WO2009154553A1

WO2009154553A1 - Operating device

Info

Publication number: WO2009154553A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/050741
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josefin Nilsson; Tomas ÖSTLUND
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab (Publ)
Priority date: 2008-06-19
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Also published as: SE533437C2; JP2011524585A; DE112009001484B4; JP5677292B2; CN102067060A; KR101563295B1; SE0801451L; DE112009001484T5; CN105751895A; KR20110033230A

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device (I; II; III) for a motor vehicle (50; 150; 250) for engagement/disengagement of drive functions incorporating a differential function, which operating device comprises a switching means for engaging/disengaging a drive function, 5 comprising a rotatable switching means (30; 130; 230) for engaging/disengaging at least one drive function by a rotary movement, which switching means has a facility (30; 140; 240) associated with it for engaging/disengaging at least one further drive function by a movement different from said rotation. The invention relates also to a motor vehicle.

Description

OPERATING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an operating device according to the preamble of claim 1. The application relates also to a motor vehicle according to claim 16.

BACKGROUND

To make it possible for the wheels on powered axles of motor vehicles to rotate at different speeds, a facility which is utilised when negotiating bends, the vehicle is provided with differentials for distribution of power among the powered wheels. A problem with differentials occurs when the vehicle comes to a standstill, since the wheel/wheels which has/have lost grip will stop and slip so that not all of the powered wheels have a hold. Particularly on heavy vehicles such as trucks, a differential lock is provided for locking the differential of the respective powered axle to prevent any difference in rotation speed between mutually opposite powered wheels, thus constituting a so-called transverse differential lock. On vehicles with two or more powered axles, differential locks are also provided to connect mutually adjacent axles together so that these axles rotate at the same speed, thus constituting a so-called longitudinal differential lock. For this purpose, certain vehicles also have so-called differential brakes whereby, for example, discs in the differential of the axle are adapted to automatically braking a difference in rotation speed between mutually opposite powered wheels. The object in that case is the same as for differential locks. The control of differential locks or differential brakes is effected via switching means in the form of buttons or knobs.

Depending on the axle configuration of the vehicle, the number of differential locks ranges from one up to, in one example, six.

To further improve their operability and driving performance, motor vehicles such as trucks are provided with various drive functions.

One type of drive function is transfer gearbox. Vehicles with all-wheel drive are provided with a transfer gearbox adapted to transmission of power to the front axle and the rear axle/axles. The transfer gearbox according to one variant is switchable between high and low gear. The transfer gearbox is controlled via a switching means in the form of a button, as too are the high and low gears. Another type of drive function is so-called traction control (TC), which is an antispin system provided on motor vehicles such as trucks to make it easier to move off and accelerate on slippery running surfaces and to counteract any of the powered wheels beginning to slip. TC in the normal active position optimises operability by throttling the engine and braking spinning wheels. TC is normally calibrated for driving on public roads. Off-road driving involves, for example, the powered wheels spinning more, so TC is deactivated for such a situation. TC is controlled via a switching means in the form of a button.

A further type of drive function is so-called Robson Drive, whereby driving rollers are adapted to being moved down between powered wheels and unpowered wheels in the bogie of the vehicle, e.g. a truck, whereby power is intended to be transmitted via the driving rollers from the driveshaft to the unpowered shaft, so that, for example, a vehicle with six wheels and two powered wheels will have the same characteristics as a vehicle with six wheels and four powered wheels, thus making it easier to negotiate bad sections of road. This drive function is likewise controlled via a switching means in the form of a button.

There are also other drive functions, e.g. grit spreader with which the vehicle is provided in order to spread grit and thereby improve operability, and chain loop whereby a chain is hurled out so that the powered wheels can gain a better grip via the chain. These functions are also controlled via a respective switching means in the form of a button.

