Touch air conditioner controller panel switch

Abstract

A touch air conditioner controller panel switch comprises a touch feedback system, which comprises a touch unit, a power supply LDO and a LIN transceiving unit, a light driving unit and an LED connected with the light driving unit, the LED being a visual feedback actuator, a motor power supply unit, a motor driving unit and a linear motor connected in sequence, the motor power supply unit supplying power to the motor driving unit, the motor driving unit controlling the linear motor, the linear motor being a tactile feedback actuator, and a main control unit connected with the touch unit, the power supply LDO and the LIN transceiving unit, the light driving unit and the motor driving unit respectively for receiving signals sent by each unit and controlling each unit; the main control unit sends the recognized touch signal to an air conditioner controller through LIN communication, the air conditioner controller feeds back a start signal to the main control unit, and the main control unit drives one or both of the visual feedback actuator and the tactile feedback actuator to output a signal feedback according to the start signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automotive switches, specifically relating to a touch air conditioning controller panel switch. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive industry is one of the pillar industries of the economy and also one of the fastest-growing industries. A car is a non-rail-borne vehicle with four or more wheels that is powered by an engine and is mainly used for carrying people and goods. Because cars involve the control and implementation of multiple functions, they have a large number of parts and integrate many of the latest and most cutting-edge technologies.

[0003] The interior of a car involves a wide variety of control switches, commonly including push-button switches and rocker switches. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the increasing demand for intelligent and convenient features, touch switches, as a new type of in-car switch, control car functions through touch. Their use in automobiles is growing rapidly. They do not employ mechanical components and can conform to shaped control surfaces, bringing higher reliability and aesthetics to the automotive industry. This has attracted widespread attention from consumers and is gradually becoming a new market favorite.

[0004] Users can control car functions by touching the touch switch with their fingers. However, current touch switches on the market only function as a means of turning functions on or off; users cannot determine whether the function has been turned on or off, nor can they know how the switch was activated. In other words, the touch switch does not provide any feedback to the user. For example, after a user touches the switch, neither the switch nor the corresponding system tells the operator whether the function has been activated or how it was activated. Therefore, traditional touch switches have significant shortcomings in human-computer interaction applications. With technological advancements and increasing user demands, more and more car users and manufacturers hope to integrate auditory, tactile, visual, and other physical feedback into touch switches to enhance the human-computer interaction experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of lack of feedback in current automotive touch switches and the inability of users to quickly and promptly determine the switch status during vehicle use, and to provide a touch-sensitive air conditioning controller panel switch that integrates tactile feedback and light feedback.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a touch-sensitive air conditioner controller panel switch, comprising a touch feedback system, wherein the touch feedback system includes:

[0007] The touch unit is used to receive touch signals;

[0008] The power supply LDO and LIN transceiver units are connected to the main control unit and the lighting drive unit, respectively, for power supply and for transmitting and receiving LIN signals.

[0009] A light driving unit and an LED, wherein the light driving unit is connected to the LED, and the LED is a visual feedback actuator;

[0010] The motor power supply unit, the motor drive unit, and the linear motor are connected in sequence. The motor power supply unit supplies power to the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit controls the linear motor, and the linear motor is a tactile feedback actuator.

[0011] The main control unit is connected to the touch unit, the power LDO and LIN transceiver unit, the light drive unit, and the motor drive unit respectively, and is used to receive signals sent by each unit and control each unit.

[0012] The main control unit sends the detected touch signal to the air conditioner controller via LIN communication. The air conditioner controller sends a start signal back to the main control unit. The main control unit then drives one or both of the visual feedback actuators and tactile feedback actuators to output signals based on the start signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the main control unit adopts the CY8C4146AZI-S455 TQFP-64 model;

[0014] Alternatively, the power supply LDO and LIN transceiver unit can be model TJA1028T SOIC-8;

[0015] Alternatively, the lighting driver unit may use an NPIC6C4894 SO-20 chip;

[0016] Alternatively, the motor power supply unit may use a power supply of model TLE4284DV50 TO-252-3;

[0017] Alternatively, the motor drive unit may use a chip of model DW7912FC FCQFN-20;

[0018] Alternatively, the linear motor may be a JHV-12H1-L00 model motor.

