formed on a guide section 39 of the control lever 31.

[0055] Advantageously, the control lever 31 with the securing leg 37 and the guide section 39 can be made of the same material, monolithic and / or in one piece, preferably from a plastic, in particular duroplast.

[0056] As the Figures 1 , and 2bshow, the safety leg 37 can have a locking section 38, wherein the locking section 38 in the detection position DS of the control lever 31 is spaced apart from the locking bolt 10 (cf. the solid lines in the Figure 2c ) and wherein the locking section 38 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 secures the locking bolt 10 in the locking position VP against being transferred into the unlocking position EP (cf. the broken lines in the Figure 2c ) and / or the locking pin 10 in an intermediate position ZP, which lies between the locking position VP and the unlocking position EP, in particular shortly before reaching the locking position VP, is positively and / or non-positively locked (cf. the dotted line in the Figure 2c ).

[0057] Furthermore, it is from the Figure 1It can be seen that the locking section 38 has a protruding nose 38a, particularly in the direction of the control lever 31. As further Figure 2c shows, the locking section 38 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 can be brought to rest from above on a support surface 14 on the locking pin 10, preferably flat, in order to lock the locking pin 10 in the intermediate position ZP in the locking position VP in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and / or to prevent a forcible transfer of the locking pin 10 from the locking position VP and / or from the intermediate position ZP into the unlocking position EP. The Figure 2cthat the locking pin 10 can have a, in particular lowered, support surface 14 for the locking section 38. The locking section 38 of the securing leg 37 and the corresponding support surface 14 on the locking pin 10 can form a positive and / or force connection to secure the locking pin 10 against unauthorized manipulation from the outside, in particular when the locking pin 10 has remained in the intermediate position ZP (cf. the dotted line in the Figure 2c ). When the locking bolt has reached the locking position VP (see the broken line in the Figure 2c ), the locking section 38 of the safety leg 37 lies above the support surface 14 on the locking bolt 10 and blocks the locking bolt 10 from moving upwards (in the view of the Figure 2c ) to the unlocking position EP.

[0058] Furthermore, it is from the Figure 1It can be seen that the securing leg 37 can be designed as an extension of the control lever 31. As already mentioned above, the securing leg 37 and the control lever 31 can be made of the same material, monolithic and / or in one piece, from a plastic, in particular thermoset. The securing leg 37 and the control lever 31 can form a U-shaped component. Furthermore, the Figure 1 that the safety leg 37 can extend substantially parallel to the control lever 31. Furthermore, the Figure 1 that the locking section 38 can protrude from the safety leg 37 in the direction of the control lever 31. As shown in the Figure 1 As indicated by the broken line, the safety leg 37 and the control lever 31 can enclose the locking pin 10 on both sides, at least in the locking position EP of the locking pin 10.

[0059] In this way, it can be ensured that the control lever 31 secures the locking pin 10 both in the locking position VP (see Figure 1 and Figure 2c ), as well as in the unlocking position EP (see Figure 3 ). As the Figures 1 to 4 As indicated, the control lever 31 can be moved perpendicular to an extension direction or stroke direction H of the locking pin 10. In the locking position VP of the locking pin 10, the safety leg 37 of the control lever 31 can be moved from one side (from the left in the view of the Figure 1 or from the right in the view of the Figure 3 ) can be moved. In the unlocking position EP of the locking pin 10, a guide section 39 of the control lever 31 can be moved from the other side (from the right in the view of the Figure 1 or from the left in the view of the Figure 3 ) of the locking pin 10 to the locking pin 10.

[0060] As mentioned above and the Figures 3 and 4show, a first spring element 103 may be provided between the cover 101c of the housing 101 and the locking pin 10 in order to lock the locking pin 10 with a first spring force K1 (see the Figure 3 ) from the unlocking position EP to the locking position VP. In the view of the Figure 4 The spring or the first spring element 103 can, for example, be relaxed. With the help of the first spring force K1, the locking pin 10 can be supported by the gear 20 during the transfer from the unlocking position EP to the locking position VP. With the help of the first spring force K1, the locking pin 10 can also be spring-loaded in the intermediate position ZP in order to fall into the locking position VP, for example, if the functionally essential component is slightly displaced from the incorrect position.