The buttons for such drive functions of motor vehicles such as trucks may be disposed on both sides of the steering wheel. The buttons may therefore be difficult to locate, partly through being similar in appearance and partly through not being located together despite often being used simultaneously.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to propose an operating device for a motor vehicle which makes easy and safe switching possible so that the operability and driving safety of the motor vehicle are improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This and other objects indicated by the description set out below are achieved by an operating device and a motor vehicle as above which further exhibit the features indicated in the characterising part of the attached independent claims 1 and 16. Preferred embodiments of the operating device are defined in the attached dependent claims 2 - 15. According to the invention, these objects are achieved with an operating device of a motor vehicle for engaging/disengaging a drive function incorporating a differential function, which operating device comprises a switching means for engaging/disengaging a drive function, comprising a rotatable switching means for engaging/disengaging at least one drive function by a rotary movement, which switching means has facilities associated with it for engaging/disengaging at least one further drive function by a movement which is different from said rotation. An advantage is that the rotary movement makes it easy to engage/disengage a drive function, e.g. a differential function such as differential lock, while at the same time a further drive function, e.g. traction control, can be engaged/disengaged, resulting in easy switching so that the vehicle's operability and driving safety are improved. A switching means of the operating device which is rotatable makes it easier for a driver to find, making it easy to engage/disengage, for example, differential locks, while at the same time the control for another drive function, e.g. traction control, will be easy to find, since the rotatable switching means is easy to find. One drive function, e.g. the differential locks, can be controlled at the same time as the other drive function, e.g. traction control, making quicker control action possible without the driver having to take his/her eyes off the road.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means is adapted to executing said movement different from said rotation. This makes easy and quick control of various drive functions possible, since the driver will use the same switching means for engaging/disengaging various drive functions.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means is adapted to being pushed in/pulled out between at least a first and a second position. The result is an ergonomically simple movement which is clearly different from the rotary movement so that easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via the same switching means as the drive function effected by rotary movement. This movement is for example suitable for a drive function such as engagement/disengagement of high and low gear in a transfer gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means is tiltable between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via the same switching means as the drive function effected by rotary movement.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means is movable in a linear manner between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via the same switching means as the drive function effected by rotary movement.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means can be reversibly pushed in to achieve at least a first and a second operating state. The result is an ergonomically simple movement which is clearly different from the rotary movement so that easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via the same switching means as the drive function effected by rotary movement. This movement is well suited to, for example, a drive function such as traction control.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means can be reversibly pulled out to achieve at least a first and a second operating state. The result is an ergonomically simple movement which is clearly different from the rotary movement so that easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via the same switching means as the drive function effected by rotary movement.

According to an embodiment, said rotatable switching means bears integrated facilities for effecting said movement which is different from said rotation. This makes easy and quick control of various drive functions possible, since the driver uses a facility for engaging/disengaging various drive functions which is integrated with the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, said facility comprises a second switching means integrated with said rotatable switching means. Having a second switching means with the rotatable switching means makes quick and easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function possible in addition to that effected via the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, said second switching means can be pushed in/pulled out between at least a first and a second position. This results in an ergonomically simple movement which is clearly different from the rotary movement so that easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via a facility integrated with the rotatable switching means. This movement is for example suitable for a drive function such as engagement/disengagement of high and low gear in a transfer gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive.

According to an embodiment, said second switching means is tiltable between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via a facility integrated with the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, said second switching means is movable in a linear manner between at least a first and a second position. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via a facility integrated with the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, said second switching means can be reversibly pushed in to achieve at least a first and a second operating state. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via a facility integrated with the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, said second switching means can be reversibly pulled out to achieve at least a first and a second operating state. This provides an alternative for effecting easy engagement/disengagement of a further drive function via a facility integrated with the rotatable switching means.