[0019] Furthermore, the touch unit adopts a flexible circuit board, and the touch sensor in the flexible circuit board is made of PEDOT material, or the wires and grids in the flexible circuit board are made of conductive silver paste.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a panel, a housing, a PCBA circuit board, a fixing block, a metal spring, a fixing plate, and a base. The panel, touch unit, housing, PCBA circuit board, fixing plate, and base are installed sequentially from top to bottom. The linear motor is provided on the lower surface of the housing, and the remaining components of the touch feedback system are located on the PCBA circuit board.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes two decorative strips, one on the upper surface and the other on the side of the panel.

[0022] Furthermore, the linear motor is fixed to the housing by a snap-fit ​​connection;

[0023] Alternatively, the panel material may include both PC and ABS, and the panel surface may be coated with UV paint.

[0024] Alternatively, the housing and the PCBA circuit board can be fixed together by a snap-fit ​​connection;

[0025] Alternatively, the housing or base may be made of either PC or ABS.

[0026] Alternatively, the PCBA circuit board may be made of FR-4 material;

[0027] Alternatively, the fixing plate may be made of stainless steel;

[0028] Alternatively, the touch unit may employ a touch FBC.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes several fixing blocks, which are evenly fixedly installed on the upper surface of the fixing plate to form a fixing plate module. The PCBA circuit board is located on the upper surface of the fixing blocks, and the base is fixedly connected to the fixing plate module.

[0030] Furthermore, it also includes a metal spring and a fixing block. The panel, housing, and PCBA circuit board are connected by screws to form a panel module. One end of the metal spring is fixedly connected to the panel, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixing block on the fixing plate module.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes a flexible sealing strip, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the base to buffer the vibration of the panel module in tactile feedback.

[0032] Furthermore, the base is provided with a wire harness, one end of which is connected to the PCBA circuit board via a connector.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: When the user touches the switch of the touch-sensitive air conditioner controller panel of this invention, the switch will quickly provide the user with relevant light and tactile feedback, which increases human-computer interaction from both visual and tactile perspectives, greatly improving the user experience. The accurate feedback can greatly improve the user's operating accuracy and improve the user's operating level. This panel switch has a simple structure, is convenient and reliable to install and use, and improves the user's touch process. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the touch feedback system for a touch-sensitive air conditioner controller panel switch;

[0035] Figure 2a This is an exploded view of the touch-sensitive air conditioner controller panel switch;

[0036] Figure 2b yes Figure 2a A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a PCBA circuit board;

[0038] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the panel;

[0039] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a A schematic diagram of direction AA;

[0040] Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the panel;

[0041] Figure 4d This is a structural diagram of the panel module;

[0042] Figure 4e This is a front view of the housing and PCBA circuit board in their installation state;

[0043] Figure 4f This is a side view of the housing and PCBA circuit board in their installation state;

[0044] Figure 5a This is a front view of the linear motor, housing, and PCBA circuit board in their installed state.

[0045] Figure 5b yes Figure 5a CC-direction schematic diagram;

[0046] Figure 5c This is a front view of the panel, PCBA circuit board, and mounting block in their installed state.

[0047] Figure 5d yes Figure 5c DD-direction schematic diagram;

[0048] Figure 5e This is a schematic diagram showing the installation status of the housing and sealing strip;

[0049] Figure 5f yes Figure 5e Side view;

[0050] Figure 5g This is a front view of the PCBA circuit board and mounting block in their installed state;

[0051] Figure 5h yes Figure 5g Side view;

[0052] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the base;

[0053] Figure 6b yes Figure 6a EE direction diagram.