[0061] In addition, the Figure 2aa second spring element 34, which serves to apply a second spring force K2 to the control lever 31 from the functional position FS into the detection position DS.

[0062] As the Figure 2afurther shows, the spring element 34 can be arranged in a first guide F1 in the housing 101 of the device 100. The spring element 34 can be arranged between a spring holder 31f on the control lever 31 and a stop A1 in the first guide F1 in the housing 101 of the device 100. With the help of the second spring force K2, the transfer of the control lever 31 from the functional position FS to the detection position DS can be supported by the gear 20. The spring element 34 can also serve to transmit the second spring force K2 via the securing leg 37 in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 to the locking pin 10 in the intermediate position ZP. In the latter case, a positive and non-positive connection can be established to secure the locking pin 10 in the intermediate position ZP.

[0063] The spring holder 31f on the control lever 31 can also serve to stabilize the movement of the control lever 31 between the positions FS, DS.

[0064] In addition, the Figure 2b that the securing leg 37, in particular a leg foot 37f of the securing leg 37, can be movably mounted along a second guide F2 in the housing 101 of the device 100. Thus, the movement of the control lever 31 and the securing leg 37 can be stabilized, if necessary in addition to the guide F1.

[0065] As explained above and as it continues to be the Figures 3 and 4 show, the control lever 31 can have a guide section 39 which is designed to guide the control lever 31 stably during the movement between the functional position FS and the detection position DS and / or to secure the locking pin 10 in the unlocking position EP in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner (cf. the Figure 3 ).

[0066] As is also the case with Figures 3 and 4As can be seen from the drawings, the guide section 39 can have a securing element 39a which, in the functional position FS of the control lever 31, is located at a distance from the locking pin 10 and, in the detection position DS of the control lever 31, can engage positively and / or non-positively in a corresponding holding recess 12 on the locking pin 10. In this way, the locking pin 10 can be secured in the unlocking position EP, for example to prevent the locking pin 10 from accidentally falling back into the locking position VP during ongoing operation of the vehicle. The unlocking position EP of the locking pin 10 corresponds to the detection position DS of the control lever 31. The control lever 31 can thus serve to detect and hold the unlocking position EP of the locking pin 10 in the detection position DS of the control lever 31.

[0067] A guide pin 36 can be formed on the guide section 39, which can engage with a guide slot 24, preferably formed spirally around a rotational axis D of the gear 20, on a drive gear 21 of the gear 20 in order to transfer the control lever 31 between the functional position FS and the detection position DS. The guide slot 24 serves as a positive guide for transferring the control lever 31 between the positions FS and DS.

[0068] As the Figures 3 and 4 As indicated, the guide section 39 can be movably mounted in a third guide F3 in the housing 101 of the device 100. In this way, the movement of the guide section 39 and thus of the entire control lever 31 can be stabilized, possibly in addition to the guides F1 and / or F2. The guide section 39 can be designed to be relatively stable, for example, plateau-shaped and / or solid.

[0069] From the Figures 3 and 4It can be seen that the guide section 39 can be designed at an angle from the control lever 31, because the Figures 3 and 4 the guide section 39 points lower than the safety leg 37.

[0070] The Figures 3 and 4 also show a locking pin 15, which can be provided as part of an anti-burglary device in a device 100 according to the invention. The locking pin 15 can be retained by a retaining element (not shown), e.g., a pin or sheet metal, which can be attached to the cover 101c of the housing 101. If the cover 101c of the housing 101 is removed without authorization, the cover 101c also pulls the retaining element with it. This releases the locking pin 15, which can retract into a corresponding, preferably stepped, locking recess 13 in the locking bolt 10.

[0071] As it is from the Figures 1 , 3 and 4As can also be seen, the transmission 20 can have a drive gear 21 for driving the control lever 31 and a switching element 22 for driving the locking pin 10. It is conceivable that the drive gear 21 can be positively and / or non-positively connected to the switching element 22.