According to an embodiment, engagement/disengagement of a differential function is effected via said rotary movement of said rotatable switching means. As differential function is usually provided on motor vehicles such as trucks, it is advantageous that it be engaged/disengaged by rotary movement which is ergonomic and easy for the driver to find, and since differential functions of more advanced motor vehicles/trucks incorporate a number of different positions, a rotatable switching means in the form of a knob is suitable for the purpose.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description read together with the attached drawings, in which the same reference notations pertain to the same items throughout the many views, and in which:

Fig. 1 a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device for controlling a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1 b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device according to Fig. 1a; Fig. 2 depicts schematically a motor vehicle with six wheels and four powered wheels, comprising differential locks;

Fig. 3a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device for controlling a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device according to Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4 depicts schematically a motor vehicle with eight wheels and eight powered wheels, comprising differential locks and transfer gearbox;

Fig. 5a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device for controlling a differential lock of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device according to Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6 depicts schematically a motor vehicle with four wheels and four powered wheels, comprising differential locks and transfer gearbox;

Fig. 7 depicts schematically a block diagram for control of drive functions via the operating device according to a variant of the present invention;

Fig. 8 depicts schematically a block diagram for control of drive functions via the operating device according to a variant of the present invention;

Fig. 9 depicts schematically a motor vehicle comprising an operating device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device I for engaging/disengaging a drive function incorporating a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 1 b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device I according to Fig. 1 a arranged on an instrument panel 10 of a motor vehicle. The operating device I is intended to be arranged on the instrument panel 10 in the driver's space of the vehicle. The operating device I comprises an annular element 20 intended to be firmly arranged on the instrument panel 10.

The operating device I comprises also a switching means 30 surrounded by the annular element 20. The switching means 30 has a circular base portion 32 accommodated sealingly in and movable relative to the annular element 20. The switching means 30 has also a preferably centrally transverse gripping portion 34 in the form of a knob 34 running across and protruding from the base portion 32.

The switching means 30 is adapted to acting, by a first movement, upon at least one drive function of the motor vehicle and to acting, by a second movement different from said first movement, upon at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the first and second movements are thus integrated in the operating device I in one and the same switching means 30.

The first movement of the switching means 30 is a rotary movement by which, according to a variant, a differential function of the motor vehicle is intended to be acted upon, i.e. engaged/disengaged. The switching means 30 is thus arranged for rotation in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotary movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion 32 rotates about an axis, a differential function such as a differential lock of the vehicle is acted upon, i.e. is engaged/disengaged, as a result of said movement. The rotary movement is intended to be effected via the knob 34.

According to a first variant, the second movement of the switching means 30 is a reversible push-in movement in the axial direction relative to the annular element 20 according to the arrow B so that another drive function, which in one example is traction control, i.e. antispin function, is acted upon as a result of said movement.

According to a second variant, the second movement of the switching means 30 is a push- in/pull-out movement in the axial direction relative to the annular element according to the arrow B, so that another drive function, which in one example is high/low gear of a transfer gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive, is acted upon as a result of said movement. According to a variant, low gear is activated by pushing in the switching means 30 and, according to another variant, low gear is activated by pulling out the switching means 30. Symbols, here numerals, denoting various states of the differential function are provided on the side of the firmly arranged annular element 20 which faces the user. The gripping portion 34 has a first end 34a and a second end 34b which is diametrically opposite relative to the base portion, which base portion narrows from the first end to the second end, and the second end 34b constitutes the end of the gripping portion 34 or the knob 34 which indicates differential function selected as a result of the rotary movement.

In this example, there are three different positions for the gripping portion/knob 34 for the rotary movement by the gripping portion/knob 34, here 0, 1 and 2.

Fig. 2 depicts schematically a motor vehicle 50 with six wheels 50a-f and four powered rear wheels 50c-f, which powered wheels are adapted to being driven by a powered rear axle 52, 53; 54, 55 for the respective wheel pairs 50c-d, 50e-f. The operating device I according to Fig. 1 a and Fig. 1 b is provided on the vehicle 50 in this example. The vehicle, e.g. a truck, thus has driving power on both of the rear axles, a longitudinal differential lock 60 between the axles and a transverse differential lock 62, 64 on each driveshaft. The longitudinal differential lock 60 and the transverse differential locks 62, 64 constitute the differential function in this embodiment. The numeral 0 denotes here the differential function disengaged, the numeral 1 the longitudinal differential lock 60 engaged and the numeral 2 the respective transverse differential locks 62, 64 engaged while at the same time the longitudinal differential lock remains engaged. The vehicle 50 might alternatively have eight wheels with four powered rear wheels.