[0054] In the diagram: Panel 1, Decorative strip I 2, Decorative strip II 3, 4, Housing 5, Linear motor 6, PCBA circuit board 7, FPC interface 70, Fixing block 8, Metal spring 9, Fixing plate 10, Sealing strip 11, Base 12, Wire harness 13, Connector 14, Screw 15. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described and illustrated below through specific embodiments, making the technical solution clearer and more understandable. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] This embodiment discloses a touch-sensitive air conditioner controller panel switch, including, for example... Figure 1 The touch feedback system shown specifically includes:

[0057] Touch unit 4 is used to receive touch signals;

[0058] The power supply LDO and LIN transceiver units 7-6 are connected to the main control unit and the lighting drive unit respectively for power supply and for transmitting and receiving LIN signals;

[0059] The light driving unit 7-2 and LED 7-3 are connected and powered together, and the LED is a visual feedback actuator.

[0060] The motor power supply unit 7-5, the motor drive unit 7-4, and the linear motor 6 are connected in sequence. The motor power supply unit supplies power to the motor drive unit, and the motor drive unit controls the linear motor, which is a tactile feedback actuator.

[0061] The main control unit 7-1 is connected to the touch unit, the power LDO and LIN transceiver unit, the light drive unit, and the motor drive unit respectively, and is used to receive signals sent by each unit and control each unit.

[0062] The main control unit 7-1 sends the detected touch signal to the air conditioner controller via LIN communication. The air conditioner controller sends a start signal back to the main control unit. The main control unit drives one or both of the visual feedback actuators and tactile feedback actuators to output signals based on the start signal.

[0063] When users operate the air conditioner controller, they can quickly obtain visual and tactile signal feedback from the panel switch in response to the touch action by touching the switch, so that users can know the validity of the touch action in a timely manner.

[0064] The touch switch panel allows the FPC and corresponding software to recognize changes in the capacitance value of a finger and output corresponding signals to the vehicle system, thereby enabling functions such as adjusting the air conditioning volume, airflow direction, and seat heating and ventilation volume.

[0065] In this embodiment, the touch unit 4 (touchscreen) uses a touch FPC. Touch FPC flexible printed circuits are highly reliable and extremely flexible printed circuits made with polyimide or polyester film as the substrate. Product features: 1. Can be freely bent, folded, and rolled; can move and stretch freely in three-dimensional space. 2. Good heat dissipation performance; FPC can reduce size. 3. Achieves lightweight, miniaturization, and thinness, thereby integrating component devices and wire connections.

[0066] In this embodiment, the power supply LDO and LIN transceiver unit preferably use a 5V power supply LDO.

[0067] Based on the touch feedback system, the main components of this panel switch include panel 1, decorative strip I 2, decorative strip II 3, touch unit 4 (i.e., touch FBC), housing 5, linear motor 6, PCBA circuit board 7, fixing block 8, metal spring 9, fixing plate 10, sealing strip 11, base 12, wire harness 13, connector 14, and several screws 15.

[0068] The panel 1, touch unit 4, housing 5, PCBA circuit board 7, fixing plate 10, and base 12 are installed sequentially from top to bottom. The linear motor 6 is located on the lower surface of the housing 5, and the remaining components of the touch feedback system are located on the PCBA circuit board 7. Decorative strip I2 and decorative strip II3 are respectively located on the upper surface and side of the panel 1.

[0069] In use, when a user touches the switch, the sensor on the touch unit 4 attached to the bottom of the panel transmits the touch signal to the main control MCU 7-1 via a wire. The main control MCU 7-1 recognizes the touch signal and transmits it to the air conditioner controller via LIN communication. After receiving the touch signal, the air conditioner controller sends a start signal back to the main control MCU 7-1. After recognizing the start signal, the main control MCU 7-1 drives the LED 7-3 and the linear motor 6 to provide the user with tactile and light feedback. That is, when the user touches the panel switch of this invention, the switch will provide the user with relevant light feedback (such as character light color switching, light pattern switching, etc.) and tactile feedback (such as vibration, simulating the effect of a physical button, and differentiating the tactile feedback of different operations according to the vibration frequency or vibration force).