[0072] The Figures 1 , 3 and 4indicate that the switching element 22 can be driven rotatably about a rotational axis D of the transmission 20. The switching element 22 can be designed with a preferably helical control cam 23, which cooperates with a corresponding control means 11 of the locking pin 10 in order to transform a rotational movement of the switching element 22 into a translatory movement of the locking pin 10 along a stroke direction H between the locking position VP and the unlocking position EP. The switching element 22 can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive wheel 21 of the transmission 20 and to the drive wheel 21, driven by a worm 25 of an electric drive E (cf. the Figure 1), rotate. The control cam 23 of the switching element 22 can extend helically or helically around the rotational axis D of the drive wheel 21, which, when the switching element 22 rotates, displaces the control means 11 of the locking pin 10 upwards and downwards over the height of the control cam 23 along the stroke direction H of the locking pin 10 (cf. the positions of the control means 11 in the Figures 3 and 4 ). The length of the control cam 23 can be greater than the stroke of the locking pin 10 between the locking position VP and the unlocking position EP.

[0073] Furthermore, the Figures 1 , 3 and 4that the transmission 20 can have the drive wheel 21 with a guide slot 24, preferably formed spirally around the axis of rotation D of the transmission 20, which guide slot 24 cooperates with the corresponding guide pin 36 of the control lever 31 in order to transform a rotational movement of the guide slot 24 into a translational movement of the control lever 31 between the functional position FS and the detection position DS, preferably along a direction Q that extends essentially transversely to a stroke direction H of the locking pin 10. The guide slot 24 can be formed on a disk-shaped element, which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive wheel 21 of the transmission 20, or directly on one side of the drive wheel 21 and extend essentially spirally around the axis of rotation D.The length of the guide slot 24 can be greater than a transfer path of the control lever 31 between the detection position DS and the functional position FS.

[0074] Advantageously, the gear 20 can provide a lead for the control lever 31 relative to the locking pin 10 when leaving a position FS, DS, or a lag for the locking pin 10 relative to the control lever 31 when leaving a position VP, EP, and a lag for the control lever 31 relative to the locking pin 10 when reaching a position FS, DS, or a lead for the locking pin 10 when reaching a position VP, EP. For this purpose, the path of the control means 11 of the locking pin 10 via the control cam 23 can be shorter than the path of the guide pins 36 of the control lever 31 via the guide slot 24. This allows, on the one hand, the guide pin 36 of the control lever 31 to travel a longer path than the control means 11 of the locking pin 10.On the other hand, this makes it possible for the transfer path of the control lever 31 between the detection position DS and the functional position FS to be greater than the stroke path of the locking pin 10 between the unlocking position EP and the locking position VP. Thus, an improved relationship can be provided between a stable transmission of the drive action to the locking pin 10 over a relatively short stroke path and precise position detection through a longer transfer path of the control lever 31.

[0075] A corresponding method for driving such a device 100, which can be designed as described above, also represents an aspect of the invention. For this purpose, the invention provides that the locking pin 10 is secured in the functional position FS of the control lever 31 by a securing leg 37 of the control lever 31 in order to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking pin 10 into the unlocking position EP.

[0076] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention / claims. List of reference symbols

[0077] 100Device 101Housing 101aBearing section 101bControl section 101cCover 102Opening 103First spring element 10Locking bolt 11Control means 12Holding recess 13Locking recess 14Support surface 15Locking pin 20Gearbox 21Drive wheel 22Shift element 23Control cam 24Guide slot 25Worm 30Detection unit 31Control lever 31fSpring holder 32Signal generator 33First sensor element 34Second spring element 35Second sensor element 36Guide pin 37Securing leg 37fLeg foot 38Locking section 38aNose 39Guide section 39aSecuring element DRotation axis Eelectric drive, motor HStroke direction MPermanent magnet SControl board QDirection VPLocking position ZPIntermediate position EPUnlocking position FS Functional position DS Detection position A1Stop F1First guide F2Second guide F3Third guide K1First spring force K2Second spring force S1Connector