According to another variant (not depicted), the operating device I in Figs. 1a-b is arranged on a motor vehicle such as a truck with four, six or eight wheels, two of them powered rear wheels, i.e. driving power on the rear axle/one of the rear axles, and the vehicle has a transverse differential lock on the powered axle. According to this variant, the numeral 0 denotes the differential function disengaged, the numeral 1 a Robson Drive function engaged, i.e. all four rear wheels powered, and the numeral 2 the transverse differential lock engaged.

Fig. 3a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device Il for engaging/disengaging a drive function incorporating a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device Il according to Fig. 3a arranged on the instrument panel 10 of a motor vehicle. The operating device Il is intended to be arranged on the instrument panel 10 in the driver's space of the vehicle. The operating device Il comprises an annular element 20 intended to be firmly arranged on the instrument panel 10.

The operating device Il comprises also a first switching means 130 or rotatable switching means 130 surrounded by the annular element 20. The first switching means 130 has a circular base portion 132 accommodated sealingly in and axially rotatable relative to the annular element according to the arrow A. The first switching means 130 has also a preferably centrally transverse gripping portion 134 in the form of a knob 134 running across and protruding from the base portion.

The first switching means 130 is adapted to acting, by a first movement called rotary movement, upon at least one drive function of the motor vehicle.

The operating device Il further comprises a second switching means 140 integrated with the first switching means 130 and adapted to acting, by a second movement different from the rotary movement of the first switching means 130, upon at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle.

The second switching means 140 can be moved radially, relative to the base portion, on the gripping portion according to the arrow B, thus being movable in a linear manner between a first position H and second position L.

The first switching means 130 is adapted to acting, by the rotary movement, upon differential function of the motor vehicle. The first switching means 130 is thus rotatable in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotary movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion rotates about an axis, a differential function of the motor vehicle is acted upon, i.e. is engaged/disengaged, as a result of said movement. The rotary movement is intended to be effected via the knob 134.

The second switching means 140 is adapted to acting, by the linear movement, upon another drive function which in one example is high/low gear of transfer gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive. The high/low gear of the transfer gearbox is adapted to being activated as a result of the second switching means 140 being moved to the first position H for high gear and to the second position L for low gear. Symbols, here numerals, denoting various states of differential function are provided on the side of the firmly arranged annular element 20 which faces the user. The gripping portion 134 has a first end 134a and a second end 134b which is diametrically opposite relative to the base portion, which base portion narrows from the first end to the second end, and the second end 134b constitutes the end of the gripping portion or the knob which indicates differential function selected as a result of the rotary movement.

In this example, there are five different positions for the gripping portion/knob 134 for the rotary movement by the gripping portion/knob 134, here 0, 1 , 2, 3 and 4.

Fig. 4 depicts schematically a motor vehicle 150 with eight wheels 150a-h and eight powered wheels 150a-h, on which vehicle the operating device Il according to the embodiment in Figs. 3a-b is provided, which vehicle, e.g. a truck, thus has all-wheel drive. The respective wheel pairs 150a-b, 150c-d, 150e-f, 150g-h are each adapted to being powered by a respective driveshaft 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159. The vehicle comprises a transfer gearbox 170 for engagement/disengagement of all-wheel drive and has driving power on all four axles. The transfer gearbox has a high/low gear 172 for operation in high or low gear.

The vehicle has a longitudinal differential lock 161 arranged between the two rear driveshafts 156, 157; 158, 159, a longitudinal differential lock 160 arranged between the two forward axles 152, 153; 154, 155, and a transverse differential lock 162, 164, 166, 168 on the respective powered axles.

