The invention relates to a display and operating device (10) for at least one vehicle component, in particular a radio, a CD and/or DVD player or similar audio and/or video player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating, ventilating or aid condition control unit, or a human-machine interface, which is provided with a mechanical control element (18) for setting an operational parameter of at least one first vehicle component and a touch screen (12) for outputting information, and control keys (14) and/or other operational parameters for the first vehicle component and/or at least one second vehicle component. The touch screen (12) comprises a recess (16) and the mechanical operating element (18) is arranged in the recess (16) of the touch screen (12).

Improved rotary switch systems and methods are disclosed. Such systems and methods may be used in vehicles that implement shift-by-wire transmission systems. The switch systems and methods may include programmable end-stops and/or variable tactile feedback.

A shift device includes a shift lever configured to move to a plurality of positions, a grip section mounted on the shift lever and configured to be grasped by a user, a contact detecting section mounted on the grip section and configured to detect contact with the user, a restricting section configured to restrict a movement of the shift lever, and a releasing section configured to determine whether the grip section is grasped by the user based on a result of detection by the contact detecting section, and release the shift lever from restriction on the movement upon determining that the grip section is grasped by the user.

A shift lever includes a lever knob, and a cover layer covering the lever knob, where the cover layer includes a touch sensor which generates touch information on a touch of a user, and the touch sensor includes a plurality of sensor pixels which senses a capacitance change corresponding to the touch.

A vehicle shifter is provided for selecting gears of a vehicle transmission. The vehicle shifter including: a base configured for mounting to a center floor console of a vehicle; a first rotary knob positioned on the base and rotatable about an axis; and a second rotary knob positioned on the base and below the first rotary knob and rotatable about the same axis as the first rotary knob, wherein rotation of one of the first rotary knob and the second rotary knob causes selection of the gears of the vehicle transmission, and rotation of the other one of the first rotary knob and the second rotary knob provides input for a secondary function.

A vehicle control device configured to be capable of executing idle stop control to automatically stop an engine when a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied and restart the engine when a predetermined restart condition is satisfied during the automatic stop of the engine, the vehicle control device includes: a start request detector, a shift position detector, and a delay time setting module. A start request detector detects a driver operation indicating a request for starting the engine by a driver. A shift position detector detects a shift position of a shift changer. A delay time setting module sets, on a basis of presence or absence of the driver operation and the shift position, a delay time from when the engine is restarted until when an automatic stop of the engine is permitted.

Cable-locked position sensors are described that employ a flexible cable to couple rotation of a rotatable element, such as an output shaft of a gear motor, to a rotary position sensor. The disclosed sensors can be used to determine rotation and/or position of the rotatable element. The disclosed sensors are relatively small and inexpensive. The disclosed sensors may also be used as part of a servo motor, or in conjunction with gear motors to provide positional information for operation of the gear motor to thereby provide capabilities of a servo motor using an inexpensive gear motor.

A selecting member for a vehicle includes a lever that is operable between a plurality of selector positions. A base includes a plurality of steps that correspond to the plurality of selector positions. A pawl actuator includes a pawl having a rack and a pinion gear that is rotationally operated by a motor. The motor selectively and rotationally operates the pinion gear to actuate the pawl relative to the plurality of steps. An interface is coupled with the lever that actuates the motor. Operation of the motor operates the pawl relative to the plurality of steps and allows the pawl actuator to be manipulated relative to the base to align the pawl with a step of the plurality of steps.

A selector lever for a transmission of a vehicle may include a monostable control element. Actuation of the monostable control element, without moving the selector lever, may triggers engagement of a parked position of the transmission when the transmission is not in the parked position and the drive motor is running. Further, actuation of the monostable control element may trigger a start process of the drive motor when the drive motor is off. Further, actuation of the monostable control element may trigger a shutdown process of the drive motor when the transmission is in the parked position and the drive motor is in on.

Apparatus and method for operating vehicles and other technical equipment by way of a haptic operating device having a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item being selected by rotating the rotating unit. The rotating unit latches at a number of haptically perceptible latching points during rotation. The number and rotational position of the haptically perceptible latching points is dynamically changed.