Claims

1. Device (100) for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gear shift lever, comprising: - a housing (101) in which: - a locking bolt (10) is movably mounted between a locking position (VP), in which the locking bolt (10) can be brought into engagement with the functionally essential component, and an unlocking position (EP), in which the locking bolt (10) releases the functionally essential component, - a transmission (20), which is mechanically connected to the locking bolt (10), to move the locking bolt (10) between the locking position (VP) and the unlocking position (EP), - and a detection unit (30), which has a control lever (31) for moving a signal transmitter (32) and at least one first stationary sensor element (33) for detecting at least one position (FS, DS) of the control lever (31), wherein the control lever (31) is mounted in the housing (101) so as to be movable between a functional position (FS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located at a distance from the first sensor element (33), and a detection position (DS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located in the detection range of the first sensor element (33), and wherein the transmission (20) is in a mechanical operative connection with the control lever (31) in order to transfer the control lever (31) between the functional position (FS) and the detection position (DS), characterized in that, the control lever (31) has a securing limb (37) which, in the functional position (FS) of the control lever (31), is designed to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking bolt (10) into the unlocking position (EP), in particular by a positive and / or frictional connection with the locking bolt (10),and in that the securing limb (37) has a locking section (38), wherein the locking section (38) in the detection position (DS) of the control lever (31) is located at a distance from the locking bolt (10) and wherein the locking section (38) in the functional position (FS) of the control lever (31) secures the locking bolt (10) in the locking position (VP) against being moved into the unlocking position (EP), and positively and / or non-positively locks the locking bolt (10) in an intermediate position (ZP), which lies between the locking position (VP) and the unlocking position (EP) shortly before the locking position (VP) is reached.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking section (38) has a projecting nose (38a), in particular in the direction of the control lever (31), and / or the locking section (38) can be brought to rest from above on a bearing surface (14) on the locking bolt (10), preferably flat, in the functional position (FS) of the control lever (31), to positively and / or non-positively lock the locking bolt (10) in the intermediate position (ZP) in the locking position (VP) and / or to prevent the locking bolt (10) from being forcibly moved from the locking position (VP) and / or from the intermediate position (ZP) into the unlocking position (EP), and / or that the locking bolt (10) has a, in particular lowered, bearing surface (14) for the locking section (38).

3. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing limb (37) is designed as an extension of the control lever (31), and / or that the securing limb (37) and the control lever (31) are made of the same material, monolithic and / or in one piece, and / or that the securing limb (37) and the control lever (31) are made of a plastic, in particular thermoset, and / or that the securing limb (37) and the control lever (31) form a U-shaped component, and / or that the securing limb (37) extends essentially parallel to the control lever (31), wherein in particular the locking section (38) projects from the securing limb (37) in the direction of the control lever (31), and / or that the securing limb (37) and the control lever (31) enclose the locking bolt (10) on both sides at least in the locking position (VP) of the locking bolt (10).

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first spring element (103) is provided in order to apply a first spring force (K1) to the locking bolt (10) from the unlocking position (EP) into the locking position (VP).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has a second spring element (34) in order to apply a second spring force (K2) to the control lever (31) from the functional position (FS) into the detection position (DS), wherein in particular the spring element (34) is arranged in a first guide (F1) in a housing (101) of the device (100), wherein the spring element (34) is preferably arranged between a spring holder (31f) on the control lever (31) and a stop (A1) in and / or on a first guide (F1) in a housing (101) of the device (100).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control lever (31) is mounted so as to be movable in translation, preferably along a direction (Q) which extends substantially transversely to a stroke direction (H) of the locking bolt (10), and / or in that the control lever (31), in particular a spring holder (31f) of the control lever (31), is mounted movably along a first guide (F1) in a housing (101) of the device (100), and / or in that the securing limb (37), in particular a leg foot (37f) of the securing limb (37), is mounted movably along a second guide (F2) in a housing (101) of the device (100).

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control lever (31) has a guide section (39), which is designed for this purpose, to stabilize the control lever (31) during the movement between the functional position (FS) and the detection position (DS) and / or positively and / or non-positively secure the locking bolt (10) in the unlocking position (EP), and / or that the guide section (39) has a securing element (39a), which, in the functional position (FS) of the control lever (31), is at a distance from the locking bolt (10), and in the detection position (DS) of the control lever (31) engages positively and / or non-positively in a corresponding retaining recess (12) on the locking bolt (10).