The longitudinal and transverse differential locks and the transfer gearbox constitute the differential function. The numeral 0 denotes the differential function disengaged, the numeral

1 the longitudinal differential locks 160, 161 engaged, the numeral 2 the transfer gearbox 170 engaged for all-wheel drive, the numeral 3 the transverse differential locks 166, 168 on the respective rear driveshafts 156, 157; 158, 159 engaged, and the numeral 4 the transverse differential locks 166, 168 on the respective forward driveshafts 152, 153; 154, 155 engaged.

Fig. 5a depicts schematically a front view of an operating device III for engaging/disengaging a drive function incorporating a differential function of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5b depicts schematically a side view of the operating device III according to Fig. 5a arranged on an instrument panel 10 of the motor vehicle. The operating device III is intended to be arranged on the instrument panel 10 in the driver's space of the vehicle. The operating device III comprises an annular element 20 intended to be firmly arranged on the instrument panel 10.

The operating device III comprises also a first switching means 230 or rotatable switching means 230 surrounded by the annular element 20. The first switching means 230 has a circular base portion 232 accommodated sealingly in and axially rotatable relative to the annular element 20 according to the arrow A. The first switching means 230 has also a preferably centrally transverse gripping portion 234 in the form of a knob 234 running across and protruding from the base portion.

The first switching means 230 is adapted to acting, by a first movement called rotary movement, upon at least one drive function of the motor vehicle.

The operating device III further comprises an integrated second switching means 240 adapted to acting, by a second movement different from the rotary movement of the first switching means 230, upon at least one other drive function of the motor vehicle.

The second switching means 240 is arranged for tilting on the gripping portion according to the arrow B, thus being tiltable between a first position and second position.

The first switching means 230 is adapted to acting, by the rotary movement, upon a differential function of the motor vehicle. The first switching means 230 is thus rotatable in such a way that when it is subjected to a rotary movement according to the arrow A so that the base portion 232 rotates about an axis, a differential function of the vehicle is acted upon, i.e. is engaged/disengaged, as a result of said movement. The rotary movement is intended to be effected via the knob 234.

The second switching means 240 is adapted to acting, by the tilting movement, upon another drive function which in one example is high/low gear of transfer gearbox of a motor vehicle with all-wheel drive. The high/low gear of the transfer gearbox is adapted to being activated by the second switching means 240 being tilted to the first position H for high gear and to the second position L for low gear.

Symbols, here numerals, denoting various states of the differential function are provided on the side of the firmly arranged annular element 20 which faces the user. The gripper portion 234 has a first end 234a and a second end 234b which is diametrically opposite relative to the base portion, which base portion narrows from the first end to the second end, and the second end 234b constitutes the end of the gripping portion 234 or the knob 234 which indicates differential function selected by the rotary movement.

In this example, there are four different positions for the gripping portion/knob 234 for the rotary movement by the gripping portion/knob 234, here 0, 1 , 2 and 3.

Fig. 6 depicts schematically a motor vehicle 250 with four wheels 250a-d and four powered wheels 250a-d, the respective wheel pairs 250a-b, 250c-d each being adapted to being powered by a respective powered axle 252, 253; 254, 255. The vehicle 250, e.g. a truck, thus has all-wheel drive. The operating device III according to the embodiment in Figs. 5a-b is provided on the vehicle 250. The vehicle comprises a transfer gearbox 270 for engaging driving power on the rear wheels or on all the wheels. The transfer gearbox 270 has a high/low gear 272 for operation in high or low gear. The vehicle has a transverse differential lock 262, 264 on each powered axle. The differential locks and the transfer gearbox constitute differential function. The numeral 0 denotes the differential locks 262, 264 disengaged and the transfer gearbox 270 disengaged for driving power on the front wheels, i.e. differential function disengaged, the numeral 1 the transfer gearbox 270 engaged for driving power also on the front wheels, the numeral 2 the transverse differential lock 264 on rear driveshafts 254, 255 engaged, and the numeral 3 the transverse differential lock 262 on forward driveshafts 252, 253 engaged.