[0070] In this embodiment, the main control unit (MCU) adopts Cypress's CY8C4146AZI-S455 TQFP-64 chip, which provides mature touch, waterproof, haptic feedback, auditory feedback and visual feedback functions.

[0071] In this embodiment, the power supply LDO and LIN transceiver unit 7-6 adopts NEXPERIA's TJA1028T SOIC-8, which can realize LIN communication between the panel switch and the air conditioner controller.

[0072] In this embodiment, the sensor of the touch unit 4 (touch FPC) is made of PEDOT material, and the wires and mesh are made of conductive silver paste, formed using a screen printing process. The touch unit 4 is vacuum-bonded to the panel 1.

[0073] In this embodiment, the motor power supply unit 7-5 adopts Infineon's TLE4284DV50 TO-252-3, which can provide stable power to the motor drive unit 7-4.

[0074] In this embodiment, the motor drive unit 7-4 uses a DONGWOON DW7912FC FCQFN-20 chip, which can be customized to provide tactile feedback effects according to customer needs.

[0075] In this embodiment, the lighting driver unit 7-2 uses NEXPERIA's NPIC6C4894 SO-20, a shift register chip that can both expand the I / O on the main control unit (MCU) 7-1 and better control the current in the circuit. The LED 7-3 uses domestically produced Huifeng Optoelectronics, providing a high-performance, cost-effective solution that meets customer requirements.

[0076] In this embodiment, the linear motor 6 is a JHV-12H1-L00 from Magnetek Electronics (Korea). This actuator has high acceleration and fast response time, and can work with the motor drive unit 7-4 to create various tactile effects. The linear motor 6 is connected to the housing 5 via a snap-fit ​​5-2. The linear motor 6 is connected to the PCBA circuit board 7 via wire harness soldering 6-1.

[0077] In this embodiment, the panel 1 is made of both PC and ABS materials, using a two-color molding process and UV coating on the surface. PC material has high transmittance, while ABS is a good light-blocking material that can prevent light leakage. The panel 1 is connected to the housing 5 and the PCBA module by screws 15.

[0078] In this embodiment, the decorative strip I2 is made of ABS material, molded using injection molding, and has a glossy electroplating finish. The decorative strip I2 is connected and fixed to the panel 1 by hot riveting 2-1.

[0079] In this embodiment, the decorative strip II3 is made of ABS material, molded using injection molding, and has a matte electroplating finish. The decorative strip II3 is connected to the housing 5 by heat riveting 5-1.

[0080] In this embodiment, the housing 5 is made of PC / ABS material and is molded using injection molding; the surface is not treated. The housing 5 is connected to the PCBA circuit board 7 via clips 5-1. The housing 5, the PCBA module, and the panel 1 are connected via screws 15 to form the panel module.

[0081] In this embodiment, the PCBA circuit board 7 is made of FR-4 material and is a high-performance, cost-effective double-layer board.

[0082] In this embodiment, the fixing plate 10 is made of stainless steel and is connected to 6 fixing blocks 8 by screws 15 to form a fixing plate module.

[0083] In this embodiment, the fixed plate module and the panel module are connected by a metal spring 9. One end of the metal spring 9 is fastened to the panel 1 by a screw 15, and the other end of the metal spring 9 is fastened to the fixing block 8 by a screw 15. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the left or right side of the metal spring 9 is connected to the panel 1, and the other side of the metal spring 9 is connected to the side wall of the fixing block 8 in the X direction (the length direction of the panel switch shown in Figure 2). In this way, the metal spring 9 can exhibit elastic change in the X direction. Utilizing the elasticity of the metal spring, this assembly structure allows the panel module and the fixed plate module to have a certain amount of movement in the X direction, which can achieve positive optimization of vibration effect.

[0084] In this embodiment, the sealing strip 11 is made of silicone rubber and is connected to the base 12. Its main function is to buffer the vibration of the panel module in tactile feedback and optimize the vibration effect.