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide section (39) has a guide pin (36), which engages in a guide slot (24), preferably formed in a spiral around an axis of rotation (D) of the transmission (20), on a drive wheel (21) of the transmission (20), to move the control lever (31) between the functional position (FS) and the detection position (DS), and / or that the guide section (39) is movably mounted in a third guide (F3) in a housing (101) of the device (100), and / or that the guide section (39) is plate-shaped and / or solid, and / or that the guide section (39) is angled away from the control lever (31), and / or that the guide section (39) and the control lever (31) are made of the same material, monolithic and / or in one piece, and / or that the guide section (39) and the control lever (31) are made of a plastic, in particular thermoset.

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmitter (32) has at least one permanent magnet (M) with a magnetic orientation, preferably three permanent magnets with alternating magnetic orientations, wherein the first sensor element (33) has, in particular, at least one magnetic field sensor, preferably a Hall sensor.

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection unit (30) has at least one second stationary sensor element (35) for detecting at least one further position (FS, DS) of the control lever (31), wherein the control lever (31) is located in the detection range of the second sensor element (35), in particular in the functional position (FS), wherein the second sensor element (35) preferably comprises at least one magnetic field sensor, preferably a Hall sensor.

11. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission (20) has a drive wheel (21) for driving the control lever (31) and a shift element (22) for driving the locking bolt (10), wherein in particular the drive wheel (21) is positively and / or non-positively connected to the shift element (22), and / or in that the transmission (20) has a shift element (22), preferably rotatably driven about an axis of rotation (D) of the transmission (20), with a, preferably helical, control cam (23), which interacts with a corresponding control means (11) of the locking bolt (10), in order to transform a rotational movement of the shift element (22) into a translational movement of the locking bolt (10) along a stroke direction (H) between the locking position (VP) and the unlocking position (EP).

12. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission (20) has a drive wheel (21) with a guide slot (24), preferably formed in a spiral around an axis of rotation (D) of the transmission (20), which interacts with a corresponding guide pin (36) of the control lever (31), in order to transform a rotational movement of the guide slot (24) into a translational movement of the control lever (31) between the functional position (FS) and the detection position (DS), preferably along a direction (Q) which extends essentially transversely to a stroke direction (H) of the locking bolt (10), and / or that the transmission (20) has an overtravel for the locking bolt (10) relative to the control lever (31) when leaving a position (VP, EP) and an overtravel for the locking bolt (10) relative to the control lever (31) when reaching a position (VP, EP), and / or in that the transmission (20) has, in particular, an advance travel for the control lever (31) relative to the locking bolt (10) when leaving a position (FS, DS) and an overtravel for the control lever (31) relative to the locking bolt (10) when reaching a position (FS, DS), and / or in that the transmission (20) has a control cam (23) for driving the locking bolt (10) and a guide slot (24) for driving the control lever (31), the path of a control means (11) of the locking bolt (10) along the control cam (23) being shorter than the path of a guide pin (36) of the control lever (31) along the guide slot (24).

13. Method for driving a device (100) for locking and releasing a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gear shift lever, which - a housing (101) in which: - a locking bolt (10) is movably mounted between a locking position (VP), in which the locking bolt (10) can be brought into engagement with the functionally essential component, and an unlocking position (EP), in which the locking bolt (10) releases the functionally essential component, - a transmission (20), which is mechanically connected to the locking bolt (10), to move the locking bolt (10) between the locking position (VP) and the unlocking position (EP), - and a detection unit (30), which has a control lever (31) for moving a signal transmitter (32) and has at least one first stationary sensor element (33) for detecting at least one position (FS, DS) of the control lever (31), wherein the control lever (31) is mounted in the housing (101) so as to be movable between a functional position (FS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located at a distance from the first sensor element (33), and a detection position (DS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located in the detection range of the first sensor element (33), and wherein the transmission (20) is in a mechanical operative connection with the control lever (31) in order to transfer the control lever (31) between the functional position (FS) and the detection position (DS), characterized in that, the locking bolt (10) is secured in the functional position (FS) of the control lever (31) by a securing limb (37) of the control lever (31), in particular by a positive and / or frictional connection with the locking bolt (10), in order to prevent unauthorized transfer of the locking bolt (10) into the unlocking position (EP), and in that the method for driving a device (100) is carried out according to one of the preceding claims.