Fig. 7 depicts schematically a block diagram of a system 300A for control of drive functions via the operating device I; II; III according to the present invention. The system 300A comprises the operating device I; II; III and drive functions 330, 340, 350.

A first drive function 330 comprises a differential function which, depending on vehicle type, comprises various combinations of differential locks according to the embodiments in Figs. 1- 6 and, in cases where the vehicle has all-wheel drive, a transfer gearbox for engaging/disengaging all-wheel drive, according to the embodiments in Figs. 3-6. According to a variant, the first drive function may comprise Robson Drive.

A second drive function 340 may comprise traction control (TC), high/low gear in transfer gearbox, grit spreader or chain loop, which may be combined in suitable ways with the first drive function 330. A third drive function 350 might comprise a function different from the first and second drive functions.

The operating device I; II; III is connected to the drive functions in such a way that when the rotatable switching means according to the present invention is acted upon by a rotary movement to a certain position for differential function of the motor vehicle, a rotary motion based signal 330a is sent to a differential function 330 of the respective motor vehicle so that the selected differential function 330 is engaged. Depending on the position of the rotatable switching means, various rotationally based signals 330a are sent to the drive function 330, e.g. to engage a longitudinal differential lock 330 for driving power on all four rear wheels.

The second drive function 340 is further adapted to receiving a non rotation movement based signal 340a from the operating device I; II; III by action of the switching means with a movement different from said rotary movement, whereby said movement may be effected by the same switching means as for the rotary movement, i.e. the rotatable switching means, or by a second switching means integrated with the rotatable switching means.

Where applicable, a third drive function 350 is adapted to receiving a second non rotation movement based signal 350a from the operating device I; II; III by action of the switching means with a movement different from said rotary movement, whereby said movement may be effected by the same switching means as for the rotary movement or by a second switching means integrated with the operating device.

Fig. 8 depicts schematically a block diagram of a system 300B for control of drive functions via the operating device I; II; III according to the present invention. The system 300B comprises the operating device I; II; III, an electronic control unit (ECU) 310 and drive functions 330, 340, 350.

The operating device I; II; III is connected to the electronic control unit 310 in such a way that when the rotatable switching means according to the present invention is acted upon by a rotary movement to a certain position for differential function of the motor vehicle, a rotary motion based signal 330a is sent to the electronic control unit 310, which is adapted to sending, on the basis of the rotation movement based signal 330a, a signal 330b to a differential function of the respective motor vehicle so that the selected differential function 330 is engaged. Depending on the position of the rotatable switching means, various rotationally based signals 330a are sent to the electronic control unit 310 so that at a certain position of the rotatable switching means a certain rotationally based signal 330a is sent to the electronic control unit 310, which sends a signal 330b, e.g. to engage a longitudinal differential lock 330 for driving power on all four rear wheels.

The electronic control unit 310 is further adapted to receiving a non rotation movement based signal 340a from the operating device I; II; III by action of the switching means with a movement different from said rotary movement, whereby said movement may be effected by the same switching means as for the rotary movement, i.e. the rotatable switching means, or by a second switching means integrated with the rotatable switching means. On the basis of the non rotation movement based signal 340a, the electronic control unit 310 is adapted to sending a signal 340b to the second drive function 340.

Where applicable, the electronic control unit 310 is also adapted to receiving a second non rotation movement based signal 350a from the operating device I; II; III by action of the switching means with a movement different from said rotary movement, whereby said movement may be effected by the same switching means as for the rotary movement or by a second switching means integrated with the operating device. On the basis of the non rotation movement based signal 350a, the electronic control unit 310 is adapted to sending a signal 350b to the third drive function 350.