[0085] In this embodiment, the base 12 is made of PC / ABS material and is connected to the fixing plate 7 module by screws 15. Its main function is to protect the PCBA circuit board 7 from external interference.

[0086] In this embodiment, the wire harness 13 is connected to the PCBA circuit board 7 via a connector, and the other end of the wire harness 13 also has a connector for connecting to the air conditioner controller.

[0087] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art based on the design concept of the present invention should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. More specifically, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Within the scope of the disclosure, drawings, and claims of this application, various modifications and improvements can be made to the components and / or layout of the subject matter combination layout. Besides modifications and improvements to the components and / or layout, other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A touch air conditioner controller panel switch, characterized in that, a touch feedback system comprising: a touch unit for receiving a touch signal; a power supply LDO and a LIN transceiver unit connected to a master control unit and a light driving unit for power supply and LIN signal transceiving; a light driving unit connected to an LED, the LED being a visual feedback actuator; a motor power supply unit, a motor driving unit and a linear motor connected in sequence, the motor power supply unit supplying power to the motor driving unit, the motor driving unit controlling the linear motor, and the linear motor being a tactile feedback actuator; a master control unit connected to the touch unit, the power supply LDO and the LIN transceiver unit, the light driving unit and the motor driving unit for receiving signals sent by each unit and controlling each unit; the master control unit sends the recognized touch signal to the air conditioner controller through LIN communication, the air conditioner controller feeds back a start signal to the master control unit, and the master control unit drives two of the visual feedback actuator and the tactile feedback actuator to output signal feedback according to the start signal. 2.The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, the master control unit is of CY8C4146AZI-S455 TQFP-64 type; alternatively, the power supply LDO and the LIN transceiver unit are of TJA1028T SOIC-8 type; alternatively, the light driving unit is of NPIC6C4894 SO-20 type chip; alternatively, the motor power supply unit is of TLE4284DV50 TO-252-3 type power supply; alternatively, the motor driving unit is of DW7912FC FCQFN-20 type chip; alternatively, the linear motor is of JHV-12H1-L00 type motor. 3.The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, the touch unit is of flexible circuit board, and the touch sensor in the flexible circuit board is of PEDOT material or the conductive silver paste is used for the conductive wire and grid in the flexible circuit board. 4.The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, it further comprises a panel, a shell, a PCBA circuit board, a fixing plate and a base, the panel, the touch unit, the shell, the PCBA circuit board, the fixing plate and the base are sequentially mounted from top to bottom, the shell lower surface is provided with the linear motor, and the remaining elements of the touch feedback system are arranged on the PCBA circuit board. 5.The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, it further comprises two decorative strips arranged on the upper surface and the side surface of the panel. 6.The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, the linear motor and the shell are fixed by a buckle connection; alternatively, the panel material comprises PC and ABS, and the panel surface is sprayed with UV paint. Or, the shell and the PCBA circuit board are fixed by buckle connection; Or, the material of the shell or base is one of PC and ABS materials; Or, the PCBA circuit board is made of FR-4 material; Or, the fixing plate is made of stainless steel material; Or, the touch unit is a touch flexible PCB board.

7. The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, Further comprising a plurality of fixing blocks, which are fixed and installed on the upper surface of the fixing plate to form a fixing plate module, the PCBA circuit board is arranged on the upper surface of the fixing block, and the base is fixedly connected with the fixing plate module.

8. The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising a metal spring and a fixing block, the panel, the shell and the PCBA circuit board are connected by screws to form a panel module, one end of the metal spring is fixedly connected with the panel, and the other end is fixedly connected with the fixing block on the fixing plate module.

9. The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further comprising a flexible sealing strip arranged on the outer periphery of the base, which is used to buffer the vibration of the panel module under the tactile feedback.

10. The touch air conditioner controller panel switch according to claim 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that, A wire harness is arranged on the base, one end of the wire harness is connected with the PCBA circuit board through a plug-in connector.

Images