Fig. 7 refers to a system in which movements of the switching means act directly upon drive functions and Fig. 8 to a system in which the movement of the switching means acts upon drive functions via an electronic control unit, i.e. signals from switching means go via an electronic control unit in order to act upon drive functions. It is also conceivable that some drive function may be acted upon directly by the switching means, e.g. by rotary movement, while another drive function is acted upon via an electronic control unit, e.g. by a movement different from said rotary movement. It is also conceivable that, for example, rotary movement to a position, e.g. for engagement of longitudinal differential lock, may be effected directly, while a movement of the rotatable switching means to another position, e.g. transverse differential lock, is effected via an electronic control unit.

Fig. 9 depicts schematically a motor vehicle 50; 150; 250 comprising an operating device I; II; III according to the present invention.

Drive function signifies here a function/device of the vehicle which is advantageous for increasing the operability/drivability of the motor vehicle on slippery, smooth or similar running surfaces, and incorporates differential function, high/low gear of transfer gearbox, traction control (antispin function), Robson Drive, grit spreader, chain loop or corresponding functions/devices.

Differential function signifies here longitudinal differential lock, transverse differential lock and transfer gearbox for engaging/disengaging all-wheel drive. Differential function also incorporates longitudinal and transverse differential brakes.

Switching means for effecting rotary movement in order to act upon at least one drive function of a vehicle signifies any desired advantageous rotatable means by which a rotary movement may be effected manually by a driver so that said engagement/disengagement of/action upon/control of drive functions is/are made possible. Such a rotatable switching means takes the form preferably of some kind of knob such as the rotatable switching means 30; 130; 230 according to the aforesaid embodiments I; II; III. According to the description and the diagrams the knob has a narrowing shape, but it might have any suitable shape for effecting rotary movement. The rotatable switching means might also take the form of a configuration resembling a steering wheel.

Switching means for effecting a movement different from said rotary movement in order to act upon another drive function of a vehicle signifies any suitable means for manually effecting a linear movement, tilting movement, reversible sprung push-in movement, reversible sprung pull-out movement, push-in/pull-out movement or the like, whereby said movement different from rotary movement is effected according to one variant by the rotatable means, and according to another variant by another means which is integrated with the rotatable switching means and by which the movement different from rotation is effected relative to the rotatable switching means. The rotatable switching means may incorporate a further drive function such as, as mentioned in connection with the description of Fig. 2, arranging for Robson Drive to be engaged upon rotation of the rotatable switching means to a first engaged position, and for transverse differential lock to be engaged at a second engaged position. By a movement different from the rotary movement, either via the rotatable switching means or via a second switching means, a further drive function such as traction control (TC) can thus be engaged, making it possible with this configuration to effect three different drive functions.

When one of the drive functions is traction control (TC), the movement different from the rotary movement is preferably a reversible push-in movement preferably effected via the rotatable switching means, since TC is a safety enhancing system whereby it is desirable that the driver should actively deselect the TC function. When the vehicle starts, TC is in an active position, i.e. an on-road position, which is the normal position.

According to a variant of the invention, not only a second switching means but also a third switching means is integrated with the rotatable switching means whereby further drive functions can be effected by a movement different from the rotary movement.

According to a variant, the annular element 20 might have a shape different from circular on its circumferential/peripheral portion, e.g. square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.

As previously mentioned, the differential functions vary, depending on type of the motor vehicle, e.g. different types of truck, the number of powered axles, driving power also on front wheels etc. Thus the rotational positions of the rotatable switching means, when it is used for acting upon differential function, have different functions depending on vehicle type, and the number of rotational positions varies. In addition, different drive functions effected by the movement different from the rotary movement are suitable for different types of vehicle. For example, all-wheel drive vehicles normally have no traction control (TC) and rear-wheel drive vehicles have no transfer gearbox and hence no high/low gear.

The second switching means or second movement of the rotatable switching means may have more than two positions, e.g. a position in which all the other drive functions are disengaged, a position in which a second drive function different from the first switching means/movement, e.g. TC, is engaged, and a position in which a third drive function different from the first switching means/movement, e.g. grit spreader, is engaged. According to the above embodiments, the symbols on the switching device take the form of numerals, but they might be of any appropriate form suited to and making clear the drive function allocated to each position. The angular spacing between the symbols on the annular element, i.e. how long a rotational step the user has to effect to engage/disengage a drive function, is preferably chosen such that said rotary movement will be convenient for the user, and is preferably also adapted to the number of symbols/rotary steps required for the specific rotatable switching means, whereby the spacing may be greater in cases involving fewer rotational steps. The spacing may for example be 45^°, 90^° or 180^°.

Any desired movement different from the rotary movement and effected by the rotary switching means, i.e. the switching means with which the rotation movement is also effected, or effected via the second switching means, such as push-in/pull-out movement, linear movement, tilting movement or the like may be integrated with any of the aforesaid embodiments of rotary switching means.

In the embodiments as above, the rotary switching means is adapted to acting upon the differential function of the vehicle, while the movement different from the rotary movement and effected via the first switching means or with the second switching means is adapted to acting upon at least one other drive function. Alternatively, the movement different from the rotary movement and effected via the rotatable switching means or with the second switching means might be adapted to acting upon the differential function of the vehicle, and the rotatable switching means might be adapted to acting upon at least one drive function different from differential function, e.g. TC, grit spreader or the like.

In the above embodiments, the operating device is by way of example arranged on the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, but it might be situated at any location of the vehicle which would be suitable for the driver, e.g. between the seats, on the steering wheel, on the door close to the driving seat etc.

The invention should thus not be regarded as limited to the embodiments indicated above but may be varied within its scope indicated by the attached claims.

Claims

1. An operating device (I; II; III) for a motor vehicle (50; 150; 250) for engagement/disengagement of drive functions incorporating a differential function, which operating device comprises a switching means for engaging/disengaging a drive function, characterised by a rotatable switching means (30; 130; 230) for engaging/disengaging at least one drive function by a rotary movement, which switching means has a facility (30; 140; 240) associated with it for engaging/disengaging at least one further drive function by a movement different from said rotation.

2. An operating device according to claim 1 , in which said rotatable switching means (30) is adapted to performing said movement different from said rotation.

3. An operating device according to claim 2, in which said rotatable switching means (30) can be drawn in/out between at least a first and a second position.

4. An operating device according to claim 2, in which said rotatable switching means is tiltable between at least a first and a second position.

5. An operating device according to claim 2, in which said rotatable switching means is movable in a linear manner between at least a first and a second position.

6. An operating device according to claim 2, in which said rotatable switching means can be reversibly pushed in to achieve at least a first and a second operating state.

7. An operating device according to claim 2, in which said rotatable switching means can be reversibly pulled out to achieve at least a first and a second operating state.

8. An operating device according to claim 1 , in which said rotatable switching means (130; 230) bears an integrated facility (140; 240) for effecting said movement different from said rotation.

9. An operating device according to claim 8, in which said facility comprises a second switching means (140; 240) integrated with said rotatable switching means (130; 230).

10. An operating device according to claim 9, in which said second switching means can be drawn in/out between at least a first and a second position.

1 1. An operating device according to claim 9, in which said second switching means (240) is tiltable between at least a first and a second position.

12. An operating device according to claim 9, in which said second switching means (140) is movable in a linear manner between at least a first and a second position.

13. An operating device according to claim 9, in which said second switching means can be reversibly pushed in to achieve at least a first and a second operating state.

14. An operating device according to claim 9, in which said second switching means can be reversibly pulled out to achieve at least a first and a second operating state.

15. An operating device according to any one of the foregoing claims, in which engagement/disengagement of a differential function is intended to be effected by said rotary movement of said rotatable switching means (30; 130; 230).

16. A motor vehicle comprising an operating device (I; II; III) according to any one of claims 1-15.